cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the sonority levels of fricatives and stops

Across languages, stop-sonorant onsets are preferred to fricative-sonorant ones (e.g., pna ≻ fna), suggesting that stop-initial onsets are better formed. Here, we ask whether this preference is active in the linguistic competence of English speakers. To address this question, we compare stop- and fricative-nasal onsets (e.g., pnik vs. fnik) to matched obstruent-obstruent controls (e.g., ptik vs. fsik, respectively). Past research has shown that (a) stop-stop onsets (e.g., ptik) are dispreferred to stop-nasal onsets (e.g., pnik); and (b) dispreferred onsets tend to be misidentified (e.g., ptik → pәtik). We thus reasoned that, if fricative-nasal onsets (e.g., fnik) are worse formed relative to stop-nasal ones (e.g., pnik), then fnik-type onsets should be more vulnerable to misidentification, hence, their advantage over obstruent-obstruent controls (e.g., fsik) should be attenuated. Consequently, when compared to the obstruent-obstruent baseline (e.g., ptik, fsik), misidentification should be less prevalent in stop-nasal onsets (e.g., pnik) compared to fricative-nasal ones (e.g., fnik). The results of three experiments are consistent with this prediction. Our findings suggest that English speakers possess linguistic preferences that mirror the distribution of onset clusters across languages.
Radical-induced oxidative transformation of quinoline

The primary events of the oxidative transformation of quinoline, an environmental pollutant, by different radicals have been investigated using pulse radiolysis. The hydroxyl radical reacts by adding to both pyridine and benzene rings of quinoline to form the OH-adducts. On the other hand, SO4•- oxidizes the quinoline to its radical cation, which further undergoes hydrolysis to yield the OH-adducts. The possibility of the quinoline radical cation to undergo hydrolysis has been independently verified by generating the radical cation under laser induced photoionization conditions. The quinoline radical cation produced in acetonitrile shows high reactivity toward water. The rate for •OH reaction is greater (k = 1.0 × 1010 M-1 s-1) than that found for SO4•- reaction (k = 3.5 × 109 M-1 s-1). With oxidation potential at 1.87 V vs NHE, quinoline is nonreactive toward •N3 radicals and less reactive toward •O- radicals (k = 3.2 × 108 M-1 s-1). The mechanistic understanding of the primary oxidation pathway of quino...
Heat Transfer Characteristics of a Continuous, Stretching Surface With Variable Temperature

Resolution du transfert de chaleur provenant d'une surface en cours d'allongement critique lineaire, avec champ de temperature, en loi de puissance, en termes de fonctions de Kummer. Solutions integrales pour des conditions specifiques
Isotope ratio precision with transient sample introduction using ICP orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry

An assessment of inductively coupled plasma orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-oa-TOF-MS) for measurement of isotope ratios arising from steady-state and transient signal detection is presented. An HPLC pump and autosampler were used to introduce microliter volumes of analyte solution into a carrier flow to generate precise and repeatable transient signals having a FWHM of approximately 1 s. Analog and pseudo pulse data processing modes were evaluated and found to obey Poisson statistics for prediction of isotope ratio performance. Use of pseudo pulse counting is restricted by the limited linear range of response and cannot exceed approximately 0.2 counts per pushout. This limitation does not impede analog detection, which thus permits precise isotope ratio measurements to be achieved at higher analyte concentrations using shorter integration times. For transient signals, area measurements are superior to averaging point-to-point measurements across the peak for optimum ratio precision. Although the TOF system provides for simultaneous sampling of the extracted pulse, thereby permitting elimination of correlated noise through ratioing techniques, detection remains sequential and noise components present in the detection system limit isotope ratio precision in this study to 0.04% RSD.
Development and validation of PSPSQ 2.0 measuring patient satisfaction with pharmacist services.

Abstract Background The extant literature reveals a lack of psychometrically validated tools measuring patient satisfaction with pharmacist clinical services. The Patient Satisfaction with Pharmacist Services Questionnaire (PSPSQ 2.0) was developed to address this need using a mixed methods approach. Objective To assess the psychometric properties of the PSPSQ 2.0, an instrument developed to measure patient satisfaction with clinical services provided by pharmacists. Methods Validation studies were conducted in two Veterans Affairs (VA)-based and two community-based (diabetes and psychiatric care) disease management/medication therapy management clinics. The PSPSQ 2.0 consisted of 22-items related to three domains identified as quality of care, patient-pharmacist relationship and overall satisfaction using a 4-point, Likert-type scale. It was administered to participants following their session with a pharmacist at the clinics. Collected data were analyzed for descriptive statistics, internal consistency, and validity using exploratory factor analysis. Results A total of 149 patients completed the survey. Patients from VA clinics were on average 61 years old, mostly white (63%), and predominantly male (95%). Patients from non-VA clinics were on average 47 years old, mostly White (47%) and male (53%). Non-VA patients mostly had Medicaid (42%) and commercial health insurance (31%), whereas VA patients retained benefits with the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Reliability of the scale using internal consistency metrics revealed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.98, 0.98 and 0.95 for VA, diabetes, and psychiatric care clinics, respectively, whereas the Cronbach's alpha for the pooled sample was 0.96. Factor analyses resulted in a three-factor solution accounting for 91% and 69% variance for diabetes and psychiatric care clinics, respectively; however, VA clinics and pooled sample yielded only 2-factor solution with 80% and 66% variance, respectively, with more items loading on patient-pharmacist relationship domain. Conclusions The results suggest that the PSPSQ 2.0 can serve as a reliable and valid tool for measuring patient satisfaction with pharmacists providing clinical services in VA- and non-VA settings upon further validation.
RFLPRetriever: A Content-Based Retrieval System for Biological Image Databases

The reliance of life science researchers on computer systems has increased dramatically with the progress of the various genome projects. Currently, the demand exists for a biological image database system for the storage and retrieval of RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) images. To fulfill this need, we have developed a content-based image retrieval (CBIR) system - RFLPRetriever - for the biological research community. Implementing a CBIR system for storage and retrieval of RFLP images provides several advantages. For example, when a biologist clones a gene, he or she must discover whether the gene has previously been cloned. To do this, the researcher needs to look through thousands of images in search of an RFLP image that contains a similar set of biologically meaningful features as a related image created in the lab. One advantage of using a CBIR system is that by taking the extracted feature vectors, an efficient database indexing structure can be created, providing the system with a rapid retrieval rate. In addition, a CBIR system allows the user to search an image database by submitting a query image in which the user wants to find a matching RFLP image based on a combination of biologically relevant attributes contained in the query image.
A New Technique for Hydrate Thermal Diffusivity Measurements

Thermal property measurements of natural gas hydrates in various sediment mixtures are necessary to describe heat transfer to surroundings during well boring and gas production. An apparatus for measuring thermal diffusivity in various mixtures of hydrates with sediment has been constructed. The apparatus uses a new method for determining thermal diffusivity that has advantages over the von Herzen and Maxwell probe method. The new experiment is simple and inexpensive to construct and appears to be much more accurate than the ±30% reported for an earlier probe. The thermal diffusivity of ice has been measured to determine the uncertainty of the technique, i.e., within ±6% with a 95% confidence level. The thermal diffusivity for pure methane hydrate at various temperatures is reported.
Intramolecular carbon isotopic distribution in biologically produced acetoin.

The concentrations of carbon-13 in the individual carbon atoms of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (acetoin) from apple cider vinegar decrease with decreasing oxidation level in the sequence . Because the distributions of isotopes within biological compounds are controlled by kinetic and equilibrium effects, intramolecular isotopic analyses may provide a means of defining the equilibria between metabolic pathways and of recognizing the molecular remnants of pre-existent organisms in geological samples.
Dimethyl sulfoxide enhancement of transformation by polyoma virus

Abstract When small amounts of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are added to cultures of polyoma virus-infected BHK21 cells in fluid medium up to 5 days after infection, significant enhancement of viral transformation is observed. The numbers of both “pure” ( P ) and “mixed” ( M ) transformed colonies that arise are increased. The observed enhancement does not depend on differential selective pressures, on increased viral adsorption, penetration, or on carcinogenicity for cells of DMSO itself. Similar enhancement of transformation was not observed in agar medium. The findings reported suggest that DMSO acts by increasing the likelihood that “physiologically unstable” infected cells will undergo delayed transformation giving rise to either P or M colonies and that the conditions of the agar assay may inhibit the division of “nascent” transformed cells.
Correlation of Impact Force and Left Ventricular Pressure for Chest Impacts in an Animal Model for Evaluation of Commotio Cordis Protection

Commotio cordis (CC) is defined as sudden cardiac death from a chest impact without any observable physical damage. This phenomenon is most prevalent in the youth population, especially during sporting events. Over 85% of those affected do not survive [1].Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Behavioral effects of pubertal anabolic androgenic steroid exposure in male rats with low serotonin

The goal of this study was to assess the interactive effects of chronic anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) exposure and brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) depletion on behavior of pubertal male rats. Serotonin was depleted beginning on postnatal day 26 with parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA 100 mg/kg, every other day); controls received saline. At puberty (P40), half the PCPA-treated rats and half the saline-treated rats began treatment with testosterone (T, 5 mg/kg, 5 days/week). Behavioral measures included locomotion, irritability, copulation, partner preference, and aggression. Animals were tested for aggression in their home cage, both with and without physical provocation (mild tail pinch). Brain levels of 5-HT and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), were determined using HPLC. PCPA significantly and substantially depleted 5-HT and 5-HIAA in all brain regions examined. Chronic T treatment significantly decreased 5-HT and 5-HIAA in certain brain areas, but to a much lesser extent than PCPA. Chronic exposure to PCPA alone significantly decreased locomotor activity and increased irritability but had no effect on sexual behavior, partner preference, or aggression. T alone had no effect on locomotion, irritability, or sexual behavior but increased partner preference and aggression. The most striking effect of combining T + PCPA was a significant increase in attack frequency as well as a significant decrease in the latency to attack, particularly following physical provocation. Based on these data, it can be speculated that pubertal AAS users with low central 5-HT may be especially prone to exhibit aggressive behavior.
Gender differences in symptoms of comorbidity in toddlers with ASD using the BISCUIT-Part 2.

Objective: Examine if gender differences exist with respect to comorbid symptoms in young children with Autistic Disorder (AD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and atypical controls.Design: A factorial MANOVA was conducted for the main analysis and follow-up post-hocs were conducted where significant differences were found.Methods: The Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtIsm Traits, Part 2 was administered to caregivers of 438 young children.Results: The MANOVA was significant, F(10, 858) = 19.38, p < 0.001, Pillai's Trace = 0.37. No gender differences were found; however, diagnostic groups differed significantly on symptoms with AD exhibiting more symptoms than PDD-NOS, followed by atypical controls. No interaction between gender and diagnosis was found.Conclusions: Those with AD exhibited greater comorbid symptoms which is consistent with previous research. Current finding also support previous literature which state that gender differences are evident only dur...
Repeated intraportal hepatocyte transplantation in analbuminemic rats.

Abstract The optimal site for implantation of isolated hepatocytes has not been established. We have developed a novel technique which allows repeated infusion of hepatocytes into the portal system via an indwelling catheter. Seven Nagase Analbuminemic rats (NAR) underwent single intraportal infusion of 2 × 10 7 isolated normal albumin-producing rat hepatocytes. Another seven NAR rats underwent placement of indwelling catheters into the portal venous system via the gastroduodenal vein. Each of them received six batches of 5 × 10 6 normal albumin producing hepatocytes. Seven control NAR rats were infused repeatedly (intraportally) with saline only. Plasma albumin (ELISA) showed significant increase in experimental animals and was more pronounced ( p
Comparison of information on death certificates and matching 1960 census records: age, marital status, race, nativity and country of origin.

A sample of death certificates matched with 1960 Census records permitted comparison of response data for items asked on both records. Estimates of bias in death rates which are based on information from the two records are derived from the comparison data. Most of the comparisons yielded small discrepancies of inconsequential effect on the mortality rates. Some large inconsistencies, however, of potentially serious impact on the death rates were observed. The comparisons are examined and the implications of the results for the relevant mortality rates are discussed. In addition, age-specific death rates “corrected” for the disparities found in the age information on the two records are presented.
Amino acid and lipid composition of refringent granules from the ameboid sperm of Ascaris suum (Nematoda).

Transformation of the spermatozoon of Ascaris suum from a spheroidal to an ameboid cell is associated with the formation of a motile pseudopodium and coalescence of the intracellular refringent granules. The pseudopodia of the ameboid spermatozoa contain filaments organized into dense patches, bundles, web-like or lace-like networks, as observed by electron microscopy. The morphology and chemistry of the refringent granules were investigated in subcellular fractions enriched for these structures. Isolated refringent granules were heterogeneous in size measuring from 0.5×0.6 to 2.3×3.5 μm. Each granule is surrounded by a 110 A thick layer. During fusion, the surfaces of the refringent granules form small extensions resembling micropodia. The process of fusion occurs at many sites on a given granule and simultanenous fusion of several granules was commonly observed. Amino acid analyses of the refringent granule proteins (RGP's) indicated: they are rich in aspartic acid or asparagine (48%), leucine (10%), serine (19%) and aromatic amino acids (11%). Gas-liquid chromatographic analyses of alditol acetate derivatives of monosaccharides released by mild acid hydrolysis showed the predominant sugars to be glucose (7.3 μg/mg protein), galactose (9.2 μg/mg) and N-acetylglucosamine (5.5 μg/mg). Lipid analyses indicated a complex mixture of glycerides, ascarosides and waxes, together with a major component that resembled free fatty acid in mobility on TLC.
Progressive changes in fatty acid metabolism in rat liver and muscle during exercise.

Abstract This study was undertaken to determine the effects of increasing exercise time until exhaustion on the capacity of liver to synthesize and oxidize fatty acids, as well as the capacity of muscle to oxidize fatty acids. Additionally, the same parameters were examined during various periods of recovery after exhaustion. These studies were prompted by the scarcity of information relating the effects of exercise on the metabolism of fatty acids in liver, and by our findings and those of others where exhaustive exercise was reported to cause a decrease in the capacity of muscle to oxidize fatty acids. The latter led to the hypothesis that the reported decrease in fatty acid oxidation may be a factor in fatigue. Thus the purpose of the present studies was threefold. The first was to determine changes in fatty acid metabolism in liver during exercise and recovery; the second was to test the above hypothesis by following time-course changes of fatty acid oxidation by muscle; and the third was to determine whether or not the effects of exhaustion are reversible. The results obtained showed that fatty acid synthesis in liver decreased with increasing time but returned to normal levels by approximately 12 hr of rest after exhaustion. Oxidation of fatty acids by liver remained unchanged during the first hour of exercise but steadily increased afterwards until it reached a maximum at exhaustion. Oxidation returned to control level after 12 hr of rest and remained so during the subsequent recovery period. Fatty acid oxidation by muscle was maximally depressed after 1 hr of exercise, yet the animals continued to run, thus ruling out the possibility that the decreased oxidation of fatty acids with exhaustion is a factor in fatigue. Finally, recovery studies showed that the biochemical processes that were examined returned to control levels within 12–24 hr after exercise demonstrating that these effects are not permanent.
The influence of dissolved organic carbon, suspended particulates, and hydrology on the concentration, partitioning and variability of trace metals in two contrasting Wisconsin watersheds (U.S.A.)

Factors controlling the levels and forms of trace metals in streams, and transport from watersheds into streams, are poorly understood. We determined levels of filtrable ( Zn > Cd > Cu, whereas relationships to DOC indicated essentially the reverse order for metal binding to DOC. SPM was a good predictor of particulate metal levels, especially in the Milwaukee River (> 94% of variance in particulate Cd, Pb, and Zn was accounted for, vs. 44–69% in Wolf River). While DOC was able to account for a significant portion of the variation in certain filtrable metal levels (r2 = 0.52–0.65), other metals showed poorer correlations, probably due to variability in the composition of DOC and SPM and to variability in the forms of metal (aqueous complexes, colloid-bound) in the filtrable fraction.
Thallium‐201 scintigraphy for the evaluation of tumor response to preoperative chemotherapy in patients with osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND The degree of tumor necrosis after preoperative intravenous chemotherapy is likely to be an indicator of prognosis for patients with primary osteosarcoma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of thallium-201 (Tl-201) scintigraphy in assessing response to chemotherapy in patients with osteosarcoma and to correlate the findings with the degree of tumor necrosis assessed histologically. METHODS Twenty-four patients with biopsy-proven osteosarcoma underwent Tl-201 imaging before and immediately after preoperative intravenous chemotherapy. The maximum pixel counts taken over the tumor divided by those taken of a background region yielded a tumor-to-background ratio. The percentage of change in the tumor-to-background ratio before and after chemotherapy, defined as the alteration ratio, was correlated with the percentage of tumor necrosis. The percentages of tumor necrosis were classified into 4 grades: Grade 1, <50%; Grade 2, 50-89%; Grade 3, 90- 99%; Grade 4, 100%. RESULTS Three patients with Grade 1 histologic response had an alteration ratio of 31% ± 4 (mean ± standard deviation). Three patients with Grade 2 response had an alteration ratio of 76% ± 9. Nine patients with Grade 3 response had an alteration ratio of 84% ± 11. Nine patients with Grade 4 response had an alteration ratio of 96% ± 5. These ratios correlated well with the histologic grades (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that Tl-201 scintigraphy is a powerful tool in the evaluation of tumor response to chemotherapy in patients with osteosarcoma. Cancer 1997; 80:1507-12. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Rapid adaptive camouflage in tropical flounders

Despite the commonly held view that flatfish can change their surface markings to match their background pattern, there have been few systematic studies and it has recently been claimed that their capacity for such adaptive changes is minimal. Here we show that the tropical flatfish Bothus ocellatus can achieve pattern-matching with surprising fidelity. By adjusting the contrast of different sets of 'splotches' of different grain size (or spatial frequency) on the skin, the fish can blend into a wide range of background textures in just 2-8 seconds.
Differential receiver operating characteristic (DROC) method: rationale and results of recent experiments

The Differential Receiver Operating Characteristic (DROC) method has been recently proposed as a method of more sensitively determining which of two modalities has a higher Az value. This method is unlike the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) method, which employs a single image interpretation strategy. The DROC experiment requires the reader to interpret pairs of images of the same patient, one from each modality termed A and B. This study reports on methodological improvements that we have made as well as experiments that we have conducted since this method was last proposed. The original B-modality image set consisted of 60 digitized normal mammograms. We simulated abnormal images from these original images by superimposing speck-like patterns resembling clustered microcalcifications. Applying a wavelet compression-decompression program to these two sets of images yielded the corresponding A-modality image sets. An image creation and display program was written with a user-friendly interface. Five readers interpreted the images in alternating ROC and DROC sessions. In the ROC sessions the diagnosis (abnormal/normal) and associated confidence level (0 - 100) was indicated for each image. In the DROC-sessions, two decisions and associated confidence levels were indicated for each image pair: the diagnosis (abnormal/normal) and a preference (A/B) for the modality that yielded the higher confidence level for the diagnosis decision. It was found that both DROC and ROC showed that Az (A) less than Az(B), demonstrating that the observers could readily detect the degradation introduced by the compression. In addition, the DROC critical ratio was larger than the corresponding ROC critical ratio for all observers. This confirmed the earlier published results, which used a noise-addition processing and a non-clinical simulation. The combined experiments continue to indicate that DROC has the potential advantage over ROC of increased sensitivity to image quality differences. Issues of bias and their effect on ROC and DROC readings are discussed and suggestions are made for further improvements to DROC methodology. The significance of the increased sensitivity potentially offered by DROC may transform future observer performance studies. Fewer cases and readers may be needed to conduct DROC studies with equivalent power to ROC studies. Thus, DROC would enable more convenient testing of imaging modalities, allowing design engineers to more quickly optimize imaging variables.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Time series regression with persistent level shifts

Abstract A changepoint in a time series is a time in which any change in the distributional form (marginal or joint) of the series occurs. This includes changes in mean or covariance structure of the time series. Mean level shift changepoints have been shown to dramatically influence linear trend estimates obtained from a simple linear regression model. This study provides an asymptotic analysis of a time series regression model experiencing an increasing number of mean level shifts at known times. It is shown that one may consistently estimate any finite number of unknown parameters in a time series polynomial regression, so long as two or more consecutive observations without a changepoint occurs infinity often in the limit.
Efficient cytosolic delivery of molecular beacon conjugates and flow cytometric analysis of target RNA

Fluorescent microscopy experiments show that when 2'-O-methyl-modified molecular beacons (MBs) are introduced into NIH/3T3 cells, they elicit a nonspecific signal in the nucleus. This false-positive signal can be avoided by conjugating MBs to macromolecules (e.g. NeutrAvidin) that prevent nuclear sequestration, but the presence of a macromolecule makes efficient cytosolic delivery of these probes challenging. In this study, we explored various methods including TAT peptide, Streptolysin O and microporation for delivering NeutrAvidin-conjugates into the cytosol of living cells. Surprisingly, all of these strategies led to entrapment of the conjugates within lysosomes within 24 h. When the conjugates were pegylated, to help prevent intracellular recognition, only microporation led to a uniform cytosolic distribution. Microporation also yielded a transfection efficiency of 93% and an average viability of 86%. When cells microporated with MB-NeutrAvidin conjugates were examined via flow cytometry, the signal-to-background was found to be more than 3 times higher and the sensitivity nearly five times higher than unconjugated MBs. Overall, the present study introduces an improved methodology for the high-throughput detection of RNA at the single cell level.
Selection and Characterization of Methionine and Tryptophan Analog Resistant Asparagus Cells

Summary Asparagus officinalis L. cell suspension cultures were selected in a stepwise fashion for resistance to the amino acid analogs L-ethionine (ETH) or 5-DL-methyltryptophan (5MT). These selected cells contained increased levels of certain free amino acids in comparison with the wild type cells: ETH-resistant cells-methionine (32 ×), S-methylcysteine (91 ×) and S-methylmethionine (6 ×); 5MT-resistant cells-tryptophan (13 ×), phenylalanine (6 ×) and tyrosine (8 ×). The resistance was relatively stable and the resistant cell lines were cross-resistant to other related amino acid analogs. The 5MT-resistant cells possessed anthranilate synthase activity which was less sensitive to feedback inhibition by tryptophan than that of the wild type; the ETH-resistant cells contained twice the activity of the aspartate kinase form which was not feedback inhibited by lysine or threonine. Due to the long culture period, plants could not be regenerated from the selected strains.
Virion-Incorporated Glycoprotein B Mediates Transneuronal Spread of Pseudorabies Virus

Transneuronal spread of pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a multistep process that requires several virally encoded proteins. Previous studies have shown that PRV glycoprotein B (gB), a component of the viral fusion machinery, is required for the transmission of infection to postsynaptic, second-order neurons. We sought to identify the gB-mediated step in viral transmission. We determined that gB is not required for the sorting of virions into axons of infected neurons, anterograde transport, or the release of virions from the axon. trans or cis expression of gB on the cell surface was not sufficient for transneuronal spread of the virus; instead, efficient incorporation of gB into virions was required. Additionally, neuron-to-cell spread of PRV most likely does not proceed through syncytial connections. We conclude that, upon gB-independent release of virions at the site of neuron-cell contacts, the virion-incorporated gB/gH/gL fusion complex mediates entry into the axonally contacted cell by fusion of the closely apposed membranes.
An Investigation of the Possible Effects of an Immersion as Compared to a Traditional Program for African American Males

The establishment of African American male immersion schools has received national attention and generated much controversy. However, the central issue has been the question of whether such schools are tantamount to segregation, rather than whether they are more effective in promoting the educational progress of African American males. In this article, the results of a preliminary investigation of the differences over time in the intellectual achievement responsibility, attitude toward school, and self-esteem of African American male students who attended the Milwaukee African-American Immersion Academy as compared with those who attended a traditional Milwaukee school are reported. A significant difference favoring the Immersion Academy students was found at the fifth-grade level but only with respect to intellectual achievement responsibility. However; the investigation has also provided baseline data from which differences between the two groups of students over a more extended period of time may be ex...
Assignment of the perlecan (heparan sulfate proteoglycan) gene to mouse Chromosome 4

Basement membranes are sheets of extracellular matrix produced by epithelial and endothelial cells which separate these cells from underlying connective tissue. The primary constituents of basement membranes are collagen type IV, laminin and entactin (reviewed by Timpl 1987) and perlecan, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (Ledbetter et al. 1985). These components interact with each other to maintain the structural integrity of the matrix. Perlecan (Plc) has been shown to modify cell attachment (Clement et al. 1989) and is likely to be involved in the ionic filtration performed by the glomerular basement membrane (Kanwar et al. 1980). The core protein of perlecan has an approximate size of Mr = 400,000 (Ledbetter et al. 1985). Recently, the mouse perlecan cDNA has been partially cloned and sequenced (Noonan et al. 1989). The perlecan gene has been localized to human chromosome (chr) lp36. l by in situ hybridization using the mouse perlecan cDNA probe BPG-7 [a 2193 base pair (bp) mouse perlecan cDNA insert] (Wintle et al. 1990). In this report we demonstrate the presence of DNA sequence variants in the mouse perlecan (Plc) gene. In addition, we localized perlecan to mouse Chr 4 by segregation analysis of restr ic t ion fragment length variants (RFLVs) in recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice. EcoR I and B a m H I restriction endonuclease digests of DNA from five progenitor mice strains (AKR/ J, DBA/2J, C57L/J, C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ) were tested for RFLVs in the Ptc gene by Southern blot hybridization using the BPG-7 probe (Fig. 1). Two alleles were evident. In the DNA digests of AKR/J, DBA/2J and C3H/HeJ strains, two DNA fragments, approximately 7.4 kb (faint band) and 6.4 kb (intense band) in size, were detected. The alternative pattern seen in C57L/J and C57BL/6J consisted of 5.8 kb (intense band), 10.4 kb and 1.9 kb (faint bands) DNA fragments. A 2.2 kb DNA fragment was common to all
Parietal activity in episodic retrieval measured by fMRI and MEG

Understanding the functional role of the left lateral parietal cortex in episodic retrieval requires characterization of both spatial and temporal features of activity during memory tasks. In a recent study using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we described an early parietal response in a cued-recall task. This response began within 100 milliseconds (ms) of the retrieval cue and lasted less than 400 ms. Spatially, the effect reached significance in all three anatomically defined left lateral parietal subregions included in the study. Here we present a multimodal analysis of both hemodynamic and electrophysiologic responses in the same cued-recall paradigm. Functional MRI (fMRI) was used to more precisely reveal the portion of the parietal cortex with the greatest response. The MEG data set was then reanalyzed to show the early MEG time course of the region identified by fMRI. We found that the hemodynamic response is greatest within the intraparietal sulcus. Further, the MEG pattern in this region shows a strong response during the first 300 ms following the cue to retrieve. Finally, when individual-dipole MEG activity is analyzed for the left cortical surface over the early 300-millisecond time window, significant recall-related activity is limited to a relatively small portion of the left hemisphere that overlaps the region identified by fMRI in the intraparietal sulcus.
Leaf Spot of Hemp Dogbane Caused by Stagonospora apocyni, and its Phytotoxins

Stagonospora apocyni causes a leaf spot disease on hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum L.). The fungus produced phytotoxins citrinin, mellein, tyrosol and α–acetylorcinol in liquid culture. All toxins caused necrosis when placed on leaves of hemp dogbane, and eight other weed species. All four toxins were non–specific phytotoxins. Citrinin showed antimicrobial properties against some bacteria and fungi. Zusammenfassung Stagonospora apocyni verursacht eine Blattfleckenkrankheit bei hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum L.). In Flussigkultur produzierte der Pilz die Phytotoxine Gitrinin, Mellein, Tyrosol und α-Acetylorcmol. AUe Toxine verursachten Blattnekrosen bei A. cannabinum und acht weiteren Unkrautspezies. AUe vier Toxine sind unspezifische Phytotoxine. Gitrinin zeigte zusatzlich antimikrobielle Eigenschaften gegenuber einigen Bakterien- und Pilzarten.
Enhanced CO2/N2 selectivity in amidoxime-modified porous carbon

Abstract In this work, we examine the use of the amidoxime functional group grafted onto a hierarchical porous carbon framework for the selective capture and removal of carbon dioxide from combustion streams. Measured CO2/N2 ideal selectivity values for the amidoxime-grafted carbon were significantly higher than the pristine porous carbon with improvements of 65%. Though the overall CO2 capacity decreased slightly for the activated carbon from 4.97 mmol g−1 to 4.24 mmol g−1 after surface modification due to a reduction in the total surface area, the isosteric heats of adsorption increased after amidoxime incorporation indicating an increased interaction of CO2 with the sorbent. Total capacity was reproducible and stable after multiple adsorption/desorption cycles with no loss of capacity suggesting that modification with the amidoxime group is a potential method to enhance carbon capture.
Long-term tracing of adenoviral expression in rat and rabbit using luciferase imaging.

Background Luciferase optical imaging provides a novel method to monitor transgene expression in small living animals. As the genetic and immunological heritages of particular animals significantly affect the expression of adenovirus-delivered transgenes, it is essential to know the expression patterns specific to athymic nude and Sprague-Dawley rats, two strains commonly used in rodent models. In this study we set out to determine these patterns. At the same time, we tested luciferase optical imaging in a larger animal, the rabbit. Methods A recombinant luciferase adenoviral vector was injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly into athymic nude rats, Sprague-Dawley rats, and Dutch Belted rabbits. The luciferase expression was assessed using a cooled charge-coupled device. Results The luminescent signal was capable of passing through at least 1.3 cm of muscle tissue and proved to be much stronger when luciferin was delivered via a local injection than by an intraperitoneal injection. Although the types of immune cells differed between immunodeficient and immunocompetent rats, similar amounts and patterns of luciferase expression were observed in the musculature in two rat strains during the 1st month after a viral intramuscular injection. The duration of luciferase expression was longer than 15 months in athymic nude rats, 9 months in Sprague-Dawley rats, and 6 months in rabbits following a direct viral injection. Conclusions Luciferase expression after adenoviral gene delivery can persist for longer than 6 months, even in immunocompetent animals. Live imaging of luciferase expression can be performed not only in small animals, but also in larger animals such as rabbits. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beitrge zur Chemie der Silicium?Stickstoff-Verbindungen, 21. Mitt.: Zweifach silylsubstituierte Carbodiimide

Durch Umsetzung von Disilbercyanamid mit Organyl- und Alkoxy-halogensilanen wurden 9 bisher unbekannte zweifach silylsubstituierte Carbodiimide der Stoffgruppen (R3SiN)2C, [(RO)3SiN]2C, (R2R′SiN)2C und R3SiNCNSiR′3 dargestellt und in ihrer Struktur uber14N- und1H-kernmagnetische Resonanzmessungen, IR- und Raman-Spektren eindeutig als Carbodiimidderivate aufgeklart.
Ki-67 is a prognostic biomarker of survival after radiofrequency ablation of liver malignancies.

Purpose To assess the predictive value of examinations of tissue adherent to multitined electrodes on local tumor progression-free survival (LPFS) and overall survival (OS) after liver tumor radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Photoperiodic regulation of substance P immunoreactivity in the mating behavior pathway of the male golden hamster

Mating behavior in the male golden hamster is regulated by both gonadal steroids and photoperiod. Gonadal steroids may regulate mating behavior by actions on the medial nucleus of the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and medial preoptic area. Neurons in these areas actively accumulate gonadal steroids and lesions of these nuclei disrupt mating behavior in male hamsters. Photoperiodic regulation of mating behavior is regulated, at least in part, by decreased responsiveness to gonadal steroids. Therefore, we sought to determine if the changes induced by changes in gonadal steroids would mimic those induced by changes in photoperiod. The number of substance P-containing neurons in these areas decrease following castration and are restored with testosterone treatment suggesting that this peptide may mediate steroidal regulation of male mating behavior. To determine the effect of photoperiod on substance P, peptide containing neurons were counted in (1) enucleates (n = 6), (2) enucleated castrates treated with testosterone (n = 6), (3) castrates treated with testosterone (n = 4), and (4) intact controls (n = 6). Bilateral enucleation caused a decrease in the number of substance P neurons in the medial nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and medial preoptic area (P < 0.05). Testosterone treatment prevented this decrease (P < 0.05). Thus, a decrease in daylength causes a decrease in substance P in the medial nucleus of the amygdala, the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the medial preoptic area that is mediated by changes in testosterone levels.
Understanding isothermal semicrystalline polymer drying: Mathematical models and experimental characterization

The drying mechanism of semicrystalline poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was investigated. PVA samples of various molecular weights were crystallized by annealing at temperatures slightly above the glass transition temperature of PVA, and swollen in water for different time periods. The water volume fraction in the sample was measured using a buoyancy technique. The samples were dried in air at constant temperatures, and the drying kinetics were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The change in degree of crystallinity of the swollen polymer during drying was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The degree of crystallinity of the samples increased during drying, which in turn was found to alter the drying rate. The drying kinetics were faster at higher temperatures, for lower molecular weights, and for lower degrees of crystallinity. A mathematical model was developed to predict drying rates of semicrystalline polymers by considering the crystallization kinetics during drying. The model predictions included the thickness of the polymer sample, the degree of crystallinity of the polymer, and the water weight loss as functions of drying time. Model predictions were found to agree reasonably well with the experimental results.
Insulin receptor is downregulated in the nitrofen-induced hypoplastic lung.

Abstract Purpose The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is still poorly understood. During fetal lung development, the insulin receptor (IR) plays an important role by mediating the cellular uptake of glucose, which is a major substrate for the biosynthesis of surfactant phospholipids. In fetal rat lung, IR gene expression has been revealed on type II pneumocytes. Recent studies have demonstrated that downregulation of pulmonary IR in late gestation causes pulmonary hypoplasia by inhibition of surfactant synthesis. We hypothesized that pulmonary gene expression of IR is downregulated during the late stages of lung development in the nitrofen-induced CDH model. Methods Timed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to either olive oil or nitrofen on day 9 of gestation (D9). Cesarean deliveries were performed on D15, D18, and D21. Fetal lungs were divided into 3 groups: control, nitrofen without CDH (CDH[−]), and nitrofen with CDH (CDH[+]) (n = 8 at each time-point, respectively). Relative messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of IR were determined by using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate protein expression of IR. Results Relative expression levels of IR mRNA on D21 were significantly decreased in CDH(−) and CDH(+) group (3.99 ± 1.50 and 5.14 ± 0.99, respectively) compared to control (7.45 ± 3.95; P Conclusion Downregulation of IR gene and protein expression in hypoplastic lung during late stages of lung development may interfere with normal surfactant synthesis, causing pulmonary hypoplasia in the nitrofen-induced CDH model.
Nonlinear control design using exact linearization for permanent magnet synchronous generator

Paper presents the ways of modeling and analysis of exactly linearized permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) coupled with boast chopper in wind generation systems. The primary focus of this paper is to use state of art approach for linearizing nonlinear model and to obtain control law. Exact feedback linearization via state feedback algorithm is the basic scheme that has been derived for the PMSG boast convertor nonlinear model.
The mutual diffusion coefficient of methanol–n-hexane near the consolute point

The composition and temperature dependence of the mutual diffusion coefficient near the liquid-liquid critical point of methanol–n-hexane mixtures has been determined by Gouy interferometry. The critical exponent was found to be 0.685. Constant-temperature extrapolation to zero diffusivity located the spinodal curve. Spinodal loci calculated from the NRTL model are inconsistent with the experimentally determined values.
G.P.227

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) type 2E results from mutations in the beta-sarcoglycan gene causing loss of functional protein. It is characterized by muscle weakness and progressive muscle wasting. The sarcoglycans (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-SG) are structural proteins localized at the cell membrane of muscle fibers that together with dystrophin and other proteins make up the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC). Loss of functional protein in this complex results in an unstable sarcolemma leading to eventual myofiber death. To date, no effective therapy exists to treat this debilitating disease. The goal of this study is to demonstrate efficacy of AAV-mediated beta-sarcoglycan gene transfer in beta-SG knock-out mice to provide proof-of-principle for gene replacement therapy for LGMD2E. A previous study by our group investigating AAV gene replacement therapy to treat LGMD2D led to a successful clinical trial in LGMD2D patients (alpha-sarcoglycan deficiency), which will provide a solid platform for this study. We generated a self-complementary AAVrh74 vector containing a codon optimized human beta-Sarcoglycan gene (hSGCB) driven by the muscle specific tMCK promoter. Following direct intramuscular injection to demonstrate potency of our vector, we treated beta-SG KO mice via a clinically relevant vascular delivery model to deliver AAV.tMCK.hSGCB in two doses (1x1011 and 5x1011 vg) to the lower limb muscles. We had clear demonstration of dose dependent beta-SG expression and improvement in dystrophic pathology with greater than 90% beta-SG expression in lower limb muscles following vascular delivery at high dose following 3 months of treatment. Functional outcome measures performed on the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle from these mice showed an improvement in specific force generation and protection from eccentric contraction induced injury. This pre-clinical study is pivotal for establishing proof-of-principle for translation of AAV.hSGCB gene transfer in LGMD2E patients.
Phomopsis Seed Infection Effects on Soybean Seed Phenol, Lignin, and Isoflavones in Maturity Group V Genotypes Differing in Phomopsis Resistance

Research on factors controlling production and quality of soybean seed phenolics is very limited. The objective of this research was to evaluate phenolic compounds (total phenol, lignin, and isoflavones), and cell wall boron (B) in seed of susceptible (S), moderately resistant (MR), and resistant (R) soybean genotypes to phomopsis seed decay disease under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Seeds were evaluated at harvest maturity stage (R8) and 15 days after harvest maturity to test for weathering effects. Results showed that the concentration of seed phenolic compounds was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in R and MR genotypes than S genotypes under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Cell wall boron percentage was significantly higher and total boron was significantly lower in S genotypes than MR and R genotypes. The current research demonstrated that genotypes with higher phomopsis seed infection had lower phenolic compounds, indicating a possible association of these compounds with disease def...