cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modification of a viral envelope glycoprotein cell–cell fusion assay by utilizing plasmid encoded bacteriophage RNA polymerase

Many viruses enter cells via an interaction of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) with receptor inducing fusion of viral and cellular membranes. These interactions are often evaluated in cell-cell fusion, gene-reporting systems with effector cells expressing Env and target cells expressing receptors. A common system utilizes vaccinia virus encoding T7 RNA polymerase (RNAP) in effector cells and a T7 promoted reporter plasmid in target cells. Fusion is quantified with expression of the reporter plasmid. However, direct activation of reporter plasmid from vaccinia virus can occur increasing background activity. We report here a modification of this assay in which T7 RNAP is expressed from a plasmid rather than vaccinia. This modification increased sensitivity with a ten-fold reduction in background. A novel dual T7/SP6 RNAP fusion assay was also developed to allow rapid screening for functional Env clones. Using these assays, we show that Envs from two CD4-independent HIV-2 isolates (VCP and ROD/B), which are able to fuse with chemokine receptor CXCR4 in a CD4-independent manner, are also able to fuse with alternative coreceptors GPR1 and GPR15 in the absence of CD4. The assay could also detect fusion of murine leukemia virus on target cells expressing the ecotropic MCAT-1 receptor showing its broad utility in other viral systems.
Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided (EBUS) Procore Sampling: Comparison to Fine Needle Aspiration for Mediastinal Lymph Nodes

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided sampling of the mediastinum has traditionally been performed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) for cytologic evaluation. The ProCore fine needle biopsy, used primarily to obtain intra-abdominal tissue core biopsies, has not been widely used for EBUS. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with EBUS-Procore of mediastinal nodes, and to compare its diagnostic utilization to that of conventional EBUS-FNA. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of all EBUS cases of mediastinal masses using a ProCore needle from December 2013 to March 2014 was performed. Patient demographics, anatomic site, number of procedure passes, on-site immediate evaluation, final pathology reports, and ancillary test results were recorded. All specimen slides and cell blocks were evaluated scoring lesion and contamination cellularity (0 Z acellular, 1 Z scant, 2 Z moderate, and 3 Z abundant). Results: There were 18 EBUS cases of mediastinal lymph nodes using Procore in patients (12 female, 6 male) of average age 57 years (range, 3380 years). FNA was followed by Procore biopsy in all cases, except one where only Procore was performed. Cases included benign (granulomas), atypical, and malignant (carcinoma) diagnoses. More FNAs were satisfactory (with 2 unsatisfactory cases) than Procores (with 7 unsatisfactory cases). The 2 non-diagnostic FNA cases remained unsatisfactory with subsequent Procore. More passes were performed with FNA (4/case) than Procore (2.6/case). On average, FNA provided greater cellularity of lesional material (smear score Z 2; cell block score Z 1.4) than Procore (smear score Z 1.4; cell block score Z 1.4). However, FNAs contained more bronchial contamination (smear score Z 1.6; cell block score Z 1) than Procore (smear score Z 1; cell block score Z 0.4). Both sample types contained similar bronchial and blood contamination. Ancillary studies (special stains, immunostains, FISH, molecular) were equally successful using cell blocks from both specimen types. Conclusions: Our preliminary experience shows that EBUS-guided Procore sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes is feasible. Although FNA samples appear to provide more diagnostic cellular material in this pilot series, fewer subsequent Procore passes were required to achieve satisfactory specimens. Procore specimens also contained less obscuring bronchial contamination. Evaluation of more cases and more experience with this new technique is necessary to determine if the diagnostic yield using Procore during EBUS can be improved.
The multiple determination of illusory contours: 1. A review.

Four theories of illusory-contour perception are reviewed—brightness contrast (simultaneous contrast, assimilation, and dissimilation), depth/completion, partial activation of neural feature analyzers, and the diffuse—sharp dichotomy. It is concluded that the processes and mechanisms involved in illusory-contour perception most likely depend upon the stimulus elements used in the illusory-contour display.
The Ups and Downs of Bipolar Disorder

This brief historical overview of bipolar disorder addresses diagnosis, treatment, cost, creativity, suicide, and stigma with a review of the literature. This served as the introduction to the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists (51 references).
Increased expression of acidic mammalian chitinase in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

BackgroundChitin is an abundant polysaccharide found in fungi, insects, and parasitic nematodes. Innate immune host defense against chitin-containing pathogens include production of chitinases. In ...
In Situ Hybridization Analysis of Girk2 Expression in the Developing Central Nervous System in Normal and Weaver Mice

A mutation in the gene Girk2 that encodes an inwardly rectifying potassium channel is the genetic defect causing the behavioral and pathologic abnormalities of the weaver mutant mouse. Of the pathologic abnormalities, the best studied is the neuronal degeneration that occurs in the cerebellar cortex and in the midbrain dopaminergic neurons. A detailed characterization of the topographic and temporal expression of Girk2 is fundamental to elucidate the mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in these mutant mice. In this study we utilized in situ hybridization to determine the expression of Girk2 mRNA during prenatal and postnatal development in the murine central nervous system (CNS). Girk2 expression was seen in multiple regions of embryonic CNS including the cerebellum and midbrain. During postnatal development, the highest expression was seen in the cerebellum, midbrain and hippocampus. However, since the developing cerebellum undergoes significant neuronal loss due to the degeneration of granule cell precursors, Girk2 mRNA expression in this area decreases progressively.
Were there “Inner Chapters” in the Warring States? A New Examination of Evidence about the Zhuangzi

This article questions the traditional beliefs that the seven “inner chapters” constitute the earliest stratum of the Zhuangzi , that they already formed a coherent unit in the Warring States, and that they came from a single hand. After reviewing what is known about the early history of the Zhuangzi text, various arguments that have been made in support of early, coherent inner chapters, are examined. Taking the Shiji portrait of the Zhuangzi as the starting point, it is shown that Sima Qian's description and use of the Zhuangzi already gives us reason to question the importance, or even existence, of the inner chapters in the Western Han. It is then shown that pre-Han and Han references to Zhuang Zhou, and parallels with the Zhuangzi text, do not necessarily even require (or support) the existence of most inner chapters, and certainly give no evidence that they were coherent and had any kind of canonical status. Though this does not constitute proof, it does give us reason to rethink the traditional beliefs about the authorship and structure of the early Zhuangzi text. In closing, the possibility of a Huainan Zhuangzi , and the role Liu An and his court might have played in the compilation of the inner chapters, is considered. Cet article met en question les conceptions traditionnelles suivant lesquelles les sept “chapitres interieurs” constituent la strate la plus ancienne du Zhuangzi , formaient deja un ensemble coherent a l'epoque des Royaumes Combattants, et etaient de la meme main. Ce qu'on connait de l'histoire ancienne du texte du Zhuangzi est passe en revue, puis sont examines les divers arguments qui ont ete avances en faveur de l'anciennete et de la coherence des chapitres interieurs. Partant du portrait du Zhuangzi dans le Shiji , il est demontre que deja la description et l'usage du texte par Sima Qian nous invitent a nous poser des questions sur l'importance, voire l'existence, des chapitres interieurs a l'epoque des Han occidentaux. Puis il est constate que les references a Zhuang Zhou sous les Han et avant, ainsi que les paralleles avec le texte du Zhuangzi , ne supposent pas necessairement (ni ne confortent) l'existence de la plupart des chapitres interieurs, et ne suggerent certainement pas que ceux-ci formaient un ensemble coherent et avaient un quelconque statut canonique. Si ces faits n'ont pas valeur de preuve, ils invitent a s'interroger sur les conceptions traditionnelles concernant l'auteur et la structure du texte primitif du Zhuangzi . En conclusion sont consideres la possibilite d'un Zhuangzi originaire de Huainan ainsi que le role qu'auraient pu jouer Liu An et sa cour dans la compilation des chapitres interieurs.
Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate protects against liver ischemia reperfusion injury by inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum-stress mediated apoptosis.

Background Evidence is emerging that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) participates in initiation of apoptosis induced by the unfolded protein response and by aberrant Ca ++ signaling during cellular stress such as ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R injury). ER-induced apoptosis involves the activation of caspase-12 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and the shutdown of translation initiated by phosphorylation of eIF2α. Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) is a low molecular weight fatty acid that acts as a chemical chaperone reducing the load of mutant or unfolded proteins retained in the ER during cellular stress and also exerting anti-inflammatory activity. It has been used successfully for treatment of urea cycle disorders and sickle cell disease. Thus, we hypothesized that PBA may reduce ER-induced apoptosis triggered by I/R injury to the liver. Methods Groups of male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to warm ischemia (70% of the liver mass, 45 minutes). Serum aspartate aminotransferase was assessed 6 hours after reperfusion; apoptosis was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of caspase-12 and plasma tumor necrosis factor α, Western blot analyses of eIF2α, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of CHOP expression. Results A dose-dependent decrease in aspartate aminotransferase was demonstrated in mice given intraperitoneal PBA (1 hour before and 12 hours after reperfusion), compared with vehicle-treated controls; this effect was associated with reduced pyknosis, parenchymal hemorrhages, and neutrophil infiltrates in PBA-treated mice, compared with controls. In a lethal model of total liver I/R injury, all vehicle-treated controls died within 3 days after reperfusion. In contrast, 50% survival (>30 days) was observed in animals given PBA. The beneficial effects of PBA were associated with a greater than 45% reduction in apoptosis, decreased ER-mediated apoptosis characterized by significant reduction in caspase-12 activation, and reduced levels of both phosphorylated eIF2α and CHOP. Significant reductions in plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor α and liver myeloperoxidase content were demonstrated after PBA treatment. Conclusions Reduction in ER stress–induced hepatocellular injury was achieved by the administration of PBA. Targeting the ER-associated cell death pathway might offer a novel approach to reduce I/R injury to the liver.
Ethanol and red wine polyphenols induce the short-term downregulation of PAI-1 gene expression in vivo in rat aortic endothelium

Moderate alcohol or red wine consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality. This cardiovascular protection is likely due to the additive, combined and/or synergistic effects of alcohol itself or other components of wine, in particular polyphenols. Experiments were carried out to determine whether ethanol/polyphenols also decrease plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression in vivo, using the rat as an animal model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were gavaged with ethanol, the individual polyphenols catechin and quercetin or saline vehicle. The in vivo effect of ethanol or individual polyphenols on PAI-1 mRNA was then assessed by in situ hybridisation and quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PAI-1 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the thoracic aorta of all experimental rats. RT-PCR analysis of PAI-1 mRNA levels in vascular tissue showed a ∼55% reduction in PAI-1 mRNA consistent with the decrease in aortic endothelium PAI-1 mRNA observed with in situ hybridisation. This decrease may enhance endothelial cell (EC)-mediated fibrinolytic activity in vivo. The cardioprotection afforded by moderate red wine consumption can therefore be attributed in part to the combined effects of ethanol and individual polyphenols on EC fibrinolysis. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
T-type calcium current in latent pacemaker cells isolated from cat right atrium.

Whole-cell voltage clamp techniques were used to study Ca2+ currents in latent pacemaker cells isolated from cat right atrium. T-type (ICa,T) and L-type (ICa,L) Ca2+ currents were distinguished by their voltage dependence of activation, and sensitivity to channel blocking agents. In 2.7 mM [Ca]o, ICa,T activation exhibited a voltage threshold of about -50mV and maximum amplitude at -10mV, whereas ICa,L threshold was about -30mV and maximum amplitude was at +10mV. The half-maximal activation voltages of ICa,T was -31.4±0.2mV and ICa,T was -6.2±2.0mV. Overlap of the steady-state activation-inactivation curves for ICa,T showed a "window" current at voltages compatible with the late phase of diastolic depolarization. Maximum ICa,T and ICa,L current densities were 3.3±0.4pA/pF and 12.5±1.3pA/pF, respectively. ICa,T current density in working atrial muscle cells was 0.73±0.31pA/pF. Both ICa,L and ICa,T were blocked by 2mM cobalt. ICa,L but not ICa,T was blocked by 1 μM nifedipine. Nickel (Ni2+: 40 μM) inhibited ICa,T primarily at more negative voltages. In addition, Ni2+ decreased the late phase of diastolic depolarization and significantly increased pacemaker cycle length. These results indicate that latent atrial pacemaker cells exhibit ICa,T that is significantly larger in amplitude than in working atrial muscle cells. ICa,T may contribute current during the late phase of diastolic depolarization. Because latent pacemakers exhibit a more negative maximum diastolic potential, ICa,T may contribute more to latent than to primary pacemaker activity.
Steady and unsteady solutions of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations

An algorithm for the solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in three-dimensional generalized curvilinear coordinates is presented. The algorithm can be used to compute both steady-state and time-dependent flow problems. The algorithm is based on the method of artificial compressibility and uses a third-order flux-difference splitting technique for the convective terms and the second-order central difference for the viscous terms. The accuracy is obtained in the numerical solutions by subiterating the equations in pseudotime for each physical time step. The equations are solved with a line-relaxation scheme that allows the use of very large pseudotime steps leading to fast convergence for steady-state problems as well as for the subiterations of time-dependent problems. The steady-state solution of flow through a square duct with a 90-deg bend is computed, and the results are compared with experimental data. Good agreement is observed. Computations of unsteady flow over a circular cylinder are presented and compared to other experimental and computational results. Finally, the flow through an artificial heart configuration with moving boundaries is calculated and presented.
Pseudowire Packet Loss Control in Optical Access

We introduce a packet loss control mechanism to emulate the delivery of native services over packet switched network (PSN) using pseudowire (PW). We propose the virtual circuit connectivity verification (VCCV) insertion (VI) algorithm for adapting variable bit rate (VBR) PW rates to the dynamics of PSN tunnel. Our approach is compatible to existing PW standards, and its applicability has been demonstrated by analysis.
Platelet mechanosensing of substrate stiffness during clot formation mediates adhesion, spreading, and activation

As platelets aggregate and activate at the site of vascular injury to stem bleeding, they are subjected to a myriad of biochemical and biophysical signals and cues. As clot formation ensues, platelets interact with polymerizing fibrin scaffolds, exposing platelets to a large range of mechanical microenvironments. Here, we show for the first time (to our knowledge) that platelets, which are anucleate cellular fragments, sense microenvironmental mechanical properties, such as substrate stiffness, and transduce those cues into differential biological signals. Specifically, as platelets mechanosense the stiffness of the underlying fibrin/fibrinogen substrate, increasing substrate stiffness leads to increased platelet adhesion and spreading. Importantly, adhesion on stiffer substrates also leads to higher levels of platelet activation, as measured by integrin αIIbβ3 activation, α-granule secretion, and procoagulant activity. Mechanistically, we determined that Rac1 and actomyosin activity mediate substrate stiffness-dependent platelet adhesion, spreading, and activation to different degrees. This capability of platelets to mechanosense microenvironmental cues in a growing thrombus or hemostatic plug and then mechanotransduce those cues into differential levels of platelet adhesion, spreading, and activation provides biophysical insight into the underlying mechanisms of platelet aggregation and platelet activation heterogeneity during thrombus formation.
Active site mapping and substrate channeling in the sterol methyltransferase pathway.

Abstract Sterol methyltransferase (SMT) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was purified fromEscherichia coli BL21(DE3) and labeled with the mechanism-based irreversible inhibitor [3-3H]26,27-dehydrozymosterol (26,27-DHZ). A 5-kDa tryptic digest peptide fragment containing six acidic residues at positions Glu-64, Asp-65, Glu-68, Asp-79, Glu-82, and Glu-98 was determined to contain the substrate analog covalently attached to Glu-68 by Edman sequencing and radioanalysis using C18reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Site-directed mutagenesis of the six acidic residues to leucine followed by activity assay of the purified mutants confirmed Glu-68 as the only residue to participate in affinity labeling. Equilibration studies indicated that zymosterol and 26,27-DHZ were bound to native and the E68L mutant with similar affinity, whereasS-adenosylmethionine was bound only to the native SMT,K d of about 2 μm. Analysis of the incubation products of the wild-type and six leucine mutants by GC-MS demonstrated that zymosterol was converted to fecosterol, 26,27-DHZ was converted to 26-homo-cholesta-8(9),23(24)E,26(26′)-trienol as well as 26-homocholesta-8(9),26(26′)-3β,24β-dienol, and in the case of D79L and E82L mutants, zymosterol was also converted to a new product, 24-methylzymosta-8,25(27)-dienol. The structures of the methylenecyclopropane ring-opened olefins were determined unambiguously by a combination of 1H and 13C NMR techniques. A K m of 15 μm,K cat of 8 × 10−4s−1, and partition ratio of 0.03 was established for 26,27-DHZ, suggesting that the methylenecyclopropane can serve as a lead structure for a new class of antifungal agents. Taken together, partitioning that leads to loss of enzyme function is the result of 26,27-DHZ catalysis forming a highly reactive cationic intermediate that interacts with the enzyme in a region normally not occupied by the zymosterol high energy intermediate as a consequence of less than perfect control. Alternatively, the gain in enzyme function resulting from the production of a Δ25(27)-olefin originates with the leucine substitution directing substrate channeling along different reaction channels in a similar region at the active site.
Photoionization, line emission diagnostics

Photoionization models for AGN, including Seyfert and LINERs are discussed. These photoionization models can be used to derive emission-line diagnostics for AGN that can determine the properties of the AGN and surrounding ISM, including the relative AGN contribution to the EUV radiation field, the hardness of the AGN radiation field, the ionization state of the gas, and the metallicity of the narrow-line region. It is shown how the AGN emission-line diagnostics are expected to change with redshift. Finally, latest application of these models by the author to wide integral field spectroscopy to separate starburst and AGN contributions in composite galaxies are presented.
The germanium microwave crystal rectifier

The characteristics of the commercial germanium microwave mixer crystal are reviewed. The conventional theory for these devices is discussed and criticized on the grounds that minority carrier storage phenomena are completely ignored. A model which includes this effect is proposed, and conversion loss calculations which include the effect of spreading resistance are presented for a highly idealized version of this model. Some possible explanations for the dc characteristics and for the success of the conventional fabrication techniques are offered.
Prion (PrPC) expression in ovine uteroplacental tissues increases after estrogen treatment of ovariectomized ewes and during early pregnancy

Scrapie in sheep is spread laterally by placental transmission of an infectious misfolded form (PrPSc) of a normal prion protein (PrPC) used as a template in PrPSc formation. We hypothesized that PrPC would be expressed in uterine and placental tissues and estradiol-17B (E2) would affect uterine PrPC expression. PrPC expression was evaluated in the uterus of long-term ovarietomized (OVX) ewes treated with an E2 implant for 2 to 24 h and in uteroplacental tissues from day 20 through 30 of pregnancy. PrPC mRNA and protein were increased in the uterus after E2 treatment of OVX ewes. In the maternal placenta, expression of PrPC mRNA and protein were unchanged, but in the fetal membranes PrPC mRNA and protein expression increased from days 20 through 28. In the nonpregnant uterus, PrPC protein was immunolocalized at apical borders of the surface epithelium, in outer smooth muscle layers of large blood vessels, and in scattered stromal cells of the deep intercaruncular areas of the uterus. In the maternal placenta, PrPC protein was immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of flattened luminal epithelial cells apposed to the fetal membranes, whereas in the fetal membranes PrPC protein was in trophoblast cells and was also in several tissues of the developing embryo during early pregnancy. These data linking estrogen stimulation to increases in PrPC expression in uteroplacental tissues suggest that PrPC has a specific function during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Future studies should determine whether or not estrogen influences PrPC expression in other tissues, such as the nervous system and brain.
Chemical sensors based on dielectric response of functionalized mesoporous silica films

Dielectric response of mesoporous silica films was monitored as a function of several gas-phase chemical species. The effects of humidity, ammonia, and methane on dielectric constant and dissipation factor of films subjected to different chemical treatments are described. Dielectric constant and dissipation factor of partially dehydroxylated films were found to be highly sensitive to both water vapor and ammonia in air. The capacitive devices based on mesoporous silica films show potential for use in chemical sensors.
The urban rise and fall of air lead (Pb) and the latent surge and retreat of societal violence

article i nfo We evaluate air Pb emissions and latent aggravated assault behavior at the scale of the city. We accomplish this by regressing annual Federal Bureau of Investigation aggravated assault rate records against the rise and fall of annual vehicle Pb emissions in Chicago (Illinois), Indianapolis (Indiana), Minneapolis (Minnesota), San Diego (California), Atlanta (Georgia), and New Orleans (Louisiana). Other things held equal, a 1% increase in tonnages of air Pb released 22 years prior raises the present period aggravated assault rate by 0.46% (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.64). Overall our model explains 90% of the variation in aggravated assault across the cities exam- ined. In the case of New Orleans, 85% of temporal variation in the aggravated assault rate is explained by the annual rise and fall of air Pb (total=10,179 metric tons) released on the population of New Orleans 22 years earlier. For every metric ton of Pb released 22 years prior, a latent increase of 1.59 (95% CI, 1.36 to 1.83, pb0.001) aggravated assaults per 100,000 were reported. Vehicles consuming fuel containing Pb addi- tives contributed much larger quantities of Pb dust than generally recognized. Our findings along with others predict that prevention of children's lead exposure from lead dust now will realize numerous societal bene- fits two decades into the future, including lower rates of aggravated assault.
Effects of phrenicotomy and exercise on hypoxia-induced changes in phrenic motor output

To investigate models of plasticity in respiratory motor output, we determined the effects of chronic unilateral phrenicotomy and/or exercise on time-dependent responses to episodic hypoxia in the ...
Quantifiers more or less quantify on-line: ERP evidence for partial incremental interpretation

Event-related brain potentials were recorded during RSVP reading to test the hypothesis that quantifier expressions are incrementally interpreted fully and immediately. In sentences tapping general knowledge (Farmers grow crops/worms as their primary source of income), Experiment 1 found larger N400s for atypical (worms) than typical objects (crops). Experiment 2 crossed object typicality with non-logical subject noun phrase quantifiers (most, few). Offline plausibility ratings exhibited the crossover interaction predicted by full quantifier interpretation: Most farmers grow crops and Few farmers grow worms were rated more plausible than Most farmers grow worms and Few farmers grow crops. Object N400s, although modulated in the expected direction, did not reverse. Experiment 3 replicated these findings with adverbial quantifiers (Farmers often/rarely grow crops/worms). Interpretation of quantifier expressions thus is neither fully immediate nor fully delayed. Furthermore, object atypicality was associated with a frontal slow positivity in few-type/rarely quantifier contexts, suggesting systematic processing differences among quantifier types.
COMBINED EFFECTS OF EGG AGE AND RADIATION DOSAGE ON EGG HATCH OF TENEBRIO MOLITOR (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE)

Tenebrio molitor L. eggs in 15 age groups ranging from 0.5 to 7.5 days were irradiated with 10 dosages of gamma radiation ranging from 0.5 to 160 krad. The study showed that age had a pronounced effect on radiation-induced egg mortality. There was a 250-fold increase in resistance as eggs matured from 0.5 to 7.5 days as measured by the dosage required to produce an LD 50 .
Strand exchange of telomeric DNA catalyzed by the Werner syndrome protein (WRN) is specifically stimulated by TRF2

Werner syndrome (WS), caused by loss of function of the RecQ helicase WRN, is a hereditary disease characterized by premature aging and elevated cancer incidence. WRN has DNA binding, exonuclease, ATPase, helicase and strand annealing activities, suggesting possible roles in recombination-related processes. Evidence indicates that WRN deficiency causes telomeric abnormalities that likely underlie early onset of aging phenotypes in WS. Furthermore, TRF2, a protein essential for telomere protection, interacts with WRN and influences its basic helicase and exonuclease activities. However, these studies provided little insight into WRN's specific function at telomeres. Here, we explored the possibility that WRN and TRF2 cooperate during telomeric recombination processes. Our results indicate that TRF2, through its interactions with both WRN and telomeric DNA, stimulates WRN-mediated strand exchange specifically between telomeric substrates; TRF2's basic domain is particularly important for this stimulation. Although TRF1 binds telomeric DNA with similar affinity, it has minimal effects on WRN-mediated strand exchange of telomeric DNA. Moreover, TRF2 is displaced from telomeric DNA by WRN, independent of its ATPase and helicase activities. Together, these results suggest that TRF2 and WRN act coordinately during telomeric recombination processes, consistent with certain telomeric abnormalities associated with alteration of WRN function.
Using ZPL to develop a parallel chaos router simulator

This paper reports on our experience in writing a parallel version of a chaos router simulator using the new data driven parallel language ZPL. The simulator is a large program that tests the capabilities of ZPL. The (parallel) ZPL program is compared with the existing serial implementation on two very different architectures: a 16-processor Intel Paragon and a cluster of eight Alpha work stations. On the Paragon, the simulator performs best when simulating medium- to large-sized routers, and on the Alpha cluster, it performs best when simulating large routers. Thus a user can choose the parallel platform best suited to the router size.
UNSTEADY MASS TRANSFER WITH CHEMICAL REACTION. PART II. MORE GENERAL INITIAL AND BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

Abstract In a steadily flowing or stationary medium the concentration fields of the reactants and the products of all types of first-order reactions with equal diffusivities are related to that of a non-reacting species for certain non-uniform initial conditions and non-similar boundary conditions.
Treatment of autonomic neuropathy, postural tachycardia and orthostatic syncope with octreotide LAR

The purpose of this study was to determine whether autonomic neuropathy and the postural tachycardia syndrome can be treated with octreotide LAR (Long Acting Release). This was an open-label pilot project. Protocol 1 Patients with autonomic neuropathy (n = 4) were given increasing doses of octreotide LAR once a month for three months. Blood pressure was measured in the sitting posture every two weeks. Pretreatment mean blood pressure averaged 83.8 +/- 7.1 mm Hg. After four, six and eight weeks of therapy the blood pressures averaged 96.3 +/- 6.4, 98.2 +/- 6.1 (p < .025), and 104.1 +/- 3.1 (p < .025) respectively. Therapy led to a dramatic improvement in symptoms in one patient but another had an unacceptable elevation in supine blood pressure. Protocol 2 Patients with POTS or orthostatic intolerance were given 10, 20, or 30 mg of octreotide LAR over three months. Seven patients entered and five completed the study. After two months treatment, standing time increased from 36.0 +/- 9.2 to 59.2 +/- .8 minutes (p < .01). Heart rate in the standing position was suppressed from 106 +/- .83 to 93.2 +/- .8 beats per minute (p < .05). Orthostatic dizziness and chronic fatigue improved. We conclude that octreotide LAR can be used to treat autonomic neuropathy but there is a risk of an excessive pressor response. Octreotide LAR improved standing time and suppressed tachycardia in patients with orthostatic intolerance.
Malawi's agricultural development: a success story?

Abstract At a time when attention was focused on Africa's poor agricultural performance, Malawi demonstrated a capacity not only to feed itself, but to produce a surplus for export. During the periods covered in this paper, its agricultural growth exceeded that of most African countries and compared favorably with ‘success stories’ on the continent. This research focuses on Malawi's recent performance, with particular attention on trends in the provision of essential agro-support services: credit; extension and farmer training; and input supply and marketing. Trends in these services are examined first at the national level and then at the district level. While overall trends indicate substantial progress, district level data reveal extensive unevenness. Moreover, at the farm level, census data on farmer training and technology utilization show fewer benefits to female operators and smaller farmers. Important elements of developmentally oriented infrastructure and services have been put in place and are functioning better than in most African countries. This is important in terms of longer-term agricultural development prospects. There is ample evidence, however, that Malawi's progress has not spread across different segments of the farm population or Agriculture Development Districts. Both the unevenness and overall progress have been heavily influenced by donor-support.
Bandwidth scaling for fading multipath channels

We show that very large bandwidths on fading multipath channels cannot be effectively utilized by spread-spectrum systems that (in a particular sense) spread the available power uniformly over both time and frequency. The approach is to express the input process as an expansion in an orthonormal set of functions each localized in time and frequency. The fourth moment of each coefficient in this expansion is then uniformly constrained. We show that such a constraint forces the mutual information to 0 inversely with increasing bandwidth. Simply constraining the second moment of these coefficients does not achieve this effect. The results suggest strongly that conventional direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems do not scale well to extremely large bandwidths. To illustrate how the interplay between channel estimation and symbol detection affects capacity, we present results for a specific channel and CDMA signaling scheme.
Alterations in mRNA and protein levels of metalloproteinases-2, -9, and -14 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 responses to traumatic skeletal muscle injury

This study characterizes the temporal relationship of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) expression in skeletal muscle following injury. Tibialis anterior (TA) muscles from 60 mice were exposed and injured by applying a cold steel probe (-79 degrees C) to the muscle for 10 s. Thereafter, TA muscles from uninjured and injured legs were collected at 3, 10, 24, 48, and 72 h postinjury for analysis of local MT1-MMP, TIMP-2, and matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) mRNA and protein content via quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, zymography, and immunofluorescence. All data are expressed as fold change of injured leg vs. uninjured leg. MT1-MMP mRNA levels were decreased significantly at 48 and 72 h postinjury by approximately 9- and 21-fold, respectively (P < 0.01). Both TIMP-2 and MMP-2 mRNA expression significantly decreased in the injured leg by approximately 4- to 10-fold at 10-72 h postinjury (P < 0.01). MMP-9 mRNA expression was significantly increased at 10, 24, and 48 h postinjury by 6- (P < 0.05), 25-, and 12-fold (P < 0.01), respectively. Protein content of latent (63 kDa) MT1-MMP was decreased at 48 and 72 h postinjury by approximately 2-fold (P < 0.01). Content of the soluble (50 kDa) fragment of MT1-MMP was significantly increased by approximately 17-, 25-, and 67-fold at 24 (P < 0.05), 48, and 72 h (P < 0.01) postinjury, respectively. TIMP-2 protein levels diminished from 3 to 48 h postinjury by 1.5-fold to 1.8-fold (P < 0.01), before returning to baseline levels at 72 h postinjury. Zymography revealed visual increases in gelatinase activity in molecular weight regions corresponding to MMP-9 and MMP-2. In conclusion, skeletal muscle injury initiates a sequence of events in the MT1-MMP proteolytic cascade resulting in elevated levels of the soluble (50 kDa) fragment of MT1-MMP, which could enhance pericellular extracellular matrix remodeling.
A comparative study of threshold variations in symmetric and asymmetric undoped double-gate MOSFETs

For the purpose of giga-scale integration with double-gate (DG) MOSFET technology, it is imperative to consider parameter variations. In this paper, analytical long-channel and short-channel threshold voltage (V/sub TH/) models for undoped asymmetric DG (ADG) MOSFETs are developed to reveal V/sub TH/ dependencies on device dimensions. Using the quantitative scaling theory, V/sub TH/ variations of ADG MOSFETs are then comprehensively investigated and compared to those of symmetric DG (SDG) MOSFETs recently studied by Chen (2002). ADG MOSFETs with p+/n+ poly or equivalent gates are used for case studies. It is found that threshold variations in nearly ideal, long-channel ADG devices are 10/spl times/ as large as those in SDG devices.
Batteries: Lead‐Acid

Cell Thermodynamics Lead Grid Corrosion Charge–Discharge Processes Material Fabrication and Manufacturing Processes Economic Aspects Keywords: lead–acid battery; cell thermodynamics
The Salsola tragus Complex in California (Chenopodiaceae): Characterization and Status of Salsola australis and the Autochthonous Allopolyploid Salsola ryanii Sp. Nov

ABSTRACT Over the past century in California, the invasive weed Salsola tragus (russianthistle) has become a widespread and troublesome pest plant. Early attempts at biological control of russianthistle achieved only partial success. Efforts to improve effectiveness of renewed biocontrol efforts revealed that two distinct, often sympatric, genetic entities comprise what has been called Salsola tragus: Salsola tragus and Salsola ‘type B’. Efforts to identify and characterize ‘type B’ resulted in recognition of a third form, ‘type C’. We present a taxonomic and morphological examination of Salsola tragus, Salsola ‘type B’, Salsola ‘type C’ and Salsola paulsenii using discriminant analysis with DNA sequence genotypes as the taxonomic framework. Salsola tragus and ‘type B’ were morphologically distinct; ‘type C’ was morphologically intermediate between them and contained DNA sequence genotypes that were an additive mixture of haplotypes mostly exclusive to tetraploid S. tragus and others exclusive to diploid ...
Nondestructive Evaluation of Spot Welds Using Acoustic and Thermographic Imaging Techniques

A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the ability of acoustic and thermographic methods to evaluate the quality of individual spot welds and the structural integrity of spot-welded joints with andwithout adhesive. Test specimens consisted of spot-welded, adhesive-bonded, and weld-bonded lap joints in steel plates. The quality of the spot welds was altered by varying welding parameters. After nondestructive evaluation, the samples were peeled or subjected to mechanical tests to determine the strength of the welds. Results demonstrate that it is possible to detect defective spot welds in both the thermographic and acoustic images. Techniques are presented that allow identification of "stick" welds characterized by solid but weak contact. Methods to quantify the imaging results are being developed by comparing the acoustic and thermographic images to the data obtained from mechanical strength tests and modeling results.
The Surprising Mathematics of Longest Increasing Subsequences: Erdős–Szekeres permutations and square Young tableaux

Chapter summary . We continue our study of longest increasing subsequences in permutations by considering a special class of permutations called Erdőos-Szekeres permutations , which have the property that their longest monotone subsequence is the shortest possible and are thus extremal cases demonstrating sharpness in the Erdőos-Szekeres theorem. These permutations are related via the Robinson-Schensted correspondence to an especially well-behaved class of standard Young tableaux, the square Young tableaux . We use the tools developed in Chapter 1 to analyze the behavior of random square Young tableaux, and this leads us to an interesting result on the limiting shape of random Erdőos-Szekeres permutations. We also find a mysterious arctic circle that appears when we interpret some of the results as describing the asymptotic behavior of a certain interacting particle system . Erdős–Szekeres permutations In the previous two chapters we studied the statistical behavior of the permutation statistic L ( σ ) for a typical permutation σ chosen at random from among all permutations of given order. In this chapter we focus our attention instead on those permutations σ whose behavior with regard to longest increasing subsequences, or more precisely longest monotone subsequences, is atypical in the most extreme way possible. We refer to these permutations as Erdős–Szekeres permutations , because of their role as extremal cases demonstrating the sharpness in the Erdős-Szekeres theorem (Theorem 1.2).
Dorsal horn circuitry: Complexity and implications for mechanisms of neuropathic pain.

The transmission of pain involves several types of primary unmyelinated Aδ- and unmyelinated C afferents from neurons in in the dorsal root (or trigeminal) ganglion; these afferents activate second-order spinothalamic and spinobulbar projection neurons in the dorsal horn (or trigeminal nucleus caudalis). The dorsal horn is not a simple relay station but rather a site of complex processing and gating of nociceptive information via circuits involving different subtypes of excitatory or inhibitory interneurons. These neurons are the target of descending pain-modulatory influences from the rostral ventromedial medulla and other regions. Pain circuits also participate in the relay and processing of the sensation of itch. Specific molecular markers, such as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and Mas-related G-protein–coupled receptor (Mrgpr) subtypes, have allowed the identification of different subtypes of primary afferents transmitting pain and itch sensations. The application of transgenic and ablation techniques has provided insight into the heterogeneity of excitatory or inhibitory interneurons and their involvement in dorsal horn circuits regulating transmission and gating of pain and itch. Excitatory interneurons have a major role in both normal and abnormal transmission of sensory input to the projection neurons; inhibitory interneurons are critically involved in gating these inputs. These findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of the manifestations of neuropathic pain, including spontaneous pain, hyperalgesia, and mechanical allodynia, as well as neuropathic itch. There are several reviews on all these topics.1–19 This review is focused on the spinal dorsal horn, although similar processes likely underlie facial trigeminal-mediated pain.
Phospholipid composition ofCulex quinquefasciatus andCulex tritaeniorhynchus cells in logarithmic and stationary growth phases

Culex quinquefasciatus andCulex tritaeniorhynchus cells were grown in spinner culture and harvested in logarithmic and stationary phases of growth. The phospholipids were extracted from the cells, and the fatty acid profiles of the phospholipid classes were determined and compared. The major components were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, constituting≥80% of the phospholipid. The fatty acid profiles of lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and cardiolipin showed changes with aging of the Culex cells and between the species. In the lysophosphatidylcholine fraction, there was an increase in saturation of the fatty acids of theC. quinquefasciatus cells, and chain lengthening occurred in both species from the logarithmic to stationary phases of growth. In the phosphatidylinositiol fraction, both Culex species showed a decrease in monoenes and an increase in polyenes, while only theC. tritaeniorhynchus cells showed an increase in fatty acid chain length with aging. TheC. quinquefasciatus cells had an increase in polyenes with aging in the cardiolipin fraction. Differences in the percentage composition of the fatty acids were shown in all the phospholipid fractions between the Culex species in the logarithmic phase of growth and all except the phosphatidylinositiol and cardiolipin fractions in the stationary phase.
Contributions to Psychohistory: XXI. Analysis of Conrad's Lord Jim's Life Meaning

Conrad's fictional character jim's meaning in life is employed as an illustration of the application of DeVogler-Ebersole and Ebersole's scoring system for depth of meaning in life and their method for categorization of different types of meaning in life. Finally, the following issues are briefly covered: future research, an alternative conceptualization of jim, and the failure of current measures of meaning in life depth to the into consideration the person's behahior
Prices and Price/Quality Relationships: A Longitudinal Analysis:

Though price and quality are recognized as important tactical and strategic variables for a marketing manager, few empirical data are available on the behavior of price or the correspondence betwee...
Sensory and objective characteristics of broiler meat from commercial broilers fed rendered whole-hen meal

The objective of the study was to determine sensory and objective characteristics of broiler breast and thigh meat from commercial broilers fed rendered spent hen meal (RSHM) from hatch to 42 d of age. Breast and thigh muscles from 90, 6-wk-old straight-run broilers (i.e., mixed male and female broilers) fed starter and grower diets consisting of either 0, 8, or 12% RSHM were evaluated for sensory characteristics, instrumental texture, and compositional profiles. The RSHM treatments had no adverse effects (P > 0.05) on juiciness, chicken flavor intensity, tenderness, or compositional profiles for the breast or thigh meats. Off-flavor scores for all treatments were above the threshold value, indicating that the RSHM imparted no off-flavors to the breast and thigh meats. Warner-Bratzler shear measurements were similar (P > 0.05) for breast meat from broilers in all treatments. No shear measurements were conducted for the thigh meat. It was concluded that RSHM can be incorporated into the diets of broilers at levels of up to 12% without causing objectionable sensory characteristics in the cooked broiler meat.
First and Second Order Transitions in Neoprene

Abstract Neoprene vulcanizates crystallize most rapidly at —12° C. The temperature at which a vulcanizate is crystallized determines the minimum temperature at which it will thaw, the thaw point being approximately 15° C higher than the crystallization temperature over the range studied. Brittleness temperature is not changed as a result of crystallization. Crystallization resistance of the general purpose dry neoprene types increases in the following order: W, WB, WX, GN, GRT, WRT. Depending on the neoprene type, crystallization is retarded by a factor of 5 to 10 by vulcanization. Variation of filler type does not change crystallization rate appreciably. Crystallization rate is retarded through the use of sulfur, certain resinous type plasticizers, as well as by increased state of cure. Ester plasticizers which depress brittleness tempterature and reduce stiffening at low temperatures increase crystallization rate considerably and permit crystallization to occur at very low temperatures. Brittleness and ...