cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of cell-type-specific nuclear proteins with immunoglobulin VH promoter region sequences

All human and murine immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH) genes contain the sequence ATGCAAAT approximately 70 nucleotides 5′ from the site of transcription initiation1,2. This octanucleotide, in reverse orientation, is also found in all light chain variable region (VL) genes1,2, and in the immunoglobulin heavy chain transcriptional enhancer2. Transfection studies have established that this octamer is involved in the lyraphoid-specific transcription of immunoglobulin genes2–6. Octamer-containing fragments have been reported to bind a factor present in nuclear extracts of human cell lines; however, identical binding activity was detected in both B lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells7. Here we establish that nuclear extracts from distinct cell types differ in their ability to interact with octamer-containing fragments. We have also detected a DNA-protein interaction that may be involved in the cell-type specificity of immunoglobulin expression, and we have determined that a sequence upstream of the octamer participates in an interaction with a nuclear protein(s).
Leaf oil composition of Salvia hispanica L. from three geographical areas

ABSTRACT The leaf oil composition of Salvia hispanica L. (black chia) from plants grown in three georgraphical areas, southern California, southeastern Texas, and northwestern Argentina, was analyzed by GC/MS. Fifty-two different components were detected in varying amounts within the three samples, of which forty-two were identified. The major components detected were: β-caryophyllene, globulol, γ-muurolene, β-pinene, α-humulene, germacrene-B, and widdrol. Components with lesser amounts were β-bourbonene, linalool, valencene, and x-τcadinol. The dominant component for the Texas sample was β-caryophyllene (36%); while globulol was dominant from samples grown in California (22%) and northwestern Argentina (13%). Other components varied among the samples as well. The differences are attributed to geographical location, differing climatic conditions, and perhaps different handling of the leaf material after harvest since all plants came from the same seed source. The chia essential leaf oils are of interest f...
DIPHENYLAMINE RESIDUES IN APPLES AND APPLE CIDER

Diphenylamine (DPA) is an antioxidant which is widely used on apples for scald control during fruit storage. Since appreciable residues of DPA remain on apples when sold, it was of interest to study the extent of possible transfer of the compound to cider. Cider was expressed from five cultivars ofDPA-treated apples following their storage and the original fruit, the pomace and cider was analyzed for DPA residues. Only traces of the compound were found in cider with virtually all of the DPA found concentrated in the pomace. The toxicologic significance of the results are discussed.
Kinoform fabrication — A new method

Abstract We present here a new method of kinoform production. This method combines a common pen-and-drum plotter with a spatial filtering step to replace the relatively expensive and uncommon multi-gray-level CRT plotter normally used in making kinoforms.
Blood flow in branching circulatory systems during rest and activity

On the basis of simple physical considerations the blood flow in a branching circulatory system is studied. The case of two groups of parallel vessels is treated. The vessels of the same group are supposed to be identical. The resistance of each group is determined by the resistance of each vessel in the group and by the number of vessels in the group. From the dependence of the resistance of each vessel on its radius an expression is obtained for the blood flow through each group of vessels in terms of the numbers and sizes of the vessels in each group. The number of open vessels in an organ and the radius of each of those vessels are assumed to depend on the metabolic rate of that organ. The relations so obtained, together with the expression above, are applied to derive the blood flow through an organ as a function of the metabolic rate of that organ. It is indicated that the relations obtained might describe the shifting of blood from one organ to another if the activity of one of them changes. A way is pointed out to treat neural regulation of this phenomenon.
Solvent-Modified Deposition of Insecticides on House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Cuticlel

Carbofuran and a series of biscarbofuran polysulfide analogs of carbofuran in acetone were similar in toxicity on a weight basis, with one exception, when applied topically to the thorax of the house fly, Musca domestica L. The one exception, biscarbofuran- N, N′ -disulfide, was relatively nontoxic and was found to crystallize extensively on the surface of the cuticle, whereas in comparison the other carbofuran polysulfide analogs showed little or no crystal formation but did have amorphous globular deposits. Methomyl in acetone was toxic to the house fly and showed a slight amount of crystal formation on the house fly thorax when applied topically. However, dicarbasulf, the bismethomyl- N, N′ -sulfide analog of methomyl, was relatively nontoxic when topically applied in acetone and showed extensive crystal formation. Application of dicarbasulf in an acetone-kerosene mixture increased toxicity to house flies and dramatically reduced the amount of crystal formation as seen under the scanning electron microscope.
Endothelialization of Novel Magnesium-Rare Earth Alloys with Fluoride and Collagen Coating

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising scaffolds for the next generation of cardiovascular stents because of their better biocompatibility and biodegradation compared to traditional metals. However, insufficient mechanical strength and high degradation rate are still the two main limitations for Mg materials. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment and collagen coating were used in this research to improve the endothelialization of two rare earth-based Mg alloys. Results demonstrated that a nanoporous film structure of fluoride with thickness of ~20 µm was formed on the Mg material surface, which improved the corrosion resistance. Primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) had much better attachment, spreading, growth and proliferation (the process of endothelialization) on HF-treated Mg materials compared to bare- or collagen-coated ones.
Mixed convection boundary layer flow of a micropolar fluid near a stagnation point on a horizontal cylinder

Abstract The theory of micropolar fluids due to Eringen is used to formulate a set of boundary layer equations for the mixed convective flow of an incompressible micropolar fluid in the vicinity of the front stagnation point on an isothermal circular cylinder. The governing conservation equations have been solved numerically. Missing values of the velocity, angular velocity and thermal functions are tabulated for a wide range of the material parameters of the fluid, the buoyancy parameter and the Prandtl number of the fluid. Micropolar fluids display drag reduction and reduced surface heat transfer rate as compared with Newtonian fluids.
Anthocyanins of Tradescantia pallida. Potential food colorants

Tradescantia pallida (syn. Setcreaseapurpurea) contained two major anthocyanins. One was cyanidin-3,7,31-triglucoside with 3 molecules of ferulic acid and an extra terminal glucose. The other pigment was similar but without the terminal glucose unit. The nonacyl portion was indentified by comparison with the pigment of Zebrina pendula. The acyl/aglycone and acyl/sugar ratios were determined by using internal standards and response factors with HPLC. The pigments may have potential as food colorants.
Do not hinder them: educating children with mental disabilities in the church

Developmental disabilities in children can be challenging to the family who desires a spiritual home for their family. Parents may hesitate to bring a special needs child to a church service, uncertain of the outcome. While public schools have amazing support for the differently abled, the Church very rarely has assistance in place for the families of handicapped individuals, let alone theology for the parents of mentally disabled children. This paper will examine possible ways for a local church leader or volunteer to educate children with mental disabilities, drawing on a variety of texts for support. The paper will conclude by offering resources for the teachers of special needs children in church education.
Continuous liquid-phase fluorometry coupled to a diffusion scrubber for the real-time determination of atmospheric formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide and sulfur dioxide

Abstract An aqueous scrubber liquid is pumped through a filament-filled narrow bore microporous hydrophobic membrane tube while sample air flows around it. A constant fraction of the analyte gas, dependent on its diffusion coefficient and the effective mass accommodation coefficient in the scrubber liquid and on the diffusion scrubber dimensions and sampling rate, is collected in the liquid. One or more reagents are added to the effluent liquid for specific determination of the gas of interest. The Hantzsch reaction, peroxidase-mediated oxidation of p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid by peroxide, and bisulfite addition to 9-N-acridinylmaleimide, all direct adaptations of previously described continuous flow aqueous analytical procedures, are used for the determination of HCHO, H2O2 and SO2, respectively. A permeation-based SO2 source and previously described Henry's Law-based porous membrane sources of HCHO and H2O2 are integral to the respective instruments for calibration. Programmed inert valves allow the instruments to perform any sequence of zero, calibrate and sample functions. Each instrument occupies a standard two-tier (50×100 cm) laboratory cart and has been successfully field tested. With a filter fluorometer as detector, LODs are 100 pptv HCHO, 30 pptv H2O2 and 175 pptv SO2. There is no significant dependence on relative humidity. Specific interference testing ( SO 2 O 3 for HCHO and H2O2, O 3 H 2 O 2 H 2 SCH 3 SH for SO2) reveals no major interferences.
The Precursor but Not the Mature Form of IL1α Blocks the Release of FGF1 in Response to Heat Shock

Interleukin (IL)1alpha mediates proinflammatory events through its extracellular interaction with the IL1 type I receptor. However, IL1alpha does not contain a conventional signal peptide sequence that provides access to the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus for secretion. Thus, we have studied the release of the precursor (p) and mature (m) forms of IL1alpha from NIH 3T3 cells. We have demonstrated that mIL1alpha but not pIL1alpha was released in response to heat shock with biochemical and pharmacological properties similar to those reported for the stress-mediated release pathway utilized by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)1. However, unlike the FGF1 release pathway, the IL1alpha release pathway appears to function independently of synaptotagmin (Syt)1 because the expression of a dominant-negative form of Syt1, which represses the release of FGF1, did not inhibit the release of mIL1alpha in response to temperature stress. Interestingly, whereas the expression of both mIL1alpha and FGF1 in NIH 3T3 cells did not impair the stress-induced release of either polypeptide, the expression of both pIL1alpha and FGF1 repressed the release of FGF1 in response to temperature stress. These data suggest that the release of mIL1alpha requires proteolytic processing of its precursor form and that mIL1alpha and FGF1 may utilize similar but distinct mechanisms for export.
Seed germination biology of the narrowly endemic species Lesquerella stonensis (Brassicaceae)

Lesquerella stonensis (Brassicaceae) is an obligate winter annual endemic to a small portion of Rutherford County in the Central Basin of Tennessee, where it grows in disturbed habitats. This species forms a persistent seed bank, and seeds remain viable in the soil for at least 6 years. Seeds are dormant at maturity in May and are dispersed as soon as they ripen. Some of the seeds produced in the current year, as well as some of those in the persistent seed bank, afterripen during late spring and summer; others do not afterripen and thus remain dormant. Seeds require actual or simulated spring/summer temperatures to come out of dormancy. Germination occurs in September and October. Fully afterripened seeds germinate over a wide range of thermoperiods (15/6–35/20°C) and to a much higher percentage in light (14 h photoperiod) than in darkness. The optimum daily thermoperiod for germination was 30/15°C. Nondormant seeds that do not germinate in autumn are induced back into dormancy (secondary dormancy) by low temperatures (e.g., 5°C) during winter, and those that are dormant do not afterripen; thus seeds cannot germinate in spring. These seed dormancy/ germination characteristics of L. stonensis do not differ from those reported for some geographically widespread, weedy species of winter annuals and thus do not help account for the narrow endemism of this species.
Strength of solid-state silver bonding between copper

In this Project, we designed and set up an experiment to measure the bonding strength. Silver (Ag) layer is used as a bonding medium between copper (Cu). The upper Cu is called Cu chip and the lower Cu is Cu substrate. Both Copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) are ductile metal with very excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Samples with structure of Cu/Ag/Cu are manufactured using solid-state bonding process at 300°C. The Cu substrates are electroplated with 50μm Ag layer. The Cu chip and substrate are held and pressed together with 1000 psi static pressure. This is a solid-state process without any molten phase involved. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to examine the quality of Ag joints, the Cu-Ag interfaces, and the microstructure. Its images demonstrate that Cu chip is well bonded to the Ag layer on Cu substrate. Six samples went through shear test to determine the joint strength. They all pass the MIL-STD-883G standard.
Algorithms, complexity, and the sciences.

Algorithms, perhaps together with Moore’s law, compose the engine of the information technology revolution, whereas complexity—the antithesis of algorithms—is one of the deepest realms of mathematical investigation. After introducing the basic concepts of algorithms and complexity, and the fundamental complexity classes P (polynomial time) and NP (nondeterministic polynomial time, or search problems), we discuss briefly the P vs. NP problem. We then focus on certain classes between P and NP which capture important phenomena in the social and life sciences, namely the Nash equlibrium and other equilibria in economics and game theory, and certain processes in population genetics and evolution. Finally, an algorithm known as multiplicative weights update (MWU) provides an algorithmic interpretation of the evolution of allele frequencies in a population under sex and weak selection. All three of these equivalences are rife with domain-specific implications: The concept of Nash equilibrium may be less universal—and therefore less compelling—than has been presumed; selection on gene interactions may entail the maintenance of genetic variation for longer periods than selection on single alleles predicts; whereas MWU can be shown to maximize, for each gene, a convex combination of the gene’s cumulative fitness in the population and the entropy of the allele distribution, an insight that may be pertinent to the maintenance of variation in evolution.
Polychlorinated dibenzofurans and dibenzo-p-dioxins in subsurface soil, superficial dust, and air extracts from a contaminated landfill.

Extracts of soil, dust and air from a National Priorities List Landfill have been found to contain distinct profiles of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The different extracts show subtle differences in toxicities and the soil extract has been shown to cause both Ah receptor mediated effects and Ah receptor independent effects in immature female rats. Evidence of open burning at the site dictated quantitation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) for a more accurate tabulation of dioxin equivalencies. High volume air sampling on XAD-2 resin cartridges captured trace amounts of PCDFs and no detectable PCDDs. Acetone:Hexane (1:1) extracts of soil and dust contained 762 μg/ml and 250 μg/ml PCDFs, respectively, and less than 10% as much PCDD. Subsequent benzene:methylene chloride (1:1) extracts were enriched in coplanar compounds relative to total PCBs. PCDF:PCB ratios in all extracts were higher than in the rice oils contaminated with heated PCBs in the Yusho and Yu-Cheng incidents. No 2,3,7,8-TCDD was detected, and total PCB + PCDD + PCDF toxic equivalencies were dominated by the high proportions of PCDFs.
Male urethral carcinoma: analysis of treatment outcome.

Abstract Objectives. To evaluate our experience with primary carcinomas of the male urethra and to analyze the impact of tumor variables and treatment on overall, disease-specific, local recurrence-free, and metastasis-free survival. Methods. Between 1958 and 1996, we identified 46 men with primary carcinoma of the bulbar and anterior urethra. The median follow-up was 125 months (1 to 336). The patients were stratified by stage, nodal status, histologic type, treatment, type of surgery, site of disease, year at diagnosis, and smoking status. Results. The overall survival and disease-specific survival rates at 5 years were 42% and 50%, respectively. The recurrence-free survival and metastasis-free survival rates at 5 years were 51% and 56%, respectively. The overall survival rate was 83% for superficial disease versus 36% for invasive tumors. The overall survival rate was 26% for tumors of the bulbar urethra versus 69% for tumors of the anterior urethra. Conclusions. Current modalities of treatment are ineffective for local control and survival. New treatment strategies are needed for urethral cancer.
Left Ventricular Thromboembolic Occlusion of the Popliteal Artery Treated Nonoperatively with Local Urokinase Infusion — A Case Report

Recently streptokinase and urokinase have been shown to be useful in the nonoperative treatment of thromboembolic disease. Urokinase is emerging as a safer and more effective thrombolytic agent when applied either to definitively lyse spontaneous thrombosis where no underlying structural lesion is present or to serve as an adjunct prior to surgical reconstruction or transluminal angio plasty. The authors report a case of a high-risk cardiac patient in whom an embolic occlusion of the distal popliteal artery was completely recanalized by using a localized catheter infusion of urokinase. The source of the embolus was a left ventricular thrombus. No serious bleeding or proximal or distal embolic complications occurred. The potential hazards of fragmentation of the embolic source in the presence of systemic thombolysis, distal trifurcation embolization, and concomitant use of heparin are reviewed.
Beside us, in memory

In their final book together, What is Philosophy?, Deleuze and Guattari1 take up the question of what philosophy is and do it in a manner so direct and concrete that it poses a question and a challenge to the reader. That challenge is: Is this book a refutation or capitulation of Deleuze’s position that the philosopher stutters?2 Stuttering happens in language when the words themselves become characters. This is never a matter of starting with a homogeneous language system whose terms and relations are constant, then disrupting that system. Such an approach does no more than alter specific utterances. The point here is to make language itself stutter by beginning with a language system in “perpetual disequilibrium” (S, 24), a system which then “overstrains itself [and so] begins to stutter, to murmur, or to mumble” (S, 28) so that language reaches its limits. It bifurcates; it heads in two directions at once, and the elements of its syntax respond dynamically rather than standing in determinate and constant relations with other elements. So, for example, “the indefinite article ‘a’ [rather than responding to a rule in a rigid and consistent manner] covers the entire zone of variation generated by the movement of particularization” (S, 24), while any movement of the language toward generalization is covered by the definite article “the”. The effect of these movements is to make language vibrate, and in using language the writer becomes a foreigner, struggling to put words together even, or especially, in her/his own language. Such a language is evident even in pure science, for discovery, innovation, and creation are never a matter of simply making use of the constant terms supplied by a homogeneous system of reference. It is, rather, the “boom” of disequilibrium that lets language flee so as to vary constantly in every one of its terms (S, 25). But perhaps Deleuze has changed his mind and the stutterer is only found in literature or poetry, perhaps among composers. How can philosophy stutter? Is stuttering not contrary to all the traditions of philosophy? What is philosophy? The question, “What is philosophy?” was, Deleuze and Guattari tell us, always being asked by them, but too indirectly, too obliquely, and they compare their attempt here (though not necessarily their results) to Kant’s Critique of
Infant-directed speech produced by fathers with symptoms of depression: effects on infant associative learning in a conditioned-attention paradigm.

Infant-directed (ID) speech produced by fathers who varied in their number of self-reported symptoms of depressed was analyzed for differences its ability to promote infant voice-face associative learning. Infants of fathers with elevated scores on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) showed significantly poorer learning than did infants of fathers with non-elevated BDI-II scores when their fathers’ ID speech served as a conditioned stimulus for a face reinforcer in a conditioned-attention paradigm. Fathers with elevated BDI-II scores produced ID speech with marginally significantly lower F0 variability than fathers with non-elevated BDI-II scores. However, F0-related cues were uncorrelated with infant learning. Overall, fathers’ ID speech contained significantly less F0 modulation than did mothers’ ID speech. These findings show that paternal depression, like maternal depression, adversely affects infant learning in a conditioned-attention paradigm.
Ion-complexation-induced changes in the interaction parameter and the chain conformation of PS-b-PMMA copolymers

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to study the changes of segmental interactions and chain conformation due to the formation of lithium−PMMA complexes in polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) copolymers as a function of temperature and the percentage of carbonyl groups coordinated with lithium ions. χeffc and statistical segmental length, σ, are derived from the SANS profiles of the copolymers with lithium−PMMA complexes in a disordered state by use of the correlation-hole scattering formalism described by Leibler. Fitting results show that both χeffc and σ of PS and PMMA increase as the formation of lithium−PMMA complexes in PS-b-PMMA copolymers, and the degree of such increase depends on the concentration of lithium−PMMA complexes. In addition, χeffc of the lithium-complexed PS-b-PMMA becomes less temperature-dependent due to the increase in χs and decrease in χH.
Low-temperature flash photolysis studies of cytochrome oxidase and its environment.

Abstract The CO-binding kinetics of cytochrome a 3 in isolated, detergent-solubilized cytochrome oxidase have been studied by flash photolysis over wide ranges of CO concentration and temperature. The results strongly suggest that CO has an intermediate bound state in its path to the final bound state at the heme iron. In the temperature range 230–273 K in frozen aqueous solutions, the recombination rates depend upon CO concentration; at low CO concentrations the kinetics are biphasic. The rate of the faster process depends upon the detergent concentration, that of the slower process upon the salt concentration. In addition, the faster process depends upon the amount of CO photodissociated. It is concluded that the cytochrome oxidase molecules are aggregated in regions that contain detergent and possibly some lipids. These regions retain considerable fluid character well below the macroscopic freezing point of the solution. The faster phase of the recombination is interpreted as the rebinding of CO molecules that remain in the fluid region after photodissociation. The slower phase would then be due to the migration of some dissociated CO out into the surrounding frozen solvent. The non-Arrhenius behavior of both phases probably represents partial melting of the medium; preliminary NMR measurements of mobile protons support this hypothesis. Many of the kinetic features described here are also seen in mitochondria; thus the detergent-solubilized cytochrome oxidase may be a useful model system for the ligand-binding behavior of the enzyme in the mitochondrial membrane.
Cytochemical observation of regulated bacterial beta-galactosidase gene expression in mammalian cells

Bacterial beta-galactosidase, encoded by the lacZ gene, serves as a sensitive cytochemical marker in eukaryotic cells and tissues. In transient expression experiments, human and simian cells stain blue 48 hr after transfection with a plasmid containing a lacZ gene, whose expression is directed by a simian virus 40 promoter containing a synthetic lactose operator sequence. Transfection efficiency was about 0.6%. Incorporation of an operator sequence within the promoter permits regulation of beta-galactosidase gene expression by the lacI gene product, the lac repressor. When cells were cotransfected with the lacZ plasmid and a second plasmid containing the lacI gene, beta-galactosidase activity was extinguished. Its activity could be reestablished to original levels upon application of isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside to transfected cells. A cell line that stably carries both the lacI and lacZ genes was efficiently induced to synthesize beta-galactosidase after isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside administration. In transient expression experiments and in stably transfected lines, repression and induction of beta-galactosidase activity were predominantly at the transcriptional level.
Laser effect on in vitro enamel permeability and solubility

The observed resistance of laser-rxposed enamel to subsurface demineralization seems to be the result of alteration in permeability rather than in solubility.
Colistimethate as a cause of postoperative apnoea.

A case of prolonged postoperative neuromuscular blockade is described in a patient who had received the polysaccharide antibiotic colistin methanesulfonate preoperatively. The paralysis was neostigmine resistant but responded to administration of calcium chloride.
Critical Thoughts: Reexamining Teacher Training, Cultural Awareness, and School Reform

President Bush's education act—No Child Left Behind (NCLB)—promises to close the achievement gap created by race, social class, disabilities, and English proficiency (Hunter & Bartee, 2003; Lewis, ...
Nucleotide sequence of mutant I-A beta bm12 gene is evidence for genetic exchange between mouse immune response genes.

Immune response genes1,2 of the murine major histocompatibility complex encode cell-surface glycoproteins that are expressed predominantly on B cells and macrophages and regulate immune responsiveness by restricting antigen recognition by T cells. The two classes of immune response molecule, termed I-A and I-E, are each comprised of two polymorphic chains (α and β), and nucleotide sequence analysis of genomic or cDNA clones has revealed that most of the amino acid differences between allelic I-A α or β chains occur in the first extracellular domain3,4. The mutant mouse strain B6.C-H-2bm12 (bm12), which differs from its parental strain C57BL/6 (B6) at the I-Aβ locus5–14, exhibits an immune response profile markedly different from that of B6. Here we present the nucleotide sequence of the mutant bm12 I-Aβ gene. Sequence comparison within the coding regions reveals three productive nucleotide differences between the I-Aβ genes of B6 and bm12 mice, all three differences occurring within a stretch of 14 nucleotides in the exon encoding the first extracellular domain. The clustered nature of the bm12 mutation, as well as the specific amino acid changes it engenders, suggest a possible mechanism for the generation of polymorphism in class II antigens.
Endocyclophotocoagulation for management of difficult pediatric glaucomas.

Introduction: Experience with endoscopic diode laser cyclophotocoagulation remains limited. We report the efficacy and safety profile of this glaucoma surgery technique in the pediatric population. Methods: Retrospective review of 51 endoscopic diode laser cyclophotocoagulation procedures performed on 36 eyes of 29 pediatric patients with glaucoma over a 6-year period. Surgery was performed by using the Microprobe (Endo Optiks, Little Silver, NJ) integrated laser endoscope system. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 6 months or until declared treatment failures. Treatment success is defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure of ≤ 21 mm Hg, with or without adjunctive glaucoma medications. Results: Baseline mean pretreatment intraocular pressure was 35.06 ± 8.55 mm Hg. Final postoperative intraocular pressure was 23.63 ± 11.07 mm Hg (30% decrease) after an average of 1.42 ± 0.87 endolaser procedures and 19.25 ± 19.36 months of follow-up. Success rate of the initial procedure at last follow-up was 34%. Nine eyes (25%) were retreated at least once. Cumulative success rate after all procedures at last follow-up was 43%. Mean cumulative arc of treatment was 260° ± 58° of ciliary processes. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment in 2 patients, hypotony in 1 patient, and progression of vision loss from hand motion to no light perception in 1 patient. All 4 complications occurred in aphakic patients. Conclusions: Endoscopic diode laser cyclophotocoagulation is a moderately effective procedure for the management of difficult pediatric glaucomas. Aphakic patients may have an increased risk of significant postoperative complications, such as retinal detachment. (J AAPOS 2001;5:221-9)
The effect of incubation time for Salmonella Typhimurium binding to phage-based magnetoelastic biosensors

Abstract This study presents an investigation of the effect of incubation time on the binding of Salmonella Typhimurium ( Salmonella ) with E2 phage-based magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors. After inoculation of Salmonella on a tomato surface, the attachment and existence of Salmonella on the tomato surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Measurement sensors with immobilized E2 phage and control sensors devoid of phage were placed on the inoculated tomato surface and incubated for various times. The extent of binding of Salmonella to the ME biosensors was determined by measuring the resonant frequency shift of the sensors and confirmed by SEM. The attachment of Salmonella on the tomato surface increased as the inoculation concentration increased. Significant increases in the frequency shifts for the measurement sensors were observed between 15 and 30 min ( P Salmonella binding with E2 phage whereas longer incubation times increased non-specific attachment from residual nutrients on the tomato surface. In contrast, there was either no or negligible binding of Salmonella on the control sensors. This study will contribute to the development of a practical protocol for the ME biosensor method.
Toward an assessment of impacts from US technology and innovation policies

Five important policy initiatives were promulgated in response to the slowdown in US productivity in the early 1970s, and then again in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These initiatives included the Bayh–Dole Act of 1980, the Stevenson–Wydler Act of 1980, the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit Act of 1981, the Small Business Innovation and Development Act of 1982, and the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984. Scholars and policy-makers have long debated the direction and magnitude of impacts from these policies but empirical evidence remains modest, especially evidence of their aggregate effects. Our assessment of these policies is based on quantifying their collective impact on industrial investments in R&D in the post-productivity slowdown period. Our findings support the conclusion that the relative levels of industrial investments in R&D from 1980 onwards were significantly higher than before, ceteris paribus.
Lowering seed gossypol content in glanded cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lines

Cottonseed is a rich source of high quality protein, but its value as an animal feed is limited by gossypol, a toxic polyphenolic compound contained in glands located throughout the plant. This compound helps protect the plant from pests. Totally glandless varieties have been developed, but not adopted as these plants are left vulnerable to pests. This study describes a breeding strategy to decrease the levels of gossypol in the seed while maintaining a high enough concentration of toxin in vegetative plant parts to offer protection from pests. Preliminary studies indicated that crosses between varieties with different gland densities and distributions produced a range of glanding patterns. By selecting within the resulting progeny, we have identified F 7 generation progeny that have <0.30% total gossypol in the seed, while still possessing glands at critical locations on the vegetative plant parts. These new lines will be a valuable source of germplasm for developing low seed gossypol varieties. Seed from these varieties would provide a new source of inexpensive protein for animal feeding rations.
Energy Functions that Discriminate X-ray and Near-native Folds from Well-constructed Decoys

This study generates ensembles of decoy or test structures for eight small proteins with a variety of different folds. Between 35,000 and 200,000 decoys were generated for each protein using our four-state off-lattice model together with a novel relaxation method. These give compact self-avoiding conformations each constrained to have native secondary structure. Ensembles of these decoy conformations were used to test the ability of several types of empirical contact, surface area and distance-dependent energy functions to distinguish between correct and incorrect conformations. These tests have shown that none of the functions is able to distinguish consistently either the X-ray conformation or the near-native conformations from others which are incorrect. Certain combinations of two of these energy functions were able, however, consistently to identify X-ray structures from amongst the decoy conformations. These same combinations are better also at identifying near-native conformations, consistently finding them with a hundred-fold higher frequency than chance. The fact that these combination energy functions perform better than generally accepted energy functions suggests their future use in folding simulations and perhaps threading predictions.
Classic benzodiazepines modulate the open-close equilibrium in alpha1beta2gamma2L gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors.

Background Classic benzodiazepine agonists induce their clinical effects by binding to a site on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors and enhancing receptor activity. There are conflicting data regarding whether the benzodiazepine site is allosterically coupled to gamma-aminobutyric acid binding versus the channel open-close (gating) equilibrium. The authors tested the hypothesis that benzodiazepine site ligands modulate alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptor gating both in the absence of orthosteric agonists and when the orthosteric sites are occupied. Methods GABAA receptors were recombinantly expressed in Xenopus oocytes and studied using two-microelectrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. To test gating effects in the absence of orthosteric agonist, the authors used spontaneously active GABAA receptors containing a leucine-to-threonine mutation at residue 264 on the alpha1 subunit. To examine effects on gating when orthosteric sites were fully occupied, they activated wild-type receptors with high concentrations of a partial agonist, piperidine-4-sulfonic acid. Results In the absence of orthosteric agonists, the channel activity of alpha1L264Tbeta2gamma2L receptors was increased by diazepam and midazolam and reduced by the inverse benzodiazepine agonist FG7142. Flumazenil displayed very weak agonism and blocked midazolam from further activating mutant channels. In wild-type receptors activated with saturating concentrations of piperidine-4-sulfonic acid, midazolam increased maximal efficacy. Conclusions Independent of orthosteric site occupancy, classic benzodiazepines modulate the gating equilibrium in alpha1beta2gamma2L GABAA receptors and are therefore allosteric coagonists. A Monod-Wyman-Changeux coagonist gating model quantitatively predicts these effects, suggesting that benzodiazepines minimally alter orthosteric ligand binding.
Unusually Mild and Selective Hydrocarbon C-H Bond Activation with Positively Charged Iridium(III) Complexes

Certain transition metal complexes can react to break normally inert carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, but these metal-based processes typically require photochemistry or elevated temperatures. In addition, most are unselective toward complicated functionalized substrates, which has limited their synthetic usefulness. The cationic iridium complex Cp*(P(CH3)3)Ir(CH3)(ClCH2Cl)+BArf− [Cp* = η5-C5(CH3)5, BArf = B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4] can thermally activate methane and terminal alkanes at unprecedentedly mild temperatures (10°C). This complex will also induce C-H activation reactions in various functionalized substrates at ambient temperatures. High steric and electronic selectivity is observed, leading invariably to only one reaction product; the initial C-H activation reaction is typically followed by rapid metal-based rearrangements (that is, functionalization).
Web-based simulation: web-based modeling and simulation

This paper introduces the emerging area of web-based simulations and presents an overview of the opportunities and challenges in this field. This introduction begins with an outline of the World Wide Web and aspects of simulation impacted by advances on the Internet. Next, various types of applications of web-based simulations are illustrated. This article concludes with an synopsis of research and development efforts on web-based simulations, including online simulation documentation, client-side simulation applets, server-side simulations, and distributed, interactive, web-based simulators.
The Fusarium graminearum histone H3 K27 methyltransferase KMT6 regulates development and expression of secondary metabolite gene clusters.

The cereal pathogen Fusarium graminearum produces secondary metabolites toxic to humans and animals, yet coordinated transcriptional regulation of gene clusters remains largely a mystery. By chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) we found that regions with secondary metabolite clusters are enriched for trimethylated histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3), a histone modification associated with gene silencing. H3K27me3 was found predominantly in regions that lack synteny with other Fusarium species, generally subtelomeric regions. Di- or trimethylated H3K4 (H3K4me2/3), two modifications associated with gene activity, and H3K27me3 are predominantly found in mutually exclusive regions of the genome. To find functions for H3K27me3, we deleted the gene for the putative H3K27 methyltransferase, KMT6, a homolog of Drosophila Enhancer of zeste, E(z). The kmt6 mutant lacks H3K27me3, as shown by western blot and ChIP-seq, displays growth defects, is sterile, and constitutively expresses genes for mycotoxins, pigments and other secondary metabolites. Transcriptome analyses showed that 75% of 4,449 silent genes are enriched for H3K27me3. A subset of genes that were enriched for H3K27me3 in WT gained H3K4me2/3 in kmt6. A largely overlapping set of genes showed increased expression in kmt6. Almost 95% of the remaining 2,720 annotated silent genes showed no enrichment for either H3K27me3 or H3K4me2/3 in kmt6. In these cases mere absence of H3K27me3 was insufficient for expression, which suggests that additional changes are required to activate genes. Taken together, we show that absence of H3K27me3 allowed expression of an additional 14% of the genome, resulting in derepression of genes predominantly involved in secondary metabolite pathways and other species-specific functions, including putative secreted pathogenicity factors. Results from this study provide the framework for novel targeted strategies to control the “cryptic genome”, specifically secondary metabolite expression.
A computer method for simulation of cardiovascular flow fields: validation of approach

Abstract An existing pressure correction method to model unsteady flow with arbitrarily moving boundaries has been adapted to simulate three-dimensional blood flow in compliant vessels. This noniterative method, which is first-order time accurate, solves the three-dimensional unsteady Navier-Stokes equations with arbitrarily moving boundaries for the no slip boundary condition. It is capable of realistically modeling blood flow in the heart, since it allows the simulation of both passive tissue (e.g., heart valves) and active tissue (e.g., heart muscle fibers). The boundaries, which represent cardiovascular tissue, are displaced by the fluid motion. When they are moved, the boundaries have the ability to exert a force which opposes fluid motion. The force the boundary exerts is assumed to be proportional to strain. The results of simulating 3D pulsatile flow through a flexible tube are presented, as well as a comparison to Womersley's analytic approximate solution for axisymmetric pulsatile flow in a flexible tube.
Dynamic quench of NbTi in pressurized He4: II. Single transition during temperature excursion across the transposed critical curve

Abstract Transient higher order phase transitions have been observed above the critical pressure at 3 bar during near-isobaric phase transitions which intersect the transposed critical curve (TCC). Application of a step input in power from the composite NbTi/Cu to He 4 at 4.2 K causes temperature changes with relatively high cooling rates in pseudo-liquid of He I, a sudden temperature jump and relatively low cooling rates in pseudo-vapour of He I. Results are discussed in the context of other pressurized He 4 data and in relation to dual higher order transition.
Bracket bond strengths of new adhesive systems

Introduction Amorphous calcium phosphate, antibacterial monomer MDPB (12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide), and self-etching primers are some of the novel elements now added to bonding systems. The purpose of this study was to compare bond strengths of newer bonding systems with either bioactive components or self-etching primers with a conventional bonding system. Methods Four new bonding systems, Aegis Ortho (with amorphous calcium phosphate) (Harry J. Bosworth, Skokie, Ill), Clearfil Protect Bond (self-etching primer with an antibacterial monomer) (Kuraray Dental, Kurashiki, Japan), iBond (reformulated self-etching primer) (Heraeus Kulzer, Hanau, Germany), and Clearfil S3 Bond (self-etching primer with combined hydrophilic and hydrophobic technology) (Kuraray Dental), were tested and compared with Transbond XT, a conventional bracket bonding system (3 M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif). Brackets bonded with these materials were tested in the shear-peel mode at 30 minutes and 24 hours, and the location of the bond failures was observed. Results The newer bonding systems Aegis Ortho (5.3 ± 0.5 MPa at 30 minutes, 7.2 ± 0.7 MPa at 24 hours), Clearfil Protect Bond (7.1 ± 0.8 MPa at 30 minutes, 6.1 ± 0.6 MPa at 24 hours), Clearfil S3 Bond (3.8 MPa at 30 minutes, 6.6 ± 0.5 MPa at 24 hours), and iBond (3.9 ± 0.4 MPa at 30 minutes, 3.9 ± 0.3 MPa at 24 hours) achieved shear bond strengths significantly lower than Transbond XT (10.1 ± 0.8 MPa at 30 minutes, 10.1 ± 1.0 MPa at 24 hours). Conclusions Aegis Ortho, Clearfil Protect Bond, Clearfil S3 Bond, and iBond produced lower bond strengths than did Transbond XT, with iBond's strength lower than what might be acceptable for clinical usefulness.
The regulated secretory pathway and human disease: insights from gene variants and single nucleotide polymorphisms.

The regulated secretory pathway provides critical control of peptide, growth factor, and hormone release from neuroendocrine and endocrine cells, and neurons, maintaining physiological homeostasis. Propeptides and prohormones are packaged into dense core granules (DCGs), where they frequently undergo tissue-specific processing as the DCG matures. Proteins of the granin family are DCG components, and although their function is not fully understood, data suggest they are involved in DCG formation and regulated protein/peptide secretion, in addition to their role as precursors of bioactive peptides. Association of gene variation, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), with neuropsychiatric, endocrine and metabolic diseases, has implicated specific secreted proteins and peptides in disease pathogenesis. For example, a SNP at position 196 (G/A) of the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene dysregulates protein processing and secretion and leads to cognitive impairment. This suggests more generally that variants identified in genes encoding secreted growth factors, peptides, hormones, and proteins involved in DCG biogenesis, protein processing, and the secretory apparatus, could provide insight into the process of regulated secretion as well as disorders that result when it is impaired.
Evidence for the Presynaptic Localization of Opiate Binding Sites on Striatal Efferent Fibers

Using quantitative receptor autoradiography, [3HJD-Ala-t~-Leu-enkephalin (DADL) and [~H]naloxonc binding were studicd in rat striatum and striatal projection areas (globus pallidus (GP) and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SN~)) after unilateral striatal kainic acid lesions, pH]DADL and [~H]naloxone binding were each examined by two methods. Initially, [3H]DADI. binding was performed in 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4), 3(./ mM NaCI, 3 mM manganese acetate and 2 j~M GTP: pH]naloxone binding was carried out in 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4) and 100 mM NaCI. Subsequent studies were carried out in 150 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4) and cither PHIDADL plus 500 nM morphiceptin (to block [~H]DADL binding to mu receptors) or pH]naloxone plus iII nM delta receptor peptide (to block [~H]naloxone hinding to delta receptors). At one and eight weeks in the lesioned striatum, [~H]DADL binding was reduced by 70c,;and 82c>;, respectively, when compared to the control side. [~H]Naloxone binding was reduced by 35~4 and 20(; - . In GP and SN~, [~H]DADL binding was reduced by 31% and 41 ¢:'f, respectively, at one week and 27% and 2654 at eight weeks. I~H]Naloxone binding was reduced 19(,: in GP at eight weeks. A parsimonious explanation of these results is that opiate binding sites arc located on presynaptic terminals of striatal efferent fibers ko globus pallidus and substantia nigra pars reticulata as well as on local striatal axon collaterals. Since opiate pcptides have recently been found to coexist with GABA in some striatal neurons, opiate peptides may play a role in striatal function by controlling GABA relcase from striatal efferent fibers. It is possible that pallidal and nigral opiatc binding could be utilized as a marker for striatal tcrminals.