cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resistance of vaccinia virus to rifampicin conferred by a single nucleotide substitution near the predicted NH2 terminus of a gene encoding an Mr 62,000 polypeptide.

Marker transfer procedures were used to locate the site of mutation in the genome of a previously characterized (B. Moss, E. N. Rosenblum, and P. Grimley, 1971), Virology 45, 135–148) rifampicin-resistant (RifR) vaccinia virus isolate. Starting with a cosmid library prepared from the mutant genome, recombination with successively smaller DNA fragments was shown to transfer drug resistance to wild-type vaccinia virus. In this manner, the mutation was mapped within a 485-bp DNA segment in the central region of the genome at the extreme right end of the HindIII D fragment. Nucleotide sequencing indicated that this DNA segment differed from the homologous region of wild-type DNA by a single C/G → A/T substitution. Sequencing of the flanking 2195 by revealed two tandem nonoverlapping open reading frames (ORFs) encoding putative polypeptides of Mr 16,908 and 61,840. The RifR mutation resulted in a predicted glutamine → lysine change only 27 amino acids from the NH2 terminus of the longer ORF. A predicted asparagine to aspartic acid substitution, found in another Rif vaccinia virus mutant by 1. Tartaglia and E. Paoletti (Virology 147, 394–404, 1985), mapped near the carboxyl terminus of the same ORF. These data suggest a model in which head-to-tail interaction between Mr 61,840 polypeptides occurs and in which rifampicin blocks virus assembly by preventing this association.
Discovering Emergent Behavior of Host-Microbiome Interactions with Biomimetic Robotics

Although underlying dynamics governing host-microbiome interactions are poorly understood, recent studies have shown that commensal bacteria play an important role in regulating the health and behavior of their host. In order to better elucidate this interaction, we designed a biomimetic robotic host platform comprised of an onboard synthetically engineered microbiome. By computationally simulating engineered gene networks in these commensal communities, we discovered complex emergent behaviors in the host, such as stalk-and-strike hunting patterns, dependent exclusively on biochemical network dynamics. This simulation models behavior at multiple scales from the molecular kinetics of genetic transcription to the physical actuation of robotic components. Taken as a whole, this study provides both a computational tool for understanding inter-kingdom communication while presenting a design for a biomimetic system capable of translating genetic based cellular behavior into macro-scale robotic locomotion.
A fiber-optic evanescent-wave immunosensor for large molecules

Abstract Detection of toxins and other large molecules is important for both clinical and environmental analyses. A significant factor in analyses of these compounds is the safety of the operator. The NRL fiber-optic biosensors has been created to utilize long optical fibers to prevent the contamination of the operator and the optical components from hazrdous materials. The optical fiber is clad for the majority of its length, with only a small portion of the core exposed. Capture antibodies are immobilized on the exposed core, which has been tapered for improved sensitivity. The toxins from Clostridium botulinum and pseudexin have been detected in the evanescent wave in concentrations as low as 30 pM in under 1 min.
A new, semi-automated system for the micro-scale synthesis of [195mPt]cisplatin suitable for clinical studies.

Abstract A new, semi-automated system for the microscale synthesis of [195mPt]cisplatin has been developed. Radiochemical yields of up to 70% of pure [195mPt]cisplatin can be obtained routinely e.g. 555–629 MBq (15–17 mCi) from 925 MBq (25 mCi) of [195mPt]Pt metal. Chemical losses during synthesis, and radiation exposure of personnel, have been minimized. These increased yields are the consequence of the elimination of most transfers, and enhanced yields at most steps: ammination losses decreased from 27 to 7%, and at the diiodo- to di-acquo- conversion, from 34 to 11%. The versatility of such a system is discussed.
Arterial Stiffness is Increased in American Adolescents Compared to Japanese Counterparts

Cardiovascular disease is increased in US groups versus Japanese counterparts. Increased arterial stiffness is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. Pulse wave velocity correlates well with arterial stiffness. Gender and ethnic differences in biracial US adolescent groups have been described. No data are available evaluating differences in arterial stiffness between US and Japanese subjects. Previously published data from an adolescent (12-17 years of age) Japanese cohort were used as an historical control and were compared to an adolescent cohort from the United States. The same simple noninvasive oscillometric technique was used in each cohort to measure brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as an index of arterial stiffness. The US group was a cross-sectional, biracial (64% African American, 56% female) sample of 162 subjects. The Japanese group was a cross-sectional (48% female) sample of 820 Japanese subjects. All subjects in both cohorts were normotensive (BP < 95% for gender, height, and age) adolescents (12-17 years of age). Subjects were analyzed in four groups on the basis of gender and age (12-14 and 15-17 years of age). In both individual cohorts, the mean baPWV was higher in males versus females and the baPWV increased with age. The mean baPWV was higher in all US groups versus Japanese counterparts (p < 0.0001). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in all Japanese groups versus US counterparts (p < 0.005). Differences in arterial stiffness are present and detectable between normotensive US and Japanese adolescent subjects. Increased arterial stiffness among these adolescent groups correlates with known adult risk for cardiovascular events among the same ethnic and gender groups.
Differences in the low temperature magnetic anisotropy of Nd2Fe14B and Pr2Fe14B interpreted on a crystal field model

Abstract Nd2Fe14B exhibits a spin reorientation from an axial arrangement to what appears to be a conical one as the temperature is lowered below ≈ K. In contrast, Pr2Fe14B remains axial down to 4.2 K. It is shown that this behavior can be interpreted using a crystal field Hamiltonian of the form = B 0 2 O 0 2 + B 0 4 O 0 4 + 2(g j −1)μ B J → ·H → Using values of CFOAS (Crystal Field Overall Splitting) and ‖Hexch‖ typical of Nd3+ and Pr3+ in related intermetallic compounds, this Hamiltonian predicts that Pr3+ will possess uniaxial anisotropy in its ground state, while Nd3+ exhibits an easy cone.
Copper shares a piece of the pi.

Recent crystal structures of a bacterial copper tolerance protein reveal an intriguing copper binding site that includes tryptophan. Its close proximity coupled with spectroscopic data suggests an unusual cation-π interaction between Cu(I) and the aromatic ring of tryptophan.
Crop residue effects on aerodynamic processes and wind erosion

This study focuses on both the mechanisms and degree of wind erosion control that various residue levels provide. First, scale parameters of Weibull wind-speed distributions at meteorological stations were modified to predict friction velocity distributions at eroding field sites. Simplified erosion prediction equations then were used to evaluate wind erosion on highly erodible, loose, sandy soils. Parameters for the erosion prediction equations were developed from wind tunnel data on soil loss and threshold friction velocities at various residue levels. Erosion-control mechanisms of flat residue include restricting soil emission from the surface and increasing threshold wind speeds. A minimum of 30 to 60 percent flat cover is needed to provide adequate control on highly erodible sands. The control level by flat residue can be increased by using short fields. Erosion-control mechanisms of standing residue include reducing the soil-surface friction velocity and intercepting saltating soil. Standing residue is more effective than flat residue, and 5 percent vertical silhouette area of standing residue per unit horizontal area provides adequate erosion-control in low and moderate wind regimes.
Living-unrelated renal transplantation provides comparable results to living-related renal transplantation: a 12-year single-center experience.

Background The increasing success of renal transplantation is paralleled by the increased size of the waiting list. Efforts to increase the donor pool have included the use of living-underlated kidney donors (LURDs). Methods. During a 12-year period our center performed 309 transplantations from living donors; 279 patients received living-related donor (LRD) transplants, and 30 patients received LURD transplants. During the same period 543 patients received cadaveric renal donor transplants. A total of 86.7% of LURD transplants were spousal transplants. A total of 29% of the patients who received LRDs were human leukocyte antigen-identical with their donors, and 53% were haploidentical, versus 0 human leukocyte antigen-identical or haploidentical in the LURD group. Results. Twenty-seven (90%) of 30 LURD recipients are alive, as are 240 (86%) of 279 LRD recipients. Mean current creatinine is 1.6 mg/dl for the LURD group and 1.7 mg/dl for the LRD group. Kaplan-Meier 1- and 5-year graft survival was 94.9% and 82.9% for the LRD group, 93.1% and 85.9% for the LURD group (p=not significant), and 84.6% and 70.7% for the cadaveric renal donor group (p Conclusions . LURD patient and graft survival is comparable to LRD transplants depite inferior human leukocyte antigen matching. LURD transplant survival is superior to that of cadaveric renal donor transplants. LURDs are an excellent but undersused source of organs for renal transplant recipients.
Design and construction of 9-DOF hyper-redundant robotic arm

In this paper, an application robotic platform has been constructed based on the kinematic model of a 9-DOF hyper-redundant manipulator. The efficacy of our kinematic algorithm affects the accuracy and stability of both motion control and path tracking. The result of tracking different paths and error analysis shows that the 9-DOF manipulator works functionally and satisfies all the requirement of experimental design.
Diurnal and semidiurnal variations in Earth rotation

During the last decade there has been an unprecedented improvement in both the accuracy, the temporal resolution of Earth's rotation measurements. Determination of the position of the Earth's rotation axis both in inertial space and with respect to the crust with accuracies of about 0.3 milliarcseconds (mas) are now routine. In recent years, there has been and emphasis on the determination of short-period (daily and less) variations in Earth rotation. Two space based geodetic systems, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and the global positioning system (GPS) have proved to be very successful in this endeavor. Results for the tidally coherent part of the subdaily Earth rotation variations determined from the analysis of VLBI data are discussed. The magnitude of other subdaily variations are also considered.
Hexose sugar transport activity in a mouse fibroblast cell line temperature sensitive for expression of the transformed phenotype

A temperature-sensitive mouse fibroblast cell line was used to examine the relationship between hexose sugar uptake rates and the control of cell growth. The cell line (ts-H6-15) is a derivative of SV-3T3 cells, exhibiting a transformed phenotype at 32 degrees C and a normal phenotype at 39 degrees C. For cells actively growing at either temperature, a marked decrease in the rate of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-O-MeG) transport is observed as cell population density increases. At cell population densities tested, 3-O-MeG transport rates (at a common assay temperature) were greater in H6-15 cells grown at 32 degrees C than at 39 degrees C, with the enhancement being maximal at the lowest cell densities. The effect of low serum-arrest on H6-15 cells revealed that cells growing at 39 degrees C arrest in G1, while cells at 32 degrees C stop more randomly throughout their cycle. Under conditions of low serum-arrest the rate of 3-O-MeG transport remained as high as in actively growing cells at both 32 degrees C and 39 degrees C. However, 2-deoxyglucose uptake rates were growth state-dependent at 39 degrees C, indicating perhaps metabolic as well as membrane-level control of sugar accumulation. These results further demonstrate that rates of hexose sugar transport by themselves are not always absolutely correlated with rates of cell proliferation and, thus, may be reliable predictors of cell growth potential.
Neonatal anterior cervical arachnoid cyst: case report and review of the literature

Anterior cervical arachnoid cysts are rare in the pediatric population, with only 16 cases reported. We present the first case of an anterior cervical arachnoid cyst in a neonate and review the literature on pediatric cervical arachnoid cysts. A 16-day-old baby girl with a history of myelomeningocele repair progressively developed symptoms of upper extremity weakness over the course of 2 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a compressive arachnoid cyst extending from C2 to C7. The child was taken for posterior cervical laminoplasty and cyst fenestration. Intraoperatively, diffuse cervical arachnoiditis was noted. Rapid improvement in upper extremity paresis was noted within 24 h of surgery, and MRI confirmed decompression of the cyst. However, flaccid upper extremity paresis recurred within 2 weeks. MRI confirmed recurrence of the anterior cervical arachnoid cyst. The child was taken for a secondary fenestration and stenting of the cyst. Only partial improvement in arm function was noted by 1 month following reoperation. Arachnoid cysts can be effectively treated with surgical fenestration, shunting, and complete or partial excision. Rapid identification and treatment results in improvement in myelopathic symptoms; however, the most efficacious treatment modality remains unknown. Of the 17 cases of anterior cervical arachnoid cysts reported in the literature, 11 (65%) have had either prior myelomeningocele repair or a history of spinal trauma. Anterior cervical arachnoid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute onset myelopathy in the pediatric population especially in cases with a history of spinal trauma or myelomeningocele repair.
Self-assembled materials and devices that process light

Self-assembled superlattices (SASs) are intrinsically acentric and highly cross-linked structures. For organic electro-optics, they offer great advantages such as not requiring electric field poling for creating an acentric, EO-active microstructure and having excellent chemical, thermal, and orientational stabilities. In this paper, a greatly improved two-step all "wet-chemical" self-assembly (SA) approach is reported. Excellent radiation hardness of the SAS films is demonstrated by high-energy proton irradiation experiments. By introducing metal oxide nanolayers during SA, we show that the refractive indices of SAS films can be tuned over a wide range. Through special chromophore design, the optical absorption maxima of SAS films can also be greatly blue-shifted. Prototype waveguiding electro-optic modulators have been fabricated using the SAS films integrated with low-loss polymeric materials functioning as partial guiding and cladding layers. EO parameters such as the half-wave voltage and the effective electro-optic coefficient are reported.
Linear analysis of texture-property relationships using process-based representations of Rodrigues space

Techniques for exploring texture–property–process relationships in various deformation processes are derived from a reduced-order model of texture evolution. The orientation distribution function (ODF) in polycrystals is represented over the Rodrigues space in a discrete form using finite element interpolation techniques. Linear programming algorithms are developed for retrieving ODFs with extremal or optimal properties from the complete ODF space. The relationship of optimal textures with processing is addressed by representing texture evolution in a space of reduced basis coefficients called the process plane. This involves generation of orthogonal basis functions for representing spatial variations of the ODF in a given process using proper orthogonal decomposition. These basis functions are found to work in interpolatory and extrapolatory processing modes and allow representation of texturing for deviations in the process variables. Optimization problems are posed in the reduced space for retrieving textures with desired properties. A graphical technique is discussed that allows identification of optimal processing paths for reaching desired textures in association with process plane databases.
Changes in health care delivery: A threat to academic obstetrics

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine the effect of anticipated health care policy changes on delivery trends at leading academic obstetric institutions. STUDY DESIGN: The 51 centers in the United States with the most Society of Perinatal Obstetricians presentations in the past 2 years were surveyed regarding annual deliveries from 1990 to 1993 and reasons for any changes. Analysis of variance and ξ2 analysis were used as appropriate. RESULTS: Complete data were available from 43 hospitals representing 39 institutions. Their 1990 to 1993 delivery rates declined faster than United States delivery rates (12.3% vs 2.0%, p 6000 deliveries) had a decline of 18.2% compared with declines of 9.0% for medium and 0.9% for small hospital (<2500 deliveries). Regionally the greatest impact was seen in the West and the South, with 22% and 12% declines, respectively (p < 0.05). Reasons cited for the decline included competition from private or community physicians or hospitals (59%) and managed care (15%). CONCUSION: As the national health care debate focuses on cost contaiment and coverage, we believe the potential effects of national policy on research and education should be considered. Continued selective reduction in deliveries at academic institutions can be expected to adversely affect research and education.
Transcriptional effects of chronic Akt activation in the heart.

Akt activation reduces cardiomyocyte death and induces cardiac hypertrophy. To help identify effector mechanisms, gene expression profiles in hearts from transgenic mice with cardiac-specific expression of activated Akt (myr-Akt) were compared with littermate controls. 40 genes were identified as differentially expressed. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR confirmed qualitative results of transcript profiling for 9 of 10 genes examined, however, there were notable quantitative discrepancies between the quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and microarray data sets. Interestingly Akt induced significant up-regulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5), which could contribute to its anti-apoptotic effects in the heart. In addition, Akt-mediated down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) and PPAR-α may shift myocytes toward glycolytic metabolism shown to preserve cardiomyocyte function and survival during transient ischemia. IGFBP-5 transcripts also increased after adenoviral gene transfer of myr-Akt to cultured cardiomyocytes, suggesting that this represents a direct effect of Akt activation. In contrast, substantial induction of growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), a highly conserved inhibitor of skeletal muscle growth, was observed in transgenic hearts but not after acute Akt activationin vitro, suggesting that GDF-8 induction may represent a secondary effect perhaps related to the cardiac hypertrophy seen in these mice. Thus, microarray analysis reveals previously unappreciated Akt regulation of genes that could contribute to the effects of Akt on cardiomyocyte survival, metabolism, and growth.
Slow rotational mobilities of antibodies and lipids associated with substrate-supported phospholipid monolayers as measured by polarized fluorescence photobleaching recovery

Polarized fluorescence photobleaching recovery has been used to monitor slow rotational motions of a fluorescently-labeled anti-dinitrophenyl mouse IgGl monoclonal antibody (ANO2) specifically bound to substrate-supported monolayers composed of a mixture of distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and dinitrophenyldioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DNP-DOPE). ANO2 antibodies were labeled with a new bifunctional carbocyanine fluorophore that has two amino-reactive groups; steady-state fluorescence anisotropy data confirmed the expected result that the ANO2-conjugated bifunctional probe had less independent flexibility than ANO2-conjugated unifunctional fluorescence labels. Rotational mobilities were also measured for the fluorescent lipid 1,1'-dioctadecyl 3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine (dil) in DSPC and in mixed DSPC/DNP-DOPE monolayers in the presence and absence of unlabeled ANO2 antibodies. The apparent rotational correlation time and fractional mobility of ANO2 on supported monolayers were approximately 70 and approximately 0.3 s, respectively. These measured parameters of rotational mobility did not depend on the ANO2 surface density or on kinetic factors, but addition of unlabeled polyclonal anti-(mouse IgG) antibodies significantly decreased the apparent mobile fraction. The measured fluorescence recovery curves for dil were consistent with two fluorophore populations with rotational correlation times of approximately 4 and approximately 100 s and a population of immobile fluorescent lipid. No difference in fluorescence recovery and decay curves was measured for dil in DSPC monolayers, DSPC/DNP-DOPE monolayers, and DSPC/DNP-DOPE monolayers treated with unlabeled ANO2 antibodies.
Multiple risk factors for Parkinson's disease

Objective: To determine the relative contribution of various risk factors to the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods :T en variables that were independently associated with PD in a health system population-based case-control study of epidemiological risk factors for the disease were jointly assessed. Stepwise logistic regression, adjusted for sex, race and age was used to develop a multiple variate model that best predicted the presence of PD. The population attributable risk was estimated for each variable in the final model, as well as for all factors together. Results: The 10 initial variables included >20 years occupational exposure to manganese or to copper, individually; >20 years joint occupational exposure to either lead and copper, copper and iron, or lead and iron; a positive family history of PD in first- or second-degree relatives; occupational exposure to insecticides or herbicides; occupational exposure to farming; and smoking. Logistic regression resulted in a final model that included >20 years joint occupational exposure to lead and copper (p=0.009; population attributable risk [PAR]=3.9%), occupational exposure to insecticides (p=0.002; PAR=8.1%), a positive family history of PD in first- and seconddegree relatives (p=0.001; PAR=12.4%), and smoking V30 pack-years or not smoking (p=0.005; PAR=41.4%). All four variables combined had a PAR=54.1%. Conclusions: Our final model of PD risk suggests that occupational, environmental lifestyle and, likely, genetic factors, individually and collectively, play a significant role in the etiology of the disease. Clearly, additional risk factors remain to be determined through future research. D 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Noah Webster and the Invention of Immigration

Like all lexicographers, Noah Webster built his dictionaries on the works of others. But in the case of the verb to immigrate and its derivatives, he coined a new definition, one that has had a profound impact on how Americans conceive of the phenomenon of immigration.
Impaired left ventricular function in alcoholic cirrhosis with ascites. Ineffectiveness of ouabain.

Left ventricular function was assessed in 10 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and ascites without clinical evidence of heart disease. In the resting state pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) was normal (average 9.7 mm Hg), cardiac output (CO) was elevated (average 9.7 L/min) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was low (average 825 dynes-sec-cm–5). During infusion of angiotensin in a dose sufficient to raise diastolic arterial pressure 20 mm Hg, SVR increased to 1140 dynes-sec-cm-5 (P < 0.01) and PWP rose to 19.2 mm Hg (P < 0.001) with no change in CO. Resting hemodynamics were essentially unchanged in seven patients restudied 45-60 min after intravenous administration of 0.5 mg ouabain. Repeat infusion of angiotensin after ouabain again resulted in a rise in PWP to an average of 17.0 mm Hg (P < 0.001) with no significant change in CO. In seven additional cirrhotic patients with ascites, systolic time intervals were unchanged by 0.5 mg ouabain whereas in four normal volunteers the same dose resulted in sign...
Tactile learning is task specific but transfers between fingers

Practice-related improvement in visual perception is highly specific for properties of the stimulus used in training. We explored the specificity of such perceptual learning in the human tactile system, using gratings consisting of alternating ridges and grooves. Practice effects on grating discrimination showed limited transfer between grating sets defined by spatial variation in either groove width or ridge width, consistent with partially overlapping neural representations of these two spatial parameters. In contrast, substantial interdigital transfer of practice effects occurred for discrimination of gratings varying in either spatial parameter and also for spatial acuity-dependent discrimination of grating orientation. We conclude that tactile learning, although quite as task specific as in other sensory systems, generalizes with considerable facility across fingers, unlike visual learning, which is highly location specific.
Comparison of the stability of phycocyanins from thermophilic mesophilic psychrophilic and halophilic algae

Abstract Protein unfolding of eight different phycocyanins was investigated utilizing circular dichroism and visible spectra. The phycocyanin samples were extracted from algae that are normally found in vastly different environments, and are classified as mesophilic, thennophilic, halophilic and psychrophilic. The ability of these proteins to resist the denaturant urea is in the order of thennophile > mesophile, halophile > psychrophile. Based on a two-state approximation the apparent free energies of protein unfolding at zero urea denaturant concentration, ΔappH2O were found to range from 2.4 to 8.8 kcal mole for the eight phycocyanins at pH 6 and 25° C. The proteins from the thermophile are generally more stable than those from the mesophile. An extra stability of the halophile is believed due to the specific interaction of the proteins and the ions in solution. A correction for ΔappH2O due to minor amino acid differences reveals that the stability and the structural properties of these proteins are primarily affected by this minor difference in amino acid compositions.
The influence of depression on cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly persons.

Objective An association between depression and cognitive decline (CD) has been observed in cross-sectional and case/control studies of elderly populations. Whereas a handful of longitudinal community studies have found depressive symptoms to predate the onset of CD, others have found no association between depression and subsequent cognitive dysfunction. The authors examined the association between depressive symptoms and cognitive errors measured 3 years apart in a longitudinal sample of community-dwelling elderly persons. Methods Data were obtained from 4,162 subjects assessed as part of the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly, a population survey assessing physical, psychological, and social functioning of persons 65 years and older. Results Depressive symptoms were associated with subsequent CD even after controlling for baseline cognitive status, as well as demographic (e.g., race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status) and physical functioning variables. This was true for the sample as a whole, as well as for a subsample of participants who evidenced no baseline cognitive difficulties. Conclusions Study results are consistent with others finding an association between depressive symptoms and subsequent CD. Theories regarding the causal mechanisms underlying the association between depression and cognitive decline are discussed.
A supervisory approach to semi-supervised clustering

We propose a new approach to semi-supervised clustering that utilizes boosting to simultaneously learn both a similarity measure and a clustering of the data from given instance-level must-link and cannot-link constraints. The approach is distinctive in that it uses a supervising feedback loop to gradually update the similarity while at the same time guiding an underlying unsupervised clustering algorithm. Our approach is grounded in the theory of boosting. We provide three examples of the clustering algorithm on real datasets.
Chromatographic studies of purine metabolism. III. Effects of A-methopterin on formate-C14 utilization in mice bearing susceptible and dependent L1210 leukemia

Abstract In the susceptible line of L1210 leukemic tumor, A-methopterin has been found to ( a ) decrease the incorporation of formate-C 14 into the soluble purine derivatives, ( b ) divert the radioactivity to various amino acids and hydroxy acids, and ( c ) mark the probable point of primary metabolic blockade by a particularly large accumulation of radioactivity in 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide-1-ribonucleotide. On the A-methopterin-dependent line of L1210 leukemic tumor, the effect of A-methopterin was an increase in radioactivity of the soluble purines. On the mouse intestine, regardless of the leukemia type, the effect of A-methopterin was similar to, but less pronounced than, that on the susceptible tumor. On the mouse livers, the effect of A-methopterin varied according to the type of leukemia in the animal. As shown in sharply decreased fixation of formate-C 14 into soluble purine derivatives, A-methopterin was inhibitory to the livers of mice bearing the susceptible type leukemia. But A-methopterin was without effect on the livers of mice bearing the dependent type leukemia. No evidence could be found for an “alternative metabolic pathway” as an explanation for the ability of the dependent-type leukemia to escape inhibition by A-methopterin.
Enhanced heme oxygenase-mediated coronary vasodilation in dahl salt-sensitive hypertension

Abstract Background Cardiovascular tissues express heme oxygenase (HO), which metabolizes heme to form carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide promotes relaxation of coronary vascular smooth muscle. Increased HO-1 expression provides cardioprotection during certain pathologic conditions. On a high salt (HS) diet Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats develop hypertension that is accompanied by left ventricular hypertrophy, whereas Dahl salt-resistant rats (DR) do not. This study tests the hypothesis that cardiac HO-1 expression is increased in DS rats with salt-induced hypertension and provides cardioprotection by promoting coronary vasodilation. Methods Male DS and DR rats were placed on a HS (8% NaCl) or low salt (LS, 0.3% NaCl) diet for 4 weeks. Cardiac HO isoform expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. Experiments used isolated paced Langendorff-hearts perfused at a constant flow. Changes in coronary perfusion pressure and left ventricular contractility (dP/dtmax) were measured in response to an inhibitor of HO, chromium mesoporphyrin (CrMP). Results With respect to the LS group, DS rats on HS diet showed elevated mean arterial pressure and increased heart weight. Coronary arterial HO-1 immunostaining was enhanced in HS rats, but HO-2 staining was similar in both groups. In isolated Langendorff-hearts the HO inhibitor CrMP increased coronary perfusion pressure and calculated coronary resistance, and decreased left ventricular contractility (dP/dtmax) in both groups, but the response was exaggerated in HS rat hearts. In the DR strain, HS diet did not augment CrMP responses and had no effect on any of the parameters measured with respect to the LS diet. Conclusions These findings suggest that coronary HO-1 expression is increased to promote enhanced coronary vasodilation in DS rats with salt-induced hypertension.
Peptide analysis by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract We have examined the use of isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels for the analysis of heterogeneous mixtures of cyanogen bromide peptides. High resolution, sensitivity, and reproducibility are obtainable under conditions which are described. Peptides having molecular weights above 1000 or 2000 can be visualized by fixation and staining. The presence of urea in the gels is important to the procedure; formation of carbamylated derivatives from this cause occurs at most in trace amounts in unfavorable cases. No artifactual heterogenelty from any other cause was apparent.
Prevalence and correlates of psychopathology in pregnant adolescents

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence and correlates of psychopathology, as measured by the Youth Self-Report Scale, in pregnant adolescents so that interventions during pregnancy may be tailored to treat the psychopathology and thereby improve maternal and child outcomes. Methods: Scores on seven psychologic syndromes (withdrawn, delinquent, aggressive behaviors; anxiety/ depression; and social, thought, and attention problems) were compared for groups of pregnant adolescents ( n = 185), never pregnant teenagers ( n = 126), and previously published normative samples of clinically referred ( n = 518) and nonreferred ( n = 518) female adolescents using chi-square, Student's t -tests, analysis of covariance, or multiple logistic regression. Correlates of psychopathology were identified for the pregnant sample using odds ratios and 95% confidence limits. Results: Pregnant adolescents exhibited less serious or lower rates of psychopathology than groups against which they were compared. Correlates of psychopathology included substance use during pregnancy, prior assault, maternal childbirth before age 18 years, ethnicity, ≥ 3 sexual partners, and absence of a relationship with the baby's father. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of psychopathology was lower among pregnant patients, those who exhibit psychopathology are likely to engage in risky health behaviors that contribute to poor perinatal outcome.
A note on K-path hamiltonian graphs

Abstract A graph G on p vertices is k -path Hamiltonian if every path of length not exceeding k , 1≤ k ≤ p −2, is contained in a Hamiltonian cycle of G . Sufficient conditions are presented for a graph to be k -path Hamiltonian.
Portal branch occlusion safely facilitates in vivo retroviral vector transduction of rat liver

Hepatic gene therapy might correct the clinical manifestations of several genetic disorders in patients. Although retroviral vectors with a strong liver-specific promoter can result in stable and therapeutic levels of expression of genes from the liver, application of these techniques in humans is limited by the need to perform one or more invasive procedures to achieve ex vivo or in vivo transduction of hepatocytes. In vivo delivery involves injection of retrovirus into the portal vein during liver regeneration. Although transduction is efficient and specific for the liver, induction of hepatocyte replication requires a 70% partial hepatectomy or administration of a liver toxin. An alternative method for inducing hepatocyte replication is to occlude branches of the portal vein. This results in apoptosis of hepatocytes in the occluded lobes and compensatory replication of the hepatocytes in the nonoccluded lobes. We demonstrate here that portal branch occlusion is nearly as effective as partial hepatectomy at facilitating retroviral vector transduction in vivo and has a lower morbidity. Portal branch occlusion could be performed in larger animals by minimally invasive techniques and has been used safely to treat human patients with liver cancer. Portal branch occlusion might ultimately be used in humans to facilitate retroviral vector transduction in vivo for the treatment of genetic diseases.
Item response theory-based measure of global disability in multiple sclerosis derived from the Performance Scales and related items

The eight Performance Scales and three assimilated scales (PS) used in North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) registry surveys cover a broad range of neurologic domains commonly affected by multiple sclerosis (mobility, hand function, vision, fatigue, cognition, bladder/bowel, sensory, spasticity, pain, depression, and tremor/coordination). Each scale consists of a single 6-to-7-point Likert item with response categories ranging from “normal” to “total disability”. Relatively little is known about the performances of the summary index of disability derived from these scales (the Performance Scales Sum or PSS). In this study, we demonstrate the value of a combination of classical and modern methods recently proposed by the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) network to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PSS and derive an improved measure of global disability from the PS. The study sample included 7,851adults with MS who completed a NARCOMS intake questionnaire between 2003 and 2011. Factor analysis, bifactor modeling, and item response theory (IRT) analysis were used to evaluate the dimension(s) of disability underlying the PS; calibrate the 11 scales; and generate three alternative summary scores of global disability corresponding to different model assumptions and practical priorities. The construct validity of the three scores was compared by examining the magnitude of their associations with participant’s background characteristics, including unemployment. We derived structurally valid measures of global disability from the PS through the proposed methodology that were superior to the PSS. The measure most applicable to clinical practice gives similar weight to physical and mental disability. Overall reliability of the new measure is acceptable for individual comparisons (0.87). Higher scores of global disability were significantly associated with older age at assessment, longer disease duration, male gender, Native-American ethnicity, not receiving disease modifying therapy, unemployment, and higher scores on the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS). Promising, interpretable and easily-obtainable IRT scores of global disability were generated from the PS by using a sequence of traditional and modern psychometric methods based on PROMIS recommendations. Our analyses shed new light on the construct of global disability in MS.
Some Remarks on the Tensor Product of Algebras and Applications II

We apply the G-algebra theory to the tensor product of algebras. These considerations are applied to extend the results of Alghamdi and Khammash [1], Khammash [4] and Kulshammer [5, Proposition 1.2] on the tensor product of group algebras and modules over an algebraically closed field to lattices over a complete discrete valuation ring. This places these results in the standard integral finite group modular representation theory of G-algebras as pioneered by Puig (cf. [8]). We also study some aspects of covering homomorphisms and the Green correspondence in this context (cf. [8, Sections 20 and 25]).
Confinement and local transport in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX)

The NSTX operates at low aspect ratio (R/a ~ 1.3) and high beta (up to 40%), allowing tests of global confinement and local transport properties that have been established from higher aspect ratio devices. The NSTX plasmas are heated by up to 7 MW of deuterium neutral beams with preferential electron heating as expected for ITER. Confinement scaling studies indicate a strong BT dependence, with a current dependence that is weaker than that observed at higher aspect ratio. Dimensionless scaling experiments indicate a strong increase in confinement with decreasing collisionality and a weak degradation with beta. The increase in confinement with BT is due to reduced transport in the electron channel, while the improvement with plasma current is due to reduced transport in the ion channel related to the decrease in the neoclassical transport level. Improved electron confinement has been observed in plasmas with strong reversed magnetic shear, showing the existence of an electron internal transport barrier (eITB). The development of the eITB may be associated with a reduction in the growth of microtearing modes in the plasma core. Perturbative studies show that while L-mode plasmas with reversed magnetic shear and an eITB exhibit slow changes in across the profile after the pellet injection, H-mode plasmas with a monotonic q-profile and no eITB show no change in this parameter after pellet injection, indicating the existence of a critical gradient that may be related to the q-profile. Both linear and non-linear simulations indicate the potential importance of electron temperature gradient (ETG) modes at the lowest BT. Localized measurements of high-k fluctuations exhibit a sharp decrease in signal amplitude levels across the L–H transition, associated with a decrease in both ion and electron transport, and a decrease in calculated linear microinstability growth rates across a wide k-range, from the ion temperature gradient/TEM regime up to the ETG regime.
Plasma B-6 vitamer and plasma and urinary 4-pyridoxic acid concentrations in young women as determined using high performance liquid chromatography.

Plasma B-6 vitamer and plasma and urinary 4-pyridoxic acid concentrations of 21 young white women, 21–27 years, having radiomonitored pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and coenzyme stimulation of erythrocyte alanine amino-transferase activities indicative of adequate vitamin B-6 status were determined in an effort to establish normal ranges for plasma B-6 vitamers. B-6 vitamers and 4-pyridoxic acid were quantitated using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric and ultraviolet detection. Pyridoxal phosphate values obtained by radioenzymatic and chromatographic, fluorometric and ultraviolet, assays were highly correlated as were pyridoxine phosphate values determined using both detectors. The B-6 vitamer and 4-pyridoxic acid values of these subjects should be of use in the establishment of normal ranges of these congeners in women.
Long-term benefits of prompts to use safety belts among drivers exiting senior communities

Senior drivers are vulnerable to automobile crashes and subsequent injury and death. Safety belts reduce health risks associated with auto crashes. Therefore, it is important to encourage senior drivers to wear safety belts while driving. Using a repeated baseline design (AAB), we previously reported that motivating signs boosted safety belt usage by drivers exiting senior communities from baseline (72% and 68% usage), to postinstallation of signs (94%), to 6 months follow-up (80%). The current study was a 4-year follow-up in which six senior communities, with seat belt signs, were compared to six matched control senior communities with no signs. Safety belt usage was stable, across 4 years, at approximately 80% for both male and female drivers and front seat passengers for the six communities with signs, and was approximately 55% for control sites. These finding suggest that the simple and low-cost intervention of erecting signs to prompt safety belt use has persistent benefits that affect driver and passenger behavior alike.
Treatment and Analysis on Unit Trip Caused by Primary Fan Stall

As a result of incorrect operation causing the stall of primary fan, the pressure of primary air continuously decreased. Therefore, the combustion stability in boiler has been disturbanced greatly, and the generation unit trips due to water-coal ratio imbalance. In this paper, the stall accident resulted from incorrect operation have been analyzed, and correct operation for the fan have been put forward. Namely, the precursory phenomena of stall can be found and eliminated. Correct operations can keep the pressure of primary air stable. It is concluded that adopting the suitable water-coal ratio and air-coal ratio are helpful to keep the unit on safe.
Climate change technology transfer: a new paradigm and policy agenda

This article proposes a shift to a paradigm that is more extensive than the current narrow focus on North—South climate change technology transfers, towards a more inclusive ‘global’ paradigm. An implication of the paradigm shift is that there should be a concomitant expansion of the policy agendas of the international climate and trade regimes. The traditional North—South paradigm of technology transfer ignores the increasing importance of developing countries as sources of advanced climate-friendly technologies, and therefore ignores South—North and South—South transfers. Further, whereas the North—South paradigm has emphasized developing countries' intellectual property rights policies as barriers to technology transfers, the ‘global’ paradigm focuses attention on trade and investment policy barriers, including developed countries' policies that inhibit technology transfer from developing countries. The analysis is relevant to international negotiations in the post-2012 climate regime, and is also rele...
Specific Energy and Scratch Hardness of Gamma Titanium Aluminides Subjected to Single-Grit Pendulum Scratching

Two gamma titanium aluminides (Daido RNT650 and HOWMET 45XD) with fully lamellar structure but with different colony sizes were studied using a single-grit pendulum (rotational) scratch tester in order to assess their abrasive wear resistances. The maximum depth of groove was ∼ 0.07 mm and the scratch velocity used was ∼ 1 m/s. Normal and tangential forces were monitored during each scratch. The material removal mechanisms were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and also measured using a laser profilometer. Extensive thermal softening was observed. Sizable fractures were revealed in the transverse direction; however, the role of these fractures in the chip formation depends on the microstructure of materials and the size of groove. The tribological properties were characterized by instantaneous specific energy and scratch hardness as related to the depth of the groove. The overall response of materials can be effectively characterized by the HEM (Hwang-Evans-Malkin) model and the PSR (proportional specimen resistance) model, even though the underlining material removal might be subjected to the different mechanisms. The TiAl with the larger colony or grain size exhibits a strong resistance to material loss or material removal (higher depth-independent specific energy) while exhibiting lower scratch hardness. The obtained depth-independent specific energy and scratch hardness can be used to screen the candidate materials depending on whether the application is sliding or impact dominant.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
G Protein betagamma dimer formation: Gbeta and Ggamma differentially determine efficiency of in vitro dimer formation.

The Gβ and Gγ subunit of the heterotrimeric G proteins form a functional dimer that is stable once assembled in vivo or in vitro. The requirements, mechanism, and specificity of dimer formation are still incompletely understood, but represent important biochemical processes involved in the specificity of cellular signaling through G proteins. Here, seven Gβ and 12 FLAG-epitope-tagged Gγ subunits were separately synthesized in vitro using a rabbit reticulocyte lysate expression system. The translation products were combined and dimers isolated by immunoprecipitation. Gβ1 and Gβ4 formed dimers with all Gγ subunit isoforms, generally with Gβ/Gγ stoichiometries between 0.2:1 and 0.5:1. Gβ5, Gβ5L, and Gβ3s did not form significant amounts of dimer with any of the γ subunit isoforms. Gβ2 and Gβ3 formed dimers with selected Gγ isoforms to levels intermediate between that of Gβ1/Gβ4 and Gβ3s/Gβ5/Gβ5L. We also expressed selected Gβγ in HEK293 cells and measured PLCβ2 activity. Gβγ dimer-dependent increases in IP3 ...