cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and amino-terminal sequence analysis of the complement-fixing and precipitin antigens from Coccidioides immitis

Abstract Two proteins (21 and 48 kilodaltons) purified from endospore-spherule culture filtrates of Coccidioides immitis are identified as precipitin and complement-fixing antigens, respectively. To allow specific structural comparison to antigens identified by other investigators and as a first step to eventual serodiagnostic antigen production by recombinant DNA technology, amino-terminal amino acid sequences were determined for these antigens.
A Parallel Control of Four Independently Driven Wheels to Maintain UGV Inverse Dynamics

An All-Wheel Drive Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) equipped with individual electric motors for each wheel offers tremendous potential to control the angular velocity for each individual wheel and thus control UGV energy efficiency. The objective of this study is to develop an analytical method for a UGV angular velocity control that is based on inverse longitudinal dynamics in straight line motion to indirectly provide the required torque for each wheel to overcome wheel load torque produced from the stochastic terrain.A stochastic terrain mathematical model was developed and used as a disturbance load in the control algorithm to introduce the on-line (real time) influence different terrain conditions on each wheel of UGV. The control algorithm is based on a developed strategy that utilizes the inverse dynamics approach and provides a wheel with both the specified/required angular velocity and rolling radius. At the same time, the required functional of quality is provided during the control process.Such an approach provides a new way to control unmanned ground vehicle dynamics and vehicle performance by concentrating on the individual power distribution to the drive wheels.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
NATURE OF THE LABILE IMMUNOGENIC SUBSTANCE IN THE PARTICULATE FRACTION ISOLATED FROM MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract Youmans, Anne S. (Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.), and Guy P. Youmans. Nature of the labile immunogenic substance in the particulate fraction isolated from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J. Bacteriol. 88:1030–1037. 1964.—Deoxyribonuclease had no effect on the immunogenic activity of the labile particulate fraction isolated from ruptured viable cells of the H37Ra strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but decreased the ropiness of the ruptured cellular mass. Ribonuclease, in a high concentration, decreased the immunogenic activity slightly. Addition of yeast ribonucleic acid to particulate fraction incubated at 37 C prevented the decrease in immunogenic activity which normally occurs at this temperature, suggesting that endogenous ribonuclease may be involved in the reduction of activity. Differential centrifugation by the use of Brodie's (1962) method showed that the particles which sedimented at 56,550 × g were immunogenically active. Experiments were done to determine whether the integrity of the structure of the particle was necessary for immunogenic activity. It was found that sonic oscillation, freezing and thawing several times, the addition of surface-active agents (sodium lauryl sulfate or deoxycholate), and preparation of the particulate fraction in hypotonic solutions either decreased or destroyed immunogenic activity. This strengthens the evidence that a structural unit is necessary for activity. In addition, both a waxy sediment and the smallest particles which sedimented only at 144,000 × g were highly immunogenic if incorporated into Freund's incomplete adjuvant. In the absence of adjuvant, neither produced any immunity.
WebCard: a java card web server

Webcard is a Java application that implements a TCP/IP stack and HTTP server and runs on a Schlumberger Cyberflex Access smartcard. In this report, we describe the architecture and implementation of Web-card and the constraints and assumptions that influenced its design. Complete sources for the application and its supporting environment are available.
Laxative use in the management of constipation in Lotronex® (Alosetron HCl) treated females with non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Laxative use in the management of constipation in Lotronex® (Alosetron HCl) treated females with non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Differential Expression of MicroRNAs in Tumors from Chronically Inflamed or Genetic (APCMin/+) Models of Colon Cancer

Background: Chronic inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis predisposes individuals to increased colon cancer risk. The aim of these studies was to identify microRNAs that are aberrantly regulated during inflammation and may participate in transformation of colonic epithelial cells in the inflammatory setting. Methodology/Principal Findings: We have use quantitative PCR arrays to compare microRNA (miRNA) expression in tumors and control colonic epithelial cells isolated from distal colons of chronically inflamed mice and APC Min/+ mice. Rank order statistics was utilized to identify differentially regulated miRNAs in tumors that arose due to chronic inflammation and/or to germline APC mutation. Eight high priority miRNAs were identified: miR-215, miR-137, miR-708, miR-31, and miR-135b were differentially expressed in APC tumors and miR-215, miR-133a, miR-467d, miR-218, miR-708, miR-31, and miR-135b in colitisassociated tumors. Four of these (miR-215, miR-708, miR-31, and miR-135b) were common to both tumors types, and dysregulation of these miRNAs was confirmed in an independent sample set. Target prediction and pathway analysis suggests that these microRNAs, in the aggregate, regulate signaling pathways related to MAPK, PI3K, WNT, and TGF-b, all of which are known to be involved in transformation. Conclusions/Significance: We conclude that these four miRNAs are dysregulated at some very early stage in transformation of colonic epithelial cells. This response is not dependent on the mechanism of initiation of transformation (inflammation versus germline mutation), suggesting that the miRNAs that we have identified are likely to regulate critical signaling pathways that are central to early events in transformation of colonic epithelial cells.
Jet quenching phenomenology from soft-collinear effective theory with Glauber gluons

We present the first application of a recently developed effective theory of jet propagation in matter, soft-collinear effective theory with Glauber gluons (SCET_{G}), to inclusive hadron suppression in nucleus-nucleus collisions at RHIC and the LHC. SCET_{G}-based splitting kernels allow us to go beyond the traditional energy loss approximation and unify the treatment of vacuum and medium-induced parton showers. In the soft gluon emission limit, we establish a simple analytic relation between the QCD evolution and energy loss approaches to jet quenching. We quantify the uncertainties associated with the implementation of the in-medim modification of hadron production cross sections and show that the coupling between the jet and the medium can be constrained with better than 10% accuracy.
Desmoid tumors of the head and neck

Desmoid tumors of the head and neck are uncommon and associated with a posttreatment recurrence rate as high as 70 percent. This study was undertaken to determine cure rates achievable by surgery and radiotherapy and the factors influencing failure. A chart review of all patients at our institution with desmoid tumors of the head and neck from 1919 to 1982 was undertaken, and pertinent data were tabulated. Forty-eight patients were found with this problem. Average duration of symptoms was 1.6 years, and tumor size ranged from 1 to 12 cm (mean 5.1 cm). Average follow-up was 5.8. years. The most common site of occurrence was the neck (34 patients). Thirty-two patients underwent complete excision with 8 recurrences; 4 were reexcised with no further recurrence at last follow-up. Fourteen patients had incomplete excision with 12 recurrences. Radiotherapy was employed as the primary therapy in two patients; both experienced recurrence. Complete excision is the only effective treatment for desmoid tumors of the head and neck, resulting in a disease-free state in 75 percent of the patients (87 percent after reexcision). Involvement of the brachial plexus was the chief factor precluding complete excision. Radiotherapy was of very little value.
Direct reconstruction of the innominate artery.

Abstract Purpose of this study: Occlusive disease of the innominate artery requiring reconstruction is relatively uncommon. Data concerning these lesions has come from retrospective reviews at larger institutions. The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent experience at the Mayo Clinic, as well as to review the experiences of other large centers in the recent past, and to determine which patients are benefited by direct reconstructions and which patients might be better served by indirect methods or by endovascular techniques. Basic methods: A retrospective analysis of the trends at the Mayo Clinic concerning reconstruction of the innominate artery since 1976 was undertaken. Two reviews from our institution, published in 1989 and 1999, of all patients seen since 1976, were analyzed. This retrospective analysis also included papers from other referral centers dealing with innominate artery reconstruction, both here and in France. Principal findings and conclusions: The great majority of patients with symptomatic disease of the innominate artery are well treated by direct reconstruction. Stroke and death rates are acceptable. Early results are excellent, and the durability of the operation is also excellent, with impressive stroke-free survival rates. There are subsets of patients who might be treated by medical techniques or techniques other than direct reconstruction, such as cervical reconstruction or endovascular repair. Coronary artery disease remains the main determinate of early and late morbidity.
Organizational Effectiveness: A Multiple-Constituency Approach

Current approaches to organizational effectiveness are conceptually conflicting and empirically arid. They appear handicapped by a desire to produce a single effectiveness statement about any given organization. We propose a “multiple-constituency” approach to avoid this requirement, explicitly assuming that an organization's different constituencies will form different assessments of its effectiveness. We also suggest several conceptual and empirical implications of this reorientation.
Reduced High-Affinity Agonist Binding at the M1 Muscarinic Receptor in Alzheimer's Disease Brain: Differential Sensitivity to Agonists and Divalent Cations

M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1AchR)–G protein coupling, as measured by high-affinity agonist binding, was examined in membranes prepared from postmortem human temporal cortex (Brodmann area 38) from individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 8) and age-matched controls (n = 6). Binding competitions between the M1AchR-selective antagonist [3H]pirenzepine ([3H]PZ) and muscarinic agonists carbachol, acetylcholine, oxotremorine, and oxotremorine M were conducted. In the presence of 1 mM MgCl2, the inhibition of [3H]PZ binding by carbachol, acetylcholine, or oxotremorine M was best described by a two-affinity state model for control and AD cases, while oxotremorine binding affinity was best fit to a single-state model. Although both control and AD groups had similar KD values for the high- and low-affinity agonist binding sites, the proportion of M1AchRs exhibiting high affinity for carbachol and acetylcholine was reduced by 48 and 33%, respectively, in AD membranes relative to controls (P < 0.05). No changes in the binding of the oxotremorine M or oxotremorine were noted. The nonhydrolyzable guanine nucleotide GppNHp (100μM) reduced the proportion of M1AchRs with high affinity for agonists in both control and AD membranes. Substitution of 1 mM MnCl2 for MgCl2 restored high-affinity carbachol binding at the M1AchR in AD membranes similar to that seen in controls. In the presence of 1 mM MnCl2, agonist binding in controls did not differ from 1 mM MgCl2. In the absence of cations (1 mM EDTA), no differences between control and AD M1AchR carbachol binding were observed. Thus, the loss of high-affinity agonist binding at the M1AchR in AD is dependent on the agonist and cation studied.
Sex differences in the perceived importance of mentoring functions

Purpose – To be the first study to consider the difference between men's and women's perceptions of most important mentoring functions. Design/methodology/approach – Survey recipients identified the three most important things that mentors can do for their proteges. Two independent coders categorized the behaviors listed by the 637 respondents. Findings – There was little difference between men's and women's perceptions of important mentoring behaviors. Women more than men reported championing and acceptance and confirmation behaviors to be in what they consider the top three for importance. Additionally, the lists respondents generated under‐represented the mentoring behaviors commonly identified in the extant literature, whereas some of the behaviors most frequently identified are not well represented in the mentoring literature. Research limitations/implications – Respondents were graduates of a top‐tier MBA program, although from multiple years. Future research should examine perceptions of mentoring behaviors by employees with different educational backgrounds and across cultures, particularly to explore perceptions of mentoring behaviors where cultural and gender stereotypes are present. Practical implications – The design of mentoring programs and fostering of cross‐sex mentoring are discussed in lieu of managing protege expectations and educating mentors about actual expectations versus the expectations they might associate with the other sex. Originality/value – The findings here extend existing research by first asking men and women to generate a list of what they perceive to be the three most important mentoring behaviors and then showing that, for MBAs at least, there is little difference across the sexes.
The Delineation of Two Plankton Communities from One Sampling Site (Fire Island Inlet, Long Island, N.Y.)*

Zooplankton and phytoplankton communities were observed and recorded at Fire Island Inlet from 1971–1974. Species typical of a temperate, neritic environment were found. Sampling by net and bottle at several stations in the area revealed two populations, one representative of the bay water and the other representative of the ocean water. It was further found, by comparing frequency of occurrence relative abundance, rank order and indicator species, that these two populations could be monitored at one sampling station (Oak Beach) by sampling at the appropriate tidal intervals, i.e., midtide after slack current, on both the ebb and flow tides. Observations from one site of plankton communities representative of bay water and of ocean water, as they move into and out of the Inlet, could be of significance in monitoring the effects of proposed man-made changes in the environment. It is possible that other coastal areas could benefit by such a combined approach.
Importance of hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism in a Taiwanese population. A case-control study.

Abstract Objective: To determine the current status of hyperhomocysteinemia, which is a known risk for venous thrombosis (DVT), in Taiwan. Subjects: 101 unselected patients with a minimum of one episode of deep leg DVT, either initial inpatients or current compliant outpatients in a teaching hospital. Methods: Various thrombophilic risks, gene polymorphism and clinical predisposition were evaluated. Results and conclusions: Patients presented higher fast total plasma homocysteine (hcy) levels than age- and sex-matched controls did (14.1 vs. 9.94 μM). Based on the 95th percentile of control values, hyperhomocysteinemia had a four- to nine-fold risk for DVT, irrespective of clinical predisposition, as well as other thrombophilic risks surveyed. Polymorphism of a metabolizing enzyme, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), was not associated with DVT, although homozygous thermolabile mutation tended to have higher plasma hcy levels. Factor V Leiden was absent in analysis of 80 patients. In complete evaluation (hcy, antithrombin (AT), protein S (PS), protein C (PC), lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin antibody) of a subset of 83 patients hyperhomocysteinemia was the most prevalent risk (33.7%), with PC or PS deficiencies following (22.9%). Thus, hyperhomocysteinemia is a prominent risk for DVT in Taiwan.
Fashioning conceptual constructs in Ada

It is believed that future progress of software productivity depends upon capturing the essence of software in a unit called conceptual construct [BRO87]. The objective of this investigation is to characterize the conceptual construct in Ada code. The objective is met when the control/interfacing structures of the software product can be housed in a unit of code that separates itself from the specific instances of the data productions. This control unit can be reused without alterations for all instances of the data productions. The effect of this separation is analogous to a hardware chip that houses the logic and control structure in a black box, yet allows various sets of data to pass through it. The scope of the investigation characterizes the conceptual construct, details several examples of it, and outlines a design methodology that uses it. This methodology and a well-known, established one are both applied to the same problem. The resulting designs are compared. This investigation leads to these conclusions. To capture the notion of software essence requires two distinct steps. Step one abstracts the problem to a higher level of domain independence. Step two separates this level into a control unit and a unit of data productions. The control unit is reused without alterations for all instances of the data productions. The success of design reuse is directly proportional to the separation of the control flow of the program from the data productions.
Luminescence study of oxygen vacancies in lanthanum hafnium oxide, La2Hf2O7

Abstract Luminescence properties of La 2 Hf 2 O 7 have been measured for powdered samples prepared by solid state synthesis. These include photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, x-ray excited spectra, luminescence decay profiles, and reflectivity spectra. The observed luminescence is attributed to self-trapped excitons and transitions involving energy levels of oxygen vacancies. The oxygen-vacancy-related luminescence consists of a broad band in the region 350–750 nm with a peak around 460 nm. The optical and X-ray excited emission spectra differ due to the more selective nature possible with optical excitation. The experimental results are in general agreement with spectroscopic properties predicted by theoretical electronic structure calculations of oxygen vacancy states by Liu et al. in 2007 [15]. The excitation and emission properties of the oxygen vacancy luminescence are shown to vary with the atmosphere and temperature of the synthesis process.
Intracranial cryosurgery in a canine model: a pilot study.

Abstract Although virtually abandoned decades ago following the introduction of levodopa for the treatment of movement disorders, intracranial cryosurgery potentially offers a simple and accurate means of destroying deep-seated lesions when coupled with computed tomographic-stereo-taxic placement techniques. We performed a pilot investigation of the size and histology of brain cryolesions in six dogs, using a 3-mm probe maintained at −160°C for 6 minutes while simultaneously monitoring the process by real-time ultrasound. Lesion diameter was 1.4 ± 0.1 cm at ≤ 2 days but enlarged to 2.25 ± 0.21 cm at 1 week, primarily at the expense of white matter. Ultrasound appearance of the lesion was characterized by a hyperechoic ice ball, the size of which consistently underestimated true size (determined by histology). By microscopy, the lesion was a hemorrhagic infarction that incited little surrounding edema and exhibited a sharp transitional zone. These data indicate that the cryosurgical probe can lesion significant volumes of brain in a reproducible and discrete fashion with minimal reaction to the surrounding tissue. Further work is required to clarify the observed “growth” of lesion size between days 2 and 7.
Relationship between Internal and External Locus of Control and the Operant Conditioning of Alpha through Biofeedback Training

Subjects were identified as internally oriented (N = 15) and as externally oriented (N = 15) as determined by scores on the Locus of Control scale. They were given training to increase the density ...
The free routine postcatheterization urogram: a cost/benefit analysis

Postangiography urography has become routine procedure in most centers performing cardiac catheterization in children. We analyzed the x-radiation dosage and clinical yield of this procedure. Using lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters, radiation exposure to the abdomen and gonads was measured in 35 children during postangiography urography. Results of 334 consecutive routine postangiography cine-urograms were evaluated based on clinical significance and compared to previous reports on this subject.
A new model of arteriovenous fistula to study hemodialysis access complications

PurposeThis report presents a new animal model of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) with attention given to surgical techniques as well as hemodynamic and pathologic measurements. Of note, this model was...
The safety and tolerability of GLP‐1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a review

Although several classes of pharmacotherapy are available for type 2 diabetes, glycaemic control is often hampered by medication-related adverse effects and contraindications such as renal impairment. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists provide a new pharmacotherapeutic option based on the multiple glucose-lowering effects of the human hormone GLP-1. This mechanism of action not only provides therapeutic efficacy but also suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists have distinct safety and tolerability concerns compared with other diabetes therapies. Stimulation of pancreatic insulin secretion by GLP-1 receptor agonists is glucose dependent, conferring a lesser risk of hypoglycaemia than that seen with sulfonylureas. Individual GLP-1 receptor agonists differ in their metabolism and excretion profiles, affecting the choice of agent for patients with renal impairment. As with other protein-based therapies, GLP-1 receptor agonists may induce the formation of antibodies that may attenuate therapeutic efficacy and affect safety. Conclusions on cardiovascular safety must await outcomes studies, but at present no signal of harm has been reported, and preclinical data and effects on risk markers suggest a potential for benefit. Current data on thyroid medullary cancer in humans and pancreatic malignancy in rodents do not suggest that there is any reason to restrict the clinical use of GLP-1 analogues in most people with diabetes. It is currently difficult to ascertain the possible contributory role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in increasing the risk of pancreatitis, and vigilance for signs and symptoms is prudent. Primary tolerability issues include transient gastrointestinal symptoms, common with GLP-1 receptor agonists, which can be reduced through dose titration.
SLC22A5/OCTN2 expression in breast cancer is induced by estrogen via a novel intronic estrogen-response element (ERE)

Estrogen signaling is a critical pathway that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. In a previous transcriptional profiling study, we identified a novel panel of estrogen-induced genes in breast cancer. One of these genes is solute carrier family 22 member 5 (SLC22A5), which encodes a polyspecific organic cation transporter (also called OCTN2). In this study, we found that estrogen stimulates SLC22A5 expression robustly in an estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent manner and that SLC22A5 expression is associated with ER status in breast cancer cell lines and tissue specimens. Although the SLC22A5 proximal promoter is not responsive to estrogen, a downstream intronic enhancer confers estrogen inducibility. This intronic enhancer contains a newly identified estrogen-responsive element (ERE) (GGTCA-CTG-TGACT) and other transcription factor binding sites, such as a half ERE and a nuclear receptor related 1 (NR4A2/Nurr1) site. Estrogen induction of the luciferase reporter was dependent upon both the ERE and the NR4A2 site within the intronic enhancer. Small interfering RNA against either ER or Nurr1 inhibited estrogen induction of SLC22A5 expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed the recruitment of both ER and Nurr1 to this enhancer. In functional assays, knockdown of SLC22A5 inhibited l-carnitine intake, resulted in lipid droplet accumulation, and suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells. These results demonstrate that SLC22A5 is an estrogen-dependent gene regulated via a newly identified intronic ERE. Since SLC22A5 is a critical regulator of carnitine homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and cell proliferation, SLC22A5 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer in the future.
Plausible interpretation of the Bohr effect in haemoglobin.

THE release of oxygen when a solution of haemoglobin is acidified is often referred to as the Bohr effect1,2. The phenomenon is a consequence of the difference between the titration curves of oxy and deoxyhaemoglobin. In physiological conditions, the acidification is caused by carbon dioxide entering the blood stream at the muscle tissue, and there may be further specific reaction of the carbon dioxide with the haemoglobin3. The observations presented here deal with the titration curve of haemoglobin in the absence of carbon dioxide, and were obtained as part of an effort to interpret Kerr effect data on haemoglobin4.
Behavioural complexity and prey-handling ability in snakes: gauging the benefits of constriction

Summary Complexity is an important component of behaviour, but is rarely defined or quantitatively analyzed. We tested the hypothesis that complex behaviours are functionally superior to simpler behaviours. We generated complexity values for prey-handling behaviours used by snakes based on a count of behavioural acts, coordination among acts, and the amount of the snake’s body used to subdue prey. We then compared prey-handling ability between species that differed in the complexity of behaviour used to subdue mice (Mus musculus). Corn and ratsnakes (Pantherophis guttata and P. obsoleta) always constricted mice while coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum) used simpler behaviours including jaw hold and body pinning. The constrictors required fewer strikes, less time to capture and subdue mice, and killed prey more quickly than did the coachwhips. Both jaw holding and constriction resulted in severe compression of the prey, but during constriction force is exerted at many points around the prey, while using the jaws limits force exertion to two opposing surfaces. Constriction divides the tasks of seizure and subjugation between the snake’s head and body, thus reducing the number of tasks the jaws must perform. Our results support the idea that constriction is an adaptation for subduing vigorously struggling prey.
An office communications system

In developing a prototype of an ofice communications system, an office study was first done to specify requirements for the prototype. The study focused on the productivity of three groups of employees: principals, clerical personnel, and secretaries. With requirements set by the management of the ofice used as a framework, application requirements for end users of an ofice communications system were established. From a subset of these requirements the prototype was developed. The prototype system was designed as an experimental learning system to provide managers and professionals with an easy, fast, and direct method for handling their business communications. The prototype was set up on IBM premises for testing and evaluation. Results of this operation are included in the discussion.
Rapid relativistic distorted-wave approach for calculating cross sections for ionization of highly charged ions.

The rapid relativistic distorted-wave method of Zhang, Sampson, and Mohanty [Phys. Rev. A 40, 616 (1989)] for excitation, which uses the atomic-structure data of Sampson et al. [Phys. Rev. A 40, 604 (1989)], has been extended to ionization. In this approach the same Dirac-Fock-Slater potential evaluated using a single mean configuration is used in calculating the orbitals of all electrons bound and free. Values for the cross sections Q for ionization of various ions have been calculated, and generally good agreement is obtained with other recent relativistic calculations. When results are expressed in terms of the reduced ionization cross section ${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathit{R}}$, which is proportional to ${\mathit{I}}^{2}$Q, they are close to the nonrelativistic Coulomb-Born-exchange values of Moores, Golden, and Sampson [J. Phys. B 13, 385 (1980)] for hydrogenic ions except for high Z and/or high energies. This suggests that fits of the ${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathit{R}}$ to simple functions of the impact electron energy in threshold units with coefficients that are quite slowly varying functions of an effective Z can probably be made. This would be convenient for plasma-modeling applications.
Expression of microRNA processing machinery genes in rhesus monkey oocytes and embryos of different developmental potentials.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that silence gene expression. In animal cells, miRNAs bind to the 3′ untranslated regions of specific mRNAs and inhibit their translation. The correct regulation of mRNA expression by miRNAs is believed to be important for oocyte maturation, early development and implantation. We examined the expression of 25 mRNAs involved in the microRNA processing pathway in a non human primate oocyte and embryo model. We observed that mRNAs related to miRNA splicing are downregulated during oocyte maturation while those related to miRNA processing are upregulated, indicating that there may exist a temporal difference in their activities related to transcriptional activity in germinal vesicle stage oocytes. We also observed that the vast majority of mRNAs examined were insensitive to α-amanitin at the 8-16 cell stage. The expression data did not reveal a major impact of embryo culture, and hormonal stimulation protocol affected only a small number of mRNAs, suggesting that the components of the pathway may be accumulated in the oocyte during oogenesis and resistant to exogenous insults. In comparison to published mouse array data, we observed species differences and similarities in the temporal expression patterns of some genes, suggesting that miRNA processing may be regulated differently. These data extend our understanding of the potential roles of miRNA during primate embryogenesis.
Construction and Characterization of Recombinant HSV-1 Expressing Early Growth Response-1.

Early Growth response-1 (Egr-1) is a transcription factor that possesses a variety of biological functions. It has been shown to regulate HSV-1 gene expression and replication in different cellular environments through the recruitment of distinct cofactor complexes. Previous studies demonstrated that Egr-1 can be induced by HSV-1 infection in corneal cells but the level was lower compared to other cell types. The primary goal of this report is to generate a recombinant HSV-1 constitutively expressing Egr-1 and to investigate the regulation of viral replication in different cell types or in animals with Egr-1 overexpression. The approach utilized was to introduce Egr-1 into the BAC system containing complete HSV-1 (F) genome. To assist in the insertion of Egr-1, a gene cassette was constructed that contains the Egr-1 gene flanked by loxP sites. In this clone Egr-1 is expressed under control of CMV immediate-early promoter followed by another gene cassette expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the elongation factor 1α (EF-1 α) promoter. The constructed recombinant viruses were completed containing the Egr-1 gene within the viral genome and the expression was characterized by qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Our results showed that Egr-1 transcript and protein can be generated and accumulated upon infection of recombinant virus in Vero and rabbit corneal cells SIRC. This unique virus therefore is useful for studying the effects of Egr-1 during HSV-1 replication and gene regulation in epithelial cells and neurons.
Localised temperature dynamics of GaAlAs laser facets investigated by Raman microprobe measurements

Raman micro-probe studies of diode laser facet temperatures in CW operation show a significant linear temperature rise below the laser threshold and a rapid nonlinear heating above the threshold. Dynamical measurements using current injection pulses show fast heating of the laser facet with a sub-microsecond risetime and much slower cooling within several micro-seconds.
Preparation of Platinum−Nafion−Carbon Black Nanocomposites via a Supercritical Fluid Route as Electrocatalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Novel platinum−Nafion−carbon black nanocomposites were synthesized using supercritical deposition. The method consists of preparation of a Nafion-carbon black composite followed by impregnation of ...
Heparin-induced thrombosis without thrombocytopenia.

diagnosis has been confirmed. In this case not treating the traumatic diaphragmatic rupture for a long period caused a very rare complication. Arriving at the diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture was difficult because we did not consider the possibility of diaphragmatic rupture causing lung lobar torsion. However, torsion was suggested by the opacity observed in the left lung on the chest radiogram and the nearcomplete occlusion of the bronchus revealed by means of bronchoscopy. It is important to consider that lung lobar torsion can occur as a a result of diaphragmatic rupture, and repair should be performed before lung lobar torsion occurs.
B-Spline Based Free Form Solutions of Nonlinear Systems

B-spline parametric curves provide alternative solutions to multipoint nonlinear systems. They solve the problem with less effort than traditional numerical techniques. The new approach demonstrated in this paper is natural and direct. It uses the least squared error technique to identify curves that satisfy the differential relations and boundary conditions. No state space integration is required. No Euler-Lagrange relations are to be satisfied and the Hamiltonian principle is not necessary. In addition, the solution can have properties that are currently not investigated or encouraged. This solution can also be analytically described. The problem set up is simple and is uniform over different classes of problems. The casual nature of problem definition and set up are demonstrated through three examples of increasing complexity: (i) Blassius two-point boundary-value problem (fluids); (ii) Brachistochrone problem (calculus of variation); and (iii) Planar trajectory interception problem (optimal control).Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Neurodevelopmental mechanisms of schizophrenia: understanding disturbed postnatal brain maturation through neuregulin-1–ErbB4 and DISC1

Schizophrenia (SZ) is primarily an adult psychiatric disorder in which disturbances caused by susceptibility genes and environmental insults during early neurodevelopment initiate neurophysiological changes over a long time course, culminating in the onset of full-blown disease nearly two decades later. Aberrant postnatal brain maturation is an essential mechanism underlying the disease. Currently, symptoms of SZ are treated with anti-psychotic medications that have variable efficacy and severe side effects. There has been much interest in the prodromal phase and the possibility of preventing SZ by interfering with the aberrant postnatal brain maturation associated with this disorder. Thus, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms that underlie the long-term progression to full disease manifestation to identify the best targets and approaches towards this goal. We believe that studies of certain SZ genetic susceptibility factors with neurodevelopmental implications will be key tools in this task. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) are probably functionally convergent and play key roles in brain development. We provide an update on the role of these emerging concepts in understanding the complex time course of SZ from early neurodevelopmental disturbances to later onset and suggest ways of testing these in the future.
Stability of a crack in a cantilever beam undergoing large plastic deformation after impact

Abstract A simple model is employed to determine the dynamic response of a rigid-perfectly plastic cantilever beam with an attached tip mass and a crack, taking into account the weakening effect of the crack. The crack is assumed to be located at the base of the beam, and an initial velocity is imparted to the tip mass. The subsequent stability of the crack is considered by calculating the tearing modulus based on the J- integral associated with the deflecting beam. For the example of circumferential cracks in thin-walled piping, whose idealized geometry models some stress corrosion cracks found in service, radial propagation and instability are found to be more likely than circumferential. Once a crack penetrates the wall, however, stability in the circumferential direction is found to depend in a complex way upon loading and crack geometry.
A mathematical model of Helmholtz resonator type gas oscillation discharges of two-stroke cycle engines

Abstract For the example of a one cylinder, 3·7 in3 two-stroke cycle engine, it is shown that combustion engines discharge combusted gas in oscillatory bursts whose primary frequency is independent of engine speed. The superposition of a Helmholtz resonator model and a thermodynamic model of the combustion process is used to predict pressure oscillations and sound radiation. It is shown that the elastic and inertial characteristics of the gas in the combustion chamber and the exhaust port have to be considered in the model. Theoretical and experimental results compare well.
Water uptake in biochars: The roles of porosity and hydrophobicity

Abstract We assessed the effects of porosity and hydrophobicity on water uptake by biochars. Biochars were produced from two feedstocks (hazelnut shells and Douglas fir chips) at three production temperatures (370 °C, 500 °C, and 620 °C). To distinguish the effects of porosity from the effects of hydrophobicity, we compared uptake of water to uptake of ethanol (which is completely wetting and not affected by hydrophobic materials). For both feedstocks, low temperature biochars took up less water than high temperature biochars but the same amount of ethanol, suggesting that differences in water uptake based on production temperature reflect differences in surface hydrophobicity, not porosity. Conversely, Douglas fir biochars took up more water than hazelnut shell biochars due to greater porosity. Thus, designing biochars for water holding applications requires two considerations: (a) creating sufficient porosity through feedstock selection, and (b) determining a production temperature that reduces hydrophobicity to an acceptable level.
Podocyte injury in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: Lessons from animal models (a play in five acts)

Genetic engineering in the mouse has ushered in a new era of disease modeling that has advanced our understanding of podocyte injury in the pathogenesis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Historically, the major animal models of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis involve direct podocyte injury (exemplified by toxin models) and indirect podocyte injury due to adaptive responses (exemplified by renal ablation models). In both paradigms, recent evidence indicates that podocyte depletion is a major pathomechanism mediating proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. Podocyte-specific toxin models support that podocyte loss is sufficient to cause focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in a dose-dependent manner. Knockout and transgenic models have provided proof of concept that mutations in specific podocyte proteins mediate genetic forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Transgenic models of HIV-associated nephropathy have helped to elucidate the role of direct viral infection and podocyte expression of viral gene products in the pathogenesis of this form of collapsing glomerulopathy. Taken together, emerging data support that injury directed to or inherent within the podocyte constitutes the critical event in diverse pathways to glomerulosclerosis.
Effect of coronary angiography on use of lipid-lowering agents in women : A report from the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) Study

Abstract We sought to assess the impact of coronary angiography results on use of lipid-lowering agents among women enrolled in the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation [WISE] study. WISE is a multicenter study designed to evaluate new diagnostic modalities among women undergoing angiography for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). History of atherosclerosis, risk factors for CAD, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are determined at baseline. The percentage of women at LDL cholesterol goal, use of lipid-lowering agents, and eligibility for lipid-lowering therapy were determined based on National Cholesterol Education Program II guidelines at baseline and 6-week follow-up. Among the 212 women for whom angiographic data were available, 84 had known atherosclerosis, 80 had no history of atherosclerosis but ≥2 risk factors (high risk), and 48 had no history of atherosclerosis and
Properties of the solvent-stimulated ATPase activity of chloroplast coupling factor 1 from Chlamydomonas reinhardii

Abstract The effects of solvents on the ATPase activity of chloroplast coupling factor 1 (CF 1 ) isolated from wild-type Chlamydomonas reinhardii have been studied. Of the solvents examined, the following order summarizes their maximal ability to stimulate the ATPase activity of CF 1 : ethanol > methanol>allyl alcohol > n -propanol > acetone≈dioxane > ethylene glycol. Glycerol inhibits the CF 1 activity at all concentrations. In the absence of organic solvents, 50% of the activity of the enzyme is irreversibly lost after a 10 min incubation at 65–70°C. Ethanol (23%) causes a 30°C drop in the temperature required for 50% inactivation. ATP partially stabilizes the CF 1 in the presence, but not in the absence, of ethanol. In the absence of organic solvents, both free Mg 2+ and ADP inhibit the CF 1 -ATPase. Mg 2+ is a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to MgATP, and the kinetic constants are: V , 6.3 μmol ATP hydrolyzed/mg protein per min; K m (MgATP), 0.23 mM; K ii (Mg 2+ ), 27 μM; and K is (Mg 2+ ), 50 μM. In the presence of ethanol, double-reciprocal plots are no longer linear and have a Hill coefficient of about 1.8±0.1. V increases about 10–12-fold. The pattern of inhibition by Mg 2+ appears to change from noncompetitive to competitive with respect to MgATP. In addition, ADP no longer inhibits the MgATPase activity of CF 1 .
Modified tobacco use and lifestyle change in risk-reducing beliefs about smoking.

Abstract Background This study examined beliefs about potential risk-reduction strategies for tobacco users among a large group of young adults. Strategies examined included switching to low-yield cigarettes, replacing cigarettes with cigars, switching from cigarettes to smokeless tobacco, adopting a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise. Methods One-year longitudinal survey of 36,012 young adults (mean 20.1 years) entering the U.S. Air Force from October 1999 to September 2000. Results Smokers generally rated the strategies as providing more risk-reduction potential than never smokers or ex-smokers, although the group differences were small. Diet, exercise, and switching to low-yield cigarettes were rated as providing the most health benefits, regardless of smoking status. Smokers who had either changed their diet or exercise to lower their risks from smoking had significantly lower perceived personal risk of developing a tobacco-related disease than other smokers. Smokers who believed that switching to smokeless tobacco would lower the health risks associated with smoking were more likely, while smokers reporting switching to low-yield cigarettes were significant less likely, to quit during a 1-year follow-up period. Conclusions Beliefs about the risk-reduction benefits of both changes in tobacco use and health behaviors may impact tobacco use attitudes and practices.
Photogrammetry from Aircraft Side Camera Movies: Winter MONEX.

Abstract A new method is described for photogrammetry of clouds from aircraft side camera movies, to take into account cloud motion. In extreme circumstances of measurement, this leads to improvements of 500 m in cloud height. General use of the method is desirable when cloud measurements are related to other data. On 10 December 1978 over the South China Sea, cumulus fractus were of depth ∼0.2 km, and updrafts were of width ∼0.25 km. For humilis the corresponding numbers were 0.7 and 0.4 km. Mediocris with tops at height (z) 2.2 km had updrafts of width (w) ∼1.3 km. Updrafts in congestus towers increased with height, with dw/dz ∼0.17, a figure similar to that found for day 245 of the GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment. Cloud number densities on 10 December varied over an order of magnitude over distances of 100 km, even in circumstances relatively uniform on the large scale. Order of magnitude estimates of percent area coverage by updrafts yield values up to 10% for fractus and humilis combined, up to a f...
The retina and central projections of heterochromic rats.

Abstract The eyes and central projections of heterochromic rats, which have one pigmented (ruby) and one nonpigmented (red) eye, were studied. Both eyes in fact have no clear indication of pigment in the pigment epithelium, although in the ruby eye, pigment is present in the choroid and iris. The central projection from each eye is albino-like in the representation of the uncrossed optic pathway to the lateral geniculate body, which is best demon-strated using the autoradiographic pathway tracing technique. This suggests therefore that factors relating to the pigmentation of the pigment epithelium rather than the rest of the eye are important in producing the albino aberration.