cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The integral divalent cation within the intermolecular purine*purine·pyrimidine structure: a variable determinant of the potential for and characteristics of the triple helical association

In vitro assembly of an intermolecular purine*purine.pyrimidine triple helix requires the presence of a divalent cation. The relationships between cation coordination and triplex assembly were investigated, and we have obtained new evidence for at least three functionally distinct potential modes of divalent cation coordination. (i) The positive influence of the divalent cation on the affinity of the third strand for its specific target correlates with affinity of the cation for coordination to phosphate. (ii) Once assembled, the integrity of the triple helical structure remains dependent upon its divalent cation component. A mode of heterocyclic coordination/chelation is favorable to triplex formation by decreasing the relative tendency for efflux of integral cations from within the triple helical structure. (iii) There is also a detrimental mode of base coordination through which a divalent cation may actively antagonize triplex assembly, even in the presence of other supportive divalent cations. These results demonstrate the considerable impact of the cationic component, and suggest ways in which the triple helical association might be positively or negatively modulated.
Making an Epidermis

The skin functions as a barrier protecting the body from dehydration and environmental insults. This barrier function is mainly provided by the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. The epidermis is maintained by epidermal stem cells which reside in the basal layer and which generate daughter cells that move upward toward the surface of the skin. During this journey, keratinocytes undergo a series of biochemical and morphological changes that result in the formation of the various layers of the epidermis. Eventually, these cells turn into the outermost layer of dead cornified cells that are sloughed into the environment. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms that control proliferation and differentiation of epidermal stem cells, and thus addresses fundamental processes that control epidermal morphogenesis and function.
Design considerations for half- and full-bridge resonant gate drive topologies

In this paper, performance of two resonant gate drives (RGD) utilizing different topologies is compared. Both diode-clamped half-bridge and actively clamped full-bridge RGD circuits were built using the same small signal transistors in order to have a meaningful comparison. Advantages and drawbacks of investigated RGD topologies are discussed in detail. Simulated and experimental results were used for an analysis of power loss, switching time and output voltage clamping. The paper also discusses design considerations and practical issues including start-up requirements, effect of electrical component non-idealities and board parasitic elements on RGD performance.
INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM POLICY: TAKING STOCK

Abstract Diverse religious groups united to back the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, integrating religious freedom into a new U.S. foreign policy architecture. Particular factors contributed to a renewed commitment, including the growth of Christianity in the developing world, globalization, and rich social networks of American religious life. A House bill advocated sanctioning religious persecutors, while a Senate bill stressed a more calibrated approach using diplomacy. The Senate bill was adopted and reflected elements of both views. While progress has occurred abroad, legislation alone cannot produce transformational change. Ongoing public mobilization will raise the visibility of religious freedom in foreign policy.
CYLD: a tumor suppressor deubiquitinase regulating NF-kappaB activation and diverse biological processes.

Protein ubiquitination is a reversible reaction, in which the ubiquitin chains are deconjugated by a family of deubiquitinases (DUBs). The presence of a large number of DUBs suggests that they likely possess certain levels of substrate selectivity and functional specificity. Indeed, recent studies show that a tumor suppressor DUB, cylindromatosis (CYLD), has a predominant role in the regulation of NF-κB, a transcription factor that promotes cell survival and oncogenesis. NF-κB activation involves attachment of K63-linked ubiquitin chains to its upstream signaling factors, which is thought to facilitate protein–protein interactions in the assembly of signaling complexes. By deconjugating these K63-linked ubiquitin chains, CYLD negatively regulates NF-κB activation, which may contribute to its tumor suppressor function. CYLD also regulates diverse physiological processes, ranging from immune response and inflammation to cell cycle progression, spermatogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, CYLD itself is subject to different mechanisms of regulation.
Pretransitional condensation in mixed ferroelectrics

Abstract We report the observation of a condensation of polar clusters in the mixed ferroelectric system, KTa1 − xNbxO3 (KTN) approximately 20 K above the transition for Nb concentrations between 1.2% and 30%. This condensation is marked by a ‘reduced softening’ of the bulk susceptibility, a downward shift of the transition temperature, the appearance of a coercive field and of odd harmonics in the polarization. In KTN this condensation can be described by a modified Landau-Ginzburg model. Such a condensation should be a feature common to many mixed ferroelectrics and has also been observed in mixed ferroelastics.
Evidence on the upstream and downstream impacts of antidumping cases

Abstract Anecdotal and theoretical evidence suggests that antidumping cases filed on behalf of domestic upstream intermediate products affect not only the upstream competitors, but also the downstream users. We empirically examine these claims using a panel of upstream/downstream product pairs over the 1977–1992 period. The results show that the imposition of antidumping duties in an upstream industry positively affects the quantity and value of domestic upstream production and negatively affects the quantity of downstream production. In addition, we find evidence that duties negatively affect the quantity value of dumped upstream imports (the harassment effect), positively affect non-dumped upstream imports in quantity terms (the diversion effect), and positively affect the value share of upstream domestic production (market-share shifting).
Activity-composition relation of jadeite in omphacite pyroxene: Theoretical deductions

Abstract Theoretical considerations suggest that the activity coefficient of jadeite in natural multicomponent omphacite pyroxene can be approximated by an expression of the form RTlnγjd ⋍ W12 (XDi + XHed) (I − XJd), where W12 is an adjustable interchange parameter in the jadeite-diopside join, and X stands for the mole fraction of the specified component in the pyroxene solid solution. Synthesis of the available experimental and observational data yields W12 ⋍ − 1400 (± 1400) + 1.16 (± 1.16) cal/mole, suggesting a nearly ideal solution around 1100°C, and negative departure from ideality at low temperature of the jadeite-diopside solid solution.
Coherent backscatter and the radar characteristics of outer planet satellites

It is presently suggested that the diffuse component-dominated high radar reflectivities and large polarization of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto could be due to the illumination by a collimated source of a weakly absorbing particulate medium in which wavelength-scaled scatterers are separated by distances somewhat larger than the wavelength. A plausible medium could be a regolith composed of voids and/or silicate rocks imbedded in an icy matrix; multiply-scattered parts of the wavefront traversing the same path in opposite directions combine coherently in the backscatter direction to generate increased intensity, and the enhancement is different for the two components of polarized reflected radiation.
Selective breeding as a tool to probe skeletal response to high voluntary locomotor activity in mice

We present a novel mouse-model for the study of skeletal structure and evolution, based on selective breeding for high levels of voluntary wheel running. Whereas traditional models (originally inbred strains, more recently knockouts and transgenics) rely on the study of mutant or laboratory-manipulated phenotypes, we have studied changes in skeletal morphometrics resulting from many generations of artificial selection for high activity in the form of wheel running, in which mice engage voluntarily. Mice from the four replicate High Runner (HR) lines run nearly three times as many revolutions during days 5 and 6 of a 6-day exposure to wheels (1.12 m circumference). We have found significant changes in skeletal dimensions of the hind limbs, including decreased directional asymmetry, larger femoral heads, and wider distal femora. The latter two have been hypothesized as evolutionary adaptations for long-distance locomotion in hominids. Exercise-training studies involving experimental groups with and without access to wheels have shown increased diameters of both femora and tibiafibulae, and suggest genetic effects on trainability (genotype-by-environment interactions). Reanalysis of previously published data on bone masses of hind limbs revealed novel patterns of change in bone mass associated with access to wheels for 2 months. Without access to wheels, HR mice have significantly heavier tibiafibulae and foot bones, whereas with chronic access to wheels, a significant increase in foot bone mass that was linearly related to increases in daily wheel running was observed. Mice exhibiting a recently discovered small-muscle phenotype ("mini-muscle," [MM] caused by a Mendelian recessive gene), in which the mass of the triceps surae muscle complex is ∼50% lower than in normal individuals, have significantly longer and thinner bones in the hind limb. We present new data for the ontogenetic development of muscle mass in Control, HR, and MM phenotypes in mice of 1-7 weeks postnatal age. Statistical comparisons reveal highly significant differences both in triceps surae mass and mass-corrected triceps surae mass between normal and MM mice at all but the postnatal age of 1 week. Based on previously observed differences in distributions of myosin isoforms in adult MM mice, we hypothesize that a reduction of myosin heavy-chain type-IIb isoforms with accounts for our observed ontogenetic changes in muscle mass.
Search effort and catch rates in fisheries

Abstract In this paper, “fishing effort” is divided into effort associated with finding fish (search effort) and effort associated with landing fish (harvest effort). The effects of search and harvest on population estimates are studied by using a renewal model for the fishing process of search and harvest. For the tuna purse seine fishery the mean number of schools encountered is much more sensitive to search parameters than to harvest parameters. A maximum likehood estimate of school density is derived. The effects of a finite number of schools and the depletion of fish stocks during the fishing and search operations are studied.
Exercise and Diet in Obesity Treatment: An Integrative System Dynamics Perspective

ABDEL-HAMID, T. K. Exercise and Diet in Obesity Treatment: An Integrative System Dynamics Perspective.Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 35, No. 3, pp. 400 - 414, 2003. Purpose: Demonstrate the utility of System Dynamics computer modeling to study and gain insight into the impacts of physical activity and diet on weight gain and loss. Methods: A holistic System Dynamics computer model is presented that integrates the processes of human metabolism, hormonal regulation, body composition, nutrition, and physical activity. These processes are not independent of one another, and the model captures the complex interdependencies between them in the regulation of body weight and energy metabolism. The article demonstrates how such an integrative simulation model can serve as a viable laboratory tool for controlled experimentation to investigate the impacts of physical activity and diet on body weight and composition. Results: In one experiment, weight loss from a moderate level of daily exercise was slightly less than the loss from dieting. Although exercise did have a favorable impact on body composition by protecting against the loss in fat-free mass (FFM), it, however, failed to blunt the drop in resting energy expenditure (REE) that accompanies diet-based weight loss. The smaller loss in FFM did indeed induce a smaller drop in nominal REE, however, the preservation of FFM also affected a relatively larger loss in FM, which, in turn, induced a larger adaptive reduction in the metabolic rate. The two adaptations almost totally offset one another, causing minimal differences in REE. In a second experiment, exercise regimens of moderate- to high-level intensity proved counterproductive as weight-reducing strategies. However, when the diet was changed from a balanced composition to one that was highly loaded with carbohydrates, it became possible to sustain the intense exercise regimen over the experimental period and achieve a significant drop in body weight. Conclusion: The results underscore the significant interaction effects between physical activity, diet, and body composition and demonstrate the utility of computer-based experimentation to study, gain insight into, and make predictions about their
THE COMPLETE LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY PLANNER: A GUIDEBOOK WITH SAMPLE TECHNOLOGY PLANS AND RFPS ON CD-ROM. John M. Cohn and Ann L. Kelsey. New York, NY: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010, ISBN 978-1555706814, softcover, $99.95

“What do you plan to do with technology in your library for the next three years?” An administrator may stumble over this question, as many directors and Systems librarians seemingly focus on putti...
Axial time-averaged acoustic radiation force on a cylinder in a nonviscous fluid revisited.

Abstract Objective The present research examines the acoustic radiation force of axisymmetric waves incident upon a cylinder of circular surface immersed in a nonviscous fluid. The attempt here is to unify the various treatments of radiation force on a cylinder with arbitrary radius and provide a formulation suitable for any axisymmetric incident wave. Method and results Analytical equations are derived for the acoustic scattering field and the axial acoustic radiation force. A general formulation for the radiation force function, which is the radiation force per unit energy density per unit cross-sectional surface, is derived. Specialized forms of the radiation force function are provided for several types of incident waves including plane progressive, plane standing, plane quasi-standing, cylindrical progressive diverging, cylindrical progressive converging and cylindrical standing and quasi-standing diverging waves (with an extension to the case of spherical standing and quasi-standing diverging waves incident upon a sphere). Significance and some potential applications This study may be helpful essentially due to its inherent value as a canonical problem in physical acoustics. Potential applications include particle manipulation of cylindrical shaped structures in biomedicine, micro-gravity environments, fluid dynamics properties of cylindrical capillary bridges, and the micro-fabrication of new cylindrical crystals to better control light beams.
Shape-Programmable Soft Capsule Robots for Semi-Implantable Drug Delivery

In this paper, we present a shape-programmable magnetically actuated soft capsule robot for semi-implantable drug delivery applications. The shape of the proposed soft capsule is changed by an external magnetic field. To change the robot shape by an external permanent magnet, the relevant soft robot design features and required conditions are investigated using simulations and experiments. If the magnetic field is increased above a critical value, the capsule collapses to a sphere-like stable shape, which keeps the capsule inside the stomach all the time, and it cannot move to the duodenum by gastric peristalsis. We conducted experiments inside a synthetic stomach-like membrane to investigate how much tissue stress is induced by the soft capsule under emulated gastric peristalsis to show that the capsule induces no pain in the stomach and can sustain its spherical shape against external forces. Such a soft capsule can be used to release drugs, which can be contained on its body parts or inside a reservoir, while staying in the stomach. After depletion of the drug, a controlled rolling motion using the external magnetic field is proposed to recover the initial cylindrical shape. Then, the capsule can move into the duodenum by peristalsis and is discharged through the anus.
Synthesis and Reactivity of New Ruthenium Alkyls and Hydrides. Protonation of Cp*Ru(Me2PCH2PMe2)Me and X-ray Crystal Structure of Cp*2Ru2(μ-Ph2PCH2PPh2)(AlH5)

Treatment of the pentamethylcyclopentadienylruthenium chloride tetramer [Cp*RuCl]4 with bis(dimethylphosphino)methane (dmpm) in tetrahydrofuran affords three ruthenium(II) phosphine complexes, Cp*Ru(dmpm)Cl, [Cp*Ru(dmpm)(η1-dmpm)]Cl, and Cp*2Ru2(μ-dmpm)2Cl2. Similar treatment of [Cp*RuCl]4 with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm) in tetrahydrofuran or diethyl ether affords the dinuclear species Cp*2Ru2(μ-dppm)(μ-Cl)2; in acetonitrile, this same reaction yields the mononuclear product Cp*Ru(dppm)Cl in high yield. The mononuclear complexes Cp*Ru(P-P)Cl (where P-P is dmpm or dppm) can be alkylated with dimethylmagnesium in diethyl ether to give the methyl complexes Cp*Ru(dmpm)Me and Cp*Ru(dppm)Me. Protonation of these Cp*Ru(P-P)Me complexes with trifluoroacetic acid results in the rapid reductive elimination of methane and formation of the trifluoroacetato complexes Cp*Ru(P-P)(η1-O2CCF3); no ruthenium(IV) hydridomethyl intermediates could be detected. Treatment of Cp*2Ru2(dppm)2Cl2 with LiAlH4 in diethyl et...
Structure, production and resource use in some old-growth spruce/fir forests in the front range of the Rocky Mountains, USA

Abstract Old-growth forests of Engelmann spruce ( Picea engelmannii Parry ex. Engelm.) and subalpine fir ( Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt . ) dominate much of the landscape of the Rocky Mountains. We characterized the structure, biomass and production of 18 old-growth (200–450-year-old) spruce/fir forests in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, as well as the stand-level supply and use of light and nitrogen. Stands were chosen to span a broad range of elevation, aspect, and topography. Aboveground tree biomass in these old-growth forests averaged 253 Mg/ha (range 130–488 Mg/ha), with aboveground net primary production of 3700 kg ha −1 yr −1 (range from 2700 to 5200 kg ha −1 yr −1 ). Within stands, trees >35 cm in diameter accounted for 70% of aboveground biomass, but trees −1 yr −1 , and tree canopies intercepted an average of 71% of incoming light (range 50–90%). Aboveground net primary production (ANPP) of trees did not relate to the supply of light or N, but ANPP correlated strongly with the amount of light and N used ( r 2 =0.45–0.54, P P =0.04), 44% of the light use ( P =0.003), and 45% of the ANPP ( P =0.002).
Some epidemiologic variables in prostatic carcinoma in California.

In an epidemiologic investigation for prostatic carcinoma in which control patients underwent an extensive evaluation to insure that they had no latent cancers a questionnaire was given to 221 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer. Information on sexual activity was obtained by personal interview. Family members were investigated in both cancer and control groups. The ratio of familial prostate cancer in the cancer group was consistently higher than in the controls (p less than .01). Of the 221 prostatic cancer patients 12 had prostatic cancer in the family but only 2 of the controls did. Of the 210 cancer patients from whom satisfactory data were obtained 50 families showed 74 extraprostatic tumors while 56 control families showed 72 extraprostatic tumors. This was not considered significant. 186 cancer patients had been married while 192 control patients had been. Factors found statistically significant included: familially associated prostatic cancers past history of veneral disease coital frequency number of sexual partners before marriage and the use of contraceptive agents. While these genetic factors and activities may pr edispose patients to cancer of the prostate they may also serve as a marker for a high risk group. Findings by others suggest the possibility of a sexually transmitted virus in the causation of prostatic cancer. Socioeconomic status occupations and religions all had similar rates. Environmentally-related variables strongly support the potential viral etiology for prostatic cancer.
Plasma and gas-phase characterization of a pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system engineered for self-limiting growth of aluminum oxide thin films

Abstract Aluminum oxide thin films were fabricated by pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with continuous delivery of both O 2 and trimethyl aluminum (TMA). By appropriately controlling the gas phase environment, self-limiting growth kinetics are obtained. Diagnostic measurements of the plasma and gas-phase composition were performed using emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Emission spectroscopy shows that the plasma achieves steady state within a couple of seconds. Addition of TMA to an O 2 /Ar plasma causes the O atom density to drop ∼ 50%, while emission peaks due to TMA decomposition products scale with TMA partial pressure. Mass spectrometry confirms that TMA is unreactive with O 2 . Upon plasma ignition TMA is immediately consumed, forming the combustion products CO, CO 2 , H 2 O, and H 2 . Self-limiting film growth is demonstrated at room temperature.
Plant-mediated transport and isotopic composition of methane from shallow tropical wetlands

The methane (CH 4 ) content of gas bubbles in sediments and CH 4 emission from plants in the Pantanal wetland of Brazil was examined across a depth gradient to ascertain the relative importance of plant-mediated CH 4 emission versus ebullition. Sediment bubbles contained >50% CH 4 at sites with water depths >1 m but often contained 1 m have low rates of CH 4 emission via rooted emergent and floating-leaf plants, in contrast to results from shallower rice fields and temperate wetlands in which plant-mediated transport dominates CH 4 emission from vegetated waters.
A Multicentury Reconstruction of May Precipitation for the Mid-Atlantic Region Using Juniperus virginiana Tree Rings*

AbstractThis paper presents a multicentury reconstruction of May precipitation (1200–1997) for the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The reconstruction is based on the first principal component (PC1) of two millennial-length Juniperus virginiana L. (eastern red cedar) tree-ring chronologies collected from rocky, limestone sites in the Ridge and Valley province of West Virginia. A split-calibration linear regression model accounted for 27% of the adjusted variance in the instrumental record and was stable through time. The model was verified by the reduction of error (RE = 0.21) and coefficient of efficiency (CE = 0.20) statistics. Multidecadal changes in precipitation were common throughout the reconstruction, and wetter than median conditions and drier than median conditions occurred during the medieval climate anomaly (1200–1300) and the Little Ice Age (1550–1650), respectively. The full reconstruction contained evidence of interannual and decadal variability; however, the twentieth century reco...
Is α/β for breast cancer really low?

Abstract Purpose Low α / β ratio for breast cancer has drawn a growing interest for exploring hypofractionation for breast irradiation. This work is to confirm the low α / β ratio based on large randomized clinical trials of breast irradiation. Methods and materials A model based on the generalized linear-quadratic (LQ) model and Poisson statistical model was developed to calculate disease-free survival with consideration of clonogen proliferation during the course of radiation treatment and exponential behavior of survival rate with follow-up time. Outcome data from a series of randomized clinical trials of early-stage breast radiotherapy were fitted to estimate the model parameters. Other clinical outcomes, including treatments with surgery alone or radiotherapy alone were used to validate the model and the estimated parameters. Hypofractionation regimens were proposed based on the newly estimated LQ parameters. Results Plausible population averaged radiobiologic parameters for breast cancer (95% confidence level) are α / β =2.88 (0.75–5.01) Gy; α =0.08±0.02Gy −1 ; potential doubling time T d =14.4±7.8day. The analysis of the radiation-alone data suggested an α / β ratio of 3.89±6.25Gy, verifying the low α / β ratio based on the post-lumpectomy irradiation data. The hypofractionation regimens that are equivalent to the conventional regimen of 2.0Gy×25 in 5weeks include 2.26Gy×20, 3.34Gy×10, 4.93Gy×5 or 3.39Gy×10 (BID). Conclusions The analysis of the available clinical data from multiple institutions support that breast cancer has a low ratio of α / β , encouraging hypofractionated radiotherapy regimens for breast cancer.
Reflections on the Science of the Social Scientific Study of Jewry: Marshall Sklare Award Lecture

Although there is diversity and division within the community of social scientists who study contemporary Jewry, there is a shared commitment to rational-scientific analysis. The paper describes the author’s positivist social psychological orientation and its roots in the theorizing/empiricism of three seminal psychological thinkers, Daniel Kahenman, Kurt Lewin, and Donald Campbell. The application of these meta-theorists’ work on cognitive psychology, action research, and experimentation is illustrated by research on Taglit-Birthright Israel, an effort designed to alter the trajectory of Jewish identity development. A number of “common ground” principles are then drawn for the development of social scientific research on Jewry. The principles concern the need to control bias, to develop generalizable knowledge, and to direct research to solving actual problems.
Orthotopic human lung carcinoma xenografts in BALB/c mice immunosuppressed with anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies and chronic alcohol consumption

BACKGROUND The role of the immune system in the surveillance of the body for cancer cells is well established. Human tumor cells do not survive in mice with intact immune systems, but they propagate in athymic nude mice. Presumably, the lack of a thymus gland and consequent loss of T lymphocytes results in a seriously compromised immune system without adequate cell-mediated immunity and tumor surveillance. In patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a progressive loss of cell-mediated immunity is associated with the development of malignancies and opportunistic infections. This effect may be exacerbated in patients who chronically consume alcohol. METHODS Normal and alcoholic BALB/c mice were treated with a monoclonal antibody to deplete CD4+ lymphocytes before orthotopic implantation of human lung adenocarcinoma xenografts. Tumor volume and weight were measured and compared between groups. RESULTS The authors' data show that a single treatment of anti-CD4 antibody causes almost complete depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes and permits the formation of large intrapulmonary human nonsmall lung carcinoma xenografts in 100% of treated mice. All control animals injected with heat-denatured antibody failed to produce tumors. Chronic alcohol consumption by CD4-depleted mice resulted in larger tumors, compared with mice that did not receive ethanol in their diet (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes allows for the orthotopic growth of human lung adenocarcinoma xenografts in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, the consumption of alcohol reduces the ability of the impaired immune system to reject tumors. Cancer 2000;88:468–79. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
A complex rearrangement in GBE1 causes both perinatal hypoglycemic collapse and late-juvenile-onset neuromuscular degeneration in glycogen storage disease type IV of Norwegian forest cats.

Deficiency of glycogen branching enzyme (GBE) activity causes glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV), an autosomal recessive error of metabolism. Abnormal glycogen accumulates in myocytes, hepatocytes, and neurons, causing variably progressive, benign to lethal organ dysfunctions. A naturally occurring orthologue of human GSD IV was described previously in Norwegian forest cats (NFC). Here we report that while most affected kittens die at or soon after birth, presumably due to hypoglycemia, survivors of the perinatal period appear clinically normal until onset of progressive neuromuscular degeneration at 5 months of age. Molecular investigation of affected cats revealed abnormally spliced GBE1 mRNA products and lack of GBE cross-reactive material in liver and muscle. Affected cats are homozygous for a complex rearrangement of genomic DNA in GBE1, constituted by a 334 bp insertion at the site of a 6.2 kb deletion that extends from intron 11 to intron 12 (g. IVS11+1552_IVS12-1339 del6.2 kb ins334 bp), removing exon 12. An allele-specific, PCR-based test demonstrates that the rearrangement segregates with the disease in the GSD IV kindred and is not found in unrelated normal cats. Screening of 402 privately owned NFC revealed 58 carriers and 4 affected cats. The molecular characterization of feline GSD IV will enhance further studies of GSD IV pathophysiology and development of novel therapies in this unique animal model.
Nuclear structure experiments along the neutron drip line

Invariant mass measurements and breakup reactions of neutron-rich nuclei have been instrumental in the study of nuclear structure effects at the limit of nuclear existence. The measurements of neutron-unbound states rely on the detection of neutrons in coincidence with fragments at energies between 100 and 1000 MeV/u. Charged particle and γ-ray coincidence measurements yield additional information. The production and detection methods for these experiments and examples of results in light nuclei are presented. Future opportunities with new facilities and the development of new detectors are described.
Lipid-mediated delivery of peptide nucleic acids to pulmonary endothelium

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a DNA/RNA mimic in which the phosphodiester (PO) linkage is replaced with a peptide bond. It has a number of unique properties compared to currently used oligonucleotides including higher affinity towards RNA or DNA target, resistance to nucleases or proteases, and minimal non-specific interactions with proteins. Clinical applications of PNA, however, are limited by its inefficient intracellular delivery. In this study, we have shown that delivery of PNA to pulmonary endothelium in intact mice can be greatly improved via hybridization with a short PO oligonucleotide that serves as a carrier to form complexes with cationic liposomes. We have also shown for the first time that unlike a CpG DNA oligo that is highly proinflammatory, a CG-containing PNA is inert in triggering TNF-alpha response in cultured macrophages and in mice. Thus delivery of PNA to pulmonary endothelium may prove to be a therapeutically useful for the treatment of pulmonary vascular diseases.
Development and stability of Th17 cells in ovarian cancer requires nitric oxide and endogenous NOS2 activity in cancer-associated CD4+ T cells

Th17 cells play reciprocal roles in different forms and at different stages of cancer. We report that the presence of Th17 cells in ovarian cancer ascites correlates with local expression of nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2). Furthermore, the development of RORγt+IL-23R+IL-17+ Th17 cells from human naive-, memory- or tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells critically depends on NO and endogenous NOS2 induced in CD4+ T cells by Th17-inducing cytokines (IL-1β/IL-6/IL-23) or by cancer-associated IL-1β/IL-6/IL-23/NO-producing MDSCs. Inhibition of NOS2 or its downstream cGMP/cGK signaling pathway abolishes de novo induction of Th17 cells. Moreover, even short-term blockade of NOS/cGMP suppresses the IL-17 production by established Th17 cells isolated from ovarian cancer patients, demonstrating the novel key role of NOS/cGMP in Th17 cell physiology and providing for new therapeutic targets to manipulate Th17- and NOS/cGMP-associated immunity in precancerous lesions and advanced cancer.
The controlling chemistry in flame generated surface deposition of Na2SO4 and the effects of chlorine

This paper examines the behavior of sodium/sulfur flame deposition on cooled probe surfaces for cases where the sulfur concentration is equal to or in excess of that of sodium. In all cases, Na2SO4 is the predominant component deposited, quite pure in most cases, but occasionally indicating the presence of several percent of Na2CO3 and implying possible thermodynamic control by the surface. Rates of deposition are exactly first order with respect to sodium concentrations, and zero order with respect to sulfur. The surface shows a total indifference to the atomic or molecular state of the flame sodium, be it Na, NaOH, or NaCl. Moreover, it is indifferent to the nature of the flame, its fuel type, stoichiometry, temperature, or state of equilibration. The surface adsorption rate of sodium is very efficient for probes at 640–780 K (35–60%) and appears to be the rate-controlling kinetic step and is not governed by normal boundary layer or laminar/turbulent flow considerations. Deposition displays a linear growth rate with negligible incubation time and is irreversible. Up to at least the 100-ppm concentration level, salts such as Na2SO4, Na2SO3, Na2S2O3, and NaNO3 are shown to be equivalent sources of sodium or sulfur. For the range of probe temperatures (640 to 780 K) and with Inconel-600 probe material, negligible differences were noted for rates of deposition in a wide range of propane and hydrogen flames. Rather surprising, however, was the fact that deposits formed on top of the burner (350 K) reflected closely those on the probe and were not mixtures of other possible sodium/sulfur compounds. Preliminary experiments incorporating chlorine into the system indicate, for high levels of chlorine (0.4% Cl2), that the deposit consists of one-third Na2SO4 and two-thirds NaCl. At lower levels of chlorine no such halide component has been reported.
Differences in the functional responses of two cell lines each expressing Pi-hydrolysis-coupled muscarinic receptors

Fluorescent oxonol dyes were used to measure changes in the membrane potential of two different cell lines each expressing Pi-hydrolysis coupled muscarinic receptors. Both SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells and m1-transfected A9 L cells express muscarinic receptors, which, when stimulated, elicit a large increase in intracellular calcium, and release of inositol phosphates. Despite the similarity in this second-messenger response, muscarinic stimulation resulted in a hyperpolarization in the transfected A9 L cells whereas a small depolarization was observed in the neuroblastoma cells. The carbachol-mediated hyperpolarization of the transfected A9 L cells could be mimicked by increasing intracellular calcium with the ionophore A23187, suggesting, that it may be mediated by calcium-activated potassium channels. Exposure of SK-N-SH cells to A23187, on the other hand, had no effect on the membrane potential. These studies demonstrate that the activation of a second messenger system does not solely dictate the electrophysiological response of a cell, but that other factors such as the expression of ion-channels is critical in the determination of that response.
TRABECULECTOMY IN YOUNG PATIENTS

The results of 117 trabeculectomies performed on 98 patients under the age of 50 years were reviewed. The success rate in primary glaucomas (29/39, 74%) was considerably higher than in secondary glaucomas (24/50, 48%) or in developmental glaucomas (6/17, 35%). Only one (9%) of 11 trabeculectomies performed for neovascular glaucoma was successful. Trabeculectomies for secondary glaucomas were significantly more often successful in eyes that had not undergone previous surgery. None of the six trabeculectomies performed on patients under the age of ten years controlled the intraocular pressure. Of the 45 trabeculectomies performed on patients aged 10 to 29 years, 17 (38%) were successful. Of the 66 trabeculectomies performed on patients aged 30 to 49 years, 43 (65%) were successful. The success rates among black, white, and hispanic patients were similar. The ability to identify patients at high risk for failure of trabeculectomy may be of value in guiding the surgical management of glaucoma.
Synthesis of 14,15-EET from Arachidonic Acid Using Urea–Hydrogen Peroxide as the Oxidant

Abstract 14,15- Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET) is an endogenous bioactive lipid with pharmacological benefits in multiple cardiovascular diseases. We describe here a practical synthesis of 14,15-EET from arachidonic acid using urea–hydrogen peroxide (UHP) as the oxidant.
ANTIGENIC RELATIONSHIP OF BRITISH SWINE INFLUENZA STRAINS TO STANDARD HUMAN AND SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUSES : THE USE OF CHICKEN AND FERRET ANTISERA IN RED CELL AGGLUTINATION.

The antigenic relationships of Type A (PR 8, WS) and Type B (Lee) human strains and the Shope and British (Cambridge, North Ireland) swine strains were studied by specific antiserum inhibition of chicken red cell agglutination by the influenza virus. The Cambridge and North Ireland strains were found to be closely related to the Type A strains and differentiated from the Shope virus. The distinctive antigenicity of the Lee strain of Type B was confirmed. Specific antibodies were developed in chickens following single intraperitoneal injections of influenza virus. Inhibition tests yielded results, in the antigenic analysis of the influenza viruses examined, comparable to those obtained with ferret antisera. Specific inhibition of hemagglutination by influenza virus proved an effective method for the study of strain relationships.
A system theoretic state description for temporal transitions in the electroencephalogram data of severe epileptic patients

This paper describes a new system theoretic analysis of electroencephalogram data obtained in the temporal neighborhood of a seizure episode from intracranial electrodes. The analysis provides distinct state descriptions (patient invariant characterization) of the seizure states. This characterization enables seizure detection before onset with sufficient time to warn the individual or execute actions to abort the seizure formation. Clinically classified segments of intracranial EEG data obtained from epileptic patients are separated into training and testing sets. The powers in various frequency bands are calculated as the state-discriminating features for each EEG segment. The mean power in the various frequency bands is calculated based on the training set data and a new system theoretic model, the fuzzy measure theoretic quantum approximation of an abstract system (FMQAS), is then used to develop system measures between the various frequency bands and the states. These system measures provide state descriptions of the transition into a seizure state (preictal), the seizure state (ictal), and the state immediately following a seizure (postictal). Finally, an FMQAS-based classifier is developed to individually analyze the features from short time segments of EEG. The FMQAS-based classifier shows evidence of seizure activity in advance of visual EEG manifestation and also functions well as a seizure detector for both the training and the testing datasets with low indication of seizure activity during the postictal periods where the time to a seizure onset is greater than ten minutes.
Paleotemperature Analysis of the Caribbean Cores A254-BR-C and CP-28

Two cores from the central Caribbean (cores A254-BR-C and CP-28), which include older Pleistocene sediments, have been analyzed by the O 18 /O 16 method. Core A254-BR-C has been dated, in part, by C 14 and Pa 231 /Th 230 measurements. Both apparently contain major hiatuses, but their stratigraphy has been clarified by correlations among the isotopic temperature curves and the curves representing the percentages of right-coiled specimens of Globorotalia truncatulinoides, together with correlations among the core levels where Globorotalia menardii flexuosa disappears and among other levels where Globorotalia truncatulinoides becomes rare. The generalized temperature curve, previously constructed, has been extended to an estimated age of 375,000 years ago, but the extension should not be considered generally valid until substantiated by isotopic analysis of suitable cores as yet not available. The methods used by Ericson, Ewing, Wollin, and associates, for estimating past temperatures from the micropaleontology of deep-sea cores, and the correlations advocated between deep-sea and continental stratigraphies are critically reviewed. The evidence provided by cores A254-BR-C and CP-28 adds to the contention that the repeated glaciations of the Pleistocene were triggered by summer insolation minima in the high northern latitudes.
Some Properties of U Statistics

Abstract U statistics possess many desirable properties, such as unbiasedness and asymptotic normality (under mild conditions); however, there do not appear to be widely known results whereby one can determine whether a given statistic is a U statistic. This article gives such results, in addition to a method for finding the kernel. Also, a relationship between the jackknife procedure and these properties is shown, resulting in an interesting characterization of U statistics.
Effects of carbon dioxide sequestration on California margin deep-sea foraminiferal assemblages

Abstract Deep-sea sequestration of CO2 is being considered as a possible mitigation tool to decrease atmospheric CO2 concentrations and its associated negative effects. This study investigated potential effects of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) injection on deep-sea foraminiferal assemblages. Foraminifera are ideal for this ecological impact investigation because of differing test composition (calcareous and non-calcareous) and thickness, and diverse epifaunal and infaunal depth preferences. The experiment was conducted on August–September 2003, at 3600 m off the coast of Monterey Bay, California, aboard the R/V Western Flyer using the ROV Tiburon. The pH of the site was monitored throughout the experiment. Sediment push-cores were collected (both from the experimental and control sites) and stained to distinguish live (stained) from dead (unstained) individuals. Effects of CO2 injection on assemblages have been tracked both vertically (to 10 cm depth below sea floor) and horizontally (up to 10 m from CO2 injection sites), as well as between live and dead individuals. Within corrals (containing the injected CO2) and their underlying sediments, severe pH changes (near 4.0 units) were recorded. This compares with a record of small average reductions in ocean pH (− 0.05 units) combined with large episodic excursions (− 1.7 units) over the experimental area due to the injection of CO2. Exposure to this gradient of low pH caused increased mortality and dissolution of calcareous forms within corrals, as far as 5 m from the injection site, and to at least 10 cm depth in the sediments. This experiment revealed several major effects of CO2 injection on foraminiferal assemblages in surficial sediments: 1) total number of foraminifera in a sample decreases; 2) foraminiferal species richness decreases in both stained and unstained specimens; and 3) relative percentage of stained (live) forms in the remaining tests increases. Down-core trends (to 10 cm below sea floor) have revealed: 1) percent agglutinated forms decline and calcareous forms increase with depth; 2) agglutinated species richness decreases with depth; and 3) experimental core assemblages become increasingly similar with depth to those in control cores not subjected to CO2 injection. These results imply almost complete initial mortality and dissolution in the upper 10 cm throughout the corrals following liquid CO2 injection. Since calcareous foraminifera represent more than 50% of the total assemblages, this clearly indicates that emplacement of CO2 will result in negative effects to diversity and survivorship of the deep-sea benthic meiofauna.
METAPOPULATION STRUCTURE OF BULL TROUT: INFLUENCES OF PHYSICAL, BIOTIC, AND GEOMETRICAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISTICS

Metapopulation structure of species in fragmented landscapes is ultimately the result of spatial variability in demographic processes. While specific information on demographic parameters is desirable, a more practical approach to studying metapopulations in fragmented landscapes may begin with analyses of species' occurrence in relation to large-scale habitat variability. Here, we analyzed occurrence of stream-living bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in relation to physical, biotic, and geometrical characteristics of habitats. Bull trout occurrence was analyzed at several spatial (10 x m) scales. Data were from nested sampling of 720 sites (10 m), 179 reaches (10 2 m), and 81 patches ($10 3 m) of stream habitats within the Boise River basin of central Idaho. Based on previous findings, patches were defined as stream catchments with suitable conditions for spawning and rearing of bull trout (.1600 m elevation). Patch-scale bull trout occurrence was significantly related to patch area and isolation (stream distance between occupied patches). Lack of spatial autocorrelation between patches indicated that isolation effects were more likely the result of limited interaction among habitats (such as dispersal), rather than of correlated envi- ronmental conditions. A third factor, human disturbance in the form of roads, was associated with reduced bull trout occurrence at the patch-scale. Analyses of occurrence among reaches within occupied patches showed bull trout may select larger (.2 m width) stream habitats. Occurrence of bull trout was not associated with nonnative brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) at large (patch), intermediate (reach), or small (site) spatial scales. Definition of a meta- population structure for bull trout in the Boise River basin was complicated by uncertainties in the frequency and magnitude of dispersal. From the distribution of patch sizes and isolation among occupied patches, we suggest that the metapopulation is a complex mosaic of several elements found in conceptual models. This complexity poses a challenge to empirical and theoretical attempts to study stream-living bull trout. Future work to define the structure of bull trout metapopulations must relate temporal and spatial patterns of patch occupancy with complex patterns of dispersal that likely interact with habitat spatial struc- ture, life history variability, and the historical context of regional climate changes. Results of this work suggest that conservation of bull trout should involve protection of larger, less isolated, and less disturbed (as indexed by road densities) habitats that may serve as im- portant refugia or sources of recolonization. Bull trout populations in smaller, isolated, and more disturbed habitats may be at risk of extinction. Finally, metapopulation structure implies the existence of suitable, but presently unoccupied habitat, which should be managed carefully to facilitate potential natural recolonization or reintroductions of bull trout.