cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of pH on the properties of normal and 5-fluorouracil-containing tRNAs.

Abstract Transfer RNAs isolated from Escherichia coli B grown in the presence of 5-fluorouracil (FlUra) show variations in their aminoacylation levels when compared with normal samples. Some of these variations result from the more stringent aminoacylation reaction conditions required for FlUra-tRNAs. Increasing the reaction pH from 7 to 9 for example, generally causes a lowering of amino acid acceptance by the analog-containing tRNAs, while leaving control samples largely unchanged. This decreased activity appears to result primarily from fluorouracil ionization, which in turn disrupts intramolecular hydrogen bonding and promotes an overall increase in the molecular dimensions of FlUra-tRNAs at elevated pH values. Sensitivity to pH differs with the amino acid examined, with lysine showing dramatic changes and glutamine and proline being largely unaffected.
Cross-Comparison of Three Electromyogram Decomposition Algorithms Assessed With Experimental and Simulated Data

The reliability of clinical and scientific information provided by algorithms that automatically decompose the electromyogram (EMG) depends on the algorithms' accuracies. We used experimental and simulated data to assess the agreement and accuracy of three publicly available decomposition algorithms—EMGlab (McGill , 2005) (single channel data only), Fuzzy Expert (Erim and Lim, 2008) and Montreal (Florestal , 2009). Data consisted of quadrifilar needle EMGs from the tibialis anterior of 12 subjects at 10%, 20% and 50% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC); single channel needle EMGs from the biceps brachii of 10 controls and 10 patients during contractions just above threshold; and matched simulated data. Performance was assessed via agreement between pairs of algorithms for experimental data and accuracy with respect to the known decomposition for simulated data. For the quadrifilar experimental data, median agreements between the Montreal and Fuzzy Expert algorithms at 10%, 20%, and 50% MVC were 95%, 86%, and 64%, respectively. For the single channel control and patient data, median agreements between the three algorithm pairs were statistically similar at $\sim$ 97% and $\sim$ 92%, respectively. Accuracy on the simulated data exceeded this performance. Agreement/accuracy was strongly related to the Decomposability Index (Florestal , 2009). When agreement was high between algorithm pairs applied to simulated data, so was accuracy.
Changes on the fine sediment dynamics after the Port of Rio Grande expansion

Abstract. The Patos Lagoon estuary is a reservoir of fine sediments derived from the continental basin, which is exported to the coastal area through a narrow channel with average discharge of 2000 m3 s−1. The Port of Rio Grande is located in this connection channel between the Patos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, and recently received investments from the Brazilian Government to expand its draft and modify the configuration of the breakwaters located at the mouth. The objective of this study is to investigate changes in the fine sediment dynamics in the estuarine and coastal region, after the modernization work carried out at the Port of Rio Grande. The study was conducted using a three-dimensional numerical model (TELEMAC-3D) coupled with a sediment in suspension and morphological model (SediMorph). Results were analyzed in a comparative way in relation to the deposition pattern observed in these regions before and after the construction work. Results indicate that there was a change in the deposition pattern and redistribution of sediment at the bottom due to hydrodynamic changes resulting from the new configuration of the breakwaters and progressive deepening of the access channel.
Antenatal brain injury in third trimester neonates with severe congenital anomalies: an autopsy study.

Objective: With advances in therapy, more neonates with severe congenital anomalies are surviving, albeit some with neurologic disorders, possibly related to antenatal low brain blood flow. This au...
Reply to “Comment on ‘Charge expulsion and electric field in superconductors’ ”

I argue that the validity of the new electrodynamic equations for superconductors proposed in my paper can and should be decided by experiment. Furthermore I show that BCS theory is ambiguous in its prediction of screening of longitudinal electric fields and hence cannot be used to decide between the validity of my theory versus the conventional theory. I also give a physical argument for why screening of electric fields by superconducting electrons should be expected to be less efficient than that by normal electrons, as predicted by the new equations.
Genetic basis for tissue isozymes of glutamine synthetase in elasmobranchs.

Tissue-specific isozymes of glutamine synthetase are present in elasmobranchs. A larger isozyme occurs in tissues in which the enzyme is localized in mitochondria (liver, kidney) whereas a smaller form occurs in tissues in which it is cytosolic (brain, spleen, etc.). The nucleotide sequence of spiny dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) liver glutamine synthetase mRNA, derived from its cDNA, shows there are two in-frame initiation codons (AUG) at the N-terminus which will account for the size differences between the two isozymes. Initiation at the up-stream and down-stream sites would yield peptides of 45,406 and 41,869 mol. wts. representing the precursor of the mitochondrial isozyme and the cytosolic isozyme, respectively. The additional N-terminal 29 amino acids present in the mitochondrial isozyme precursor contains two putative cleavage sites based on the Arg-X-(Phe,Ile,Leu) motif. The predicted two-step processing would remove 14 of the 29 N-terminal amino acids. These 14 amino acids can be predicted to form a very strong amphipathic mitochondrial targeting signal. Their removal would yield a mature peptide of 43,680 mol. wt. The calculated mol. wts. based on the derived amino acid sequence are therefore in good agreement with previous estimates of an approximately 1.5–2-kDa difference between the Mrs of the mitochondrial and cytosolic isozymes. A model for the evolution of the mitochondrial targeting of glutamine synthetase in vertebrates is proposed.
Physiologic performance of women compared to men Observations of cadets at the United States Military Academy

Observations about the physiologic factors which affected per formance were made on the first women (total 119) admitted to the United States Military Academy, West Point, during their first 8-week training period. The physical requirements during 16½-hr (average) days were essentially the same as required of the men (total 1,366). Results obtained from observations of the women compared to the men were tabulated in the following categories: hospital admissions (3.6 to 2.5%, injuries; 21 to 7.7%, medical conditions); stress fractures (10 to 1%); and loss of duty time (26 to 5% not capable of full duty at end of the 8 weeks). Also measurements were compared for hematocrits, body composition, major muscle groups of the upper and lower extremities, and maximum oxygen consumption. These short- term observations on women and men in an environment of equal physical training show there is a measureable difference in physical performance and that men have the advantage in accomplishing the tasks with fewer injuri...
Screening tests of contact sprays for control of adult house flies.

Wind-tunnel tests were made to evaluate the effectiveness of 119 promising insecticides as contact sprays against a susceptible strain of house flies, Musca domestica L., and a strain resistant to insecticide. Forty of the compounds were more effective against both strains, based on the LC50 levels, than the malathion or ronnel standards.
Airborne optical communications demonstrator design and preflight test results

A second generation optical communications demonstrator (OCD-2) intended for airborne applications like air-to-ground and air-to-air optical links is under development at JPL. This development provides the capability for unidirectional high data rate (2.5-Gbps) transmission at 1550-nm, with the ability to receive an 810-nm beacon to aid acquisition pointing and tracking. The transmitted beam width is nominally 200-(micro)rad. A 3x3 degree coarse field-of-view (FOV) acquisition sensor with a much smaller ~3-mrad FOV tracking sensor is incorporated. The OCD-2 optical head will be integrated to a high performance gimbal turret assembly capable of providing pointing stability of 5- microradians from an airborne platform. Other parts of OCD-2 include a cable harness, connecting the optical head in the gimbal turret assembly to a rugged electronics box. The electronics box will house: command and control processors, laser transmitter, data-generation-electronics, power conversion/distribution hardware and state-of-health monitors. The entire assembly will be integrated and laboratory tested prior to a planned flight demonstrations.
Commensurability effects at nonmatching fields for vortices in diluted periodic pinning arrays

Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that superconductors containing periodic pinning arrays, which have been diluted through random removal of a fraction of the pins, have pronounced commensurability effects at the same magnetic field strength as undiluted pinning arrays. The commensuration can occur at fields significantly higher than the matching field, produces much greater critical current enhancement than a random pinning arrangement due to suppression of vortex channeling, and persists for arrays with up to 90% dilution. These results suggest that diluted periodic pinning arrays may be a promising geometry to increase the critical current in superconductors over a wide magnetic field range.
Graft and patient survival after adult live donor liver transplantation compared to a matched cohort who received a deceased donor transplantation

Live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become increasingly common in the United States and around the world. In this study, we compared the outcome of 764 patients who received LDLT in the United States and compared the results with a matched population that received deceased donor transplantation (DDLT) using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. For each LDLT recipient (n = 764), two DDLT recipients (n = 1,470), matched for age, gender, race, diagnosis, and year of transplantation, were selected from the UNOS data after excluding multiple organ transplantation or retransplantation, children, and those with incomplete data. Despite our matching, recipients of LDLT had more stable liver disease, as shown by fewer patients with UNOS status 1 or 2A, in an intensive care unit, or on life support. Creatinine and cold ischemia time were also lower in the LDLT group. Primary graft nonfunction, hyperacute rejection rates, and patient survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis were similar in both groups (2-year survival was 79.0% in LDLT vs. 80.7% in case-controls; P = .5), but graft survival was significantly lower in LDLT (2-year graft survival was 64.4% vs. 73.3%; P < .001). Cox regression (after adjusting for confounding variables) analysis showed that LDLT recipients were 60% more likely to lose their graft compared to DDLT recipients (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6; confidence interval 1.1-2.5). Among hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, LDLT recipients showed lower graft survival when compared to those who received DDLT. In conclusion, short-term patient survival in LDLT is similar to that in the DDLT group, but graft survival is significantly lower in LDLT recipients. LDLT is a reasonable option for patients who are unlikely to receive DDLT in a timely fashion. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1263–1268.)
Construction Delivery Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Their Performance within School Districts

Multiple prime is one type of construction delivery system and it is the subject of many discussions in the industry. Many general contractors, architects, and owners believe that this system inherently has coordination problems. On the other hand, specialty contractors believe that this system has several advantages because of the exclusion of the intermediate parties and the direct relationship of these contractors to the owner. The goal of this study is to objectively analyze the performance of construction delivery systems within public school districts. The school districts in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Virginia form the population of this study. Quantitative and qualitative variables are used for comparison. ANOVA and two-sample t tests are used as statistical tools for the quantitative, and the chi-square test is used for the qualitative analysis. Two groups of projects are examined. Set one includes all valid responses to a survey sent to school district super...
A study of the use of occlusion splints in the treatment of acute and chronic patients with craniomandibular disorders

Abstract Thirty-three patients were treated for a 4-week period with splint therapy. Fourteen muscle and joint regions were palpated before and after treatment, and observable pain scores were recorded. Maximal comfortable interincisal distance and maximal interincisal distance were recorded before and after treatment. The following results were observed. 1. Of the 33 patients, 28 showed improvement in observable pain scores. The mean decrease was 4.4 (p 2. Of the 33 patients, 27 showed increase in maximal comfortable interincisal distance. The mean increase in interincisal distance was 5.3 mm (p 3. Of the 33 patients, 21 showed an increase in maximal mandibular opening; however, the increase of 1.7 mm was not statistically significant. 4. When the patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of symptoms, there was no significant difference between the groups' symptoms or their responses to treatment.
New structural motif for ligand-gated ion channels defined by an ionotropic ATP receptor

The adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) molecule is an extracellular messenger in neural and non-neural tissues, where it activates several cell-surface-receptor subtypes, including G-protein-coupled receptors and ligand-gated ion channels. ATP-gated channels (termed P2x receptors) have been characterized on smooth muscle cells and autonomic and sensory neurons, where they mediate membrane depolarization and, in some cases, Ca2+ entry. P2x receptors are functionally heterogeneous, but resemble acetylcholine- and serotonin-gated channels with respect to ion selectivity and kinetic parameters of channel gating. We report here that despite such close functional similarities, the deduced sequence of a cloned P2x receptor predicts an unusual subunit structure resembling voltage-insensitive cation channels. Thus, the P2x receptor provides a striking example of convergent evolution, whereby proteins have been fashioned with similar functional properties from subunits having very different structural characteristics. There is sequence similarity between the ATP receptor and RP-2, a gene activated in thymocytes undergoing programmed cell death. RP-2 may encode a receptor for ATP or another metabolite released during apoptosis.
High RF carrier frequency modulation in silicon resonators by coupling adjacent free-spectral-range modes

We demonstrate the modulation of silicon ring resonators at RF carrier frequencies higher than the resonance linewidth by coupling adjacent free-spectral-range (FSR) resonance modes. In this modulator scheme, the modulation frequency is matched to the FSR frequency. As an example, we demonstrate a 20 GHz modulation in a silicon ring with a resonance linewidth of only 11.7 GHz. We show theoretically that this modulator scheme has lower power consumption compared to a standard silicon ring modulator at high carrier frequencies. These results could enable future on-chip high-frequency analog communication and photonic signal processing on a silicon photonics platform.
Dermatitis among automobile production machine operators exposed to metal‐working fluids

This cross-sectional study was designed to assess differences in prevalence of contact dermatitis between machine operators exposed to metal-working fluids (MWFs) and unexposed assemblers, and to assess potential risk factors for contact dermatitis among these machine operators. In their work, machine operators were exposed to either semisynthetic or soluble oil MWFs. We evaluated 158 machine operators and 51 assemblers from one large automobile transmission plant using questionnaires, dermatologist examination of the skin, and dermal dosimetry to measure wetness and metal exposures. We found that machine operators had more combined (definite plus possible) dermatitis (27.2% vs. 13.7%, χ2 = 3.9, p = 0.05, 1 df) compared with assemblers. Among machine operators, risk factors significantly associated with (combined) dermatitis were subjective assessment of wetness of the work, exposure to semisynthetic as opposed to soluble oil MWF, current cigarette smoking, and increasing worker age. These risk factors suggested preventive and control measures including control of wet work, surveillance programs including early self-report of dermatitis, consideration of replacement of semisynthetic with soluble oil MWFs, and strictly limiting smoking among machine operators exposed to MWFs. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measuring chirality in NMR in the presence of a time-dependent electric field

Traditional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments are "blind" to chirality since the spectra for left and right handed enantiomers are identical in an achiral medium. However, theoretical arguments have suggested that the effective Hamiltonian for spin-1/2 nuclei in the presence of electric and magnetic fields can be different for left and right handed enantiomers, thereby enabling NMR to be used to spectroscopically detect chirality even in an achiral medium. However, most proposals to detect the chiral NMR signature require measuring signals that are equivalent to picomolar concentrations for (1)H nuclei, which are outside current NMR detection limits. In this work, we propose to use an AC electric field that is resonantly modulated at the Larmor frequency, thereby enhancing the effect of the chiral term by four to six orders of magnitude. We predict that a steady-state transverse magnetization, whose direction will be opposite for different enantiomers, will build up during application of an AC electric field. We also propose an experimental setup that uses a solenoid coil with an AC current to generate the necessary periodic electric fields that can be used to generate chiral signals which are equivalent to the signal from a (1)H submicromolar concentration.
Associations Between Three Measures of Sexual Orientation and High Risk Sexual Behaviors in Young Adults

ABSTRACT This study examines associations between three separate measures of sexual orientation: condom use, number of sexual partners, and time before sex with a new partner. Data come from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, and include 11,619 participants (mean age = 22) who provided complete data on sexual orientation and behavior. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to examine associations between sexual orientation measures and sexual behaviors. Results indicate that males with a same-sex orientation (using an attraction, behavior or identity measure) were more likely than those with an opposite-sex or both-sex orientation to report engaging in sexual activity after a very brief acquaintance, and females with a both-sex orientation (using any measure) were more likely than those with an opposite- or same-sex orientation to report having multiple sexual partners. Associations with condom use and number of partners (for males) and length of acqu...
High-accuracy x-ray imaging: screen, lens, and CCD

A liquid nitrogen cooled CCD TV camera from Astromed, Ltd. has been used for quantitative X-ray medical imaging. The CCD camera is coupled to a Kodak Lanex Regular X-ray intensifying screen with a 5:1 macro lens for bone mineral densitometry of the femur of a rat for a study of the development of osteoporosis. As a feasibility study of the use of the CCD for mammography, a 2:1 macro lens has been used to couple the CCD to a clear CsI(Tl) crystal, 100 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick. The spatial resolution and quantum efficiency of the system is significantly improved by replacing the Lanex Regular screen with the CsI(Tl) crystal.
Recognitive Aspects of Moment Invariants

Moment invariants are evaluated as a feature space for pattern recognition in terms of discrimination power and noise tolerance. The notion of complex moments is introduced as a simple and straightforward way to derive moment invariants. Through this relation, properties of complex moments are used to characterize moment invariants. Aspects of information loss, suppression, and redundancy encountered in moment invariants are investigated and significant results are derived. The behavior of moment invariants in the presence of additive noise is also described.
Application of multiple sublethal stress indicators to assess the health of fish in Pamlico Sound following extensive flooding

Multiple indicators of sublethal stress (bioindicators) were used to assess the health and condition of two important estuarine fish species in the Pamlico Sound estuary following extensive flooding from three sequential hurricanes that occurred during early fall 1999. Bioindicators ranging from the biochemical to the reproductive and organism-level were used to assess the health of southern flounder and spot in Pamlico Sound compared to the health of these same species sampled from a relatively unaffected references site in lower Core Sound. Many of the physiological, reproductive, immunological, histopathological, and general condition indices suggested that both species, and particularly spot, in Pamlico Sound were sublethally stressed and in poorer condition than fish sampled from Core Sound. The major environmental stressors causing these sublethal stress responses in Pamlico Sound fish appears to be those related to episodic hypoxic exposure or a combination of effects associated with hypoxic conditions such as alterations in preferred habitat and food availability. Although fish populations in Pamlico Sound do not appear to be severely damaged or impaired at this time, organisms that are sublethally stressed can incur increased vulnerability to additional or future stressors such as modified physicochemical regimes, changes in food and habitat availability, and increases in infectious pathogens. Because of the low flushing rate (∼1 yr) of Pamlico Sound, recovery rate may be exceptionally slow, prolonging any adverse effects of altered nutrient regimes (such as hypoxia) on the health and fitness of resident fish populations. Flooding from the 1999 hurricanes may have contributed to the short-term health and condition of finfish species in Pamlico Sound and also influenced longer-term recovery and ecological status of this system. Longer-term manifestation of effects from flooding may be of particular concern as the frequency of hurricanes is expected to increase over the next few years and the accelerated uses of the coastal zone places further stress on estuarine resources.
Soil nitrogen availability and herbivore attack influence the chemical defenses of an invasive plant (Linaria dalmatica; Plantaginaceae)

Chemical defenses are thought to contribute to the invasion success and impacts of many introduced plants; however, for most of these species, little is known about these compounds and how they vary in natural environments. Plant allelochemical concentrations may be affected by a variety of abiotic and biotic factors, including soil nutrients and herbivores. Moreover, such quantitative variation is likely to play an important role in species interactions involving these invasive plants. The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of variation in iridoid glycoside concentrations of the invasive plant Linaria dalmatica (Plantaginaceae). We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the effect of soil nitrogen availability on iridoid glycoside concentrations. Results from this experiment showed that plant iridoid glycoside concentrations decreased with increased nitrogen availability. Additionally, plants were collected from multiple field sites in order to characterize the influence of population, soil nitrogen availability, and herbivore attack on iridoid glycoside variation. Results from field studies indicated that plants demonstrated considerable seasonal variation, as well as variation within and among populations, with iridoid glycoside concentrations ranging from approximately 1 to 15% dry weight. The relationship between soil nitrogen and plant iridoid glycosides varied among populations, with a strong negative correlation in one population, a marginally significant negative relationship in a second population, and no relationship in the remaining two populations. Additionally, we found a negative relationship between iridoid glycoside concentrations and plant injury by an introduced biocontrol agent, the stem-mining weevil Mecinus janthinus (Cucurlionidae). These results show that plant allelochemical concentrations can vary widely in natural environments and suggest that levels of plant defense may be reduced by increased soil nitrogen availability and herbivore attack in this invasive plant species.
Dynamic Regulation of Midbrain Dopamine Neuron Activity: Intrinsic, Synaptic, and Plasticity Mechanisms

Abstract Although the roles of dopaminergic signaling in learning and behavior are well established, it is not fully understood how the activity of dopaminergic neurons is dynamically regulated under different conditions in a constantly changing environment. Dopamine neurons must integrate sensory, motor, and cognitive information online to inform the organism to pursue outcomes with the highest reward probability. In this article, we provide an overview of recent advances on the intrinsic, extrinsic (i.e., synaptic), and plasticity mechanisms controlling dopamine neuron activity, mostly focusing on mechanistic studies conducted using ex vivo brain slice preparations. We also hope to highlight some unresolved questions regarding information processing that takes place at dopamine neurons, thereby stimulating further investigations at different levels of analysis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Function and Dysfunction of the Basal Ganglia.
Self-powered nanotech.

This article explores nanotech machines and says they need a better power source than batteries. The creation of nanogenerators makes power on a tiny scale that may permit the use of waste energy in the form of vibration or the human pulse to power devices. Piezoelectric nanowires could capture the energy to run nanodevices. The authors believe the major application of this technology will be in medical devices such as pacemakers and for implantable blood sugar monitoring devices for diabetics. INSET: Ambient-Energy Harvesters.
Photochemistry in supercritical carbon dioxide. The benzophenone-mediated addition of aldehydes to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

Abstract The photo-induced addition of aldehydes to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is an effective, ‘environmentally benign’ method for the synthesis of 2-acyl-1,4-hydroquinones (from quinones) and 1,4-diketones (from enones). This process has been improved by eliminating benzene as a solvent and replacing it with supercritical carbon dioxide. Highest yields were obtained at higher CO2 pressures, or with the addition of 5% t-butyl alcohol as co-solvent.
Alpha-aminocyclic and bicyclic alkane carboxylic acids: differential effects on selected amino acids of rat brain cortex.

— The intraperitoneal administration of 1-aminocyclopentane carboxylic acid, 1-aminocyclohex-ane carboxylic acid, l-aminocycloheptane carboxylic acid, 1-aminocyclooctane carboxylic acid, exo-2-aminobicyclo(2,2. l)heptane-2-carboxylic acid. endo-2-aminobicyclo(2,2.1)heptane-2-carboxylic acid. 2-aminobicyclo(2.2.2)octane-2-carboxylic acid and 2-aminobicyclo(3,2.l)octane-2-carboxylic acid to 18-day-old male rats selectively perturbed the levels of neutral amino acids in the cerebral cortex. While the effect of the above compounds was rather diversified and usually resulted in a reduction of amino acid levels. marked elevations of the levels of valine and isoleucine were also noted. 1-Aminocycloheptane and cyclooctane carboxylic acids were particularly noteworthy, in that they elicited a marked reduction of the levels of cortical phenylalanine.
A method for cartoon-style rendering of liquid animations

In this paper we present a visually compelling and informative cartoon rendering style for liquid animations. Our style is inspired by animations such as Futurama,1The Little Mermaid,2 and Bambi2. We take as input a liquid surface obtained from a three-dimensional physically based liquid simulation system and output animations that evoke a cartoon style and convey liquid movement. Our method is based on four cues that emphasize properties of the liquid's shape and motion. We use bold outlines to emphasize depth discontinuities, patches of constant color to highlight near-silhouettes and areas of thinness, and, optionally place temporally coherent oriented textures on the liquid surface to help convey motion.
From Animal to Man: Reuse of Patient Equipment Used on Research Animals

Abstract ISSUE: Animal researchers may request to use expensive surgical and radiological equipment designated for patients. Infection control professionals (ICPs) may be unaware of reuse due to the sensitive nature of animal research. Potential for zoonotic transmission of pathogens to patients and employees varies by species, source of animal, equipment, and infectious agents used. Limited published information exits to assist ICPs in providing infection control recommendations. PROJECT: Multidisciplinary meetings were held to develop policies for reuse of surgical and imaging equipment. Members included veterinarians, laboratory managers, investigators, infectious disease physicians, infection control, surgical processing, and central service personnel. RESULTS: Policies were developed based on type of equipment and ability to clean and sterilize. Ruminants and animals with known or suspected prion disease were excluded, as prions are difficult to destroy. Veterinarians exam all new animals for signs of disease. Equipment is divided into three categories: surgical items, ultrasound probes, and imaging. Sterilization and usage tracking is required for surgical items. Ultrasound probes are covered with barriers, cleaned, and disinfected after use. Trained handlers transport animals to Radiology in disinfected cages during off-hours. Non-rodent animals are sedated prior to transport. Handlers perform all positioning and animal contact. Barriers are used between animal and scanner; animals with airborne or droplet disease are prohibited. Researchers are encouraged to seek funding for equipment and are educated on policies. LESSONS LEANED: ICPs may be unaware of patient equipment used on animals. Researchers may “borrow” equipment without management knowledge. Institutions need policies for patient and employee protection.
A role for CSLD3 during cell-wall synthesis in apical plasma membranes of tip-growing root-hair cells

In plants, cell shape is defined by the cell wall, and changes in cell shape and size are dictated by modification of existing cell walls and deposition of newly synthesized cell-wall material. In root hairs, expansion occurs by a process called tip growth, which is shared by root hairs, pollen tubes and fungal hyphae. We show that cellulose-like polysaccharides are present in root-hair tips, and de novo synthesis of these polysaccharides is required for tip growth. We also find that eYFP-CSLD3 proteins, but not CESA cellulose synthases, localize to a polarized plasma-membrane domain in root hairs. Using biochemical methods and genetic complementation of a csld3 mutant with a chimaeric CSLD3 protein containing a CESA6 catalytic domain, we provide evidence that CSLD3 represents a distinct (1→4)-β-glucan synthase activity in apical plasma membranes during tip growth in root-hair cells.
A single-copy promoter-cloning vector for use in Escherichia coli.

Abstract We have constructed and tested a single-copy-plasmid vector (pEU720) based on the IncFII-group plasmid, R100, that is useful for cloning promoters in front of lac Z . The vector is 15 kb long and contains a unique XhoI site in front of luc Z .
Number of Sexual Partners and Social Disorganization: A Developmental Trajectory Approach

Utilizing a developmental trajectory approach, this study examines whether or not the perceived presence of social disorganization within communities contributes to the experience of having multiple sexual partners. The sample consists of African-American self-reports (n = 402) originating from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79). Analysis centers on responses from individuals who were ages 15 to 17 in 1998, 17 to 19 in 2000, 19 to 21 in 2002, 21 to 23 in 2004, 23 to 25 in 2006, and 25 to 27 in 2008. Following trajectory analysis of their reported number of sexual partners and perceptions of social disorganization, three groups are identified, showing variations in perceptions and number of sexual partners. Overall, results from these groups indicate that perceived social disorganization among African Americans has some impact on their number of sexual partners. Implications and directions for future research concerning social disorganization and public health are discussed.
An assessment of the ecological effects of acidic deposition

Research on the ecological effects of acidic deposition has yielded information that currently permits a partial assessment of these effects. Establishing a relationship between deposition of acidity and ecological effects is a difficult, lengthy process; the complexity of ecosystems requires an integrated mechanism-level approach in order to obtain quantitative and predictive information. Known ecological effects of acidic deposition appear in surface waters and probably forest eco-systems in eastern North America, northern, and central Europe. Almost all documented anthropogenically acidified surface waters in North America occur in the Adirondack Mountains. The effect of anthropogenic acidification on fish, expressed regionally, seems to be small compared to the total resource at risk. The current rate of acidification of surface water in North America appears to be slow. Acidification of surface water is temporarily reversed with addition of CaCO3. Fish tend to have higher Hg body burdens at lower pH of ambient water. Vertebrates other than fish and amphibians have not been affected by acidification, with the possible exception of local populations of piscivores and insectivores. Some lakes are apparently culturally acidified in southern Scandinavia and southern Scotland, but the limitations of the data restrict assessments. Forest decline is a widespread natural process that may be exacerbated by air pollution. Acidic deposition may contribute to forest decline by interaction with ozone and by the leaching of nutrients from soil. In North America, high elevation red spruce is in an unexplained decline to which both ozone and acidic deposition may be contributing. Acidic deposition may be exerting some unmeasured effect on forest decline in Germany by the further leaching of nutrient deficient soils. Extensive experimental work has failed to disclose unambiguous effects of acidic deposition on crops.
Essay on Contemporary Issues in Ethology: On the Problems Studied in Ethology, Comparative Psychology, and Animal Behavior

I review Tinbergen's “four problems of biology,” their antecedents, and their subsequent development in the hands of other writers. As they have been developed from writer to writer the “problems” have been transformed and altered in subtle ways, some of which appear counterproductive. I suggest that the divisions of the problems in terms of “proximate-ultimate” and “how-why” have had unfortunate consequences and I suggest a modest revision so that problems are considered in relation to the genesis, control, and consequences of behavior.
A Comparison of Molten Sn and Bi for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes

Molten Sn and Bi were examined at 973 and 1073 K for use as anodes in solid oxide fuel cells with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes. Cells were operated under “battery” conditions, with dry He flow in the anode compartment, to characterize the electrochemical oxidation of the metals at the YSZ interface. For both metals, the open-circuit voltages (OCVs) were close to that expected based on their oxidation thermodynamics, ~0.93 V for Sn and ~0.48 V for Bi. With Sn, the cell performance degraded rapidly after the transfer of approximately 0.5-1.5 Ccm{sup 2} of charge due to the formation of a SnO{sub 2} layer at the YSZ interface. At 973 K, the anode impedance at OCV for freshly reduced Sn was approximately 3 {ohm}cm{sup 2} but this increased to well over 250 {ohm}cm{sup 2} after the transfer of of charge. Following the transfer of 8.2 Ccm{sup 2} at 1073 K, the formation of a 10{micro}m thick SnO{sub 2} layer was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. With Bi, the OCV anode impedance at 973 K was less than 0.25 {ohm}cm{sup 2} and remained constant until essentially all of the Bi had been oxidized to BiO{sub 2}. Some implications of these results formore » direct carbon fuel cells are discussed.« less
Introducing the Spotted Saxifrages: Saxifraga Sect. Bronchiales, Sect. Nov. (Saxifragaceae)

Abstract Recent molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed that Saxifraga sect. Trachyphyllum as currently circumscribed is polyphyletic, with the designated type, S. aspera, falling outside of the more speciose clade. Several other lines of morphological, geographic, and ecological evidence also distinguish the two distantly related groups from one another. In combination, these data necessitate the circumscription of a new section, S. sect. Bronchiales, which is described herein. The section is hypothesized to have arisen in the southern Rocky Mountains of North America, followed by northwestward expansion across Beringia and diversification among refugia.
Nerve cord sheath receptors activate the large fiber system in the leech

1. Mechanosensitive receptors in the ganglionic sheath of the leech nerve cord have been found to activate the large fiber in the medial connective, Favre's nerve. 2. Application of tactile stimuli simulating pressure and noxious stimulation to the skin of an intact segment evokes large fiber discharge. 3. Stimulation of the T, P and N skin mechanoreceptor cells by tactile stimulation or by intracellular current pulses does not evoke large fiber discharge. 4. Sequential dissection experiments demonstrate that excitation of the large fiber during tactile stimulation of an intact segment is mediated by mechanoreceptors in the ganglionic sheath.
Optimal Interest-Rate Smoothing

This paper considers the desirability of the observed tendency of central banks to adjust interest rates only gradually in response to changes in economic conditions. It shows, in the context of a simple model of optimizing private-sector behaviour, that assignment of an interest-rate smoothing objective to the central bank may be desirable, even when reduction of the magnitude of interest-rate changes is not a social objective in itself. This is because a response of policy to "irrelevant" lagged variables may be desirable owing to the way it steers private-sector expectations of future policy.
Anostraca of the Indian Subcontinent

There are 15 species of Anostraca belonging to 6 genera on the Indian Subcontinent. These are: Artemia sp. (reportedly a bisexual form of undetermined species); Artemia parthenogenetica Bowen & Sterling, 1978; Branchinecta orientalis Sars, 1901; Branchinella hardingi (Qadri & Baqai, 1956); Branchinella kugenumaensis (Ishikawa, 1895); Branchinella ornata Daday, 1910; Branchipodopsis acanthopenes (Malhotra & Duda, 1970); Branchipodopsis affinis Sars, 1901; Branchipus schaefferi Fischer, 1834; Chirocephalus priscus (Daday, 1910); Streptocephalus dichotomus Baird, 1860; Streptocephalus echinus Bond, 1934; Streptocephalus longimanus Bond, 1934; Streptocephalus simplex Gurney, 1906; Streptocephalus spinifer Gurney, 1906.
Liquid immiscibility between nephelinite and carbonatite from 1.0 to 2.5 GPa compared with mantle melt compositions

In order to define the conditions for the formation of immiscible carbonatite magmas in the lithosphere and in the crust, we have conducted phase equilibrium experiments to determine the effect of pressure and temperature on the silicate-carbonate liquid miscibility gap in bulk compositions appropriate for magmas in the upper mantle. A primitive (magnesian) nephelinite (NEPH) was used as a starting material, mixed with carbonates. Experiments were made with mixtures in the joins NEPH-dolomite-Na2CO3 (NEPH-Dol-NC) at 1.0 to 2.5 GPa, and NEPH-calcite (NEPH-CC) at 1.0 GPa. The miscibility gap was intersected by the join NEPH-Dol-NC (liquids with olivine), but not by NEPH-CC. Together with previous results for the Mg-free system (Na2O-CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-CO2), it was established that the size of the miscibility gap for magnesian compositions increases with decreasing pressures from depths of ˜100 km to ˜ 35 km; it increases further as compositions are changed by decreasing Mg/Ca. The maximum CaCO3 in liquids associated with the miscibility gap is 50 wt % for Mg-bearing liquids, and 80 wt % for Mg-free liquids. There is no experimental evidence for nearly pure-CaCO3 immiscible liquids, but abundant evidence for the precipitation of rounded calcite crystals from carbonate-rich liquids. The join NEPH-CC locates a piercing point on the liquidus field boundary for coprecipitation of olivine and calcite at NEPH50CC50 (wt %), part of the silicate-carbonate liquidus field boundary which defines the locus of liquids formed from carbonate-peridotites. The miscibility gap results are compared with magmas formed during partial fusion of CO2-bearing mantle peridotites, and during fractional crystallization of mantle-derived magmas. None of the probable magma paths in mantle processes intersects the miscibility gap. CO2-bearing mantle-derived alkalic magmas such as nephelinites and melilitites may fractionate during uprise through the mantle and crystallization within the crust. The compositions of these evolved nephelinites and phonolites approach the silicate side of the miscibility gap, confirming the probable generation of immiscible, alkalic carbonate-rich liquids at crustal pressures.
Predictions for a distributed parameter model describing the hepatic processing of 2,3,7,8-TCDD

A distributed parameter model describing spatially-dependent hepatic processing of the chemical compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin) has previously been reported [1]. The mathematical system consists of coupled nonlinear partial and ordinary differential equations with delays. In this paper, we investigate the qualitative behavior of the system over a six-hour time period following a subcutaneous injection. A brief summary of the model is also given.
Multiple cholesterol–phospholipid complexes in membranes

Abstract Previous work has implied the formation of ‘condensed complexes’ of cholesterol and phospholipids in monolayers at the air–water interface. The present study gives illustrative theoretical calculations of phase diagrams, concentration profiles, and average molecular areas when more than one complex is assumed to be present. It is shown that multiple complexes should be detectable experimentally under some but not all conditions. The relationship between condensed complexes in monolayers and bilayers is discussed.
Novel roles for elongin C in yeast.

Mammalian Elongin C is a 112-amino acid protein that binds to the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor and to Elongin A, the transcriptionally active subunit of the RNA polymerase II elongation factor, SIII. It is conserved in eukaryotic cells, as homologs have been identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. The mammalian protein is thought to function as part of a ubiquitin targeting E3 ligase, yet the function in yeast has not been determined. In this report we examine the role of Elongin C in yeast and establish that yeast Elongin C may function in a mode distinct from its role as an E3 ligase. The RNA is expressed ubiquitously, albeit at low levels. Two hybrid analyses demonstrate that Elongin C in yeast interacts with a specific set of proteins that are involved in the stress response. This suggests a novel role for Elongin C and provides insights into additional potential functions in mammalian cells.
Cinematic Visual Discourse: Representation, Generation, and Evaluation

In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of an end-to-end camera planning system called Darshak. Darshak automatically constructs cinematic narrative discourse of a given story in a 3-D virtual environment. It utilizes a hierarchical partial-order causal link (POCL) planning algorithm to generate narrative plans that contain story events and camera directives for filming them. Dramatic situation patterns, commonly used by writers of fictional narratives, are formalized as communicative plan operators that provide a basis for structuring the cinematic content of the story's visualization. The dramatic patterns are realized through abstract communicative operators that represent operations on a viewer's beliefs about the story and its telling. Camera shot compositions and transitions are defined in this plan-based framework as execution primitives. Darshak's performance is evaluated through a novel user study based on techniques used to evaluate existing cognitive models of narrative comprehension. Initial study reveals significant effect of the choice of visualization strategies on measured viewer comprehension. It further shows significant effect of Darshak's choice of visualization strategy on comprehension.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of TPA-thiophene-based amide or imine functionalized molecule for potential optoelectronic devices

New sets of molecules containing tri-phenyl-amine (TPA) core and thiophene unit with amide and imine functional groups are designed, synthesized, characterized, and compared. These are solution processable small molecules with high mobility. The newly designed molecules have better solubility due to the C=N (imine) and CONH2 (amide) moiety as compared to the established molecules with CH=CH (methine) for optoelectronic applications. They have an optimal energy band gap, which indicates their potential utility in a variety of optoelectronic applications. These molecules also show efficient intermolecular charge transfer mechanisms similar to conventional organic semiconducting molecules as evidenced by optical measurements. Density functional theory simulation results show that the localization of the frontier highest occupied molecular orbital is around the TPA core for molecules coupled with imine and amide, and is reasonably stable.