cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of spindle microtubule assembly in the control of mitotic timing in Physarum. Induction of a novel type of tubular structure by griseofulvin treatment.

Abstract Synchronous macroplasmodia of the myxomycete Physarum polycephalum were exposed to the antimitotic drug griseofulvin (GF) for varying durations at different phases of the mitotic cycle. Continuous treatment with 50 μg/ml of GF induces mitotic delays dependent on phase, with mitotic delays of up to 6 h when treatment is begun in early G2, and little or no mitotic delays when treatment commences within 1 h of metaphase. All nuclei of GF-treated plasmodia enter an abnormal ring-chromosome metaphase, or stathmometaphase, which persists for about 2 h, and results in polyploid nuclei. Ultrastructural studies on stathmometaphase nuclei reveal total disruption of normal spindle microtubules with the concomitant appearance of enlarged tubular elements of short lengths, with typical diameters of 70–90 nm. These are hollow tubular structures with a wall thickness of 5–6 nm, composed of spherical subunits. No protofilament organization is present. We designate these structures “megatubules” to distinguish them from similar 40–60 nm macrotubules, often observed in Physarum plasmodia subjected to non-specific agents which disrupt spindle microtubules (e.g. heat and CO 2 -induced anoxia). Pulses of GF (50 μg/ml) applied for 2 h throughout the mitotic cycle induce maximal mitotic delays at a critical phase (CP) at approx. 100 min before metaphase. This CP corresponds to the time of mitotic center duplication, and GF treatment then results in the suppression of microtubules of the developing microtubule-organizer region, TOR. It is inferred that the drug interferes with the normal process of spindle microtubule assembly, which is essential for signaling the onset of mitosis. Hence, TOR formation itself appears to be one event of the mitotic sequence which is part of the mechanism controlling the timing of the mitotic cycle.
Weak Limit of the Geometric Sum of Independent But Not Identically Distributed Random Variables

We show that when {Xj} is a sequence of independent (but not necessarily identically distributed) random variables which satisfies a condition similar to the Lindeberg condition, the properly normalized geometric sum P �p
THE USE OF SOCIAL SERVICES BY BLACK AND WHITE ELDERLY

Little is known about the roles of the family, kin, and non-kin support networks in determining the use of social services by the elderly. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the formal and informal support systems in explaining social service utilization by Black and White elderly. Path analytic procedures are used to test an explanatory model of utilization by a national area probability sample of 3.996 non-institutionalized elderly. The findings indicate that informal family support was more important for Black elderly than White elderly. In addition, family aid was found to be supplementary rather than an alternative support system. In the planning, designing, and delivery of social services to the elderly, it is imperative that racial and cultural differences become explicit input factors. Additionally, future researchers have a responsibility to employ research procedures capable of simultaneously dealing with a comprehensive range of variables in investigating this rather complex p...
Physical vapor deposition of antimony sulpho-iodide (SbSI) thin films and their properties

The objective of this work is to fabricate thin films of antimony sulfo-iodide (SbSI) semiconductor ferroelectric and to evaluate its properties. SbSI films (2-4 /spl mu/m thick) have been fabricated on Pt/Ta/SiO/sub 2//Si structures by physical vapor transport in evacuated sealed ampoules. The preferred orientation of these films was (311) as indicated by powder XRD patterns and the films were close to stoichiometric as revealed by EDS analysis. SEM micrograph reveals random orientation of needle like crystallites throughout the surface of the film. A maximum dielectric constant of 500 was measured at a Curie temperature of 21/spl deg/C.
An Efficient Hybrid Method for Calculating the EMC Coupling to a Device on a Printed Circuit Board inside a Cavity by a Wire Penetrating an Aperture

An efficient hybrid method is developed for calculating the coupling to a device on a printed circuit board inside a cavity. The printed circuit board is connected to a wire or cable that penetrates an aperture in the cavity enclosure. The method uses a combination of transmission-line analysis and a full-wave solver, and a decomposition of the problem into interior and exterior problems for maximum efficiency. Results are presented to verify the accuracy of the proposed method and to study the effects of cavity resonances on the coupling to a device inside the cavity.
SYNTHETIC OBSERVATIONS OF SIMULATED ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEUS JETS: X-RAY CAVITIES

Observations of X-ray cavities formed by powerful jets from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in galaxy cluster cores are widely used to estimate the energy output of the AGNs. Using methods commonly applied to observations of clusters, we conduct synthetic X-ray observations of 3D MHD simulated jet-intracluster medium interactions to test the reliability of measuring X-ray cavity power. These measurements are derived from empirical estimates of the enthalpy content of the cavities and their implicit ages. We explore how such physical factors as jet intermittency and observational conditions such as orientation of the jets with respect to the line of sight impact the reliability of observational measurements of cavity enthalpy and age. An estimate of the errors in these quantities can be made by directly comparing observationally derived values with actual values from the simulations. In our tests, cavity enthalpy derived from observations was typically within a factor of two of the simulation values. Cavity age and, therefore, cavity power are sensitive to the accuracy of the estimated inclination angle of the jets. Cavity age and power estimates within a factor of two of the actual values are possible given an accurate inclination angle.
A Computer-Aided-Design Technique for the Optimum Synthesis of RRSS Path Generating Spatial Mechanisms With Prescribed Input Timing

With the current emphasis on automation, the need for single actuator mechanical devices that can perform simple repetitive tasks much more economically, energy-efficiently and accurately than multiple-degree-of-freedom, multiple-actuator robotic manipulators is greatly felt. This paper presents an optimum synthesis technique for the RRSS path generating spatial mechanism with prescribed input timing. The selective precision synthesis technique is used to formulate the nonlinear constraint equations involving accuracy neighborhoods and corresponding error envelopes and these are then solved using the generalized reduced gradient method of optimization. The mathematical formulation and derivation as well as numerical examples are presented in this paper.
Effect of infusion of uterine purulent exudate into the bovine uterus.

Purulent exudate from the uteri of two nonlactating Holstein cows with chronic pyometra was aspirated into a 50 cc syringe via an artificial insemination pipette. The two fractions were mixed, cultured, divided into 14 equal parts and infused into the uteri of 14 other nonlactating cows. All recipient cows had had at least one estrous cycle of normal length and were in the early luteal phase (day 4–8). On days 3, 7, 14 and 21 following infusion, the reproductive tract was examined per rectum, content of the uterus was cultured for bacteria, and endometrial condition was assessed by biopsy and histopathology. The lengths of the estrous cycles of the recipient cows were shortened P < 0.01) from 21 ± .5 days to 13.3 ± 1.4 days. Estrus was determined by palpation per rectum and/or observation. Over the experimental period, Pasteurella sp., Corynebacterium pyogenes and other diphtheroids were isolated from 64, 57 and 86% of the cows, respectively. An inflamed endometrium was associated (P<0.10) with the presence of Pasteurella sp. on day 7 following infusion. No other associations were found when the presence of bacteria, vaginal discharge, or short estrous cycles were compared. The infusion of purulent exudate apparently irritated the endometrium causing an early return to estrus rather than causing pyometra. It is probable that postpartum and lactational stress are involved in the development of pyometra.
Manufacturing of Single Poly(Lactic Acid) Composites

An approach of utilizing slowly crystallizing dynamics for fabrication of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) single-polymer composites (SPCs) was investigated. As a slowly crystallizing polymer, PLA can be prepared as two distinct physical forms, amorphous (or near-amorphous) PLA and highly crystalline PLA. In this study, near-amorphous PLA films and highly crystalline PLA fibers were combined to form a SPC using a rapid hot compaction method at a temperature about 40°C below PLA's melting temperature. It was found that, by rapidly heating an amorphous-crystalline lamination above PLA's glass transition temperature during manufacturing, amorphous films can be fused and good adhesion between the amorphous film and the crystalline fiber can be achieved. Mechanical testing showed that the tearing strength of the SPC is almost half an order higher that that of the original PLA film.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Bladder augmentation in the prevention of cyclophosphamide-induced haemorrhagic cystitis in the rat model

Objective To evaluate the effects of cyclophosphamide on the bowel mucosa of the rat and to determine whether urothelium can be protected from the effects of haemorrhagic cystitis which can occur after treatment with cyclophosphamide. Materials and methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups, 10 undergoing a control (sham) operation, 10 an ileal bladder augmentation and 10 a colonic bladder augmentation. Each rat underwent the appropriate surgical procedure and after a recovery period of 2 weeks, was injected with cyclophosphamide. Urine specimens were collected 24 h after the injection and analysed for gross and microscopic haematuria. The rats were killed humanely 48 h after injection and the bladders examined for haemorrhage, oedema, attenuation, inflammation and erosion. Results None of the 20 augmented rats developed gross haematuria and only four developed microscopic haematuria, compared with the control rats where six of 10 developed gross haematuria and nine developed microscopic haematuria. In addition, the control rats had moderate to severe haemorrhage, oedema and attenuation compared with only mild changes in the augmented rats. This protection was significant for both the bowel mucosa and urothelium. Conclusions It is possible that the administration of cyclophosphamide in patients with urinary diversion carries little risk of haemorrhagic cystitis. We propose that this protective mechanism is secondary to a substance secreted by the intestinal mucosa that may bind acrolein and render it inactive. Alternatively, this may be secondary to the production of mucus and its ability to coat and protect the epithelium.
Choosing propensity score matching over regression adjustment for causal inference: when, why and how it makes sense

SummaryThis study identified when regression adjustment fails to adjust adequately for differences in observed covariates and where propensity score matching is the only alternative.Multivariate analysis might fail to adjust for observed confounders if: 1. The means of the propensity scores in the two groups are more than one-half a standard deviation apart unless distributions of the covariates in both groups are nearly symmetric, sample sizes of the two groups are approximately the same and distributions of the covariates in the two groups have similar variances;2. The ratio of the propensity score variances in the two groups is significantly different from one;3. The ratio of residual variances in the two groups after adjusting for the propensity score is significantly different from one.Conducted retrospective analysis showed that the treatment effect would be an estimated $305 (or 26%) less if the misspecified outcome model had been chosen.
A Model for Inferring the Voluntary and involuntary causes of residential segregation

It is clear that both voluntary and involuntary forces normally contribute to the residential segregation existing between groups. For the most part, the contribution of each dimension has not been determined. Rather, researchers operate as if either one or the other force is operating. In the United States, for example, black-white segregation is assumed to be imposed by whites on blacks, as if the latter were themselves totally indifferent to the racial composition in their areas of residence. On the other hand, it is assumed that segregation between white ethnic groups is at present purely a voluntary matter. In an earlier period, it was assumed that their segregation was both voluntary (reflecting desires to be among compatriots) and involuntary (reflecting the imposition of restrictions on residential movement by other groups as well as economic forces). But it has not been possible for investigators to determine the relative importance of each factor. Using asymmetrical segregation indexes, a rudimentary procedure is proposed for determining the relative importance of voluntary and involuntary forces operating to generate a given level of segregation. Data based on Black, Anglo, and Spanish residential patterns are then considered in terms of the proposed model.
Transurethral optical-laser knife and probe director for lateral firing laser probes

Laser energy has been used by many for transurethral incision of small, obstructive prostates, vesical neck contractures, and urethral strictures. The customary techniques of moving the tip of the laser fiber through a cystoscope with a conventional laser guide, almost tangentially to the tissue to be incised, or drilling radially arranged holes in the scar, or both, have been cumbersome and imprecise. To provide exact control of the laser fiber and precise delivery of laser energy, a new guide was devised. It conducts the quartz fiber through the sheath and along the lens of an optical urethrotome. The tip of the quartz fiber contacts the tissue at an angle of 20 degree(s). KTP/532 laser energy is used to perform internal urethrotomy for urethral stricture, transurethral incision of postoperative contracture of the vesical neck, and transurethral incision of the small prostate under constant visual control. Recently, a straight version of this guide, called probe director, was devised to conduct the newly marketed lateral firing laser probes. This probe director allows precise control of such a probe within the prostatic urethral lumen and excellent maneuverability of the probe during transurethral laser prostatectomy.
Registry of emergency airways arriving at combat hospitals.

Background:Prehospital Emergency Medical Services have demonstrated variable success with regards to prehospital airway management in U.S. civilian settings. We attempted to identify the incidence of successful prehospital endotracheal intubations in the modern combat environment.Methods:This was a
Comment on Halo Effects in Rating and Evaluation Research

This paper considers the existence of halo effects in individuals' evaluations of target communicators across different dimensions. Halo effects result from raters' inability to discriminate among conceptually distinct and theoretically independent aspects of a target's behavior. Halo error has also been defined as the influence of global attitudes on evaluations of individual attributes of a person (Nisbett & Wilson, 1977). The primary consequence of this “top-down processing” is to cause dimensional rating intercorrelations to be inflated. The first part of this article discusses current conceptions of halo error and suggests several potential sources of halo error. The measurement of true and illusory halo is then considered and recommendations for minimizing halo error in communication measurement are outlined.
Prenatal stress affects mother-infant interaction in Norway rats.

Pregnant Long-Evans rats were stressed by crowding, and subsequent mother–infant interactions were described after cross-fostering. Prenatally stressed pups elicited less maternal licking from unstressed forster dams than controls, and previously stressed dams licked unstressed forster pups less than controls. No other differences in mother–infant interactions were detected. Adult offspring reared by foster dams that were stressed during pregnancy were more active in an open field than controls, but prenatally stressed and unstressed animals reared by control dams did not differ. Thus, stress during pregnancy can alter the maternal behavior of stressed dams, and the differential maternal stimulation can affect adult open-field behavior. Because prenatally stressed pups elicit different maternal care, cross-fostering does not eliminate the possibility that maternal stimulation may mediate some prenatal stress effects.
A Testing of the Audio-Active Voice Reflector in the Foreign Language Classroom

Greimas, A. J. (1962) "Observations sur la methode audio-visuelle de l'enseignement des langues vivantes," Etudes de linguistique appliquee, 1, 137-155. . (1968) "Conditions d'une semiotique du monde naturel," Langages, 10, 3-35. Hockett, C. F. (1950) "Learning Pronunciation," The Modern Language Journal, Vol. XXXIV, 261-269. Jakobson, R. (1962) Essais de linguistique generale, trad. par N. Ruwet, Ed. de Minuit, Paris. Karcevskij, S. (1931) "Sur la phonologie de la phrase," T.C.L.P. 4, 188-227. Korn, T. S. "Human Sidetone: Measurement of the Frequency Response and Equalizing Devices," J.A.S.A. 6, 1063-1068. Lane, H. and R. Buiten (1965) "A Self Instructional Device for Conditioning Accurate Prosody," IRAL, III (3) 205-218. Ldon, P. R. (1970) "Systematique des fonctions expressives de l'intonation," dans Prosodic Feature Analysis/Analyse des faits prosodiques, Studio Phonetica osodiques," Proc. 6th Int. Congr. Phon. Sci., Prague paraitre). ies, Ch. (1948) "As We Se It," Language Learning, III, Didier, Montreal, Paris, Bruxelles. -. (1971) Essais de phonostylistique, Studia Phonetica IV, Didier, Montreal, Paris, Bruxelles. , et Martin, Ph. (1970) Prolegomenes a l'etude des structures intonatives, Studia Phonetica II, Didier, Montreal, Paris, Bruxelles. , Faure, G., Rigault, A. (1970) (Ed.) Prosodic Feature Analysis/Analyses des faits prosodiques, Studia Phonetica III, Didier, Montreal, Paris, Bruxelles. Lieberman, P. (1967) Intonation, Perception and Language, M.I.T. Research Monograph, No. 38, Cambridge, Mass. Martinet, A. (1969) La linguistique, guide alphabetique, Denoie-Gauthier, Paris. Mounin, G. (1967) "Les fonctions du langage," En hommage a Andre Martinet, Word, 23 (1-2-3), 396413.
Arbitrary optics - novel nanophotonic and self-adapting optoelectronic systems

We now understand how to make optics that does what we want, including arbitrary mode conversion, enabled by new fundamental understanding, novel design algorithms, nanophotonics, and self-configuring adaptive approaches well suited to silicon photonics.
Targeting metabolic pathways for genetic engineering abiotic stress-tolerance in crops

Abiotic stress conditions are the major limitations in modern agriculture. Although many genes associated with plant response(s) to abiotic stresses have been indentified and used to generate stress tolerant plants, the success in producing stress-tolerant crops is limited. New technologies are providing opportunities to generate stress tolerant crops. Biotechnological approaches that emphasize the development of transgenic crops under conditions that mimic the field situation and focus on the plant reproductive stage will significantly improve the opportunities of producing stress tolerant crops. Here, we highlight recent advances and discuss the limitations that hinder the fast integration of transgenic crops into agriculture and suggest possible research directions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Plant gene regulation in response to abiotic stress.
Understanding Adjudication: Origins, Targets, and Outcomes of Ethics Complaints

Various bodies and standards regulate social work practice. Social workers can be held accountable by licensure or credentialing boards, by civil and criminal laws, and by various professional organizations to which they belong. NASW considers complaints against its members for violations of the organization's Code of Ethics, yet the average member may know little about the nature and process of such actions. This article describes the professional review process and analyzes the results of a study of ethics cases filed with NASW from 1986 to 1997. This article also describes the parties involved in complaints and violations, the disposition of cases, and the corrective actions required of those who were found in violation of the Code. These research findings are compared with NASW membership data and the results of other studies on malpractice and ethics violations.
Aspects of the Tribology of the Plastic Bonded Explosive (PBX) 9404

The coefficient of friction, μ, of PBX 9404 was measured on stainless steel, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the explosive itself between ambient and 135°C at a rotational speed of 0.0025 rad/s. The mean surface roughness, R a , of the various materials was analyzed by an optical profilometer. For PBX 9404 on stainless steel, μ increased from 0.22 at 25 °C to 0.34 at 95 °C, then decreased to about 0.23 at 125 °C. With aluminum μ increased from about 0.08 at 25 °C to 0.48 at 115 °C, then decreased slightly. Against PTFE μ was sigmoidal, increasing from about 0.3 at 25 °C to about at 0.49 above 115 °C. Against PBX 9404 itself, μ averaged 0.54 independent of temperature, but tended to increase during the measurement, probably because of adhesion of nitrocellulose to itself.
On the copper oxide neutral cluster distribution in the gas phase: detection through 355 nm and 193 nm multiphoton and 118 nm single photon ionization.

The distribution of neutral copper oxide clusters in the gas phase created by laser ablation is detected and characterized through time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (TOFMS). The neutral copper oxide clusters are ionized by two different approaches: Multiphoton absorption of 355 and 193 nm radiation; and single photon absorption of 118 nm radiation. Based on the observed cluster patterns as a function of experimental conditions (e.g., copper oxide or metal sample, ablation laser power, expansion gas, etc.) and on the width of the TOFMS features, one can uncover the true neutral cluster distribution of CumOn species following laser ablation of the sample. Ablation of a metal sample generates only small neutral CumOn clusters for m≲4 and n∼1, 2. Ablation of copper oxide samples generates neutral clusters of the form CumOm (m⩽4) and CumOm−1 (m>4). These clusters are directly detected without fragmentation using single photon, photoionization with 118 nm laser radiation. Using 355 and 193 nm multiphoton ionizat...
On the evolution of central nervous systems: Implications from polyclad turbellarian neurobiology

The nervous system of the polyclad turbellarian Notoplana acticola consists of a series of nerve plexuses and a central ganglion, the brain. The brain contains a variety of cell types including multipolar heteropolar and bipolar neurons. These cell types are rare in other invertebrate ganglia. Individual neurons also contain a variety of different ion channels. both spiking and nonspiking neurons are found. Some neurons are multimodal interneurons. Habituation appears to be a postsynaptic phenomenon. Sensitization and long-term potentiation have not been demonstrated. Polyclads appear to represent a stage in the evolution of centralized nervous systems where much of the neuronal machinery underlying behavior occurs in the peripheral nervous system and the brain's main functions are the coordination and sequencing of peripherally placed reflexes. Even at this stage, however, the brain already contains cells that seem as advanced as those found in higher organisms.
Tunable, responsive nanogels containing t-butyl methacrylate and 2-(t-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate

Abstract We present the synthesis and characterization of a series of pH-responsive hydrogel nanoparticles based on crosslinked 2-(diethylaminoethyl) methacrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (P(DEAEMA-g-PEGMA)). Variants of this polymer were created using t-butyl methacrylate (P(DEAEMA-co-TBMA-g-PEGMA)) or t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate (P(DEAEMA-co-TBAEMA-g-PEGMA)). The synthesis of these materials was accomplished using a facile photoemulsion polymerization. Polymer composition was verified using 1H NMR spectroscopy and closely approximates the copolymer composition estimated from reactivity ratios. Particle formulations possess a dry diameter of 50–65 nm as determined by transmission electron microscopy and collapsed hydrodynamic diameter of 70–100 nm as determined by dynamic light scattering. Dynamic light scattering and pyrene fluorescence spectroscopy were used to probe the pH-dependent phase transition in the hydrogel nanoparticles from collapsed hydrophobe to swollen hydrophile. The inclusion of t-butyl methacrylate served to depress the nanogel pKa and critical pH for phase transition to
Quantifying amorphous and crystalline phase content with the atomic pair distribution function

Pair distribution function (PDF) analysis is a long-established technique for studying the local structure of amorphous and disordered crystalline materials. In today's increasingly complex materials landscape, the coexistence of amorphous and crystalline phases within single samples is not uncommon. Though a couple of reports have been published studying samples with amorphous and crystalline phases utilizing PDF analysis, to date little has been done to determine the sensitivity that the method currently has in resolving such contributions. This article reports a series of experiments that have been conducted on samples with known ratios of crystalline quartz and amorphous glassy silica to examine this question in detail. Systematic methods are proposed to obtain the best possible resolution in samples with unknown phase ratios and some problems that one might encounter during analysis are discussed.
Transferrin support of stimulated lymphocytes.

Transferrin was tested for its ability to replace serum in supporting mitogen and allogeneic cell stimulated human lymphocyte proliferation. Although transferrin, at concentrations greater than 5 μg/ml, was incapable of completely replacing the serum used to support phytohemagglutinin, Concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen, stimulated human lymphocytes, in the absence of serum it significantly augmented the proliferative responses observed for mitogen, yet not allogeneically-stimulated cells. Augmentation is not due to a nonspecific protein effect and appears to be independent of the metal content of transferrin. The mechanism of growth support appears to involve an effect of transferrin following the G1 phase in the initial cell cycle.
The Production of Hydrogen by Steam Reforming of Trap GreaseProgress in Catalyst Performance

Most hydrogen is currently produced via the steam reforming of natural gas. An environmentally preferable option is to produce hydrogen from renewable materials. Waste vegetable oil from food processing (“trap grease”) is a low-cost, widely available renewable material that currently has no commercial use. In this work, we produced hydrogen via the fluidized-bed catalytic steam reforming of trap grease using commercial and experimental Ni/Al2O3 catalysts under conditions similar to those of commercial natural gas reforming operationstemperatures in excess of 800 °C, molar steam-to-carbon ratio of five, and a methane-equivalent volumetric space velocity of ∼1000 h-1. During operation for 150 h, yields of 25 g of hydrogen per 100 g of trap grease were obtained. The process performance decreased with time, because of catalyst attrition and deactivation. We succeeded in extending the catalyst time-on-stream through the use of a laboratory-prepared attrition-resistant catalyst. Another strategy used was a two-...
Molecular cloning and characterization of soybean peroxidase gene families.

Abstract Plant peroxidases play major roles in many physiological processes. A soybean seedbud (21 days after flowering) Uni-ZAP XR cDNA library was screened with a peroxidase-specific probe. The probe was generated by 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends with soybean seedbud total RNA and a degenerate primer derived from a plant peroxidase conserved amino acid region (distal heme ligand). Positive clones were recovered by PCR using the degenerate peroxidase-specific primer and the vector primer T 7 flanking the cloning site. Four cDNAs, designated GmEpa1 , GmEpa2 , GmEpb1 , and GmEpb2 , contained 1298, 1326, 1171, and 1145 nucleotides, excluding poly(A) tail, and encoded mature proteins of 303, 303, 292, and 292 amino acids, respectively. The four predicted amino acid sequences showed homology to other peroxidases. GmEpa1 and GmEpa2 exhibited 97% amino acid identity, GmEpb1 and GmEpb2 exhibited 93% amino acid identity, and GmEpa1 and GmEpb1 exhibited 47% amino acid identity. GmEPa1 and GmEPb1 were expressed as fusion proteins in Escherichia coli. The recombinant fusion proteins were sequestered in inclusion bodies and active forms of the two denatured proteins were recovered after in vitro folding in a medium containing hemin, urea and Ca 2+ . GmEpa1 and GmEpa2 messages were detected in developing seed and root, while GmEpb1 and GmEpb2 messages were present in root, leaf, stem and seed pod. These cDNAs and cDNA-specific primers will allow investigations into peroxidase’s role in development, stress response and in other physiological processes.
The gas phase reactions of hydroxyl radicals with a series of esters over the temperature range 240–440 K

Absolute rate constants were determined for the gas phase reactions of OH radicals with a series of esters using the flash photolysis resonance fluorescence technique. Experiments were performed over the temperature range 240–440 K at total pressures (using Ar diluent gas) between 25–50 torr. The kinetic data for methyltrifluoroacetate (k1) over the complete temperature range, and for methylacetate (k2), and ethylacetate (k3) over the range 296–440 K were used to derive the Arrhenius expressions; At 296 K, the measured rate constants (in units of 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) were: k1 = (0.52 ± 0.08), k2 = (3.41 ± 0.29), and k3 = (15.1 ± 1.4). Room temperature rate constants for the OH reactions with several other aliphatic esters were also measured. These were (in the above units): methylformate, (2.27 ± 0.34); ethylformate, (10.2 ± 1.4); n-propylformate, (23.8 ± 2.7); n-butylformate, (31.2 ± 3.3); n-propylacetate, (34.5 ± 3.4); i-propylacetate, (37.2 ± 2.9); n-butylacetate, (41.5 ± 3.0); s-butylacetate, (56.5 ± 5.9); methylpropionate, (10.3 ± 0.4); ethylpropionate, (21.4 ± 3.0); n-propylpropionate, (40.2 ± 3.2); methylbutyrate, (30.4 ± 3.3); ethylbutyrate, (49.4 ± 3.8); n-propylbutyrate, (74.1 ± 3.2), and n-butylbutyrate, (106 ± 13), error limits represent 2σ from linear least-squares analyses. The results are discussed in terms of the reaction mechanisms and are compared to previous literature data.
A disc-electrophoresis investigation of certain characteristics of Triton X-100 solubilized proteins from malePeriplaneta americana

Un agregado de proteinas solubilizadas en Triton X-100 fue resuelto como una banda por electroforesis a un pH de 8.5. En un pH de 7.1 estas fracciones no demuestran el efecto de agregacion. Solamente electroforesis conTris/glicina como amortiguador y concentraciones del detergente menor de 0.6% dieron resultados.
Chorionic villus sampling before multifetal pregnancy reduction.

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the technical feasibility and accuracy of chorionic villus sampling before multifetal pregnancy reduction and to determine whether sampling increases the pregnancy loss rate after the reduction procedure. Study Design: Between January 22, 1986, and January 20, 2000, a total of 1183 patients underwent first-trimester multifetal pregnancy reduction at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Chorionic villus sampling was attempted in 86 patients before the reduction procedure. Information on the technical success and accuracy of chorionic villus sampling, as well as pregnancy outcome, was collected on all patients. Pregnancy loss rates before 24 weeks' gestation in patients undergoing chorionic villus sampling before multifetal pregnancy reduction were compared with rates in patients not undergoing sampling. Results: Chorionic villus sampling was successfully completed in 85 (98.8%) of 86 patients in whom sampling was attempted. Of 166 fetuses, 165 (99.4%) were successfully sampled. Of 165 fetuses, 3 (1.8%) had karyotypic abnormalities. Sampling errors were probably made in 2 (1.2%) of 165 fetuses. Of the 73 patients who have been delivered or are beyond 24 weeks' gestation, only 1 patient (1.4%) had a pregnancy loss after the multifetal pregnancy reduction. Conclusions: Chorionic villus sampling before multifetal pregnancy reduction is technically feasible and accurate, with an acceptably low sampling error rate. Chorionic villus sampling before multifetal pregnancy reduction appears to be safe and does not increase the risk of loss after the reduction procedure. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:1078-81.)
Reusable, compression-sealed fluid cells for surface mounting to planar substrates

We have developed a universal structure and mechanism for the repeatable, rapid-attachment of a fluid cell to a planar substrate. The fluid cell and all fluidic connections are completely contained in a plastic body such that attachment requires neither adhesives nor modification of the substrate. The geometry of the fluid cell is defined by the active area of the planar substrate (e.g. a sensor array). All required components have been quickly prototyped using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining. It is also straight-forward to create an array of fluid cells to attach to a single substrate (e.g. a standard microscope slide). All components are easy to assemble and can be cleaned and reused, making this flexible approach applicable for a wide range of lab-on-a-chip applications.
Impedance at a rough waveguide boundary

Abstract The impedance at the randomly rough upper boundary of an ocean waveguide is derived. The sound speed of the waveguide is an arbitary function of depth. The boundary surface height is assumed to be a statistically homogeneous Gaussian process. Integral equations for the Green's function and its normal derivative on the boundary are derived. These are solved to second order in the surface interaction. The result is a rational approximation to the impedance in terms of the wave guide Green's function and the statistical properties of the surface. The special cases of small and large roughness as well as that of a constant sound speed profile are presented. For simplicity we restrict the analysis to a semi-infinite waveguide where the waveguide Green's function vanishes at the surface (Dirichlet problem).
Birefringence and grain-size effects on optical transmittance of polycrystalline magnesium fluoride

Grain boundaries scatter light in polycrystalline materials consisting of birefringent crystals. Apetz and van Bruggen developed a model for grain-boundary scattering based on Rayleigh-Gans-Debye light-scattering theory and demonstrated its application to polycrystalline alumina. This paper reports the measurements of in-line transmittance in polycrystalline magnesium fluoride with different grain sizes and compares the results with the grain-boundary scattering model. Good agreement was obtained between the model predictions and the measured data for grain sizes varying between 0.2 and 2.3 μm for light in the wavelength range, 0.633-5.5 μm.
Effects of triethylenetetramine upon the metabolism and toxicity of 63NiCl2 in rats.

Abstract Triethylenetetramine (TETA, 0.75 mmol/kg, im) was administered to Fischer rats immediately prior to 63NiCl2 (0.068 or 0.10 mmol/kg, ip or im) to determine (a) effects of TETA upon 63Ni-kinetics, and (b) antidotal effects of TETA upon Ni-induced nephrotoxicity and hyperglycemia. TETA markedly reduced plasma 63Ni concentrations and greatly increased urine 63Ni excretion during 6 hr after injection of 63NiCl2, compared to values in control rats that received only 63NiCl2. In rats killed 6 hr after injections of TETA and 63NiCl2, 63Ni concentrations in liver, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart averaged 3.4, 0.72, 0.27, 0.22, and 0.12 times corresponding 63Ni concentrations in organs from control rats that received only 63NiCl2. The results supported the hypothesis that combined administration of TETA and 63NiCl2 resulted in partition of the body pool of 63Ni between two major 63Ni-components: (a) 63Ni-TETA complex, and (b) nonchelated-63Ni, and that each 63Ni-component was eliminated from plasma according to its respective clearance. The renal clearance of 63Ni-TETA complex was estimated to be >20 times that of nonchelated-63Ni. Administration of TETA substantially reduced Ni-induced proteinuria and aminoaciduria. TETA did not prevent Ni-induced hyperglycemia and hyperglucagonemia, but TETA did partially inhibit Ni-induced hyperinsulinemia.
Correlation discrimination between phase-only filter and amplitude-modulated inverse filter in the recogniton of gray-level targets

Graylevel patterns are used to identify the correlation discrimination performance of the phase-only filter (POF) and amplitude-modulated inverse filter (AMIF) . The correlation tests were repeated with Gaussian random noise added to the input signal. The computer simulation results show that the ANIF based correlator has better discrimination capability than that of the POF based correlator in the absence of noise as well as in the presence of Gaussion random noise over most of the practical range of noise variance. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A faraway, familiar place: An anthropologist returns to Papua New Guinea, by Michael French Smith

Before going any further in this review of Michael Smith's new book, I must acknowledge a potential conflict of interest: I have known the author since we both attended graduate school together dur...
Cyclohexanone Conversion Catalyzed by Pt/γ-Al2O3: Evidence of Oxygen Removal and Coupling Reactions

The conversion of cyclohexanone, often identified as an intermediate in the conversion of lignin-derived compounds, was catalyzed by Pt/γ-Al2O3 in the presence of H2 at 573 K. Dehydrogenation was a kinetically significant reaction, indicated by a high selectivity for phenol. Oxygen-removal reactions are indicated by products including benzene, cyclohexene, and cyclohexene. Bimolecular reactions involving cyclohexanone and/or products of its conversion led to the formation of bicyclic C12 compounds, with 2-cyclohexylcyclohexan-1-one and 2-phenylphenol being the most abundant. Increasing the H2 partial pressure led to increased oxygen removal and faster formation of monocyclic and bicyclic hydrocarbons. At temperatures higher than 573 K, dehydrogenation became the dominant reaction class.
Ethnic variation in the prevalence of obesity in North American children and youth

The estimated prevalence of obesity in North American children and youth (6 to 17 years) in the 1960s through the 1980s is reported. Use of the triceps skinfold and BMI independently and in combination as indicators of obesity provides different estimates of prevalence due to ethnicity. With the triceps skinfold as the indicator, there is an increase in the prevalence of obesity and a reduction in variation between Black and White children and youth from the 1960s to 1980; however, with the BMI as the indicator, there is no change in the prevalence of obesity and negligible ethnic difference in these national data sets. On the other hand, the prevalence of obesity has increased over time in Mexican American and American Indian children and youth. Data for American children and youth of Asiatic ancestry are limited.
Capture time of Brownian pursuits

Let B 0,B 1, ⋯ ,B n be independent standard Brownian motions, starting at 0. We investigate the tail of the capture time where 0<b i ≤ 1, 1 ≤i≤n. In particular, we have ?τ3=∞ and ?τ5<∞. Various generalizations are also studied.
The twin-twin transfusion syndrome: spectrum of cardiovascular abnormality and development of a cardiovascular score to assess severity of disease.

Objective Current means of grading twin-twin transfusion syndrome does not characterize cardiovascular aspects adequately. We sought to develop a score that describes the magnitude of cardiovascular severity in twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Study Design Fetal echocardiograms of 150 monochorionic/diamniotic twins were reviewed. Blinded to Quintero stage, we applied a cardiovascular score to each twin set and compared it to the Quintero grade. The score is a composite of variables that include ventricular hypertrophy, dilation, function, valve regurgitation, great artery size, and diastolic properties in the recipient and umbilical artery flow in the donor. Doppler indices of vascular and ventricular function were measured. Results Mean age was 21 ± 3 weeks. Discrepancy was noted in degree of severity between Quintero and cardiovascular stages. The score correlated well with myocardial performance index of the recipient right ventricle ( r 2 = .65). Conclusion We describe the spectrum of cardiovascular abnormalities that are seen in twin-twin transfusion syndrome and propose a scoring system for assessment of severity.
A donor-like trap at the InGaN/GaN interface with net negative polarization and its possible consequence on internal quantum efficiency

Deep-level transient spectroscopy was performed on InGaN HEMTs and revealed a donor-like trap at the InGaN/GaN interface with net negative polarization. The trap was found to have an energy level of 0.071 eV. A photo-assisted capacitance–voltage (CV) measurement was performed on an InGaN diode. CV curves were measured before and after exposure to a broadband ultraviolet (UV) lamp. The UV lamp caused capacitance to increase as a result of traps being ionized. The trap density was found to be at least 4 × 1011 cm−2.
Hepatotoxicity of bromotrichloromethane— bond dissociation energy and lipoperoxidation☆

Abstract Bromotrichloromethane (BrCCl 3 ) is much more potent than CCl 4 or CHCl 3 as a liver poison. Bond dissociation energies for cleavage of H-CCl 3 , Cl-CCl 3 , and Br-CCl 3 are in the order H-CCl 3 > Cl-CCl 3 > Br-CCl 3 . A low bond dissociation energy implies a greater tendency of the given bond to cleave homolytically. In vitro , BrCCl 3 is 200 times more potent than CCl 4 in promoting peroxidative decomposition of rat liver microsomal lipids. CHCl 3 has virtually no potency as a pro-oxidant in vitro . BrCCl 3 produces in rats about three times the degree of liver microsomal lipid peroxidation than does CCl 4 , at equivalent doses. CHCl 3 does not produce lipid peroxidation in vivo . Administration of BrCCl 3 in very low doses (0.025 ml/kg of body weight) produces a dramatic fall in liver microsomal cytochrome P-450. Rats with low levels of cytochrome P-450 due to prior administration of BrCCl 3 are completely resistant to large, and otherwise lethal doses of CCl 4 . A lethality study is presented which suggests that BrCCl 3 may have extrahepatic sites of action.
Magnetic Susceptibility and Low-Temperature Specific Heat of Dilute Transition-Metal Alloys

Magnetic-susceptibility measurements between 4 and 800\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and specific-heat measurements between 1.5 and 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are reported for a series of dilute $\mathrm{Rh}$-Mn, $\mathrm{Mo}$-Fe, $\mathrm{Mo}$-Co, and $\mathrm{Au}$-Fe alloys in the concentration range 0.02-0.7 at.%. The solute susceptibility $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\chi}$ of all alloys shows local-moment behavior and scales with the concentration over a wide concentration range, but large deviations from simple Curie-Weiss behavior, qualitatively the same for all alloys, are observed. This deviation consists of a rapid increase of $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\chi}$ at low temperatures. A pronounced field dependence of $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\chi}$ and large specific-heat anomalies at these temperatures strongly suggest that this rapid increase in $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\chi}$ arises from solute-solute interactions. This anomalous part of $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\chi}$ can readily be separated from the part due to isolated solute atoms. The conclusion is drawn that scaling of the solute susceptibility with concentration does not necessarily signify that the alloys are "dilute" in the conventional sense.
Campylobacter jejuni infection of differentiated THP-1 macrophages results in interleukin 1β release and caspase-1-independent apoptosis

Apoptosis induction of host macrophages has emerged as a common virulence mechanism among bacterial pathogens. Infection with Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide and is characterized by an acute inflammatory response in the small intestine. The authors used the human monocytic cell line THP-1 to examine apoptosis induction and pro-inflammatory cytokine production during C. jejuni infection. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that 48 h after inoculation, a C. jejuni wild-type isolate induced apoptosis in 63 % of THP-1 cells while only 34 % of cells inoculated with a ciaB mutant, which does not secrete the Cia (Campylobacter invasion antigens) proteins, underwent apoptosis. Complementation of the ciaB mutant resulted in levels of apoptosis similar to those induced by the C. jejuni wild-type isolate, suggesting that the Cia proteins have a role in apoptosis induction. It was shown that a proteinase K- and heat-stable component of C. jejuni also stimulated THP-1 apoptosis. Inoculation with a C. jejuni gmhD mutant indicated that lipooligosaccharide was not the stimulatory molecule. Immunoblot and ELISA analyses revealed that C. jejuni infection stimulated the synthesis, processing and secretion of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta). Inhibition of caspase 1 activity eliminated IL-1 beta processing and secretion, but did not affect apoptosis induction. In addition, treatment of cells with a caspase-9-specific inhibitor did not affect apoptosis induction, arguing against activation of an apoptotic pathway dependent on either caspase 1 or 9 activation. Collectively, these data suggest that the inoculation of macrophages with C. jejuni results in the processing of IL-1 beta and apoptosis through different regulatory pathways. Furthermore, these data argue that C. jejuni may use a mechanism distinct from Salmonella typhimurium and Shigella flexneri to initiate macrophage apoptosis and release of IL-1 beta.