cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frame‐based systems: Protégé

An ontology is the formal specification of concepts and their attributes in a particular domain of interest. Frames provide an intuitive representation structure for ontologies and knowledge bases (KB) (ontologies with specific instances of concepts and attributes). Protege is a frame-based Knowledge Base Management System (KBMS) that provides users with tools for knowledge modeling, knowledge acquisition, consistency checking, and concurrency control. In addition, Protege provides tools for analysis of knowledge bases and a Java API that allows users to develop and share their own tools. Keywords: frame-based system; Protege; ontology; knowledge base
The pectolytic activity of molds isolated from black raspberries.

Di CARLO, F., AND REDFERN, S. 1947 Alpha-amylase from Bacillus subtilis. I. Purification and physical properties. Arch. Biochem., 15, 333-342. DINGLE, T., REID, W. W., AND SOLOMONS, G. L. 1953 The enzymatic degradation of pectin and other polysaccharides. II. Application of the "cup-plate" assay to the estimation of enzymes. J. Sci. Food Agr., 3, 149-155. GOODMAN, T. T. 1950 Adaptive production of amylase and lipase by three species of fungi. Science, 112, 176-179. KOTAKE, Y., KOAZE, Y., AND SAITO, Y. 1952 Determination of amylase. Chem. Abstr., 46, 10258. LULLA B. S., AND SREENIVASAYA, M. 1946 Cup assay method for determining amylolytic activity. Chem. Abstr., 40, 3789. SHERWOOD, M. B. 1947 The utilization of thin paper disc in the assay of amylases. J. Bacteriol., 53, 505. SHERWOOD, M. B. 1951 Private communication. SIMONART, D., AND YU CHOW, K. 1951 Chromatographic preparation of the amylase and the proteinase of Aspergillus tamarii. Enzymologia, 14, 1356-1361. SNEDECOR, G. W. 1946 Statistical methods, 4th ed. Iowa State College Press, p. 249. TAMAGAWA, T. 1951 The quantitative determination of amylase by the cup method and the superposing method. Chem. Abstr., 45, 1188. TUKEY, T. W. 1949 Comparing individual means in the analysis of variance. Biometrics, 5, 99-114. VAN KLINKENBERG, G. A. 1934 Das Spezifitatsproblem der Amylasen. Ergeb. Enzymforsch., 3, 73-94.
James W. VanStone. Material Culture of the Chilcotin Athapaskans of West Central British Columbia.

Material Culture of the Chilcotin Athapaskans of West Central British Columbia: Collection in the Field Museum of Natural History, JAMES W. VAN-STONE. Fieldiana: Anthropology, New Series, No.20. Chicago: Field Museum of Natural History, 1993.29 pp. b/w photographs, line drawings, bibliography, appendix. $12.00 (paper).
Complexity within the plasma cell compartment of mice deficient in both E- and P-selectin: implications for plasma cell differentiation

Antibody-secreting plasma cells represent the critical end-stage effector cells of the humoral immune response. Here, we show that several distinct plasma cell subsets are concurrently present in the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow of mice deficient in both E- and P-selectin. One of these subsets was a B220-negative immunoglobulin g (IgG) plasma cell population expressing low to negative surface levels of syndecan-1. Examination of the chemotactic responsiveness of IgG plasma cell subsets revealed that migration toward stromal cell-derived factor 1/CXC ligand 12 (SDF-1/CXCL12) was primarily limited to the B220-lo subset regardless of tissue source. Although B220-negative plasma cells did not migrate efficiently in response to CXCL12 or to other chemokines for which receptor mRNA was expressed, these cells expressed substantial surface CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4), and CXCL12 stimulation rapidly induced extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 (ERK1)/ERK2 phosphorylation, demonstrating that CXCR4 retained signaling capacity. Therefore, B220-negative plasma cells exhibit a selective uncoupling of chemokine receptor expression and signaling from migration. Taken together, our findings document the presence of significant heterogeneity within the plasma cell compartment, which suggests a complex step-wise scheme of plasma cell differentiation in which the degree of differentiation and tissue location can influence the chemotactic responsiveness of IgG plasma cells.
The electrodiagnostic sensitivity of proximal lower extremity muscles in the diagnosis of L5 radiculopathy

The aim of this study was to assess the electrodiagnostic (EDx) sensitivity of proximal lower extremity muscles, including tensor fascia lata (TFL) and gluteus medius (GMED), in the diagnosis of L5 radiculopathy.Eleven EDx recordings with L5 radiculopathy were collected. The motor unit action potentials were assessed for morphology, stability, and firing characteristics. A descriptive analysis was performed. In proximal L5-supplied muscles, 4 of 11 recordings were abnormal in TFL only, with normal GMED; 4 of 11 recordings had similar findings in both muscles; 2 of 11 had abnormal findings in both muscles, but TFL had more noticeable findings; and 1 had abnormal findings in both muscles, but GMED findings were more noticeable. No patient had abnormalities limited to GMED. TFL was more sensitive than GMED in detecting L5 radiculopathy. Knowing which muscles are more likely to show abnormalities can improve the efficiency of EMG and reduce patient discomfort. Muscle Nerve 45: 891-893, 2012.
Spectroscopy and trapping dynamics in WS 2 nanoclusters

WS{sub 2} nanoclusters have been synthesized using inverse micelle methods and characterized by TEM, electron diffraction, and optical spectroscopy. The TEM images and rotational diffusion results show that the particles have average diameters of approximately 4--7 nm and have the same crystal structure as bulk WS{sub 2}. The electron diffraction results are compared with diffraction patterns calculated as a function of the nanocluster diameter and thickness. This comparison shows that the particles are single trilayer disks. The absorption spectrum shows a large blue shift compared to bulk WS{sub 2}, with the first absorption maximum shifting from about 680 nm to 364 nm. Polarized emission is observed following photoexcitation. The emission polarization spectra indicate that absorption occurs into several different low-lying states. The results also indicate that emission from the band-edge state is polarized, while emission from trap states is not. The dynamics of these nanoclusters in room temperature solutions have been examined using time-resolved emission and polarization spectroscopies. Trap-state emission exhibits multiexponential distributed kinetics, while emission from the band-edge state follows a single exponential decay. In samples having a high density of subband-gap trap states, the vast majority of the emission is from trap states. In samples in which mostmore » of the traps have been passivated, most of the emission is from the band-edge state. Time-resolved emission polarization measurements indicate that trapping takes place on the 100 ps time scale, and that the trapping rate depends on the density of trap states.« less
Studies on changes in lipid profiles of the rat gastric mucosa with stress ulcers.

Abstract Gastric mucosal lipid patterns were studied in normal and in restrained rats which developed mucosal erosions. Organic solvent extraction, silicic acid column, and thin-layer chromatography were employed to separate and gas-liquid chromatography and spectrophotometry to quantitize the individual lipid components. Chemical analysis revealed profound alterations in the mucosal lipid profiles of rats with gastric mucosal erosions. Cholesterol esters were markedly elevated, cholesterol, free fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamine were markedly lower in the extracts of ulcerated tissue, and the titer of lysophospholipids was about eight times higher than in the controls. Lipid phosphorus was elevated in stressed rats. The amount of neutral glycolipids was similar for both groups, but tetra- and oligohexoside ceramides, which were present in the gastric mucosa of the control rats, were virtually absent from the ulcerated mucosa. In contrast to the alterations in lipid profile mentioned above, the total lipid weight per tissue preparation was very similar for the ulcerated and normal control groups.
The Effect of the Choice of Tape Format on Broadcast Video Recording

Design and performance characteristics of various types of video recording devices are compared. The relation between the two bask types (quadruplex and helical) is shown for characteristics such as signal-to-noise ratio as a function of tape speed and magnetic coercivity. It is indicated that equipment cost is more a function of desired performance than of basic type and that the high state of development and standardization of the quadruplex will assure its continued use in TV broadcast service for the foreseeable future.
Capacity and value based pricing model for professional services

The capacity and value-based pricing (CVBP) model for professional services was derived out of a need for a new way to think about how professional service ‘products’ should be priced in a competitive marketplace. Moving away from ‘cost-plus’ pricing, the CVBP model attempts to incorporate the ‘stand-alone’ value of a service, along with other variables, to arrive, systematically, at a set of improving prices. A multinomial logit model is used to model the discrete choice decision making. The model and its output can be used in negotiating services contracts, increasing profits, and smoothing demand.
Picosecond acoustics as a non-destructive tool for the characterization of very thin films

Abstract A new technique for the non-destructive evaluation of film thickness, adhesion and homogeneity is presented. We describe how a subpicosecond laser pulse generates a high frequency acoustic pulse in opaque thin films of a material. The pulse traverse the film, reflects at the substrate interface and returns to the front surface, where it is optically detected by a second laser pulse. From the propagation time we can determine the thickness; the amplitude gives us information about the quality of the bond between the film and the substrate. We present examples of measurements on amorphous hydrogenated silicon (d = 722 nm) and aluminum (d = 5 nm) to demonstrate the capability and accuracy of the technique.
An electromyographic study of reciprocal activity of muscles.

An electromyographic study of elbow flexors and extensors was conducted using 20 adult human subjects to determine if cocontraction occurred during voluntary movement. The interplay of proprioceptive reflex influences arising in the primary and secondary endings of the muscle spindle and in the Golgi tendon organ provide the neurophysiological basis for cocontraction. Whether or not cocontraction occurs during a movement is dependent on the degree to which one proprioceptive influence predominates over the others. This in turn appears to be dependent on factors such as those described below. Incidence and degree of cocontraction was greater during extension than during flexion movements. This may be attributed to the influence of muscle spindle secondary endings. Cocontraction increased with increasing load. Proprioceptive reflexes arising in tendon organs may be involved in this phenomenon. No evidence was found to indicate that the incidence of cocontraction increased with increasing precision of movement. In general, cocontraction was less in skilled and strong subjects than in average subjects during all types of movements. Under the special circumstances of voluntarily attempted cocontraction, evidence of reciprocal inhibition of the antagonist appeared. Proprioceptive reflex activity from tendon organs and from muscle spindle secondary endings are implicated as primarily responsible for this inhibition.
Allergies, variants in IL-4 and IL-4Rα genes, and risk of pancreatic cancer

Abstract Background : Several studies in epidemiology indicate that risk of pancreatic cancer is reduced in individuals with allergies. Although genes have been identified that are critical in allergic response, polymorphisms in these genes have not been studied in relation to risk of pancreatic cancer. We hypothesized that variants in these genes are related to risk. Methods : We investigated the association of allergies and pancreatic cancer in a hospital-based case–control study with 405 cases and 212 controls. In a subgroup of 149 cases and 135 controls, we studied the association of variants in IL-4 (C-589T, G3017T) and IL-4Rα (Gln576Arg) with allergies and with risk of pancreatic cancer. Results : We found reduced risk of pancreatic cancer associated with allergies, with adjusted odds ratios of 0.58 (95% CI 0.40–0.84) for any allergies, 0.45 (95% CI 0.29–0.70) for hay fever, and 0.43 (95% CI 0.23–0.80) for animals. The minor allele at each locus studied was associated with reduced risk of allergies in controls, leading us to hypothesize that they would be associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Overall, there was no association between the genotypes studied and risk of pancreatic cancer. In analyses within strata defined by presence or absence of allergies, there were differences in risk associated with genotype for IL-4 G3017T: there was slightly increased risk among those with allergies and reduced risk among those without allergies. Conclusions : The consistent association of allergies with risk of pancreatic cancer and these results suggest that associations between variants in genes related to allergic response and pancreatic cancer warrant further study.
Paecilomyces clavisporis sp. nov., Trichoderma saturnisporum sp. nov., and other noteworthy soil fungi from Georgia

As a result of a study of the fungi of forest soil in Clarke County, Georgia, several noteworthy soil fungi are being reported. Paecilomyces clavisporis and Trichoderma saturnisporum, two new species of Hyphomycetes, are described. Included in the report are one imperfect fungus new to the United States, one ascomycete new to North America, and several relatively rare isolates. Notes and figures are provided for several of those being reported.
Efficient computation of generalized input-to-state ℒ2-gains of discrete-time switched linear systems

This paper proposes an efficient way to compute the ℒ2-gains of discrete-time switched linear systems. Using the notion of generating functions, generalized versions of ℒ2-gains under arbitrary switching are studied. An efficient numerical algorithm is formulated by which these generalized ℒ2-gains can be estimated. The proposed method mitigates the problem of conservative bounds. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the algorithm.
A 1.4-GHz 3-mW CMOS LC low phase noise VCO using tapped bond wire inductances

A 1.4-GHz LC voltage-controlled oscillator has been implemented in a MOSIS 0.5-/spl mu/m CMOS process. Complementary cross-coupled PMOS and NMOS transistors enhance single-ended symmetry at each of the resonant nodes, reducing close-in phase noise. Tapped bond wires provide a resonant tank with high Q. At an offset frequency of 100 kHz, the measured phase noise is -10/sup 7/ dBc/Hz with 3 mW power dissipation from a 3.0 V supply. NMOS gate capacitors achieve a 17% tuning range.
IGF-I resistance in virus-transformed B-lymphocytes from African Efe Pygmies.

Abstract To investigate IGF-I resistance in African Efe Pygmies, we examined clonal responsiveness to IGF-I in Epstein–Barr virus-transformed B-lymphocytes from three Efe Pygmies and three American control subjects. The Efe B-lymphoblasts did not increase clonal responsiveness when incubated with IGF-I (as high as 250 μg/liter) in contrast to the control B-lymphoblasts which showed a bimodal dose–response with a maximal stimulation of 50% above baseline. The proliferative response of Efe B-lymphoblasts was similar to that of control B-lymphoblasts when incubated with another growth factor, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which does not activate the IGF-I receptor. These findings indicate that Efe Pygmy B-lymphoblasts are resistant to IGF-I as measured by in vitro clonal proliferation assays. Coupled with our previous report of IGF-I unresponsiveness in Efe Pygmy HTLV-II-transformed T-lymphocytes, these data suggest that IGF-I resistance is generalized and may play a central role in the etiology of short stature in this population.
Estimating the Size of Subpopulations of Heroin Users: Applications of Log-Linear Models to Capture/Recapture Sampling

This article reviews two of the major methodologies applied to estimation of the number of heroin abusers: survey research methods and the capture/recapture technique. The main focus of the paper is to show the flexibility of the capture/recapture approach in handling not only the dependence of samples of heroin users but also the nonhomogeneity of sampling probabilities, allowing estimation in populations which are mixtures of qualitatively different heroin user types. Models with these features are illustrated using both simulated and real heroin abuse data.
Wrinkling Failure of Lined Pipe Under Bending

Lining internally a carbon steel pipe with a thin layer of corrosion resistant material is an economical method for protecting offshore tubulars from the corrosive ingredients of hydrocarbons. In applications involving severe plastic bending, such as reeling, the liner can detach from the outer pipe and develop large amplitude buckles that compromise the flow. This paper outlines a numerical framework for establishing the extent to which lined pipe can be bent before liner collapse. The manufacturing process of lined pipes is simulated and a set of 12-inch pipes are plastically bent. The two tubes ovalize and the liner detaches from the outer pipe developing small amplitude wrinkles. The wrinkles initially grow stably but at a higher curvature yield to a diamond-shaped buckling mode that catastrophically collapses the liner. The onset of collapse is shown to be very sensitive to small geometric imperfections in the liner.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The application of 2.8-MeV (D, d) neutrons to activation analysis

Abstract The analytical application of 2.8-MeV neutrons produced by the H 2 ( d , n )He 3 reaction in a neutron generator is presented. These neutrons, though not energetic enough to produce the usual fast neutron reactions, do induce useable ( n , n ′ γ ) reactions. Cross sections are presented for thirteen elements most amenable to this reaction. Examples are given of the analysis of bromine, yttrium, and barium in complex matrices to illustrate potential uses in activation analysis.
Advancing drug therapy of the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome — a group of factors that raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes — is increasingly common. How might the challenges of developing improved therapies to normalize these risk factors be approached?
Trehalose Glycopolymers as Excipients for Protein Stabilization

Herein, the synthesis of four different trehalose glycopolymers and investigation of their ability to stabilize proteins to heat and lyophilization stress are described. The disaccharide, α,α-trehalose, was modified with a styrenyl acetal, methacrylate acetal, styrenyl ether, or methacrylate moiety resulting in four different monomers. These monomers were then separately polymerized using free radical polymerization with azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator to synthesize the glycopolymers. Horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase were incubated at 70 and 50 °C, respectively, and β-galactosidase was lyophilized multiple times in the presence of various ratios of the polymers or trehalose. The protein activities were subsequently tested and found to be significantly higher when the polymers were present during the stress compared to no additive and to equivalent amounts of trehalose. Different molecular weights (10 kDa, 20 kDa, and 40 kDa) were tested, and all were equivalent in their stabilization ability. However, some subtle differences were observed regarding stabilization ability between the different polymer samples, depending on the stress. Small molecules such as benzyl ether trehalose were not better stabilizers than trehalose, and the trehalose monomer decreased protein activity, suggesting that hydrophobized trehalose was not sufficient and that the polymeric structure was required. In addition, cytotoxicity studies with NIH 3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells, RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were conducted with polymer concentrations up to 8 mg/mL. The data showed that all four polymers were noncytotoxic for all tested concentrations. The results together suggest that trehalose glycopolymers are promising as additives to protect proteins from a variety of stressors.
Dual Labeled Peptides as Tools to Study Receptors: Nanomolar Affinity Derivatives of TIPP (Tyr-Tic-Phe-Phe) Containing an Affinity Label and Biotin as Probes of δ Opioid Receptors

A general strategy for the design of dual labeled peptides was developed, and derivatives of the δ opioid receptor (DOR) selective antagonist TIPP (Tyr-Tic-Phe-PheOH) containing both an affinity label and biotin were prepared by solid-phase synthesis. Tyr-Tic-Phe-Phe(p-X)-Asp-NH(CH2CH2O)2-CH2CH2NH-biotin (where X = N═C═S or NHCOCH2Br) exhibit nanomolar DOR affinity. The ability to detect receptors labeled with these peptides following solubilization and SDS-PAGE demonstrate the applicability of this design approach for dual labeled peptide derivatives.
The Relation between Weight and Fat Production of Guernsey Cattle

Summary A study is reported showing the relation between age, live weight, and yearly fat production of over 2700 Guernsey cows. As increase in yearly fat production and increase of body weight with age follow the same exponential course, it was shown that there was a direct relation between weight and fat production which could be represented by an equation of the first degree. Yearly fat production = 0.77 weight − 304.73 This equation indicates that an increase of 100 pounds in live weight accompanying age there is an increase of 77 pounds of fat per year. However, when age was held constant there was an increase of only 20 pounds of fat for an increase of 100 pounds in weight. From these figures it is concluded that about 25 per cent 2 7 0 7 of the total increase of fat secretion with age is due to the live weight of the animals concerned, whereas the other 75 percent of the increase in fat secretion with age would be ascribed to the development of the udder by recurring pregnancies. The method of partial correlation was also applied. It was found that the partial correlation of weight and fat with age held constant was 0.249. The similarity of this correlation to the figure of 25 per cent ascribed to the influence of live weight on yearly fat production is taken as further confirmation of this relationship.
Studies on the Interaction Between Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Tubocurarine on Intraventricular Injection in Cats:

Summary1. The effects of intraventricu-lar injections of tubocurarine, GABA and the interaction of these 2 drugs on the behavior of cats had been studied. 2. GABA delayed the onset and attenuated the effect of intra-ventricularly-injected tubocurarine. The ultimate effect of the combination of GABA and tubocurarine depended upon the drug which had been administered the week before. If it was GABA, no convulsions occurred. If it was tubocurarine, convulsions occurred only after a delay.
Comparison of anti-CD3 and anti-CD28-coated beads with soluble anti-CD3 for expanding human T cells: Differing impact on CD8 T cell phenotype and responsiveness to restimulation

Background The ability to expand virus- or tumor-specific T cells without damaging their functional capabilities is critical for success adoptive transfer immunotherapy of patients with opportunistic infection or tumor. Careful comparisons can help identify expansion methods better suited for particular clinical settings and identify recurrent deficiencies requiring new innovation.
Divergent pathways in COS-7 cells mediate defective internalization and intracellular routing of truncated G-CSFR forms in SCN/AML.

Background Expression of truncated G-CSFR forms in patients with SCN/AML induces hyperproliferation and prolonged cell survival. Previously, we showed that ligand internalization is delayed and degradation of truncated G-CSFR forms is defective in patients with SCN/AML. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we investigated the potential roles of dileucine and tyrosine-based motifs within the cytoplasmic domain of the G-CSFR in modulating ligand/receptor internalization. Using standard binding assays with radiolabeled ligand and COS-7 cells, substitutions in the dileucine motif or deletion of tyrosine residues in the G-CSFR did not alter internalization. Attachment of the transferrin receptor YTRF internalization motif to a truncated G-CSFR form from a patient with SCN/AML corrected defective internalization, but not receptor degradation suggesting that receptor internalization and degradation occur independently via distinct domains and/or processes. Conclusions Our data suggest that distinct domains within the G-CSFR mediate separate processes for receptor internalization and degradation. Our findings using standard binding assays differ from recently published data utilizing flow cytometry.
Switching control synthesis for discrete-time switched linear systems via modified Lyapunov-Metzler inequalities

This paper addresses the switching control synthesis problem of discrete-time switched linear systems. A particular class of matrix inequalities, the so-called Lyapunov-Metzler inequalities is modified to provide conditions for stability analysis and output feedback control synthesis under a relaxed min-switching logic. The switching rule combined with switching output feedback controllers are designed to stabilize the switched closed-loop system and satisfy a pre-specified l 2 gain performance. The proposed switching control approach is to reduce the high frequency switches commonly observed in min-switching strategy based designs. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated through a numerical example.
Understanding the structural requirements of 4-anilidopiperidine analogues for biological activities at μ and δ opioid receptors

New 4-anilidopiperidine analogues in which the phenethyl group of fentanyl was replaced by several aromatic ring-contained amino acids (or acids) were synthesized to study the biological effect of the substituents on mu and delta opioid receptor interactions. These analogues showed broad (47 nM-76 microM) but selective (up to 17-fold) binding affinities at the mu opioid receptor over the delta opioid receptor, as predicted from the message-address concept.
Mechanical and water barrier properties of glutenin films influenced by storage time.

The goal of this work was to study the effect of storage time on the functional properties of glutenin films plasticized with selected hydrophilic low molecular weight compounds: glycerol (GL), triethanolamine (TEA), and sorbitol (S). Glutenins were extracted from wheat gluten, and films were cast from film-forming solutions. The glutenin-based films were homogeneous, flexible, translucent, and easy to handle. Films were stored in an environmental chamber at 50 ± 5% realtive humidity and 23 ± 2 °C. Optical, mechanical, and water vapor permeability properties were monitored at regular intervals for 16 weeks. Films plasticized with GL and TEA had similar mechanical and water vapor barrier properties during the first few days of fabrication. Films plasticized with S were stronger, with better water vapor barrier properties. Mechanical and water vapor permeability properties of films plasticized with GL changed dramatically over time, whereas the properties of films plasticized with TEA and S remained stable...
Traveling Wave Solutions to Reaction-Diffusion Equations based on the Lambert W Function

Non-linear partial differential equations of the “reaction-diffusion” arise in many areas of biological, chemical and physical science, including the Burgers-Huxley equation associated with nerve pulses. Solutions to these types of equations are often found in the form of traveling waves, which in one dimension propagate over the entire real axis between stable limits for non-negative time. The generalization of known non-linear model equations continues to remain of interest.It is shown here that it is possible to find traveling wave solutions to a generalized group of reaction-diffusion equations of this type, based on a traveling wave which can be represented in terms of the Lambert W function. This approach begins by considering the first order differential equation exactly solved by the traveling wave, and then using an operator approach to construct a second order differential equation solvable in terms of this traveling wave. The second-order differential equation can then be compared to the original partial differential equation after a transformation of the variables.
Thyroid Function in Renal Failure

Summary Renal failure is often associated with abnormal thyroid function tests which may make the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction difficult (Table 1). As many as one-half of patients with renal failure have low thyroid function indices. Although clinically the patients are usually euthroid, there is evidence from animal and human studies that there may be some degree of tissue hypothyroidism in patients with renal failure. Whether this tissue hypothyroidism reflects an adaptive reaction to the uremic state is not clear. Contributory factors to the alteration in thyroid function tests in renal failure are multiple and include poor nutritional status, medications, metabolic disturbances, hemodialysis, and associated nonthyroidal illnesses. All of these are known to affect thyroid function tests, and it is difficult to dissociate their influence from that of the uremic state. In most instances, the changes in thyroid function tests are similar to those encountered during nonthyroidal illness and include low levels of T3, with normal or low levels of T4, a variable free thyroxine index, and a normal, suppressed, or elevated level of TSH. One feature distinguishing renal failure from other non-thyroidal illnesses is the often normal rT3 and elevated free rT3 levels seen in acute and chronic renal failure. This appears to be related to the increased binding of rT3 to intracellular binding proteins. During hemodialysis, the free T4 level is elevated transiently but may be abnormally elevated or low in the presence of a coexistent nonthyroidal illness. TSH is normal or only slightly elevated. Transplant patients, who often receive high doses of steroids, may have abnormal thyroid function tests, in particular hypothyroxinemia and suppressed levels of basal TSH.
c-fos expression in noradrenergic A2 neurons of the rat during the estrous cycle and after steroid hormone treatments☆

Abstract The expression of the proto-oncogene product fos in noradrenergic neurons of the A2 cell group was studied with immunohistochemistry during the estrous cycle of the rat and after ovariectomy and estrogen treatments. During the estrous cycle the percentage of fos -positive norepinephrine containing neurons was highest at proestrus (39%), followed by estrus (36%) while during diestrus only 4% of the A2 neurons contained immunoreactive fos protein in their nuclei. Ovariectomy caused a further decrease in the number of fos -positive A2 neurons (2%) while long-term estradiol administration partially reversed the effects of ovarian steroid removal (19%). However, 3 h after a single subcutanous injection of estradiol into ovariectomised rats, 79% of the noradrenergic neurons in the A2 area showed fos immunoreactivity in their nuclei. The results indicate that fos -expression in the noradrenergic neurons in the A2 region varies depending upon the circulating estradiol levels. Since norepinephrine stimulates gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the median eminence during proestrus and the GnRH neurons do not contain estrogen receptors, it is suggested that the A2 region is, at least in part, responsible for conveying the estrogen signal to the GnRH neurons.
Refining the image of the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, California using a finite difference travel time computation technique

Abstract The Parkfield Area Seismic Observatory (PASO) was a dense, telemetered seismic array that operated for nearly 2 years in a 15 km aperture centered on the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) drill site. The main objective of this deployment was to refine the locations of earthquakes that will serve as potential targets for SAFOD drilling and in the process develop a high (for passive seismological techniques) resolution image of the fault zone structure. A challenging aspect of the analysis of this data set was the known existence of large (20–25%) contrasts in seismic wavespeed across the San Andreas Fault. The resultant distortion of raypaths could challenge the applicability of approximate ray tracing techniques. In order to test the sensitivity of our hypocenter locations and tomographic image to the particular ray tracing and inversion technique employed, we compare an initial determination of locations and structure developed using a coarse grid and an approximate ray tracer [Thurber, C., Roecker, S., Roberts, K., Gold, M., Powell, M.L. , and Rittger, K., 2003. Earthquake locations and three-dimensional fault zone structure along the creeping section of the San Andreas fault near Parkfield, CA: Preparing for SAFOD, Geophys. Res. Lett., 30 3, 10.1029/2002GL016004.] with one derived from a relatively fine grid and an application of a finite difference algorithm [Hole, J.A., and Zelt, B.C., 1995. 3-D finite-difference reflection traveltimes, Geophys. J. Int., 121, 2, 427–434.]. In both cases, we inverted arrival-time data from about 686 local earthquakes and 23 shots simultaneously for earthquake locations and three-dimensional Vp and Vp/Vs structure. Included are data from an active source seismic experiment around the SAFOD site as well as from a vertical array of geophones installed in the 2-km-deep SAFOD pilot hole, drilled in summer 2002. Our results show that the main features of the original analysis are robust: hypocenters are located beneath the trace of the fault in the vicinity of the drill site and the positions of major contrasts in wavespeed are largely the same. At the same time, we determine that shear wave speeds in the upper 2 km of the fault zone are significantly lower than previously estimated, and our estimate of the depth of the main part of the seismogenic zone decreases in places by ∼ 100 m. Tests using “virtual earthquakes” (borehole receiver gathers of picks for surface shots) indicate that our event locations near the borehole currently are accurate to about a few tens of meters horizontally and vertically.
Glycoconjugate Expression during Drosophila Embryogenesis

Glycoproteins and other glycoconjugates present on the surface of many cell types have been identified and assigned various functions. The extent of variation possible in complex glycan structures and the heterogeneity of glycoconjugate expression between two apparently similar cells has been demonstrated previously by using plant lectins to survey developmental biological models. To examine the array and extent of glycoconjugate roles in embryonic Drosophila neurogenesis, we have used plant lectins to characterize lectin receptor molecules present on the neuronal and non-neuronal cell surfaces during critical stages in axonogenesis and axon fascicle development. A collection of lectins representing a variety of hapten monocarbohydrate specificities uncovered a complex expression pattern in many glycan structures. D-Galactose-specific lectins, Bauhina purpura agglutinin (BPA) and Arachis hypogea agglutinin (peanut agglutinin, PNA), and a D-galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine-specific lectin, Glycine max agglutinin (soybean agglutinin, SBA), all recognized the surface of most cultured neurons and their axons. In the intact embryo, only the PNA and BPA receptors were found on neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, while SBA recognized cells of structures other than the nervous system. All three lectins recognize a high molecular weight glycoprotein when used to precipitate lectin receptor from culture homogenates. Results suggest the presence of lectin receptor glycoproteins at temporally and spatially important positions within the embryo and in culture. These glycoproteins may provide functions critical in establishing the final phenotypes of specific cells through either axon guidance/target acquisition or morphogenic adhesive events.
The Dialectics of Our America: Genealogy, Cultural Critique, and Literary History

Joining the current debates in American literary history, Jose David Saldivar offers a challenging new perspective on what constitutes not only the canon in American literature, but also the notion of America itself. His aim is the articulation of a fresh, transgeographical conception of American culture, one more responsive to the geographical ties and political crosscurrents of the hemisphere than to narrow national ideologies. Saldivar pursues this goal through an array of oppositional critical and creative practices. He analyzes a range of North American writers of color (Rolando Hinojosa, Gloria Anzaldua, Arturo Islas, Ntozake Shange, and others) and Latin American authors (Jose Marti, Roberto Fernandez Retamar, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and others), whose work forms a radical critique of the dominant culture, its politics, and its restrictive modes of expression. By doing so, Saldivar opens the traditional American canon to a dialog with other voices, not just the voices of national minorities, but those of regional cultures different from the prevalent anglocentric model. The Dialectics of Our America, in its project to expand the “canon” and define a pan-American literary tradition, will make a critical difference in ongoing attempts to reconceptualize American literary history.
Pediatric Coronal Suture Fiber Alignment and the Effect of Interdigitation on Coronal Suture Mechanical Properties

The morphological and mechanical properties of the pediatric skull are important in understanding pediatric head injury biomechanics. Although previous studies have analyzed the morphology of cranial sutures, none has done so in pediatric specimens nor have previous studies related the morphology to mechanical properties of human sutures. This study quantified the geometry of pediatric cranial sutures and investigated its correlation with the suture mechanical properties. First, the suture fiber alignment was quantified using histological analysis for four ages—neonate, 9 months-old, 11 months-old, and 18 months-old. For the morphometric investigation of the suture interdigitation, suture samples from a 6-year-old were scanned using micro-CT and the level of interdigitation was measured using two techniques. The first technique, the sinuosity index, was calculated by dividing the suture path along the surface of the skull by the suture distance from beginning to end. The second technique, the surface area interdigitation index, was calculated by measuring the surface area of the bone interface outlining the suture and dividing it by the cross-sectional area of the bone. The mechanical properties were obtained using methods reported in Davis et al.6. The results of the histological analysis showed a significant increase in fiber alignment in older specimen; where random fiber alignment has an average angle deviation of 45°, neonatal suture fibers have an average deviation of 32.2° and the 18-month-old fibers had an average deviation of 16.2° (p < 0.0001). For the suture index measurements, only the sinuosity was positively correlated with the ultimate strain (R 2 = 0.62, Bonferroni corrected p = 0.011) but no other measurements showed a significant relationship, including the amount of interdigitation and elastic modulus. Our results demonstrate that there is a distinct developmental progression of the suture fiber alignment at a young age, but the differences in suture interdigitation can only predict the ultimate strain and no other mechanical properties.
Interleukin-1 stimulates luteinizing hormone release during the midfollicular phase in the rhesus monkey: a novel way in which stress may influence the menstrual cycle.

We previously demonstrated an inhibitory effect of an inflammatory/immune-like stress challenge, as simulated by intracerebroventricular interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) administration, on LH secretion in the ovariectomized rhesus monkey. This was shown to be the result of activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis by the cytokine. In the present experiments, we have investigated LH and cortisol responses to IL-1 alpha administration in intact monkeys during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Eleven adult rhesus monkeys, bearing an intraventricular cannula for cytokine administration, were used. Cycle parameters were monitored in the preceding control cycles, during the experimental cycles, as well as in subsequent cycles by daily measurements of estradiol and progesterone concentrations and daily menstruation checks. The experiments were performed according to estradiol concentrations: estradiol, 5-38 pg/mL, group 1, early follicular; and estradiol, 50-64 pg/mL, group 2, midfollicular...
Spatial Distribution of Precipitation Seasonality in the United States.

Abstract A detailed, long term portrait of the seasonality of precipitation over the United States is developed using a 90 year climate division record. Selected decadal maps of seasonality are also presented, and their variability over time considered. Relationships between significant changes in precipitation or temperature and seasonality were sought, but not found. Model output from four global climate models (GCMs) are analyzed with respect to precipitation seasonality over the same area, both for present conditions, and for a doubled CO2 climate. Comparison of model output to present patterns suggests that in most cases the models are doing reasonably well in matching regional details of seasonality. For the future climate, there is some agreement among models suggesting a trend toward a spring, rather than summer precipitation maximum in the midcontinental areas of the United States.
An analysis of pediatric trauma deaths in Indiana.

From June 1986 to May 1988, there were 1,931 childhood deaths recorded in Indiana. Eight hundred six children (0 to 18 years old) died as a result of trauma (41.4% of all deaths). Seventy percent of all traumatic deaths occurred in boys. Blunt trauma accounted for 54% of deaths, asphyxia or drowning 26%, penetrating trauma 15%, electrocution 3%, and burns 1%. Sixty percent of deaths occurred in rural areas and 40% occurred in urban centers; however, state-wide demographics define the population as 70% urban. The percentage of deaths due to trauma within a given race was: hispanic 71%, caucasian 42%, black 35%, and others 50%. However, when deaths occurring in infants less than 30 days of age were eliminated, the percentages changed: hispanics 70%, caucasian 45%, black 45%, and others 50%. Traumatic deaths were 1.6 times as likely to occur during the months of June through October (n = 85 deaths/mo) as opposed to November through May (n = 53 deaths/mo) (P less than .05). Mortality from burns was limited to children less than 5 years of age and penetrating trauma mortality was twice as likely to occur in children over 15 years (10% v 20%). Fifty-two percent of all traumatic deaths in children occurred between 15 and 18 years of age. Major burns account for only 1% of traumatic deaths in this state. Asphyxia and drowning were more common in young children, and blunt traumatic deaths more common in older children. In 1988, the first state-wide accident awareness program was instituted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Deletion of the insulin receptor beta-subunit acidic domain results in enhanced metabolic signaling.

The contribution of the insulin receptor beta-subunit acidic domain, amino acids 1262-1291, to receptor function was analyzed. A mutant insulin receptor complementary DNA lacking this domain was created. Rat-1 fibroblasts were stably transfected with plasmids containing the mutant insulin receptor complementary DNA and clonal cell lines derived (hIR1262). Compared with cells overexpressing the wild type insulin receptor, metabolic signaling was enhanced in hIR1262 cells whereas the mitogenic response to insulin was unchanged. hIR1262 had normal kinase activity and insulin-stimulated receptor internalization in spite of substantially reduced autophosphorylation (70% decreased in vitro). Additionally, polylysine, a polycation postulated to interact with the insulin receptor beta-subunit acidic domain, increased autophosphorylation and facilitated insulin-induced phosphorylation of calmodulin in the wild type as well as the hIR1262 receptors. We conclude: 1) The acidic domain is not the site of interaction b...
Sexual selection and simultaneous hermaphroditism among the Unionidae (Bivalvia: Mollusca)

Simultaneous hermaphroditism is an infrequent mode of reproduction among bivalves of the family Unionidae: only five of the 220 North American species are simultaneous hermaphrodites. However, hermaphroditic individuals of otherwise predominantly dioecious species have been encountered in 30 of I01 species examined. These hermaphroditic individuals as well as simultaneous hermaphrodites can exhibit considerable variability in the ratio of spermatogenic: oogenic tissue within the gonad, and the purposes of this paper are to determine the underlying causes of both this variability and the occurrence of occasional hermaphroditic individuals among dioecious species. Results indicate that the ratio of male: female gonodal tissue of a simultaneous hermaphrodite is bimodally distributed, and several hypotheses to account for this observation are presented. It is proposed that populations occurring in different habitats and under conditions of different individual density are subject to fundamentally different sexual selection pressures acting on ratios of allocation to male and female gametes. Occasional hermaphroditism among otherwise predominantly dioecious species was in this study associated with infection of the gonads by digenean trematodes. A model of sexual determination among unionids presented in this paper proposes that sex is determined by genetically controlled hormone levels: occasional hermaphrodites result from alterations in these hormone levels caused by developmental errors and trematodal infections which mimic the results of such errors. Predictions of this model are consistent with observed levels of variability in male: females gonadal tissue among occasional hermaphrodites.
Families of intersecting finite vector spaces

Abstract The following theorem is proved. It is a generalization of the problem for finite vector spaces analogous to a theorem of Kleitman for finite sets. Let V be an n-dimensional vector space over a finite field F of q elements. Suppose we have two collections, one consisting of k- and the other of m-dimensional subspaces of V with the property that the intersection of each member of one with each member of the other has dimension no less than r. Then if n ⩾ k + m + 2 or n ⩾ k + m + 1 and q ⩾ 3, there are either no more than [ n−r k−r ] q members in the first family or fewer than [ n−r m−r ] q members in the second. The method used leads to a similar result for sets, provided that n ⩾ r + (r + 1)(k − r)(m − r + 1) with k ⩾ m.
Design, development and implementation of a surgical simulation pathway curriculum for biliary disease.

Background The initial focus of simulation in surgical education was to provide instruction in procedural tasks and technical skills. Recently, the importance of instruction in nontechnical areas, such as communication and teamwork, was realized. On rotation, the surgical resident requires proficiency in both technical and non-technical skills through the entire patient care pathway, i.e., pre-, intra- and postoperatively.