cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of oilseed Brassica napus germ plasm based on restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is an important oilseed crop worldwide. Cultivars have been developed for many growing regions, however little is known about genetic diversity inB. napus germ plasm. The purpose of the research presented here was to study the genetic diversity and relationships ofB. napus accessions using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Eighty threeB. napus accessions were screened using 43 genomic DNA clones which revealed 161 polymorphic fragments. Each accession was uniquely identified by the markers with the exception of the near-isogenic cvs ‘Triton’ and ‘Tower’. The RFLP data were analyzed by cluster analysis of similarity coefficients and by principal component analysis. Overall, there were three major groups of cultivars. The first group included only spring accessions, the second mostly winter accessions and the third, rutabagas and oilseed rape accessions from China and Japan. These results indicate that withinB. napus, winter and spring cultivars represent genetically distinct groups. The grouping of accessions by cluster analysis was generally consistent with known pedigrees. This consistency included the grouping of lines derived both by backcrossing or self-pollination with their parents.
Introducing Computing Concepts to Non-Majors: A Case Study in Gothic Novels

This paper presents an approach to integrating computer science and quantitative literacy concepts in an undergraduate English Literature course. We show how students with no prior background in computer science can engage in computing activities directly related to their topic of interest and gain a deeper understanding of their topic as well as a better appreciation and understanding of computer science and quantitative literacy in the process. Students work in an interdisciplinary learning environment focusing on literary analysis and quantitative literacy with computing concepts acting as the bridge between the two areas.
Crosswords to computers: a critical review of popular approaches to cognitive enhancement.

Cognitive enhancement strategies have gained recent popularity and have the potential to benefit clinical and non-clinical populations. As technology advances and the number of cognitively healthy adults seeking methods of improving or preserving cognitive functioning grows, the role of electronic (e.g., computer and video game based) cognitive training becomes more relevant and warrants greater scientific scrutiny. This paper serves as a critical review of empirical evaluations of publically available electronic cognitive training programs. Many studies have found that electronic training approaches result in significant improvements in trained cognitive tasks. Fewer studies have demonstrated improvements in untrained tasks within the trained cognitive domain, non-trained cognitive domains, or on measures of everyday function. Successful cognitive training programs will elicit effects that generalize to untrained, practical tasks for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, many studies of electronic cognitive training programs are hindered by methodological limitations such as lack of an adequate control group, long-term follow-up and ecologically valid outcome measures. Despite these limitations, evidence suggests that computerized cognitive training has the potential to positively impact one’s sense of social connectivity and self-efficacy.
SBS gain-based slow-light system with a Fabry-Perot resonator

Abstract We present a method to improve the delay performance of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) gain systems by combining them with Fabry–Perot (FP) filters under practical resource and data-fidelity constraints. We optimize the delay performance of four different systems: a single-line gain system (G1-system) combined with one FP filter (G1F1-system) and two FP filters (G1F2-system) and a double-line gain system (G2-system) combined with one FP filter (G2F1-system) and two FP filters (G2F2-system). We show that combining the gain-based slow-light system with FP filters can create a flat-top transmission spectrum and increases the phase slope. The G1F2-system provides a fractional delay 2.3 times that of the G1-system, whereas a G2F2-system improves the fractional delay 1.82 times that of the G2-system at a given bit rate under the same resource and data-fidelity constraints.
Intestinal lipid absorption and lipoprotein formation.

Purpose of review To summarize the evidence for the presence of two lipid absorption pathways and their regulation. Recent findings Lipid absorption involves hydrolysis of dietary fat in the lumen of the intestine, followed by the uptake of hydrolyzed products by enterocytes. Lipids are resynthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and are either secreted with chylomicrons and HDLs or stored as cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Lipids in the droplets are hydrolyzed and are secreted at a later time. Secretion of lipids by the chylomicron and HDL pathways are dependent on microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and ATP-binding cassette family A protein 1, respectively, and are regulated independently. Gene-ablation studies showed that MTP function and chylomicron assembly is essential for the absorption of triglycerides. Ablation of MTP abolishes triglyceride absorption and results in massive triglyceride accumulation in enterocytes. Although the majority of phospholipid, cholesterol, and vitamin E are absorbed through the chylomicron pathway, a significant amount of these lipids are also absorbed via the HDL pathway. Chylomicron assembly and secretion is increased by the enhanced availability of fatty acids, whereas the HDL pathway is upregulated by liver X receptor agonists. Summary Triglycerides are exclusively transported with chylomicrons and this process is critically dependent on MTP. In addition to chylomicrons, absorption of phospholipids, free cholesterol, retinol, and vitamin E also involves HDLs. These two pathways are complementary and are regulated independently. They may be targeted to lower lipid absorption in order to control hyperlipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, steatosis, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and other disorders.
Exclusive localization of C-bands within opossum sex chromosomes

Abstract The cytological DNA denaturation-reassociation technique has revealed exclusive localization of C-bands within the sex chromosomes of the opossum, Didelphys virginiana .
The calibration problem as an ill-posed inverse problem

Abstract Let (xi, yi), i = 1, 2,…, n, be data used for developing the calibration curve, y = α + β x . Classically, given a future y′ the associated x′ is estimated by inverting the calibration line, which gives the estimate x ′ = (y′ - α )/ β . This estimate has the deficiency of having an infinite variance. In this paper we use the techniques for solving an ill-posed inverse problem to develop a family of solutions x ′ λ = ( β /(λ + β 2 ))(y′ - α ), λ > 0 , with finite variance. Out of this family we find one that outperforms x′.
Ultrasonic Determination of Single Crystal Sapphire Fiber Modulus

Single crystal α-Al2O3, (sapphire) fibers of ∼ 100 μm diameter have recently emerged as candidates for stiffening and strengthening high temperature composites. The Young's modulus of these fibers depends upon their crystallographic orientation, ranging from a high of 461 GPa for thec-orientation to a low of ∼373 GPa for orientations 45° off thec-axis. A deviation of the fibers' axial orientation from the c-axis and thus a reduction in the fibers' axial modulus can sometimes occur during the fiber growth process, and so a simple reliable method is needed to characterize the modulus and/or orientation of the fibers. A laser generated-piezoelectric transducer detected ultrasonic method has been used for this purpose. It has been found that a clear correlation exists between the velocity of the first arriving ultrasonic signal and the deviation of the fiber's axis from thec-axis. The measured velocity is found to be in reasonably good agreement with the calculated bar velocity,ν b =√E/ρ, for the fiber, providing an estimate of the fiber's orientation dependent Young's modulus. The small differences between the measured and the calculated velocities are believed to be caused by a combination of measurement errors, uncertainties in the reference elastic compliance constants of α-Al2O3 and the presence of small volume fractions of pores and other (low modulus) aluminum oxide phases in the fibers.
Local acoustic shock velocity and shock structure recovery measurements in glow discharges

Abstract Simultaneous local acoustic shock wave velocity measurements show that the upstream velocity exceeds the downstream velocity inside a low pressure positive column nitrogen plasma in contrast to the opposite behavior in neutral gas. The shock velocity increase is also dependent on the direction of the applied electric field.
Effects of excitatory and non-excitatory suppressor tones on two-tone rate suppression in auditory nerve fibers.

Recordings were obtained from individual auditory nerve fibers in anesthetized chinchillas. Rate versus level functions were obtained for best frequency (BF) tones alone and for simultaneously-gated tone pairs comprising a BF tone and a second tone at a fixed intensity that produced evidence of two-tone rate suppression. Care was taken in selecting a range of suppressor tone levels that included excitatory (i.e., the suppressor tone evoked a rate change by itself) and non-excitatory (i.e., no suppressor tone-evoked rate increase) suppressor tone levels. Addition of a suppressor tone produced a shift of the dynamic range portion of the BF rate versus level function to higher test intensities. A parallel shift of the dynamic range portion of the rate versus level function was associated with a non-excitatory suppressor tone. The shift produced by an excitatory suppressor tone was characterized by a decrease in slope. Results indicated that the magnitude of shift increased monotonically as suppressor tone intensity was raised and that there was a gradual transition from a non-excitatory response to an excitatory response. The rate of shift (i.e., dB of shift per dB change in suppressor tone intensity) did not differ for non-excitatory versus excitatory responses, but was substantially greater for below-BF suppressor tones (1.38 dB/dB) than for above-BF suppressor tones (0.54 dB/dB). The rate of shift did not, however, appear to be related systematically to suppressor tone frequency separation from BF. Above- and below-BF suppression was noted for fibers over the range of best frequencies tested (110 Hz to 16.4 kHz).
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH ADVANCED PHYSICAL MATURATION

Differences in language development and function have long been noted between males and females. These are felt to result from the faster maturation rate in females, leading to increased bilateral language function in the brain (Waber, 1976). To test this, we examined language function in two groups with rapid maturation, using the Clinical Evaluation of Language Function. Patients, 5 to 12 years old, with idiopathic precocious puberty (n=12) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (n=14), were tested. We hypothesized that sex hormone exposure might be related to the observed differences, since they emerge in late childhood. Girls with CAH are exposed to androgens and represent a natural cross-over between genetic sex and hormone exposure. The cdmparison score (language processing vs production) was significantly lower in children with androgen exposure, both male and female (p<0.025). No differences were observed between diagnoses, sponsor rank (a measure of socio-economic status), or degree of physical advancement as measured by bone age. On subtest scores, estrogen exposed children scored better in oral directions and word series, while androgen exposed children scored better in confrontation naming accuracy and word associations. These results suggest hormonal exposure affects language development, and that current theories may be overly simple for this complex area.
A Novel Aortic Coarctation Model for Studying Hypertension in the Pig

We have developed a reproducible renovascular model of hypertension via a controllable, suprarenal aortic coarctation in the pig. This model has many potential applications, including investigation of the effects of acute hypertension in the conscious animal; identification of cardiac and vascular adaptations to chronic hypertension and their reversal; determining the effect of pharmacologic agents or other interventions on hypertension; and furthering our understanding of the implications of chronic hypertension on neurologic function. A totally implantable system was devised by attaching a reinforced silicone vascular occluder to a vascular access port. The occluder was placed around the suprarenal aorta proximal to the diaphragm. Ten pigs were made hypertensive by sequentially inflating the occluder. In six pigs, telemetric monitoring of blood pressure was used to determine when the pigs had reached target pressures (mean arterial blood pressure >150 mm Hg). Four pigs did not have telemetry units placed and blood pressure and heart rate were monitored for 4 weeks by periodically restraining the pigs in a sling. Two pigs reversed their occlusion due to presumed technical errors; the remaining pigs were studied for 4 (n = 5) or 8 (n = 3) weeks and then euthanized. Advantages of this model of aortic coarctation are that the occlusions are performed in awake animals and excessive occlusion of the aorta resulting in neurologic dysfunction or other distress to the animal can be easily corrected by simply withdrawing a small amount of the fluid used for inflation of the occluder. Additionally, removal of the constriction does not require a second surgical procedure.
Transonic flows past a circular cylinder

Abstract Impulsively started, time-dependent inviscid transonic flows past a circular cylinder are considered for the case of a symmetric flow of an ideal compressible gas. A finite-difference method is applied to an annular region between the cylinder and the gasdynamic discontinuity created by a sudden immersion of the cylinder into the uniform stream. Numerical solutions are presented for the transonic free stream. A discussion of factors affecting the accuracy is given. It is concluded that imbedded shocks, if present, must be treated as discontinuities in order to maintain a reasonable accuracy.
New evidence of agriculture as an underdeveloped sector of the U.S. economy

The most frequently used form of macroeconomic model at the state and also sub-state levels has been input-output analysis. A principal problem of input-output studies has been the high cost of constructing transaction tables describing economic flows in the model. As an alternative, this paper develops an econometric inter-industry model to quantify the linkages between the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors of state and sub-state economies. The model is estimated for the 48 contiguous states, and value added multipliers are calculated for agriculture and basic industries. In contrast to conventional views, the results from this study indicate that, at the margin, a majority of the states are over-industrialized and underdeveloped in agriculture. Increased agricultural output without significant increases in costs would be relatively more important than additional production in basic industries. This situation is no doubt new, resulting from the current structure of the U.S. economy.
Decoupling of spurious deeply bound states with the similarity renormalization group

The similarity renormalization group (SRG) is a continuous series of unitary transformations that can be implemented as a flow equation. When the relative kinetic energy (T{sub rel}) is used in the SRG generator, nuclear structure calculations have shown greatly improved convergence with basis size because of the decoupling of high-energy and low-energy physics. However this generator can sometimes be problematic. A test case is provided by a study of initial interactions from chiral effective field theories with large cutoffs, which can lead to spurious deeply bound states. We would like the SRG to decouple these from the physical shallow bound states. However, with T{sub rel} the high- and low-energy bound states are not decoupled in the usual sense. Replacing T{sub rel} by the momentum-space diagonal of the Hamiltonian (H{sub d}) in the SRG generator does produce decoupling, such that the shallow states are in the low-momentum region and the deeply bound states are at higher momentum. The flow toward universal low-momentum interactions is also restored.
Strategies for exploring TGF-β signaling in Drosophila.

The TGF-β pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction module that mediates diverse biological processes in animals. In Drosophila, both the BMP and Activin branches are required for viability. Studies rooted in classical and molecular genetic approaches continue to uncover new developmental roles for TGF-β signaling. We present an overview of the secreted ligands, transmembrane receptors and cellular Smad transducer proteins that compose the core pathway in Drosophila. An assortment of tools have been developed to conduct tissue-specific loss- and gain-of-function experiments for these pathway components. We discuss the deployment of these reagents, with an emphasis on appropriate usage and limitations of the available tools. Throughout, we note reagents that are in need of further improvement or development, and signaling features requiring further study. A general theme is that comparison of phenotypes for ligands, receptors, and Smads can be used to map tissue interactions, and to separate canonical and non-canonical signaling activities. Core TGF-β signaling components are subject to multiple layers of regulation, and are coupled to context-specific inputs and outputs. In addition to fleshing out how TGF-β signaling serves the fruit fly, we anticipate that future studies will uncover new regulatory nodes and modes and will continue to advance paradigms for how TGF-β signaling regulates general developmental processes.
Temporal Differences in MicroRNA Expression Patterns in Astrocytes and Neurons after Ischemic Injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-protein-coding RNA molecules that modulate gene translation. Their expression is altered in many central nervous system (CNS) injuries suggesting a role in the cellular response to stress. Current studies in brain tissue have not yet described the cell-specific temporal miRNA expression patterns following ischemic injury. In this study, we analyzed the expression alterations of a set of miRNAs in neurons and astrocytes subjected to 60 minutes of ischemia and collected at different time-points following this injury. To mimic ischemic conditions and reperfusion in vitro, cortical primary neuronal and astrocytic cultures prepared from fetal rats were first placed in oxygen and glucose deprived (OGD) medium for 60 minutes, followed by their transfer into normoxic pre-conditioned medium. Total RNA was extracted at different time-points after the termination of the ischemic insult and the expression levels of miRNAs were measured. In neurons exposed to OGD, expression of miR-29b was upregulated 2-fold within 6 h and up to 4-fold at 24 h post-OGD, whereas induction of miR-21 was upregulated 2-fold after 24 h when compared to expression in neurons under normoxic conditions. In contrast, in astrocytes, miR-29b and miR-21 were upregulated only after 12 h. MiR-30b, 107, and 137 showed expression alteration in astrocytes, but not in neurons. Furthermore, we show that expression of miR-29b was significantly decreased in neurons exposed to Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I), a well documented neuroprotectant in ischemic models. Our study indicates that miRNAs expression is altered in neurons and astrocytes after ischemic injury. Furthermore, we found that following OGD, specific miRNAs have unique cell-specific temporal expression patterns in CNS. Therefore the specific role of each miRNA in different intracellular processes in ischemic brain and the relevance of their temporal and spatial expression patterns warrant further investigation that may lead to novel strategies for therapeutic interventions.
Effect of selective coronary arteriography on left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction in man

This study was performed to assess the influence of selective coronary arteriography on left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction in man. In 30 patients with assorted cardiac diseases, left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and ejection fraction were quantitated immediately before and after selective coronary arteriography. In 19 patients (Group A), contrast left ventriculography was performed immediately before and after selective coronary arteriography. In the remaining 11 patients (Group B), multigated equilibrium blood pool imaging was performed just before and after coronary arteriography. In both groups, mean systemic arterial pressure and heart rate did not change from just before the first to immediately before the second assessment of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction, but left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased. End-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes, and ejection fraction did not change from just before to immediately after selective coronary arteriography. Therefore, selective coronary arteriography (1) consistently causes an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure but (2) exerts no effect on left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction, even in patients with severely compromised left ventricular function.
What makes communication run? Characteristics of immediate successes:

The factors which contribute to mothers' ready understanding of their preverbal infants' communicative intents were probed in a longitudinal, observational study of 3 infants at lunchtime during the second year of life. Episodes in which the mother readily compre hended the infant's signal ('immediate successes') were contrasted with episodes in which the mother initially failed to understand the infant's intent ('negotiation episodes'). These two types of episodes were found to differ primarily in three ways: the nature of the infant's initial signal, the communicative functions expressed, and the prevalance of communicative 'chains' on the same topic in a sequence of discourse.
Electrophoresis along cell membranes

Bioelectric fields may segregate charged components floating in the plasma membranes of cells by a process of electrophoresis along the membrane. Molecules in cell membranes may be sorted to different portions of the cell surface by such electrical gradients. We present here a theory to support this hypothesis.
Freedom and strength of will: Descartes and Albritton

In his intriguing and entertaining APA presidential address, Rogers Albritton defends the Cartesian view that the will is so free in its nature that it cannot be constrained.' But Albritton's account of freedom of the will differs in some fundamental ways from Descartes's account. This afternoon I shall examine the differences between the two accounts. In defending absolute freedom of the will, Albritton distinguishes freedom of will from two other notions with which it is often confused. First, he argues decisively against the pervasive tendency to identify freedom of will with freedom of (bodily) action.2 To restrict someone's freedom of movement, by putting him in chains or even by administering curare, is not to diminish the will's freedom. Such measures diminish only the efficacy of the will, that is, they disable the will, but they do not affect its freedom. On Albritton's view, our will is free if what we propose to do is up to us.3 Our will is efficacious if our proposing to do something brings about its being done. Albritton is surely correct that we might freely propose to do something that does not get done because our will is ineffective. Second, Albritton distinguishes between freedom of will and strength of will. He invokes this second distinction to block the claim that lacking the strength of will to resist doing something is a case of unfreedom of the will, but he does not attempt to justify this second distinction.4 In defense of Albritton, one might well be tempted to link the will's strength with its efficacy. A weak will is presumably less effective than a strong will. If someone has a weak will, what he proposes often does not get done. Although a weak will need not be completely ineffective, the things that a weak-willed person proposes that do get done must be relatively easy.5 A person with a strong will, on the other hand,
Use of hydrogeomorphic concepts to design created wetlands in southeastern Virginia

Abstract Mitigation wetlands constructed in southeastern Virginia during the past decade have experienced problems with inappropriate water levels, excessive erosion and sedimentation, low levels of soil organic matter, overly compacted substrates, and sulfidic soils. Most of these problems can be recognized in the future with adequate planning that permits sufficient study of the geomorphic and hydrologic processes active at the mitigation site, and if greater attention is given to the history of geomorphic processes that created natural wetlands in that area. New procedures of assessing wetland functions that use the “hydrogeomorphic” (HGM) classification of wetlands require examination of both surface and subsurface processes. If these HGM concepts are expanded to include geomorphic evolution, they will greatly improve recent practices in the design and construction of mitigation wetlands.
Surface characteristics of antimony-doped tin oxide films

Abstract The surface composition of antimony-doped tin oxide films and its variation after electron bombardment and resistive heating were investigated. It was found that impurities such as carbon, potassium, sodium, calcium and chlorine segregate at the surface and that the carbon and chlorine are removed easily by electron bombardment. It is proposed that resistive heating caused the antimony to migrate rapidly to the surface at about 780°C, resulting in an antimony-rich phase which quickly reached a temperature high enough for sublimation. All substances except tin and oxygen and a trace amount of chlorine were removed. This process was accompanied by a resistivity change of the sample from 50 to 15000ω. Both electron bombardment and resistive heating above 780°C caused an increase in the tin-to- oxygen ratio as determined by Auger spectroscopy and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis.
The influence of relationship power dynamics on HIV testing in rural Malawi.

Using the theory of gender and power (TGP) and data from the Tsogolo la Thanzi (TLT) study, we examined how relationship power shapes young people's decisions to test for HIV in rural Malawi (N=932), a high-HIV prevalence setting undergoing rapid expansions in testing services. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to examine associations among five constructs of relationship power (socioeconomic inequalities, relationship dominance, relationship violence, relationship unity, and mistrust), perceived risk, and receiving an HIV test over a 16-month period. The results indicate that young Malawians are testing for HIV at relatively high rates, repeatedly, and not just during pregnancy. Over the study period, 47.3% of respondents received at least one HIV test outside of TLT (range: 0–4). The GEE analysis revealed that men and women with higher levels of relationship unity were less likely to test for HIV. For men, being a victim of sexual coercion was an additional barrier to testing. Women's testi...
An algebraic approach to databases with complex objects

Abstract We propose a formal axiomatic treatment of databases with complex objects. This approach integrates object-oriented features with the binary semantic data model. Our axiomatic approach offers a new prospective on such issues as object identity, structural inheritance and type systems which are of interest to object-oriented database systems.
Uncertainty of leadership-rank in fallow deer.

SOCIAL animals may have group ‘leaders’ which respond to external stimuli more rapidly than do other individuals, and thereby influence the behaviour of the whole group. Allee et al.1 described leaders in a flock of pekin ducks, but noted only the frequency with which specific individuals led the rest of the group. Apparently no one has investigated ordering among the ‘followers’, so that it is not known whether the rest of a group tends to follow the leader in a definable sequence.
ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS AND ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR BLOCKERS IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND NO CLINICAL EVIDENCE OF HEART FAILURE: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED-CONTROLLED TRIALS

Data from randomized-controlled trials of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) but no clinical evidence of heart failure are inconclusive. This study was undertaken to more clearly define the role of
Projected climate reshuffling based on multivariate climate-availability, climate-analog, and climate-velocity analyses: Implications for community disaggregation

There is a need for biologically relevant metrics of climate risk for regional- to global-scale climate vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning. Here, we develop, combine, and compare univariate and multivariate forms of several metrics (climate-avail- ability, climate-analog, and two forms of climate-velocity) used to assess the risks arising from future climate change, using downscaled climate projections for Wisconsin (USA) as a case study. Climate-availability and climate-analog analyses show little or no overlap between late-20th-century and projected late-21st-century climates for Wisconsin, and large differences among variables in the distance, bearing, and velocity of projected climate change. There is a strong negative correlation between geographic and climatic distances to closest analogs, creating a tradeoff when climate velocity is assessed using multivariate analog-based approaches: some locations have no good analogs anywhere in future climate space and so analog-based methods pick nearby locations, resulting in low velocity esti- mates. local velocities projected for Wisconsin are higher than global means. In this region, lake effects, not topographic heterogeneity, exert the strongest influences on regional patterns of climate-velocity and analogs. The multivariate analog-based velocities are correlated with univariate velocity measures that are scaled to local spatial heterogeneity, with the magnitude and correlation analog-based velocities estimates most similar to those of the intervariable mean of climate velocities. Because species are differentially sensitive to particular dimensions of climate change, and vary in their dispersal capacity, the strong differences among climate variables in the spatial direction, distance, and rate of projected climate change provide a powerful mechanism for community restructuring.
In Vivo Defection of Thrombi with Indium-111-Labeled Platelets

The use of Indium-111-oxine labeled autologous platelets has been explored in a dog-catheter model, as well as in a variety of clinical disorders in man. Newly forming experimental thrombi in dogs label well during the first 45-90 minutes, then lose both label and thrombus mass in a manner consistent with fibrinolysis. Thrombus weight is linearly related to In-111 activity, so that in vivo scintigraphy will be a practical method to evaluate various thrombotic stimuli and anti-thrombotic interventions experimentally. Preformed thrombus, however, labels poorly and cannot be detected by imaging in this dog model. Initial clinical experience with a variety of arterial, venous and cardiac thrombotic states is reviewed, indicating some of the strengths and same of the potential weaknesses of this new scintigraphic technique.
Stability conditions for fingering processes in porous media

Abstract A statistical theory and a thermodynamic analogy based on a grand canonical ensemble of mass displacement processes have been developed and are applied to fingering processes in homogeneous porous media. Relevant stability conditions are deduced and discussed according to the two approaches involving fluid displacement in homogeneous porous media. The conditions for stable fingering found for oil-water displacement processes involve the capillary pressure and the mobility ratio. It is shown that stable fingers are not possible if the capillary pressure is neglected. The theoretical results are then compared with earlier theoretical findings and with experimental observations. It is demonstrated that these theoretical stability conditions of mass displacement processes are indeed applicable to fingering processes in homogeneous porous media.
Estimation of metabolic flux from dominant rate constants in vivo: application to brain and heart

In an earlier paper (Cohen and Bergman, Am. J. Physiol. 268 (1995) E397), we explored the relationship between the exponents in the exponential curve fit to isotopic enrichment versus time and the fractional turnover rate of the largest metabolic pool in the pathway. Here we present the analysis on a more rigorous footing and apply it to questions of cerebral and cardiac metabolism. Our emphasis in this paper is to describe and justify mathematically an approach for analysis of metabolic dynamics, not with the intention of replacing the use of numerical software for estimation of flux rates but for giving the scientist the opportunity to examine the system in an approximate manner, and thereby to check not only that the results of the numerical solution are the correct solutions to the equations but also that the equations portray the correct simplification of the metabolic pathway. We introduce the "dominant rate constant" as a tool for deriving algebraic formulas relating rates of metabolic flux, sizes of metabolic pools, and the dynamics of isotopic enrichment. Illustrations of such algebraic formulas are provided for the rates of the citric acid cycle (CAC), glycolysis and glutamine synthesis in brain, as well as the rate of the CAC in heart. In addition, we prove that formulas for estimation of rates of glycolysis and of the CAC depend critically on the fractional turnover rates of lactate and glutamate, respectively. The justification for analysis of simulated data is that we are studying the effects of simplifications of metabolic models on the accuracy of estimation of metabolic pathways. Our use of the dominant rate constant is an analytical convenience that allows us to assess proposed simplifications of metabolic pathways.
REACTIVITY OF PHOSPHORUS DONORS

A greatly expanded database has led to a revised set of EB and CB basicity parameters for the analysis of the reactivity of phosphorus donors with the ECW model. Reactivity and spectral shift analyses are reported for 79 acceptors. General patterns for the reactivity of phosphorus donors emerge, for example, π-back-bond acceptor tendencies are shown to decrease as the σ basicity increases. Steric effects are encountered with a few acceptors, and a procedure is offered that uses an extension of ECW to quantitatively confirm steric repulsions. Very different interpretations of reactivity result from ECW compared to those from analyses that use one-parameter electronic basicities, χ, and cone angles, θ. When donor orders reverse with acceptor softness (covalency), one-parameter electronic basicity scales cannot accommodate the reversals. It will be shown that the cone angle is used inappropriately to compensate for changing softness in the χ and θ correlations. Attempting to compensate for softness using θ l...
NADK2, an Arabidopsis Chloroplastic NAD Kinase, Plays a Vital Role in Both Chlorophyll Synthesis and Chloroplast Protection

As one of terminal electron acceptors in photosynthetic electron transport chain, NADP receives electron and H+ to synthesize NADPH, an important reducing energy in chlorophyll synthesis and Calvin cycle. NAD kinase (NADK), the catalyzing enzyme for the de novo synthesis of NADP from substrates NAD and ATP, may play an important role in the synthesis of NADPH. NADK activity has been observed in different sub-cellular fractions of mitochondria, chloroplast, and cytoplasm. Recently, two distinct NADK isoforms (NADK1 and NADK2) have been identified in Arabidopsis. However, the physiological roles of NADKs remain unclear. In present study, we investigated the physiological role of Arabidiposis NADK2. Sub-cellular localization of the NADK2–GFP fusion protein indicated that the NADK2 protein was localized in the chloroplast. The NADK2 knock out mutant (nadk2) showed obvious growth inhibition and smaller rosette leaves with a pale yellow color. Parallel to the reduced chlorophyll content, the expression levels of two POR genes, encoding key enzymes in chlorophyll synthesis, were down regulated in the nadk2 plants. The nadk2 plants also displayed hypersensitivity to environmental stresses provoking oxidative stress, such as UVB, drought, heat shock and salinity. These results suggest that NADK2 may be a chloroplast NAD kinase and play a vital role in chlorophyll synthesis and chloroplast protection against oxidative damage.
Analysis of HRCT-derived xylem network reveals reverse flow in some vessels

Abstract Long distance water and nutrient transport in plants is dependent on the proper functioning of xylem networks, a series of interconnected pipe-like cells that are vulnerable to hydraulic dysfunction as a result of drought-induced embolism and/or xylem-dwelling pathogens. Here, flow in xylem vessels was modeled to determine the role of vessel connectivity by using three dimensional xylem networks derived from High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) images of grapevine ( Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Chardonnay’) stems. Flow in 4–27% of the vessel segments (i.e. any section of vessel elements between connection points associated with intervessel pits) was found to be oriented in the direction opposite to the bulk flow under normal transpiration conditions. In order for the flow in a segment to be in the reverse direction, specific requirements were determined for the location of connections, distribution of vessel endings, diameters of the connected vessels, and the conductivity of the connections. Increasing connectivity and decreasing vessel length yielded increasing numbers of reverse flow segments until a maximum value was reached, after which more interconnected networks and smaller average vessel lengths yielded a decrease in the number of reverse flow segments. Xylem vessel relays also encouraged the formation of reverse flow segments. Based on the calculated flow rates in the xylem network, the downward spread of Xylella fastidiosa bacteria in grape stems was modeled, and reverse flow was shown to be an additional mechanism for the movement of bacteria to the trunk of grapevine.
Polymeric Anionic Surfactant for Electrokinetic Chromatography: Separation of 16 Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pollutants

Electrokinetic chromatography (EKC) with poly(sodium undecylenic sulfate) (poly-SUS) is utilized to separate environmental pollutants such as 2-6-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Parameters such as pH, concentration of polymeric surfactants, and the use of organic modifiers were investigated to follow the retention trends of PAHs. A baseline separation of all 16 PAHs in about 30 min, using 0.50% (w/v) of poly-SUS/12.5 mM sodium phosphate-borate buffer (pH 9.2) with 40% (v/ v) acetonitrile, was possible for the first time in EKC by a single-surfactant system. After the first publication on micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) more than 10 years ago,1 many researchers have explored various types of monomeric surfactants above their critical micelle concentrations (cmc’s) as pseudostationary phases for the separation of both ionic and nonionic compounds.2-6 Among the pseudostationary phases investigated, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been successful in the MEKC separation of many water-soluble solutes.7,8 However, in the case of highly hydrophobic analytes such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the binding with SDS micelle is often too strong to permit adequate resolution of these compounds.9,10
Abnormal plasma cholesterol metabolism in cigarette smokers.

Plasma cholesterol metabolism was studied in young, nonobese, normolipidemic men with a moderate level of cigarette smoking (24 ± 5 d−1) and in a comparable nonsmoking normal control group. The smokers showed a decreased cholesterol net transport from cell membranes into plasma (P < 0.001) and a decreased ratio of cholesteryl ester transfer to low and very low density lipoprotein, relative to lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (P < 0.05). Apoprotein E was increased in smokers' plasma (P < 0.05) whereas apoprotein A-I, the major apoprotein of HDL, was decreased (P < 0.05). This pattern of abnormalities has been previously observed in several other groups of subjects at increased risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease (diabetics, dysbetalipoproteinemics, and hyperbetalipoproteinemics). These data suggest a deleterious effect of smoking on plasma lipoprotein metabolism significant even in young smokers, which could partly explain the later incidence of atherosclerotic vascular disease in this group.
WITHDRAWN: Recurrence prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation by ischemia time and tumor characteristics

Abstract BACKGROUND a AIMS: It has been reported that ischemia-reperfusion injury of the liver stimulates outgrowth of micrometastases and adhesion of tumor cells. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of ischemia time for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: LT for HCC was performed in 271 between 2004 and 2009. After excluding non-heart-beating or living donor LT, 244 were eligible for this study. Analysis of risk factors for HCC recurrence focused on patients with tumors accompanied by pathological macro-/micro-vascular invasion (MaVi / MiVi) (N=106). RESULTS: HCC recurred in 29 of 106 (27%). T3 or T4a tumor (American Liver Tumor Study Group modified classification, exceeding Milan criteria), pathological MaVi, AFP>72.6 ng/ml, poor differentiation, WIT⩾42 min, CIT⩾603 min, and large intraoperative transfusion were significantly associated with higher recurrence rate. WIT⩾42 min remained as an independent factor for recurrence by multivariate Cox regression analysis (P 72.6ng/ml) + 3.657(poor differentiation) + 3.796(WIT⩾42min) + 3.202(CIT⩾603min), which categorized the patients into the high- and standard-risk groups (1 and 2). One- and 3-year recurrence rates were 70 and 82% in Group 1, and 5 and 17% in Group 2, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia time markedly affected recurrence of HCC after LT, when tumors showed pathological MaVi or MiVi. The prediction model consisting of ischemia time and tumor characteristics clearly discriminated patients requiring particular attention for recurrence of HCC in posttransplant follow-up.
An EXAFS study of zinc coordination in microbial cells.

Five microbes were isolated from metal amended enrichment cultures derived from the sediments of a lake contaminated by a zinc smelter. Each of these organisms was grown in pure culture in the presence of zinc. Quick Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (QEXAFS) spectroscopy was used to investigate the average coordination environment of the zinc associated with the microbial biomass. Fitting of the first coordination shell of zinc shows that significant differences exist for each microbial species examined. The coordination environment of zinc varies between sulfurs to six-fold nitrogen/oxygen, with two microbial strains showing mixed coordination shells. Further study is required in order to characterize these sites and their locations within the cell.
Spout states in the selective withdrawal of immiscible fluids through a nozzle suspended above a two-fluid interface.

In selective withdrawal, fluid is withdrawn through a nozzle suspended above the flat interface separating two immiscible, density-separated fluids of viscosities ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{upper}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{lower}}=\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{upper}}$. At low withdrawal rates, the interface gently deforms into a hump. At a transition withdrawal rate, a spout of the lower fluid becomes entrained with the flow of the upper one into the nozzle. When $\ensuremath{\lambda}=0.005$, the spouts at the transition are very thin with features that are over an order of magnitude smaller than any observed in the humps. When $\ensuremath{\lambda}=20$, there is an intricate pattern of hysteresis and a spout appears which is qualitatively different from those seen at lower $\ensuremath{\lambda}$. No corresponding qualitative difference is seen in the hump shapes.
Psychological size and distance: emphasising the interpersonal relationship as a pathway to optimal teaching and learning conditions.

Background Positive interpersonal relationships between teachers and learners increase the quality of learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate psychological size (perceived status) and psychological distance (perceived emotional connectedness) in medical teaching interactions and their impact on the teaching and learning process. Method A total of 45 paediatric preceptor/resident pairs engaged in longitudinal continuity training experiences at different sites were surveyed about teaching effectiveness, satisfaction with teaching, and the psychological size and distance in the relationship between each pair. Results Both residents and preceptors perceived the resident as having a smaller psychological size compared to the preceptor. Residents perceived greater psychological distance in the relationship than did preceptors, and this distance was significantly related to both residents' satisfaction with particular preceptors and their perception of the preceptors' effectiveness. Conclusions Psychological size and distance contribute to effective and satisfactory teaching. Investigating additional aspects of the teaching−learning relationship should help identify optimal educational conditions.
Fossil Foraminifera from four active mud volcanoes in the Gulf of Mexico

Samples were collected for foraminiferal studies by the Johnson Sea-Link I and II manned submersibles on the Louisiana continental slope. This paper documents that the mud, extruded onto the sea floor from depth by four mud volcanoes, ranges in age from Miocene to Pleistocene based on studies of the planktonic foraminiferal fauna. The vents are in water depths ranging from 300 to 690 m located in Garden Banks Block 382, Green Canyon Blocks 143 and 272, and Mississippi Canyon Block 929. Two mud volcanoes in GB 382 and MC 929 also have rich fossil foraminiferal microfaunas. We suggest that the extrusion of fossil sediments onto the sea floor during the Quaternary is a reasonable explanation for frequent occurrences of displaced fossil microfaunas encountered at depth in wells drilling on the flanks of salt diapirs in the slope environment. Results of this study have important implications for age dating subsurface sediments in bathyal locations.
Magnetoresistance of Small, Quasi-One-Dimensional, Normal-Metal Rings and Lines

The magnetoresistance of sub-0.4-\ensuremath{\mu}m-diam Au and ${\mathrm{Au}}_{60}$${\mathrm{Pd}}_{40}$ rings was measured in a perpendicular magnetic field at temperatures as low as 5 mK in search of simple, periodic resistance oscillations that would be evidence of flux quantization in normal-metal rings. However, instead of simple oscillations, a very complex structure developed in the magnetoresistance at low temperatures. Fourier analysis of all the data did not reveal convincing evidence for flux quantization in the rings. Complex structure similar to that observed in the rings was also found in the magnetoresistance of short, narrow, Au and ${\mathrm{Au}}_{60}$${\mathrm{Pd}}_{40}$ lines. This structure appears to be associated with the small size of the devices.