cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The two nonallelic Xenopus insulin genes are expressed coordinately in the adult pancreas.

We have previously shown that the two nonallelic insulin genes in Xenopus laevis are expressed differentially during neurulation in prepancreatic embryos (Shuldiner et al., 1991, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 7679-7683). We now examine pancreatic expression with alterations in ambient temperature, glucose administration, fasting and feeding, somatostatin analog treatment, as well as during postmetamorphic growth. Insulin I and II mRNAs were quantitated by slot blot hybridization with specific probes and were expressed as the number of copies (× 108) per 5 μg total RNA ± SEM. Frogs maintained at 12° showed no significant changes when compared to frogs maintained at 20°. There was a coordinate decrease in insulin I and II mRNA levels in frogs maintained at 29° (Ins I20, 3.41 ± 0.34 vs Ins I29, 2,39 ± 0.17; Ins II20, 2.59 ± 0.36 vs Ins II29, 1.67 ± 0.09; P < 0.05). When compared to fasting animals, both insulin I and II mRNA levels decreased slightly in frogs given repeated intraperitoneal injections of glucose and in those fed ad libitum; there were no changes after a single dose of glucose or in frogs given somatostatin. When compared to young frogs (6 to 24 months), older frogs (36 months) had higher insulin I and II mRNA levels (e.g., Ins I6mo, 2.14 ± 0.15 vs Ins I36mo, 3.68 ± 0.43; Ins II6mo, 1.21 ± 0.06 vs Ins II36mo, 3.26 ± 0.38; P < 0.05). Further, there was a modest reduction in the percentage of insulin I mRNA with aging (e.g., 6 months 63.6 ± 3.1% vs 36 months 53.9 ± 2.7%; P < 0.05). We conclude that the two nonallelic insulin genes are regulated coordinately in adult pancreas and suggest that the mechanisms responsible for differential insulin gene expression during neurulation in prepancreatic embryos are distinct from those that regulate coordinate expression in the adult pancreas.
A new method for the determination of α1-protease inhibitor (α1-antitrypsin) phenotypes based on the formation of α1-protease inhibitor allele product·elastase complexes

Abstract Up until now it has been assumed that the protease-binding property of α 1 -protease inhibitor ( α 1 PI) was destroyed by acid starch gel electrophoresis (pH 4.9). Analyses on acid starch gel blocks for pH and conductivity changes during and following a typical electrophoretic run showed that it was unlikely that the separating α 1 PI would be exposed to pH values lower than 6.2, and that the allele products, following the passage of the buffer front, were in an environment of constant pH (6.3), extremely low conductivity and high field strength. These results strongly suggested the likelihood that α 1 -PI would be chemically and physically unchanged as a result of exposure to acid starch gel electrophoresis. In order to test this likelihood, human serum was electrophoretically separated in acid starch gel and following electrophoresis, was immersed in 0.1 M diethylbarbiturate buffer, pH 8.6, containing 20 μ/ml of pancreatic elastase. The pH-adjusted (8.15) and elastase-impregnated starch gel layer was superimposed on hemoglobin-agar for 2.5 h at 37 °C followed by immersion of the hemoglobin-agar layer in 1% NaCl overnight, distilled water for 2 h, drying under filter paper and staining. The results showed zones of undigested hemoglobin indicating, unequivocally, that the separated α 1 PI allele products are capable of forming complexes with proteases and that α 1 PI is not inactivated following exposure to acid starch gel electrophoresis. Densitometric analysis of the transparent stained zones on a clear agar gel background offers an alternative to analysis of the acid starch gel-separated zones by antigen-antibody crossed electrophoresis and as such is suitable for identification of α 1 -protease inhibitor phenotypes. Further, the method is specific for α 1 PI and a densitometric scan provides direct information relative to the protease-binding capacity of the sample as well as the contribution of each α 1 PI allele product to that capacity.
Synthesis and Characterization of Soy-based Nanocomposites:

Soy-based nanocomposites were synthesized using soy resin and montmorillonite clay. Two types of dispersion techniques, pneumatic and sonication, were carried out to disperse the nanoclay into the soy-based epoxy resin. Tensile testing of the nanocomposites showed that the nanoclay improved the modulus and the strength by 625% and 340%, respectively. Exfoliation of the nanoclay was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The curing mechanism of soy epoxy resin with different amounts of montmorillonite was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Rheological measurements were also conducted to find the suitability of using the soy-based epoxy clay nanocomposites toward composite manufacturing applications. The dielectric constant and the loss factor were also investigated. These soy-based nanocomposites hold great promise as environmentally friendly and low cost materials for structural applications.
Reflections on comparative education and international development

The relationship between international development and comparative education in the fields of scholarship and policy has been especially strong and significant over the past 50 years. In the immedi...
SUMOylation of FOXM1B Alters Its Transcriptional Activity on Regulation of MiR-200 Family and JNK1 in MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Transcription factor Forkhead Box Protein M1 (FOXM1) is a well-known master regulator in controlling cell-cycle pathways essential for DNA replication and mitosis, as well as cell proliferation. Among the three major isoforms of FOXM1, FOXM1B is highly associated with tumor growth and metastasis. The activities of FOXM1B are modulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, but whether it is modified by small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to determine whether FOXM1B is post-translationally modified by SUMO proteins and also to identify SUMOylation of FOXM1B on its target gene transcription activity. Here we report that FOXM1B is clearly defined as a SUMO target protein at the cellular levels. Moreover, a SUMOylation protease, SENP2, significantly decreased SUMOylation of FOXM1B. Notably, FOXM1B is selectively SUMOylated at lysine residue 463. While SUMOylation of FOXM1B is required for full repression of its target genes MiR-200b/c and p21, SUMOylation of FOXM1B is essential for full activation of JNK1 gene. Overall, we provide evidence that FOXM1B is post-translationally modified by SUMO and SUMOylation of FOXM1B plays a functional role in regulation of its target gene activities.
"Radical" model of thrombosis.

In this issue of Blood , Nishimura and colleagues present a novel in vivo murine model of thrombosis triggered on the undisrupted, activated endothelium in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS)–producing free radicals derived from oxygen (namely O 2 ), which can be present in the vasculature as a result of inflammation 1 (see figure). This new in vivo model involving a novel injury, minimally invasive vessel preparation, and advanced data collection may be particularly useful in dissecting the role of inflammation in thrombosis.
The Child Whisperer: Effective Parenting Strategies Adapted From The Dog Whisperer

Behavior modification with children has been popularized through television shows such as Super Nanny and Nanny 911. The popularity of these shows may be related to the demand parents have for improving their children's behavior. Interestingly, an approach adopted by The Dog Whisperer may prove effective when used with children. The purpose of this brief review is to summarize how behavior modification with children has been used in the media and to detail the surprisingly large amount of research support for The Dog Whisperer's approach. This article also may be used as a guide for those who interact with children.
Nox proteins in signal transduction

Abstract The NADPH oxidase (Nox) family of superoxide (O 2 − ) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-producing proteins has emerged as an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in signal transduction. ROS produced by Nox proteins Nox1-5 and Duox1/2 are now recognized to play essential roles in the physiology of the brain, the immune system, the vasculature, and the digestive tract as well as in hormone synthesis. Nox-derived ROS have been implicated in regulation of cytoskeletal remodeling, gene expression, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and cell death. These processes are tightly controlled and reversible. In this review, we will discuss recent literature on Nox protein tissue distribution, subcellular localization, activation, and the resulting signal transduction mechanisms.
An automated DICOM database capable of arbitrary data mining (including radiation dose indicators) for quality monitoring

The U.S. National Press has brought to full public discussion concerns regarding the use of medical radiation, specifically x-ray computed tomography (CT), in diagnosis. A need exists for developing methods whereby assurance is given that all diagnostic medical radiation use is properly prescribed, and all patients’ radiation exposure is monitored. The “DICOM Index Tracker©” (DIT) transparently captures desired digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) tags from CT, nuclear imaging equipment, and other DICOM devices across an enterprise. Its initial use is recording, monitoring, and providing automatic alerts to medical professionals of excursions beyond internally determined trigger action levels of radiation. A flexible knowledge base, aware of equipment in use, enables automatic alerts to system administrators of newly identified equipment models or software versions so that DIT can be adapted to the new equipment or software. A dosimetry module accepts mammography breast organ dose, skin air kerma values from XA modalities, exposure indices from computed radiography, etc. upon receipt. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine recommended a methodology for effective dose calculations which are performed with CT units having DICOM structured dose reports. Web interface reporting is provided for accessing the database in real-time. DIT is DICOM-compliant and, thus, is standardized for international comparisons. Automatic alerts currently in use include: email, cell phone text message, and internal pager text messaging. This system extends the utility of DICOM for standardizing the capturing and computing of radiation dose as well as other quality measures.
US presidential election forecasting: An introduction

The modern era of election forecasting is now almost thirty years old. Like many significant developments in science, it began as separate streams of work occurring at around the same time: the investigations of Lee Sigelman (1979), Michael Lewis-Beck and Tom Rice (1982), Richard Brody and Sigelman (1983) on the relationship between presidential approval ratings and the vote; economist Ray Fair's (1978) work on the predictive strength of the economy and presidential incumbency for the vote; Steven Rosenstone's (1983) construction of a forecasting model for the presidential vote in the States; the identification by geophysicist Vladimir Keilis-Borok and historian Allan Lichtman (1981) of thirteen general indicators or “keys” for foretelling the outcome of presidential elections. Soon thereafter, Michael Lewis-Beck and Tom Rice (1984) combined the presidential approval ratings with an indicator of economic conditions to create a core forecasting equation based on retrospective voting theory. Alan Abramowitz (1988) later added to this core idea his “time for a change” consideration of the number of consecutive terms that the president's political
Fracture toughness of a nanoscale WCCo tool steel

Tungsten carbide tool steels, comprising WC particles with 6.7--25wt% Co distributed in the interparticle regions as a quasi-continuous binder phase, can be considered as WC-Co composites. The fracture toughness of such WC-Co composites is dependent on the volume fraction, contiguity and thickness of the cobalt binder, and the size of the tungsten carbide grains. Research has shown that the ductile binder undergoes nearly all the plastic deformation during fracture, which provides the primary energy consuming process that enhances fracture resistance. Recent manufacturing developments have given rise to the production of a WC-6.7wt% Co cermet having an average WC grain size of 70 nm, with a corresponding binder mean thickness, h, of 9 nm calculated from d = h(1{minus}V{sub f})/V{sub f} where d = 70 nm and V{sub f} = 0.114. This composite has shown a higher wear resistance than that of conventional cermets in proportion to their hardness. Such improvement has been attributed to the difficulty in forming dislocations in the very small grains. There are also indications that the Co binder in the nanoscale cermet contains higher contents of dissolved W and C than for conventional scale cermets. Because plastic deformation is initially confined to the binder phase, itmore » was of interest to perform mode 1 and mixed mode toughness tests on the nanoscale cermet to determine whether flow localization influenced mixed mode toughness as in bulk materials. Two generations of this cermet were provided by Rogers Tool Works. The first generation, A, had lower binder contiguity, with occasional agglomerations of WC grains. The second generation, B, was cleaner, with the cobalt binder more uniformly separating the WC grains.« less
Role of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases in cardiac remodelling

The latent collagenolytic system is an intrinsic part of normal myocardium. Controlled activation of this system becomes necessary in ventricular chamber remodeling following inflammation and injury, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction. Evidence exists to indicate activation of collagenolytic enzymes in patients with congestive heart failure and dilated, dysfunctional ventricles due to cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease.
Ionization of impurity bound states in the quantized Hall effect.

Finite-cluster calculations of eigenstates of electrons in random potentials of different shapes and external electric and high magnetic fields are performed. For a screened Coulomb impurity potential the density-of-states peaks narrow dramatically as the electric field is increased to $\frac{0.1e}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}{l}^{2}}$ and may be connected with the unbinding of single-impurity eigenstates. Its possible relevance to the question of electric breakdown is discussed.
Some factors pertinent to the organization and control of arm movements

Trajectories of arm movement during a pointing task were shown to be unaffected by large loads. Moreover, when the effective arm length was changed, the target was still approached along a direct trajectory. It is concluded that: (1) compensation for load occurs automatically without affecting those constraints on the basis of which movements are organized; (2) that the effective lengths of body segments as well as joint angles constitute variables utilized in the organization of trajectories.
The use of probabilistic plume predictions for the consequence assessment of atmospheric releases of hazardous materials

Toxic load-based toxicity models have been increasingly applied to model the effects of atmospheric releases of hazardous materials. Although the majority of atmospheric transport and dispersion models predict only a ‘mean’ plume, real-world personnel are exposed to one of many possible individual realisations of a plume, and never to a ‘mean’ plume. Hazard prediction assessment capability (HPAC) model not only predicts the ensemble-mean dosage, but also the dosage variance, making it possible to construct a fully-probabilistic plume. We compare the ‘mean plume’ and ‘probabilistic plume’ approaches to dosage-based consequence assessment using HPAC simulations of a small-scale chemical artillery attack.
Sinai Billiards under Small External Forces II

Consider a particle moving freely on the torus and colliding elastically with some fixed convex bodies. This model is called a periodic Lorentz gas, or a Sinai billiard. It is a Hamiltonian system with a smooth invariant measure, whose ergodic and statistical properties have been well investigated. Now let the particle be subjected to a small external force. This new system is not likely to have a smooth invariant measure. Then a Sinai-Ruelle-Bowen (SRB) measure describes the evolution of typical phase trajectories. We find general sufficient conditions on the external force under which the SRB measure for the collision map exists, is unique, and enjoys good ergodic and statistical properties, including Bernoulliness and an exponential decay of correlations.
Endocrine disruptor induction of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease

Environmental exposures such as toxicants, nutrition and stress have been shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease susceptibility. Endocrine disruptors are one of the largest groups of specific toxicants shown to promote this form of epigenetic inheritance. These environmental compounds that interfere with normal endocrine signaling are one of the largest classes of toxicants we are exposed to on a daily level. The ability of ancestral exposures to promote disease susceptibility significantly increases the potential biohazards of these toxicants. Therefore, what your great-grandmother was exposed to during pregnancy may influence your disease development, even in the absence of any exposure, and you are going to pass this on to your grandchildren. This non-genetic form of inheritance significantly impacts our understanding of biology from the origins of disease to evolutionary biology. The current review will describe the previous studies and endocrine disruptors shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease.
Determination of the Activation Volume of PLCβ by Gβγ-Subunits through the Use of High Hydrostatic Pressure

Activation of phospholipase Cbeta (PLCbeta) by G-proteins results in increased intracellular Ca(2+) and activation of protein kinase C. We have previously found that activated PLCbeta-Gbetagamma complex can be rapidly deactivated by Galpha(GDP) subunits without dissociation, which led to the suggestion that Galpha(GDP) binds to PLCbeta-Gbeta gamma and perturbs the activating interaction without significantly affecting the PLCbeta-Gbeta gamma binding energy. Here, we have used high pressure fluorescence spectroscopy to determine the volume change associated with this interaction. Since PLCbeta and G-protein subunits associate on membrane surfaces, we worked under conditions where the membrane surface properties are not expected to change. We also determined the pressure range in which the proteins remain membrane bound: PLCbeta binding was stable throughout the 1-2000 bars range, Gbeta gamma binding was stable only at high membrane concentrations, whereas Galpha(s)(GDP) dissociated from membranes above 1 kbar. High pressure dissociated PLCbeta-Gbeta gamma with a DeltaV = 34 +/- 5 ml/mol. This same volume change is obtained for a peptide derived from Gbeta which also activates PLCbeta. In the presence of Galpha(s)(GDP), the volume change associated with PLCbeta-Gbeta gamma interaction is reduced to 25 +/- 1 ml/mol. These results suggest that activation of PLCbeta by Gbeta gamma is conferred by a small (i.e., 3-15 ml/mol) volume element.
Histamine Cephalalgia – An Often Overlooked Cause of Headache

• The etiology and management of headaches is still a cause of concern to the physician and a great worry and annoyance to the patient. In fact, the patient with a transient headache is to be considered "for­ tunate"-otherwise he may eventually consult an allergist, dentist, internist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedist, otolaryngologist, psychiatrist and in many instances, a chiro­ practor. In his desire to seek relief, he may indeed sec all these. Opinions vary as to the existence and fre­ quency of spontaneous headaches due to his­ tamine. During the course of this research, a headache was reproduced in the six reported patients by a rapid intravenous injection of 0.1 mg. of histamine acid phosphate. The re­ produced headache hegan in the clocked time of one minute to one minute 20 seconds. The headache in each patient was preceded by a visible facial flush or a suhjectively reported sensation of heat in the face and a moderate fall in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the recumbent position. As the facial flush or heat sensation faded, the headache became maximal in intensity in the clocked time of two minutes to two minutes 12 seconds after the injection. The headache disappeared com­ pletely in seven minutes 25 seconds to eight minutes 22 seconds. The induced headache in five of the six patients was reported to throb with each beat of the temporal pulse, first on the side of the head where the headache was felt, then on both sides of the forehead and when it be­ came maximal, extended to the vertex and occiput.
Plant architecture and prey distribution influence foraging behavior of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The arrangement, number, and size of plant parts may influence predator foraging behavior, either directly, by altering the rate or pattern of predator movement, or, indirectly, by affecting the distribution and abundance of prey. We report on the effects of both plant architecture and prey distribution on foraging by the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Plants differed in leaf number (2- or 6-leafed), and there were associated differences in leaf size, plant height, and relative proportions of plant parts; but all had the same total surface area. The prey, the twospotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), were distributed either on the basal leaf or on all leaves. The effect of plant architecture on predator foraging behavior varied depending on prey distribution. The dimensions of individual plant parts affected time allocated to moving and feeding, but they did not appear to influence the frequency with which predators moved among different plant parts. Overall, P. persimilis moved less, and fed upon prey longer, on 6-leafed plants with prey on all leaves than on plants representing other treatment combinations. Our findings suggest that both plant architecture and pattern of prey distribution should be considered, along with other factors such as herbivore-induced plant volatiles, in augmentative biological control programs.
Lessons from an Evaluation of a Boater Outreach Program for Manatee Protection

Watercraft collisions account for 25–30% of manatee deaths annually in Florida. Education and outreach interventions for boaters are strategies for reducing manatee mortality. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Manatee Watch program by surveying primary boat users whose boats were approached by Manatee Watch. We compared the attitudes, knowledge, and behavioral intentions of boaters who received Manatee Watch materials with a control group of boaters observed by the Florida Marine Research Institute in Tampa Bay during 1999–2001. Results of the 51-item telephone survey with 499 boaters indicated that the Manatee Watch intervention had little effect on boater’s attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors regarding manatees. However, individual attitude scores were positively correlated with safe boating behaviors in shallow waters including maintaining a slower speed and watching out for manatees. Overall knowledge about manatees was correlated with one manatee-safe boating behavior. To improve efficacy, educators should (a) incorporate evaluation into the planning stages of program development; (b) target messages to influence boaters’ attitudes toward manatees and ecosystem health, and their feelings of ownership and empowerment; (c) facilitate active participation of the boaters; and (d) increase the duration and variety of intervention.
Rare Codons Cluster

Most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon. These synonymous codons are not used with equal frequency: in every organism, some codons are used more commonly, while others are more rare. Though the encoded protein sequence is identical, selective pressures favor more common codons for enhanced translation speed and fidelity. However, rare codons persist, presumably due to neutral drift. Here, we determine whether other, unknown factors, beyond neutral drift, affect the selection and/or distribution of rare codons. We have developed a novel algorithm that evaluates the relative rareness of a nucleotide sequence used to produce a given protein sequence. We show that rare codons, rather than being randomly scattered across genes, often occur in large clusters. These clusters occur in numerous eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes, and are not confined to unusual or rarely expressed genes: many highly expressed genes, including genes for ribosomal proteins, contain rare codon clusters. A rare codon cluster can impede ribosome translation of the rare codon sequence. These results indicate additional selective pressures govern the use of synonymous codons, and specifically that local pauses in translation can be beneficial for protein biogenesis.
EVALUATION OF A PATIENT-MOUNTED, REMOTE NEEDLE GUIDANCE AND INSERTION SYSTEM FOR CT-GUIDED, PERCUTANEOUS LUNG BIOPSIES

Computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous lung biopsies are conducted to retrieve samples of suspected cancerous tissue for diagnosis. This paper details the design and development of Robopsy™, an economical, patient-mounted, tele-robotic, radiolucent, needle guidance and insertion system which facilitates faster more accurate lesion targeting.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The estimation of occupational effective dose in diagnostic radiology with two dosimeters

Annual effective dose limits have been proposed by national and international radiation protection committees. Radiation protection agencies must decide upon a method of converting the radiation dose measured from dosimeters to an estimate of effective dose. A proposed method for the estimation of effective dose from the radiation dose to two dosimeters is presented. Correction factors are applied to an over-apron collar dose and an under-apron dose to estimate the effective dose. Correction factors are suggested for two cases, both with and without a thyroid shield. Effective dose may be estimated by the under-apron dose plus 6% of the over-collar dose if a thyroid shield is not worn or plus 2% of the over-collar dose if a thyroid shield is worn. This method provides a reasonable estimate of effective dose that is independent of lead apron thickness and accounts for the use of a thyroid shield.
Methods for the isolation and identification of obligate anaerobes

The methods used for the isolation and identification of obligate anaerobes often appear to be exactly the same as those used 20 years ago. However, careful evaluation of the methodology available reveals many improvements in technology. More importantly, the use of computerized instrumentation and new, non-growth-dependent methods for characterization suggest that in the next few years even greater changes will occur in systems for identification of this group of organisms.
Do individual molecule rotational barriers explain the retention times of molecular memories

We compute the rotational barriers for two molecules for which experimental memory retention times exist. The computed barriers for the neutral molecules and the cations do not explain the observed experimental results, but the anion barriers are consistent with the observations. The implications of this are discussed.
Effects of insulin treatment on muscle 3′,5′-cyclic adenylate levels in vivo and in vitro

The role of 3′,5′-cyclic adenylate in the insulin-promoted conversion of glycogen transferase (UDP glucose: α-I,4 glucan α-4-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.11) from the glucose 6-phosphate dependent (D) to the independent (I) form was investigated. Insulin administration stimulates a rapid increase (45–65%) in vivo of muscle glycogen transferase-I activity. This activation is associated with an increase (36–78%) in tissue 3′,5′-cyclic adenylate levels rather than a decrease which would be more predictable from the presently understood effects of the cyclophosphate on the conversion mechanism. There is also no lowering of 3′,5′-cyclic adenylate levels in rat diaphragms incubated with insulin nor any effect of insulin to diminish the epinephrine action of raising tissue cyclophosphate levels in incubations of rat diaphragms in vitro.
Angle-resolved SIMS and AES of the O2-Al(100) interaction

Abstract Angle-resolved secondary ion mass spectrometry (ARSIMS) measurements of the Al + azimuthal angle distribution and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) have been used to examine the interaction of oxygen with an Al(100) single-crystal surface at 300 K. For oxygen coverages below approximately 0.15 ML (250 L O 2 exposure), oxygen appears to chemisorb randomly on Al(100) within and/or below the surface Al plane without disordering the Al(100) surface. As the oxygen coverage increases above ~ 0.15 ML, the surface begins to disorder to form regions of amorphous oxide that coexist with ordered regions of the Al(100) surface that contain chemisorbed oxygen. The amorphous oxide regions grow as the oxygen coverage increases above ~ 0.15 ML until the surface becomes completely converted to an amorphous oxide at an oxygen exposure of ~ 1200 L. The rates of oxide formation and oxygen adsorption abruptly decrease to near zero at the point where the top atomic layer of Al atoms first becomes completely converted to an amorphous oxide.
Design of a Nonlinear Boundary Fuzzy Suction Controller Using less Input Energy

In this part, a new fuzzy suction controller (NFSC), based on the first type of fuzzy modeling, is proposed using its linguistic rules to design a controller like a suction controller. According to new interpreting switching conditions of a suction controller, three rules are derived to design the linguistic rules of a NFSC such that it reduces chattering and expends less energy than a suction controller does. A design procedure summarizes the NFSC design. In addition, the linguistic rules are designed to have sliding sectors to control a mobile robot for tracking FPE gradient directions with obstacle avoidance. It's the demonstration of motion control in robot navigation using the proposed FPE discussed in Part I of this paper. The simulation includes the robot starting outside or inside a U-shaped obstacle. The proposed NFSC provides a flexible way for adjusting the controller functions using linguistic rules based on the first type of fuzzy modeling.
Molting in Salmonella Enteritidis-Challenged Laying Hens Fed Alfalfa Crumbles. II. Fermentation and Microbial Ecology Response

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine microbial population shifts and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) responses in the gastrointestinal tract of Salmonella Enteritidis-challenged molted and nonmolted hens fed different dietary regimens. Fifteen Salmonella-free Single Comb Leghorn hens (>50 wk old) were assigned to 3 treatment groups of 5 birds each based on diet in 2 trials: 100% alfalfa crumbles (ALC), full-fed (FF, nonmolted) 100% commercial layer ration, and feed withdrawal (FW). A forced molt was induced by either a 12-d alfalfa diet or FW. In all treatment groups, each hen was challenged by crop gavage orally 4 d after molt induction with a 1-mL inoculum containing 106 cfu of Salmonella Enteritidis. Fecal and cecal samples (d 4, 6, 8, 11, and necropsy on d 12) were collected postchallenge. Microbial population shifts were evaluated by PCR-based 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplification and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and SCFA concentrations were measured. Total SCFA in fecal and cecal contents for FW molted hens were generally lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the later stages of the molt period when compared to ALC and FF treatment groups. The overall trend of SCFA in cecal and fecal samples exhibited similar patterns. In trials 1 and 2, hens molted with ALC diet generally yielded more similar amplicon band patterns with the FF hens in both fecal and cecal samples by the end of the molting period than with FW hens. The results of these studies suggest that ALC molted hens supported microflora and fermentation activities, which were more comparable to FF hens than FW hens by the end of the molting period.
THE VAIONT DAM OVERFLOW: A CASE STUDY OF EXTRA‐COMMUNITY RESPONSES IN MASSIVE DISASTERS

How do organized elements of social systems respond when component sub-units such as communities are devastated? This is, on what do extra-community agencies and organizations focus, to what do they give priority, where do problems arise, and how are they solved when a particular geographic area undergoes massive destruction of live and property as a result of a sudden catastrophe? If it is true that the structure and functioning of social systems, as well as of individuals, can be more clearly discerned in extreme situations, knowledge of actual group responses in such situations should contribute to an understanding of the fundamentals of social life. What is ignored and what is singled out when groups from non-impacted areas converge on a destroyed community? Where are the sources of the problems encountered by converging organizations; how do they handle their difficulties?
A multiprocessor implementation of Joyce

Joyce is a programming language for parallel computers based on CSP and Pascal. A Joyce program defines concurrent agents which communicate through unbuffered channels. This paper describes a multiprocessor implementation of Joyce.
Faces as Ambient Displays: Assessing the attention-demanding characteristics of facial expressions

Ambient displays are used to provide information to a user in a non-distracting manner. The purpose of this research is to examine the efficacy of facial expressions as ambient displays. Facial emotion recognition requires very little if any conscious attention, which makes it an excellent candidate for the ambient presentation of information. This study will investigate whether using facial expressions as an ambient display permits humans to gain information with ease. This study will assess the attention-demanding characteristics of Chernoff faces in a dual-task experiment. The data from this study could be helpful in understanding whether humans are able to use facial expressions for gaining quick and concise information about a particular system or device.
Computing the strength of a graph

The strength of a graph is a measure of its vulnerability, strictly generalizing the edge connectivity of a weighted graph. Cunningham [J. Assoc. Comput. Mach., 32 (1985), pp. 549–562] showed how to compute the strength of a graph in $O(| V |^4 | E |)$ time, using ideas from polymatroids and network flow. In this paper, his polymatroid approach is modified, a modified version of the Goldberg-Tarjan network flow algorithm [J Assoc. Comput. Mach., 4 (1988), pp. 136-146] is used. Then, using ideas developed by Gallo, Grigoriadis, and Tarjan [SIAM J. Comput., 18 (1989), pp. 30–55], and by Gusfield, Martel, and Fernandez-Baca in [SIAM J. Comput.,16 (1987), pp. 237–251], it is shown that the solution runs in $O(| V |^3 | E |)$ time. Analogous speedups for sparse-case bounds are also obtainable.
Bridging the Boussinesq and primitive equations through spatio-temporal filtering

We propose a novel approach for bridging the Boussinesq equations and the primitive equations. This approach uses spatio-temporal filtering as an alternative to traditional scaling arguments.
Exercise echocardiography and thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography stress test for 5- and 10-year prognosis of mortality and specific cardiac events.

Abstract Limited data suggest that stress myocardial perfusion imaging and stress echocardiography have similar prognostic value for composite cardiac events. However, it is not known whether exercise echocardiography and stress thallium are similar in their prediction of specific cardiac events, eg, death, sudden death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and congestive heart failure. A total of 206 patients undergoing stress echocardiography and thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography imaging during the same exercise test were followed-up for 5 and 10 years. Multivariate Cox regression analyses incorporating clinical, exercise stress test, echocardiographic, and nuclear imaging parameters were used to predict mortality and specific cardiac events. A moderate to large amount of ischemia (≥4 segments on the basis of a 16-segment model) by exercise stress echocardiography was the strongest predictor of overall mortality (relative risk [RR] 6.2; P P =.01), congestive heart failure (RR 17.4; P =.0005) or sudden death (RR 26.8; P =.003), whereas a moderate to large fixed defect (≥2 segments on the basis of a 6-segment model) by nuclear imaging was the strongest predictor of myocardial infarction (RR 8.1; P =.0002) or unstable angina (RR 3.0; P =.005) at 5 years. The heterogeneity in the prediction of these specific cardiac events by these 2 modalities was similarly observed at 10 years. The extent of ischemia by stress echocardiography is a better predictor of overall mortality, cardiac death, congestive heart failure, or sudden death, whereas the extent of a fixed defect by nuclear imaging is a better predictor of myocardial infarction or unstable angina. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:1326-34.)
STAT3 activation in macrophages following infection with Salmonella

Abstract The induction of signal transducer and activators of transcription (STATs) in macrophages is necessary for cellular activation, and we investigated the activation of STAT3 in these cells following infection with Salmonella. Increased activation of STAT3 was observed at 6 and 24 h post-infection in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens when compared to control mice. CD11b+ cells isolated from the mesenteric lymph nodes of infected mice demonstrated increased STAT3 activation as early as 6 h following infection. Culturing bone marrow-derived macrophages with Salmonella resulted in translocation of STAT3 to the nucleus and STAT3 phosphorylation as early as 30 min post-exposure. Increased STAT3 activation was also observed in the lymphoid organs or in macrophages from mice deficient for IL-6 or IL-10 production following infection. Taken together, these studies clearly demonstrate an early increase in the activation of STAT3 in vivo and in vitro following infection with wild type Salmonella.
Manual physical therapy, cervical traction, and strengthening exercises in patients with cervical radiculopathy: a case series.

Study Design A case series of consecutive patients with cervical radiculopathy. Background A multitude of physical therapy interventions have been proposed to be effective in the management of cervical radiculopathy. However, outcome studies using consistent treatment approaches on a well-defined sample of patients are lacking. The purpose of this case series is to describe the outcomes of a consecutive series of patients presenting to physical therapy with cervical radiculopathy and managed with the use of manual physical therapy, cervical traction, and strengthening exercises. Case Description Eleven consecutive patients (mean age, 51.7 years; SD, 8.2) who presented with cervical radiculopathy on the initial examination were treated with a standardized approach, including manual physical therapy, cervical traction, and strengthening exercises of the deep neck flexors and scapulothoracic muscles. At the initial evaluation all patients completed self-report measures of pain and function, including a numer...
Intractable nausea attributable to isolated deficiency of adrenocorticotropic hormone: prompt resolution after administration of glucocorticoid.

Objective: To highlight the vague symptoms of isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency and suggest helpful diagnostic tests and appropriate management. Methods: We present a detailed ...
Reoperative aortic valve operation after homograft root replacement: surgical options and results.

The surgical options available and the associated operative risks for repeat aortic valve replacement after freestanding homograft root replacement with reimplantation of the coronary arteries are as yet undefined. We therefore reviewed our experience with repeat aortic valve replacement between January 1976 and July 1994 and identified 22 such procedures performed on 21 patients after homograft or autograft root replacement. Reoperation was indicated for structural deterioration in 16 and for bacterial endocarditis in 6 patients. Associated procedures were undertaken in 5 patients, and 4 procedures were performed emergently. Significant calcification of the homograft wall was noted in over half of all patients. There were no coronary ostial complications. In 13 patients new valves were inserted within the previous root: 9 mechanical valves and 4 subcoronary homografts. In 9 patients the root was re-replaced. The mean crossclamp time was 85 (± 20) minutes and mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 123 (± 32) minutes. There were no early deaths and 5 late deaths. Two patients required reoperation for bleeding and 2 experienced low cardiac output syndromes postoperatively. Univariate analysis failed to identify any variables predictive of outcome. We conclude that repeat aortic valve replacement after homograft root replacement, even in the presence of significant calcification, can be undertaken with an acceptable operative risk and should not be delayed until irreversible ventricular dysfunction has occurred. The same options available at initial valve replacement may be employed at reoperation, although extensive calcification mandates repeat root replacement.
Structure of a nuclease-sensitive region inside the immunoglobin kappa gene: evidence for a role in gene regulation

Abstract A discrete chromatin region inside the active immunoglobulin kappa gene is preferentially accessible to cleavage by nucleolytic enzymes. This region comprises 200-250 bp of DNA, and is situated within the large intron of the gene, approximately 600 bp upstream from the constant region coding sequence. The local chromatin structure of this region correlates with tissue-specific kappa gene expression: it is resistant to nucleolytic digestion in the inactive kappa genes of murine brain and liver nuclei, but becomes uniquely sensitive to cleavage by deoxyribonuclease I or by a variety of restriction endonucleases in the chromatin of kappa-producing cells. Nuclease sensitivity at this site occurs in both rearranged and unrearranged kappa alleles, and can be maintained in the absence of ongoing kappa transcription. The nucleotide sequence of the hypersensitive region has been selectively conserved in evolution, and includes both a 7 bp inverted repeat sequence and a short segment homologous to the transcriptional enhancer elements of certain eukaryotic viruses. Molecular events occurring at this locus may play a role in the regulation of kappa gene expression, perhaps by influencing the activity of promoter sequences several kilobases upstream.
Biological control of weeds

A shortage of effective, non-chemical pest control measures is a major constraint to more widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Overcoming this constraint with biological pest control tactics appears to be an attainable goal but will require substantial public sector support. Biological agents that are self-perpetuating do not offer profit incentive to private industry. On the other hand, microbial pesticides, which do require annual application, often are so highly specific for particular pests that the private sector is unable to risk venture capital for their development. Collaboration between public- and private-sector scientists is essential for biological pesticide development. In the U.S., a model working relationship for technology transfer between the private and public sector has been achieved with two commercial mycoherbicides, Collego™ and DeVine™. The model illustrates the strengths of the public sector for creating and storing fundamental knowledge of biological interactions at the organismal and ecosystem levels, also the capability of the private sector for large-scale production of fungi, for drying labile, living products, for effective patent protection, for satisfying EPA registration requirements, and for the commercial distribution, marketing and servicing of agricultural products. From three perspectives-biological, technical, and commercial—the success of Collego™ and DeVine™ has provided a definite step in the quest for low-cost weed control methods that are not hazardous to the environment nor in ground water. These successes also provide a model for an approach to reducing the dependence of agriculture upon chemical herbicides, the most extensively used chemical pesticides in agricultural production, likewise a useful insight toward technology that can lead to more widespread adoption of low-input, environmentally compatible and sustainable agricultural production.
Rejection of bone marrow transplant and resistance of alloantigen reactive cells to in vivo deoxyadenosine in adenosine deaminase deficiency

Severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) in patients with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is thought to result from increased levels of purine metabolites. We attempted to immunosuppress a patient with ADA deficiency and SCID using a continuous infusion of deoxyadenosine to obtain engraftment of a T cell-depleted haplocompatible parental bone marrow graft. Before administering the drug in vivo, we investigated hematopoietic colony formation in two children with ADA deficiency (including the potential recipient), the obligate heterozygote donor (father), and normal controls using deoxyadenosine and erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nanyl)adenosine (EHNA), and inhibitor of ADA. Deoxyadenosine alone in concentrations as high as 100 microM had no significant affect on erythroid (BFU-E) or myeloid (CFU-c) colony formation. However, in the presence of EHNA there was a significant reduction in BFU-E and CFU-c growth in all subjects and controls. Increasing doses of deoxyadenosine were given to one patient with ADA deficiency and SCID as a continuous 24-hr intravenous infusion. We found that there was a linear relationship between the dose administered and the plasma level; however, doses greater than 100 mg/day were required to increase erythrocyte dATP levels. We were able to raise intracellular dATP levels to more than three times baseline with doses of deoxyadenosine of 200 mg/day. However, there were no significant effects on the absolute lymphocyte counts or the lymphocyte responses to mitogen or alloantigen, and the haploidentical marrow failed to engraft. Our results suggest that the bone marrow of ADA-deficient patients is normal with respect to standard colony formation, that inhibitors of ADA do not adequately model the deficient state, and that the immunodeficiency in ADA deficiency is not proportionately related to either the deoxyadenosine or dATP levels, both of which were significantly elevated at the time of transplantation.