cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of PLS and Back-Propagation Neural Networks for the estimation of soil properties

Abstract Two different multivariate calibration methods, Partial Least Squares (PLS) and Back-Propagation Neural Networks (BP-ANN), were applied to microbial community DNA to predict soil properties (%Sand, %Silt, %Clay, %Nitrogen, %Organic Carbon, DNA) in environmental soil samples. The microbial community DNA was extracted from 48 environmental soil samples. After amplification of bacterial ribosomal RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the products were separated by gel electrophoresis. Characteristic complex band patterns were obtained, indicating high bacterial diversity. Two hundred and fifty-six DNA band patterns were used to predict the soil properties. Based on the brightness of the bands, densitometric curves of DNA band patterns were extracted from the gel images. The curves were smoothed using the Savitsky–Golay method and scaled to DNA standard markers. The predictive powers of the two methods (PLS and BP-ANN) are presented and compared. The Back-Propagation Neural Networks method combined with principal component analysis (PCA) was found to have the most predictive power with the independent test set.
Micromachining of bulk transparent materials using nanojoule femtosecond laser pulses (Abstract Only)

Femtosecond lasers are very effective tools for three-dimensional micromachining of transparent materials. Nonlinear absorption of tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses allows energy to be deposited in a micrometer-sized volume in the bulk of the sample. If enough energy is deposited, localized changes in the material are produced (a change in refractive index, for example). These localized changes are the building blocks from which three-dimensional structures can be produced. With sufficiently tight focusing, the threshold for producing these changes can be achieved with pulse energies that are available directly from laser oscillators, offering greatly increased machining speeds and simpler, cheaper technology compared to using amplified lasers. In addition, the inter-pulse spacing from a laser oscillator is much shorter than the time required for energy deposited by one pulse to diffuse out of the focal volume. As a result, irradiation with multiple pluses on one spot in the sample leads to an accumulation of heat around the focal region. This localized heating provides another mechanism by which material properties can be altered. We demonstrate the three-dimensional fabrication of optical waveguides and microfluidic channels using pulse energies of only a few nanojoules to tens of nanojoules.
Lactic acid production from biomass-derived sugars via co-fermentation of Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum.

Lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive alternative resource for producing chemicals and fuels. Xylose is the dominating sugar after hydrolysis of hemicellulose in the biomass, but most microorganisms either cannot ferment xylose or have a hierarchical sugar utilization pattern in which glucose is consumed first. To overcome this barrier, Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 367 was selected to produce lactic acid. This strain possesses a relaxed carbon catabolite repression mechanism that can use glucose and xylose simultaneously; however, lactic acid yield was only 0.52 g g−1 from a mixture of glucose and xylose, and 5.1 g L−1 of acetic acid and 8.3 g L−1 of ethanol were also formed during production of lactic acid. The yield was significantly increased and ethanol production was significantly reduced if L. brevis was co-cultivated with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 21028. L. plantarum outcompeted L. brevis in glucose consumption, meaning that L. brevis was focused on converting xylose to lactic acid and the by-product, ethanol, was reduced due to less NADH generated in the fermentation system. Sequential co-fermentation of L. brevis and L. plantarum increased lactic acid yield to 0.80 g g−1 from poplar hydrolyzate and increased yield to 0.78 g lactic acid per g of biomass from alkali-treated corn stover with minimum by-product formation. Efficient utilization of both cellulose and hemicellulose components of the biomass will improve overall lactic acid production and enable an economical process to produce biodegradable plastics.
A representation of deformable objects for motion planning with no physical simulation

We propose a new method of representing deformable objects that allows both physical and qualitative properties to be captured in an efficient representation. We show how to use this representation with two types of motion planners: 1) optimal discrete planners, which are suitable for low-dimensional problems, 2) sampling-based planners that plan in high-dimensional cost spaces. In both cases, our representation allows us to formulate a cost function that directly assesses the cost of deformation without expensive physical simulation or computation of deformed geometry. We show that our methods can generate paths that minimize deformation in both simulated and physical environments with either hard and soft robots in either hard and soft environments. The efficiency of our representation allows these paths to be computed in under 20s for 3-DOF problems. For more complicated 6-DOF problems, low-deformation paths can be computed in under 120s. Additionally, using feedback from simulated and physical test environments, we demonstrate methods for calibrating models based on our representation.
Multi-institutional oncogenic driver mutation analysis in lung adenocarcinoma: The lung cancer mutation consortium experience

Introduction Molecular genetic analyses of lung adenocarcinoma have recently become standard of care for treatment selection. The Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium was formed to enable collaborative multi-institutional analyses of 10 potential oncogenic driver mutations. Technical aspects of testing and clinicopathologic correlations are presented. Methods Mutation testing in at least one of the eight genes ( epidermal growth factor receptor [ EGFR ], KRAS, ERBB2 , AKT1, BRAF, MEK1, NRAS , and PIK3CA ) using SNaPshot, mass spectrometry, Sanger sequencing+/− peptide nucleic acid and/or sizing assays, along with anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK ) and/or MET fluorescence in situ hybridization, were performed in six labs on 1007 patients from 14 institutions. Results In all, 1007 specimens had mutation analysis performed, and 733 specimens had all 10 genes analyzed. Mutation identification rates did not vary by analytic method. Biopsy and cytology specimens were inadequate for testing in 26% and 35% of cases compared with 5% of surgical specimens. Among the 1007 cases with mutation analysis performed, EGFR , KRAS, ALK , and ERBB2 alterations were detected in 22%, 25%, 8.5%, and 2.4% of cases, respectively. EGFR mutations were highly associated with female sex, Asian race, and never-smoking status; and less strongly associated with stage IV disease, presence of bone metastases, and absence of adrenal metastases. ALK rearrangements were strongly associated with never-smoking status and more weakly associated with presence of liver metastases. ERBB2 mutations were strongly associated with Asian race and never-smoking status. Two mutations were seen in 2.7% of samples, all but one of which involved one or more of PIK3CA, ALK , or MET . Conclusion Multi-institutional molecular analysis across multiple platforms, sample types, and institutions can yield consistent results and novel clinicopathological observations.
Studies on the metabolism of amino acids and related compounds in vivo. II. Effect of toxic doses of essential amino acids on blood sugar, liver glycogen and muscle glycogen levels.

Blood sugar levels were determined subsequent to intraperitoneal injection and at the death of rats administered LD99.99 doses of the l-forms of arginine. HCl, histidine. HCl, isoleucine, alloisoleucine, leucine, lysine. HCl, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, allothreonine, tryptophan, and valine. Each amino acid produced a greater or lesser degree of hyperglycemia following injection, but the animals died with a marked hypoglycemia (isoleucine, alloisoleucine, valine, leucine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan), a relatively mild hypoglycemia (methionine and histidine. HCl), normal levels (threonine and allothreonine), a mild hyperglycemia (arginine. HCl), or a marked hyperglycemia (lysine. HCl). Administration of the corresponding d-antipodes, with the singular exception of d-tryptophan, resulted in blood sugar patterns which approximated those exhibited by their respective l-forms. d-Tryptophan, on the other hand, induced a marked hyperglycemia at death. Administration of glucose did not alter the lethal effect of l-leucine. Blood sugar levels after treatment with a mixture of ten l-amino acids including arginine, or a mixture of nine l-amino acids from which arginine had been omitted, simulated that of l-isoleucine. There is no apparent relationship between the toxicity of amino acids and the effect of these compounds on the blood sugar level. Liver and muscle glycogen levels were determined after like injection of the l-forms of isoleucine, alloisoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan. At the point of expiration of the animals, at least a 25- to 100-fold decrease in the liver glycogen level, as compared to the controls, was noted. Such decrease was not accompanied by a concomitant increase in muscle glycogen or urinary sugar levels. The hypoglycemia induced in treated animals therefore cannot be attributed either to storage of glucose as liver or muscle glycogen or to abnormal excretion of glucose in the urine.
Effect of joint design on mechanical properties of AL7075 weldment

The effects of joint design on the mechanical properties of AL7075-T6 aluminum sheet were studied on the latest automated gas-tungsten arc-welding system. Using ER5356 filler metal, full-penetration welds were made on workpieces with various included joint angles. Testing of the mechanical properties of the joints was done in the as-welded, naturally aged, and postweld heat-treated conditions. The results show that by using crack-resistant filler, and by selecting the proper joint design and postweld heat treatment, strong, dependable welds can be produced on thin AL7075 sheet material. An elasticity model of the weld joint was established to help understand the mechanical behavior of the joints. An undermatched joint design is shown to be capable of achieving a joint strength that matches the strength of the base alloy.
A Response to Hart and Lovis

Hart and Lovis clearly hold different views than do I about how to view incongruities in age determinations on food residue as compared to those on context dates on other short-lived materials. I explain how I came to the conclusions I drew in my earlier study (Roper 2013a) and suggest that I am evaluating my results, and those of others, by looking for patterns in the incongruities, rather than individually explaining away incongruent dates. I also briefly review some work with a collaborator being undertaken to correct the obvious problem with age-offset dates on residue. DOI: 10.2458/56.17831
Prepation of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐grafted silica gel and its temperature‐dependent interaction with proteins

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) oligomer was immobilized onto a silica gel surface. The gel adsorbed a hydrophobic protein γ-globulin (IgG) at 37°C, however, did not adsorb IgG at 24°C. The adsorbed IgG at 37°C was adsorbed by lowering the temperatue, No adsorption of a hydrophilic protein bovin serum albumin (BSA) onto this matrix was observed at 37°C nor 24°C.
Changes in extreme, cold‐season synoptic precipitation events under global warming

[1] We analyze regional climate model (RCM) simulations of daily, spatially distributed extreme precipitation events, using co-operative network observations and output from 10-year RCM simulations of present and future-scenario climates. We examine an Upper Mississippi River Basin region during October–March for daily amounts that exceed the 99.95th percentile and that occur simultaneously at several observation sites or model grid points. For the observations and each simulation, nearly all such extreme regional events occur when a slow moving, cut-off-low system develops over the Rockies and Great Plains and steadily pumps moisture into the Upper Mississippi region from the Gulf of Mexico. The threshold for the extreme events increases in the future scenario by an amount similar to the increase in saturation specific humidity. The results suggest robust circulation behavior for such extremes in the face of climate change.
PLASHING PEARS IN AUGUSTINE AND BUNYAN

The Careful Reader of St Augustine's Confessions and of part two of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress cannot help being struck by the similarities between two significant incidents of fruit stealing. In the Confessions a young Augustine steals pears from a neighbour's tree; in The Pilgrim's Progress Christiana's boys "plash" (steal) and eat the fruit of the trees of Beelzebub's garden. Both incidents take on large consequences and implications as the narratives unfold.
Comparison of magnetic resonance volume flow rates, angiography, and carotid Dopplers. Preliminary results.

We compared the results of conventional angiography, carotid Doppler, and magnetic resonance angiography volume flow rates to determine the clinical utility of volume flow rate assessment of blood flow to the anterior circulation in patients with carotid occlusive disease. From 11 symptomatic patients, a total of 22 extracranial carotid arteries were studied with all three techniques. The studies were independently read, and regression analysis was used to compare the measurements. Carotid Doppler measurements of the distal extracranial carotid arteries were proportional to the inverse of the extracranial carotid volume flow rate (r = .53, R2 = 29%, P < .01), volume flow rates were proportional to the inverse of measured percent stenosis on angiography (r = .84, R2 = 71%, P < .01), and Dopplers were proportional to angiography (r = .94, R2 = 90%, P < .01). Symptomatic Doppler systolic velocity was significantly higher (P < .002), symptomatic measured stenosis was significantly higher (P < .002), and symptomatic volume flow rate was significantly lower (P < .01) than their respective asymptomatic-side values. These preliminary observations, however, may well change once a large data set, especially one in which more patients with high-grade carotid stenosis are included, is studied. Assessment of carotid volume flow rates by magnetic resonance angiography quantifies flow reduction secondary to atherosclerotic occlusive disease. The easily obtained flow data add both documentation of arterial flow characteristics related to internal carotid stenosis and information regarding the adequacy of collateral pathways.
Folie a Deux in a Child.

Folie a deux is the transference of delusional ideas and behaviors from one person to another with whom there has been a close association. Its occurrence in children has been rarely described in the literature, which was reviewed for case reports, diagnostic criteria, and etiological theories. A detailed case history of a 10- year- old girl who had delusions of special powers and delusions of persecution as well as hypochondriacal and hysterical symptoms is presented as an example of folie a deux between child and parent. This girl had developed a symbiotic incestuous relationship with her stepfather, a paranoid schizophrenic patient. Six criteria for making the diagnosis of folie a deux in a child were applied to the case studied. General and specific aspects of treating this disorder were discussed.
Chemical modification of ribonuclease A crystals. I. Reaction with 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene.

Summary Ribonuclease A (polyribonucleotide 2-oligonucleotidotransferase (cyclizing), EC 2.7.7.16) crystals were chemically modified by reaction with 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, which was permitted to diffuse into the crystals. Examination of modified crystals by X-ray diffraction revealed slightly altered lattice parameters and a substantially altered distribution of diffraction intensities as compared with the unmodified crystals, suggesting displacements of the molecules without loss of crystalline order. One monomer and two dimer fractions were isolated in a total of 20% yield from the reacted ribonuclease crystals by Sephadex G-75 gel nitration followed by IRC-50 chromatography. The remainder of the preparation was highly modified insoluble product (40%) and unmodified ribonuclease (33%). The monomeric ribonuclease derivative, while inactive toward cytidine 2′,3′-phosphate, had 2% of the ribonuclease A activity toward yeast RNA. The dimeric ribonuclease derivatives were inactive toward both substrates.
Severe preeclampsia in the second trimester: Recurrence risk and long-term prognosis

A total of 125 women with severe preeclampsia that developed in the second trimester underwent follow-up for an average of 5.4 years. Seventeen women had no further pregnancies and 108 had 169 subsequent pregnancies: 59 (35%) were normotensive and 110 (65%) were complicated by preeclampsia (32% of these developing in the second trimester, 32% at 28 to 36 weeks, and 36% at 37 to 40 weeks). Overall, 21% of subsequent pregnancies were complicated by severe preeclampsia in the second trimester. Forty-four patients (35%) had chronic hypertension, the highest incidence being in those with recurrent severe preeclampsia in the second trimester and the lowest in those with only normotensive subsequent pregnancies (67% vs 4%, p less than 0.0001). Long-term maternal complications included two maternal deaths and two other patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. We conclude that these women are at increased risk for repeat preeclampsia, particularly in the second trimester, and are at increased risk for chronic hypertension and maternal mortality and morbidity.
Effect of Natural Convection on the Axisymmetric Stagnation Flow on a Vertical Plate

Resolution exacte des equations completes de Navier-Stokes et de l'equation d'energie de Boussinesq
To Cut or Not to Cut: Physicians’ Perspectives on Referring Adolescents for Bariatric Surgery

Background As the prevalence and severity of obesity among adolescents has increased, so has the number seeking bariatric surgery. Little is known about the opinions and referral behaviors of primary care physicians regarding bariatric surgery among adolescents. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess primary care physicians’ opinions regarding referral of obese adolescents for bariatric surgery.
Genetic and phenotypic characterization of mutants in four essential genes that map to the left half of HSV-1 UL DNA

Several HSV-1 proteins including the major capsid protein (VP5), two minor capsid proteins (VP11-12 and VP18.8), the alkaline nuclease and glycoprotein gH have been reported to be encoded by the left-most one-third of HSV-1 UL DNA. In this paper, we present physical mapping data and phenotypic analysis of six ts mutants whose mutations lie within this region and which collectively represent four functional complementation groups (1-6, 1-7, 1-10, and 1-26). In this study, mutants in complementation group 1-10 were found to be defective in the synthesis of viral DNA, late viral polypeptides, and the formation of mature capsid-like structures--properties characteristic of other ts mutants defective in functions required for viral DNA synthesis. Two DNA-positive mutants in complementation group 1-7 fail to induce capsid formation and probably possess mutations in coding sequences for VP5. Mutants in two other complementation groups (1-6 and 1-26) synthesize significant levels of viral DNA, late polypeptides, and capsids. The functions of the gene products represented by these mutants remain to be determined.
Mutual help goes on‐line

■This study investigated an on-line mutual-help group for persons suffering from depression. Postings from two randomly chosen weeks were content coded (N 5 1,863 postings; 533 participants; 273 males, 173 females) based on concepts salient to face-to-face mutual-help groups. Participants in the on-line group communicated in ways characteristic of face-to-face groups (e.g., high levels of support, acceptance, and positive feelings); however, they engaged in more emotional support and self-disclosure. Unexpectedly, the group was more highly used by men than by women. In addition, the content of men’s posts were virtually identical to those of women’s. On-line mutual help may provide a unique form of support for persons who are not as likely to use traditional forms of helping. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microparticle sorting using a slot waveguide splitter

We demonstrate an on-chip microparticle passive sorting device employing a 3-dB optical splitter that consists of a slot waveguide and a conventional channel waveguide. Simulations indicate that the optical force in the vertical direction exerted on small particles (d < 1 μm) by the slot waveguide is larger than that by the channel waveguide. On the other hand, the channel waveguide provides a stronger vertical force on large particles (d > 1 μm) than the slot waveguide. The in-plane optical force provides a double-well trapping potential for small particles only. We perform experiments in which small (320 nm diameter) and large (2 μm diameter) particles are brought to the splitter by the channel waveguide. Due to a structural perturbation provided by a stuck bead, the small particles are transferred to the slot waveguide. The large particles remain on the channel waveguide. The automated nature of this method, along with the low guided power employed (20 mW in these experiments), makes this a promising approach for sorting sub-micron particles.
Hybridization and Male Parental Investment in Birds

Hybridization within genera occurs more frequently in avian families and subfamilies where there is considerable male parental investment, less frequently in families with moderate levels of male parental investment, and rarely in lineages where males con- tribute only genetic material to their offspring. In addition, genera that show considerable male parental investment are typically less speciose than genera where there is reduced male parental investment. Species showing high levels of male parental investment, however, typically have more subspecies, indicating that local adaptation evolves in these groups, but reproductive isolation does not evolve. Some hybrid matings appear to involve females of one species showing an apparent preference for mating with larger or dominant males, even if these males are heterospecific (e.g., black and mallard ducks). Similar patterns occur in fishes, amphibians, and mammals, the other three vertebrate lineages that show extensive parental care. Hybridization in birds may be an evolutionary mechanism that allows in- creased genetic diversity and adaptability under changing environmental conditions, par- ticularly environments disturbed by humans. It is also possible that new forms (incipient species) may arise through hybridization that are better adapted to disturbed environments than either parental species.
Value and the self : A pragmatic-process-confucian response to Charles Taylor's sources of the self

Au-dela de la critique de l'interiorite developpee par C. Taylor face a la realite objective des valeurs, l'A. apporte une reponse pragmatique, proessuelle et neoconfuceenne a cette conception negative du moi, en defendant une autre approche metaphysique du sujet saisi dans son rapport au monde et a autrui. En reference a R. C. Neville, l'A. montre que la tradition chinoise offre une solution a la dichotomie fait/valeur et sujet/objet de la philosophie occidentale.
Intervertebral osteochondrosis in ancient and modern populations

Skeletal collections are often useful for determining the frequency and distribution of lesions that would otherwise go unnoticed in the living. This study examines a rather common spinal lesion for which there is little clinical or paleopathologic literature available. In such cases, the anterior aspect of the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebral plates display crescent-shaped lesions suggestive of a form of degeneration known as intervertebral osteochondrosis. A total of 2,628 skeletons from three early American Indian sites and one 20th-century medical-school cadaver population are examined for this lesion. Variables such as age, sex, weight, race, activity patterns, and other biocultural information are considered in relation to the frequency of this lesion. It is suggested that physical stress during the second and third decades of life is largely responsible for this condition. With advancing age the lesions are obliterated and, in effect, become indistinguishable from spondylosis deformans. Familiarity with this condition is necessary in order to better understand degenerative spinal disease and avoid confusion with other spinal diseases such as tuberculosis.
Bolivia and the United States : a limited partnership

This comprehensive account of U.S.-Bolivian relations presents startling contrasts between the histories, mythologies, and economies of the two countries, debunking the pop-culture myth that Bolivia is a poorer and less modern version of the United States. Kenneth D. Lehman focuses primarily on the countries' relationship during the twentieth century, highlighting periods when Bolivia became important to the United States as a provider of tin during World War II, as a potential source of regional instability during the Cold War, and as a supplier of cocaine to the U.S. market in recent years. While the partnerships forged in these situations have been rooted in mutual self-interest, the United States was--and is--clearly dominant. Repeatedly, the U.S. policy toward Bolivia has moved from assistance to frustration and imposition, and the Bolivian response has intensified from submission to resentment and resistance. Bolivia and the United States presents an illuminating discussion of the real as well as mythical bonds that link these most distant and different neighbors, simultaneously providing an abundance of evidence to show how factors of culture and power complicate and limit true partnership.
Laboratory Verification of "heavy" and "light" users of cannabis.

Abstract For various experimental studies it is often desirable to classify categories of cannabis use. For instance, in a study of the kinetics of δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in man, we wanted to see if there were differences between “heavy” and “light” users of the drug. “Heavy” use was defined as once daily or more, while “light” use was defined as sporadic or occasional, no more frequent than once monthly. Previously, we had found that the 11-oic acid of THC was not only the major metabolite to appear in the urine but also that its appearance in urine was prompt and lasted for at least 72 hours after a single exposure [1]. We decided to use the presence of this material in urine as a marker for heavy and light use; one would expect to find it regularly in heavy users and rarely, if at all, among light users. All subjects entering the study declared their pattern of use and then were asked to provide a spontaneously voided urine, to be used for analysis of THC-11-oic acid.
Studies on the enzymic decomposition of urocanic acid. II. Properties of products of urocanase reaction.

Abstract 1. 1. Urocanase has been purified about 150 fold from beef liver by classical enzyme fractionation procedures. The purified enzyme is free of imidazolone propionic acid oxidase and hydrolase activities. 2. 2. Evidence indicating that the product of urocanase reaction is the suspected 4(5)-imidazolone-5(4) propionic acid has been obtained by comparison of its spectral and chemical properties to other known imidazolones. 3. 3. Imidazolonepropionic acid is labile to oxygen but no hydantoin-5-propionic acid is formed by this nonenzymic oxidative reaction. It is also nonenzymically converted to formylisoglutamine, which was isolated and characterized by its physical and chemical properties. 4. 4. The enzymic formation of formiminoglutamic acid from imidazolonepropionic acid was demostrated by a coupled assay procedure in crude extracts of liver of various animal species and also in bacteria.
Dihydroflavin-driven adenosylation of 4-coordinate Co(II) corrinoids: are cobalamin reductases enzymes or electron transfer proteins?

The identity of the source of the biological reductant needed to convert cobalamin to its biologically active form adenosylcobalamin has remained elusive. Here we show that free or protein-bound dihydroflavins can serve as the reductant of Co2+Cbl bound in the active site of PduO-type ATP-dependent corrinoid adenosyltransferase enzymes. Free dihydroflavins (dihydroriboflavin, FMNH2, and FADH2) effectively drove the adenosylation of Co2+Cbl by the human and bacterial PduO-type enzymes at very low concentrations (1 μm). These data show that adenosyltransferase enzymes lower the thermodynamic barrier of the Co2+ → Co+ reduction needed for the formation of the unique organometalic Co–C bond of adenosylcobalamin. Collectively, our in vivo and in vitro data suggest that cobalamin reductases identified thus far are most likely electron transfer proteins, not enzymes.
Vasoactive properties of a parathyroid hormone-related protein in the rat aorta.

Abstract Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) or its mRNA transcripts have been documented in a variety of normal tissues, including vascular smooth muscle. A synthetic amino-terminal fragment of PTHrP, PTHrP(1–34), was tested a) for its vasoactive properties in a perfused rat aorta and b) its ability to stimulate cAMP accumulation in cultured rat aorta smooth muscle cells; PTHrP(1–34) was a potent vasodilator and increased cAMP accumulation. The results confirm the potent vasorelaxant properties of PTHrP(1–34), and show that the peptide stimulates adenylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle cells per se, suggesting, but not proving, linkage of cAMP accumulation to vasorelaxation.
Structural Violence as an Inducement to African American and Hispanic Participation in the Los Angeles Civil Disturbance of 1992

Abstract This article discusses selected elements of structural violence-unneeded suffering or death resulting from preventable human actions and/or unfair treatment-as contributing factors to the civil disturbance in Los Angeles, California in April and May of 1992. It is argued that structural violence remains firmly and institutionally entrenched in the city and that little has been done to resolve: (1) access to economic opportunity, (2) inter-ethnic minority and majority tensions, (3) police-community conflicts, and (4) to revise government policies to address the needs of poor, ethnic minorities.
Progenitor cells: What do they know and when do they know it?

In the cerebral cortex, cell-fate specification and migration depend on both extrinsic and intrinsic regulation, but recent studies raise the possibility that much of the information needed to generate distinct cell types and specific migratory patterns is intrinsic to progenitor cells at early stages of development.
Implications of research for the treatment of depressive disorders during childhood

Abstract Basic research into the prevalence, natural course, and phenomena of comorbidity of depressive disorders during childhood are reviewed and implications of this research for treating depressed youths are noted. Results of investigations into the biological aspects of depression are integrated into a multifactorial model of depressive disorders during childhood and the efficacy of pharmacological interventions is discussed. Cognitive theory is integrated with attachment theory to explain a possible avenue to the development of depressive disorders during childhood. Interpersonal therapy has emerged as a potentially effective intervention for depressed youths. Basic tenets of this treatment model are compared and contrasted to a cognitive-behavioral treatment model, and a hybrid treatment referred to as “cognitive therapy within the interpersonal context” is proposed.
Reflections and standing waves for particle concentration in microfluidic channels

Standing waves in a microfluidic channel can be applied for the concentration and separation of particles and biological cells. In this paper we examine the formation of surface standing waves from pairs of interdigitated transducers with 100 μm and 200 μm periodicity on a lithium niobate substrate 500 μm thick. A 200 μm open-circuited transducer is a weak reflector while reflections from the 100 μm transducer are much stronger. Finite element simulations have been used to understand the nature of the waves formed when the substrate thickness is of the order of the wavelength. With both transducers driven, concentration of 6 μm particles has been observed and the time required to align has been measured as a function of drive voltage. We also discuss the impact of various channel materials on the electrical terminal characteristics.
Parafusin and calcium-induced signal transduction in exocytosis

The phosphoglycoprotein parafusin is a member of the phosphoglucomutase superfamily and has been shown, both via biochemical and localization studies, to be associated with the Ca2+-dependent regulated exocytosis process inParamecium tetraurelia. Stimulation of exocytosis in this cell leads to a Ca2+-dependent glucosylation of parafusin accompanied by its dissociation from the secretory vesicles and from cell membrane docking sites. These events are blocked in the presence of extracellular Mg2+ in wild-type cells and in either Ca2+ or Mg2+ in a temperature-sensitive mutant, nd9, stimulated at the nonpermissive temperature. Furthermore, laser scanning confocal localization studies with antibodies to parafusin whole protein versus antibody made to a specific peptide (insertion 2) show different localization patterns. While insertion-2 antibodies only label the organelles previously shown to have parafusin associated with them, i.e., cell membrane fusion (docking) sites and secretory vesicles, antibodies to whole protein outline in addition the alveolar sacs (subsurface cisterns) which are Ca2+ storage compartments in this cell. This may indicate tht other members of the phosphoglucomutase superfamily which interact specifically with this compartment are present inP. tetraurelia.
Rad, a Novel Ras-related GTPase, Interacts with Skeletal Muscle β-Tropomyosin

Rad, a prototypic member of a subfamily of Ras-related GTPases, is overexpressed in skeletal muscle of type II diabetic humans. By expression screening of mouse embryo and human skeletal muscle cDNA libraries, we found that Rad interacted with skeletal muscle β-tropomyosin. In the mouse skeletal muscle cell line C2C12, this interaction was significantly increased by the calcium ionophore A23187. A23187 also caused a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in total cellular Rad with increased interaction between tropomyosin and Rad in the detergent-soluble fraction and the appearance of Rad in the cytoskeleton. In C2C12 cells stably overexpressing a putative dominant negative mutant of Rad (S105N), there was an increase in the amount of tropomyosin in Rad immunoprecipitates. In cells overexpressing wild type Rad, much of Rad was associated with the cytoskeleton and was no longer responsive to A23187. In far-Western blotting and guanine nucleotide saturation studies, GDP-Rad bound to tropomyosin far better than GTP-Rad. We conclude that Rad interacts with skeletal muscle β-tropomyosin and the cytoskeleton in a guanine nucleotide-dependent manner. These data suggest that Rad may be involved in skeletal muscle motor function and cytoskeletal organization.
Bending-wave propagation by microtubules and flagella

Abstract The movement of an elastic filament in a viscous medium can be computed from the fourth-order nonlinear partial differential equation obtained by balancing bending moments at all points along the length of the filament. These bending moments result from active forces, elastic resistance to bending, and viscous resistance to movement through the medium. I have studied numerical solutions obtained for two situations of biological interest: For the movement of individual microtubules, the active force is generated by interaction between the microtubule and the substratum over which it is moving, and is directed along the axis of the microtubule. The computations can reproduce the gliding movement of unrestrained microtubules, and also the periodic bending and bend propagation seen when the leading end of the microtubule is restrained. No modulation of active force is required to generate bending waves. For the movement of flagella, the active forces are generated internally as sliding forces between adjacent members of a cylinder of nine microtubular doublets. Without some additional control assumptions, the forces will be balanced and no bending moments will be generated. The problem faced by investigators of flagellar motility is to determine the control mechanisms that operate to make the system asymmetric, so that active bending moments are generated. Computations with models in which the curvature of the flagellum modulates the active-force generators have indicated that this control specification is sufficient to generate oscillation and bend propagation, but is insufficient to completely determine the movement.
The Onset of Tear Propagation at Slits in Stressed Uncoated Plain Weave Fabrics

A simple micromechanical model is developed to predict the onset of tear propagation at slit-like damage sites (i.e., a series of consecutive aligned yarn breaks) in biaxially stressed plain weave fabrics under increasing loading. A crucial aspect of the model is the treatment of the frictional slip of yarns near the damage site. Although the actual configuration of slipping regions is complex, the onset of tear propagation in large slits (i.e., more than, say, 35 breaks) is dominated by slip occurring on the first few intact yarns adjacent to the breaks. The assumptions in the mathematical model were motivated by both experimental observations and calculations for key configurations. Analytical results obtained for this simple model exhibit good agreement with experimental results, which are presented for a variety of fabrics with initial slits of 35 and 45 breaks.
THE INFLUENCE OF SALINITY AND TEMPERATURE COVARIATION ON THE PHOTOPHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANTARCTIC SEA ICE MICROALGAE1

The responses of sea ice microalgae to variation in ambient irradiance (0 to 150 μE · m−2· s−1), temperature (–6° to + 6° C), and salinity (0 to 100 ppt) were tested to determine whether these variables act independently or in concert to influence rates of microalgal photosynthesis. The photosynthetic efficiency and maximum photosynthetic rate for sea ice microalgae increased as a function of incubation temperature between -6° and + 6° C. Furthermore, photosynthetic efficiency, maximum photosynthetic rate, and quantum yield were greatest at salinities between SO and 50 ppt. In contrast, the mean specific absorption coefficients were lowest near seawater salinities, and the saturating irradiance, Is, appeared to be inversely proportional to salinity. Results also suggest that the effects of salinity on the growth of sea ice microalgae are independent of those elicited by temperature or light, and that the functional relationship between salinity and light or temperature is multiplicative. This information is essential to the proper formulation of algorithms used to describe algal growth in environments where light, temperature, and salinity are changing simultaneously, such as within sea ice or within the water column at the marginal ice edge zone.
Subarachnoid clot volume correlates with age, neurological grade, and blood pressure.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with the volume and location of subarachnoid blood clots. Factors that influence the volume of SAH have seldom been studied. METHODS: Two independent sets of data were analyzed. Data from 3028 patients with SAH enrolled in four clinical trials of the drug tirilazad were analyzed in addition to data from 74 patients with SAH who underwent digital volumetric analysis of admission computed tomographic scans to determine the subarachnoid clot volume. In the smaller sample of 74 patients, aneurysm width, length, neck size, aspect ratio, and volume were measured on diagnostic cerebral angiograms. Statistical inference bearing on the question of what factors are associated with clot volume was derived by univariate methods, including analysis of variance, x 2 and t tests, and polytomous logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 22 clinical parameters examined by univariate analysis of the tirilazad dataset, age, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) clinical grade, time from SAH to admission, history of hypertension or diabetes mellitus, aneurysm location, and admission diastolic and systolic blood pressure were correlated with the subarachnoid clot volume (P < 0.05). Polytomous logistic regression found that only age, WFNS grade, time to admission, admission systolic blood pressure, and history of hypertension were higher in patients with larger subarachnoid clots (P < 0.05). Analysis of 74 patients with quantitative subarachnoid clot volumes also found that age and WFNS grade were higher in patients with larger subarachnoid clots (P < 0.05). No aneurysm location or measurement of aneurysm size showed a statistically significant relationship to clot volume in either dataset. CONCLUSION: SAH volume is correlated with clinical characteristics, including age, history of hypertension, admission systolic blood pressure, and WFNS grade. Anatomic aneurysm characteristics such as size and location do not reliably predict clot volume.
Distribution of pericentriolar material in multipolar spindles induced by colcemid treatment in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Mitotic Chinese hamster ovary cells were obtained by treatment with microtubule drugs under various conditions, and the shape of spindles was analysed by phase-contrast microscopy of isolated spindles, and by indirect immunofluorescence staining of whole mitotic cells with anti-tubulin antibody. Bipolarity of spindles was maintained after treatment with 0.05 microM of colcemid for 3.5 h, but increased exposure to higher concentrations (0.32 microM) and for longer durations (5.5 h) led to a marked rise in multipolar spindles. Nocodazole treatment, on the other hand, failed to show a multiplicity of spindle poles even at 3.3 microM. Each pole of a multipolar spindle was associated with pericentriolar material, as shown by staining with an autoimmune serum specific for pericentriolar material. The number of locations with free pericentriolar material capable of polymerizing microtubules in vitro also increased with increasing numbers of spindle poles, suggesting that dispersion of the pericentriolar material resulted in the production of many microtubule-nucleating sites in multipolar spindles. The different efficiencies of recovery from different drugs, which have been known to be quite variable, may be partly due to the different extent of dispersion of the pericentriolar material.
Investigating the candidacy of lipopolysaccharide-based glycoconjugates as vaccines to combat Mannheimia haemolytica

Inner core lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to be conserved in the majority of veterinary strains from the species Mannheimia haemolytica, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida and as such is being considered as a possible vaccine antigen. The proof-in-principle that a LPS-based antigen could be considered as a vaccine candidate has been demonstrated from studies with monoclonal antibodies raised to the inner core LPS of Mannheimia haemolytica, which were shown to be both bactericidal and protective in a mouse model of disease. In this study we confirm and extend the candidacy of the inner core LPS by demonstrating that it is possible to elicit functional antibodies against Mannheimia haemolytica wild-type strains following immunisation of rabbits with glycoconjugates elaborating the conserved inner core LPS antigen. The present study describes a conjugation strategy that uses amidases produced by Dictyostelium discoideum, targeting the amino functionality created by the amidase activity as the attachment point on the LPS molecule. To protect the amino functionality on the phosphoethanolamine (PEtn) residue of the inner core, we developed a novel blocking and unblocking strategy with t-butyl oxycarbonyl. A maleimide-thiol linker strategy with the thiol linker on the carboxyl residues of the carrier protein and the maleimide linker on the carbohydrate resulted in a high loading of carbohydrates per carrier protein. Immunisation derived antisera from rabbits recognised fully extended Mannheimia haemolytica LPS and whole cells from serotypes 1 and 2, despite a somewhat immunodominant response to the linkers also being observed. Moreover, bactericidal activity was demonstrated to a strain elaborating the immunising carbohydrate antigen and crucially to wild-type cells of serotypes 1 and 2, thus further supporting the consideration of inner core LPS as a potential vaccine antigen to combat disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica.
APPENDIX 2: Russian Legal Instruments Relating to Cultural Valuables Displaced as a Result of the Second World War, 1990–2009

The following list is limited narrowly to post-1991 Russian legal instruments relating to cultural valuables of foreign provenance seized and transported to the Soviet Union from Germany and Eastern Europe at the end of the Second World War, or in the immediate postwar period. Widely known in Russia as the “trophy” valuables, officially those cultural objects (art, books, and archives) are usually referred to in Russia more euphemistically as “cultural valuables displaced [or relocated] to the USSR,” although most frequently translated in a European context as “displaced cultural valuables.” The term “displaced” is used here, and may include some cultural property and archives that came to the USSR during the war itself, as well as those removed from Germany and Eastern Europe by Soviet authorities at the end of or immediately after the war. Many items involved were actually twice captured, or “twice saved,” as the saying goes in Russia, having been first captured by the Nazis, mostly from “enemies of the regime,” and then captured a second time and “safeguarded” by the Soviets.
Effects of triazoles on fungi: IV. Growth and lipids of Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum

Abstract The effects of propiconazole (a sterol C-14 demethylation inhibitor) on the growth and lipid content of Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium personatum were examined in vitro using gravimetric, chromatographic, and colorimetric techniques. The lipid content and composition of both species were very similar. C16:0, C18:1, and C18:2 were the principal fatty acids of the major acyl lipids, ergosterol (ergosta-5,7,22-trienol) was the principal sterol, and free fatty acids comprised a large portion (ca. 30%) of lipid. Cercospora and Cercosporidium were both very sensitive to the inhibitor; 0.10 to 0.15 μg propiconzole/ml was required for an average of approximately 50% growth inhibition among isolates on a mycelial dry weight basis. Changes in lipid composition were similar in both species grown in media containing the inhibitor. The total sterol content was twofold higher than that in the corresponding controls, which was due to the accumulation of ergosterol precursors (e.g., 24-methylene dihydrolanosterol). The free fatty acid content of treated mycelia was lower than that of the controls, and the degree of unsaturation of the lipids was higher, particularly in phosphatidylcholine. Also, the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids was less in the polar lipid of inhibitor-treated mycelium than in controls.