cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Dietary Supplementation with Streptococcus faecium M-74 on Broiler Body Weight, Feed Conversion, Carcass Characteristics, and Intestinal Microbial Colonization

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of Streptococcus faecium M-74 supplementation of broiler diets. Mixed-sex or male only chicks were used in the experiments. Both experiments consisted of six dietary treatments and four replicates per treatment in a randomized block design. The S. faecium was fed alone for 21, 36, or 44 days or for 44 days with S. faecium supplemented in the water for the first 14 days. In another treatment, S. faecium was fed for 44 days, but the feed was restricted for Days 8 through 13. The S. faecium was also fed in combination with antibacterial products (AP) for 44 days. An additional diet was an unsupplemented basal, and another was supplemented only with AP. In Experiment 1, feed efficiency was significantly better with the basal and diets supplemented with S. faecium than with those diets supplemented with AP or AP and S. faecium. In Experiment 2, BW of broilers at 44 days of age were significantly heavier for broilers receiving 5. faecium in the feed and also S. faecium in the water for the first 14 days as compared with broilers receiving AP or AP and S. faecium supplementation. There were no significant differences in carcass yield or composition characteristics. In Experiment 1, the scores representing S. faecium colonies found in the intestinal tract were not influenced by dietary treatment. The ceca had the highest S. faecium score of any of the intestinal tract locations. In Experiment 2, broilers receiving diets containing 5. faecium or the basal had significantly more S. faecium colonies in the ceca than the broilers receiving the diets containing AP or AP and S. faecium. The S. faecium colony counts in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were significantly lower on Days 14 and 21 than on Day 7. The S. faecium counts from the ceca were significantly lower on Day 21 only. The numbers of S. faecium colonies in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca were increased on Day 29. The ceca also consistently yielded the highest S. faecium counts.
Quantitative analysis of cyclic beta-turn models.

The beta-turn is a frequently found structural unit in the conformation of globular proteins. Although the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the alpha-helix and beta-pleated sheet are well defined, there remains some ambiguity concerning the pure component CD spectra of the different types of beta-turns. Recently, it has been reported (Hollosi, M., Kover, K.E., Holly, S., Radics, L., & Fasman, G.D., 1987, Biopolymers 26, 1527-1572; Perczel, A., Hollosi, M., Foxman, B.M., & Fasman, G.D., 1991a, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 113, 9772-9784) that some pseudohexapeptides (e.g., the cyclo[(delta)Ava-Gly-Pro-Aaa-Gly] where Aaa = Ser, Ser(OtBu), or Gly) in many solvents adopt a conformational mixture of type I and the type II beta-turns, although the X-ray-determined conformation was an ideal type I beta-turn. In addition to these pseudohexapeptides, conformational analysis was also carried out on three pseudotetrapeptides and three pseudooctapeptides. The target of the conformation analysis reported herein was to determine whether the ring stress of the above beta-turn models has an influence on their conformational properties. Quantitative nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) measurements yielded interproton distances. The conformational average distances so obtained were interpreted utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to yield the conformational percentages. These conformational ratios were correlated with the conformational weights obtained by quantitative CD analysis of the same compounds. The pure component CD curves of type I and type II beta-turns were also obtained, using a recently developed algorithm (Perczel, A., Tusnady, G., Hollosi, M., & Fasman, G.D., 1991b, Protein Eng. 4(6), 669-679). For the first time the results of a CD deconvolution, based on the CD spectra of 14 beta-turn models, were assigned by quantitative NOE results. The NOE experiments confirmed the ratios of the component curves found for the two major beta-turns by CD analysis. These results can now be used to enhance the conformational determination of globular proteins on the basis of their CD spectra.
Effects of Self-Pacing and Instructor-Pacing in a PSI Course.

AbstractStudents enrolled in an introductory research course in political science were randomly assigned to either (1) a self-paced group in which each student was allowed to take each quiz in the course at whatever pace he chose or (2) an instructor-paced group in which students were required to pass each quiz by a target date set by the instructor. The number of students who withdrew from the course was significantly higher from the self-paced group than from the instructor-paced group. There were no significant differences between groups in attitudes or in achievement. Failure to maintain a steady quiz-taking pace and poor performance on the quizzes were the factors most closely associated with withdrawal from the course.
Comparison of 4-class ranks of certain quadratic fields

Let m be a square-free positive integer. Let r4(K) denote the 4-class rank of a quadratic field K. This paper examines how likely it is for r4(Q(\/-in)) = r4(Q(v\/M)) and for r4(Q(V-/i)) = r4(Q(-\?/M)) + 1.
A likelihood approach to classifying fluorescent events collected by multicolor flow cytometry

Flow cytometry is an effective tool for enumerating fluorescently-labeled microbes recovered from natural environments. However, low signal strength and the presence of fluorescent, non-cellular particles complicate the separation of cellular events from noise. Existing classification methods rely on the arbitrary placement of noise thresholds, resulting in potentially high rates of misclassification of fluorescent cells, thus precluding the robust estimation of the proportions of classes of fluorescent cells. Here we present a method for objectively separating signal from noise. Rather than setting an arbitrary noise threshold, the Z-scoring approach uses the Gaussian distribution of signal strength (a) to locate noise threshold for individual fluorophores, (b) to predict the likelihood of different fluorescent genotypes in producing the signal observed, and (c) to normalize the fraction of cellular events count for each fluorescent cell class. The likelihood framework allows rejection of alternative genotypes, leading to robust and reliable classification of fluorescent cells. Use of Z-scoring in classification of cells expressing multiple fluorophores, use of spillover in actively scoring events, and the successful classification of multiple fluorophores using a single detector within a flow cytometer are discussed. A software package that performs Z-scoring for cells labeled with one or more fluorophores is described.
Spatial disparities in the expansion of the Chinese ethnoburb of Los Angeles

Suburban Chinatowns are intriguing subjects for study and comparison. These ethnic suburbs, or ethnoburbs, have emerged to coexist or compete with the older downtown Chinatowns traditionally found in American central cities. Their growth since the 1960s challenges many traditional assumptions regarding the spatial and cultural assimilation of immigrants in U.S. society, namely that ethnicity would decline with the geographic and socioeconomic mobility of immigrants from the inner city into the suburbs. We examined recent growth trends in the Chinese ethnoburb of the San Gabriel Valley region of Greater Los Angeles, through analysis and mapping of U.S. Census data, and discovered ethnic persistence rather than spatial and cultural assimilation. We also discovered the ethnoburb is differentiated between a lower-class core and two middle-to-upper class fringe districts. Though there is some linguistic assimilation on the northwest fringe, the majority of the ethnoburban population continues to speak Chinese. Linguistic isolation is not a barrier to achieving a higher socioeconomic class position in the Chinese ethnoburb of Los Angeles.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2–niobate nanosheet composites

Protonated niobate nanosheets, H1.8Bi0.2CaNaNb3O10 (BCNN), were synthesized using a new organic-free simultaneous ion exchange and exfoliation process from the Aurivillius phase Bi2CaNaNb3O12. Nanosheet/TiO2 composites were prepared by thermal treatment of physical mixtures of commercially available anatase TiO2 and the nanosheet suspension. Methylene blue (MB) dye degradation studies for the composite show a clear correlation between the MB surface adsorption and the degradation rate. The composite exhibits strongly enhanced photocatalytic activity as the calcination temperature increases, suggesting the possibility of charge transfer at the BCNN–TiO2 interface and the existence of Nb5+ and O2−acid–base pairs. Both phenomena are attributed to the processing approach, which includes topochemical dehydration of the BCNN nanosheets during heat treatment.
The effect of surface coatings on fire growth over composite materials in a corner configuration

Structural composites are vulnerable to fire in two respects: (1) their resin content may ignite and enable the spread of flames over the surface of the structure; (2) the resin may degrade from the heat of a localized fire exposure thus weakening the composite structure. The present study focuses mainly on the first issue, in particular, on the ability of various commercial coatings to prevent flame spread. The second issue is examined briefly by applying thermocouples to the back surface of test specimens. Four commercial coatings have been tested over an unretarded vinyl ester/glass composite. In addition an uncoated phenolic/glass composite and a polyester/glass composite coated with a fire retarded resin were tested. In all cases the configuration was a 3.3 m high corner with a 53 cm square propane gas burner at its base, operated at 250 kW as the fire exposure. The results show that, with the proper choice of coating and coating thickness, fire growth can be suppressed quite effectively. Two of the coatings, applied at a substantial thickness, were reasonably effective at slowing the penetration of heat to the back of the composite panels. The other coatings, much thinner in application, were notably less effective at slowing heat penetration.
Characterization of polyclonal allergen-specific IgE responses by affinity distributions.

Polyclonal IgE responses have been previously characterized by allergen-specific antibody levels and by identification of amino acid sequences related to immunodominant epitopes. However, the binding affinities related to these antibody families are not well known. Using sera from donors with known sensitivities to ragweed or house dust mite allergens, we studied the binding reactions between the purified allergens Amb a 1 and Der p 1 and allergen-specific IgE's by determining affinity distribution functions. The distributions of binding affinities only exhibited a few dominant reactions indicated by peaks in an affinity distribution display. In all the donors tested, there were two dominant peaks and in 2/3 of the cases there was a third peak for both Amb a 1 and Der p 1. We further characterized the polyclonal interactions between IgE and Der p 1 by inhibiting the specific binding of IgE using peptide fragments known to be constituents of Der p 1 epitopes. Each peptide inhibited only a single peak in the affinity distributions. It would appear that the peaks in the affinity distribution represent antibodies directed to single epitopes. These results suggest that in our atopic population the response is surprisingly uniform. The bulk of the IgE response (70–80%) is of high affinity (108–1011 M−1) and directed towards a few epitopes. The relative affinities towards epitopes seem to be determined by the structure of the epitope and not variations of individuals’ immune responses.
Vitamin C depletion is associated with alterations in blood histamine and plasma free carnitine in adults

The purpose of this study was to determine whether carnitine metabolism or histamine degradation would be useful parameters for investigating the optimal requirement for vitamin C.Twenty-two non-scorbutic subjects with subnormal vitamin C status (plasma vitamin C < 28 mumol/L) were placed on a metabolic diet low in vitamin C for 3 weeks and repleted with graded doses of vitamin C: 10, 30 and 60 mg vitamin C daily (group 1) or 10,125 and 250 mg vitamin C daily (group 2) for weeks 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Fasting blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed for plasma vitamin C, plasma free carnitine and blood histamine.Group 1 subjects remained in a subnormal vitamin C state throughout the 3-week study, and blood histamine and plasma free carnitine were not impacted by the experimental treatment. Plasma vitamin C in group 2 subjects rose significantly during the study, and these subjects finished the study with an ample vitamin C status indicative of vitamin C intakes above the recommended dietary all...
Obtaining maximum-likelihood estimates of factor loadings and communalities using an easily implemented iterative computer procedure.

This paper considers the problem of computing estimates of factor loadings, specific variances, and communalities for a factor analytic model. The equations for maximum-likelihood estimators are discussed. Iterative formulas are developed to solve the maximum-likelihood equations and a simple and efficient method of implementation on a digital computer is described. Use of the iterative formulas and computing techniques for other estimators of factor loadings and communalities is also considered to provide a very general approach for this aspect of factor analysis.
Worldview of High-Risk Juvenile Delinquents Relationship to Decisions to Shoot

Societal-level risk factors can identify those at risk for violence but do not purport to determine how these factors affect individual-level beliefs or judgments. The current study examined high-r...
New perspectives in the pulmonary circulation and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction

In the past few years there has been a reawakening of interest in the systems that underly pulmonary vascular control and an increased awareness of the clinical potential of pharmacological manipulation of the pulmonary circulation. Nevertheless, although so much has been learned about the physiological role of the endothelium, vasoactive substances, and neural modulation of the pulmonary vasculature; how these disparate influences interact to control the matching of ventilation to perfusion remains uncertain. Consequently, even less is known of the way in which lung injury influences these regulatory processes. It is likely that the response to hypoxia may involve a system with many pathways and much redundancy, such that blockade of the production of a single agent has only a minor effect on HPV. We speculate that the products of arachidonic acid metabolism, PAF, adenosine and EDRF, may act in concert with neural pathways in a 'microenvironment' bounded by the alveolus and endothelium to modify pulmonary vascular tone during both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
Biosynthesis of ecdysteroids in Zea mays

Abstract The incubation of several radiolabelled substrates with Zea mays plants demonstrated the incorporation of radiolabels into ecdysteroid conjugates. Radiolabelled [14C]ecdysone and [14C]20-hydroxyecdysone, were biosynthesized from [2-14C]mevalonic acid (MVA) in Z. mays. These ecdysteroids can be released from their conjugates by treatment with wheat germ acid phosphatase or mild acid hydrolysis. The C-24 reduced side chain sterols, lathosterol and cholesterol were endogenously biosynthesized from [2-14C]MVA and were identified by 1H NMR. Lathosterol accounts for ca 0.5% of the total sterol composition, whereas cholesterol is present at 2.5%. However, lathosterol was consistently found to have a specific activity three to six times that of cholesterol. Incubation of [4-14C]cholesterol with Z. mays leaves also demonstrated incorporation into a 20-hydroxyecdysone conjugate. Incubation of [22,23-3H]ecdysone with Z. mays demonstrated incorporation into radiolabelled ecdysone diphosphate and ecdysone polyphosphate, which were cleaved upon acid phosphatase treatment. Z. mays biosynthesizes primarily ecdysteroid conjugates and does not appear to produce detectable levels of non-conjugated ecdysteroids.
The Effect of Focus on Memory for Words in Sentences

Abstract Three experiments investigated the effects of focus on memory for words in written sentences. The effect of focusing phrases, such as It was the ... and There was this ... on memory for the focused word and for particular types of information about it (phonological and semantic) was investigated. The results indicated that words were consistently better remembered when they had been focused. Phonological information was found to be better remembered for focused words in a delayed recognition task (Experiment 2) and in a naming task (Experiment 3), but not in an immediate recognition task (Experiment 1). Memory for general semantic information about words was not enhanced by focus in either recognition or naming. The results suggest that focusing a word enhances memory for its specific identity and for its phonological properties and possibly increases the specificity of memory for its semantic properties.
Proper powertrain modeling for engine-in-the-loop simulation

This paper presents a proper model of a HMMWV’s four-speed automatic transmission powertrain. The model is simultaneously accurate enough to capture important powertrain transients and fast enough to run in real time. The model’s parameters are scaled to match a powerful new diesel engine proposed for HMMWV propulsion. This enables real time hardware-in-the-loop engine testing and emissions measurement under realistic drive cycles. The algorithm used for proper powertrain modeling is easy to automate, which decreases the time needed to create simulation models for hardware-in-the-loop environments. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of scalability and validity in the context of proper modeling.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Failure of rabbit reticulocytes to incorporate conalbumin or lactoferrin iron.

Abstract Despite the remarkable molecular similarity of human lactoferrin and human transferrin, the results of this investigation indicate that human lactoferrin was unable to furnish rabbit reticulocytes with iron for heme synthesis. Although conalbumin closely resembles transferrin in many of its properties, conalbumin iron-binding differs from human transferrin iron-binding. There are conflicting reports in the literature regarding conalbumin's ability to furnish iron to reticulocytes. In this study, small amounts of lactoferrin or conalbumin were adsorbed to mature and immature cell surfaces but neither of these iron-binding proteins surrendered iron intracellularly to reticulocytes for heme synthesis.
Incidence of Benign Lesions for Clinically Localized Renal Masses Smaller Than 7 cm in Radiological Diameter: Influence of Sex

Purpose: We determined the incidence of benign renal lesions in patients undergoing definitive surgery for localized renal masses 7 cm or less in maximum radiological diameter, and assessed preoperative and clinical parameters associated with benign histology.Materials and Methods: The records of 1,184 patients who underwent consecutive partial or radical nephrectomies between January 2000 and January 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. We excluded 208 patients with lesions more than 7 cm in maximum radiological diameter, 17 with evidence of renal vein or vena caval invasion, 75 with suspected or documented metastatic disease, 28 with a history of renal cell carcinoma and 41 with no available imaging. Logistic regression was done to determine clinical factors associated with benign renal masses, including radiological tumor size, cystic vs solid appearance, patient sex, age, presenting symptoms and race.Results: Of 815 nephrectomies in our data set 134 (16.4%) were associated with benign lesions, includin...
Inflatable penile prosthesis: results of 150 cases

Objectives To evaluate the reliability of the prosthesis and the rate of complications in organically impotent men who were implanted with an inflatable penile prosthesis. Patients and methods A consecutive series of 150 men (mean age 60 years, range 25–90) were followed for a mean of 19 months (range 0–65) after implantation of the Mentor Alpha 1 penile prosthesis. Information was obtained from their medical records and by telephone interview, but the satisfaction of the patients was not assessed quantitatively. Results There were no complications in 145 of the patients and they currently have functioning prostheses. Complications occurred in five patients (3%), including two peri-prosthetic infections (1%) and two intra-operative and one post-operative cylinder aneurysm. Complications requiring re-operation occurred in three (2%) of patients; none of the implants leaked. Conclusions These results suggest that for men with organic impotence, a Mentor Alpha 1 implant is an effective treatment option with acceptable morbidity and good mechanical reliability.
Fmoc-Based Synthesis of Peptide α-Thioesters Using an Aryl Hydrazine Support†

C-Terminal peptide thioesters are key intermediates in the synthesis/semisynthesis of proteins and of cyclic peptides by native chemical ligation. They are prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) or biosynthetically by protein splicing techniques. Until recently, the chemical synthesis of C-terminal alpha-thioester peptides by SPPS was largely restricted to the use of Boc/Benzyl chemistry due to the poor stability of the thioester bond to the basic conditions required for the deprotection of the N(alpha)-Fmoc group. In the present work, we describe a new method for the SPPS of C-terminal thioesters using Fmoc/t-Bu chemistry. This method is based on the use of an aryl hydrazine linker, which is totally stable to conditions required for Fmoc-SPPS. When the peptide synthesis has been completed, activation of the linker is achieved by mild oxidation. This step converts the acyl hydrazine group into a highly reactive acyl diazene intermediate which reacts with an alpha-amino acid alkyl thioester (H-AA-SR) to yield the corresponding peptide alpha-thioester in good yield. This method has been successfully used to prepare a variety of peptide thioesters, cyclic peptides, and a fully functional Src homology 3 (SH3) protein domain.
False positives with visual analysis for nonconcurrent multiple baseline designs and ABAB designs: Preliminary findings

Abstract This study evaluated the probability of generating false positives with three-tier nonconcurrent multiple baseline (NMBL) designs and ABAB designs. For Experiment 1, we generated four sets of three-tier NMBL design graphs. The first, second, and third sets consisted of fixed A-phase data points for all three tiers at 0%, 25% and 50%, respectively, and randomly generated data points in the B phases. The fourth set consisted of randomly generated data points in the A and B phases for all three tiers. Across all four sets ( N = 1000), results show that false positives were produced with 7.5% of three-tier NMBL design graphs and were most probable when baseline levels were set at 0% or 25%. For Experiment 2, we generated 3000 ABAB design graphs consisting of three to five data points per phase. Results indicate that no false positives were produced, regardless of the number of data points included in each phase. Results of this study support specific guidelines for the use of NMBL designs and ABAB designs.
Activation of oxytocin-containing neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) following generalized seizures.

Due to the complex nature of generalized limbic seizures, marked disturbances in physiological homeostasis occur. Accompanying the motor manifestations which characteristically are associated with generalized limbic seizures, alterations in neuroendocrine, behavioral, and autonomic functions may be observed. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is known to play a significant role in such neuronal responses to stressful stimuli; however, the effect of seizures on hypothalamic neurons is unknown. We have used the immunocytochemical detection of the Fos protein to anatomically identify neurons in the PVN which are activated following generalized limbic seizures. To induce seizures, rats received intraperitoneal injections of kainic acid or were kindled from the entorhinal cortex. We have demonstrated that elicitation of generalized limbic seizures induces a dramatic number of neurons in the PVN to express the Fos protein. Numerous Fos-immunolabeled neurons were identified in both the parvicellular and magnocellular component of the PVN. In the latter, this study clearly reveals a preferential and selective activation of oxytocin-containing neurons, and it extends and supports the hypothesis that oxytocin plays a role in the body's response to specific stress paradigms. Data suggest that an activation of the oxytocin neuronal system may be part of the adaptive mechanism that enables the hypothalamus to modulate and maintain an adequate response to stressors (e.g., generalized seizures) to regain homeostasis. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the Steps of Moscow University

MOSCOW, Aug. 26—A University of California mathematics professor was taken for a fast and unscheduled automobile ride through the streets of Moscow, questioned and then released today after he had criticized both the Soviet Union and the United States at an informal news conference.
Modulation of neuronal migration by NMDA receptors

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of the glutamate receptor is essential for neuronal differentiation and establishment or elimination of synapses in a developing brain. The activity of the NMDA receptor has now been shown to also regulate the migration of granule cells in slice preparations of the developing mouse cerebellum. First, blockade of NMDA receptors by specific antagonists resulted in the curtailment of cell migration. Second, enhancement of NMDA receptor activity by the removal of magnesium or by the application of glycine increased the rate of cell movement. Third, increase of endogenous extracellular glutamate by inhibition of its uptake accelerated the rate of cell migration. These results suggest that NMDA receptors may play an early role in the regulation of calcium-dependent cell migration before neurons reach their targets and form synaptic contacts.
Quantitative determination of taurine and related biomarkers in urine by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Current urinary bladder cancer diagnosis is commonly based on a biopsy obtained during cystoscopy. This invasive method causes discomfort and pain in patients. Recently, taurine and several other compounds such as L-phenylalanine and hippuric acid in urine were found to be indicators of bladder cancer. However, because of a lack of sensitive and accurate analytical techniques, it is impossible to detect these compounds in urine at low levels. In this study, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a noninvasive method was developed to separate and detect these compounds in urine. 15N2-L-glutamine was used as the internal standard, and creatinine acted as an indicator for urine dilution. A phenyl-hexyl column was used for the separation at an isocratic condition of 0.2% formic acid in water and 0.2% formic acid in methanol. Analytes were detected in multiple-reaction monitoring with positive ionization mode. The limit of detection range is 0.18–6 nM and the limit of quantitation ranges from 0.6 to 17.6 nM. The parameters affecting separation and quantification were also investigated and optimized. Proper clinical validation of these biomarkers can be done using this reliable, fast, and simple method. Furthermore, with simple modifications, this method could be applied to other physiological fluids and other types of diseases.
The Loop Position of shRNAs and Pre-miRNAs Is Critical for the Accuracy of Dicer Processing In Vivo

Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-induced RNAi is used for biological discovery and therapeutics. Dicer, whose normal role is to liberate endogenous miRNAs from their precursors, processes shRNAs into different biologically active siRNAs, affecting their efficacy and potential for off-targeting. We found that, in cells, Dicer induced imprecise cleavage events around the expected sites based on the previously described 5'/3' counting rules. These promiscuous noncanonical cleavages were abrogated when the cleavage site was positioned 2 nt from a bulge or loop. Interestingly, we observed that the ~1/3 of mammalian endogenous pre-miRNAs that contained such structures were more precisely processed by Dicer. Implementing a "loop-counting rule," we designed potent anti-HCV shRNAs with substantially reduced off-target effects. Our results suggest that Dicer recognizes the loop/bulge structure in addition to the ends of shRNAs/pre-miRNAs for accurate processing. This has important implications for both miRNA processing and future design of shRNAs for RNAi-based genetic screens and therapies.
A 1.4-Mb interval RH map of horse chromosome 17 provides detailed comparison with human and mouse homologues

Abstract Comparative genomics has served as a backbone for the rapid development of gene maps in domesticated animals. The integration of this approach with radiation hybrid (RH) analysis provides one of the most direct ways to obtain physically ordered comparative maps across evolutionarily diverged species. We herein report the development of a detailed RH and comparative map for horse chromosome 17 (ECA17). With markers distributed at an average interval of every 1.4 Mb, the map is currently the most informative among the equine chromosomes. It comprises 75 markers (56 genes and 19 microsatellites), of which 50 gene specific and 5 microsatellite markers were generated in this study and typed to our 5000-rad horse × hamster whole genome RH panel. The markers are dispersed over six RH linkage groups and span 825 cR 5000 . The map is among the most comprehensive whole chromosome comparative maps currently available for domesticated animals. It finely aligns ECA17 to human and mouse homologues (HSA13 and MMU1, 3, 5, 8, and 14, respectively) and homologues in other domesticated animals. Comparisons provide insight into their relative organization and help to identify evolutionarily conserved segments. The new ECA17 map will serve as a template for the development of clusters of BAC contigs in regions containing genes of interest. Sequencing of these regions will help to initiate studies aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms for various diseases and inherited disorders in horse as well as human.
Parrot: a practical runtime for deterministic, stable, and reliable threads

Multithreaded programs are hard to get right. A key reason is that the contract between developers and runtimes grants exponentially many schedules to the runtimes. We present Parrot, a simple, practical runtime with a new contract to developers. By default, it orders thread synchronizations in the well-defined round-robin order, vastly reducing schedules to provide determinism (more precisely, deterministic synchronizations) and stability (i.e., robustness against input or code perturbations, a more useful property than determinism). When default schedules are slow, it allows developers to write intuitive performance hints in their code to switch or add schedules for speed. We believe this "meet in the middle" contract eases writing correct, efficient programs.We further present an ecosystem formed by integrating Parrot with a model checker called dbug. This ecosystem is more effective than either system alone: dbug checks the schedules that matter to Parrot, and Parrot greatly increases the coverage of dbug.Results on a diverse set of 108 programs, roughly 10× more than any prior evaluation, show that Parrot is easy to use (averaging 1.2 lines of hints per program); achieves low overhead (6.9% for 55 real-world programs and 12.7% for all 108 programs), 10× better than two prior systems; scales well to the maximum allowed cores on a 24-core server and to different scales/types of workloads; and increases Dbug's coverage by 106--1019734 for 56 programs. Parrot's source code, entire benchmark suite, and raw results are available at github.com/columbia/smt-mc.
Evaluating leadership, IT quality, and net benefits in an e-government environment

US Government organizations are creating value for their citizens and businesses by improving their public service delivery through good websites. Our study examined leadership and IT quality, and their effect on positive delivery outcomes in an e-government environment. We first developed a theoretically based model using elements of the model developed for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) and DeLone and McLean's IS Success model. To test this model, we conducted a field survey at a municipal city government. The results supported our hypothesis that the MBNQA leadership triad (leadership, strategic planning, and customer/market focus) had a positive impact on the IT quality triad (information, system, and service quality). We also found that both leadership and IT quality increased the benefits.
The Values of Some Plasma Components During the Early Phases of Fracture Healing in Man

A study of plasma components during the early phases of fracture healing in man showed no specific changes except a change of C-reactive protein to positive and a slight but non-significant increase of the plasma hydroxyproline.
Effects of radiation on SiC-based Nicalon fibers

This paper presents neutron and ion radiation effects in the Nicalon SiC polymer precursor fiber. It is shown that the serious structural degradation of this fiber and its composites (e.g., CVD SiC/Nicalon) previously reported for the standard grade of Nicalon is primarily due to the presence of the silicon oxycarbide phase. Results supporting this interpretation include microstructural analysis as well as post irradiation mechanical property measurements. Preliminary results of the effects of irradiation on low-oxygen Nicalon fibers are presented. The reduced oxygen content fibers exhibit radiation-induced density, strength, and Weibull’s and Young’s moduli changes typical of monolithic ceramic materials. This contrasts sharply with the poor irradiation behavior of the standard Nicalon fiber and suggests that improved radiation resistance can be expected in SiC/SiC composites fabricated with low oxygen Nicalon fibers.
THE WALL-THINNING TO TRANSMITRAL FLOW-VELOCITY RELATION: DERIVATION WITH IN VIVO VALIDATION

Motion of the endocardial surface in diastole is the resultant effect of wall thinning. Endocardial wall motion to transmitral flow (Doppler E-wave) relations that predict wall thinning are derived using conservation of myocardial volume, two simplified (spatiotemporally homogeneous) left ventricular (LV) geometric models and the constant-volume pump attribute of the heart. For validation, model-predicted vs. color M-mode recorded maximum rate of wall thinning was compared in (n = 15) normal controls. Excellent agreement for both models (r = 0.84, r = 0.86) was observed. For abnormal LV function (n = 15), model-predicted vs. M-mode recorded maximum rate of wall-thinning correlated poorly (r = -0.28, r = -0.22). We conclude that, in normal ventricles, the Doppler E-wave and wall thinning are related through the constant-volume attribute of the heart and its geometry. Pathologic cases are governed by the same principles, but the filling to wall-thinning relation is altered by spatiotemporal inhomogeneities in geometry and wall motion.
The Wear-Comfort Prediction of Specified Knit Garments

The relationship between the comfort rating of men's knit slacks and the amount of garment ease, available fabric stretch, wearer's weight/height ratio, and activity level was investigated. The comfort rating during fifteen wear periods was significantly correlated to knee ease and attivity level. Other variables which contributed to the prediction of comfort rating were leg ease and weight/height ratio. These variables accounted for 54% of comfort score variability. The comfort rating was found to be correlated with garment wear performance properties such as clinginess, waist roll-up, and pilling and snagging. As a whole, the majority of wearers reported over-all satisfaction with the double-knit slacks tested in the study.
PROFIT SHIFTING AND TRADE AGREEMENTS IN IMPERFECTLY COMPETITIVE MARKETS*: profit shifting and trade agreements in imperfectly competitive markets

Do new rationales for trade agreements arise once imperfectly competitive markets are allowed? We consider several trade models that feature imperfectly competitive markets and argue that the basic rationale for a trade agreement is, in fact, the same rationale that arises in perfectly competitive markets. In all of the models that we consider, and whether or not governments have political–economic objectives, the only rationale for a trade agreement is to remedy the inefficient terms‐of‐trade‐driven restrictions in trade volume. We also show that the principles of reciprocity and nondiscrimination continue to be efficiency enhancing in these settings.
The functional significance of the microbial biomass in organic and conventionally managed soils

In order to achieve sustainability in managed ecosystems we must understand management impacts on soil processes and clarify the regulatory role of the microbial community on these processes. Crop rotation and organic management practices are thought to have positive impacts on the microbial biomass; however, the specific impacts of crop rotation organic management on soil microbial ecology are largely unknown. The effect of organic management on soil microbial ecology was investigated using soils collected from the Rodale Institute Research Center’s long-term Farming Systems Trial (FST) experiment. The FST, begun in 1981, included a manured and a cover cropped organic rotation and a conventionally managed grain based rotation. Soil respiration rates and 13C-isotope fate in a companion study suggest that the biomass characteristics of the FST treatment soils were different in November 1991. However, direct measurement of the microbial community at this time using Phospholipid Fatty Acid Analysis (PLFA) did not identify statistically significant treatment based differences in soil biomass characteristics. Variability among the PLFA profiles of treatment replicates was as great as variability between farming systems. Treatment based trends were observed among selected PLFAs, particularly those present in large amounts, that were consistent with indirect biomass and biomass-dependent measures. Overall, PLFA profiles, soil respiration rates and 13C-cycling suggested that the organic cover cropped soil had the Largest and most heterogeneous microbial population while the biomass of the organic-manure amended soil was the least heterogeneous, and the most metabolically active.
Decentralized Serial Supply Chains Subject to Order Delays and Information Distortion: Exploiting Real-Time Sales Data

Decentralized supply chains are traditionally order focused: stage managers focus on meeting replenishment orders of downstream stages; market demand information is relayed up through these orders, and therefore is subject to costly delay and distortion. This paper shows that sharing real-time sales data across all stages and a change in focus to meeting customer demand can mitigate performance impairment caused by the order focus.We show that a change of managerial focus in a decentralized chain can be made by measuring stages' performance based on their respective echelon stocks, which only depends on how well they respond to the market demand. A demand-focused measurement scheme can be made incentive compatible with the knowledge of the demand distribution; a heuristic scheme independent of the demand distribution can be used to achieve near incentive compatibility.
A new method for harmonic response of non-proportionally damped structures using undamped modal data

Abstract A method of calculating the receptances of a non-proportionally damped structure from the undamped modal data and the damping matrix of the system is presented. The method developed is an exact method. It gives exact results when exact undamped receptances are employed in the computation. Inaccuracies are due to the truncations made in the calculation of undamped receptances. Numerical examples, demonstrating the accuracy and speed of the method when truncated receptance series are used are also presented. Advantages of the method over classical methods are discussed, and it is concluded that the method is most advantageous when used for a structure with frequency and/or temperature dependent damping properties, or when the non-proportional part of the damping is local. The technique suggested can easily be applied to structural modification problems if there is no additional degree-of-freedom due to the modifying structure.
On-line generation of collision-free trajectories for multiple robots

An online algorithm is proposed to test interferences and generate collision-free trajectories for the motions of loosely coordinated multiple robot manipulators controlled independently by means of PD (proportional differential) controllers. A hierarchical multiple-robot-control architecture is proposed. The approach is demonstrated by simulation studied. >
Characterization and comparison of estrogen and androgen receptors of calf anterior pituitary.

Abstract A comparative study of the characteristics of estrogen and androgen binding in the high speed supernatant fraction (cytosol) of calf anterior pituitary revealed that [ 3 H]-17β-estradiol and [ 3 H]-testosterone were bound to macromolecules which sediment at approximately 9 and 8s, respectively, on sucrose density gradients. The estrogen and androgen binding macromolecules are distinguishable on the basis of their ligand specificity and possess properties which distinguish true steroid hormone receptors from other steroid binding proteins. Competitive binding assays indicate that the androgen receptor has similar affinities for 5α-dihydrotestosterone and for testosterone. The affinity constants for the 17β-estradiol and testosterone binding reactions were 1.2 × 10 10 M −1 and 0.8 × 10 9 M −1 respectively. The concentration of testosterone receptor sites was determined as 2 × 10 −14 mol/mg) cytosolic protein in the pituitaries of both male and female calves. A statistically significant difference was found in the concentration of 17β-estradiol receptor sites in the male (1.6 × 10 −14 ) mol/mg protein) and female calf (3.2 × 10 −14 mol/mg protein).
Fault-tolerant BIBD networks

The use of multiple buses can improve both the fault tolerance and performance of local area computer networks. Existing schemes either depend on active components for full connectivity or can experience decreased performance as many hosts attempt to access one bus. An architecture class based on balanced incomplete block designs (BIBDs) is proposed to address these problems. A BIBD architecture uses redundant communication channels and exhibits degradable performance as faults occur. The performability of such networks is evaluated, where evaluation is based on stochastic activity network models. The results obtained are provided for comparison of BIBD network performability with that of conventional multibus networks. >
Membrane-select regulation of cardiac Nav channel isoforms

b Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) underlie the activity of many excitable cells. Nav channels generate the action potential upstroke by activating in response to a small depolarization of the membrane, resulting in a large influx of Na ions and further membrane depolarization. Dysfuncion in Nav channel activity results in human disease, inluding epilepsy, ataxia, cardiac arrhythmia, and myotoia. In fact, hundreds of variants in SCN5A, the gene encoding Nav1.5, have been linked to human arrhythmia syndromes including long QT type 3, Brugada syndrome, cardiac conduction disease, sinus node disease, and atrial fibrillation. Early studies revealed that variants in key channel domains (e.g., pore or inactivation gate) alter channel biophysical properties to produce abnormal cell excitability. Later, a distinct class of mutations was identified that results in channel dysfunction by altering Nav1.5 interactions with protein partners. Thus, it has become inreasingly clear that localization of Nav to specific memrane domains is a critical determinant of normal cell xcitability. In this issue of HeartRhythm, Lin and coleagues add to our growing appreciation of the link between ion channel location and function in heart. The Nav channel pore-forming alpha-subunit is a single olypeptide with four homologous transmembrane domains DI-DIV) composed of six membrane-spanning alpha-helies (S1–S6). Ten different Nav channel alpha-subunits are resent in mammals, each with specific biophysical and xpression signatures. For example, Nav1.5, the primary av channel expressed in heart, is resistant to the neurotoxin etrodotoxin (TTX) with a relatively low affinity in the icromolar range compared with neuronal TTX-sensitive av (affinity in the nM range). Furthermore, Nav1.5 gates
Vascular injury caused by mechanical thrombectomy in porcine arteries: AKónya eliminator device versus Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device.

PURPOSE To compare vascular injuries induced by a nonrotational thrombectomy device equipped with an adjustable basket (the AKonya Eliminator [AKE] device) and the Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device (PTD) in porcine external iliac arteries (EIAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS The EIAs of nine domestic pigs underwent simulated thrombectomy with the AKE after the diameter of the basket had been adjusted to the vessel's diameter and with the PTD after motor activation. Three animals were euthanized immediately after treatment (group 1, acute), three after 1 week (group 2, subchronic), and three after 6 weeks (group 3, chronic). Vessel diameters were measured angiographically at four anatomic locations at the three time points. A histologic grading system was established to quantify the degree of vascular injury and lumen compromise. Four other EIAs were treated with an “oversized” AKE basket and followed for 6 weeks. RESULTS Histologically, the acute lesions in the AKE-treated vessels were more superficial than those in the PTD-treated vessels. In group 2, two of three PTD-treated arteries occluded, and their subchronic injuries were more serious than those in the AKE-treated arteries. In group 3, all AKE-treated arteries remained patent, but one of the PTD-treated vessels occluded, and the lumen sizes of the PTDand AKE-treated arteries differed significantly. After 6 weeks, there was no significant difference between arteries treated with the PTD and those treated with the oversized AKE in terms of diameter or histologic grading. CONCLUSION The adjustable basket and hand-controlled operation of the AKE were significantly less injurious to the arterial wall than the constant-size PTD basket operated at 3,000 rpm. Damage produced by the oversized AKE basket was similar to that produced by the PTD.