cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of messenger RNA concentration by differential cytoplasmic half-life. Adenovirus messenger RNAs from transcription units 1A and 1B.

Abstract The basis for the change in abundance of several specific viral messenger RNAs has been examined during the adenovirus 2 lytic cycle. The two independent transcription units, 1A and 1B, at the left end of the viral genome produce groups of 5′ and 3′ co-terminal mRNAs which vary in relative cytoplasmic concentration at different times after infection. The formation of nuclear polyadenylated, spliced molecules from these transcription units, however, does not appear to vary commensurate with the cytoplasmic mRNA changes. All forms of the 1A and 1B mRNAs could be found as nuclear polyadenylated molecules in similar relative amounts at all times. By measuring the rate of accumulation of labeled mRNA to maximal levels, it was determined that early during infection these mRNAs have short cytoplasmic half-lives, on the order of six to ten minutes. After DNA replication there is an approximately tenfold increase in the stability of the two early mRNAs from region 1A and the shorter mRNA from the 1B region, 1B 1040 . The longer mRNA from region 1B, 1B 2300 , does not have an increased cytoplasmic half-life. Because of the changing half-lives the relative steady-state abundance of the two 1B mRNAs is reversed late in infection. Increased stability is also suggested as the cause of the appearance of the 1A 500 mRNA late in infection. This mRNA is not detected at early times unless protein synthesis is inhibited with cycloheximide. These results point to the importance of the control of mRNA stability, requiring both continued RNA and protein synthesis, for the regulated expression of some genes in eukaryotes.
EPR and Mössbauer studies of nucleotide-bound nitrogenase iron protein from Azotobacter vinelandii.

Abstract We have recently shown (Lindahl, P. A., Day, E. P., Kent, T. A., Orme-Johnson, W. H., and Munck, E. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 11160-11173) that the [4Fe-4S]1+ cluster of the native Fe protein can exist in two forms characterized by different cluster spin: an S = 1/2 state exhibiting a g = 1.94 type EPR signal and an S = 3/2 state yielding signals at g approximately 5.8 and 5.1. We have now extended our study of the Fe protein to include the MgATP- and MgADP-bound forms. The [4Fe-4S]1+ cluster of the nucleotide-bound Fe protein exists in a similar S = 1/2, S = 3/2 spin mixture. The S = 3/2 cluster exhibits a broad EPR signal at g approximately 4.8. In spectra of the MgATP-bound protein, we have also observed a g = 4.3 signal from an S = 5/2 state (D = 1 - 3 cm-1, E/D approximately 0.32). Various experiments strongly suggest that this signal does not originate from adventitiously bound Fe3+. The g = 4.3 signal may arise from approximately 2% of the [4Fe-4S]1+ clusters when MgATP is protein-bound. We have also discovered substoichiometric amounts of what appears to be ADP in some nominally nucleotide-free Fe protein samples. MgATP binds to Fe protein in the presence of perturbing solvents, resulting in EPR spectra similar to those of MgATP-bound samples in aqueous solutions; MgADP binding, on the other hand, results in signals more typical of the solvent state. Spectra of samples frozen during turnover of the nitrogenase system exhibit a mixture of spin states. Characterization of the Fe protein EPR signature described here should aid future mechanistic and nucleotide-binding studies.
Teams, technology, processes, and organizations in collaborative software engineering

Software Engineering — that is, the creation and evolution of software systems — is in most cases inherently collaborative. As such, then, successful team formation is a critical foundation of collaborative software engineering. A variety of technology is needed to support teams and their interactions in collaborative efforts. Also critical are the appropriate collaborative processes. Last but not least, the structure of organizations can either help or hinder such collaborative efforts.
Understanding how femtosecond laser waveguide fabrication in glasses works

In order to understand the physical processes associated with fs-laser waveguide writing in glass, the effects of the laser repetition rate, the material composition and feature size were studied. The resulting material changes were observed by collecting Raman and fluorescence spectra with a confocal microscope. The guiding behavior of the waveguides was evaluated by measuring near field laser coupling profiles in combination with white light microscopy. Waveguides and Bragg gratings were fabricated in fused silica using pulse repetition rates from 1 kHz to 1 MHz and a wide range of scan speeds and pulse energies. Two types of fluorescence were detected in fused silica, depending on the fabrication conditions. Fluorescence from self trapped exciton (E{prime}{sub {delta}}) defects, centered at 550 nm, were dominant for conditions with low total doses, such as using a 1 kHz laser with a scan speed of 20 {micro}m/s and pulse energies less than 1 {micro}J. For higher doses a broad fluorescence band, centered at 650 nm, associated with non-bridging oxygen hole center (NBOHC) defects was observed. Far fewer NBOHC defects were formed with the 1 MHz laser than with the kHz lasers possibly due to annealing of the defects during writing. We also observed an increase in the intensity of the 605 cm{sup -1} Raman peak relative to the total Raman intensity, corresponding to an increase in the concentration of 3-membered rings for all writing conditions. The magnitude of this increase in waveguides fabricated with a 1 MHz laser was nearly twice that of waveguides fabricated with a 1 kHz laser. Additional waveguides were fabricated in soda lime silicate glasses to assess the effects of changing the glass composition. These waveguides formed around, not inside the exposed regions. This is distinctly different from fused silica in which the waveguides are inside the exposed regions. A comprehensive analysis of all the experimental results indicates that good waveguides are formed below the actual damage threshold of the glass. The rapid quenching model, which correlates the refractive index of the modified material to its cooling rate, explains the effect of composition on waveguide behavior.
Significance of Polysaccharides in Microbial Physiology and the Ecology of Hydrothermal Vent Environments

Hyperthermophilic microorganisms (those with maximum growth temperatures of 90°C and above) are known to inhabit deep-sea hydrothermal vent environments and are suspected of being present in the associated subsurface biosphere. One characteristic of the growth physiology of many heterotrophic hyperthermophiles is the capacity to use complex polysaccharides (e.g., α- and β-linked glucans as well as non-glucan hemicellulases) as carbon and energy sources. Polysaccharides may also play an important ecological role in the deep-sea subsurface biosphere as the structural elements of biofilms harboring both heterotrophic and chemolithotrophic microorganisms, representing a range of growth temperatures. Genome sequence analysis of several hyperthermophiles indicates that the enzymatic machinery to synthesize and hydrolyze polysaccharides is present in this group of microorganisms. This is supported by the biochemical characteristics of glycosidases from hyperthermophiles in addition to the observation that several hyperthermophiles form biofilms in pure and co-culture. It remains to be seen if biofilms form the basis for a subsurface biosphere but this possibility seems likely given the physiological characteristics of several hyperthermophiles and mesophiles, representative of microorganisms previously isolated from vent sites.
Social Networks and the Success of Market Intermediaries: Evidence From the U.S. Residential Real Estate Industry

Market intermediaries are usually thought of as bringing together buyers and sellers. However, intermediaries may also connect these principals with other professionals who can provide assistance with and support for the transaction. We address the question of which set of ties—to buyers and sellers or to other professionals—are more important to the success of market intermediaries, using data from the U.S. residential real estate industry. From a national survey of 525 real estate agents, we find that ties to other professionals are more important than ties to buyers and sellers as predictors of the market intermediary's income, counter to the general wisdom about real estate in particular and market intermediaries more generally. We suggest that the professional networks around market intermediaries may behave like “quasi-firms” helping buyers and sellers navigate complex market transactions.
Three-Dimensional Localization of DNA Synthesis in Secretory Elements of Adult Female Mouse Submandibular Gland:

A system based in part on three-dimensional structural relationships is described for precisely characterizing the location of cells within secretory complexes of the adult female mouse submandibular gland. The pattern of DNA synthesis during a 90-minute pulse with 3H-thymidine was characterized based upon the above system. Seventy-eight percent of all radiolabeled nuclei were found in the intercalated duct system. One-half of these were in second-order intercalated ducts. DNA synthesis was also observed in acinar cells, granular intercalated duct cells, striated granular duct cells, and granular duct cells. Some secretory complexes contained multiple radiolabeled nuclei, with some of these nuclei in a side-by-side configuration. Approximately one-half of all secretory complexes contained radiolabeled nuclei. A second survey of the frequency of complexes containing radiolabeled nuclei was conducted following four pulses at eight-hour intervals over a 26-hour period. Only about 30% of all complexes contain...
Simplified Determination of the Lipid Components of Blood Serum

A simplified scheme of analysis is presented for the determination of free and esterified cholesterol, the phospholipids, and the neutral fats (triglycerides) of blood serum. The hydroxamic acid reaction is used to determine total esterified fatty acids. The phospholipids are determined after acid digestion of a trichloroacetic acid precipitate of protein-phospholipid, and both total and free cholesterol are determined by a modified ferric ammonium sulfate reagent. Complete details of methods and calculations are described and discussed.
Fabrication of Micro Scale Arrays of Thermoelectric Sensors and Actuators for Cryobiological Applications

A device to measure and modulate individual cell temperatures in a tissue culture during cooling and freezing would enhance understanding of tissue freezing. Prefabrication experimentation and modeling were carried out to understand the behavior of the device. Modeling demonstrated that the thermocouples used in the system can be adequately isolated from each other to prevent interference in data collection. Experiments have shown that it is feasible to produce the thermocouples and thermoelectric heaters (TECs) required for fabrication of the device through electrodeposition.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Parental Involvement, Instructional Expenditures, Family Socioeconomic Attributes, and Student Achievement

The influence of parental involvement, socioeconomic status of parents, and instructional supplies expenditures on mathematics achievement scores of Grade 4 students in a low-income county in North Carolina were examined. An educational production function framework was used to analyze the influence of educational resources on mathematics achievement scores. Pearson product-moment correlation and ordinary least squares regression were used to determine the overall strength of each relation and the variables with the greatest impact on mathematics achievement. Results indicated that instructional supplies expenditures per pupil and parental volunteer hours were not statistically significant in explaining mathematics test scores. Furthermore, results showed that the percentage of students in free/reduced-price lunch programs was related negatively to students' academic performance in mathematics. This finding supports the notion that economic circumstances are correlated with academic achievement.
Differential ontogeny of α1-adrenergic and cholinergic receptor sites in the atria and ventricles of the inbred Dahl hypertension-sensitive (S/JR) and -resistant (R/JR) rat

Abstract The ontogeny of atrial and ventricular α1-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor sites was investigated in inbred Dahl hypertension-sensitive (S/JR) and -resistant (R/JR) rats between 5 and 150 days of age. The density of sites in both cardiac regions was generally greater in the neonate than mature rat. A marked proliferation of sites was observed in neonatal and young adult rats that occurred in the following order: ventricular cholinoceptors a ventricular adrenoceptors a atrial cholinoceptors a atrial adrenoceptors. The density of ventricular adrenoceptors was greater in the S/JR rat than the R/JR rat at 5 days of age. At 150 days of age, the density of sites was less in the S/JR rat than the age-matched R/JR rat or the normotensive 50-day-old S/JR rat. The development of atrial adrenoceptors was similar between the strains, regardless of the blood pressure. The density of ventricular cholinergic receptors was greater in the S/JR strain at 5 and 15 days of age. However, the density of atrial cholinergic sites was consistently greater in the S/JR strain throughout development. The results of this study suggest that: (1) significant prenatal receptor development occurs in the heart; (2) receptor development may precede the functional maturation of postganglionic autonomic efferents; and (3) distinguishing differences in the regional density of α1-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic binding sites are present between S/JR and R/JR rats at much earlier points in development than previously shown.
Pseudopapilledema in neurofibromatosis type 2.

PURPOSE: To report a case of neurofibromatosis type 2 with pseudopapilledema secondary to a prepapillary gliotic membrane. METHOD: Case report. Results of an ocular examination and fluorescein angiography of a patient are described. RESULTS: Fundus examination of a 14-year-old male with neurofibromatosis type 2 revealed an irregular elevation of the optic nerve and a perifoveal epiretinal membrane in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated no autofluorescence nor leakage in the area of the optic nerve. CONCLUSION: The patient has pseudopapilledema secondary to an epiretinal membrane overlying the optic disk of the right eye. The possibility of pseudopapilledema should be considered when evaluating patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 and abnormal optic nerves.
Recurrence and fixed points of surface homeomorphisms

We prove that if f is a homeomorphism of the annulus which is homotopic to the identity and has a compact invariant chain transitive set L , then either f has a fixed point or every point of L moves uniformly in one direction: clockwise or counterclockwise. If f is area-preserving, then the annulus itself is a chain transitive set, so, in the presence of a boundary twist condition, one obtains a fixed point. The same techniques apply to homeomorphisms of the torus T 2 . In this setting we show that if f is homotopic to the identity, preserves Lebesgue measure and has mean translation 0, then it has at least one fixed point.
Innovative Structural and Joining Concepts for Lightweight Design of a Scaled Model of a Heavy Vehicle System

The research work presented in this paper aims at investigating the benefits and practicality of implementing lightweight composite materials and design concepts in heavy trailer systems. The overall purpose is to devise innovative, lightweight design and joining concepts for heavy vehicle structures. A 1 to 4 scaled model representation of a trailer was built to assess the feasibility of creating a trailer from fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials and therefore using innovative bonding methods to join the design parts. This portion of work focused on using the process of designing and fabricating the model to have first hand knowledge and experience on possible bonding methods and the types of materials and structures that will optimize strength and weight saving characteristics. Current trailer configurations were studied and shown to have high weight sources in the flooring structure. The process of analyzing innovative bonding methods and the implementation of composite sandwich technology created an alternative lightweight structure to replace heavy flooring constituents of trailer hauls. Finite element modeling and experimental analysis reveal that sandwich technology with a core structure that adds flexural stiffness to the overall design and is aided by an FRP faceplate that geometrically matches the core structure provides solutions to decrease heavy vehicle system weight.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
RTEs: lazy T-cell teenagers.

In this issue of Blood , Opiela and colleagues analyze the phenotype and function of the lymphoid periphery's youngest T cells, RTEs. Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) are T cells that have just exited from the thymus, having completed an approximately 2-week journey that takes them from stem cell to
The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and scopolamine in Alzheimer's disease and normal volunteers

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), a neuromodulator and possibly a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, was shown in a prior study of young normal volunteers to attenuate the memory impairment induced by the anticholinergic drug scopolamine. In the present study, the cognitive, behavioral and physiologic effects of high dose TRH (0.5 mg/kg), both alone and following administration of scopolamine, were examined in 10 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients (mean age±SD=63.5 years) and 12 older normal volunteers (mean age=64.9±8.8 years). On the day AD subjects received TRH alone, modest but statistically significant improvement from baseline performance was documented on some tests of learning and memory, especially in those with mild dementia severity. In comparing cognitive test performance between the scopolamine alone and scopolamine+TRH conditions, only two test scores were significantly higher in the latter condition. In the group of older volunteers, TRH did not attenuate scopolamine-induced ...
Impact of providing vitamin A to the routine pulmonary care of extremely low birth weight infants.

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine if the continued use of vitamin A in a nursery utilizing early surfactant and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was warranted.Study design. A retrospective, cohort study of appropriately sized, preterm neonates weighing ≤1000 g at birth was conducted. Two time periods were compared: Pre-Vitamin A was composed of extremely low birth weight who were routinely cared for with early nasal CPAP (n = 76); and Post-Vitamin A (n = 102) consisted of ELBWs who were cared for similar to Pre-Vitamin A, but with the addition of vitamin A. Outcome variables included the incidence of BPD and other pulmonary and major neonatal morbidities.Results. Between Pre-Vitamin A and Post-Vitamin A the incidence of moderate to severe BPD decreased by 11%, from 33% to 22% (p = 0.2). No difference was found in the number of ventilator days or in the incidence of any other neonatal morbidity or mortality, including intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocoli...
Self-passivated copper gates for amorphous silicon thin film transistors

A solution to the thin film silicon transistor gate metallization problem in active matrix liquid crystal displays is demonstrated in the form of a self-passivation process for copper. Bottom-level copper (Cu) lines are passivated by a self-aligned chromium oxide encapsulation formed by surface segregation of chromium (Cr) from dilute Cu1-xCrx alloys at 400 degrees C. The encapsulation is an efficient barrier for Cu diffusion into the SiNx gate insulator during the plasma deposition and transistor processing, and solves the problems of oxidation and adhesion to the glass substrate without introducing additional mask steps into the manufacturing process. Gate line resistivities of 4.5 (mu) (Omega) cm are obtained. The performance of self-passivated Cu-gate thin film transistors is comparable to that of transistors with refractory metal gates.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Metacarpal head biomechanics: a comparative backscattered electron image analysis of trabecular bone mineral density in Pan troglodytes, Pongo pygmaeus, and Homo sapiens.

Abstract Great apes and humans use their hands in fundamentally different ways, but little is known about joint biomechanics and internal bone variation. This study examines the distribution of mineral density in the third metacarpal heads in three hominoid species that differ in their habitual joint postures and loading histories. We test the hypothesis that micro-architectural properties relating to bone mineral density reflect habitual joint use. The third metacarpal heads of Pan troglodytes , Pongo pygmaeus , and Homo sapiens were sectioned in a sagittal plane and imaged using backscattered electron microscopy (BSE-SEM). For each individual, 72 areas of subarticular cortical (subchondral) and trabecular bone were sampled from within 12 consecutive regions of the BSE-SEM images. In each area, gray levels (representing relative mineralization density) were quantified. Results show that chimpanzee, orangutan, and human metacarpal III heads have different gray level distributions. Weighted mean gray levels (WMGLs) in the chimpanzee showed a distinct pattern in which the ‘knuckle-walking’ regions (dorsal) and ‘climbing’ regions (palmar) are less mineralized, interpreted to reflect elevated remodeling rates, than the distal regions. Pongo pygmaeus exhibited the lowest WMGLs in the distal region, suggesting elevated remodeling rates in this region, which is loaded during hook grip hand postures associated with suspension and climbing. Differences among regions within metacarpal heads of the chimpanzee and orangutan specimens are significant (Kruskal–Wallis, p
Contents of an ERP course: concepts and hands-on

The assumption of this paper is that the decision has been made to offer a course in ERP (enterprise resource planning) to business students. One advisory council interviewed indicated that students should take an ERP course and that the content of the course should include both basic concepts and hands-on activities. The basic concepts should include the impacts on a company implementing an ERP system. Students should experience some hands-on activities that would expose them to cross-functional processes in ERP systems. This paper explores the contents of an ERP course that includes both basic concepts and hands-on activities.
Fluorescence and Raman Chemical Imaging of Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) Adhesion Promotion

Thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) are an important class of materials in the automotive industry. The surface properties of TPOs tend to prohibit adhesion of paints used to increase the longevity and en...
Faculty perceptions of job rewards and instructional development activities

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of faculty at a large urban university concerning: (a) personal and college rewards for various areas of job responsibilities, and (b) which programs and incentives to enhance teaching effectiveness would be most attractive to them. Faculty generally reported both teaching and scholarly activity to be personally rewarding, but perceived discrepancies between personal and college rewards for teaching, and between college rewards for teaching and scholarly activity. Although a wide range of instructional development programs and incentives was endorsed, the top rated options referred to institutional recognition of teaching excellence.
Na, K-ATPase expression and cell volume during hypertonic stress in human renal cells

Na,K-ATPase expression and cell volume during hypertonic stress in human renal cells. Primary cultures of human renal cortex cells were incubated in hypertonic medium and low K + medium to determine the effect on Na, K-ATPase α and β subunit expression, cell water, and intracellular ions. Cells exhibited functional characteristics of proximal tubules based on PTH stimulation of cAMP and the presence of Na + -dependent phosphate transport. When either NaCl or sucrose was added to increase medium osmolality to 500 mOsm/kg, β subunit mRNA increased relative to control between 2.4 and 3.2-fold by six hours, and was still near twofold higher after 24 hours, while α subunit mRNA increased to about 1.5 times control by six hours. In low K + medium, only β mRNA increased. Hypertonic incubation increased Na,K-ATPase activity by 39% to 66% after 24 hours. Cell water was 70% of control at one hour, but increased to 90% of control by 24 hours. Only about 40% of the volume regulatory increase depended on accumulation of Na + and K + . These results demonstrate that primary cultures of human proximal tubule cells can respond to hypertonic stress by induction of Na,K-ATPase.
Studies of the oxovanadium-organophosphonate system: Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of the mixed valence cluster [V5O9(PhPO3)3(PhPO3H)2]2− and a comparison to the structure of the fully oxidized parent cluster [V5O7(OCH3)2(PhPO3)5]1−

The room temperature reaction of (Bu4N)3V5O14 with PhPO3H2 in methanol yields the pentanuclear V(V) cluster (Bu4N)[V5O7(OCH3)2(PhPO3)5]·CH3OH (1·CH3OH). In contrast, the hydrothermal reaction of (Ph4P) [VO2Cl2], PhPO3H2 and (NH4)H2PO4 at 125°C for 96 hr yields the mixed valence V(IV)/V(V) species (Ph4P)2[V5O9(PhPO3)3(PhPO3H)2] (3). While the anions of both 1 and 3 exhibit a pentanuclear core, the structural consequences of 1-electron reduction of the fully oxidized cluster of 1 to produce 3 are quite dramatic, including reduction in coordination numbers at two vanadium sites and protonation of two phosphonate oxygen sites with concomitant structural reorganization. Crystal data: 1, monoclinic P21/n,a=12.167(2) A,b=23.348(5) A,c=22.508(5) A,β=98.49(2)°,V=6323.9(19) A3,Z=4,D calc=1.558 g cm−3; 3, triclinic, $$P\bar 1$$ ,a=13.478(3) A,b=14.399(3) A,c=23.638(5) A,α=72.53(2)°,β=85.58(2)°,γ=69.88(4)°,V=4107.0(16) A3,Z=2, Dcalc=1.479 g cm−3.
Growth support and metabolism of phytosterols inParamecium tetraurelia

The basis of the growth requirement ofParamecium for one of several structurally similar phytosterols is not known. Previous research has indicated that selective esterification of only growth-promoting sterols may be a key. In this study, it was found that under certain conditions sterols that fail to support growth (e.g., cholesterol) can be esterified in large amounts inParamecium. We found no compelling evidence to support the hypothesis that steryl esters serve a specialized role in the fatty acid metabolism of the cell. Octadecenoic acid, essential for cell growth, was the major fatty acid in both steryl esters and triglycerides. It was also shown thatP. tetraurelia can dehydrogenate Δ(0) and Δ(7), as well as Δ(5)-3β-hydroxy sterols, to yield the conjugated 5,7-diene derivative. These results indicate the presence of a Δ(5), in addition to a Δ(7), desaturase of the sterol nucleus in this ciliate. Two C24 α-ethyl sterols, Δ(22)-stigmasterol (Δ(22)) and stigmastanol (Δ(0)), were shown for the first time to promote growth. Finally, we found that non-growth-promoting sterols may compose a high percentage of the free sterols of the surface membrane without adversely affecting cell growth or viability. These data support the conclusion that the growth requirement for select phytosterols inParamecium does not involve the structural or functional role of "bulk" sterols in cell membranes.
Spectra and structure of organophosphorous compounds. XII:Infrared and Raman Spectra of (CH3)2PH and (CD3)2PH

The vibrational spectra of (CH3)2PH and (CD3)2PH have been studied and assignments made. In the infrared, the region between 4000 and 33 wavelength/cm was recorded for the gaseous and solid states, while Raman spectra from 3500 to 10 wavelength/cm in the gaseous, liquid and solid states were observed. There is some evidence of weak hydrogen bonding, based on the behavior of the phosphorus-hydrogen stretching and bending modes. There also appears to be considerable interaction between the methyl rocking and phosphorus-carbon stretching modes. The a double prime and a prime torsional modes appear to be accidentally degenerate at 182 and 142 wavelength/cm for the 'light' and 'heavy' compounds, respectively. This gives barriers of 2.14 and 2.30 kcal/mole, respectively.
Exercise echocardiography: Detection of coronary artery disease in patients with normal left ventricular wall motion at rest

Abstract Most studies investigating the ability of exercise two-dimensional echocardiography to identify patients with coronary artery disease have included patients with left ventricular wall motion abnormalities at rest. This has the effect of increasing sensitivity because patients with only abnormalities at rest are detected. To determine the diagnostic utility of exercise echocardiography in patients with normal wall motion at rest, 64 patients were studied with exercise echocardiography in conjunction with routine treadmill exercise testing before coronary cineangiography. All 24 patients who had no angiographie evidence of coronary artery disease had a negative exercise echocardiogram (100% specificity). Nine of 40 patients with coronary artery disease (defined a >- 50% narrowing of at least one major vessel) also had a negative exercise echocardiogram (78% sensitivity). Of the nine patients with a false negative exercise echocardiographic study, six had single vessel disease. Among 25 patients with single vessel disease, exercise echocardiography was significantly more sensitive (p = 0.01) than treadmill exercise testing alone (76 versus 36%, respectively). Among 15 patients with multivessel disease, the two tests demonstrated similar sensitivity (80%). In conclusion, exercise echocardiography is highly specific and moderately sensitive for the detection of coronary artery disease in patients with normal wall motion at rest. Although exercise echocardiography is significantly more sensitive than treadmill exercise electrocardiographic testing alone in patients with single vessel disease, the two tests are similar in their ability to detect coronary artery discase in patients with multivessel disease and normal wall motion at rest.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the dog and cat: comparison of two methods and influence of packed cell volume, temperature and storage of blood.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rates of canine and feline blood were measured by the Wintrobe method and by a capillary method utilizing 75 times 1 mm microhaematocrit tubes. Results obtained with each method were generally similar for both species. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) with the Wintrobe method as well as with the capillary method was inversely related to the packed cell volume (PCV), i. e., the lower the PCV, the higher the ESR. However, there was no consistent relationship between the ESR values obtained by the two methods at all levels of PCV. Wintrobe ESR values were slightly higher than capillary tube values for canine blood having a PCV of 36-60% and for ‘reconstituted’ canine and feline bloods having a high PCV. In contrast, capillary tube ESR values were slightly higher than Wintrobe values for ‘reconstituted’ canine blood having a PCV of 8-38 % and for feline blood with a PCV below 30%. It was, therefore, concluded that ESR values obtained by the two methods cannot be considered equivalent. Only a slight decrease occurred in the ESR of blood held at 4°C for 2-6 hours, whereas the ESR of blood held at room temperature dropped markedly and blood stored for 24 hours at either temperature consistently gave lower values. Therefore, it is recommended that if the ESR cannot be determined soon after sampling, the blood should be stored at 4°C and the test conducted within 6 hours.
Experiments on the practical I/O efficiency of geometric algorithms: distribution sweep versus plane sweep

We present an extensive experimental study comparing the performance of four algorithms for the orthogonal segment intersection problem. The algorithms under evaluation are distribution sweep, which has optimal I/O cost, and three variations of plane sweep, which is optimal in terms of internal computation. We generate the test data by using a random number generator while producing some interesting properties that are predicted by our theoretical analysis. The sizes of the test data range from 250 thousand segments to 2.5 million segments. The experiments provide detailed quantitative evaluation of the performance of the four algorithms. This is the first experimental work comparing the practical performance between external-memory algorithms and conventional algorithms with large-scale test data.
Calcitonin Provides Complete Protection Against Cancellous Bone Loss in the Femoral Neck of Ovariectomized Rats

Calcitonin (CT) has been found to partially prevent cancellous bone loss in the proximal tibia of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The current study was designed to determine whether CT has similar bone protective effects in the femoral neck, a skeletal site with a slower rate of bone loss after ovariectomy than the proximal tibia. Female Sprague Dawley rats were sham-operated or ovariectomized at 3 months of age. Groups of OVX rats were injected s.c. with vehicle or CT at a dose of 16 U/kg body weight on alternate days for 30, 60, or 90 days. Sham-operated control rats were treated with vehicle alone on alternate days. The proximal femur from each rat was processed undecalcified for quantitative bone histomorphometry. Cancellous bone volume in the femoral neck of vehicle-treated OVX rats was significantly less than that of vehicle-treated control rats at all time points. This cancellous osteopenia induced by ovariectomy was associated with increased indices of bone turnover such as osteoclast surface, osteoblast surface, and bone formation rate (tissue level, total surface referent). In contrast, cancellous bone volume in the femoral neck of CT-treated OVX rats was nearly identical of that of vehicle-treated control rats throughout the study. In addition, CT treatment of OVX rats decreased all indices of bone turnover to near the level of vehicle-treated control rats. The results indicate that CT treatment depresses bone turnover and provides complete protection against moderate cancellous osteopenia in the femoral neck of OVX rats. Since previous studies have shown that CT only partially protects against more pronounced cancellous bone loss in the proximal tibia of OVX rats, our findings suggest that CT has a greater bone protective effect at a skeletal site with a slower rate of cancellous bone loss (femoral neck) than at a skeletal site with a rapid rate of cancellous bone loss (proximal tibia).
Residue Complex for Regular Algebras of Dimension 2

Abstract We give a construction of a residue complex (a minimal injective resolution) for regular algebras of dimension 2, which are twisted homogeneous coordinate rings of the projective line. Residue complexes for general twisted coordinate rings have been previously constructed by geometric methods. Our method is algebraic based on (non-commutative) localizations of the algebra at orbits of points of the projective line. Along the way we establish a unique factorization in twisted coordinate rings and a partial fraction decomposition result, which we use in our construction.
Multi-perspective models for process hazards analysis of large scale chemical processes

Abstract Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) is an important component of process safety management. It is a labor- and knowledge-intensive process which would gain from automation. Previous work in this area have concentrated on hazard identification, which is just one step during PHA. In this paper, we propose an integrated framework and a knowledge-based system, called PHAzer , which takes a more comprehensive approach to the entire PHA process. While qualitative models are sufficient for hazard identification, a wide range of modeling capabilities from qualitative cause-and-effect models to more precise quantitative mathematical models are required for automating all the steps during PHA. PHAzer uses qualitative digraph based models of units and operations to identify hazards, dynamic mathematical models to perform detailed safety evaluation, and digraph and fault tree models to synthesize and analyze fault trees. The salient features of PHAzer are presented and illustrated using an olefin dimerization plant case study.
On the dual characteristics of closed-end country funds

Abstract In a mildly segmented world market, closed-end country fund (CECF) returns and premiums (or discounts) would be determined by factors due mainly to market segmentation and investor sentiment. The role of these two types of factors has been debated. We reexamine this issue by examining the relative importance of US market returns and foreign market returns in determining CECF returns. By employing time-series empirical methods, we find that CECF returns are more heavily influenced by their local (foreign) market returns than by US market returns, which implies that there remains a substantial diversification benefit from investing in CECFs.
Dysfunctional reward processing in depression

Anhedonia - diminished pleasure and/or decreased reactivity to pleasurable stimuli - is a core feature of depression that frequently persists after treatment. As a result, extensive effort has been directed towards characterizing the psychological and biological processes that mediate dysfunctional reward processing in depression. Reward processing can be parsed into sub-components that include motivation, reinforcement learning, and hedonic capacity, which, according to preclinical and neuroimaging evidence, involve partially dissociable brain systems. In line with this, recent findings indicate that behavioral impairments and neural abnormalities in depression vary across distinct reward-related constructs. Ultimately, improved understanding of precise reward-related dysfunctions in depression promises to improve diagnostic and therapeutic efforts in depression.
Hormonal determinants of sex differences in saccharin preference, food intake and body weight

Abstract Saccharin preferences (S.P.) are greater among female than male adult rats. This sex difference is mainly attributable to stimulatory effects of ovarian hormones in the female; ovariectomized rats have much lower S.P. than intact females, but S.P. of castrated males are only slightly greater than those of intact males. Thus testicular secretions exert at most a weak suppressive effect on S.P. Neither estradiol benzoate (EB) nor progesterone (P) acting alone is sufficient to elevate S.P. of spayed females; however, daily injection of a combination of both hormones increases preference for the sweet solution. The same EB-P treatments are ineffective in altering S.P. of castrated males. There is a sex difference in responsiveness of the substrate mediating S.P. to the activational actions of gonadal hormones. Hormonal influences on and sex differences in food and fluid intake and body weight are described and discussed.
Free-energy transfer in plants.

Free-energy transfer was used to study water transport through the soil-plant system. Resistances to free-energy transfer are proportional to resistances to water transfer. Under certain conditions, the proportionality factor is 1. For a sunflower plant in moist soil, plant resistance to free-energy transfer was 30 times the soil resistance, and root-stem-leaf resistances were in a ratio of about 2 : 1 : 1, respectively. However, root and sidered for a unit pathlength.
Genetic accommodation and behavioural evolution: insights from genomic studies

Many behaviours vary in response to the environment (biotic or abiotic) and therefore represent an interesting form of phenotypic plasticity. Behavioural plasticity, like other plastic traits, can evolve through genetic assimilation or accommodation. However, little is known about the nature of changes in gene expression plasticity that accompanies these evolutionary changes in phenotypic plasticity. We know that variation in gene expression level, a first-order phenotype, underlies much behavioural variation. Several studies have begun to document which genes show expression-level variation related to plastic changes in behaviour as well as evolved changes in behaviour. Advances in sequencing technology allow us to address these questions on a genomic scale. By characterizing changes in gene expression according to the concept of a norm of reaction one can describe the evolved patterns of gene expression that accompany the evolution of behavioural plasticity. Here, we describe how genomic approaches can help us understand changes in gene expression that accompany or underlie the evolution of behavioural plasticity. To do this, we provide a framework of classification for the evolved patterns of gene expression plasticity that could underlie genetic assimilation or accommodation of behaviour. We provide examples of genetic assimilation from the animal behaviour and animal physiology literature that have been, or can be, studied at a genomic level. We then describe the characteristics of an appropriate study system and briefly address experimental design using the available genomic tools in a comparative context. Studying the patterns of gene expression associated with genetic assimilation will elucidate processes by which behavioural plasticity has evolved.
Effects of Abusive Spectators' Behavior on Performance of Home and Visiting Intercollegiate Basketball Teams:

This study determined the effects of anti-social spectators' behavior on the performance of home and visiting college varsity basketball teams. Spectators' behavior was observed during 12 intercollegiate basketball games and specific categories of abusive, anti-social behavior were identified. The number of violations assessed by both teams was monitored and the nature and moment of each occurrence was noted along with a description of the specific type of behavior. Five-min. intervals of running time were noted, beginning immediately with the onset of aggression from the audience. During periods of normal crowd behavior the home team had significantly fewer violations than the visitors. During intervals of anti-social behavior from the audience the home team incurred significantly more violations than the visiting team and significantly more violations than during periods of normal behavior by the audience. There was no significant change in the number of violations by the visiting team during either typ...
Molecular dynamics with a variable number of molecules

A computational demonstration of a form of constant-chemical-potential molecular dynamics shows the feasibility of the proposed method. The technique is based on using a Lagrangian for a system that includes extension variables to couple the number of particles with the chemical potential and auxiliary variables allowing for the insertion of new particles and the destruction of existing ones. Density dependence, equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties are considered.
Scatter-matrix approach to quantum transport.

In this paper, we model the transport of electrons in a two-dimensional resistor as regions of free propagation with occasional elastic scattering by a random array of scatterers. The overall transmission probability is calculated by cascading the scatter matrices of individual scatterers. Numerical results are presented showing conductance fluctuations in both the weak- and stronglocalization regimes. We also discuss the effect of elastic scattering on the electrostatic Aharonov-Bohm effect.
Identification and analysis of the major yolk polypeptide from the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (loew)

A single major yolk polypeptide (YP) having a molecular mass of approximately 48,000 daltons (Da), was identified in the ovaries and oviposited eggs of the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa. The polypeptide was partially purified from oviposited eggs using gel permeation and ion-exchange chromatography. Analysis of YP synthesis in vivo and in tissues cultured in vitro indicated that the ovary was the major site of synthesis with very low levels of YP derived from the adult fat body. Using a monospecific polyclonal antiserum to 48 kDa YP in an immunoblot assay, low levels of vitellogenin were found in female hemolymph; slightly lower levels of an immunoreactive 48-kDa polypeptide were detectable in male hemolymph. Although YP synthesis was detectable within 12 h after eclosion, the major increase in YP accumulation occurred at 3–4 days posteclosion coincident with the initiation of observable yolk deposition. The physical characteristics of YP from A. suspensa were similar to YPs from other dipterans in terms of molecular mass and antigenicity, yet the tissue- and sex-specific regulation of the YP differed from other dipterans as well as most other insects.
STABILIZING ALETHIC PLURALISM

Alethic pluralism is the view that the nature of truth is not uniform across domains. There are several ways of being true (T1 ... Tn). A simple argument, the ‘instability challenge’, purports to show that this view is inherently unstable. One can simply say that something is uniformly true if and only if it is T1 or ... or Tn. Being uniformly true is a single truth property that applies across the board, and so the nature of truth is uniform across domains, contra pluralism. I defend pluralism against the instability challenge. I show that the challenge bifurcates: one challenge is formulated in terms of predicates, and the other is formulated in terms of properties. The pluralist has the resources to defuse both of these. The sparse/abundant property distinction and considerations of explanatory asymmetry play a crucial role in my argument.
Facile formation of Pt and PtPd nanoparticles on reactive carbon–TiO2 nanosheet substrates

A novel nanosheet carbon-TiO(2) support is used as a highly reactive substrate for the facile formation of well-dispersed 3-5 nm Pt and PdPt nanoparticles. The synthetic strategy does not require the use of ligands, strong reducing agent or heat.
Evidence for "Unseen" Transposase-DNA Contacts

In this study, evidence of novel, important interactions between a hyperactive Tn5 transposon recognition end sequence and hyperactive Tn5 transposase (Tnp) are presented. A hyperactive Tn5 end sequence, the mosaic end (ME), was isolated previously. The ME and a wild-type end sequence, the outside end (OE), differ at only three positions, yet transposition on the ME is tenfold higher than on the OE in vivo. Also, transposition on the ME is much more efficient than transposition on the OE in vitro. Here, we show that the decreased activity observed for the OE is caused by a defect in paired ends complex (PEC) formation resulting from the orientation of the A-T base-pair at position 4 of this end. Efficient PEC formation requires an interaction between the C5-methyl group (C5-Me) on the non-transferred strand thymine base at position 4 (T4) and Tnp. PEC formation on nicked substrates is much less affected by the orientation of the A-T base-pair at position 4, indicating that the C5-Me group is important only for steps preceding nicking. A recently determined co-crystal structure of Tn5 Tnp with the ME is discussed and a model explaining possible roles for the base-pair at position 4 is explored.
Generalization of group velocity and group acceleration

Group velocity is typically defined as the derivative of the dispersion relation. However, we show that definition is not appropriate in general and is only applicable to wave equations with constant coefficients. We generalize the concept of group velocity and also show that in general one also has group acceleration. Explicit expressions are derived and examples are given.