cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complexed Structures of Formylglycinamide Ribonucleotide Amidotransferase from Thermotoga maritima Describe a Novel ATP Binding Protein Superfamily

Formylglycinamide ribonucleotide amidotransferase (FGAR-AT) catalyzes the ATP-dependent synthesis of formylglycinamidine ribonucleotide (FGAM) from formylglycinamide ribonucleotide (FGAR) and glutamine in the fourth step of the purine biosynthetic pathway. FGAR-AT is encoded by the purL gene. Two types of PurL have been detected. The first type, found in eukaryotes and Gram-negative bacteria, consists of a single 140 kDa polypeptide chain and is designated large PurL (lgPurL). The second type, small PurL (smPurL), is found in archaea and Gram-positive bacteria and consists of an 80 kDa polypeptide chain. SmPurL requires two additional gene products, PurQ and PurS, for activity. PurL is a member of a protein superfamily that contains a novel ATP-binding domain. Structures of several members of this superfamily are available in the unliganded form. We determined five different structures of FGAR-AT from Thermotoga maritima in the presence of substrates, a substrate analogue, and a product. These complexes have allowed a detailed description of the novel ATP-binding motif. The availability of a ternary complex enabled mapping of the active site, thus identifying potential residues involved in catalysis. The complexes show a conformational change in the active site compared to the unliganded structure. Surprising discoveries, an ATP molecule in an auxiliary site of the protein and the conformational changes associated with its binding, provoke speculation about the regulatory role of the auxiliary site in formation of the PurLSQ complex as well as the evolutionary relationship of PurLs from different organisms.
Fourier analysis of the Catawba Mountain knolls, Roanoke county, Virginia

This note is an example of the application of Fourier analysis to the topographic representation of land forms. The technique provides a quantitative description of topographic profiles. It alleviates the necessity of defining profiles by a series of points and allows profiles to be modeled with greater ease. Surfaces could be analyzed by two-dimensional Fourier analysis. Thus Fourier analysis is a potentially useful technique for comparing the topography of different areas quantitatively.
MR cholangiopancreatography using HASTE sequences.

Abstract AIM: The aim of this pictorial review is to describe applications of cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) using half-Fourier (HASTE) MR sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 350 patients were imaged over a four-year period with a 1.54 Tesla Siemens Vision scanner and a phased array body coil. The HASTE MR sequence was applied in multiple planes with an acquisition time of 13 seconds allowing breath hold techniques. In addition, a single-shot technique provided single slice acquisitions with a thickness of 20 mm. A chemical fat suppression algorithm reduced intra-abdominal MR high signal. RESULTS: HASTE MRCP accurately determines the presence of level of biliary obstruction in up to 97% of patients. Common bile duct stones are detected with a sensitivity of 93%. Acute cholecystitis is depicted on HASTE MR as pericholecystic high signal in 41 45 (91%) patients and gall stones are detected with a 93% sensitivity. CONCLUSION: HASTE MRCP offers a non-invasive, rapid imaging method to evaluate the gallbladder, common bile duct and pancreas. Its multi-planar, fluid sensitive capabilities are of particular value in detecting common bile duct stones and acute cholecystitis.
Measuring detergent fibre and insoluble protein in corn silage using crucibles or filter bags

Abstract Different methods exist for the determination of fibre concentration in feeds. To determine, whether fibre recovery and the contamination of fibre by nitrogenous compounds are altered, we measured fibre concentrations in a diverse set of corn silages using three method modifications and two extraction/filtration systems. Thirty-three corn silages, obtained from a commercial feed analysis laboratory, were dried (55°C for 24 h) and ground to pass through a 1-mm screen of a cutter mill before analysis. All samples were extracted in neutral detergent with the inclusion of sodium sulphite (neutral detergent fibre or NDF), α-amylase (neutral detergent residue or NDR) or both (amylase-treated neutral detergent fibre or aNDF), and using either Gooch crucible (CRUC) or filter bag (FBAG) systems. The aNDF method obtained the lowest and similar average fibre concentrations for both CRUC and FBAG (433 and 433 g/kg, respectively). Fibre concentration of NDR was greater (456 and 449 g/kg for CRUC and FBAG, respectively) than aNDF. Fibre concentration was greater for NDF (473 g/kg) than for NDR and aNDF (449 and 433 g/kg, respectively) when using FBAG. Poor extraction occurred for FBAG when α-amylase was not used. For CRUC, NDF and NDR concentrations were similar (456 g/kg), although filtration of fibre residue after extraction without α-amylase was difficult. Neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (ICP) was similar for NDF and aNDF, and slightly greater FBAG than for CRUC systems (8.4 and 9.6 g/kg, respectively). With both FBAG and CRUC, ICP was greater for NDR determined without sulphite (12.5 and 14.2 g/kg, respectively) than for aNDF (8.6 and 9.7 g/kg, respectively). The lower fibre concentration for aNDF method was attributed to less starch contamination when compared to NDF and to less protein contamination and possibly to extraction of phenolic compounds when compared to NDR. Concentration of acid detergent fibre (ADF) was greater for CRUC than for FBAG, although this difference was minimal (266 and 261 g/kg, respectively). Acid detergent ICP was similar for CRUC and FBAG systems and averaged 4 g/kg. We observed that amylase and sulphite affect the measurement of NDF concentration in corn silage. It is crucial that authors and laboratories accurately describe how they measure NDF and clearly indicate by acronym the method they used. Although the extraction/filtration system did not affect the determination of NDR and aNDF, the FBAG system generated higher NDF concentrations for corn silage when amylase is not used.
Purification and characterization of the Ca2+-ATPase of Flavobacterium odoratum.

The P-type Ca2+-ATPase from Flavobacterium odoratum has been purified to homogeneity and characterized. Inside-out membrane vesicles were extracted with C12E8, followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation, centrifugation through two successive 32-48% glycerol gradients, and DE52 ion exchange chromatography. The purified Ca2+-ATPase consists of a single polypeptide. It migrates electrophoretically with an apparent molecular mass of 60,000 Da, consistent with the phosphorylation pattern originally reported in membrane vesicles. This single polypeptide is functional and capable of calcium-dependent vanadate-sensitive ATP hydrolysis and of forward and reverse phosphorylation. Maximum hydrolysis activity occurs at pH 8.0, with a specific activity of ∽75 μmol of ATP hydrolyzed min−1 mg−1 protein. The purified Ca2+-ATPase has an apparent Km for calcium of 1.5 μM and for ATP of 90 μM. Vanadate strongly inhibits the activity with an IC50 of 0.6 μM. The prokaryotic Ca2+-ATPase is insensitive to the SR Ca2+-ATPase inhibitors fluorescein isothiocyanate, thapsigargin, and cyclopiazonic acid. It is rapidly phosphorylated by [γ-32P]ATP in a calcium-dependent vanadate-inhibited manner and can be phosphorylated by Pi in both the presence and absence of calcium.
On the minimum grain size obtainable by equal channel angular pressing

Abstract Recently, a dislocation model that relates minimum grain size, d min , obtainable in metals by ball milling to several physical parameters was developed and also applied to high-pressure torsion. In this paper, the model is extended to d min obtainable by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), another severe plastic deformation (SPD) process.
Using the theory of the professions to understand the IS identity crisis

AbstractAcademic information systems (IS) is struggling with an identity crisis that is grounded in limited consensus about the discipline's core concepts, its important research questions and its ...
Note on the Calibration of Inter-Species Successive Discrimination Reversal (SDR) Performance Differences: Qualitative vs Quantitative Scaling

Two different approaches to the calibration of inter-species SDR performance differences that have emerged over the past decade are discussed. One, the discontinuity hypothesis, proposes a qualitat...
Are Frequent Asthma Symptoms Among Low-Income Individuals Related to Heavy Traffic Near Homes, Vulnerabilities, or Both?

Purpose To investigate whether frequent asthma symptoms (daily/weekly symptoms) can be attributed to traffic-related exposures, poverty, and/or vulnerabilities. Methods Annual average daily vehicle traffic density (TD) within 500 feet of 2001 California Health Interview Survey respondents' residential cross streets was calculated. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between annual average TD and frequent asthma symptoms with income as a confounder and a modifier. Results After adjustment for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, a 92% increase in frequent asthma symptoms was observed among those in high TD and a 50% increase among those in medium TD compared to those in low TD. Adjustment for poverty did not change these estimates, but individuals in poverty were twice more likely to experience frequent symptoms. Furthermore, delays in care, a poor/fair health status, current/previous smoking, overweight/obese, or unemployment showed independent associations with frequent asthma symptoms. Analyses stratified on income indicated greater estimated traffic effects for asthmatics in poverty, whereas the estimates for asthmatics above the poverty level moved closer toward the null. Conclusions Traffic-related exposures, poverty and vulnerabilities all increased the risk of frequent asthma symptoms. Those in poverty appeared to be more strongly affected by heavy traffic near their residences.
Communication, Performance, and Perceptions in Experimental Simulations of Resource Dilemmas

The response of groups to the experience of coping with resource dilemmas has been an object of study by scholars in several of the social and behavioral sciences. Social norms, trust, and the perception of group identity form cooperative mechanisms critical to group cooperation. However, the opportunity to communicate has been singled out as the most important factor influencing group cooperation performance in resource dilemmas. Until recently, the content of that communication has undergone little examination. This article examines the relationships among topical and functional communication content, group performance, and participant perceptions of cooperative mechanisms in 97 experimental simulation groups. Detailed discussion of specific strategies was positively related, and discussion of general strategy, basic information exchange, and recapitulation of past occurrences in the simulation were negatively related to both amount of harvest from the resource pool and participant perceptions of equali...
Stress-adaptation failure hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract It is proposed that the higher incidence of chronic stress-adaptation failure in patients with Alzheimer's disease is of specific etiopathological significance. Such chronic stress-adaptation failure leads to a vicious circular reaction, namely: intense, stressful stimuli →neocortico-limbic excitation →hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activation →excessive secretion of neurohormones including cortisol →stimulation of inhibitory glucocorticoid sensitive hippocampal neurons →failure to terminate the HPA axis response →chronic excessive secretion of neurohormones including cortisol →overstimulation degeneration of glucocorticoid sensitive hippocampal inhibitory neurons →progressive cognitive-affective behavioral disorganizational failure which is typical of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Possibilities of neuropharmacological corrections and neurobehavioral re-education are suggested.
Endovenous Laser Ablation of Perforating Veins: Feasibility, Safety, and Occlusion Rate Using a 1,470-nm Laser and Bare-Tip Fiber

Abstract Purpose To describe technical feasibility and safety of perforating vein ablation with the use of a 1,470-nm laser and bare-tip fiber in the management of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Materials and Methods A total of 171 perforating veins were ablated in 101 limbs of 87 patients (mean age, 54.4 y; 79% female). Outcomes included sonographic occlusion of ablated perforator, subjective changes of insufficiency symptoms, incidence of procedure-related side effects (pain, hyperpigmentation), and complications (burn, infection, deep vein thrombosis, paresthesia). Correlation between perforator closure and patient symptoms was assessed by Pearson χ 2 test. Factors influencing failure of perforator closure were analyzed by analysis of variance. Results Forty-nine perforating veins had previous great saphenous vein (GSV) interruption, 25 had previous small saphenous vein (SSV) interruption, 88 had previous GSV and SSV interruption, and 9 had competent saphenous systems. Ninety-one ablations were combined with microphlebectomy, 55 were combined with sclerotherapy, and 25 were performed alone. At 1 and 3 months' follow-up, 94% and 98% of ablated perforators were sonographically occluded, and 82% and 96% of patients noted complete symptom resolution, respectively. Complications included 5 cases of new-onset paresthesia and 1 case of nonocclusive deep vein thrombosis. Ablation failed in 10 perforators, and treatment failure showed significant correlations with higher clinical, etiology, anatomy, and physiology score ( P = .002) and history of GSV/SSV interruption ( P = .042). Conclusions Three-month closure of perforating veins is achievable by using a 1,470-nm laser and bare-tip fiber and can be safely performed alone or in combination with microphlebectomy or sclerotherapy at all stages of CVI severity.
Sexual dimorphism in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamic area of ferrets: Effects of adult exposure to sex steroids

The organization of neuronal cell bodies in the caudal preoptic area (POA) and rostral anterior hypothalamic area (AH) was studied in Nissl-stained brain sections from adult male and female ferrets. Computer-assisted image-analysis procedures were developed to help estimate the areas of cellular density and the sizes of individual perikarya. At the junction of the POA and AH, a bilateral dorsal-medial group of neurons was apparent only in male ferrets (dorsal nucleus). At the same coronal level, a ventral-medial group of neurons was apparent bilaterally in both males and females (ventral nucleus). The mean somal area of cells in the dorsal nucleus of males was significantly greater than the mean somal area of cells in the corresponding dorsal region of females or in the ventral nucleus of both sexes. The dorsal nucleus was clearly discernible in adult males regardless of their hormonal status, although cells in the dorsal nucleus were larger in intact breeding males or gonadectomized males given testosterone, estradiol or dihydrotestosterone than in gonadectomized males given no gonadal hormones or given progesterone. Neither the grouping of large cells nor the steroid-induced increase in cell size, characteristic of the male dorsal nucleus, was seen in the comparable dorsal region of females. The sex difference in cellular organization observed in the ferret at the junction of the POA and AH is the first difference of this type to be seen in the POA/AH of a non-rodent mammalian species. Its identification will, hopefully, aid in the analysis of the neural mechanisms that control various sex-specific behaviors in this species.
An object-oriented approach to robot programming

Abstract In this paper an object-oriented system for programming robots is proposed. The advantages of an object-oriented approach are described and in particular the paper examines how concurrent execution and resource sharing can be programmed in Smalltalk. It is shown that this is specially useful to program tasks requiring multiple cooperating robots.
Temperature and pH Dependence of Fluorescein Binding within the Monoclonal Antibody 9-40 Active Site as Monitored by Hydrostatic Pressure (∗)

In a comparative study, the thermodynamic parameter, DeltaV, was obtained using hydrostatic pressure-induced dissociation of fluorescein (Fl) from the active site of monoclonal antibody (mAb) 9-40 and its mutant and native derivatives equilibrated at six pH values (8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.5, 6.0, and 5.5) and four temperatures (35, 25, 15, and 5 degrees C). mAb 9-40 and its Fab and single-chain Fv (scFv) derivatives at pH 8.0 were found to have identical Fl dissociation behavior under pressure as a function of temperature. The pressure dissociation at 25 degrees C as a function of pH showed a sigmoidal dependence of DeltaV with a midpoint value at pH 7.4 for mAb 9-40. Comparison of experimental results for scFv 9-40/212 with its mutant scFv 9-40/212Arg-34L indicated that the pH dependence of mAb 9-40 was due to the titration of His-34L in the active site. Iodide quenching of bound Fl showed that the hapten in this active site was solvent accessible. Imperfect packing, which leads to increased conformational dynamics, was determined as a possible cause of the low affinity for mAb 9-40.
Convergence Properties of Modal Costs for Certain Distributed Parameter Systems

A complete modal cost analysis is presented for the vibration of various kinds of simple continua with different boundary conditions. Explicit formulas for the norm of the response (called the 'cost') are derived for these distributed parameter systems. The convergence theorems developed are useful in the model reduction of the equivalent continuum models of large space structures as well as in the selection of finite-element code for control design.
Glass needs for a growing photovoltaics industry

Abstract With the projected growth in photovoltaics the demand of glass for the solar industry will far exceed the current supply, and thousands of new float-glass plants will have to be built to meet its needs over the next 20 years. Such expansion will provide an opportunity for the solar industry to obtain products better suited to their needs, such as low-iron glass and borosilicate glass at the lowest possible price. While there are no significant technological hurdles that would prevent the flat glass industry from meeting the solar industry׳s projected needs, to do so will require advance planning and substantial investments.
Tolerance of broccoli cultivars to pre-transplanting clomazone

Clomazone has been used for weed management in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., Capitata group) production in the U.S.A. for over 20 years; however, the herbicide is not currently registered for other crop groups within B. oleracea. The specialty crops pesticide registration program (The IR-4 Project) is pursuing clomazone registration for broccoli (B. oleracea, Italica group) and cauliflower (B. oleracea, Botrytis group). The objective of this study was to assess the tolerance of a genetically diverse collection of 44 hybrid broccoli cultivars to pre-transplanting clomazone application and identify susceptible cultivars not suitable for clomazone use. A greenhouse experiment demonstrated differences in tolerance among broccoli cultivars when injury ratings and shoot weights were compared. The most tolerant cultivar, Chief, was only slightly injured and its shoot weight was not reduced in comparison to the untreated controls by clomazone incorporated into potting medium at 3.0 mg/kg; whereas, the most susceptible cultivar, Patron, was moderately injured and its shoot weight was reduced by clomazone at 1.5 mg/kg. Injury ratings from field experiments also demonstrated differences between cultivars in response to pre-transplant clomazone application. At two weeks after transplanting into treated soil, the most tolerant cultivars exhibited minor injury at 1.12 kg/ha, and the most susceptible cultivars were moderately injured by 0.28 kg/ha. Injury ratings were much lower at 6 weeks after transplanting than at two weeks. Broccoli head weights were reduced by 0.28 kg/ha for 4 cultivars in 2012 and 1 cultivar in 2013, and stem diameters of 2 cultivars were reduced by this treatment in 2012. The low rate did not affect harvest date for any cultivar, but at 1.12 kg/ha, clomazone delayed head maturation for twelve cultivars in 2012 and 4 cultivars in 2013. These responses were inconsistent between years, and the greater injury observed in 2012 than in 2013 may have been due to the transplanting method which moved treated soil into the root zone. Overall, the results indicate that pre-transplanting application of clomazone at the rate that is approved for cabbage, 0.28 kg/ha on coarse soils, is relatively safe for use on most of the 44 broccoli cultivars evaluated in this study. The risk of crop injury that may occur under unfavorable environmental conditions can be reduced by choosing the most tolerant cultivars. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Real-time, sequence-specific detection of nucleic acids during strand displacement amplification.

Strand displacement amplification (SDA) is an isothermal nucleic acid amplification method based on the primer-directed nicking activity of a restriction enzyme and the strand displacement activity of an exonuclease-deficient polymerase. Here we describe fluorogenic reporter probes that permit real-time, sequence-specific detection of targets amplified during SDA. The new probes possess the single-strand half of a BsoBI recognition sequence flanked on opposite sides by a fluorophore and a quencher. The probes also contain target-binding sequences located 3' to the BsoBI site. Fluorophore and quencher are maintained in sufficiently close proximity that fluorescence is quenched in the intact single-stranded probe. If target is present during SDA, the probe is converted into a fully double-stranded form and is cleaved by the restriction enzyme BsoBI, which also serves as the nicking agent for SDA. Fluorophore and quencher diffuse apart upon probe cleavage, causing increased fluorescence. Target replication may thus be followed in real time during the SDA reaction. Probe performance may be enhanced by embedding the fluorogenic BsoBI site within the loop of a folded hairpin structure. The new probe designs permit detection of as few as 10 target copies within 30 min in a closed-tube, real-time format, eliminating the possibility of carry-over contamination. The probes may be used to detect RNA targets in SDA mixtures containing reverse transcriptase. Furthermore, a two-color competitive SDA format permits accurate quantification of target levels from the real-time fluorescence data.
Effects of stationary-phase polarity on retention in reversed bonded phase HPLC columns

Variations in retention and selectivity have been studied in cyano, phenyl and octyl reversed bonded phase HPLC columns. The retention of toluene, phenol, aniline and nitrobenzene in these columns has been measured using binary mixtures of water and methanol, acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran mobile phases in order to determine the relative contributions of proton donor-proton acceptor and dipole-dipole interactions in the retention process. Retention and selectivity in these columns was correlated with polar group selectivities of mobile phase organic modifiers and the polarity of the bonded stationary phases. In spite of the prominent role of bonded phase volume and residual silanols in the retention process, each column exhibited some unique selectivities when used with different organic modifiers.
Cerebral blood flow responses to inhaled carbon dioxide in schizophrenia.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a potent cerebrovasodilator; even mild changes in CO2 are associated with marked changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF). We measured CBF before and after 5% CO2, inhalation in 19 medicated patients with schizophrenia and 16 normal volunteers. Another group of 16 volunteers had 2 CBF measurements under resting conditions. Although both patients and controls showed marked CBF increase during CO2 inhalation, the CBF response was significantly less in the patients. Change in CBF per mm of CO2 was lower in the patients. The second group of controls did not show significant differences between the 2 resting CBF measurements.
Expression of Acidothermus cellulolyticus E1 endo-β-1,4-glucanase catalytic domain in transplastomic tobacco

As part of an effort to develop transgenic plants as a system for the production of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes, we evaluated the production of the endo-beta-1,4-glucanase E1 catalytic domain (E1cd) of Acidothermus cellulolyticus in transplastomic tobacco. In an attempt to increase the translation efficiency of the E1cd cassette, various lengths of the N-terminus of the psbA gene product were fused to the E1cd protein. The psbA gene of the plastid genome encodes the D1 polypeptide of photosystem II and is known to encode an efficiently translated mRNA. Experiments in an Escherichia coli expression system indicated that the fusion of short (10-22 amino acid) segments of D1 to E1cd resulted in modest increases in E1cd abundance and were compatible with E1cd activity. Plastid expression cassettes encoding unmodified E1cd and a 10-amino-acid D1 fusion (10nE1cd) were used to generate transplastomic tobacco plants. Expression of the E1cd open reading frame in transplastomic tobacco resulted in very low levels of the enzyme. The transplastomic plants accumulated a high level of E1cd mRNA, however, indicating that post-transcriptional processes were probably limiting the production of recombinant protein. The accumulation of 10nE1cd in transplastomic tobacco was approximately 200-fold higher than that of unmodified E1cd, yielding 10nE1cd in excess of 12% of total soluble protein in the extracts of the lower leaves. Most importantly, the active recombinant enzyme was recovered very easily and efficiently from dried plant material and constituted as much as 0.3% of the dry weight of leaf tissue.
Changes in lateral geniculate neurones of rats as a result of continuous exposure to light.

THE results of several investigators demonstrate that environmental manipulations can affect the structure of the brain. Environmental conditions studied most often have been deprivation and enrichment. In the visual system different forms of light deprivation have been found to induce a decrease in spine density1–3, dendritic branching4,5 and in cell areas6. A number of studies have described changes resulting from enriched environmental conditions, including an increase in cortical weight and depth7,8, ratio of glial cells to neurones9, spine density10 and dendritic branching11. The effects of excess light stimulation in the visual system have also been studied. Continuous exposure to light has been found to cause irreversible damage to photoreceptors12,13 and an increase in spine density in the visual cortex of albino rats14. Under these conditions, investigators have reported a decrease or absence of evoked potentials in adult albino rats15. Black-white discrimination and two pattern discrimination tests did not indicate any difference between these animals and control rats16. We have been able to show significant quantitative morphological changes in the dendritic field of neurones in the dorsal lateral geniculate of rats reared under continuous illumination from birth to 35 d.
Serious toys: three years of teaching computer science concepts in K-12 classrooms

Computational thinking represents a collection of structured problem solving skills that cross-cut educational disciplines. There is significant future value in introducing these skills as early as practical in students' academic careers. Over the past three years, we have developed, piloted, and evaluated a series of K-12 outreach modules designed to introduce fundamental computing concepts. We piloted two modules with more than 340 students, and evaluation results show that the modules are having a positive impact. We combined the two previously piloted modules with a newly developed module and piloted the combined program with over 170 students. Evaluation results again show that the combination is having a positive impact. In this paper, we summarize the program, discuss our experiences piloting it, and summarize key evaluation results. Our hope is to engender discussion and adoption of the materials at other institutions.
Laboratory study of borehole breakouts in Lac du Bonnet granite: a case of extensile failure mechanism

Abstract We subjected boreholes drilled vertically in the center of cubical specimens of Lac du Bonnet granite to constant vertical (S v ) and least horizontal (S h ) farfield stresses, and increased the maximum horizontal stress (S H ) until breakouts occurred. A thin section study revealed that extensile cracking behind the borehole in two zones aligned with S h preceded the development of breakouts. Progressive detachment of thin long flakes bounded by these densely spaced subparallel cracks led to ‘dog ear’ shaped breakouts. Breakout mechanism and appearance match those found in the field. Results also suggest the potential for using breakout occurrence to estimate S H if S h is known or vice versa.
Computer-Aided Design of Dies to Control Dimensional Quality of Extruded Shapes

Summary Conventionally, steel shapes are extruded using flat faced shear dies resulting in flow related defects such as curvature and twist. As a result, post–extrusion straightening and detwisting are needed to obtain acceptable dimensional quality of the product. This paper presents a computer aided design and flow simulation procedure for predicting these geometric defects and reducing them by the modification, of the die geometry including entry angles and the die land. This procedure was applied to the extrusion of L-shaped structural shapes and the results verified by controlled experiments on a 17.8 MN extrusion press. Significant improvements in product quality were achieved. This design for manufacturing approach be applied to other three dimensional steady state processes such as shape rolling.
Rat placental hormonal activities corresponding to those of pituitary mammotropin.

MANY earlier reports, now too numerous to list in any but a review paper, have emphasized the importance of the placenta as an endocrine organ. In the past 30 years this emphasis has been placed largely on such of its hormones as directly or indirectly influence the organs of reproduction, and therefore come to bear on the form and function of the placenta itself. In studies on the hormonal factors concerned with the maintenance of pregnancy few findings have been so striking as those showing that the rat placenta is capable of carrying out roles usually assigned to the pituitary. These roles entail the responsibility, not only of setting up the conceptus through the influence of gonadotropic secretions on the gonads, but also of maintaining it through trophic influences of carefully balanced proportions of these same hormones on the ovaries, and in turn the trophic influences of the gonadal hormones in proper ratios on the uterus and eventually the conceptus.
Systematization of tube surveillance in large scale computers

Operation of the ENIAC (electronic numerical integrator and calculator), a high-speed electronic computing machine, at the Ballistic Research Laboratories of Aberdeen Proving Ground, has shown that 90 per cent of the service interruptions are caused by vacuum-tube failures. At the beginning of 1950 a tube surveillance program was initiated in which all pertinent data concerning each tube in the system are recorded on punched cards. This paper describes the manner in which faulty vacuum tubes are detected and replaced, and gives the specifications used in testing the tubes and the manner in which the tube history is gathered. Preliminary results, using data collected during the first five months of 1950, are given.
Ablation of smooth muscle caldesmon affects the relaxation kinetics of arterial muscle

Smooth muscle caldesmon (h-CaD) is an actin- and myosin-binding protein that reversibly inhibits the actomyosin ATPase activity in vitro. To test the function of h-CaD in vivo, we eliminated its expression in mice. The h-CaD-null animals appeared normal and fertile, although the litter size was smaller. Tissues from the homozygotes lacked h-CaD and exhibited upregulation of the non-muscle isoform, l-CaD, in visceral, but not vascular tonic smooth muscles. While the Ca(2+) sensitivity of force generation of h-CaD-deficient smooth muscle remained largely unchanged, the kinetic behavior during relaxation in arteries was different. Both intact and permeabilized arterial smooth muscle tissues from the knockout animals relaxed more slowly than those of the wild type. Since this difference occurred after myosin dephosphorylation was complete, the kinetic effect most likely resulted from slower detachment of unphosphorylated crossbridges. Detailed analyses revealed that the apparently slower relaxation of h-CaD-null smooth muscle was due to an increase in the amplitude of a slower component of the biphasic tension decay. While the identity of this slower process has not been unequivocally determined, we propose it reflects a thin filament state that elicits fewer re-attached crossbridges. Our finding that h-CaD modulates the rate of smooth muscle relaxation clearly supports a role in the control of vascular tone.
Theory of Plasma Contactor Neutral Gas Emissions for Electrodynamic Tethers

An existing anisotropic anodic plasma contactor model is extended to include neutral gas emissions. Within the framework of the contactor model, the inclusion of external ionization leads to an integro-differential equation. By choosing the ratio of the contactor radius (ao) to the neutral gas-electron ionization mean free path at the contactor exit (Awo) as a suitable expansion parameter, an analytical expression for the current-voltage characteristic can be found for (ao/X^o) < 1, which corresponds to weak external ionization. The performance of this contactor model is examined via a dynamic simulation model developed for electrodynamic tethers. Detailed models of the geomagnetic field and the ionosphere are used to create a realistic environment. The highly nonlinear contactor voltage-current characteristic is incorporated into a circuit equation, which includes radiation impedance, and is solved along the tether's orbit. Results show that it is more effective to fully ionize the contactor gas internally than to partially ionize it externally and that, based on the specific power for the tether system, the optimum gas to use is argon. In addition, the effect of the radiation impedance on tether system performance is examined.
First trimester ultrasound screening is effective in reducing postterm labor induction rates: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective This study was designed to test the null hypothesis that first trimester ultrasound crown-rump length measurement for gestational age determination will result in no difference in the rate of induction of labor for postterm pregnancy, compared with second trimester biometry alone. Study design Two hundred eighteen women were randomly assigned to receive either first trimester ultrasound screening or second trimester ultrasound screening to establish the expected date of confinement. Sample size was calculated by using a 2-tailed α=.05 and power (1-β)=80%. Data were analyzed with χ 2 and Fisher exact tests. Results Of 104 women randomly assigned to the first trimester screening group, 41.3% had their gestational age adjusted on the basis of the crown-rump length measurement. Of 92 women randomly assigned to the second trimester screening group, 10.9% were corrected as a result of biometry ( P P =0.04, relative risk=0.37, 95% CI=0.14-0.96). Conclusion The application of a program of first trimester ultrasound screening to a low-risk obstetric population results in a significant reduction in the rate of labor induction for postterm pregnancy.
Comparative study of real-time deconvolution methods for medical imaging

A comparative study of real—time deconvolution methods for medical imagingNathan Cohen and Guido SandriDepartment of Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringBoston UniversityBoston MA 02215ABSTRACTWe report an analysis of the relative time scales and accuracies attainable with threedeconvolution methods which may be implemented in real-time deconvolution schemes.These methods are: iterative point deconvolution, maximum entropy method, and themethod of hyperdistributions.The first method is considerably faster, and its artifacts may be mitigated by compar-ison masking. However, although it replicates morphology well, it is not photometric--it does not derive peak intensities with high accuracy. If these three methods areindications of computational efficiency for deconvolution, it is likely that iterativepoint deconvolution will dominate cost—effective strategies for deblurring in real—time modalities.
Opiate effects on social investigatory behavior of male mice

The effects of morphine and naloxone, alone and in combination, on social investigatory behavior and motor activity was examined in CD-1 male mice. Tests were conducted in a Plexiglas apparatus in which a center area was separated from two adjacent stimulus compartments by wire mesh screens. One compartment housed a female conspecific while the other remained empty and served as a control for non-specific investigatory responses. A photocell bisected the center compartment and recorded motor activity. Male mice were placed individually into the center area and the time spent investigating each screen was recorded using contact circuits during the 15-min test. In Experiment 1, males (N = 11) received saline, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg morphine sulfate IP 20 min prior to testing. The high dose significantly decreased investigation of the female compartment while investigation of the uninhibited chamber and motor activity were not significantly affected. In a second experiment (N = 16), 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg naloxone administered 30 min prior to testing had no significant effect on any of the measures recorded. In a third group of subjects (N = 16), 3 mg/kg naloxone reversed the decrease in female investigation time observed with 10 mg/kg morphine, indicating an opiate mechanism for these results. These data provide further evidence that an animal model can be used to study the disruption of socio-sexual behavior produced by opiates.
The new aesthetic-political avant-garde: Linda Zerilli's Feminism and the Abyss of Freedom

Arendt, H. 1977. “What is Freedom.” In Between Past and Future. London: Penguin. ———. 1998. The Human Condition, 2nd ed. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Blumenberg, H. 1975. Die Genesis der kopernikanischen Welt. Frankfurt: Suhrkamp. Bourdieu, P. 1977. Outline of a Theory of Practice: Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Burke, K. 1969. The Rhetoric of Motives. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. de Certeau, M. 1984. The Practice of Everyday Life. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. Hallyn, F. 1990. The Poetic Structure of the World: Copernicus and Kepler. New York: Zone. Milan Women’s Bookstore Collective. 1990. Sexual Difference. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press. Schutz, A. 1932. Der Sinnhafte Aufbau der Sozialen Welt. Wien: Springer. Simmel, G. 1908. Soziologie. Leipzig: Duncker&Humblot. Wittig, M. 1985. Les Guerilleres. Boston, MA: Beacon.
Study of frozen solutions of ferrous compounds by Mössbauer effect and differential thermal analysis (DTA)

Abstract Changes in quick frozen aqueous solutions slowly heated are studied by differential thermal analysis and by the Mossbauer effect. DTA is used to measure the heat associated with these changes and it is used along with the Mossbauer data to identify the changes. Results of studies on frozen solutions of iron ammonium sulphate, ferrous chloride and ferrous perchlorate are reported in the paper. The heat associated with the different changes of the crystals per gram of iron is approximately independent of the concentration of the solution.
Directed self-assembly process for nano-electronic devices and interconnect

Abstract Requirements for nano-electronic devices and interconnect in conventional logic circuit architecture are examined to reveal the possible device structure containing self-assembly (SA) features. For integration with lithography, we discuss the features of the SA process and then present a full process flow for a novel type of SA nano-crystal EEPROM cells. The logic functionality below the lithography limit derived from the SA dot arrays and the I – V characteristics including the Coulomb blockade effect are then presented.
Direct measurement of formation of loops in DNA by a human tumor suppressor protein

In previous work we developed methods using optical tweezers to measure protein-mediated formation of loops in DNA structures that can play an important role in regulating gene expression. We previously applied this method to study two-site restriction endonucleases, which were convenient model systems for studying this phenomenon. Here we report preliminary work in which we have applied this method to study p53, a human tumor suppressor protein, and show that we can measure formation of loops. Previous biophysical evidence for loops comes from relatively limited qualitative studies of fixed complexes by electron microscopy4. Our results provide independent corroboration and future opportunities for more quantitative studies investigating structure and mechanics.
Conscious awareness of retrieval: an exploration of the cortical connectivity

A review of the patterns of brain activation observed in implicit and explicit memory tasks indicates that during conscious retrieval studied items are first retrieved nonconsciously and are retained in a buffer at the extrastriate cortex. It also indicates that the awareness of the retrieved item is made possible by the activation of a reentrant signaling loop between the extrastriate and left prefrontal cortices.
Pseudocoarctation of the aorta

Abstract A report of an anomalous kinking of the aortic arch is presented with a discussion of the anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and management. The congenital nature of the lesion, the importance of an accurate diagnosis, and hemodynamic insignificance are stressed in this report.
Zipper Protein, a B-G Protein with the Ability to Regulate Actin/Myosin 1 Interactions in the Intestinal Brush Border

Abstract We recently identified a 28-kDa protein in the intestinal brush border that resembled tropomyosin in terms of size, homology, and α helical content. This protein contained 27 heptad repeats, nearly all of which began with leucine, leading to its name zipper protein. Subsequent analysis, however, indicated that both a 49-kDa and a 28-kDa immunoreactive protein existed in intestinal brush-border extracts. Using 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends analysis, we extended the N-terminal sequence of zipper protein to the apparent translation start site. This additional sequence contained a putative transmembrane domain and two potential tryptic cleavage sites C-terminal to the transmembrane domain which would release a 28-kDa cytoplasmic protein if utilized. The additional sequence was highly homologous to members of the B-G protein family, a family with no known function. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that zipper protein was confined to the membrane of the microvillus where it was in close association with brush-border myosin 1 (BBM1). Recombinant zipper protein (28-kDa cytoplasmic portion) blocked the binding of actin to BBM1 and inhibited actin-stimulated BBM1 ATPase activity. In contrast, zipper protein had no effect on endogenous or K/EDTA-stimulated BBM1 ATPase activity. Furthermore, zipper protein displaced tropomyosin from binding to actin, suggesting that these homologous proteins bind to the same sites on the actin molecule. We conclude that zipper protein is a transmembrane protein of the B-G family localized to the intestinal epithelial cell microvillus. The extended cytoplasmic tail either in the intact molecule or after tryptic cleavage may participate in regulating the binding and, thus, activation of BBM1 by actin in a manner similar to tropomyosin.
Transfusion guidelines for cardiovascular surgery: lessons learned from operations in Jehovah's Witnesses

Patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery are among the top users of homologous blood transfusion (HBT). Awareness of the risks of disease transmission and immune system modulation from HBT has prompted us to find alternatives such as autologous predonation (APD) and intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT). However, these latter options are not appropriate for all patients. We reviewed our experience with 59 Jehovah's Witness patients who underwent 63 elective cardiovascular procedures without either HBT or APD to determine the safety of operation without these modalities and to develop revised maximum surgical blood-ordering schedule guidelines for cardiovascular surgery. Estimated blood loss averaged 870 ml, but one third to one half of losses were replaced by IAT. IAT was not needed in lower extremity bypass operations in which the estimated blood loss was less than 150 ml. Three of 59 patients died (5.1%), but only one died of operative bleeding complications. We conclude that (1) elective cardiovascular operations can be done safely without the use of either HBT or APD, (2) HBT is not necessary in leg bypass procedures, and (3) maximum surgical blood-ordering schedule guidelines for HBT in major cardiovascular operations can be reduced to near zero by the use of intraoperative autotransfusion and acceptance of a postoperative hemoglobin nadir of 7.0 gm/dl.
The Odor Specificities of a Subset of Olfactory Receptor Neurons Are Governed by Acj6, a POU-Domain Transcription Factor

Little is known about how the odor specificities of olfactory neurons are generated, a process essential to olfactory coding. We have found that neuronal identity relies on the abnormal chemosensory jump 6 (acj6) gene, originally identified by a defect in olfactory behavior. Physiological analysis of individual olfactory neurons shows that in acj6 mutants, a subset of neurons acquires a different odorant response profile. Certain other neurons do not respond to any tested odors in acj6. Molecular analysis of acj6 shows that it encodes a POU-domain transcription factor expressed in olfactory neurons. Our data suggest that the odor response spectrum of an olfactory neuron, and perhaps the choice of receptor genes, is determined through a process requiring the action of Acj6.
MENIX: A UNIX USER ADAPTABLE INTERFACE

Menix is an adaptive user interface that presents to a user a limited set of Unix commands as a function of a predefined level of information. The commands presented in an adaptable menu are functions of the user and of his/her past interaction with Unix. Menix infers the level of information of a command from information theoretic principles. Commands/units are also connected by adaptable weights. A level of activation is computed for each command and commands with high levels of activation (high information content) are then presented to the user. For each command typed by the user, Menix learns by adjusting the weights between commands. At first, each user is considered as an "average" user. Following a number of sessions, the system adapts and attempts to infer current knowledge and goals of each user. The theoretical principles can be adapted to other systems of complexity comparable to Unix.
Effect of short-term feed restriction and refeeding on serum concentrations of leptin, luteinizing hormone and insulin in ovariectomized gilts.

Abstract Ovariectomized gilts were either placed on full feed (FF) or restricted to one-third of the full feed amount (RST) for 7 days. Blood samples were taken through jugular catheters every 15min for 4h at the end of the 7-day period. Then dietary treatments were reversed and 7 days later samples were taken as before. Serum concentrations of leptin, insulin and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined by radioimmunoassay. LH pulse frequency and mean serum leptin and insulin concentrations were lower ( P