cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A competitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for bovine transforming growth factor-B1 mRNA

We have developed a flexible reverse transcription (RT) coupled quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-b) mRNA. A deletion mutant cDNA internal standard was prepared from the wild type cDNA and used to normalize intersample PCR efficiency differences. The assay is compatible with samples from cow and other species. Using RT-PCR, we determined that TGF-b mRNA in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells is increased by TGF-b 7.5-fold within 6h and remains 4-fold above baseline after 12h. In addition, unlike TGF-b bioactivity, mRNA levels in endothelial cells are not decreased upon exposure of the cells to either glutathione (reduced or oxidized), cysteine, or N-acetylcysteine for 24h.
Determination of the fine-structure properties of the 2p subshell of atomic chlorine

A measurement of the fine-structure properties of the atomic chlorine $2p$ subshell has been carried out using electron spectrometry in conjunction with synchrotron radiation. We observe eight of the ten photopeaks predicted for this open-shell atom. Binding energies, relative intensities, and angular distribution parameters are reported for an incident photon energy of 245 eV. Experimental binding energies and intensities are in reasonable agreement with our calculations using a Slater-Condon superposition-of-configuration method.
Winds in the strait of gibraltar

SUMMARY Automated meteorological observations were made from October 1985 to September 1986 in the narrows of the Strait of Gibraltar. Additional surface and upper-air measurements were made in the Strait from May to July 1986. The main wind events in summer were mostly mesoscale levanters (winds from the east through the Strait), and a lesser number of synoptic-scale levanters and westerlies. During mesoscale levanters, the wind speed increased and the pressure decreased from Gibraltar downstream through the narrows as far as Tangier. A mesoscale low and the highest winds were found over the axis of the Strait, north of Tangier. High-velocity (20 m s-') winds occurred only under 1 -km height. The air-temperature profile became progressively warmer moving from Gibraltar towards Tangier. A weak air-temperature inversion decreased in height to the west of the narrows. Venturi flow as an explanation for the downstream increase of the low-level winds during a levanter is inconsistent with observations. A new model is proposed to explain the wind field associated with levanter winds in the Strait that includes some orographic blocking and low-level convergence into the narrows, some west-side divergence due to drag over water, and leeside heating that generates a leeside, mesoscale low pressure. The surface low accelerates the surface winds to their maximum strength well downstream of the narrows. A similar flow regime has been observed recently in the sea-level channel between Hawaii and Maui.
Fabrication and morphology of (Hg,Re)-1212 thin films on LaAlO3

Abstract Superconducting (Hg,Re)Ba 2 CaCu 2 O y ((Hg,Re)-1212) thin films have been prepared on single crystal substrates of LaAlO 3 by reacting laser deposited ReBaCaCuO precursor films with CaHgO 2 in sealed quartz tubes. The effects of the deposition parameters such as laser fluence and substrate temperature, on surface morphology and microstructure were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AFM observations revealed that a granular structure was seen in the precursor films deposited at lower energy (less than 200 mJ) and disappeared at higher energy (250 mJ). SEM investigation on final reacted films showed that the precursor films deposited at 250 °C resulted in a well-connected and uniformly dense microstructure, whereas the films deposited at lower or higher temperatures were porous and non-uniform.
Splicing of a cap-proximal human Papillomavirus 16 E6E7 intron promotes E7 expression, but can be restrained by distance of the intron from its RNA 5' cap.

Abstract Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E6E7 pre-mRNA is bicistronic and has an intron in the E6 coding region with one 5′ splice site and two alternative 3′ splice sites, which produce E6∗I and E6∗II, respectively. If this intron remains unspliced, the resulting E6E7 mRNA expresses oncogenic E6. We found for the first time that the E6E7 pre-mRNA was efficiently spliced in vitro only when capped and that cellular cap-binding factors were involved in the splicing. The cap-dependent splicing of the E6E7 pre-mRNA was extremely efficient in cervical cancer-derived cells, producing mostly E6∗I, but inefficient in cells transfected with a common retrovirus expression vector, pLXSN16E6E7, due to the large size of this vector's exon 1. Further studies showed that efficient splicing of the E6E7 pre-mRNA depends on the distance of the cap-proximal intron from the RNA 5′ cap, with an optimal distance of less than 307 nt in order to facilitate better association of U1 small nuclear RNA with the intron 5′ splice site. The same was true for splicing of human β-globin RNA. Splicing of the E6E7 RNA provided more E7 RNA templates and promoted E7 translation, whereas a lack of RNA splicing produced a low level of E7 translation. Together, our data indicate that the distance between the RNA 5′ cap and cap-proximal intron is rate limiting for RNA splicing. HPV16 E6E7 pre-mRNA takes advantage of its small cap-proximal exon to confer efficient splicing for better E7 expression.
Effects of florivory on floral volatile emissions and pollination success in the wild parsnip

In addition to reducing fitness by consuming reproductive structures, florivores may also reduce plant fitness by altering interactions with pollinators. To date, the effects of florivore activity on the volatile profile of flowers and subsequent attractiveness to pollinators have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we had three specific objectives: to determine the impact of florivory by the parsnip webworm Depressaria pastinacella on the floral volatile profile of the wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa, to ascertain the mechanisms by which florivory changes the volatile profile, and to estimate the consequences of florivory on visitation by pollinators and eventual seed set. An overall indirect effect of webworms on seed set, that is, the effect of infestation on pollination success, was not detected. However, this overall lack of indirect effect masks the heterogeneity among individual plants. For seven of 14 plants examined, pollination success was altered by webworms, and in four of these plants the alteration in pollination success was consistent with webworm-altered visitation. Webworms significantly altered floral fragrance, in particular causing disproportionate increases in the emissions of octyl esters. Additionally, volatiles from webworm frass, which contains large amounts of the octyl ester metabolite n-octanol, may alter the floral fragrance in ways that change attractiveness of flowers to pollinators. This study suggests that the effects of florivores on plant fitness are not limited to the removal of floral units but may also involve alterations in floral volatile composition, through damage-induced release and detoxification of particular constituents, that affect visitation and pollination success.
Accounting for system-level controls during early-stage design

Designers of shipboard power systems must consider many tradeoffs when selecting generators in the early-stage set-based design. This is not just an “equipment problem” based on physical design requirements such as limits of size and weight. The operating strategy for generators must be considered when evaluating the goodness of the design. To this end, this paper develops a design approach to impose system-level controls onto generating plants to evaluate their optimality. Two critical design metrics-fuel consumption and quality of service (QOS) are defined to incorporate these control variables, and co-optimized to reflect mission-oriented system performance. The minimum fuel consumption is computed based on a new concept of economic dispatch algorithm, which takes active and reactive power balance, and system redundancy requirements into account. QOS metric is defined to reflect system-level control strategies based on the classical concept of mean-time-between-failure, which is defined to depend inversely on the power produced. We develop a multi-objective particle swarm optimization to effectively locate the Pareto fronts of system performance for all design alternatives over a whole given mission. Thus a set of optimal design alternatives can be rapidly selected to represent the non-dominated optimal compromises of the two metrics. This design approach is demonstrated and compared with a single-objective design approach in a design example of shipboard generating plant design. And more optimal alternatives are able to be found.
Short term placement outcomes for children adopted after age five

Abstract Adoptive placements of older children are considered high risk, in part due to the influence of children's previous experiences in birth families and foster care. However, little is known about older children's life histories and their relation to adoption outcomes. This study explored the preplacement life histories and short term outcomes of 53 children (62% were male; 34% were African American) adopted after age five. First, relations between children's birth family and foster care experiences and child characteristics at placement and placement status child adjustment and placement satisfaction were examined. Second, children's emotional adjustment was compared with two groups of matched peers. Findings highlight the importance of understanding birth family histories, even when foster care experiences and other preplacement characteristics are accounted for. Birth family experiences predicted child adjustment and placement satisfaction, revealing that children from more stable birth parents tended to have more behavior problems and greater satisfaction. Although parent and child satisfaction were high, they were differentially predicted. Findings revealing healthier histories and outcomes for less severely disturbed children and African American children are interpreted in light of historical inequities in adoptive placement.
A national survey of program director opinions of core competencies and structure of hand surgery fellowship training.

Purpose We assessed hand surgery program directors' opinions of essential components of hand surgery training and potential changes in the structure of hand surgery programs. Methods We recruited all 74 program directors of Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education–accredited hand surgery fellowship programs to participate. We designed a web-based survey to assess program directors' support for changes in the structure of training programs and to assess opinions of components that are essential for graduates to be proficient. Respondents were asked to rate 9 general areas of practice, 97 knowledge topics, and 172 procedures. Each component was considered essential if 50% or more of respondents thought that graduates must be fully knowledgeable of the topic and be able to perform the procedure at the end of training. Results The response rate was 84% (n = 62). A minority of program directors (n = 15; 24%) supported creation of additional pathways for hand surgery training, and nearly three-quarters (n = 46; 74%) preferred a fellowship model to an integrated residency model. Most program directors (n = 40; 65%) thought that a 1-year fellowship was sufficient to train a competent hand surgeon. Wrist, distal radius/ulna, forearm, and peripheral nerve conditions were rated as essential areas of practice. Of the detailed components, 76 of 97 knowledge topics and 98 of 172 procedures were rated as essential. Only 48% respondents (n = 30) rated microsurgery as it relates to free tissue transfer as essential. However, small and large vessel laceration repairs were rated as essential by 92% (n = 57) and 77% (n = 48) of respondents, respectively. Conclusions This study found resistance to prolonging the length of fellowship training and introduction of an integrated residency pathway. To train all hand surgeons in essential components of hand surgery, programs must individually evaluate exposure provided and find innovative ways to augment training when necessary. Clinical relevance Studies of curriculum content in hand surgery affect the future scope of hand surgery practice and highlight areas in need of reform and enhancement.
The location of atomic hydrogen in NiTi alloy: A first principles study

Abstract A first principles density functional theory study to investigate the H defect in NiTi alloy is presented. We have determined the interstitial H atom position in bulk B2 phase NiTi alloy. H positions on both the Ti and Ni terminated NiTi surfaces are calculated. Surface adsorptions of H atom on Ni/Ti terminated surfaces are calculated for a low surface coverage of 1.96 × 10 14 cm −2 . We have also calculated the penetration barrier energy for an H atom from the surface site to the bulk lattice site.
Evaluation of algorithms for lossless compression of continuous-tone images

Lossless image compression algorithms for continuous- tone images have received a great deal of attention in recent years. However, reports on benchmarking their performance have been limited. In this paper, we present a comparative study of the follow- ing algorithms: UNIX compress, gzip, LZW, Group 3, Group 4, JBIG, old lossless JPEG, JPEG-LS based on LOCO, CALIC, FELICS, S1P transform, and PNG. The test images consist of two sets of eight bits/pixel continuous-tone images: one set contains nine picto- rial images, and another set contains eight document images, ob- tained from the standard set of CCITT images that were scanned and printed using eight bits/pixel at 200 dpi. In cases where the algorithm under consideration could only be applied to binary data, the bitplanes of the gray scale image were decomposed, with and without Gray encoding, and the compression was applied to indi- vidual bit planes. The results show that the best compression is obtained using the CALIC and JPEG-LS algorithms. © 2002 SPIE
Distinct roles for the small GTPases Cdc42 and Rho in endothelial responses to shear stress

Shear stress, the tangential component of hemodynamic forces, plays an important role in endothelial remodeling. In this study, we investigated the role of Rho family GTPases Cdc42 and Rho in shear stress-induced signal transduction and cytoskeleton reorganization. Our results showed that shear stress induced the translocation of Cdc42 and Rho from cytosol to membrane. Although both Cdc42 and Rho were involved in the shear stress-induced transcription factor AP-1 acting on the 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-phorbol-acetate-responsive element (TRE), only Cdc42 was sufficient to activate AP-1/TRE. Dominant-negative mutants of Cdc42 and Rho, as well as recombinant C3 exoenzyme, attenuated the shear stress activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNKs), suggesting that Cdc42 and Rho regulate the shear stress induction of AP-1/TRE activity through JNKs. Shear stress-induced cell alignment and stress fiber formation were inhibited by the dominant-negative mutants of Rho and p160ROCK, but not by the dominant-negative mutant of Cdc42, indicating that the Rho-p160ROCK pathway regulates the cytoskeletal reorganization in response to shear stress.
Observational evidence of interannual to decadal-scale variability of the subsurface temperature-salinity structure of the world ocean

We present a brief summary of some results describing interannual to decade scale variability of ocean parameters, focusing on subsurface temperature and salinity. We focus attention on the North Atlantic, where it is very clear that a major redistribution of heat and salt has been occurring since 1960, from the sea surface to at least 3000 m depth. We then discuss implications of these examples of historical variability toward development of an ocean monitoring system for the ocean interior. The purpose of this paper reflects our belief that the justification of, and planning for, any such monitoring system for the world ocean, should be based on analyses of historical oceanographic data. These analyses should document the time and space scales associated with variability of the world ocean.
Epitaxial GexSi1−x/Si (100) structures produced by pulsed laser mixing of evaporated Ge on Si (100) substrates

Heteroepitaxial GexSi1−x alloy layers have been formed by pulsed laser induced mixing of pure germanium films and Si (100) substrates. Ge films 50–200 A thick are electron beam evaporated onto Si (100) under ≤1×10−7 Torr vacuum. The near surface of the sample then undergoes a rapid melt and regrowth process using 2–10 pulses from a XeCl excimer laser. The laser has a 37‐ns pulse width at 308 nm and its energy density of 0.5–1.5 J/cm2 is precisely homogenized into a 4×4 mm square area. The alloy layers are 250–1600 A thick, have a Ge fraction x=2.5–19%, and exhibit excellent crystallinity as evaluated by MeV ion channeling and lattice resolution cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy. Unlike layer growth by molecular beam epitaxy, this approach is insensitive to minor levels of contamination because the original Ge/Si interface is melted through during the laser processing.
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Current Status

Since first described by Parodi in 1991, endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has progressively and dramatically changed the approach to treating abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease.1 Whereas historically developed to treat patients unfit for open repair, EVAR now represents the primary paradigm by which most infrarenal AAAs are managed. This paradigm shift has occurred in the setting of long-term clinical uncertainty and increased expense, largely secondary to the costs of the endograft itself. EVAR is currently performed by multiple interventional and surgical specialties. Outcomes are associated with lower in-hospital mortality rates compared with open repair, often permitting successful discharge of patients within 24 hours. Because the market share of EVAR has increased, the endograft industry has also seen tremendous growth and development. Cross-sectional imaging with 3-dimensional reconstructions has become paramount to the appropriate and timely management of aortic aneurysms. At present, even in the setting of aortic rupture, EVAR is preferred because it has been associated with lower mortality rates compared with open repair. Despite the rampant increase in EVAR, not all patients are anatomic candidates for EVAR as defined by industry-issued instructions for use. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies, such as altering endografts with fenestrations or sidearm grafts, snorkeling stent grafts alongside endografts, or performing hybrid debranching procedures with open bypasses to the viscerals and renals followed by endografting have been developed. Although the data supporting EVAR as the primary treatment option for infrarenal AAA is robust, its superiority over open repair can be questioned until the long-term outcomes (>10 years) from landmark randomized controlled trials begin to surface. Parenthetically, the indications for EVAR seem to be increasing because clinical equipoise remains ambiguous and fewer trainees are required to perform open AAA repair. Although early use of EVAR was primarily at centers of excellence, currently it has become the most …
Interactions of cAMP receptor protein with the ompA gene, a gene for a major outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli

We have determined the entire DNA sequence of the ompA gene, a gene for a major outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli [ 11. The promoter region of this gene was found to be remarkably homologous with the Zac and gal Pz promoters [2]. Particularly from the fact that both the ompA and gal Pz promoters have the same octanucleotide sequence, T-C-A-C-A-C-T-T in their RNA polymerase recognition site (-35 region), it became relevant to find out if the CAMP receptor protein (CRP) binds to this region of the ompA gene to influence the cellfree transcription of the ompA gene [2]. Here we present the effects of CRP and CAMP on the cell-free transcription of the ompA gene and studies aimed at determining the CRP binding site on the ompA promoter. The results obtained indicate that CRP has a negative effect on the transcription of the ompA gene. We have also rechecked the gels of the DNA sequence of the ompA gene at 7 different positions where the DNAsequence we determined [I] differed from that in [3], including the sequence at the putative transcription termination site, where there is an extremely stable stem-and-loop structure in our sequence but not in theirs.
A stress-deformation model of the human aorta.

A finite element stress-deformation model of the human aorta was developed based on previously determined constitutive relationships. The model was used to predict the deformations experienced by an arota when subjected to localized pressure distributions. The model was further refined so as to analyze a twolayered vascular system. The stress distribution through the wall, particularly at the layer interface, was studied for composite vascular systems subjected to localized internal pressures.
Early Fluid Administration in Extremely Preterm Newborns (with Birth Body Mass ≤1200G) and its Relationship with the Level of NT-PROBNP and PDA

Background: Patent arterial duct [PDA] is a common problem in extremely preterm babies. Its hemodynamic significance is considered to be partly dependent on fluid management, especially in extremely low birth weight preterms [ELBW]. Some authors propose N-terminal pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide[NT-proBNP] as an indicator of significance of PDA. The aim of our study is to check the relationship between early intravenous fluid intake, the level of NT-proBNP and PDA diameter. Methods: Between 2009 and 2011, twenty ELBW preterms were included for the study. The main inclusion criteria were: birth mass ≤1200g, birth age ≤28 weeks. Blood sample for NT-proBNP measurement just after delivery and in the second day of life were collected. An echocardiography was performed simultaneously with the second sample for NT-proBNP. The diameter of arterial duct and, the LA/Ao ratio were measured. Total fluid administration [TFA] until the moment of the second NT-proBNP collection was calculated and expressed as ml/kg/h. The results were compared and analyzed. Five newborns were excluded from the analysis. Results: Median diameter of PDA, La/Ao ratio, TFA, NT-proBNP level in three groups of patients are presented below: Table Conclusions: NT-proBNP is a useful tool for indication of hemodynamic significance of PDA. Intravenous fluid administrated according to patient requirements, influences neither the diameter of PDA nor NT-proBNP level.
31P-NMR study of the activation of the sea urchin egg☆

Abstract 31 P-NMR has been used as a non-invasive probe to examine changes in pH and phosphate metabolism at fertilization of the sea urchin egg. A pH increase of 0.43 units was measured following fertilization. This value is in good agreement with measurements made with pH micro-electrodes and the DMO method, but is contrasted with the failure of other workers to measure a pH increase with 31 P-NMR. Significantly the increase in arginine phosphate associated with fertilization was found not to be triggered by a pH increase induced by NH 4 C1 activation. In addition we examined the 31 P-NMR spectrum of sea urchin sperm and determined their intracellular pH.
Photosynthate partitioning and nodule formation in soybean plants that received red or far‐red light at the end of the photosynthetic period

The influence of row orientation on spectral distribution of light received by growing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. (cv. Coker 338)] plants was measured under field conditions, and light spectrum effects on photosynthate partitioning were studied under controlled environments. Light received by leaves under field conditions differed among those grown in north-south vs east-west oriented rows. In morning and late afternoon, the far-red/ red ratio received by leaves at the surface of the canopy differed about 3-fold from the east to west sides of north-south rows, but only 1.3-fold from the south to north sides of east-west rows. In controlled environments, brief exposures to red or far-red light at the end of the photosynthetic period influenced partitioning of photosynthate among leaves, stems and roots. The top/root ratios differed significantly between the red and far-red treated plants. Red treated plants partitioned less photosynthate to stems and more to roots than did those treated with far-red. Also, plants with larger root systems developed more nodules. Phytochrome effects on photosynthate partitioning between tops and roots may influence yield of soybean plants grown in soils with low water-holding capacity.
Metabolic implications of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactic dehydrogenase in two marine gastropods

Abstract 1. 1. A comparison of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactic dehydrogenase activity in mice, Nassarius obsoletus and Littorina littorea was used to determine possible differences in metabolic pathways. 2. 2. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in both species of snails was higher than that in mice. 3. 3. Lactic dehydrogenase was present in mice and in L. littorea but absent from N. obsoletus . 4. 4. It is concluded that N. obsoletus may not utilize the Embden-Meyerhof pathway for glycolysis, while L. littorea may have partial use of this mechanism. 5. 5. In the hepatopancreas of parasitized N. obsoletus enzyme levels remained unchanged while total protein content was reduced. 6. 6. The relationship between glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and lipogenesis was noted.
An investigation of a two-stage production line with normally distributed interarrival and service time distributions

Abstract A two-stage production line which is both balanced and unbalanced is investigated, where the service times at each station and the interarrival times to the system are independently and normally distributed. Computer simulation is employed in producing interdeparture times of the first station, expected time in the system per arrival and expected queue sizes.
Long-distance rotational echo double resonance measurements for the determination of secondary structure and conformational heterogeneity in peptides.

Abstract The utility of rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR spectroscopy for determining the conformations of linear peptides has been examined critically using a series of crystalline and amorphous samples. The focus of the present work was the evaluation of long-distance (>5 A) interactions using 13 C – 15 N dephasing. Detailed studies of specifically labeled melanostatin and synthetic analogs of the α-factor yeast mating hormone show that nitrogen-dephased, carbon-observe REDOR measurements are reliable for distances up to 6.0 A, and that dipolar interactions can be detected for distances up to 7 A. By contrast, nitrogen-observe REDOR gives reliable results only for distances shorter than 5.0 A. To measure distances accurately, REDOR data must be corrected for the effects of natural-abundance spins. These corrections are particularly important for measuring long distances, which are of the greatest value for determining peptide secondary structure. We have developed a spherical shell model for calculating the effect of these background spins. The REDOR studies also indicate that in a lyophilized powder, the tridecapeptide α-factor mating pheromone from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (WHWLQLKPGQPMY) probably exists as a distribution of different turn structures around the KPGQ region. This finding revises previous solid-state NMR studies on this peptide, which concluded α-factor assumes a distorted type-I β-turn in the Pro-Gly central region of the molecule [J.R. Garbow, M. Breslav, O. Antohi, F. Naider, Biochemistry, 33 (1994) 10094].
Effect of Witnesses' Expertness and Manner of Delivery of Testimony on Verdicts of Simulated Jurors:

Summary.-The impact on jurors' decision making of the type of expert witness and the manner of delivery of testimony was explored in a 3 X 2 between-subjects, factorial design 68 undergraduate subjects read an edited, 26- ' page transcript of an actual criminal case in which the crucial testimony concerned the intoxication of the victim. A physician, police officer, or layperson as witness delivered that testimony against the defendant in either an opinionated or non-opinionated manner. Dependent variables were subjects' verdicts and recommended sentences. Results indicated that verdicts and sentences were most severe following testimony against the defendant by a physician and least severe following testimony against the defendant by a police officer. An interaction berween the criminal charge and the manner of delivery of testimony showed that opinionated delivery was followed by more severe judgments of guilt on the relatively severe charges of first and second degree murder, whereas non-opinionated delivery was followed by more severe judgments of guilt on the charge of manslaughter. Discussion centered on both the theoretical and practical implications of the findings. Although witnesses' testimony often provides most of a juror's information relevant to a crime, surprisingly little research has explored variables influencing the impact of such testimony on jurors' decisions. Yet this issue seems to be one in which traditional social psychological research on persuasion, attirude change, impression formation, and more recently, integration of information and causal attribution seem particularly relevant. The consequences of such research are certainly of both theoretical and practical concern. In one of the few studies, Garcia and Griffitt (1975) found that the likableness of the witness increased both the witness' credibility and ratings of the defendant's guilt when the witness' testimony was against the defendant. Klein (1965) investigated the impact of testimony from "expert" witnesses, finding that, at least under certain conditions, the testimony of psychiatrists had a significant effect on jurors' verdicts. Similar findings of the effect of the testimony of psychologists are reported by Dowdle, Gillen, and Miller (1974). Their results further suggest that the expert source of the testimony rather than the number of sources (or witnesses) may have the more significant effect on verdicts. Both studies, however, leave many questions concerning the impact of expert testimony unanswered. What is the relative impact of different types of expert witnesses in
Call for Papers---The M&SOM Special Issue on the Environment

• Analysis of novel operational problems faced by organizations that develop or adopt new products or services in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, green chemicals, organic agriculture, sustainable mobility, or green building; • Adaptation of supply chain design and operations to scarcity of fresh water, seaport disruption, and other manifestations of climate change; • Integration of environmental impact measurement into the optimal design and operation of manufacturing and service systems.
Dairy Product Score Cards: Are They Consistent with Principles of Sensory Evaluation?

Abstract Scoring is the most frequently used method of sensory testing of food for quality, especially by the dairy industry. The diversity and apparent simplicity of score cards are primary reasons for this widespread use. Dairy product score cards provide a numerical standard by which several quality parameters can be measured. Beginning students or amateur judges have established more consistent judging skills by following a definite, orderly routine through the application of score cards. Dairy product score cards provide the benefits: 1) educate, 2) develop improved judging procedures and habits, 3) minimize mechanical errors in scoring, 4) save time, 5) provide permanent records, and 6) serve as a guide to maintenance and improvement of dairy product quality. Revision of score card format could improve cards as educational tools for students.
Effect of processing and storage on red blood cell function in vivo

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is indicated to improve oxygen delivery to tissue, and for no other purpose. We have come to appreciate that donor RBCs are fundamentally altered during processing and storage in a manner that both impairs oxygen transport efficacy and introduces additional risk by perturbing both immune and coagulation systems. The protean biophysical and physiological changes in RBC function arising from storage are termed the "storage lesion;" many have been understood for some time; for example, we know that the oxygen affinity of stored blood rises during the storage period and that intracellular allosteric regulators, notably 2,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid and ATP, are depleted during storage. Our appreciation of other storage lesion features has emerged with improved understanding of coagulation, immune, and vascular signaling systems. Here, we review key features of the "storage lesion." Additionally, we call particular attention to the newly appreciated role of RBCs in regulating linkage between regional blood flow and regional O(2) consumption by regulating the bioavailability of key vasoactive mediators in plasma, and discuss how processing and storage disturb this key signaling function and impair transfusion efficacy.
Multi-writer composite registers

A composite register is an array-like shared data object that is partitioned into a number of components. An operation of such a register either writes a value to a single component, or reads the values of all components. A composite register reduces to an ordinary atomic register when there is only one component. In this paper, we show that a composite register with multiple writers per component can be implemented in a wait-free manner from a composite register with a single writer per component. It has been previously shown that registers of the latter kind can be implemented from atomic registers without waiting. Thus, our results establish that any composite register can be implemented in a wait-free manner from atomic registers. We show that our construction has comparable space compexity and better time complexity than other constructions that have been presented in the literature.
Lack of glucokinase regulatory protein expression may contribute to low glucokinase activity in feline liver

In most mammals, glucokinase (GK) acts as a hepatic “glucose sensor” that permits hepatic metabolism to respond appropriately to changes in plasma glucose concentrations. GK activity is potently regulated by the glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP), which is encoded by the GCKR gene. GKRP binds GK in the nucleus and inhibits its activity. GK becomes active when it is released from GKRP and translocates to the cytosol. Low glucokinase (GK) activity is reported to be a principal feature of feline hepatic carbohydrate metabolism but the molecular pathways that regulate GK activity are not known. This study examined the hypothesis that species-specific differences in GKRP expression parallel the low GK activity observed in feline liver. Hepatic GKRP expression was examined using RT-PCR, immunoblot, and confocal immunomicroscopy. The results show that the GCKR gene is present in the feline genome but GCKR mRNA and the GKRP protein were absent in feline liver. The lack of GKRP expression in feline liver indicates that the low GK activity cannot be the result of GKRP-mediated inhibition of the GK enzyme. However, the absence of the permissive effects of GCKR expression on GK expression and activity may contribute to reduced GK enzyme activity in feline liver. The study results show that the cat is a natural model for GCKR knockout and may be useful to study regulation of GCKR expression and its role in hepatic glucose-sensing and carbohydrate metabolism.
Exact Stability Analysis of a Second-Order Leaderless Consensus Protocol with Multiple Communication and Input Delays

Abstract An earlier investigation on a leaderless consensus protocol for double integrators with multiple time delays (Meng et al., 2011) is revisited in this paper from two completely different and novel perspectives. First, the crucial stability analysis of time delayed system is replaced with a recent technique called the Cluster Treatment of Characteristic Roots (CTCR). CTCR paradigm is pursued after a block-diagonalization (mode decoupling) transformation on the system. This treatment produces the unique stability tables for the dynamics in the space of the delays. Furthermore they are exact and exhaustive. Secondly, the novel concept of Spectral Delay Space is presented, as an overture to the CTCR for the determination of the needed potential stability crossing (switching) hypersurfaces in the delay space. Examples cases are provided to display the strengths, efficiency and explicitness of this new stability analysis mechanism.
Role of CMR Imaging in Risk Stratification for Sudden Cardiac Death

Left ventricular ejection fraction as determined by echocardiography has a limited sensitivity in predicting risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Subsequent efforts to improve cost-effectiveness of device implantation and identify a better risk-stratifying tool have been quite desirable. The presence of scar and myocardial tissue heterogeneity has been linked to ventricular arrhythmia, which is believed to be the major cause of SCD. Cardiac magnetic resonance is a noninvasive imaging modality that visualizes and quantifies scar, with growing evidence delineating its additive value in identifying patients at higher risk for SCD.
Maturation of the Epithelial Na+ Channel Involves Proteolytic Processing of the α- and γ-Subunits

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is a tetramer of two α-, one β-, and one γ-subunit, but little is known about its assembly and processing. Because co-expression of mouse ENaC subunits with three different carboxyl-terminal epitope tags produced an amiloride-sensitive sodium current in oocytes, these tagged subunits were expressed in both Chinese hamster ovary or Madin-Darby canine kidney type 1 epithelial cells for further study. When expressed alone α-(95 kDa), β-(96 kDa), and γ-subunits (93 kDa) each produced a single band on SDS gels by immunoblotting. However, co-expression of αβγENaC subunits revealed a second band for each subunit (65 kDa for α, 110 kDa for β, and 75 kDa for γ) that exhibited N-glycans that had been processed to complex type based on sensitivity to treatment with neuraminidase, resistance to cleavage by endoglycosidase H, and GalNAc-independent labeling with [3H]Gal in glycosylation-defective Chinese hamster ovary cells (ldlD). The smaller size of the processed α- and γ-subunits is also consistent with proteolytic cleavage. By using α- and γ-subunits with epitope tags at both the amino and carboxyl termini, proteolytic processing of the α- and γ-subunits was confirmed by isolation of an additional epitope-tagged fragment from the amino terminus (30 kDa for α and 18 kDa for γ) consistent with cleavage within the extracellular loop. The fragments remain stably associated with the channel as shown by immunoblotting of co-immunoprecipitates, suggesting that proteolytic cleavage represents maturation rather than degradation of the channel.
Developmental Control of the Melanocortin-4 Receptor by MRAP2 Proteins in Zebrafish

The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is essential for control of energy homeostasis in vertebrates. MC4R interacts with melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2) in vitro, but its functions in vivo are unknown. We found that MRAP2a, a larval form, stimulates growth of zebrafish by specifically blocking the action of MC4R. In cell culture, this protein binds MC4R and reduces the ability of the receptor to bind its ligand, α–melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). A paralog, MRAP2b, expressed later in development, also binds MC4R but increases ligand sensitivity. Thus, MRAP2 proteins allow for developmental control of MC4R activity, with MRAP2a blocking its function and stimulating growth during larval development, whereas MRAP2b enhances responsiveness to α-MSH once the zebrafish begins feeding, thus increasing the capacity for regulated feeding and growth.
Stabilization of mercury-containing wastes using sulfide

This paper summarizes the findings of our studies on mercury stabilization using sulfide. Primary stabilization variables such as stabilization pH and sulfide/mercury molar ratio were tested. Mercury stabilization effectiveness was evaluated using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and the constant pH leaching tests. The influence of interfering ions on mercury immobilization was also tested. The experimental results indicate that the sulfide-induced treatment technology is an effective way to minimize mercury leaching. It was found that the most effective mercury stabilization occurs at pH 6 combined with a sulfide/mercury molar ratio of 1. The combined use of increased dosage of sulfide and ferrous ions ([S]/[Hg]=2 and [Fe]/[Hg]=3 at pH=6) can significantly reduce interferences by chloride and/or phosphate during sulfide-induced mercury immobilization. The sulfide-treated waste stabilization efficiency reached 98%, even with exposure of the wastes to high pH leachants.
From Combinatorial Chemistry to Cancer-Targeting Peptides

Several monoclonal antibodies that target cell surface receptors have gained approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are widely used in the treatment of some cancers. These include but are not limited to the anti-CD20 antibody Rituximab, used in lymphoma treatment, as well as anti-HER-2 antibody for breast cancer therapy. The efficacy of this cancer immunotherapy modality is, however, limited by the large size of the antibody (160 kd) and its relatively nonspecific binding to the reticuloendothelial system. This latter property is particularly problematic if the antibody is used as a vehicle to deliver radionuclides, cytotoxic drugs, or toxins to the tumor site. Peptides, peptidomimetic, or small molecules are thus attractive as alternative cell surface targeting agents for cancer imaging and therapy. Cancer cell surface targeting peptides can be derived from known native peptide hormones such as somatostatin and bombesin, or they can be identified through screening combinatorial peptide lib...
Comparative studies of zinc metabolism in cultured chinese hamster cells with differing metallothionein-induction capacities.

Previous work in our laboratory led to the isolation of a cadmium (Cd)-resistant variant (Cdr2C10) of the line CHO Chinese Hamster cell having a 10-fold greater resistance to the cytotoxic action of Cd2+ compared with the CHO cell. This resistance was attributed to an increased capacity of the Cd2+-resistant Cdr2C10 subline to induce synthesis of the Cd2+- and Zn2+-binding protein(s), metallothionein(s) (MT). Evidence that Cd2+ behaves as an analog of the essential trace metal, Zn2+, especially as an inducer of MT synthesis, suggested that the Cdr and CHO cell types could be employed to investigate cellular Zn2+ metabolism. In the present study, measurements were made to compare CHO and Cdr cell types for (a) growth as a function of the level of ZnCl2 added to the culture medium, (b) uptake and subcellular distribution of Zn2+, and (c) capacity to induce MT synthesis. The results of these measurements indicated that (a) both CHO and Cdr cell types grew normally (T d≊16–18 h) during exposures to Zn2+ at levels up to 100 μM added to the growth medium, but displayed abrupt growth inhibition at higher Zn2+ levels, (b) Cdr cells incorporate fourfold more Zn2+ during a 24-h exposure to the maximal subtoxic level of Zn2+ and (c) the CHO cell lacks the capacity to induce MT synethesis while the Cdr cell is proficient in this response during exposure to the maximal subtoxic Zn2+ level. These findings suggest that (a) the CHO and Cdr cell systems will be useful in further studies of cellular Zn2+ metabolism, especially in comparisons of Zn2+ metabolism in the presence and absence of induction of the Zn2+-sequestering MT and (b) a relationship exists between cellular capacity to induce MT synthesis and capacity for cellular Zn2+ uptake.
Evaluation of trickle-bed air biofilter performance for MEK removal

Biofiltration of a gaseous stream contaminated with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and the three xylene (BTEX) compounds was evaluated in this study. Experimental investigations were conducted on a pilot­ scale biofilter containing randomly packed 6-mm R-635 Celite pellets as biological attachment media. The main focus of the study was to expand biofiltration technology to treat high volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentrations while maintaining consistently high removal efficiencies. Operational parameters investigated were BTEX loading, empty bed residence time (EBRT), backwashing frequency and duration, recovery of biofilter removal efficiency after backwashing, development of removal rate constants, and nutrient-phosphorous (nutrient-P) limitation as a biomass control. Periodic backwashing of the biofilter with medium fluidization was necessary for removing excess biomass and attaining stable long-term high removal efficiencies. Removal effi­ ciencies above 99% were achieved for all the BTEX components for loadings up to 1.8 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD)/m 3 /d. Stable overall removal efficiencies of 88% were achieved for a BTEX loading of 6.2 kg COD/m 3 /d and an EBRT of 0.67 min. Evaluations of pseudo-steady-state performance data, one day following backwashing, yielded first-order removal rate constants for all the BTEX components. Removal efficiencies above 99% at BTEX loading of 2.1 kg COD/m 3 /d were attained for a period of 14 d without biofilter back­ washing in the absence of nutrient-Po
How Reliable Are Fathers' Reports of Involvement With Their Children?: A Methodological Report

Family researchers have long recognized the value of having multiple informants when studying families. However, the reliability of fathers’ reports, especially on their level of involvement with their children, has sometimes been questioned. Using time diary data from a sample of White, well-educated, first-time parents (N = 52 couples), this study moves beyond a simple comparison of father and mother reports of father involvement by using a method that corrects for the times mothers are not able to observe fathers’ level of involvement. Results indicate father and mother reports of father involvement are highly similar. This finding suggests that fathers are reliable reporters of their own involvement with their young children via time diaries. Previously reported differences between father and mother reports of father involvement may be due to methodological issues more than the gender of the reporter.
Disintegration Schemes of Radioactive Substances. V. I 130

The disintegration of ${\mathrm{I}}^{130}$ was studied by spectrometer and coincidence techniques. The decay proceeds by two modes of negatron emission of maximum beta-ray energy 0.61\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 Mev and 1.03\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 Mev, respectively. The high energy spectrum represents 60\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 percent of the disintegrations and is accompanied by three gamma-rays of energies 0.537\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 Mev, 0.667 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.008 Mev, 0.744\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.010 Mev. The low energy spectrum is accompanied by these same three gamma-rays and, in addition, by a gamma-ray of energy 0.417\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005 Mev. The coefficients of internal conversion in the $K$ shell are 0.0031, 0.0038, 0.0069, 0.012, (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20 percent) in order of decreasing gamma-ray energy. The conversion in the $L$ shell is much smaller. It is shown that the Fermi plot of the complex spectrum can be separated into straight lines which may be extrapolated to obtain the correct disintegration energies.
Future Development of Chinese Medical Journals

Excerpt In my editorial note in the May 1973 issue (1) I promised to give a follow-up report on developments in Chinese medical journals. I have just returned from my second trip to the People's Re...