cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic and autoimmune type III-like reactions: interstitial fibrosis, vasculitis, and granulomatosis.

I N HIS INTRODUCTION to this Seminar, Roberts has indicated the place in the immunologic scheme of things of so-called type III responses: antigen-antibody reactions that form immune complexes that activate complement, causing a variety of types of tissue damage, but especially vasculitis, interstitial pneumonitis, and sometimes granu1omatosis.s Fraser has discussed type III responses to known extrinsic antigens elsewhere in this symposium. This section will cover several related type IIIlike diseases in which the antigen either is unknown or is a tissue component of the body that has become offensive to the immune system. Some of the features that justify this classification are: (1) similarities in the interstitial pneumonitis of extrinsic allergic alveolitis and idiopathic interstitial fibrosis that suggest possible analogous immunologic mechanisms; (2) the prominence of vasculitis in many collagen diseases and in Wegener’s granulomatosis, raising the possibility of a mechanism related to serum sickness or an Arthus reaction; and (3) evidence that antigenantibody complexes of particular proportions result in granulomatous reactions even without delayed hypersensitivity (although proof of the relevance of this observation to the present group of diseases is lacking).
Dimerization contributes to oncogenic activation of MLL chimeras in acute leukemias

MLL is a histone methyltransferase that can be converted into an oncoprotein by acquisition of transcriptional effector domains following heterologous protein fusions with a variety of nuclear transcription factors, cofactors, or chromatin remodeling proteins in acute leukemias. Here we demonstrate an alternative mechanism for activation of MLL following fusions with proteins (AF1p/Eps15 and GAS7) that normally reside in the cytoplasm. The coiled-coil oligomerization domains of these proteins are necessary and sufficient for leukemogenic transformation induced by the respective MLL fusion proteins. Furthermore, homodimerization of MLL by synthetic dimerization modules mimics bona fide MLL fusion proteins resulting in Hox gene activation and enhanced self-renewal of hematopoietic progenitors. Our studies support an oligomerization-dependent mechanism for oncogenic conversion of MLL, presumably in part by recruitment of accessory factors through the dimerized MLL moiety of the chimeric protein.
Adherent cell requirement for PWM-stimulated factor suppression of natural killer cytotoxicity.

Abstract Natural killer cytotoxicity is enhanced in a 5-day mixed-leukocyte culture (MLC). This augmentation of NK can be suppressed by factor released from pokeweed-mitogen (PWM)-activated peripheral blood cells. To maximize activity, the PWM-soluble factor must be present within the first 6 hr of the MLC, and is required to be in the culture for at least 4 hr. The affect of the PWM factor is not due to the destruction of either effector or stimulator cells. This factor does, however, require the presence of an adherent, non-T cell in the effector population. Directly incubating adherent cells with the PWM-induced soluble factor activates this population to mediate suppression. Thus the adherent cells are required for the PWM-induced suppression of NK cytotoxicity, indicating a possible regulatory mechanism for this cytotoxicity.
Optical symbolic substitution using multichannel correlators.

On presente une nouvelle architecture de deux correlateurs utilises pour les operations logiques et numeriques
2011 Texas Library Association Conference

The 2011 Texas Library Association Conference (TLA) was held in Austin, Texas, on April 12–15. Conference planners this year focused on offering more academic library sessions than in the past, particularly sessions on topics of interest to technical services librarians. Following are reports of five sessions.
The low molecular weight heat shock protein (hsp27) in rat Sertoli cells: evidence for identity of hsp27 with a germ cell-responsive phosphoprotein.

The low mol wt heat shock protein (hsp27) exists as three forms. hsp27a is the most basic and is not phosphorylated. The other two forms are phosphorylated, with hsp27b of intermediate isoelectric point and hsp27c as the most acidic form. We hypothesized that a Sertoli cell protein, previously discovered as being responsive to germ cells and referred to as GC1, is hsp27c. To investigate this hypothesis, cultured Sertoli cells were treated with CdCl2 or were heat shocked and then labeled with H3(32)PO4, [35S]methionine, or 3H-labeled amino acids. Sertoli cell proteins were then prepared for two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography or fluorography. The 27K protein did not incorporate [35S] methionine. After CdCl2 or heat shock treatments, hsp27b and hsp27c (GC1) showed increasing 32P incorporation with time. To test if this result was due to increased synthesis of hsp27 Sertoli cell proteins were labeled with 3H-labeled amino acids. Heat shock and CdCl2 resulted in time-depende...
Physiology: Courier service for ammonia.

Physiological studies in mice demonstrate a surprising role for a kidney protein related to the rhesus factor of red blood cells. Similar research would aid further annotation of mammalian genomes.
Photochemistry of methylenenitrones and related compounds. A study of oxaziridine and nitrene formation

A series of N-alkylmethylenenitrones has been prepared and can be irradiated cleanly to simple N-alkyloxaziridines. Further irradiations of these systems lead to N-alkylformamides via a singlet state rearrangement process. Triplet state fragmentation to give amines, presumably via alkyl nitrenes, has been observed but with very low efficiency. Only N-aryl systems appear to lead to significant nitrene formation.
Measurement of electron capture and ionization cross sections for D2 in collision with fast O8+ ions

We have measured cross sections for single capture, transfer ionization, single ionization, double ionization, ionization excitation, and transfer excitation for fully stripped oxygen projectiles at energies between 8 and 20 MeV on ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ molecular targets. Coincidences between charge-analyzed projectiles and recoil ${\mathrm{D}}^{+}$ and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}^{+}$ products were measured. The time of flight (TOF) of the recoil, collected by applying an extraction electric field, was used to separate the ${\mathrm{D}}^{+}$ from ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}^{+}$ ions. TOF spectra taken with no field were used to distinguish the ${\mathrm{D}}^{+}$ ions from different dissociative channels, including the electronically excited 2p${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{u}}$,2s${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{g}}$,2p${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}_{\mathit{u}}$ channels and the double-ionization channel. The results are compared with two model calculations.
Acute morphine alters GABAergic transmission in the central amygdala during naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal: role of cyclic AMP.

The central amygdala (CeA) plays an important role in opioid addiction. Therefore, we examined the effects of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal (WD) on GABAergic transmission in rat CeA neurons using whole-cell recordings with naloxone in the bath. The basal frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) increased in CeA neurons from WD compared to placebo rats. Acute morphine (10 M) had mixed effects (> 20% change from baseline) on mIPSCs in placebo and WD rats. In most CeA neurons (64%) from placebo rats, morphine significantly decreased mIPSC frequency and amplitude. In 32% of placebo neurons, morphine significantly increased mIPSC amplitudes but had no effect on mIPSC frequency. In WD rats, acute morphine significantly increased mIPSC frequency but had no effect on mIPSC amplitude in 41% of CeA neurons. In 45% of cells, acute morphine significantly decreased mIPSC frequency and amplitude. Pre-treatment with the cyclic AMP inhibitor (R)-adenosine, cyclic 3’,5’-(hydrogenphosphorothioate) triethylammonium (RP), prevented acute morphine-induced potentiation of mIPSCs. Pre-treatment of slices with the Gi/o G-protein subunit inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTX) did not prevent the acute morphine-induced enhancement or inhibition of mIPSCs. PTX and RP decreased basal mIPSC frequencies and amplitudes only in WD rats. The results suggest that inhibition of GABAergic transmission in the CeA by acute morphine is mediated by PTX-insensitive mechanisms, although PTX-sensitive mechanisms cannot be ruled out for non-morphine responsive cells; by contrast, potentiation of GABAergic transmission is mediated by activated cAMP signaling that also mediates the increased basal GABAergic transmission in WD rats. Our data indicate that during the acute phase of WD, the CeA opioid and GABAergic systems undergo neuroadaptative changes conditioned by a previous chronic morphine exposure and dependence.
Prescription refills and healthcare costs associated with topical metronidazole in Medicaid enrolled patients with rosacea.

Background: Refill adherence to medications and healthcare costs are important factors to consider while making informed decisions regarding the treatment of rosacea patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine predictors of number of refills related to topical metronidazole and total healthcare costs in rosacea patients. Methods: This study utilized a longitudinal cohort design and followed rosacea patients enrolled in North Carolina Medicaid and who were prescribed at least one study medication (topical metronidazole, adapalene, azelaic acid, permethrin, and sulfacetamide). Patients' demographic characteristics, number of metronidazole refills, and different components of healthcare costs were examined. Results: Out of the total 2587 rosacea patients, the majority (∼69%, n = 1771) had one or more prescriptions for topical metronidazole. Most of the patients in this study were white (73%). After controlling for other variables, increasing age was associated with a higher number of metr...
Computer Analysis of Time-Varying Images

Only a few years ago, even the simplest image processing operations strained state-of-the-art computers to their limits. 128 x 128 arrays took a lot of memory, and even the most trivial operations required enormous amounts of time. Then, with faster computers and cheaper memory, the technology finally began to catch up. Today, image operations are still time consuming, but it is no longer unthinkable to process 512 x 512 images. Now, imaging sensors are becoming an increasingly important part of closed-loop controllers in robotics, missile guidance, the automatic tracking of moving objects, and other intelligent systems. However, these applications require real-time processing of image sequences, and once again, the demands of image processing are pushing the available technology to its limits.
Neural dopamine D2 receptors in rats fed endophyte-infected fescue seed.

To study the effect of endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum) on hypothalamic and striatal dopamine D2 receptors, male rats (n = 14/group) were pair-fed diets containing 50% Rat Chow and 50% either endophyte-infected (E+) or noninfected (E-) fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) seed for 21 days. Concentrations of ergovaline and saturated pyrrolizidines were 1.91 micrograms/g and 2.84 mg/g, respectively in E+, and undetectable in E- fescue seed. To monitor endophyte effects, rats were weighed weekly and serum derived from trunk blood (d 21) was analyzed for prolactin. Corpus striatum and hypothalamic tissue was assayed for dopamine D2 receptors using [3H]spiperone and [125I]epidepride, respectively. The endophyte depressed (P .28) in receptor density (Bmax = 25.59 vs 28.00 pmol/mg of tissue) in E+ and E- rats, respectively. Hypothalamic D2 receptor density (Bmax = 1.79 vs 1.57 pmol/mg of tissue) and affinity (KD = 17.5 vs 17.26 pM) were not (P > .66) different between E+ and E- rats, respectively. These data suggest changes in D2 receptor binding characteristics, particularly receptor affinity, may contribute to signs of fescue toxicosis.
Stereoselective methylation of β-hydroxylactone dianions

Abstract 3-Alkoxy enolates of γ-butryrolactones are stereoselectively methylated at C-2 to give the corresponding trans -3-hydroxy-2-methyl-γ-butyrolactones.
Getting Organized: Part 2

In the previous issue of OCLC Micro, I talked about some file naming conventions and other practices you can follow to help keep your files organized. As I pointed out, developing a method to help determine easily which file is the most current version and what its contents might be is no different whether you're using a hard disk or a diskette. But you can create a much bigger mess on a hard disk if you're not organized since there's so much more room to do it in! Over 500 files can reside in the root directory on the hard disk (vs. 112 on a diskette) and, unless you create subdirectories, you only have a root directory.
Efflux of taurine from renal brush border membrane vesicles: Is it adaptively regulated?

The uptake of the beta-amino acid taurine by rat renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) adapts to changes in dietary sulfur amino acid intake. Initial rate Vmax "upregulates" after ingestion of a low methionine and taurine diet (LTD) and "downregulates" after a high taurine diet (HTD). This is reflected in vivo by hypotaurinuria after a LTD (90% reduction in excretion) and an 18-fold increase in urine taurine after a HTD. This study was performed to determine whether taurine efflux from BBMV is adaptively regulated by external taurine concentration or by diet. Vesicles were preloaded with varying concentrations of radiolabelled and unlabelled taurine and a 150 mM concentration of various salts. Efflux conditions were: taurine and 150 mM salt inside and 150 mM salt outside. The efflux of five concentrations of taurine (10-500 microM) was linear over 6 min, reached equilibrium by 21 min, and was dependent upon intravesicular taurine content. The kinetic characteristics of efflux (E) were significantly different from influx (I): Km = 109.8 +/- 5.8 (E) versus 23.6 +/- 4.2 (I), P < 0.001 [time of linearity = 360 s (E) vs. 20 s (I)]. Efflux of taurine was dependent on the presence of both sodium and chloride in the system, but neither external taurine content (0.100 microM, 1,000 microM) nor external beta-alanine altered initial efflux. Feeding rats a normal diet, LTD, or fasting altered taurine uptake but not efflux. Efflux does not appear to play a role in the adaptive regulation of taurine transport found in all mammalian species.
Three-particle correlations in the ground state of a Bose fluid

The two- and three-particle distribution functions of the weakly interacting Bose gas in its ground state are studied via the calculation of their Fourier transforms. The form obtained for the three-particle distribution function shows that the familiar convolution approximation is not correct even in the lowest nontrivial order of perturbation theory. For the special case of the charged Bose gas at high density, the two-particle distribution function is obtained to second order in the expansion parameter ${r}_{s}^{\frac{3}{4}}$, a result which disagrees with a recent calculation. The discrepancy is traced to a use of the convolution approximation for the three-particle distribution function. Finally, Landau's theory of quantum hydrodynamics is employed to relate the long-range part of the three-particle distribution function to the Gr\"uneisen constant. These results emphasize the need to treat properly the dynamic three-particle correlations in any quantitative theory of liquid helium.
Formation of heme by broken-cell preparations of duck erythrocytes.

Abstract From duck erythrocytes there has been obtained a soluble preparation that promotes formation of heme from ionic iron and protoporphyrin. Dog and rabbit erythrocytes did not yield preparations with this activity. The activity of the duck-cell preparations is attributable to a protein, since the activity is heat-labile, has a pH optimum, and does not depend upon heat-stable components. The relation between activity and concentration of preparation and between yield per unit of preparation and concentration is compatible with enzyme activity. However, the relation between amount of heme formed and protein content of the preparation does not yet allow certain assignment of the activity to an enzyme.
Flag Burning and Free Speech: The Case of Texas v. Johnson . By Robert Justin Goldstein. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2000. 269p. $35.00 cloth, $14.95 paper.

This is another in the Landmark Law Cases and American Society series from Kansas, joining such topics as the Salem witchcraft trials, Marbury v. Madison , the Pullman case, and Bakke . The series editors have chosen wisely in making this selection, both in topic and author. Goldstein is the nation's leading expert on legislation and judicial review related to flag desecration. He brings to this project considerable knowledge, prolific publications in this area, and a clarity of voice and focus. There are no provocative and startling new approaches or theories, but that is not the purpose. I highly recommend this book as assigned coursework for college seminars on civil religion, the separation of powers doctrine, First Amendment rights, Supreme Court functioning, or the interplay between politics, the media, and the Constitution. It will work well in classes not only in political science but also in intellectual and cultural history, American studies, philosophy, and communication studies.
Decision Making Versus Decision Implementation: An Action Control Approach to Exercise Adoption and Adherence1

Two studies were conducted, one involving adoption of an exercise program and the other involving adherence to an aerobics exercise program. Consistent with action control theory, it was hypothesized that (a) subjective expected utility theory would predict exercise intentions but not exercise behavior in each study; (b) exercise adoption (Study 1) and attendance at an aerobics class (Study 2) would be predictable from the intentions regarding these behaviors expressed by action-oriented but not state-oriented subjects; and (c) subjects who had engaged in planning in regard to exercising would be more likely to adopt an exercise program (Study 1) and would exercise more frequently (Study 2). The findings provide some support for all three hypotheses. Implications of this research are discussed in regard to the distinction between decision making and decision implementation or action control; the relative usefulness of an action-control versus an expectancy-value approach for behavior involving complex decision implementation over a long period of time; the value of action orientation as a moderator of intention-behavior relationships; and the role of planning in exercise behavior.
Modeling and optimization of a combined cooling, heating and power plant system

In this paper, we develop a modeling and optimization procedure for minimizing the operating costs of a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) plant at the University of California, Irvine, which uses co-generation and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) capabilities. Co-generation allows the production of thermal energy along with electricity, by recovering heat from the generators in a power plant. TES provides the ability to ‘reshape’ the cooling demands during the course of a day, in refrigeration and air-conditioning plants. Therefore, both cogeneration and TES provide a potential to improve the efficiency and economy of energy conversion. The proposed modeling and optimization approach aims to design a supervisory control strategy to effectively utilize this potential, and involves analysis over multiple physical domains which the CCHP system spans, such as thermal, mechanical, chemical and electrical. Advantages of the proposed methodology are demonstrated using simulation case studies.
Analyzing terror campaigns on the internet: Technical sophistication, content richness, and Web interactivity

Terrorists and extremists are increasingly utilizing Internet technology to enhance their ability to influence the outside world. Due to the lack of multi-lingual and multimedia terrorist/extremist collections and advanced analytical methodologies, our empirical understanding of their Internet usage is still very limited. To address this research gap, we explore an integrated approach for identifying and collecting terrorist/extremist Web contents. We also propose a Dark Web Attribute System (DWAS) to enable quantitative Dark Web content analysis from three perspectives: technical sophistication, content richness, and Web interactivity. Using the proposed methodology, we identified and examined the Internet usage of major Middle Eastern terrorist/extremist groups. More than 200,000 multimedia Web documents were collected from 86 Middle Eastern multi-lingual terrorist/extremist Web sites. In our comparison of terrorist/extremist Web sites to US government Web sites, we found that terrorists/extremist groups exhibited similar levels of Web knowledge as US government agencies. Moreover, terrorists/extremists had a strong emphasis on multimedia usage and their Web sites employed significantly more sophisticated multimedia technologies than government Web sites. We also found that the terrorists/extremist groups are as effective as the US government agencies in terms of supporting communications and interaction using Web technologies. Advanced Internet-based communication tools such as online forums and chat rooms are used much more frequently in terrorist/extremist Web sites than government Web sites. Based on our case study results, we believe that the DWAS is an effective tool to analyse the technical sophistication of terrorist/extremist groups' Internet usage and could contribute to an evidence-based understanding of the applications of Web technologies in the global terrorism phenomena.
A SAS macro for constrained randomization of group-randomized designs

Abstract Group-randomized study designs are useful when individually-randomized designs either are not possible, or will not be able to estimate the parameters of interest. Group-randomized trials often have small number of experimental units or groups and strong geographically-induced between-unit correlation, thereby increasing the chance of obtaining a “bad” randomization outcome. It has been suggested to highly constrain the design through restriction to those allocations that meet specified criteria based on certain covariates available at the baseline. We describe a SAS® macro that allocates treatment conditions in a two-arm stratified group-randomized design that ensures balance on relevant covariates. The application of the macro is illustrated using two examples of group-randomized designs.
On self-consistent and stochastic treatments of V-T energy transfer in collinear atom-diatom collisions

Abstract The use of stochastic reduction approximations in studies of vibrational energy transfer in collinear atom plus diatomic molecule (harmonic oscillator) collisions is investigated. We begin by deriving exact coupled Liouville equations for the time evolution of vibrational and translational degrees of freedom in these collisions. Neglect of terms involving T—V correlation leads directly to the well known self-consistent approximations (SCA), and with further simplification to impulsive approximations. A self-consistent stochastic (SCS) method is then introduced, and it is found to provide an intermediate level of approximation between SCA and impulsive. For the simple hamiltonian considered, the SCS approximation leads to closed form expressions for the translational equations of motion. A special partitioning of translation and vibration first developed by Rosen is then introduced via two canonical transformations and is shown to lead to an improved description of translation—vibration correlations. Application of the SCS approximation within the framework of this partitioning leads to an energy conserving closed form trajectory which reduces to the refined impulse approximation of Matahan in the appropriate limit. Consideration of collision ensembles corresponding to both forward and reverse trajectories leads to a velocity symmetrized method analogous to that used in the ITFITS method. Numerical applications of the refined SCS method to He + H 2 and (N 2 ) + N 2 indicates that this method is more accurate than ITFITS (with only a small increase in complexity) in predicting low order moments of the energy transfer, at least at low collision energies ( E T /nω
Turbulent excitation of spontaneous reconnection

The long-term nonlinear evolution of a tearing-mode-unstable sheared-field plasma in a turbulent environment is explored. Two different physical configurations are modeled, and a different computational system is used for each. Results of both sets of calculations show that magnetic tearing arises spontaneously provided that the initial turbulence energy level is below the natural saturation level of the tearing instability. The relationship between these results and those of previous calculations are briefly discussed, concluding that there are no significant unexplainable disagreements.
Reversibly caged glutamate: a photochromic agonist of ionotropic glutamate receptors

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a photochromic glutamate analogue is described. The molecule functions as a reversibly caged neurotransmitter and can be used to influence neural activity with light.
The Value of Faculty Internships in Technical Communication

Technical communication professionals have been considering the value of faculty internships in technical communication. Whether professional societies, or industry, will fund such internships on any large scale is still in question. I believe that faculty internships are a superb option for professional development and that the benefits to the profession of technical communication accruing from them justify their support. This article reviews the debate about this topic and then describes some benefits derived from a faculty internship I served in 1991.
Energy density, portion size, and eating occasions: contributions to increased energy intake in the United States, 1977-2006

Background Competing theories attempt to explain changes in total energy (TE) intake; however, a rigorous, comprehensive examination of these explanations has not been undertaken. Our objective was to examine the relative contribution of energy density (ED), portion size (PS), and the number of eating/drinking occasions (EOs) to changes in daily TE. Methods and Findings Using cross-sectional nationally representative data from the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey (1977–78), Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals (1989–91), and National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1994–98 and 2003–06) for adults (aged ≥19 y), we mathematically decompose TE (kcal/d) to understand the relative contributions of each component—PS (grams/EO), ED (kcal/g/EO) and EO(number)—to changes in TE over time. There was an increase in TE intake (+570 kcal/d) and the number of daily EOs (+1.1) between 1977–78 and 2003–06. The average PS increased between 1977–78 and 1994–98, then dropped slightly between 1994–98 and 2003–06, while the average ED remained steady between 1977–78 and 1989–91, then declined slightly between 1989–91 and 1994–98. Estimates from the decomposition statistical models suggest that between 1977–78 and 1989–91, annualized changes in PS contributed nearly 15 kcal/d/y to increases in TE, while changes in EO accounted for just 4 kcal/d/y. Between 1994–98 and 2003–06 changes in EO accounted for 39 kcal/d/y of increase and changes in PS accounted for 1 kcal/d/y of decline in the annualized change in TE. Conclusions While all three components have contributed to some extent to 30-y changes in TE, changes in EO and PS have accounted for most of the change. These findings suggest a new focus for efforts to reduce energy imbalances in US adults. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary
Preparation of uniform colloidal metallic ruthenium and its compounds

Abstract Colloidal spherical particles of narrow size distribution of a ruthenium double salt, (NH3)2RuIII(NO)·2RuIVOCO3·5H2O, were obtained by aging solutions of ruthenium chloride containing K2SO4 and urea at elevated temperatures. The amorphous product was readily converted to RuO2 by calcination at 400°C. The same original powder, dried and then heated at 250–300°C in a stream of H2 yielded metallic ruthenium. To preserve particle morphology the original powder was coated with silica before calcination.
Moment inequalities and the Riemann hypothesis

It is known that the Riemann hypothesis is equivalent to the statement that all zeros of the Riemann ξ-function are real. On writingξ(x/2)=8 ∫0∞ Φ(t) cos(xt)dt, it is known that a necessary condition that the Riemann hypothesis be valid is that the moments\(\hat b_m (\lambda ): = \int_0^\infty {t^{2m} e^{\lambda t^2 } \Phi (t)dt}\) satisfy the Turan inequalities $$(\hat b_m (\lambda ))^2 > \left( {\frac{{2m - 1}}{{2m + 1}}} \right)\hat b_{m - 1} (\lambda )\hat b_{m + 1} (\lambda )(m \geqslant 1,\lambda \geqslant 0).$$ (*) We give here a constructive proof that log\(\Phi (\sqrt t )\) is strictly concave for 0 <t < ∞, and with this we deduce in Theorem 2.4 a general class of moment inequalities which, as a special case, establishes that the inequalities (*) are in fact valid for all real λ. As the case λ=0 of (*) corresponds to the Polya conjecture of 1927, this gives a new proof of the Polya conjecture.
Glomerular Function and Structure in the Sodium-Replete and Sodium-Deplete Uninephrectomized Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat: Effect of Blood Pressure Reduction, Glomerular Structure, and Blood Pressure Reduction

ABSTRACT To assess the effects of chronic dietary sodium restriction and blood pressure reduction on glomerular function and structure during the pathogenesis of hypertensive renal disease, experiments were conducted in uninephrectomized (UNX) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) using the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist manidipine. Male SHRs underwent UNX at age 10–11 weeks and subsequently were assigned to one of four groups: sodium-replete (0.4%); sodium-replete and a predetermined antihypertensive dose of manidipine (20 mg/kg body weight); sodium-deplete (0.09%); and sodium-deplete and manidipine (20 mg/kg body weight). Twelve weeks later, renal morphologic and functional studies were performed. Sodium restriction had no significant effect on systolic blood pressure, but creatinine clearance and urinary protein excretion were decreased. Importantly, mean glomerular volume and the prevalence of mesangial expansion were lower with sodium restriction. This occurred in the presence of high concentrations of plasma and renal tissue angiotensin II. Manidipine significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in the sodium-replete and sodium-deplete UNX-SHRs. This therapy was not associated with significant changes in creatinine clearance and urinary protein excretion in the sodium-deplete or sodium-replete UNX-SHRs. The prevalence of mesangial expansion in the sodium-replete UNX-SHR was approximately 50% lower with manidipine. Plasma and renal tissue angiotensin II concentrations were not affected by the drug. In the sodium-deplete UNX-SHR, the prevalence of mesangial expansion was not reduced further by manidipine. However, plasma and renal tissue angiotensin II concentrations were increased significantly. Based on the results of this study, 1) in the sodium-replete UNX-SHR, the calcium antagonist manidipine, given as effective anti-hypertensive therapy, attenuates early glomerular injury without altering circulating or renal tissue angiotensin II; 2) sodium depletion, independent of blood pressure and stimulation of circulating and renal tissue angiotensin II, attenuates early glomerular injury after uninephrectomy; and 3) in sodium-deplete UNX-SHR, effective antihypertensive treatment with manidipine does not produce an additional reduction in early glomerular injury.
Drosophila Pxt: a cyclooxygenase-like facilitator of follicle maturation

Prostaglandins are local transient hormones that mediate a wide variety of biological events, including reproduction. The study of prostaglandin biology in a genetically tractable invertebrate model organism has been limited by the lack of clearly identified prostaglandin-mediated biological processes and prostaglandin metabolic genes, particularly analogs of cyclooxygenase (COX), the rate-limiting step in vertebrate prostaglandin synthesis. Here, we present pharmacological data that Drosophila ovarian follicle maturation requires COX-like activity and genetic evidence that this activity is supplied in vivo by the Drosophila peroxidase Pxt. pxt mutant females are sterile, and maturing follicles show defects in actin filament formation, nurse cell membrane stability and border cell migration. Maturation of pxt follicles in vitro is stimulated by prostaglandin treatment and fertility is restored in vivo to pxt mutants by expressing mammalian Cox1 protein. Our experiments suggest that prostaglandins promote Drosophila follicle maturation, in part by modulating the actin cytoskeleton, and establish Drosophila oogenesis as a model for understanding these critical biological regulators.
The Development Stages of Rear Upright for Formula Car

Formula SAE (FSAE) is a design competition organized each year by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The objective of the competition is to bring the best and brightest future engineers from each participating school to present a small scale race car. Although this sounds like a relatively simple concept, the actual execution is rather challenging and rewarding for the team. For almost three years Tennessee Tech University (TTU) has had a FSAE team. The first year was a planning year, so Tennessee Tech University has participated in the competition for the last two years. Both years have been extreme learning experiences since TTU was not prepared for the level of competition brought by participating schools. However TTU FSAE team is beginning to implement modern design tools such as FEA, Virtual Manufacturing, and Rapid Prototyping to help streamline the design efforts so that one day Golden Eagle FSAE will be one of the top competing teams. In this publication, authors will report on one Golden Eagle FSAE component (the rear upright) development stages and its accomplishments.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Slow Sorption Kinetics of Pentachlorophenol on Soil: Concentration Effects

We investigated the sorption kinetics of pentachlorophenol (PCP) on soil at a pH of 4.1 using batch techniques. A multiple spiking methodology was employed to circumvent the solubility limitation of PCP. The ratio of sorbed PCP to solution-phase PCP (S/C) after 2−4 days of equilibration was concentration dependent. It decreased from 90 to 60 L/kg with a 4-fold increase in the total PCP concentration, from 5 to 20 mg/L. Increasing residence times resulted in slow increases in sorption. The onset of the slow sorption kinetics was also concentration dependent. At higher PCP concentrations, the slow sorption kinetics were much more pronounced. However, there was not a clear defin able trend in which concentration could be correlated to S/C. A 2-day desorption study demonstrated that the extent of desorption was also concentration dependent. At higher PCP concentrations, a smaller percent of the sorbed PCP was available for desorption.
Temporal variation and the evolution of a parasitoid foraging cue

This work details theory in which selection favors generalists in a more variable environment. Specifically, in a two-host-one-parasitoid model, temporal variation in host abundances alters the optimal searching strategy and leads to the evolution of more generalist parasitoid strategies. Consistent with empirical observations, parasitoids learn host/plant odors, and use them as a cue to search for oviposition sites. The amount of unsuccessful search time required before a parasitoid alters its searching cues (the "giving-up time") is modeled in order to understand the evolutionarily optimal giving-up times under a variety of conditions. When host abundances vary across time, a generalist parasitoid strategy evolves with short giving-up times as it is likely that the host initially favored by a parasitoid will now have a low abundance. In contrast, when populations reach stable dynamics across time, giving-up times typically evolve to longer times, i.e. parasitoids remain specialized longer. The effect of temporal fluctuations is consistent across variation caused by endogenous population interactions and, to some degree, by environmental stochasticity. The conclusions are robust in that there is a strong degree of concordance between the results of a stochastic, individual-based model and a deterministic, numerical model. As an extension, spatial variation in hosts that leads to unequal tradeoffs between generalist parasitoids and specialist parasitoids may also result in the evolution of reduced giving-up times.
Active flight increases the gain of visual motion processing in Drosophila

We developed a technique for performing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from genetically identified neurons in behaving Drosophila. We focused on the properties of visual interneurons during tethered flight, but this technique generalizes to different cell types and behaviors. We found that the peak-to-peak responses of a class of visual motion–processing interneurons, the vertical-system visual neurons (VS cells), doubled when flies were flying compared with when they were at rest. Thus, the gain of the VS cells is not fixed, but is instead behaviorally flexible and changes with locomotor state. Using voltage clamp, we found that the passive membrane resistance of VS cells was reduced during flight, suggesting that the elevated gain was a result of increased synaptic drive from upstream motion-sensitive inputs. The ability to perform patch-clamp recordings in behaving Drosophila promises to help unify the understanding of behavior at the gene, cell and circuit levels.
Biodegradation of Polyester Polyurethane by Endophytic Fungi

Bioremediation is an important approach to waste reduction that relies on biological processes to break down a variety of pollutants. This is made possible by the vast metabolic diversity of the microbial world. To explore this diversity for the breakdown of plastic, we screened several dozen endophytic fungi for their ability to degrade the synthetic polymer polyester polyurethane (PUR). Several organisms demonstrated the ability to efficiently degrade PUR in both solid and liquid suspensions. Particularly robust activity was observed among several isolates in the genus Pestalotiopsis, although it was not a universal feature of this genus. Two Pestalotiopsis microspora isolates were uniquely able to grow on PUR as the sole carbon source under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Molecular characterization of this activity suggests that a serine hydrolase is responsible for degradation of PUR. The broad distribution of activity observed and the unprecedented case of anaerobic growth using PUR as the sole carbon source suggest that endophytes are a promising source of biodiversity from which to screen for metabolic properties useful for bioremediation.
Immunoglobulin Levels in Chickens with Inherited Muscular Distrophy

Blood serum levels of 7S Ig appear to be a highly heritable (h(2)=0.76) trait. A possibly weak association of high 7S Ig with the phenotype of inherited muscular dystrophy is noted. In contrast to a previous study (Sanders and Kline 1977), our survey of 4 comparisons in paired lines showed dystrophics with slightly elevated 7S Ig levels and no differences in IgM levels when compared to controls.
Cooperative binding of effectors by an allosteric ribozyme

An allosteric ribozyme that requires two different effectors to induce catalysis was created using modular rational design. This ribozyme construct comprises five conjoined RNA modules that operate in concert as an obligate FMN- and theophylline-dependent molecular switch. When both effectors are present, this ‘binary’ RNA switch self-cleaves with a rate enhancement of ∼300-fold over the rate observed in the absence of effectors. Kinetic and structural studies implicate a switching mechanism wherein FMN binding induces formation of the active ribozyme conformation. However, the binding site for FMN is rendered inactive unless theophylline first binds to its corresponding site and reorganizes the RNA structure. This example of cooperative binding between allosteric effectors reveals a level of structural and functional complexity for RNA that is similar to that observed with allosteric proteins.
Taxonomic Notes on an Exotic Centipede Taken Jn Illinois (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha: Henicopidae)

In the course of analysis of a large collection of centipedes belonging the Illinois State Natural History Survey a series of lithobiid centipedes was identified as Lamyctinus coeculus (Brol.). This species hitherto has not been reported from the United States proper although has been taken in Mexico (Silvestri 1909, Chamberlin 1943). The present material was collected in a greenhouse at Urbana, Illinois on April 5, 1933 by Mr. C. C. Compton. Undoubtedly the species was introduced with some exotic plant. This has been reported frequently for centipedes.
In vitro transcription of the mouse whey acidic protein promoter is affected by upstream sequences.

Abstract The promoter sequences from −175 to +10 of the mouse whey acidic protein (WAP) gene are a target for sequence-specific binding of nuclear proteins [(1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15, 2103–2121]. Using in vitro transcription assays based on nuclear extracts, transcription factors were shown to bind to these sequences and promoter upstream sequences were found to stimulate transcription.
Miniature radar for mobile devices

We developed a miniature and low-cost radar (radio detection and ranging) sensor for mobile devices. A radar differs from other mobile sensors - it provides diverse capabilities such as detection, tracking, ranging, and imaging. As a proof-of-concept for a radar sensor, we prototyped two X-band radars: using miniaturized X-band antennas: an X-band bi-static radar and time-division multiplexed, multiple-input multiple-output, and eight-elements phased-array radar. Using these radar sensors, we also demonstrated data acquisition and signal processing in real-time and supported both standalone and distributed applications. In particular, Range-Time-Intensity (RTI), Doppler-Time-Intensity (DTI), and Range-Angle-Intensity (RAI) were depicted as the illustrative signal processing algorithms, and Android smartphone was used as the illustrative processing platform.
Incremental life cycle analysis: Using uncertainty analysis to frame greenhouse gas balances from bioenergy systems for emission trading

Abstract There are many scales that can be employed to calculate net greenhouse gas emissions from bioenergy systems, ranging from single point source (stack gas) measurement, to full, multi-layered life cycle analyses considering all of the inputs and outputs throughout the economy. At an appropriate scale within these extremes, a method can be selected to support verification activities related to project-based trading of greenhouse gas emissions. The boundaries of the analysis must be carefully selected in order to meet the twin goals of the verification activity: (1) to meet scientific standards for emission balance quantification, and (2) to meet cost-effectiveness criteria of the emission trading community. A methodology is proposed for verifying greenhouse gas reductions arising from substitution of bioenergy fuel for fossil fuel in electric generation. The method utilizes an incremental progression through the fuel life cycle, pausing at each level to evaluate the potential benefits and uncertainties of a next-level expansion. A case study is analyzed for greenhouse gas benefits of switchgrass substitution for coal combustion in an existing electric generation facility. Using the incremental technique to set boundaries on the analysis, replacement of coal with switchgrass is found to provide a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions at a rate of 102 g CO2-equivalent per million Joules (g/MJ) of switchgrass input. At full production, co-firing 5 percent switchgrass, the emission reduction would total more than 305,500 metric tons CO2-eq annually.
The complexity of signaling pathways activated by the BCR

Cross-linking of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) leads to the activation of three types of intracellular protein tyrosine kinases. These tyrosine kinases then phosphorylate signaling components to activate a variety of signaling reactions, including phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis, Ras activation, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation. Each of these signaling reactions, and also the signaling molecules Vav and HS1, appears to be important for at least some of the many types of B cell responses to antigen. The complexity of BCR signaling reactions may be required to allow the B cell to respond in a number of distinct ways to antigen (proliferation, survival, apoptosis, maturational arrest, etc.) depending on the maturation state of the B cell, the location in the body, the physical nature of the antigen, and the possible presence of the antigen in complex with antibody or complement components.
Micromechanics model of ice fields-II: Monte Carlo simulation

The graph model presented in Part I of this series provides the basis for development of a computer simulation of tightly packed ice fields taken as ensembles of square-shaped ice floes with random physical properties. A program based on an alternating-direction scheme is developed to model the time evolution of a field of ice floes in a rectangular domain. The simulation of a field in an Arctic channel shows that there is a strong tendency for an earlier onset of microscale plastic flows and formation of irregular clusters of ice floes and openings in a field with spatially random properties versus a field with deterministic spatially homogeneous properties. A special study is conducted of an elastic-plastic transition in a field of 101×101 floes. The transition to macroscopically plastic flow is possible only with a percolation of inelastic regions through the entire domain of the ice field. The fact that this percolation is characterized by a noninteger fractal dimension uncovers a (possibly principal) generation mechanism of ice field morphologies, and points to scale dependence in mechanics of ice fields for certain ranges of loads.