cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced glycosyltransferase activity during thermotolerance development in mammalian cells

The cellular heat shock response leads to the enhanced synthesis of a family of heat shock proteins and the development of thermotolerance. In CHO cells, however, heat shock also leads to enhanced synthesis of a 50 kD glycoprotein and elevated activity of N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (GalNAcT). In this study we showed increased GalNAcT activity during thermotolerance expression in all of five mammalian cell lines included in the study. However, there was no simple correlation between cellular heat sensitivity of unheated control cells and basal levels of GalNAcT activity, measured toward the same exogenous acceptor apomucin. Although GalNAcT was elevated in thermotolerant cells, GalNAcT activity itself did not exhibit thermotolerance in terms of reduced sensitivity to heat inactivation. The increase in GalNAcT activity after heating was similar in exponentially growing and plateau-phase cultures and was inhibited neither by cycloheximide nor actinomycin D. However, the inhibitors by themselves also increased GalNAcT activity in unheated control cells. Chemical inducers of ther-motolerance (arsenite and diamide) increased GalNAcT activity, but the increase was modest when compared to that following hyperthermia. In addition to GalNAcT, two other glycosyltransferases with specificity for O-glycans, α1,2-fuco-syltransferase and α2,6-sialyltransferase, also showed increased activity after hyperthermia and during thermotolerance development. Together with previously published data, these results support the hypothesis that heat-induced activation of O-glycan-specific glycosyltransferases plays a physiological role in the cellular heat shock response and in thermotolerance development.
Significance of Vegetation in Interpreting Thermal Radiation from a Terrestrial Surface

The regions between crop rows are modeled as infinitely long diffuse cavities. Geometrical view factors are calculated, accounting for reflected radiation emanating internal to the cavity and from the background sky. A 'cavity' emissivity dependent on local geometry is defined to allow for correcting apparent temperatures to true temperatures. The total emissivity appropriate for correcting aircraft thermal data is then calculated by averaging all emissivity components to account for soil, crop, and background. It is shown that even for the lowest crop and vegetation emissivities, if the crop height-to-spacing ratio is greater than unity, the composite emissivity is greatly increased, giving rise to a decreased error in remotely sensed temperature data.
Ultrasound Diffusion for Crack Depth Determination in Concrete

The determination of the depth of surface-breaking cracks in concrete specimens using an ultrasound diffusion technique is discussed. Experiments were carried out on precracked concrete specimens of varying crack depths (0%-40% of the specimen thickness). Contact transducers were placed at the specimen surface with source and receiver separated by the crack. Tone-burst excitations over a frequency range of 400-600 kHz were used. At these frequencies, ultrasound is scattered considerably by the heterogeneities in the concrete. In the limit of many scattering events, the evolution of energy may be modeled as a diffusion process. The arrival of the peak diffuse energy at the receiver is delayed due to the presence of crack. This delay is the prime indicator used for determining crack depth. Numerical and analytical analyses were also used for comparison. These results are in basic agreement with the experiments. In addition, these analyses are used to study the limits of this technique. In particular, it is shown that this technique is applicable to cracks greater than the scattering mean-free path, which is estimated at about 1 cm for these specimens. Aspects of practical implementation are also discussed.
Summer Land–Atmosphere Coupling Strength over the United States: Results from the Regional Climate Model RegCM4–CLM3.5

AbstractThis study investigates the land–atmosphere coupling strength during summer over the United States using the Regional Climate Model version 4 (RegCM4)–Community Land Model version 3.5 (CLM3.5). First, a 10-yr simulation driven with reanalysis lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) is conducted to evaluate the model performance. The model is then used to quantify the land–atmosphere coupling strength, predictability, and added forecast skill (for precipitation and 2-m air temperature) attributed to realistic land surface initialization following the Global Land–Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE) approaches. Similar to previous GLACE results using global climate models (GCMs), GLACE-type experiments with RegCM4 identify the central United States as a region of strong land–atmosphere coupling, with soil moisture–temperature coupling being stronger than soil moisture–precipitation coupling, and confirm that realistic soil moisture initialization is more promising in improving temperature forecasts tha...
“An attractive dramatic exhibition”?: Female friendship, Shakespeare's women, and female Performativity in 19th‐century Britain

(1997). “An attractive dramatic exhibition”?: Female friendship, Shakespeare's women, and female Performativity in 19th‐century Britain. Women's Studies: Vol. 26, No. 3-4, pp. 315-341.
Synthesis, X-ray Structure, and Properties of a Tetrabenzannelated 1,2,4,5-Cyclophane†

Parylene is the most frequently used material in the protective encapsulation of modern electronic components and medical implants.[1] This high-performance polymer is produced by the pyrolytic decomposition of [2.2]paracyclophane.[1c] Another high-performance organic material with even stronger C C bonds would be produced if another highly strained, all-aromatic cyclophane could be pyrolyzed, thus resulting in a TMsuperparylene∫. However, contrary to the mode of pyrolytic decomposition of [2.2]paracyclophane, where scission of the Csp3 Csp3 bond is the important first step leading to a p-xylylene monomer, in the case of a molecule such as 1 (Scheme 2), cleavage of a biaryl bond would produce a very reactive diradical monomer. Angle and bond strain in organic molecules and their effect on properties also continue to be an active field of research.[2] Over the last five decades, a substantial number of chemists have prepared many fascinating, strained saturated and unsaturated molecules.[2,3] The most notable of the strained unsaturated molecules are those of the fullerene C60 and the cyclophane families.[5] In the former, the hexagons are essentially cyclohexatrienes[6] and in the latter, the hexagons, while considerably distorted, still retain their benzenoid character. Since the first synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophane diene by Dewhirst and Cram,[7] a variety of [2.2]paracyclophanes with unsaturated or benzannelated bridges have been synthesized.[8] The influence of the bridges on the transannular benzene interactions and the geometry of the strained cyclophanes has been widely investigated.[9] To date, only a few unsaturated bridged and benzannelated cyclophanes are known,[9] but no benzannelated [2n]cyclophane with more than two bridges (n> 2) has been reported.[10] One would expect that, as the number of o-phenylene bridges increased, the total strain would also increase. To prepare a superparylene and to test the effect of benzo bridges in place of the alkyl bridges of cyclophanes one needs a rapid, reasonably high-yield synthetic entry. A priori, based on existing cyclophane synthetic methodology, the preparation of a symmetrical tetrabenzannelated [2n]cyclophane tetraene would appear to be rather difficult and lengthy. However, careful consideration of the molecular symmetry of the target revealed that the synthesis could be easily achieved. Herein, we describe the synthesis, X-ray structure, and some of the properties of the symmetrically benzannelated [24]cyclophane tetraene 1. In future publications we will report on the results of its pyrolytic decomposition. In Scheme 1 we depict the retrosynthetic analysis with a rather unusual disconnection leading to two dibenzocyclooctadiene-diynes and four methine units. As shown, the latter can originate from a meso-ionic precursor.
Microelectronic Thin Film Deposition By Ultraviolet Laser Photolysis

An excimer laser is used to photochemically deposit thin films of silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, and zinc oxide at low temperatures (100-350°C). Deposition rates in excess of 3000 A/min and conformal coverage over vertical walled steps were demonstrated. The films exhibit low defect density and high breakdown voltage and have been characterized using IR spectrophotometry, AES, and C-V analysis. Device compatibility has been studied by using photodeposited films as interlayer dielectrics, diffusion masks, and passivation layers in production CMOS devices. Additionally, we have deposited metallic films of Al, Mo, W, and Cr over large (>5 cm2) areas using UV photodissociation of trimethylaluminum and the refractory metal hexacarbonyls. Both shiny metallic films as well as black particulate films were obtained depending on the deposition geometry. The black films are shown to grow in columnar grains. The depositions were made at room temperature over pyrex and quartz plates as well as silicon wafers. We have examined the resistivity, adhesion, stress and step coverage of these films. The films exhibited resistivities at most %20 times that of the bulk materials and tensile stress no higher than 7 x 109 dynes/cm2.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inhibitors in factor IX deficiency a report of the ISTH-SSC international FIX inhibitor registry (1997-2006).

Summary. Haemophilia B is an X-linked disorder resulting in coagulation factor IX deficiency. Patients with severe deficiency (<1% factor IX activity) may have significant bleeding complications similar to patients with haemophilia A or factor VIII deficiency. The development of inhibitory antibodies to the missing coagulation factor is a major complication in patients with haemophilia. While the incidence of inhibitors in patients with haemophilia A is higher than that in haemophilia B, the occurrence of allergic and or anaphylactic reactions with the development of inhibitors is unique to haemophilia B patients. Since haemophilia B is a rare bleeding disorder and the incidence of inhibitors is an even rarer entity, a registry was established by Dr Indira Warrier under the auspices of the FVIII/FIX subcommittee of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, to gather information on the occurrence and characteristics of patients with inhibitors and also the incidence of allergic and anaphylactic reactions in this group of patients. This is the first report from this registry and helps us to gather some insight on haemophilia B patients with inhibitors and complications related to inhibitor development and difficulties with immune tolerance.
Localization of an insoluble excretory product in Cephalogonimus americanus (Trematoda)

1. 1. After incubation in tritiated arginine for one and two hour periods, autoradiography was used to demonstrate the presence of a radioactive, water insoluble excretory product in the excretory system of Cephalogonimusamericanus. 2. 2. The probable composition of this compound is discussed.
Postpartum social interactions in families of spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus) observed in a laboratory environment

Eight mated pairs of adult spiny mice (eight males, eight females) with their litters were observed from the day before birth through Day 10 postpartum. Parent-offspring interactions in the form of the amount of time each parent spent in physical contact with its offspring were recorded. Parental interactions were also recorded by measuring (1) the amount of time the dam and sire were in physical contact, (2) their activity levels, and (3) the percentage of times the dam led and followed the sire through the home environment. Each mated pair reared its litter inside a four-compartment habitat enclosure. Observations took place on the day before birth (Day 0) and on Days 1, 5, and 10 postpartum, were recorded on videotape, and were later coded in 1-h samples using a TRS-80 Model 100 portable computer. The primary findings were that (1) adult activity levels peaked on Day 1, (2) sires accumulated significantly more contact time with offspring than did dams, and (3) dams tended to follow sires during movement sequences significantly more often than they led sires. Limited developmental trends were observed in parental and parent-offspring interactions as a function of the postpartum age of the litter. These data further define the parental role of sires in Acomys and document their contribution to social cohesiveness and mutual attachment among family members.
Susceptibility of neem to attack by the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shir. (Isopt., Rhinotermitidae)

The neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is a source of natural compounds with potent insecticidal, feeding deterrent and insect growth regulator activity. However, little information is available on the effects of these natural products on termites. We assessed the effects of mulches made from ground neem branches and roots on survival of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, and compared termite feeding and survival on neem wood and bark to that on susceptible Pseudotsuga menziesii wood. Termite survival was fairly low in both P. menziesii heartwood and neem mulches over the 14 day test period, and did not differ significantly among those treatments. However, termites exposed to either P. menziesii wood, neem wood, or neem bark for 4 weeks fed significantly less on neem wood and bark. Feeding on neem bark caused significant termite mortality (56.4%) in comparison to that induced by feeding on neem wood (27.1%) or P. menziesii wood (12.5%). Thus, although neem is not entirely resistant to termite attack, the antifeedant properties of its wood and bark and the toxicity of neem bark support the use of neem trees for arboriculture in areas where termites are a problem.
Gamma-Induced Leakage in Junction Field-Effect Transistors

Junction field-effect transistors are normally considered to be "hard" to gamma and neutron effects. However, for several types of devices measured, we observed an increase in the gate-to-body leakage current which is significant in low-power circuits. Data is presented for two device structures irradiated at three different dose rates; 1E9 rad(Si)/s, 5.5E2 rad(Si)/s and 0.9 rad(Si)/s. Parameter measurements on the devices before and after exposure to radiation indicate that the leakage results from a surface inversion under the interdigitated source and drain metallization. This hypothesis is supported by the time-dependent decay in leakage current after radiation and by the lower leakage levels observed on devices that have a highly doped "guard band" around the channel diffusion.
Chromosomal instability and transcriptome dynamics in cancer

Whole transcriptome profiling has long been proposed as a method of identifying cancer-specific gene expression profiles. Indeed, a multitude of these studies have generated vast amounts of expression data for many types of cancer, and most have identified specific gene signatures associated with a given cancer. These studies however, often contradict with each other, and gene lists only rarely overlap, challenging clinical application of cancer gene signatures. To understand this issue, the biological basis of transcriptome dynamics needs to be addressed. Chromosome instability (CIN) is the main contributor to genome heterogeneity and system dynamics, therefore the relationship between CIN, genome heterogeneity, and transcriptome dynamics has important implications for cancer research. In this review, we discuss CIN and its effects on the transcriptome during cancer progression, specifically how stochastic chromosome change results in transcriptome dynamics. This discussion is further applied to metastasis and drug resistance both of which have been linked to multiple diverse molecular mechanisms but are in fact driven by CIN. The diverse molecular mechanisms that drive each process are linked to karyotypic heterogeneity through the evolutionary mechanism of cancer. Karyotypic change and the resultant transcriptome change alter network function within cells increasing the evolutionary potential of the tumor. Future studies must embrace this instability-induced heterogeneity in order to devise new research and treatment modalities that focus on the evolutionary process of cancer rather than the individual genes that are uniquely changed in each tumor. Care is also needed in evaluating results from experimental systems which measure average values of a population.
GENE EXCHANGE IN LOBLOLLY PINE: THE RELATION BETWEEN POLLINATION MECHANISM, FEMALE RECEPTIVITY AND POLLEN AVAILABILITY

The pollination process in loblolly pine has been examined over several years, both in the field (seed orchards) and experimentally on greenhouse-grown material. Female strobili are receptive to pollination for periods of a wk or more. Initially, background pollen from outside the seed orchard is the main source of pollen but as peak receptivity approaches, pollen from the stand itself predominates especially in older orchards. Consequently, strobili can receive pollen both from outside the orchard as well as from within. The pollen lands on the micropylar horns where it is transferred through the micropyle onto the nucellus by either rainfall or the pollen drop, whichever comes first. Since the pollen drop does not occur until the latter part of the receptive period, rainfall is the most likely transfer agent and pollen flotation is vital if rain occurs. Early arriving pollen does not appear to have an advantage over later arriving pollen for uptake onto the nucellus, even if rain follows the first pollination immediately. Therefore, total pollination of the strobilus can result from both distant and nearby pollen sources.
Regional distribution of colchicine-binding (microtubular) protein in the rat brain.

— The relative concentrations of microtubular protein (tubulin) in regions of rat brain were determined by taking advantage of its specific property of binding colchicine. In comparison with other tissues, all regions of the brain were rich in tubulin. The cerebral cortex, thalamus and hypothalamus had essentially the same concentration. The cerebellum and brain stem had a lower concentration (about 60 per cent of the cortical level). Although the functional significance of these differences is not clear, they may relate to two proposed functions of microtubules–cytoskeleton and cytoplasmic transport. The complex geometry of neurons and many glial cells with ramified processes must require extensive systems for maintaining shape and an active cytoplasmic transport.
Neutrons produced by proton and deuteron bombardment of beryllium

Abstract The method for characterizing neutrons produced by bombardment of beryllium with deuterons at energies from 3.0 to 7.0 MeV is discussed. Similar work for the characterization of the neutrons produced by the bombardment with protons from 2.0 to 4.0 MeV is presented. Both NE213 and lithium glass detectors were used in the time of flight measurement of the neutron spectra. The neutron spectrum from 27Al(d,n) was measured at 7.440 MeV deuteron energy and an angle of 120° with a 235U fission chamber.
Perfluoro alkyl 1,3-diketonates of cyclic and acyclic secondary amines

Abstract Cyclic and acyclic secondary amines were quaternized with perfluoroalkyl 1,3-diketones to form secondary ammonium perfluoroalkyl 1,3-diketonates in good yields. Saturated cyclic secondary amines, including morpholine, N -acetylmorpholine, 3-methyl- N -acetylpiperidine, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine, 4,4-dimethylimidazoline, 1,3-bispiperidine propane, and acyclic secondary amines, di( n -propyl) amine, di(isopropyl) amine, di( n -butyl) amine, and di(isobutyl) amine were reacted with various fluorine-containing 1,3-diketones ( 1 – 5 ) to yield the corresponding 1,3-diketonates ( 6 – 29 ). The compounds were characterized by 1 H, 19 F, and 13 C NMR, electrospray MS, and elemental analyses. Melting points and T g values were obtained by DSC. Thermal decomposition data (5% weight loss temperature) were recorded by TGA. X-ray single-crystal structures show that 9 and 26 crystallize in monoclinic space group P 2(1)/ c .
Elective cesarean delivery to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis C virus: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Objective This study was undertaken to determine whether elective cesarean delivery to avert perinatal hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission is cost-effective. Study design Using decision analysis, we compared 2 approaches: (1) offering elective cesarean delivery to avert perinatal HCV transmission, (2) performing a cesarean delivery only for obstetric indications. Lifetime cost and quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs) for HCV-infected neonates were evaluated with Markov analysis. We assumed elective cesarean delivery reduces perinatal HCV transmission, and we varied both the risk reduction caused by elective cesarean delivery and the background risk of perinatal HCV infection. Results When elective cesarean section prevents all perinatal HCV transmission, 18 elective cesarean deliveries are necessary to avert 1 neonatal infection with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $34,812/QALY. At a background perinatal transmission rate of 7.7% elective cesarean deliveries is cost-effective only if it reduces the risk of perinatal transmission by more than 77%. Conclusion Elective cesarean delivery is cost-effective only if it substantially reduces the risk of perinatal HCV transmission.
Pulsed Power Supplies for the Fermilab 1 TeV Switchyard

An upgraded system of pulseed switching magnets has been implemented in the Fermilab Switchyard to accommodate proton energies up to 1 TeV. These devices are required for switching the ''slow'' and ''fast'' extracted beams into their respective beam lines. ''Slow'' beam passes undeflected through the magnet in the off condition. During a puls ''slow'' is disabled and ''fast'', which is of approx.1 ms duration, is deflected. The requirement then is for a ''flat-top'' current pulse of minimum rise and fall time. The circuit chosen is of the resonant charge recovery type. Several different styles and combinations of magnets and constraints. In all cases maximum voltage is limited to 600 volts and pulse width to 100 ms.
Further evidence of clinical benefit associated with participation in phase I oncology trials

Further evidence of clinical benefit associated with participation in phase I oncology trials
On the Trail of Ancient Rhetoric: Fieldwork of a Wandering Rhetoricin

(2003). On the Trail of Ancient Rhetoric: Fieldwork of a Wandering Rhetoricin. Advances in the History of Rhetoric: Vol. 6, A Collection of Selected Papers Presented at ASHR Conferences in 2001, pp. 43-51.
Hormonal induction of maternal behavior in the ovariectomized nulliparous rat

Abstract A nulliparous female rat, if kept continuously in the presence of young, will begin to behave maternally. However, she will take, on the average, some six or seven days to display the behavior. In contrast, the puerperal female responds maternally as soon as the young emerge from the birth canal. This difference in latency was attributed to the characteristic action near term of a triad of hormones, consisting of estrogen, progesterone and prolactin. The attempt was made to impose this triad on ovariectomized nulliparous females. The experimental animals were administered subcutaneously estradiol benzoate, progesterone and prolactin. The estradiol was injected from Day 1 through Day 11; the progesterone from Day 6 through Day 9; and the prolactin on the Evening of Day 9 and the Morning of Day 10. The Control females, assigned respectively to four groups, were administered either only two of the three inductor hormones—the vehicle in each case having been substituted for the hormone omitted—or simply all three vehicles. On the Afternoon of Day 10, six normally-delivered foster young, 6–20 hours of age, were proffered each female. Of the 10 experimental animals, each, without exception, showed full maternal behavior at between 35 and 40 hr. Not only does this represent a significant reduction in latency from the average of 6–7 days characteristic of untreated nulliparae, but represents as well a uniformity in time of onset closely approaching that exhibited by the puerperal female. In contrast, each of the control groups showed marked variability in onset and a significantly higher median latency. Just how estrogen, progesterone and prolactin acted to induce maternal behavior was discussed. Also discussed was the possibility of reducing even further the obtained latency of 35–40 hr.
The magnon pairing mechanism of superconductivity in cuprate ceramics.

The magnon pairing mechanism is derived to explain the high-temperature superconductivity of both the L_(a2-x)Sr_xCu_1O_4 and Y_1Ba_2Cu_3O_7 systems. Critical features include (i) a one- or two-dimensional lattice of linear Cu-O-Cu bonds that contribute to large antiferromagnetic (superexchange) coupling of the Cu^(II)(d^9) orbitals; (ii) holes in the oxygen pπ bands [rather than Cu^(III)(d^8)] leading to high mobility hole conduction; and (iii) strong ferromagnetic coupling between oxygen pπ holes and adjacent Cu^(II)(d^9) electrons. The ferromagnetic coupling of the conduction electrons with copper d spins induces the attractive interaction responsible for the superconductivity, leading to triplet-coupled pairs called "tripgems." The disordered Heisenberg lattice of antiferromagnetically coupled copper d spins serves a role analogous to the phonons in a conventional system. This leads to a maximum transition temperature of about 200 K. For La_(1.85)Sr_(0.15)Cu_1O_4, the energy gap is in excellent agreement with experiment. For Y_1Ba_2Cu_3O_7, we find that both the CuO sheets and the CuO chains can contribute to the supercurrent.
The guard honey bee: ontogeny and behavioural variability of workers performing a specialized task

Abstract Guarding is a relatively unstudied aspect of honey bee, Apis mellifera L., worker behaviour. The aim of this study was to characterize quantitatively the ontogeny and individual variability of guarding behaviour, the allocation of workers to the guard population in a colony, and the intercolonial variability of guarding behaviour. Guarding is a discrete task performed by a distinct group of workers that are younger than foragers and older than house bees. Workers that guarded initiated the behaviour between the ages of 7 and 22 days. The mean age of the onset of guarding varied; the minimum mean age of guards for a colony was 13·6 days and the maximum was 16·0 days. Workers varied in the length of time they spent as a guard. Most bees guarded for less than 1 days; however, some guarded up to 6 consecutive days. The more time a bee spent guarding during a day the more likely that bee was to guard for more than 1 day. Bees that guarded for more than 1 day also had longer and more frequent individual guarding bouts. All colonies that were studied had guard populations, but not all workers guarded. A relatively small proportion of any age cohort was observed to guard. The percentage of an age cohort that guarded varied among colonies, as did the size of the guard population. Guarding is a specialized task in that few bees guard, but guarding does not appear to require experience because so few bees remained as guards for very long. There was intercolonial variation in all aspects of the ontogeny of guarding and in allocation of workers to guarding. This variation is discussed in the light of other studies of variation in worker behaviour.
High social density increases foraging and scouting rates and induces polydomy in Temnothorax ants

Many organisms live in crowded groups where social density affects behavior and fitness. Social insects inhabit nests that contain many individuals where physical interactions facilitate information flow and organize collective behaviors such as foraging, colony defense, and nest emigration. Changes in nest space and intranidal crowding can alter social interactions and affect worker behavior. Here, I examined the effects of social density on foraging, scouting, and polydomy behavior in ant colonies—using the species Temnothorax rugatulus. First, I analyzed field colonies and determined that nest area scaled isometrically with colony mass—this indicates that nest area changes proportionally with colony size and suggests that ants actively control intranidal density. Second, laboratory experiments showed that colonies maintained under crowded conditions had greater foraging and scouting activities compared to the same colonies maintained at a lower density. Moreover, crowded colonies were significantly more likely to become polydomous. Polydomous colonies divided evenly based on mass between two nests but distributed fewer, heavier workers and brood to the new nests. Polydomous colonies also showed different foraging and scouting rates compared to the same colonies under monodomous conditions. Combined, the results indicate that social density is an important colony phenotype that affects individual and collective behavior in ants. I discuss the function of social density in affecting communication and the organization of labor in social insects and hypothesize that the collective management of social density is a group level adaptation in social insects.
Slip resistance of the shoe-floor interface under biomechanically-relevant conditions

Slip resistance measurements are used by industry, shoe/floor manufacturers, and the legal profession as a criterion for determining slip potentials of various environments. Whilst static coefficients of friction (COF) of a shoe-floor interface have been used traditionally, dynamic COF(DCOF) measures have been shown to be more relevant to the biomechanics of slips and falls. Recently, new devices have become available that better incorporate the biomechanics of foot movement into DCOF measurement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of environmental and biomechanical factors of the shoe-floor interface on DCOF measures using a new slip resistance testing device. The environmental factors chosen were shoe material, floor type, and contaminant. The biomechanical factors were heel velocity, vertical force, and shoe angle. The results showed that of the biomechanical factors, heel velocity had largest effects on the DCOF. However, contaminant condition was an important interaction. Increa...
Ionophore A23187 stimulates phosphorylation of the 40, 000dalton protein in human platelets without phospholipase C activation

The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (0.2-5 microM) stimulates the phosphorylation of the substrates of protein kinase C (40,000 dalton protein) and myosin light chain kinase (20,000 dalton protein) in the presence or absence of cyclooxygenase inhibitors. In the presence of cyclooxygenase inhibitors or millimolar Ca2+ there is no stimulation of phospholipase C by A23187. Fingerprints of the 32P-labeled 40,000 dalton protein isolated from platelets that have been stimulated with A23187, thrombin, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate and 1,2-didecanoylglycerol were identical. Higher concentrations of A23187 (1-5 microM) induced the loss of polyphosphoinositides through phosphomonoesterase activity.
An Algebraic Approach to Quantum Field Theory and Commutation Relations for Energy Momentum in the Framework of General Relativity

We present a consistent set of commutation relations (C.R.) for a quantum system immersed in a classical gravitational field. The gravity field is described by metric tensorg ik (x) andg 00(x) with coordinate gaugeg i0=0. The Hamiltonian of the system is found to be a linear function of [−g 00(x)]1/2. Its properties we define by C.R. avoiding explicit expression in terms of fields, as well as its splitting into free and interaction parts. In this way a consistent set of C.R., which are equally simple for a flat and curvilinear space, can be established. To stress the main idea of our approach, we consider the simple but still nontrivial example of a scalar electrodynamics immersed in a gravity field. The electromagnetic current operator we define by its C.R. and not explicitly. An interesting feature of this approach is that the Poisson equation follows from the consistency of the C.R. The C.R. for the energy and momentum operators of the system in a gravity field are established which generalize the usual Poincare group generators C.R. For example, we find (i/hc 2)[H σ(x) ,H σ′(x) ]=P σ∇σ′−σ′∇σ , whereH σ(x) is the Hamiltonian of the system, which is a linear functional of σ(x)≡[−g 00(x)]1/2 andP s(x) represents the momentum-density operator [averaged with the classical functions(x)].
The effect of inlet flow distribution on catalytic conversion efficiency

Abstract A methodology is developed for analyzing the effect of non-uniform inlet flow distribution on the conversion efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter. The flow through the converter is treated as steady, incompressible, and isothermal. Conversion rates through the monolith passages are assumed to be diffusion-controlled. Under these assumptions, the equation governing one-dimensional laminarized flow with mass transfer through monolith passages simplifies to a form that can be solved analytically. A relation between concentration of reactants and passage length may thus be obtained, with flow velocity as a governing parameter. In order to determine the complex flow field through the diffuser, monolith, and nozzle sections of the converter, for various flow rates and passage diameters, a finite element code is used. The methodology is then utilized to predict the distribution of reactant concentrations across the monolith's outlet based on its inlet velocity distribution. The proposed approach is an effective design tool for optimizing the geometry and performance of an automotive catalytic converter.
The role of transcriptome resilience in resistance of corals to bleaching

Wild populations increasingly experience extreme conditions as climate change amplifies environmental variability. How individuals respond to environmental extremes determines the impact of climate change overall. The variability of response from individual to individual can represent the opportunity for natural selection to occur as a result of extreme conditions. Here, we experimentally replicated the natural exposure to extreme temperatures of the reef lagoon at Ofu Island (American Samoa), where corals can experience severe heat stress during midday low tide. We investigated the bleaching and transcriptome response of 20 Acropora hyacinthus colonies 5 and 20 h after exposure to control (29 °C) or heated (35 °C) conditions. We found a highly dynamic transcriptome response: 27% of the coral transcriptome was significantly regulated 1 h postheat exposure. Yet 15 h later, when heat-induced coral bleaching became apparent, only 12% of the transcriptome was differentially regulated. A large proportion of responsive genes at the first time point returned to control levels, others remained differentially expressed over time, while an entirely different subset of genes was successively regulated at the second time point. However, a noteworthy variability in gene expression was observed among individual coral colonies. Among the genes of which expression lingered over time, fast return to normal levels was associated with low bleaching. Colonies that maintained higher expression levels of these genes bleached severely. Return to normal levels of gene expression after stress has been termed transcriptome resilience, and in the case of some specific genes may signal the physiological health and response ability of individuals to environmental stress.
Reliability estimation based on operational data of manufacturing systems

Maintenance management has a direct influence on equipment reliability and safety. However, a large portion of traditional maintenance models and reliability analysis methods usually assumes that only perfect maintenance is performed on the system and the system will restore to as good as new regardless of the kind of preventive maintenance work-order that is performed. This is not practical in reality and may result in an inaccurate parametric estimation. The research objective of this paper is to develop a maximum likelihood estimation method to obtain more accurately estimated parameters based on the operational data of manufacturing systems, taking into consideration the difference between perfect and imperfect maintenance work-orders. Weibull distribution is specifically studied for this purpose. A practical case study based on industrial operational data from an automotive assembly line is performed to illustrate the implementation and efficiency of the proposed reliability estimation method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships of fibre, lignin, and phenolics to in vitro fibre digestibility in three perennial grasses

Livestock performance can be improved by increasing the digestibility of feeds, one of the key elements of nutritional quality. Digestibility of feeds can be improved by breeding forage crops with modified cell-wall structure, increasing the potential availability of energy from the cell wall to rumen microbes and livestock. The objectives of this research were to identify interrelationships among lignin and phenolic components of the fibre fraction of three perennial grasses and to determine their influence on in vitro fibre digestibility. Differences in etherified and esterified ferulate and esterified p-coumarate among clones of three perennial grasses were generally repeatable across harvests. The concentration of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and Klason lignin within the NDF fraction were the factors most limiting to 24-h in vitro digestibility, with NDF being the most important. Klason lignin and etherified ferulate were the factors most limiting to 96-h in vitro digestibility for all three species. Due to its positive correlation with NDF, selection for low etherified ferulate should be avoided in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss) and cockfsoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). It should be possible to select and breed for low concentrations of lignin to improve digestibility without decreasing NDF in these two species. However, in reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), both lignin and etherified ferulate were positively correlated with NDF, indicating that selection for increased digestibility should be based directly on some measure of in vitro digestibility to avoid the fitness problems associated with reduced NDF.
T cell sensitization to proteolipid protein in myelin basic protein-induced relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Abstract (SJL/J × PL/J)F 1 mice immunized with myelin basic protein (MBP) develop an autoimmune demyelinating disease termed relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (rEAE). The acute stage of disease is mediated by CD4 + T cells specific for MBP amino acids 1–9. To determine the immunologic bases for disease relapse, host sensitization to additional autoantigens of the central nervous system was measured. Results indicate that most animals develop T cell reactivity to endogenous myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) during rEAE. However, PLP-specific immunity does not appear to accound for expression of relapse episodes of demyelination. relapse episodes of demyelination.
Evaluating Factors That Influence Microbial Synthesis Yields by Linear Regression with Numerical and Ordinal Variables

In the production of chemicals via microbial fermentation, achieving a high yield is one of the most important objectives. We developed a statistical model to analyze influential factors that determine product yield by compiling data obtained from engineered Escherichia coli developed within last 10 years. Using both numerical and ordinal variables (e.g., enzymatic steps, cultivation conditions, and genetic modifications) as input parameters, our model revealed that cultivation modes, nutrient supplementation, and oxygen conditions were the three significant factors for improving product yield. Generally, the model showed that product yield decreases as the number of enzymatic steps in the biosynthesis pathway increases (7― 9% loss of yield per enzymatic step). Moreover, overexpression of enzymes or removal of competitive pathways (e.g., knockout) does not necessarily result in an amplification of product yield (P-value >0.1), possibly because of limited capacity in the biosynthesis pathway to accommodate an increase in flux. The model not only provides general guidelines for metabolic engineering and fermentation processes, but also allows a priori estimation and comparison of product yields under designed cultivation conditions.
CTNNB1 genotyping and APC screening in pediatric desmoid tumors: a proposed algorithm.

ABSTRACT Desmoid fibromatosis is a rare, locally aggressive fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumor that occasionally involves children. We examined a series of pediatric desmoids for CTNNB1 mutations, seen in sporadic tumors, and APC germline mutations, associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Forty-four desmoids in pediatric patients were identified in the pathology files of 2 large referral centers (1995–2009). Clinical charts were reviewed for history of FAP. Germline APC gene mutations were determined on blood samples from patients presenting with FAP. Immunohistochemistry for beta-catenin was performed. CTNNB1 genotyping was done by Sanger sequencing on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. CTNNB1 mutations were observed in 29 of 44 (66%) desmoids, with 3 mutations identified: T41A (64%), S45F (29%), and S45P (7%). Germline APC mutations were present in 7 (16%) desmoid patients. Eight (18%) patients had desmoids that were wild type for CTNNB1 and had no known clinical signs or family hist...
Synthetic opioids and arrhythmia risk: a new paradigm?

The most commonly prescribed class of medications in the United States for chronic severe pain is opioid analgesics. Due to their low cost and widespread availability, the synthetic opioids are popular choices among clinicians and patients. However, there is an increasingly recognized risk of QT prolongation with several drugs in this class, and recently propoxyphene (Darvon) was withdrawn from the market by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to, in part, the risk of QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias Updated Epidemiological Review of Propoxyphene Safety. [FDA Alert]. Rockville, MD: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 2010. Available from: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/UCM234383.pdf on 5 May 2012.
Contemplating the Importance of Toll-like Receptors I and II Regarding Human Viral Pathogenesis

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a major role in innate immunity, since they detect conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on a range of microbes, including viruses, leading to innate immune activation and orchestration of the adaptive immune response.
Learning Spike-Based Correlations and Conditional Probabilities in Silicon

We have designed and fabricated a VLSI synapse that can learn a conditional probability or correlation between spike-based inputs and feedback signals. The synapse is low power, compact, provides nonvolatile weight storage, and can perform simultaneous multiplication and adaptation. We can calibrate arrays of synapses to ensure uniform adaptation characteristics. Finally, adaptation in our synapse does not necessarily depend on the signals used for computation. Consequently, our synapse can implement learning rules that correlate past and present synaptic activity. We provide analysis and experimental chip results demonstrating the operation in learning and calibration mode, and show how to use our synapse to implement various learning rules in silicon.
Interactions between dopamine transporter and cannabinoid receptor ligands in rhesus monkeys

Rationale Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) modifies dopamine efflux. However, the extent to which cannabinoid and dopamine drugs modify each other’s behavioral effects has not been fully established.
Performance of Dedicated Indoor MIMO HSDPA Systems

MIMO and higher-order modulation (64-QAM) have recently been introduced in the HSPA downlink (HSDPA) to extend peak data rates. Both techniques demand a high SINR operating point in order to be effective. While traditional macrocell (outdoor) deployments may provide limited high-rate coverage, indoor environments are more likely scenarios for achieving high rates due to higher SINR operating points. This paper evaluates performance for an indoor pico-cell system using a selective-PARC (S-PARC) MIMO scheme in combination with 64-QAM. A typical multi-story office building is considered with pico-cells located on each floor. Within each pico-cell both a single antenna cluster and distributed antenna clusters are considered. Results from system simulations show very large gains in both user and system throughput compared to a receive diversity only system. 90th percentile user throughput over 40 Mbps and system throughput of 30 Mbps are achieved.
Fabrication and characterization of polymeric p-channel junction FETs

Polymer materials are attracting more and more attention for the applications to microelectronic/optoelectronic devices due to their flexibility, lightweight, low cost, etc. In this paper, fabrication and characterization of a polymer junction field-effect transistor (JFET), using poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDT/PSS) as the channel and poly (2,5-hexyloxy p-phenylene cyanovinylene) (CNPPV) as the gate layer, are reported. The all-polymer JFET was fabricated by the conventional ultraviolet (UV) lithography techniques. The fabricated device was measured and characterized electrically. In the meantime, the comparisons were listed between polymer JFET and analogous inorganic semiconductor counterparts. Its pinch-off voltage reaches 1 V that is in the applicable range, and the current is -13.8 /spl mu/A at zero gate bias. It demonstrates that the device operates in a very similar fashion to its conventional counterparts.