cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alphaproteobacteria fix nitrogen in a Sphagnum -dominated peat bog using molybdenum-dependent nitrogenase

Microbial N 2 fixation (diazotrophy) represents an important nitrogen source to oligotrophic peatland ecosystems, which are important sinks for atmospheric CO 2 and susceptible to changing climate. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathways and controls of diazotrophy, as well as the active microbial groups that mediate the process in Sphagnum-dominated peat bogs. In an ombrotrophic peat bog (S1) in the Marcell Experimental Forest (Minnesota, USA), low (μM) levels of inorganic nitrogen were observed, suggesting that diazotrophy could have a significant influence on ecosystem properties. Despite higher dissolved vanadium (V) (11 nM) than molybdenum (Mo) (3 nM) in surface peat, a combination of metagenomic, amplicon sequencing and activity measurements indicated that Mo-containing nitrogenases dominate over the V-containing form. Diazotrophy was only detected in surface peat exposed to light, with the highest rates observed in peat collected from hollows with the highest water content. Rates were suppressed by O 2 , and unaffected by CH 4 and CO 2 amendments. Acetylene fully inhibited CH 4 consumption under oxic conditions, but only partially inhibited 15 N 2 incorporation in degassed incubations, and had a minimal effect on oxic 15 N 2 incorporation. Through a close coupling of process rate measurements with molecular analysis of the metabolically active microbial communities, our findings suggest that diazotrophy in surface layers of the S1 bog is mediated by Alphaproteobacteria (Bradyrhizobiaceae and Beijerinckiaceae) supported by photosynthate, rather than methane, for carbon and/or energy.
Assessment of plastic ingestion by pole‐caught pelagic predatory fish from O'ahu, Hawai'i

Although the frequency of occurrence of plastic ingestion in the large‐sized dolphinfish and tunas taken by the Hawai'i longline fishery is very low (frequency of occurrence 0.25 mm marine plastic debris (MPD) by four predatory fish species caught by commercial fishers around the Main Hawaiian Islands, and documented ingestion in three species: 85.7% of albacore tuna (n = 7), 40.0% of skipjack tuna (n = 10) and 12.5% of dolphinfish (n = 8). Yellowfin tuna (n = 10) did not contain any MPD, probably owing to the high proportion of empty stomachs (60%). For skipjack tuna, the frequency of occurrence of MPD ingestion was significantly higher for the smaller‐sized specimens caught with pole‐and‐line (40%), compared with the larger‐sized specimens caught with longlines (0%). For dolphinfish, the frequency of occurrence of MPD ingestion was similar for the similar‐sized specimens caught with pole‐and‐line and with longlines. The ingested MPD items were micro–meso plastics, between 1 and 25 mm. While most ingested items were fragments, albacore also ingested line and skipjack also ingested sheets. The predatory fishes ingested light MPD items that float in sea water, but there were species‐specific differences in their polymer composition: albacore contained more polypropylene and polyethylene, and skipjack contained more elastomers, characterized by a high percentage of ester plasticizers. Altogether, these results suggest that albacore and skipjack tunas ingest plastic of different types and polymers. Yet more research is needed to understand how differences in vertical distribution, foraging ecology and diet influence the MPD sampled by these predatory fish species.
Computational fluid dynamics used by mixing vessels for predicting hydrodynamic behaviour of mixture: An overview

Abstract Fluid mixing is a common process in chemical, paper, food, pharmaceutical industries, among others. A pressure vessel agitator is a significant part of the mixing process. Agitators are equipment to mix solids, liquids, or gasses, enhance chemical reactions, or facilitate heat transfer. Agitator assembly design is the exercise of two engineering disciplines. The first step is process equipment design and involves defining the impeller type, temperature and blade inclination, etc. The next step is the mechanical design of the agitator parts. The method involves a basic design for the power, torque, and rpm, followed by shaft loads. The design of the agitator has an effect on the mixing phase because it can enhance the blending and consistent administration of all supplement, chemicals, and unprocessed materials in the mixture. Because of the difficulty of acquiring detailed data on impeller caused turbulence, designing and operating blending processes using agitated containers is tricky. CFD can be helpful in a variety of situations to come up with a detailed comprehension of such systems. This review gives detailed information about various CFD simulations and numerical modeling done on mixing vessels in literature and different computational methods used by Ansys Fluent for CFD simulations.
Possible Reforms of the Dollar-Centered Reserve System

This is the first of three chapters dealing with possible reforms of the current international monetary system with a view to alleviating the problems and defects presented in the previous two chapters. Specifically, this chapter examines the prospects for a shift over time to a multipolar reserve system comprising the dollar, euro and renminbi. While recognizing that some changes in this direction have already taken place, the chapter considers the key measures by which these currencies fall behind the dollar as reserve currencies and identifies the principal burdens for the euro and renminbi to overcome before such a shift could be accomplished.
Cultural Views of LIfe Phases

The knowledge base in the study of human development is built primarily from work with children from the modern, global, postindustrial population. This population is unrepresentative in many respects, not least in that childhood and adolescence is dominated by the experience of formal schooling, an experience missing from the lives of most of the world's children until very recently. This entry will examine child development from the perspective of premodern societies as described in the ethnographic, archaeological, and historic records. Specifically, we will review material indicative of cultural or indigenous models of development, phases, and phase transitions, in particular.
Tipping points: From patterns to predictions.

Truly generic signals warning of tipping points are unlikely to exist, warn Carl Boettiger and Alan Hastings, so researchers should study transitions specific to real systems.
STABLE BONE MINERAL CONTENT ASSOCIATED WITH RISES IN CALCITONIN & 1,25(OH) 2 VIT. D IN NORMAL PREGNANCY

STABLE BONE MINERAL CONTENT ASSOCIATED WITH RISES IN CALCITONIN & 1,25(OH) 2 VIT. D IN NORMAL PREGNANCY
A multi-rate resource control (MRRC) scheme for wireless/mobile networks

In this paper, we propose and study a multi-rate resource control (MRRC) scheme for non-real time data applications in mobile cellular networks. The MRRC scheme adapts to dynamically changing system load by adjusting resource assignments for mobiles. The MRRC scheme consists of four major techniques: 1) variable-rate admission control policy; 2) soft handoff procedure; 3) resource assignment prioritization based on mobile's location, non-handoff versus handoff zone; 4) handoff prioritization by queuing handoff requests. We evaluate the blocking probability and the forced termination probability. In addition, we study the effect of handoff to cell area ratio (HTCR) on MRRC performance. A streamlined analytical model is introduced to evaluate the MRRC scheme for the 2-cells case. Numerical results are presented for the 2-cells case; simulation results are presented for the 10-cells case. Our results show that the MRRC system achieves significant gain over the conventional single rate system in terms of the blocking probability and the forced termination probability.
NMR imaging of the competitive vulcanization of natural rubber and polybutadiene blends

NMR imaging was used to study the spatial heterogeneity of the molecular mobility of the competitive vulcanization of natural rubber and high-cis polybutadiene blends. The NMR images showed the presence of domains of widely different molecular mobilities. This heterogeneous mobility reflects differences in the crosslink density internal to each component of the blend. The differences in the internal crosslink density probably arise from differences in diffusion and solubility of the curatives. Additionally, overall, the poor dispersion of sulfur and accelerator due to inadequate mixing also contributes to the heterogeneity.
Interdigitating Dendritic Cell Sarcoma

Interdigitating dendritic cell (IDC) sarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of cells with immunophenotypic features of IDCs. IDCs are antigen-presenting cells that reside in the T-cell-rich regions of normal lymphoid tissue and play a role in T-cell immunity. These cells are derived from CD34-positive hematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow from which they migrate to T-cell regions of normal lymphoid tissues. IDCs are most abundant in the paracortex of lymph nodes and tonsils, periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths of the spleen, and the thymic medulla. These cells also can be found within the T-cell regions of extranodal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Morphologically, the normal IDC has an eosinophilic cytoplasm and a highly irregular or folded nuclear membrane in which grooves are usually identified; these cells are cytologically indistinguishable from Langerhans cells. IDCs are also normally positive for S100 protein, like Langerhans cells, but are negative for CD1a and CD207/langerin and lack Birbeck granules, distinguishing IDC from Langerhans cells.
Overview of the 2012 Food and Drug Administration circulatory system devices panel meeting on the reclassification of external counterpulsation, intra-aortic balloon pump, and non-roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump devices

The Food and Drug Administration held a Circulatory System Devices Advisory Panel meeting, December 5 and 6, 2012, to review the classification or potential reclassification of the following device types: external counterpulsation, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and non–roller-type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pumps. These 3 devices are preamendment (Medical Device Amendments of 1976) class III devices. The advisory panel discussed the data and provided recommendations for reclassification of these devices. The panel recommended reclassification of ECP to class II for stable angina pectoris and to retain a class III for all other indications. For IABP, the recommendation was to reclassify IABP to class II for several indications (acute coronary syndrome, cardiac and noncardiac surgery, and heart failure complications) and remain class III for all other indications. As for non–roller type, the panel recommended that for cardiopulmonary bypass and temporary circulatory bypass, these devices should be reclassified to class II while retaining a class III device status for all other indications, including ventricular support both for hemodynamically unstable patients and for prophylactic support in high-risk percutaneous interventions.
Collaboration and social inquiry: multiple meanings of a construct and its role in creating useful and valid knowledge.

The concept of collaboration in community research and intervention, although not new, has grown tremendously in importance in the past 20 years. Yet, it is both a contested concept in terms of its intent and a still evolving idea in terms of its meaning and implications. The purpose of this monograph is to begin to “unpack” the collaboration construct in terms of its many meanings, rationales, goals, models, dynamics, and accomplishments. Although models of collaboration are often well articulated there is “partial paradigm acquisition” (E. J. Trickett, 1984) in terms of understanding their behavioral and ethical implications. There is more theology than conclusion. The promise of collaboration, although considerable, is still in need of multiple and varied empirical examples of how collaboration contributes to both the process and goals of community research and intervention, however defined. The monograph closes with a brief overview of what we have learned from reviewing this literature, an articulation of the kinds of questions that need to be addressed, and a series of recommendations for how to increase our understanding of the collaboration construct in community research and intervention.
Hydroclimatology of the US Intermountain West

The semi-arid US Intermountain West is characterized by complex hydroclimatic variability, influenced both by topography and by atmosphere and ocean processes operating over a large range of time and space scales. Understanding climate–hydrology interactions has become increasingly important as demands on water resources grow from both within and beyond the region, particularly in light of projected climate changes. This paper reviews key atmospheric and oceanic controls that impact the Intermountain West’s water supply, how those controls vary over multiple timescales, the tree-ring record of hydroclimatic variability in the region, projected climate change impacts, and research needs for the future. Water availability in the Intermountain West is largely influenced by interrelated atmospheric features that include the strength and position of the Pacific subtropical high, the intensity and geographic location of the Aleutian low, the latitude of the westerly storm track, and teleconnections such as the ...
Localization of antigenic sites on Der p 2 using oligonucleotide‐directed mutagenesis targeted to predicted surface residues

Summary Background Understanding the molecular nature of allergen-antibody interactions is important to understanding the mechanism of conventional immunotherapy as well as to designing alternative immunotherapeutic strategies. Many important allergens have been cloned and expressed, making it possible to apply recombinant DNA techniques to dissect antigenic determinants. Objective The aim of this study was to use predictive algorithms and site-directed mutagenesis to investigate monoclonal antibody and IgE antibody epitopes of the major house dust mite allergen Der p 2. Methods Computer algorithms were used to assess the primary amino acid sequence of Der p 2 and to identify regions of hydrophilic and flexible sequence. Subsequently, site- directed mutagenesis was used to generate amino acid substitutions at hydrophilic residues at positions 44–46 and at position 100. The variants were tested in a competitive inhibition EL1SA with four group 2-specific murine monoclonal antibodies and with human IgE antibody from mite allergic patients. Results Conservative amino acid substitutions at position 44–46 did not distinguish IgE antibody epitopes. but did suggest that these residues are involved in the epitope defined by one monoclonal antibody, 15E11. Non-conservative substitution of proline at this position reduced binding to all four monoclonal antibodies, as well as IgE antibody, by 50–80%. Point mutants at position 100 mapped the epitopes of two monoclonal antibodies. 7A1 and I3A4, previously shown to bind the same region of Der p 2. In addition, the two variants tested at this position showed distinct inhibition curves with these two monoclonal antibodies indicating differences in fine specificity. Conclusions Using predictive algorithms, in the absence of tertiary structural information, we have been able to localize important B cell determinants on Der p 2. The results suggest that it is possible to modulate antibody recognition of allergens using site-directed mutagenesis and that this approach may provide a new strategy for allergen specific immunotherapy.
Effect of exposure and exposure-rate ( -radiation) on the brain of the prenatal rat.

SummaryPregnant rats were irradiated on day 18 of gestation, 160 R, 60Co, gamma, at exposure-rates of 1, 3 and 47 R/min. Body weights of all irradiated animals were less than controls from day 19 (prenatal) through 63 days of age. Concentrations per cell of RNA and protein in the irradiated were not consistently different from controls. Although the cortex from the irradiated animals weighed less than controls and contained less DNA, RNA and protein (1 > 3 > 47 R/min), no exposure-rate effect was evident. In contrast, the remaining portion of the brain from the irradiated groups exhibited not only partial recovery (1 > 3 > 47 R/min) in total DNA in relation to controls but also exhibited an exposure-rate effect. The controls and 1 R/min group (not different) contained more (P < 0·01) DNA than the 3 and 47 R/min groups at day 63.
Phosphorylation and spindle pole body localization of the Cdc15p mitotic regulatory protein kinase in budding yeast.

Abstract Cdc15p is an essential protein kinase and functions with a group of late mitotic proteins that includes Lte1p, Tem1p, Cdc14p and Dbf2p/Dbf20p to inactivate Cdc28p–Clb2p at the end of mitosis in budding yeast [1,2]. Cdc14p is activated and released from the nucleolus at late anaphase/telophase to dephosphorylate important regulators of Cdc28p–Clb2p such as Hct1p/Cdh1p, Sic1p and Swi5p in a CDC15 -dependent manner [3–7]. How Cdc15p itself is regulated is not known. Here, we report that both the phosphorylation and localization of Cdc15p are cell cycle regulated. The extent of phosphorylation of Cdc15p gradually increases during cell-cycle progression until some point during late anaphase/telophase when it is rapidly dephosphorylated. We provide evidence suggesting that Cdc14p is the phosphatase responsible for the dephosphorylation of Cdc15p. Using a Cdc15p fusion protein coupled at its carboxyl terminus to green fluorescent protein (GFP), we found that Cdc15p, like its homologue Cdc7p [8] in fission yeast, localizes to the spindle pole bodies (SPBs) during mitosis. At the end of telophase, a portion of Cdc15p is located at the mother-bud neck, suggesting a direct role for Cdc15p in cytokinesis.
Thermal consolidation in porous media by homogenization theory — I. Derivation of macroscale equations

The theory of homogenization, which is a rigorous method of averaging based on multiple-scale perturbation expansions, is applied to thermal consolidation in two-scale porous media. Starting from the basic conservation laws on the microscale, we derive the linear macroscale governing equations and constitutive coefficients for sufficiently small solid displacements. Several canonical microcell boundary value problems are defined for the computation of the effective coefficients. By extending Auriault & Sanchez-Palencia, we deduce certain properties of and relations among the macroscale coefficients. We also outline the results for the case when the medium deformation is comparable to typical grain size. The governing equations are then coupled nonlinearly due to the movement of the fluid-solid interfaces.
Ellipsometric Configurations And Techniques

Classical and new ellipsometric configurations and techniques are briefly reviewed. This includes null and photometric ellipsometry; azimumetry (ellipsometry based on azimuth measurements alone); film-substrate ellipsometry based upon detection of special values of ψ and Δ at certain angles of incidence; surface-modulated ellipsometry and AIDER (angle-of-incidence derivative ellipsometry and reflectometry).© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
S1 and S2 fluorescence of fluoranthene

Abstract The fluorescence from the first two excited singlet states of fluoranthene in rigid glass at 77 K has been observed and characterized as to its wavelength and time behavior. The S 1 fluorescence occurs over the region from 4050 A to approximately 5400 A with a typical lifetime of 58 ns. The S 2 fluorescence occurs in region from 3700 A to 3950 A with a typical lifetime of 143 ns. In each region short lived lines (with lifetimes of from 5 to 34 ns) are observed which are interpreted as occurring from unrelaxed excited vibrational levels of the excited electronic states.
Atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation: a review of surgical indications, fusion rate, complications, and lessons learned in 191 adult patients.

Object. In this, the first of two articles regarding C1–2 transarticular screw fixation, the authors assessed the rate of fusion, surgery-related complications, and lessons learned after C1–2 transarticular screw fixation in an adult patient series. Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed 191 consecutive patients (107 women and 84 men; mean age 49.7 years, range 17–90 years) in whom at least one C1–2 transarticular screw was placed. Overall 353 transarticular screws were placed for trauma (85 patients), rheumatoid arthritis (63 patients), congenital anomaly (26 patients), os odontoideum (four patients), neoplasm (eight patients), and chronic cervical instability (five patients). Among these, 67 transarticular screws were placed in 36 patients as part of an occipitocervical construct. Seventeen patients had undergone 24 posterior C1–2 fusion attempts prior to referral. The mean follow-up period was 15.2 months (range 0.1–106.3 months). Fusion was achieved in 98% of cases followed to commencement of f...
A Content Analysis of News Reports of Averted School Rampages

Although the majority of research into school violence have focused attention on lethal or injury-producing incidents, this focus provides only partial information about school violence prevention. Moore, Petrie, Braga, and McLaughlin (2003) suggested that researchers turn their attention to those incidents in which a potentially lethal situation was averted. In this article, we present results of a content analysis of news reports of school rampages that were foiled. Specifically, we sought to answer five questions: (1) What were the details of the plot? (2) How was the plot discovered? (3) What actions did the school take? (4) What actions did the police take? (5) What were the legal outcomes? Significant findings and implications for averting school rampages are discussed in light of the results. Language: en
Distinct functions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in KV development and cardiac asymmetry

The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway exhibits distinct and developmental stage-specific roles during cardiogenesis. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the establishment of cardiac left-right (LR) asymmetry. Using zebrafish as an animal model, we show here that Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is differentially required in cardiac LR patterning. At an early stage, during asymmetric signal generation, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is necessary for Kupffer's vesicle development and for the regulation of both heart and visceral laterality. At a later stage, during asymmetric signal propagation, excessive Wnt/beta-catenin signaling inhibits the transmission of asymmetric cues from the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) to the cardiac field but not to the developing gut; as such, it only regulates heart laterality. Molecular analysis identifies Gata4 as the downstream target of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the cardiac field that responds to the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and regulates the competence of the heart field to express left-sided genes. In summary, our results reveal a previously unexpected role of Wnt-Gata4 signaling in the control of asymmetric signal propagation from the LPM to the cardiac field.
Shore-Based Video Observations of Nonlinear Internal Waves across the Inner Shelf *,+

AbstractShore-based video remote sensing is used to observe and continually monitor nonlinear internal waves propagating across the inner shelf. Month-long measurements of velocity from bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profilers and temperature from thermistor chains at the 10- and 20-m isobaths are combined with sea surface imagery from a suite of cameras (Argus) to provide a kinematic description of 11 borelike internal waves as they propagate across the central Oregon inner shelf. The surface expression of these waves, commonly seen by eye as alternating rough and smooth bands, are identified by increased pixel intensity in Argus imagery (average width 39 ± 6 m), caused by the convergence of internal wave-driven surface currents. These features are tracked through time and space using 2-min time exposure images and then compared to wave propagation speed and direction from in situ measurements. Internal waves are refracted by bathymetry, and the measured wave speed (~0.15 m s−1) is higher than p...
The power of foregone payoffs: a mousetracking study

Behavior in two-player laboratory games has been observed to depend upon choices that the other player "could have made," in violation of the principle of subgame perfection. Models of other-regarding preferences that only transform payoffs at end-nodes (e.g. inequality aversion) cannot explain this behavior, and various explanations (e.g. models of intention-based reciprocity) have been proposed. We explore the mechanisms by which foregone payoffs influence decision-making in a variety of two-player, two-stage games using mousetracking, a technology that allows us to observe which payoffs subjects attend to, and for how long, when making strategic decisions.
Effects of fluoxetine and TFMPP on spontaneous seizures in rats with pilocarpine-induced epilepsy.

Summary: Purpose: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression. Some uncontrolled clinical studies have reported that SSRIs increase seizures, but animal experiments with evoked-seizure models have suggested that SSRIs at therapeutic doses decrease seizure susceptibility. We tested the hypothesis that fluoxetine and trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP, a nonselective 5-HT–receptor agonist) reduce the frequency of spontaneous motor seizures in pilocarpine-treated rats. Methods: Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) and TFMPP (5 mg/kg) were administered to rats with pilocarpine-induced epilepsy. Phenobarbital (PB; 10 mg/kg) was a positive control, and saline (i.e., 0.5 ml) controlled for the injection protocol. Each rat received each treatment (intraperitoneally) once per day for 5 consecutive days with 1 week between treatments. Rats were continuously video-monitored for the last 72 h of each treatment. Results: When compared with saline over the entire 72-h observation period, PB and fluoxetine treatment, but not TFMPP, reduced the spontaneous-seizure rate. Plots of magnitude of the drug effect as a function of seizure frequency after saline treatment revealed larger drug effects for fluoxetine and PB in the rats with the highest control seizure rate. When the data from the five rats with the highest seizure frequency in saline were analyzed for the first 6 h after treatment, TFMPP also significantly reduced seizure frequency. Conclusions: Animal models with spontaneous seizures can be used to screen potential antiepileptic drugs, and fluoxetine and TFMPP reduce spontaneous seizures in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy.
A clinical approach to circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders are characterized by complaints of insomnia and excessive sleepiness that are primarily due to alterations in the internal circadian timing system or a misalignment between the timing of sleep and the 24-hour social and physical environment. In addition to physiological and environmental factors, maladaptive behaviors often play an important role in the development of many of the circadian rhythm sleep disorders. This review will focus on the clinical approach to the diagnosis and management of the various circadian rhythm sleep disorders, including delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep phase disorder, non-entrained type, irregular sleep-wake rhythm, shift work sleep disorder and jet lag disorder. Diagnostic tools such as sleep diaries and wrist activity monitoring are often useful in confirming the diagnosis. Because behavioral and environmental factors often are involved in the development of these conditions, a multimodal approach is usually necessary. Interventions include sleep hygiene education, timed exposure to bright light as well as avoidance of bright light at the wrong time of the day and pharmacologic approaches, such as melatonin. However, it should be noted that the use of melatonin is not an FDA-approved indication for the treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
Predicting the Performance of a Bistable Micro Mechanism Using Design-Stage Uncertainty Analysis

Significant reduction in cost and time to market can be realized by implementing design-stage uncertainty analysis to predict whether a device will meet specified requirements. This paper demonstrates a generalized uncertainty analysis method appropriate for surface micromachined devices and uses a micro linear-displacement bistable mechanism as an example. Dimensional variations, joint clearances, material property uncertainty and friction are included as sources of error. Using matrix notation, the model consists of a system of implicit, nonlinear equations. The analysis is performed at multiple deflections to estimate uncertainty bands around the force-deflection curve of the mechanism. These results can then be used to predict the performance of the mechanism. Applying these techniques resulted in a functional first-time prototype of a bistable mechanism that can be actuated using a non-amplified thermal actuator.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Characterization of rat skeletal muscle sarcolemma during the development of diabetes.

Peripheral neuropathy accompanied by decreased axonal conduction velocity is a common complication of diabetes. Skeletal muscle weakness and wasting also occur in the severe, uncontrolled form of the disease. For these reasons, it has been hypothesized that diabetes may cause denervation-like changes in skeletal muscle. In the present study, sarcolemmal membranes were characterized in control, early, and late stages of streptozotocin diabetes. After 3 weeks, axonal conduction velocities decreased 25% and muscle weight decreased 50% in diabetic rats. No significant changes were observed in Na+,K+ (Mg2+)-ATPase or adenylate cyclase activities during diabetes. The number of β-adrenergic receptor sites, however, increased from 0.39 pmol/mg in control sarcolemma to 0.46 and 0.58 pmol/mg after 6 and 18 days of diabetes, respectively, with no change in the affinity constant. Membrane phospholipid and polypeptide compositions were unaltered during diabetes, whereas the cholesterol content increased 23% in 18-day diabetic sarcolemma. There was also a 2.5-fold increase in glycosylation of a 72,000-molecular weight glycopeptide after 18 days of diabetes. Previous studies showed that denervation results in a decrease in sodium fluoride- and catecholamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities, an increase in Na+,K+ (Mg2+)-ATPase activity, no change in the number or affinity of β-adrenergic receptor sites, and no change in membrane glycosylation (1977. Exp. Neurol.56: 102–114). These findings demonstrate that diabetic and denervated skeletal muscle sarcolemma are distinctly different with respect to a number of their biochemical properties.
Characterization of Genes Encoding Known and Novel Human Mast Cell Tryptases on Chromosome 16p13.3

Tryptases are serine proteases implicated in asthma and are very highly expressed in human mast cells. They fall into two groups, alpha and beta. Although several related tryptase mRNAs are known, it is unclear which if any are transcripts of separate haploid genes. The studies described here investigated the nature and number of human tryptases and sought possibly novel members of the family. To this end, two human bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones containing tryptase genes were identified and mapped to chromosome 16p13.3, of which approximately 2.2 megabases are syntenic with the part of mouse chromosome 17 containing tryptase genes mouse mast cell protease (mMCP)-6 and -7. Sequencing and restriction mapping suggest that the BACs may partially overlap. Sequenced BAC genes correspond to three known beta-tryptases (betaI, betaII, and betaIII), an alpha-like gene, and a pair of novel hybrid genes related partly to alpha/beta-tryptases and partly to orthologs of mMCP-7. betaII and betaIII, betaI and alphaII, as well as the two mMCP-7-like genes, may be alleles at single loci; in total, there are at least three nonallelic tryptase genes in the isolated BAC clones. DNA blotting and restriction analysis suggest that the BACs include most members of the immediate tryptase family. Thus, chromosome 16p13.3 harbors a cluster of known and previously undescribed members of the tryptase gene family.
Bubble nucleation in liquids

A review of the theoretical and experimental aspects of bubble nucleation and explosive boiling is given. Due to space limitations, nucleation of bubbles by radiation is omitted. In this review, only kinetic limits are discussed. A brief discussion of the application of bubble nucleation theory is given. Two major applications of concepts of bubble nucleation are concerned with the hazardous phenomenon known as contact vapor explosives and with volcanoes. (SC)
State structures and political processes outside the CMEA: a comparison

Although state structures among non-CMEA NICs varied widely, all were fundamentally different from state structures within the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. Moreover, because those differences were as much in kind as in degree, even nominally similar strategy choices and political processes were actually the product of different causes, shaped by different objectives and political actors, accomplished with different instruments, and followed by different international and domestic consequences. At the same time, although the substance of state structure and economic strategy in Eastern Europe and the NICs was different, the relationship between structure and strategy was similar. In both areas, state structures define problems, possibilities, and political resources; yet strategy was the result of differentiated political processes in which elites mobilized allies at home and abroad to formulate solutions to the issues and opportunities that state structures created.
Effects of electron radiation on the optical constants of p-type silicon

The optical constants n and k are determined for p-type silicon at the E0 and E1 and critical point energies for one MeV electron irradiated samples. The value for fluences of 1014 and 1016 e−/cm2 are compared to samples before irradiation. The real, ɛ1, and imaginary, ɛ2, components of the dielectric function, e, used to find n and k, were obtained by measurement of tanψ and δ using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The data show that changes in δ, in particular, are greater in the region about E0than of E1. This is consistent with electrolyte electroreflectance (EER) results in which the Lorentz line shape is narrower for E0 than for E1. The value of n is found to increase and k to decrease with e− radiation at the critical points, although, neither does so monotonically. The change in n at the E0 critical point is greater than at the higher energy main structure E1 whereas, k is a slower varying function in this region.
Risk factors for dog bites occurring during and outside of play: are they different?

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether the effects of selected human–canine interaction/environmental factors on bites occurring when the victim was and was not playing with the dog differed from each other. A veterinary clinic-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in Kingston, Jamaica (709), and San Francisco, USA (513) to compare the effects of selected exposures on non-play bites (161) relative to bites preceded by play with the dog (110) as reported by veterinary clients. Additionally, 951 non-biting dogs were used for a risk factor analysis of bites occurring during play. Using directed acyclic graphs and the change-in-estimate procedure to select and adjust for confounders, modified Poisson regression was used to estimate (a) the ratios of proportions of non-play bites out of all bites comparing exposed to unexposed dogs (proportionate bite ratios) and (b) risk ratios for bites occurring during play for each factor of interest. Proportionate bite ratios ranged from 0.84 to 1.29, with most 95% confidence intervals including one, thus implying a lack of specificity of effects of the examined factors on non-play bites relative to bites occurring during play with the dog. Consistent with this lack of specificity, risk ratios for bites occurring during play were similar in magnitude and direction to risk ratios previously published for non-play bites using the same non-biting dogs as a reference group. No country-specific differences in proportionate bite ratios were detected. Each human–canine environmental factor showed similar levels of association with both types of bites. One possible explanation is that both types of bites have a common causal pathway leading from each factor up to the point of human–canine contact. If the human–canine contact then leads to either play or non-play interactions with dogs and subsequently to both types of bites, the presence of such a common pathway would make the factor non-specific to either type of bite. As some of the examined factors are associated with increased frequencies of both types of bites, this could explain high percentages of bites occurring during play with the dog as reported in various case series of dog bites. If so, dog bite prevention strategies targeting these factors will simultaneously reduce the incidence of both types of bites.
A numerical method for the solution of multi-point problems for ordinary differential equations with integral constraints

Abstract We propose a method for the solution of a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations with integral constraints, by transforming to multi-point boundary value problems. Examples are given.
Downdip segmentation of strike-slip fault zones in the brittle crust

Outcrop-scale field evidence from the southern San Jacinto fault zone in southern California indicates that bedding-parallel slip may be an important mechanism for transferring and accommodating slip within strike-slip fault zones that cut across heterogeneous stratigraphy. Steeply dipping strike-slip fault segments exposed in conglomeratic sandstones abruptly terminate at weaker shale layers where slip occurs on bedding-parallel planes. Cross sections of fault-related seismicity within the southern San Jacinto fault zone reveal that events generally cluster within tabular, steeply dipping fault-parallel streaks that are limited in extent in the downdip direction. The depths of the downdip terminations of shallow streaks tend to be roughly coincident with the depths of the updip terminations of deeper streaks; these configurations define stepover geometries that range in character from sharp to diffuse. The examples described herein provide evidence that downdip segmentation within strike-slip fault zones may be common over a wide range of scales.
The MCART Consortium Animal Models Series

AbstractThe single, overarching goal of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)-sponsored Consortium, Medical Countermeasures Against Radiological Threats (MCART), is the development of medical countermeasures (MCM) to treat the key sequelae of the acute radiation syndrome
∑5-completeness of index sets arising from the lattice of recursively enumerable sets

Abstract We extend the techniques of Jahn (1996) to show the index set of the major subsets to be ∑ 5 -complete. This was a question left open in Lempp (1987) and its solution involves a level-4 construction. We also show how the measuring of e -states arises naturally out of our iterated-trees approach to breaking up requirements.
Extending the family table: Insights from beyond vertebrates into the regulation of embryonic development by FGFs

Since the discovery of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) much focus has been placed on elucidating the roles for each vertebrate FGF ligand, receptor, and regulating molecules in the context of vertebrate development, human disorders and cancer. Studies in human, mouse, frog, chick, and zebrafish have made great contributions to our understanding of the role of FGFs in specific processes. However, in recent years, as more genomes are sequenced, information is becoming available from many non-vertebrate models and a more complete picture of the FGF superfamily as a whole is emerging. In some cases, less redundancy in these FGF signaling systems may allow for more mechanistic insights. Studies in sea anemones have highlighted how ancient FGF signaling is and helped provide insight into the evolution of the FGF gene family. Work in nematodes has shown that different splice forms can be used for functional specificity in invertebrate FGF signaling. Comparing FGFs between urochordates and vertebrates as well as between different insect species reveals important clues into the process of gene loss, duplication and subfunctionalization of FGFs throughout evolution. Finally, comparing all members of the FGF ligand superfamily reveals variability in many properties, which may point to a feature of FGFs as being highly adaptable with regards to protein structure and signaling mechanism. Further studies on FGF signaling outside of vertebrates is likely to continue to complement work in vertebrates by contributing additional insights to the FGF field and providing unexpected information that could be used for medical applications.
The effect of altered thyroid status on pituitary hormone messenger ribonucleic acid concentrations in the rat.

To study the effects of altered thyroid status on pretranslational control of pituitary hormones, adult male rats were given propylthiouracil for 6 weeks and underwent the following studies. 1) Rats were injected with T3 at 10 μg/100 g BW daily for 10 days. 2) Rats were given T3 injections at 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 μg/100 g BW for 10 days. 3) Rats were killed 0, 1, 6, or 24 h after a single injection of T3 at 10 μg/100 g BW or after 5 or 10 days of daily T3 injections. Pituitary mRNA concentrations of TSHβ, α-subunit, PRL, GH, POMC, FSHβ, and LHβ were determined for individual animals. Marked increases in TSHβ and a-subunit mRNAs occurred after PTU treatment, and these changes were reversed by 1.0 μg/100 g BW T3 and within 24 h of a single T3 injection of 10 μg/100 g BW. Further increases in the dose or time course of T3 administration led to a relatively greater suppression of TSHβ mRNA levels than α-subunit mRNA levels. In contrast, GH and PRL mRNA levels were low in hypothyroid animals, and both rose...
Seismic velocity structure of the Puget Sound region from 3-D non-linear tomography

Seismic P-wave velocity structure is estimated for the Puget Sound basin region using iterative, non-linear tomographic inversion based on finite-difference travel-time calculations. Local earthquakes and explosion arrival times are used to image the three-dimensional velocity structure to a depth of approximately 60 km. Our earthquake data set comprises approximately 3000 well-located digitally recorded earthquakes collected by the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network (PNSN) over the 17 year period from 1980 to 1996. Additional constraint on velocity is provided by including travel-times, with known locations and origin times, from controlled-source seismic profiles and also by including model interpretations along one profile directly in the inversion. We find good correspondence between the prominent features imaged by this study and previous geological and geophysical interpretations. The method is effective in resolving high resolution structure by combining earthquake, explosion, and active source interpretations into a single velocity structure model.
Secretion of beta-glucosidase by Ochromonas danica.

β-Glucosidase released by the phytoflagellate Ochromonas danica was the result of secretion; this was adduced from the following: (1) The enzyme was released during growth, including early log phase. (2) The amount released was calculated to be much more than could be attributed to cell lysis. (3) β-Glucosidase was released by cells during short term incubation in a dilute salt solution; this release was nearly linear for at least 24 h. (4) Release occurred while cell counts remained nearly constant and cells remained viable. (5) Control experiments excluded cell damage resulting from incubation and cell manipulation as a source of the exoenzyme. (6) No alkaline phosphatase was released and 5 times less phosphoglucose isomerase than glucosidase was released while the cells contained 7 times more phosphoglucose isomerase. (7) The kinetics of release of nonspecific protein and UV absorbing material was markedly different from glucosidase release. (8) Glucosidase release was temperature and energy dependent; anaerobiosis decreased enzyme release. (9) Release was inhibited by cycloheximide. (10) Cells incubated with 3H-leucine synthesized labeled protein which was secreted linearly for at least 24h. Cycloheximide inhibited incorporation of 3H-leucine into protein and the secretion of the labeled protein.
COMPARISON OF STELLAR ANGULAR DIAMETERS FROM THE NPOI, THE MARK III OPTICAL INTERFEROMETER, AND THE INFRARED FLUX METHOD

The Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI) has been used to measure the angular diameters of 41 late-type giant and supergiant stars previously observed with the Mark III optical interferometer. Sixteen of these stars have published angular diameters based on model atmospheres (infrared flux method, IRFM). Comparison of these angular diameters shows that there are no systematic offsets between any pair of data sets. Furthermore, the reported uncertainties in the angular diameters measured using both interferometers are consistent with the distribution of the differences in the diameters. The distribution of diameter differences between the interferometric and model atmosphere angular diameters are consistent with uncertainties in the IRFM diameters of 1.4%. Although large differences in angular diameter measurements are seen for three stars, the data are insufficient to determine whether these differences are due to problems with the observations or are due to temporal changes in the stellar diameters themselves.