cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Msx2 Exerts Bone Anabolism via Canonical Wnt Signaling

Msx2 is a homeodomain transcription factor first identified in craniofacial bone and human femoral osteoblasts. We hypothesized that Msx2 might activate skeletal Wnt signaling. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of CMV-Msx2 transgene (Msx2Tg) expression on skeletal physiology and composition. Skeletal Msx2 expression was increased 2-3-fold by Msx2Tg, with expanded protein accumulation in marrow, secondary ossification centers, and periosteum. Microcomputed tomography established increased bone volume in Msx2Tg mice, with increased numbers of plate-like trabeculae. Histomorphometry revealed increased bone formation in Msx2Tg mice versus non-Tg siblings, arising from increased osteoblast numbers. While decreasing adipogenesis, Msx2Tg increased osteogenic differentiation via mechanisms inhibited by Dkk1, an antagonist of Wnt receptors LRP5 and LRP6. Bone from Msx2Tg mice elaborated higher levels of Wnt7 canonical agonists, with diminished Dkk1, changes that augment canonical signaling. Analysis of non-Tg and Msx2Tg siblings possessing the TOPGAL reporter confirmed this; Msx2Tg up-regulated skeletal β-galactosidase expression (p ≤ 0.01), along with Wnt7a and Wnt7b, and reduced circulating Dkk1. To better understand molecular mechanisms, we studied C3H10T1/2 osteoprogenitor cells. As in bone, Msx2 increased Wnt7 genes and down-regulated Dkk1, while inducing the osteoblast gene alkaline phosphatase. Msx2-directed RNA interference increased Dkk1 expression and promoter activity, while reducing Wnt7a, Wnt7b, and alkaline phosphatase. Moreover, Msx2 inhibited Dkk1 promoter activity and reduced RNA polymerase association with Dkk1 chromatin. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Wnt7a, Wnt7b, and LRP6 significantly reduced Msx2-induced alkaline phosphatase. Msx2 exerts bone anabolism in part by reducing Dkk1 expression and enhancing Wnt signaling, thus promoting osteogenic differentiation of skeletal progenitors.
Electrical Aspects of Adsorbing Colloid Flotation. XVII. Quasi-Chemical Method for Adsorption of Mixed Surfactants

Abstract The quasi-chemical approximation is applied to the calculation of adsorption isotherms for two-component surfactant systems. No further approximations are necessary. The effects of the relative sizes of the interaction energies of the various nearest neighbor pairs are investigated, and plots of representative adsorption isotherms are given. Some possible applications of the theory to foam flotation and other surface chemical separation techniques are suggested.
Distinct iterable branches

§1. Introduction. The basic problem of inner model theory is how to construct mice satisfying hypotheses appreciably stronger than “there is a Woodin limit of Woodin cardinals”. We have a family of constructions, the Kc-constructions, which ought to produce such mice under the appropriate hypotheses on V. Perhaps the most important thing we lack is a proof that the countable elementary submodels of premice produced by a Kc-construction are ω1 + 1-iterable. The best partial results in this direction are those of Neeman ([4]) for Kc-constructions making use of full background extenders over V, and those of Andretta, Neeman, and Steel ([1]) for arbitrary Kc-constructions.Let be a countable premouse embedded by π into a level of the Kc-construction ℂ. If ℂ uses only full extenders over V as its background extenders, then π and ℂ enable one to lift an evolving iteration tree on to an iteration tree * on V. (See [3, §12].) The good behavior of * guarantees that of . The natural conjecture here is that V is ω1 + 1-iterable with respect to such trees* by the strategy of choosing the unique wellfounded branch. The open question here is uniqueness, since by [2] the uniqueness of the wellfounded branch chosen by * at limit stages strictly less than λ implies the existence of a wellfounded branch to be chosen at λ.
Toward an Integrated Public Health Approach for Epilepsy in the 21st Century

Epilepsy, a complex spectrum of disorders, merits enhanced public health action. In 2012, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a seminal report on the public health dimensions of the epilepsies, recommending actions in 7 domains. The report urged a more integrated and coordinated national approach for care centering on the whole patient, including heightened attention to comorbidities and quality of life; more timely referral and access to treatments; and improved community resources, education, stakeholder collaboration, and public communication. The US Department of Health and Human Services responded to this report by accelerating and integrating ongoing initiatives and beginning new ones. This article summarizes recent federally supported activities promoting an integrated public health approach for epilepsy, highlighting progress in response to the landmark 2012 IOM report and identifying opportunities for continued public health action.
Late Quaternary evolution of Reedy Glacier, Antarctica

Abstract Fresh deposits above the margins of Reedy Glacier show that maximum ice levels during the last glaciation were several hundred meters above present near the glacier mouth and converged to less than 60 m above the present-day surface at the head of the glacier. Exposure ages of samples from five sites along its margin show that Reedy Glacier and its tributaries thickened asynchronously between 17 and 7 kyr BP At the Quartz Hills, located midway along the glacier, maximum ice levels were reached during the period 17–14 kyr BP. Farther up-glacier the ice surface reached its maximum elevation more recently: 14.7–10.2 kyr BP at the Caloplaca Hills; 9.1–7.7 kyr BP at Mims Spur; and around 7 kyr BP at Hatcher Bluffs. We attribute this time-transgressive behavior to two different processes: At the glacier mouth, growth of grounded ice and subsequent deglaciation in the Ross Sea embayment caused a wave of thickening and then thinning to propagate up-glacier. During the Lateglacial and Holocene, increased snow accumulation on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet caused transient thickening at the head of the glacier. An important result of this work is that moraines deposited along Reedy Glacier during the last ice age cannot be correlated to reconstruct a single glacial maximum longitudinal profile. The profile steepened during deglaciation of the Ross Sea, thinning at the Quartz Hills after 13 kyr BP while thickening upstream. Near its confluence with Mercer Ice Stream, rapid thinning beginning prior to 7–8 kyr BP reduced the level of Reedy Glacier to close to its present level. Thinning over the past 1000 years has lowered the glacier by less than 20 m.
Is Today's Philanthropy Failing Beneficiaries? Always a Risk, But Not for the Most Part

In this commentary, the author highlights some ideas contained in his paper with Ostrander that Ostrander does not explore but that undergird and support their thinking about why the issue of control is so consequential. Philanthropy is in fact donor led and thus always potentially open to donor control rather than care. Second, the author addresses the criterion whereby philanthropy and the supply-side influence can eventuate in care rather than control if philanthropy meets the true needs of the beneficiaries. The author next offers an array of observations that make him hesitant about Ostrander's argument. He agrees with Ostrander on the importance of donors meeting the true needs of recipients but is not convinced that she is correct about this not happening regularly, even in regard to the new forms of philanthropy and advisement she analyzes.
Senior citizens behind bars: challenges for the criminal justice system, edited by J.J. Kerbs and J.M Jolley, Boulder, CO, Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2014, 286 pp., US$65.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-6263-7042-5

“Senior Citizens behind Bars: Challenges for the Criminal Justice System” is edited by John J. Kerbs and Jennifer M. Jolley. It addresses the many effects of an aging prison population. As an edite...
Thermoelastic study of GaAs in vertical gradient freeze configuration: Limits to the optimum growth rate and approaches to its augmentation

Abstract The influence of growth rate, crucible thickness and thermal conductivity, and furnace axial thermal gradients on the morphology of the growth interface and the associated stresses in 5 and 7.6 cm diameter GaAs crystals grown by the vertical gradient freeze technique is numerically investigated. It is shown that release of heat of solidification and the presence of the crucible mandate axial temperature gradients of the order of 3–5°C/cm and growth rates close to 0.1 cm/h for inhibition of plastic flow in the crystal. Variations in the thickness and thermal conductivity of the crucible are found to have a minimal effect on increasing these low growth rates, indicating the over-riding influence of release of solidification energy on solid-liquid interface shape. Modulation of the furnace temperature profile, as a means for reducing the nonplanarity of the growth interface, is shown to be an effective approach for substantial augmentation of the admissible growth rates.
Serum antibody titers in treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for chronic prostatitis

A comparative study of the clinical, bacteriologic, and serum antibody titer response of 22 men who received therapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for chronic prostatitis due to various strains of Escherichia coli was done. Of the 7 patients who were cured by therapy on the basis of clinical and bacteriologic data, 6 of 6 patients who had elevated serum antibody titers prior to treatment demonstrated a decrease to normal range of serum titers during follow-up, confirming disappearance of the bacterial antigen. Of the 15 patients who were not cured on the basis of clinical and bacteriologic data, 12 of 12 patients who had elevated serum antibody titers prior to treatment demonstrated no change in serum titers throughout the study, confirming persistence of the bacterial antigen.
Blood, bone, and dura: Anesthesia responsibility and pediatric neurosurgery

In conclusion, providing anesthesia for a small child undergoing craniofacial reconstructive surgery is an enormous challenge. Even with the most experienced pediatric anesthesiologist and pediatric surgeons, problems can develop suddenly and lead, as they did in this case, to serious morbidity and even death. It is difficult to determine whether the anesthesiologists' "success" in this case in warding off a malpractice verdict was due to their lawyer's ability to convince the court they delivered a level of "care ordinarily supplied by physicians in their specialty," or, rather, due to the fact that defense experts were more convincing than those of the plaintiffs. Regardless, I do not think there were any "winners" in this situation.
Cordilleran Benioff zones

Ages of late Mesozoic–early Cainozoic igneous rocks in south-western North America indicate a magmatic arc initiated near the continental margin, swept over 1,000 km northeastward, then swept back, all in 110 Myr. The sweep in and return are interpreted as due to flattening of a Benioff zone to < 15° followed by rapid collapse.
Solution−Liquid−Solid Growth of Ternary Cu−In−Se Semiconductor Nanowires from Multiple- and Single-Source Precursors

Ternary CuInSe2 nanowires were synthesized for the first time by the solution−liquid−solid (SLS) mechanism. Here, both metal−organic multiple- and single-source molecular precursors were thermally decomposed in the presence of molten metal nanoparticles and coordinating ligands. The nature of the precursor—multiple- compared to single-source (wherein Cu−Se−In bonds are effectively preformed)—as well as the choice of coordinating ligands, reaction temperature, and reactant order-of-addition strongly affected the morphology and composition of the reaction product obtained. Crystalline, straight, and nearly stoichiometric CuInSe2 nanowires were most readily achieved using the single-source precursor; however, careful tuning of reaction conditions could also be used to obtain high-quality nanowires from multiple-source precursor systems. The CuInSe2 nanowires are strong light absorbers from the near-infrared through the visible and ultraviolet spectral regions and, thereby, comprise new soluble and processabl...
Expression of Aequorea green fluorescent protein in plant cells

The coding region of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria has been fused to the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and introduced into maize leaf protoplasts. Transient expression of GFP was observed. In addition, the coding region of GFP was fused to an Arabidopsis heat shock promoter and co-transformed with another construct in which GFP has been replaced with chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). The heat-induced expression of GFP in maize protoplasts parallels that of CAT. While GFP was expressed in both darkgrown and green maize leaf protoplasts, no green fluorescence was observed in similarly transformed Arabidopsis protoplasts.
Software agents and the role of market protocols

A crucial need exists for innovative means to access, secure, and maintain distributed or networked resources such as those found on the Internet. Instead of centralized controllers, schedulers, and priority schemes, we advocate the use of decentralized approaches such as software agents with autonomous protocols. We have proposed protocols for agents which represent tasks that negotiate to gain access to computing resources such as Web files, graphics processors, databases, special output devices, etc. Four different market protocols have been developed (single action, auction, barter, and challenge), and through simulation, associated system performance has been analyzed by monitoring agent and task performance; viz, processing times, total system times, resource availability, resource utilization, and system efficiency. Experimental results show that agents using market protocols are more effective than the standard hosted approaches, encouraging their possible further exploration into non-von Neumann architectures and hostless network operating systems.
Adsorption and Reaction of SO2 with a Polycrystalline UO2 Film: Promotion of S-O Bond Cleavage by Creation of O-Defects and Na or Ca Coadsorption

To characterize UO(2) for its possible use in desulfurization applications, the interactions of molecular sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) with a polycrystalline uranium dioxide film have been studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and low-energy ion scattering (LEIS). The stoichiometric, oxygen-deficient, calcium-precovered and sodium-precovered UO(2) surfaces have been characterized. The changes in oxide reactivity upon creation of oxygen vacancies and coadsorption of sodium and calcium have been studied. After creation of a reduced UO(2-x) surface (x approximately 0.44) via Ar(+) sputtering, the U 4f XPS spectrum shows conspicuous differences that are good indicators of the surface stoichiometry. Molecular SO(x) formation (x = 2-4) is observed after SO(2) deposition onto stoichiometric UO(2) and onto UO(2) precovered with small amounts ( or =4 ML), both the formation of SO(x)= species and complete dissociation of SO(2) are observed. A higher thermal stability of the sulfur components is observed on these surfaces. In all cases for which dissociation occurs, the XPS peak of atomic sulfur shows similar structure: three different binding states are observed. The reactivity of oxygen-deficient UO(2) and sodium- and calcium-precovered UO(2) (coverages > or = 4 ML) is attributed to charge transfer into the antibonding LUMO of the adsorbed molecule.
Corrigendum: Sets of Consistent Summation Methods

The proof of Theorem 2 fails when the collection 21 is infinite, since a matrix constructed by the method of this proof may have an infinite norm. I am indebted to Dr. Copping for pointing this out, and for supplying a correct proof. However, I can now prove more generally that the result remains true without the hypothesis that the set of norms h(Ai)(Aie%) be bounded. Construct Ax , At f (i = 2, 3, ...) as before; the set of norms hi^A^) need not be bounded. Let {£J be such that £4A(-44')->0, f ^ O , and define Gi = {l—^A^+^A^. Construct B from the rows of Ax+ and Ci} the n-th. row of A^+ being followed by the n-th. rows of C2, G3, ..., Cn. Then B is regular, and the consistency follows as before, since any bounded sequence summed by B must be summed to ^{U^Lj), and if it is also summed by any Ait then the two sums are equal.
Troglitazone Antagonizes Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-induced Reprogramming of Adipocyte Gene Expression by Inhibiting the Transcriptional Regulatory Functions of NF-κB

Troglitazone (TGZ), a member of the thiazolidinedione class of anti-diabetic compounds and a peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonist, restores systemic insulin sensitivity and improves the full insulin resistance syndrome in vivo. The mechanisms underlying its in vivo function are not understood. Here we investigated the potential functional interaction between PPAR-gamma and NF-kappaB in adipocytes. We show that TGZ selectively blocked tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced and NF-kappaB-dependent repression of multiple adipocyte-specific genes and induction of growth phase and other genes. This occurs without interfering with NF-kappaB expression, activation, nuclear translocation, or DNA binding and without suppressing NF-kappaB-dependent survival signals. Notably, the expressions of some tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced genes in adipocytes were unaffected by PPAR-gamma activation. In reporter gene assays in HeLa cells, ectopic expression of PPAR-gamma abolished induction of a NF-kappaB-responsive reporter gene by the p65 subunit (RelA) of NF-kappaB, and the inhibition was further enhanced in the presence of TGZ. Conversely, overexpression of p65 inhibited induction of a PPAR-gamma-responsive reporter gene by activated PPAR-gamma in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect was independent of the presence of NF-kappaB-binding sites in the promoter region. Other NF-kappaB family members, p50 and c-Rel as well as the S276A mutant of p65, blocked PPAR-gamma-mediated gene transcription less effectively. Thus, p65 antagonizes the transcriptional regulatory activity of PPAR-gamma in adipocytes, and PPAR-gamma activation can at least partially override the inhibitory effects of p65 on the expression of key adipocyte genes. Our data suggest that inhibition of NF-kappaB activity is a mechanism by which PPAR-gamma agonists improve insulin sensitivity in vivo and that adipocyte NF-kappaB is a potential therapeutic target for obesity-linked type 2 diabetes.
Grounded rubble fields adjacent to offshore structures

Abstract A continuum model of grounded ice rubble fields is developed in which bulk rubble is treated as a Mohr-Coulomb material at critical equilibrium. The surrounding ice sheet is considered to form a rigid boundary. Approximate stress distributions are obtained using the method of integral relations. Loads on an offshore structure adjacent to a rubble field are related to maximum stresses exerted by the floating ice sheet. The influence of field geometry, grounding resistance, and rubble properties is examined.
Conjugated polymers as solid-state laser materials

Abstract A brief review of the recent emergence of semiconducting π -conjugated polymers as solid-state laser materials is given. Photopumped gain narrowing and lasing in undiluted submicron thick polymer films have been demonstrated. The dramatic collapse of the emission linewidth (to as little as 7 nm) occurs at very low pump-energy thresholds. Gain narrowing is found in over a dozen different polymers representing a variety of molecular structures and is explained in terms of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in planar waveguides, which allows the distance traveled by emitted photons to exceed the short intrinsic gain lengths. Prospects for producing electrically pumped solid-state polymer diode lasers using this class of materials are discussed in the context of the low-threshold gain narrowing in submicron-thick films.
Digital beam switch for agile beam laser radar

Experimental results achieved with a multiple-position random access switch for 10.6-μm radiation are described. The device uses cascaded Fabry-Perot interferometers to produce a 2-D array of beam positions with a wide field of view.
PCB Concentrations in eggs and chorioallantoic membranes of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

PCBs were found in eggs and chorioallantoic membranes (CAMs) of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Total PCB concentrations in CAMs were larger than concentrations in eggs. Total PCB concentrations in egg and CAM tissues were highly correlated (r2 = 0.782; p = 0.0001). Sums of PCB congeners within homologue groups were also correlated in the two tissues. Data from these turtle eggs indicate 1) PCB concentrations in CAMs represent PCB concentrations in whole eggs and 2) CAMs can be collected in a nonlethal manner to determine PCB concentrations in sea turtle hatchlings.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Random Fiber Composites With High Aspect Ratio and High Volume Fraction

Organic and inorganic fiber reinforced composites with various fiber orientation distributions and fiber geometries are abundantly available in several natural and synthetic structures. Inorganic glass fiber composites have been introduced to numerous applications due to their economical fabrication and tailored structural properties. Numerical characterization of such composite materials is necessitated due to their intrinsic statistical nature, since elaborate experiments are prohibitively costly and time consuming. In this work, representative volume elements of unidirectional random filaments and fibers are numerically developed in PYTHON to enhance accuracy and efficiency of complex geometric representations encountered in random fiber networks. A modified random sequential adsorption algorithm is applied to increase the volume fraction of the representative volume elements, and a spatial segment shortest distance algorithm is introduced to construct a 3D random fiber composite with high fiber aspect ratio (100:1) and high volume fraction (31.8%). For the unidirectional fiber networks, volume fractions as high as 70% are achieved when an assortment of circular fiber diameters are used in the representative volume element.
Role of proton hopping in surface charge transport on tin dioxide as revealed by the thermal dependence of conductance.

The presence of water on an oxide surface can dramatically alter its electrical properties with important consequences for electrical measurements by scanning probe microscopy, and for the use of semiconducting oxides in sensing applications. Here, the thermal dependence of the conductance of tin dioxide is interpreted by combining semiconductor equilibrium carrier statistics with a proton hopping mechanism. First, the functional form of this charge transport model is fit to experimental conductance data for tin dioxide. Next, the important energy parameters in the model are computed with density functional theory. Comparing the values of the energy parameters obtained by fitting, to the values for the same parameters obtained from electronic structure calculations, yields new insight into the surface charge transport in tin dioxide. In particular, it is found that mobile protons, freed from the dissociative adsorption of water on the [110] surface, are an essential component of the observed thermal depen...
Extensional development of the Fundy rift basin, southeastern Canada

The Fundy rift basin of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada, is part of the Eastern North American rift system that formed during the breakup of Pangaea. Integrated seismic-reflection, field, digital-elevation and aeromagnetic data indicate that the Fundy rift basin underwent two phases of deformation: syn-rift extension followed by post-rift basin inversion. Inversion significantly modified the geometries of the basin and its rift-related structures. In this paper, we remove the effects of inversion to examine the basin's extensional development. The basin consists of three structural subbasins: the Fundy and Chignecto subbasins are bounded by low-angle, NE-striking faults; the Minas subbasin is bounded by E- to ENE-striking faults that are steeply dipping at the surface and gently dipping at depth. Together, these linked faults form the border–fault system of the Fundy rift basin. Most major faults within the border–fault system originated as Palaeozoic contractional structures. All syn-rift units imaged on seismic profiles thicken towards the border–fault system, reflecting extensional movement from Middle Triassic (and possibly Permian) through Early Jurassic time. Intra-rift unconformities, observed on seismic profiles and in the field, indicate that uplift and erosion occurred, at least locally, during rifting. Based on seismic data alone, the displacement direction of the hanging wall of the border–fault system of the Fundy rift basin ranged from SW to SE during rifting. Field data (i.e. NE-striking igneous dykes, sediment-filled fissures and normal faults) indicate NW–SE extension during Early Jurassic time, supporting a SE-displacement direction. With a SE-displacement direction, the NE-striking border–fault zones of the Fundy and Chignecto subbasins had predominantly normal dip slip during rifting, whereas the E-striking border–fault zone of the Minas subbasin had oblique slip with left-lateral and normal components. Sequential restorations of seismic-reflection profiles (coupled with projections from onshore geology) show that the Fundy rift basin underwent 10–20 km of extension, most of which was accommodated by the border–fault system, and was considerably wider and deeper prior to basin inversion. Post-rift deformation tilted the eastern side of the basin to the northwest/north, producing significant uplift and erosion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcriptional control of spermatogonial maintenance and differentiation

Spermatogenesis is a multistep process that generates millions of spermatozoa per day in mammals. A key to this process is the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC), which has the dual property of continually renewing and undergoing differentiation into a spermatogonial progenitor that expands and further differentiates. In this review, we will focus on how these proliferative and early differentiation steps in mammalian male germ cells are controlled by transcription factors. Most of the transcription factors that have so far been identified as promoting SSC self-renewal (BCL6B, BRACHYURY, ETV5, ID4, LHX1, and POU3F1) are upregulated by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Since GDNF is crucial for promoting SSC self-renewal, this suggests that these transcription factors are responsible for coordinating the action of GDNF in SSCs. Other transcription factors that promote SSC self-renewal are expressed independently of GDNF (FOXO1, PLZF, POU5F1, and TAF4B) and thus may act in non-GDNF pathways to promote SSC cell growth or survival. Several transcription factors have been identified that promote spermatogonial differentiation (DMRT1, NGN3, SOHLH1, SOHLH2, SOX3, and STAT3); some of these may influence the decision of an SSC to commit to differentiate while others may promote later spermatogonial differentiation steps. Many of these transcription factors regulate each other and act on common targets, suggesting they integrate to form complex transcriptional networks in self-renewing and differentiating spermatogonia.
Flexible digestion strategies and trace metal assimilation in marine bivalves

Abstract-Pulse-chase experiments show that two ma- rine bivalves take optimal advantage of different types of particulate food by varying food retention time in a flexible two-phase digestive system. For example, carbon is effi- ciently assimilated from bacteria by subjecting nearly all the ingested bacteria to prolonged digestion. Prolonging digestion also enhances assimilation of metals, many of which are toxic in minute quantities if they are biologically available. Detritus-feeding aquatic organisms have always lived in environments naturally rich in particle-reactive metals. We suggest that avoiding excess assimilation of metals could be a factor in the evolution of digestion strat- egies. We tested that suggestion by studying digestion of particles containing different Cr concentrations. We show that bivalves are capable of modifying the digestive pro- cessing of food to reduce exposure to high, biologically available, Cr concentrations. The evolution of a mecha- nism in some species to avoid high concentrations of metals in food could influence how effects of modern metal pol- lution are manifested in marine ecosystems.
Two forms of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase from Thiobacillus denitrificans.

The autotrophic, sulfur-oxidizing bacterium Thiobacillus denitrificans possesses two forms of the Calvin cycle enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase / oxygenase (RuBisCO). The form I and form II genes were isolated from a cosmid library using heterologous DNA probes. Restriction enzyme analysis indicated that the genes are within 17 kbp of each other. Other Calvin cycle enzyme genes are not present. Analysis of T. denitrificans RNA indicated that the form I genes for the large and small subunits are co-transcribed with a length of 2800 nucleotides. The transcript for the form II gene is 1900 nucleotides in length.
Modulating Potency: Physicochemical Characteristics are a Determining Factor of TLR4‐Agonist Nanosuspension Activity

Activity of adjuvanted vaccines is difficult to predict in vitro and in vivo. The wide compositional and conformational range of formulated adjuvants, from aluminum salts to oil-in-water emulsions, makes comparisons between physicochemical and immunological properties difficult. Even within a formulated adjuvant class, excipient selection and concentration can alter potency and physicochemical properties of the mixture. Complete characterization of physicochemical properties of adjuvanted vaccine formulations and relationship to biological response is necessary to move beyond a guess-and-check paradigm toward directed development. Here we present a careful physicochemical characterization of a two-component nanosuspension containing synthetic TLR-4 agonist glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant (GLA) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) at various molar ratios. Physicochemical properties were compared with potency, as measured by stimulation of cytokine production in human whole blood. We found a surprising, nonlinear relationship between physicochemical properties and GLA-DPPC ratios that corresponded well with changes in biological activity. We discuss these data in light of the current understanding of TLR4 activation and the conformation-potency relationship in development of adjuvanted vaccines.
We are Marshall Bloom: sexuality, suicide, and the collective memory of the Sixties

This essay examines the collective memory of Liberation News Service co‐founder Marshall Bloom. A minor yet influential figure in the constellation of American New Leftists, Bloom played active roles in the civil rights, antiwar, and student movements, the underground media, and the communal counterculture. In the 40 years since Bloom's 1969 suicide, commentators have attached a medley of meanings to his life and death, casting him as a misguided counterculture narcissist, a Movement martyr, a closeted homosexual, and a revolutionary organic farmer. This essay explores these representations of Bloom to illustrate how they constitute a collective memory that is as variable as Bloom and the Sixties were complex.
Breeding Inputs to Managerial Goals in Dairy Production

Abstract Dairymen make decisions relative to the dairy enterprise that require integrating information from many sources. The objective of this paper is to discuss what information might be useful in a systems approach to aid breeding decisions. When goals of selection have been specified, semen can be purchased at minimum cost to meet them by linear programming application. Primary selection emphasis should be on production, Predicted Difference for dollars for most milk payment plans. Other traits that may deserve emphasis for sire selection are dystocia, stayability, and type. Aids to cow culling should be included in a systems model with inputs from an ongoing herd. Results from simulation studies can be useful in building a cow culling model. Considerations of expected income and variance of income, or risk, are described.
Caucuses and Primaries Measuring Reform in the Presidential Nomination Process

In 1968 battles over delegate selection rules and procedures for the national party conven tions erupted anew. During the following decade, reformers advanced multiple standards for the delegate selection and presidential nomination process. While many of these goals have been incorporated into party rules and into state or federal law, little research yet exists by which to evaluate how fully presidential primaries versus caucus convention systems achieve these various standards. A review of the 1976 presidential delegate selection process suggests that presidential primaries and caucus convention systems meet most reform goals equally well, although some differences are found between these two modes of delegate selection.
Late-successional biological soil crusts in a biodiversity hotspot: an example of congruency in species richness

Understanding the biodiversity of functionally important communities in Earth's ecosystems is vital in the apportionment of limited ecosystem management funds and efforts. In southern California shrublands, which lie in a global biodiversity hotspot, biological soil crusts (BSCs) confer critical ecosystem services; however, their biodiver- sity remains unknown. In this study, six sites (n = 4 each, 25 m 2 ) were established along a mediterranean shrubland environmental gradient in southern California. Here, the biodi- versity of all BSC-forming lichens and bryophytes was evaluated, related to environmental traits along the gradient, and compared to species richness among North American eco- systems supporting BSCs (data from previous studies). In total, 59 BSC-forming lichens and bryophytes were observed, including the very rare Sarcogyne crustacea, a rare moss, and five endemic lichen species. Over half (61%) of the species observed were found at a single site. Along the gradient, species evenness of late-successional BSC was related to dew point and elevation, and both evenness and richness were related to distance to coast. Using an ordination analysis, five distinct late-successional BSC communities were identified: Riversidian, Spike moss, Casperian, Alisian, and Lagunian. Twenty-five lichens and 19 bryophytes are newly reported for North American BSC-forming organisms, now comprising *1/2 of the North American total. BSCs in North American hot and cold
Composite geometric programming

Geometric programming is based on functions called posynomials, the terms of which are log-linear. This class of programs is extended from the composition of an exponential and a linear function to an exponential and a convex function. The resulting duality theory for composite geometric programs retains many of the qualities of geometric programming duality, while at the same time encompassing new areas of application. As an application, composite geometric programming is applied to exponential geometric programming. A pure dual is developed for the first time and used to solve a problem from the literature.
Separation of nucleotides by hydrophilic interaction chromatography using the FRULIC-N column.

A stationary phase composed of silica-bonded cyclofructan 6 (FRULIC-N) was evaluated for the separation of four cyclic nucleotides, six nucleoside monophosphates, four nucleoside diphosphates, and five nucleoside triphosphates via hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) in both isocratic and gradient conditions. The gradient conditions gave significantly better separations by narrowing peak widths. Sixteen out of nineteen nucleotides were baseline separated on the FRULIC-N column in one run. Unlike other known HILIC stationary phases, there can be dual-retention mechanisms unique to this media. Traditional hydrogen bonding/dipolar interactions can be supplemented by dynamic ion interaction effects for anionic analytes. This occurs because the FRULIC-N stationary phase is able to bind certain buffer cations. The extent of the ion interaction is tunable, in comparison to stationary phases with embedded charged groups, where the inherent ionic properties are fixed. The best mobile phase conditions were determined by varying the organic modifier (acetonitrile) content, as well as salt type/concentration and electrolyte pH. The thermodynamic characteristic of the FRULIC-N column was investigated by evaluating the column temperature effect on retention and utilizing van’t Hoff plots. This study shows that there is a greater entropic contribution for the retention of nucleotide di and triphosphates, whereas there is a greater enthalphic contribution for the cyclic nucleotides with the FRULIC-N column.
Characterization of microstructures and oxidation behaviour of Nb–20Si–20Cr–5Al alloy

Abstract Static oxidation in air was performed on Nb–20Cr–20Si–5Al alloy at high temperatures ranging from 700 to 1400 °C. Pesting occurred at 700 °C while internal oxidation took place at 1300 and 1400 °C where Al 2 O 3 initiated at the interface between NbCr 2 and Nb 9 Cr 3 Si 2 phases. Phases present were Nb 5 Si 3 , NbCr 2 , Nb solid solution and Nb 9 Cr 3 Si 2 depending on the temperature. The aluminium content on each of the phases was analyzed. Al content in Nb 9 Si 2 Cr 3 has been found to be as high as 5–6 atomic percent. SEM, EDS and XRD techniques were utilized in order to characterize the specimens.
Borderland Patterns of Scientific Identity: Canada, the United States, and Acid Rain

This study uses the Canada-United States borderlands (as defined by its sensitivity to cross-border acid rain pollution) to establish patterns of identity that transcend political borders. Along these lines, acid rain scientists from Canada and the United States were surveyed to determine the degree of their agreement with government claims of substantial reductions in the pollutants that cause acid rain. The survey results indicate that despite the successful reduction of certain pollutants, the vast majority of Canadian and United States scientists believe that acid rain pollution continues to adversely affect lakes and streams and that present emissions targets are not protecting sensitive ecosystems. Furthermore, the survey results show that scientists from both countries view the acid rain issue from similar perspectives, and that national sympathies do not play a decisive role in scientists' perceptions of the acid rain issue. In essence, it appears that more and more scientists from Canada and the United States are viewing the acid rain issue from a shared (or bilateral) perspective.
Hospital Variability of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival

Background. Previous literature has identified patient andemergency medical services (EMS) system factors that are associated with survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. Objective. To...
A Novel Inexpensive IV Catheterization Training Model for Paramedic Students

Introduction. Teaching paramedic students venipuncture andintravenous catheterization has traditionally relied on bulky, expensive phlebotomy models. A gelatin intravenous model (GIM) costing less than 50 cents is currently being used in the training of medical students andinterns. The study objective was to evaluate paramedic students' perceptions of the GIM as a training tool. Methods. GIMs are created using gelatin, psyllium, Penrose drains, food coloring, salt, andwater. Penrose drains are filled with artificial blood composed of salt water andfood coloring. The drains are placed in an aluminum pan with a base of hardening gelatin, with half-inch drains at the bottom of the pan andquarter-inch drains higher up in layers of mixed psyllium andgelatin to simulate deep andsuperficial veins respectively. A convenience, volunteer sample of 14 paramedic students who previously trained with traditional phlebotomy models each made two to five attempts at intravenous insertion using the GIM. Perceptions of the ...
Irrigation with 0.06% chlorhexidine in naturally occurring gingivitis. II. 6 Months microbiological observations

In an examiner blind positive/negative controlled 6-month study, the efficacy of supragingival irrigation with 0.06% chlorhexidine gluconate on the marginal and subgingival microflora in naturally occurring gingivitis was evaluated. The 222 patients enrolled in the study were assigned to one of four groups: Group 1: Once daily irrigation with 300 ml water followed by irrigation with 200 ml 0.06% chlorhexidine gluconate (experimental); Group 2: Twice daily rinsing with 15 ml 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control); Group 3: Once daily irrigation with 500 ml water (irrigation control) and Group 4: Sodium fluoride dentifrice for normal oral hygiene only (negative control). All groups received the same sodium fluoride dentifrice for tooth brushing. All patients received a supra- and subgingival oral prophylaxis after baseline examination and at the end of the investigation. Plaque samples were analyzed from 105 patients at baseline, 93 patients at 3 months and 88 patients at 6 months. The 6-months results demonstrated that, when compared with tooth brushing alone, adjunctive supragingival irrigation with 0.06% chlorhexidine gluconate was most effective by significantly reducing (P less than or equal to 0.008) both log10 CFU and % of Gram-negative anaerobic rods and black-pigmented Bacteroides. Chlorhexidine rinse also significantly (P less than or equal to 0.008) reduced log10 CFU of black-pigmented Bacteroides at 6 months. Both chlorhexidine regimens significantly (P less than or equal to 0.008) increased the % of Gram-positive facultative cocci compared to water irrigation at 3 months. Water irrigation had a limited effect on any of the assessed bacterial groups (log10 CFU and %).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The principles of identification and measurement of vulvar fluorescence.

COLOR changes in vulvar fluorescence have been correlated with shifting ovarian hormone levels (1, 2). This is an important relationship and it is generally admitted that certain faint color changes do occur from the menarche through the menopause and with pregnancy. There is disagreement, however, as to what hues are actually seen in the perineum and whether true luminescence1 really is present. In order to establish the clinical reliability of vulvar fluorescence, we have developed the means of determining or excluding definite fluorescence in the vulvar area. We have identified certain luminescence colors and have also established their brightness values in photometric units, but we have not attempted to correlate these changes with endocrine variations at this time. Other colors seen in the pudendum under “black light”2 have been shown to be of nonfluorescent origin. All living tissues possess a characteristic fluorescence under ultraviolet illumination (3). Moreover, the degree of fluorescence hue, s...
Statistics for nonparametric linkage analysis of X-linked traits in general pedigrees.

We have compared the power of several allele-sharing statistics for “nonparametric” linkage analysis of X-linked traits in nuclear families and extended pedigrees. Our rationale was that, although several of these statistics have been implemented in popular software packages, there has been no formal evaluation of their relative power. Here, we evaluate the relative performance of five test statistics, including two new test statistics. We considered sibships of sizes two through four, four different extended pedigrees, 15 different genetic models (12 single-locus models and 3 two-locus models), and varying recombination fractions between the marker and the trait locus. We analytically estimated the sample sizes required for 80% power at a significance level of .001 and also used simulation methods to estimate power for a sample size of 10 families. We tried to identify statistics whose power was robust over a wide variety of models, with the idea that such statistics would be particularly useful for detection of X-linked loci associated with complex traits. We found that a commonly used statistic, Sall, generally performed well under various conditions and had close to the optimal sample sizes in most cases but that there were certain cases in which it performed quite poorly. Our two new statistics did not perform any better than those already in the literature. We also note that, under dominant and additive models, regardless of the statistic used, pedigrees with all-female siblings have very little power to detect X-linked loci.
Acute presentation of memory loss and emotional lability

A 35-year-old woman presented complaining of memory loss and increased emotional lability. On physical examination she was noted to be poorly oriented, have profound recent and remote memory defects, and to have mild but significant lateralizing signs. Inpatient work-up included EEG, computed tomography scan, and cerebral angiography, culminating with a brain biopsy that revealed a Grade IV left temporal astrocytoma. The patient was discharged and received outpatient radiotherapy before dying 12 weeks after presentation.
Investigating the microstructure of keratin extracted from wool: Peptide sequence (MALDI-TOF/TOF) and protein conformation (FTIR)

Abstract Investigations of keratins extracted from wool by reduction hydrolysis and by alkaline hydrolysis showed that their chemical compositions and secondary structures were similar to original wool. The keratin isolates were similar in amino acid, Amides I and II, and secondary structure to each other and to original wool. From SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, keratin isolated by reduction contained protein homologs of molecular weight, ∼40–60 kDa and keratin isolate from alkaline hydrolysis contained peptide fragments of ∼6–8 kDa. MALDI-TOF/TOF spectrometry confirmed that the reduction isolate contained Type II microfibrillar component 7C, hair Type II intermediate filament, Type I microfibrillar 48 kDa component 8C-1, and Type I microfibrillar 47.6 kDa protein homologs which contained alanine, glutamine, glutamic acid, leucine, serine, leucine, and cystine with highest amounts glutamic acid and leucine amino acids. FTIR spectroscopy was applied to examine secondary structure to confirm the content of α-helix/β-sheet/disordered regions for original wool (58.2%/37.9%/3.9%); keratin from reduction (36.7%/50.2%/13.1%); and keratin from alkaline hydrolysis (25.7%/51.8%/22.5%). The higher content of β-sheet secondary structure and intact α-helical conformation characterized these isolates as viable starting materials for chemical modification to form novel bio-based materials useful in industrial formulations and compositions. In particular keratin extracted by reduction with the molecular weight of original wool and the probability of useful mechanical properties can be transformed into stand-alone products of various shapes and forms such as porous foams, sponges, mats, and films for bio-based, adaptable structures.
Father Participation in Early Education Programs

This article reports the results of a national survey of 318 fathers participating in programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Head Start, and Part B and Part C programs in six states. Fathers reported their participation in the activities offered to them by these early childhood education programs. Fathers of children with and without disabilities preferred activities in which all family members could be involved. Fathers were also asked to identify the program characteristics that facilitated their participation. This article discusses implications of this information for service providers.