cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a PET radioligand selective for cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Abstract Introduction Positron emission tomography (PET) using radiolabeled amyloid-binding compounds has advanced the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by enabling detection and longitudinal tracking of fibrillar amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits in living people. However, this technique cannot distinguish between Aβ deposits in brain parenchyma (amyloid plaques) from those in blood vessels (cerebral amyloid angiopathy, CAA). Development of a PET radioligand capable of selectively detecting CAA would help clarify its contribution to global brain amyloidosis and clinical symptoms in AD and would help to characterize side-effects of anti-Aβ immunotherapies in AD patients, such as CAA. Methods A candidate CAA-selective compound (1) from a panel of analogues of the amyloid-binding dye Congo red was synthesized. The binding affinity to Aβ fibrils and lipophilicity of compound 1 were determined and selectivity for CAA versus parenchymal plaque deposits was assessed ex-vivo and in-vivo in transgenic APP/PS1 mice and in postmortem human brain affected with AD pathology. Results Compound 1 displays characteristics of Aβ binding dyes, such as thioflavin-S, in that it labels both parenchymal Aβ plaques and CAA when applied to histological sections from both a transgenic APP/PS1 mouse model of Aβ amyloidosis and AD brain. Thus, compound 1 lacks molecular selectivity to distinguish Aβ deposits in CAA from those in plaques. However, when administered to living APP/PS1 mice intravenously, compound 1 preferentially labels CAA when assessed using in-vivo two-photon microscopy and ex-vivo histology and autoradiography. Conclusion We hypothesize that selectivity of compound 1 for CAA is attributable to its limited penetration of the blood-brain barrier due to the highly polar nature of the carboxylate moiety, thereby limiting access to parenchymal plaques and promoting selective in-vivo labeling of Aβ deposits in the vascular wall (i.e., “delivery selectivity”).
Biophysical drivers of net ecosystem and methane exchange across phenological phases in a tidal salt marsh

Abstract Salt marshes are large carbon reservoirs as part of blue carbon ecosystems. Unfortunately, there is limited information about the net ecosystem (NEE) and methane (CH4) exchange between salt marshes and the atmosphere to fully understand their carbon dynamics. We tested the influence of biophysical drivers by plant phenological phases (i.e., Greenup, Maturity, Senescence and Dormancy) on NEE and CH4 exchange in a grass-dominated temperate tidal salt marsh. We used three years of data derived from eddy covariance, PhenoCam (to measure vegetation phenology), and ancillary meteorological and water/soil variables. Overall, NEE showed significant differences among all phenological phases (p 72% of the annual CO2 emissions in this ecosystem. Net CH4 emissions were higher during Maturity (3.7 g C-CH4 m2) and Senescence (4.2 g C-CH4 m2). Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) substantially influenced (r2 > 0.57) daytime NEE across phenological phases, but a combination of variables including water table level (WTL), water temperature and atmospheric pressure were relevant to explain CH4 exchange. The study site was an overall net carbon source to the atmosphere with annual emissions of 13-201 g C-CO2 m−2yr−1 and 8.5-15.2 g C-CH4 m−2yr−1. Our findings provide insights on: a) the role of plant phenological phases on ecosystem-scale CO2 and CH4 fluxes; b) challenges for modeling ecosystem-scale CO2 and CH4 fluxes in salt marshes; and c) the potential net loss of carbon to the atmosphere that should be considered for carbon management and accounting in these ecosystems.
Polymers in molten inorganic salt hydrate phase change materials: solubility and gelation

Inorganic salt hydrates are of interest as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage because of their unique properties, such as high latent heats of fusion, moderate melting temperatures, high volumetric energy storage densities, and enhanced thermal conductivities compared to their organic counterparts. Because of the low viscosities of molten salt hydrates, the leakage and settling of solids can easily occur during their application. Polymers are promising candidates for preventing these issues. In addition, the non-flammability, non-volatility, and nontoxicity of many molten salt hydrates make them attractive options as “green” solvents for polymers. However, solutions of polymers in molten salt hydrates have rarely been studied and are poorly understood. The highly ionic environments in these materials created due to a scarcity of hydration water for ions leads to strong ionic interactions, with ramifications for polymer solubility and chain expansion. This Perspective article aims to focus on polymer solutions and gels in inorganic salt hydrates by comparing these systems with existing knowledge of polymers in traditional ionic liquids and aqueous salt solutions. To provide insight into the states of ions and water in molten salt hydrates and the degree of hydration of polymers in these solvents, infrared spectroscopy experiments have been performed, and the data are correlated with the temperature-responsive gelation of poly(vinyl alcohol), one candidate material currently used for the shape stabilization of inorganic PCMs. Finally, the thermal properties of inorganic salt hydrates and ionic liquids are compared and strategies for the shape stabilization of inorganic salt hydrates using polymers, through the formation of physical gels, are discussed.
Oligodeoxynucleotides interact with recombinant CD4 at multiple sites.

Phosphodiester oligodeoxynucleotides bearing the 5'-alkylating moiety 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methyl)aminobenzylamine specifically modify recombinant soluble CD4 (rsCD4) in solution. This reaction is saturable with respect to the alkylating oligonucleotide reagent. The existence of at least two binding sites, with different affinities, on the rsCD4 molecule, were demonstrated. The values of apparent Kd for the sites are approximately 0.1 and 1 microM. The existence of two sites was confirmed by electrophoretic analysis of the modified protein, in which two distinct gel bands were seen. The modification is inhibited by excess non-alkylating oligonucleotide, as well as by phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. Quantitative estimates of the competition constants (Kc), for the binding of these competitors of the binding of the alkylating oligonucleotide reagent with rsCD4, have been made. By use of this method, several anionic dyes as well as potential anti-HIV therapeutic agents were also demonstrated to interact with rsCD4. Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides also inhibit binding of rsCD4 with the monoclonal antibody L71.1.1 This monoclonal antibody recognizes the CDR3-like loop (D1 domain) of the rsCD4 molecule. Thus, oligonucleotide binding sites exist on two remote regions (i.e. both the CDR2- and CDR3-like loops) of the D1 domain of CD4.
Dynamic Capabilities: A Catalyst to Increase Performance and Gain Competitive Advantage

Sustaining a competitive advantage has been crux of success in the rapidly changing volatile business market. As leaders seek to shift to performance based systems, it is essential to be flexible to meet new and consistent demand. Research suggests that the dynamic capability strategy creates a venue open to continuous improvement and innovation. Therefore, by fostering dynamic capabilities, organizations can be flexible to openly innovate and to maintain high level of performance and sustain competitive advantage.
An experimental study of the flow field surrounding a subsonic jet in a cross flow

An experimental investigation of the flow interaction of a 5.08 cm (2.00 in.) diameter round subsonic jet exhausting perpendicularly to a flat plate in a subsonic cross flow was conducted in the NASA Ames 7x1O ft. Wind Tunnel Number One. Flat plate surface pressures were measured at 400 locations in a 30.48 cm (12.0 in.) concentric circular array surrounding the jet exit. Results from these measurements are provided in tabular and graphical form for jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios ranging from 4 to 12, and for jet exit Mach numbers ranging from 0.50 to 0.93. Laser doppler velocimeter (LDV) three component velocity measurements were made in selected regions in the developed jet plume and near the flat plate surface, at a jet Mach number of 0.50 and jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios of 6 and 8. The results of both pressure and LDV measurements are compared with the results of previous experiments. In addition, pictures of the jet plume shape at jet velocity ratios ranging from 4 to 12 were obtained using schleiren photography. The LDV measurements are consistent with previous work, but more extensive measurements will be necessary to provide a detailed picture of the flow field. The surface pressure results compare closely with previous work and provide a useful characterization of jet induced surface pressures. The results demonstrate the primary influence of jet velocity ratio and the secondary influence of jet Mach number in determining such surface pressures.
Studies in approximation methods—V: An optimal Hlavacek-Kubicek approximation

Abstract A means of selecting the optimal mesh points in the Hlavacek-Kubicek approximation to linear operators is proposed. It is based upon the use of orthogonal collocation, of which the Hlavacek-Kubicek approximation is an extension. Numerical results on two examples verify the utility of the present optimal mesh selection.
Introduction and Chapter 1: Normal Life

Much of the legal advocacy for trans and gender nonconforming people in the US has reflected the civil rights and “equality" strategies of mainstream gay and lesbian organizations - agitating for legal reforms that would ostensibly guarantee equal access, nondiscrimination, and equal protection under the law. This approach assumes that the state and its legal, policing, and social services apparatus - even its policies and documents of belonging and non-belonging - are neutral and benevolent. While we all have to comply with the gender binaries set forth by regulatory bodies of law and administration, many trans people, especially the most marginalized, are even more at risk for poverty, violence, and premature - or social - death by virtue of those same putatively neutral legal structures. Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics and the Limits of Law raises revelatory critiques of the current strategies pivoting solely on a legal rights framework, but also points to examples of an organized grassroots trans movement that is demanding the most essential of legal reforms in addition to making more comprehensive interventions into dangerous systems and conditions - and the administrative violence that ultimately determines our life chances. Setting forth a politic that goes beyond the quest for mere legal inclusion, Normal Life is an urgent call for justice and trans liberation, and the radical transformations it will require.
Supervised learning in a two-input analog floating-gate node

We pursue the realization of on-chip supervised learning networks for large-scale, real-time signal processing applications using array of analog floating-gate synapses. We present experimental data characterizing the performance of a two-input analog floating-gate pFET synapse network that implements a supervised learning algorithm similar to the least-mean square (LMS) learning rule; most other supervised learning algorithm possess a straight-forward relation to the LMS algorithm. Analog floating-gate synapses enable larger-sale, on-chip learning networks than previously possible.
Chromium supplementation and resistance training: effects on body composition, strength, and trace element status of men

The effects of 8 wk of daily chromium supplementation (3.3-3.5 mumol as chromium chloride or chromium picolinate) or placebo (0.1 mumol Cr) and weight training were examined in 36 men in a double-blind design. Strength, mesomorphy, fat-free mass, and muscle mass increased with resistance training independently of chromium supplementation (P 0.05). Chromium supplementation increased the serum chromium concentration and urinary chromium excretion without a difference as a result of the chemical form of chromium (P < 0.05). Resistance training was associated with a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum ferritin, total-iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, the ratio of enzymatic to immunoreactive ceruloplasmin, and plasma copper, independently of chromium supplementation. However, transferrin saturation was decreased more with chromium picolinate supplementation (24%) than with chromium chloride or placebo (10-13%). Compared with pretraining values, urinary magnesium excretion increased (P < 0.05) and urinary zinc output tended to decrease during the first 4 wk of resistance training and then returned to baseline values for the final 4 wk, which suggests an adaptation in mineral excretion in response to weight training. These findings suggest that routine chromium supplementation has no beneficial effects on body- composition change or strength gain in men. Whether chromium supplementation of individuals with diminished chromium nutriture facilitates propitious changes in body structure and function remains to be determined.
Molecular Clouds in Orion and Monoceros

A 1.2-m millimeter-wave telescope has been used to survey CO in the constellations of Orion and Monoceros. Many new molecular clouds have been found. The distribution of molecular material shows two striking characteristics: (1) Most of the molecular clouds in this region appear to be connected by continuous extensions and filaments. To judge from continuity in radial velocity, most of these connections appear to be real, and are not merely the result of projection along the line of sight; (2) There are at least two slender filamentary features longer than 10 deg in angular extent. These filaments may connect the molecular clouds lying well out of the Galactic plane to clouds lying in the plane. Their shape and orientation suggest that magnetic fields may play a role in their evolution. The observed velocity gradients may be explained by accelerated gas flow along the filament.
Finely Tuned Temporal and Spatial Delivery of GDNF Promotes Enhanced Nerve Regeneration in a Long Nerve Defect Model

The use of growth factors, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury has been useful in promoting axon survival and regeneration. Unfo...
Selective Isolation of Mammalian Genes by TAR Cloning

Transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning provides a unique tool for selective isolation of desired chromosome segments and full-size genes from complex genomes in the form of a circular yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) up to 250 kb in size. The method has a broad application for structural and functional genomics, long-range haplotyping, mutational analysis of gene families, characterization of chromosomal rearrangements, and evolutionary studies. This unit describes a procedure for gene isolation by TAR as well as a method for conversion of YAC-TAR isolates into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) form.
Apparent ionospheric motion in the night-time D-region

Abstract Measurements of apparent motions of ionospheric irregularities in the D-region of the night-time ionosphere have been made using pulse radio reflections at 60 kc/s frequency. Amplitude measurements at three receivers, at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 3 km, were analysed by the Briggs-Phillips-Shinn correlation technique. An intensive study of observations, during the month of October 1958, showed the importance of random sampling effects in interpreting ionospheric drift data, particularly at the lower frequencies. Allowing for these effects, apparent motions (of the reflected pattern) about 30 m/sec were found, consisting of a prevailing drift motion, mainly toward the East, together with a randomly directed motion of about equal magnitude. Random changes in the pattern were found to be the principal cause of the amplitude fluctuation. The amplitude pattern at the ground was found to be slightly anisotropic, the mean behaviour being representable by an ellipse, axial ratio 1.3, with its major axis in the NW-SE direction.
Data fusion for the detection of buried land mines

We have conducted experiments to demonstrate the enhanced detectability of buried land mines using sensor fusion techniques. Multiple sensors, including visible imagery, IR imagery, and ground penetrating radar, have been used to acquire data on a number of buried mines and mine surrogates. We present this data along with a discussion of our application of sensor fusion techniques for this particular detection problem. We describe our data fusion architecture and discuss the some relevant results of these classification methods.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Combined sensitization of mice to extracts of dust mite, ragweed, and Aspergillus species breaks through tolerance and establishes chronic features of asthma.

Background Existing asthma models develop tolerance when chronically exposed to the same allergen. Objective We sought to establish a chronic model that sustains features of asthma long after discontinuation of allergen exposure. Methods We immunized and exposed mice to a combination of single, double, or triple allergens (dust mite, ragweed, and Aspergillus species) intranasally for 8 weeks. Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and morphologic features of asthma were studied 3 weeks after allergen exposure. Signaling effects of the allergens were studied on dendritic cells. Results Sensitization and repeated exposure to a single allergen induced tolerance. Sensitization to double and especially triple allergens broke through tolerance and established AHR, eosinophilic inflammation, mast cell and smooth muscle hyperplasia, mucus production, and airway remodeling that persisted at least 3 weeks after allergen exposure. Mucosal exposure to triple allergens in the absence of an adjuvant was sufficient to induce chronic airway inflammation. Anti–IL-5 and anti–IL-13 antibodies inhibited inflammation and AHR in the acute asthma model but not in the chronic triple-allergen model. Multiple allergens produce a synergy in p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and maturation of dendritic cells, which provides heightened T-cell costimulation at a level that cannot be achieved with a single allergen. Conclusions Sensitivity to multiple allergens leads to chronic asthma in mice. Multiple allergens synergize in dendritic cell signaling and T-cell stimulation that allows escape from the single allergen-associated tolerance development.
Glucocorticoid receptors in WI-38 fibroblasts Characterization and changes with population doubling in culture

A high-affinity dexamethasone binding macromolecule was identified in WI-38 human fetal lung fibroblasts. High specificity of binding for glucocorticoids was shown by competition studies in which binding of dexamethasone was inhibited by cortisol and corticosterone but not by testosterone or 17 beta-estradiol. WI-38 cells exposed to [3H]dexamethasone at 30 degrees C were able to transfer the 3H-labeled steroid-receptor complex to the nuclear materal. A reduction of 30--50% was observed in the number of [3H]dexamethasone-receptor binding sites per cell as well as in the nuclear fraction of the cells as a function of age (passage levels 27 and 54). However, in the same cells no significant changes in affinity of receptor for [3H]dexamethasone as a function of the two passage levels were detected.
Ubiquinone Redox Behavior in Plant Mitochondria during Electron Transport

The redox poise of the ubiquinone pool during electron transfer in isolated soybean mitochondria has been compared using two different procedures: the rapid organic extraction of ubiquinone followed by quantification of the oxidized and reduced forms using high-pressure liquid chromatography and an electrochemical technique that measures ubiquinone reduction voltametrically. The goal of these studies was to rigorously test the use of the voltametric technique to monitor the redox status of ubiquinone during the course of mitochondrial electron transfer. The linear relationship between the two methods confirms the reliability of the data obtained with the voltametric technique; however, redox inactive pools of ubiquinone were detected with the HPLC technique. We also quantified the absolute amounts of the ubiquinone homologues ubiquinone-9 and ubiquinone-10 in mitochondria isolated from different soybean tissues and compared their behavior during electron transfer in the presence and absence of pyruvate, an allosteric effector of the cyanide-resistant electron transfer pathway. Both homologues belong to a common redox-active pool in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The results indicate that ubiquinone can be a limiting component of electron transfer through the cyanide-resistant pathway, particularly in roots where its concentration is much lower than in cotyledons.
Non-statistical behavior in the rotational energy distribution of CO from the hot hydrogen atom reaction: H+CO2→OH+CO

Abstract The hot hydrogen atom reaction of H+CO 2 →OH+CO is examined under three different experimental conditions designed to assess the effect of the initial CO 2 angular momentum distribution on the CO product energy distribution. The CO product is monitored by laser-induced fluorescence in the VUV spectral region. The CO rotational distributions in ν″=0 are reported for CO 2 reactant “temperatures” of 300, 70 and 40 K. Preliminary results on the CO ν″=1 rotational population are also presented.
Electrochemistry of zinc corrosion in dental amalgams

Etude, par une technique de polarisation potentiodynamique, du comportement electrochimique de cinq amalgames commerciaux contenant de 0 a 1% de zinc en solution de NaCl dans l'intervalle de potentiel de −1,3 a −0,8 V (par rapport a une ECS)
Moving beyond the debate: a holistic approach to understanding and treating effects of neuraxial analgesia.

Neuraxial analgesia is here to stay, yet, spirited debate continues over potential harms and the quality of research that fails to identify them. This paper proposes moving beyond the debate and examining holistically the impact of neuraxial analgesia on the psychophysiology of mother and baby. A review of alterations in functioning of many systems is followed by a suggested four-part protocol to partially restore normal physiology and emotional well-being, and improve outcomes of neuraxial analgesia. (BIRTH 39:4 December 2012)
Zinc deficiency activates S100A8 inflammation in the absence of COX-2 and promotes murine oral-esophageal tumor progression

Zinc (Zn)-deficiency (ZD) is implicated in the pathogenesis of human oral-esophageal cancers. Previously, we showed that in ZD mice genetic deletion of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) enhances N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine-induced forestomach carcinogenesis. By contrast, Cox-2 deletion offers protection in Zn-sufficient (ZS) mice. We hypothesize that ZD activates pathways insensitive to COX-2 inhibition, thereby promoting carcinogenesis. This hypothesis is tested in a Cox-2−/− mouse tongue cancer model that mimics pharmacologic blockade of COX-2 by firstly examining transcriptome profiles of forestomach mucosa from Cox-2−/− and wild-type mice on a ZD vs. ZS diet, and secondly investigating the roles of identified markers in mouse forestomach/tongue preneoplasia and carcinomas. In Cox-2−/− mice exposed to the tongue carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide, dietary ZD elicited tongue/esophagus/forestomach carcinomas that were prevented by ZS. The precancerous ZD:Cox-2−/−vs. ZS:Cox-2−/− forestomach had an inflammatory signature with upregulation of the proinflammation genes S100a8 and S100a9. Bioinformatics analysis revealed overrepresentation of inflammation processes comprising S100a8/a9 and an nuclear factor (NF)-κB network with connectivity to S100A8. Immunohistochemistry revealed co-overexpression of S100A8, its heterodimeric partner S100A9, the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), NF-κB p65, and cyclin D1, in ZD:Cox-2−/− forestomach/tongue preneoplasia and carcinomas, evidence for the activation of a RAGE-S100A8/A9 inflammatory pathway. Accumulation of p53 in these carcinomas indicated activation of additional inflammatory pathways. Zn-replenishment in ZD:Cox-2−/−mice reversed the inflammation and inhibited carcinogenesis. Thus, ZD activates alternative inflammation-associated cancer pathways that fuel tumor progression and bypass the antitumor effect of Cox-2 ablation. These findings have important clinical implications, as combination cancer therapy that includes Zn may improve efficacy.
Language planning and development in India

Planning and development of the languages of such a multilingual and pluricultural country as India is being done in different ways following different methods. The field has also posed many challe...
Solution assisted laser ablation synthesis of discrete aluminum nanoparticles

Discrete aluminum nanoparticles with an average particle size of 21 nm have been prepared by laser ablation of a metallic aluminum target submerged in dry tetrahydrofuran in the presence of 0.001 M oleic acid as a stabilizing ligand. The particles display high solubility and minimal aggregation while the absence of oleic acid leads to highly aggregated particles and a broader particle size distribution. O/Al ratios obtained from EDS analysis suggest that the particles produced are primarily metallic aluminum with minimal oxide content.
Genetic regulation of galactokinase in Tetrahymena by cyclic AMP glucose, and epinephrine.

We have found evidence that transcription of the galactokinase (ATP:D-galactose 1-phosphotransferase; EC 2.7.1.6) gene is inhibited, in the animal-like protozoan Tetrahymena, by dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate, glucose, and epinephrine. The specific activities of galactokinase in Tetrahymena cells grown in defined media with galactose or glycerol as the principal carbon source are equivalent; the specific activity in glucose minimal medium is [unk] the value. Thus, while there seems to be no specific induction of the enzyme by the substrate, galactose, there is a strong “repression” by glucose. This repression by glucose is mimicked, in glycerol-grown cells, by the addition of millimolar amounts of dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate or phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as caffeine and theophylline. When glucose-grown cells are washed and resuspended in carbohydrate-free medium, the galactokinase specific activity increases by as much as 10-fold within 12 hr. This increase is blocked by dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate and by epinephrine (synthesized by Tetrahymena, and previously shown to activate a membrane-bound adenylate cyclase in extracts of this organism), as well as by inhibitors of mRNA synthesis, maturation, and translation. Our results suggest that glucose and epinephrine can regulate transcription of the galactokinase gene by modulation of cyclic nucleotide levels. The observation that the nonmetabolized sugars 2-deoxyglucose, 2-deoxygalactose, and α-methylglucoside are as effective as glucose suggests that the sugar itself, or an immediate metabolite such as the 1-phosphate derivative, may be the effector.
Kinetic characterization of the strand separation ("helicase") activity of the DNA packaging enzyme from bacteriophage lambda.

Bacteriophage lambda is assembled from preformed viral capsids (proheads), tails, and genomes that are excised from a concatemeric DNA precursor. The enzyme responsible for insertion of the genome into the precapsid is known as terminase. This enzyme possesses site-specific endonuclease, ATPase, and DNA strand separation ("helicase") catalytic activities, which work in concert to excise and package a single viral genome during phage assembly. We have previously characterized the endonuclease [Tomka, M. A., & Catalano, C. E. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 3056-3065] and ATPase [Tomka, M. A., & Catalano, C. E. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 11992-11997] catalytic activities of lambda terminase and present here similar studies on the strand separation activity of the enzyme. Strand separation requires terminase, divalent metal, and adenosine nucleotides with a hydrolyzable beta,gamma-phosphate bond. Two apparent binding sites for ATP-mediated strand separation were identified, one of which appears to be distinct from the high- and low-affinity sites previously observed for ATP hydrolysis [Hwang, Y., Catalano, C. E., & Feiss, M. (1995) Biochemistry 35, 2796-2803]. Salt stimulates the reaction at low concentrations but is strongly inhibitory at elevated concentrations, presumably due to impaired DNA binding. The above results are identical with either a complex DNA mixture (a nicked, annealed DNA duplex in the presence of excess nonspecific DNA) or a purified DNA substrate; however, a kinetic analysis of the reaction revealed that the observed rate was approximately 5-fold greater with the purified DNA substrate. Moreover, while Escherichia coli integration host factor (IHF) stimulates terminase-mediated strand separation with both substrates, the observed stimulation is more pronounced with the complex DNA mixture (10-fold rate increase) than the purified DNA substrate (5-fold rate increase). Our data are consistent with a model where IHF binding to the terminase assembly site forms a binary protein.DNA complex readily distinguishable from bulk DNA. The implications of these results to the process of DNA packaging in bacteriophage lambda are discussed.
Suicide Protective and Risk Factors for Sexual Minority Youth: Applying the Cumulative Factor Model

ABSTRACT This report explores suicide protective and risk factors for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) youth and offers a Cumulative Factor Model constructed from these factors. Numerous studies to date have concluded that a youth's sexual minority identity is a key risk factor for suicide. Few studies however have explored the internal and external protective factors that may cumulate to increase or reduce suicidal ideation and risk among this LGB population. Counseling implications for both assessment and intervention strategies are discussed in light of this cumulative factor approach to understand and potentially stem LGB youth suicide.
A Di-Acidic Signal Required for Selective Export from the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Transport of membrane proteins between intracellular compartments requires specific sequences in the protein cytoplasmic domain to direct packaging into vesicle shuttles. A sequence that mediates export from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has proved elusive. A di-acidic signal (Asp-X-Glu, where X represents any amino acid) on the cytoplasmic tail of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) and other cargo molecules was required for efficient recruitment to vesicles mediating export from the ER in baby hamster kidney cells. The existence of such a signal provides evidence that export from the ER occurs through a selective mechanism.
Satellite clinics in academic ophthalmology programs: an exploratory study of successes and challenges

Major academic ophthalmology departments have been expanding by opening multi-office locations (“satellites”). This paper offers a first glimpse into satellites of academic ophthalmology departments. Leaders of seven medium to large, geographically diverse departments agreed to participate. One- to two-hour phone interviews were conducted to assess the features of their satellite practices. Success as clinical entities, profitability, and access to patients were stated goals for most satellites. In approximate descending order, refractive surgery, retina, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology were the most common subspecialties offered. Faculty staffing ranged from recruitment specifically for satellites to rotation of existing faculty. Except for a department with only one academic track, satellite doctors were a mix of tenure and mostly non-tenure track faculty. According to these department leaders, scholarly productivity of satellite faculty was similar to that of colleagues at the main campus, though research was more community-based and clinical in nature. Fellowship but little resident education occurred at satellites. Though it was agreed that satellite practices were integral to department finances, they accounted for a smaller percentage of revenues than of total departmental visits. Satellite offices have offered access to a better payor mix and have boosted the finances of academic ophthalmology departments. Challenges include maintaining collegiality with referring community physicians, integrating faculty despite geographic distance, preserving the department’s academic “brand name,” and ensuring consistent standards and operating procedures. Satellite clinics will likely help departments meet some of the challenges of health care reform.
Nitrogen metabolism and metabolic fecal nitrogen as related to caloric intake and digestibility.

Abstract Six Holstein bull calves were used in each of two trials to evaluate nitrogen metabolism of the young ruminant. Two replicas of a 3 × 3 Latin square experiment were in each trial. In Trial 1, three isonitrogenous rations were formulated to differ in dry matter digestibility by substitution of 10, 20, and 30% powdered polyethylene plastic for corn starch. All rations were fed at 2.7 kg/100kg body weight. Digestible energy intake was below the National Research Council's requirements for calves receiving the 20 and 30% polyethylene rations. For Trial 2, three similar rations were formulated to contain 0, 11, and 22% plastic. Crude protein and digestible energy content of these rations decreased with added plastic, but feeding rates were increased accordingly to provide equal protein and adequate digestible energy. Five- or seven-day nitrogen balances were measured for all calves with allowance of a 2-week adjustment during ration changes. Fecal nitrogen was not altered by fecal dry matter changes in Trial 1. A linear increase in urinary nitrogen indicated that calves in Trial 1 used absorbed protein as an energy source. In Trial 2, fecal nitrogen increased linearly with added plastic to reflect a component of the metabolic fecal nitrogen increment which was 4.58g per kilogram of fecal dry matter output. Metabolic fecal nitrogen is affected by energy balance of the animal as well as by digestibility of the ration.
Government Actions to Increase CAD Software Productivity

As both a user of public domain CAD software and a supplier of CAD software to the government, I am interested in obtaining and supplying such software as efficiently as possible. I feel that the U. S. Government, by taking three relatively inexpensive actions, can increase the CAD productivity of companies in the defense industry.First, a set of standard data interchange formats should be specified and made into industry standards.Second, once these standards are developed, actions should be taken to enforce them.Third, a central “database” of CAD software available for a fee or in the public domain should be established.These three steps can be implemented at a reasonably small cost, yet would provide large cost savings to government contractors. The long term benefit to the government will be that labor and money spent in modeling devices, reformatting data, and duplicating existing capabilities can be spent on more productive efforts.
Antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers for the treatment of infection associated with total hip or knee arthroplasty.

![Graphic][1] Infection at the site of a total joint arthroplasty can be classified into four basic categories: Type I (early postoperative), Type II (late chronic), Type III (acute hematogenous), and Type IV (positive intraoperative cultures with clinically unapparent infection). ![Graphic][2] The current standard of care for late chronic infection is considered to be two-stage revision arthroplasty including removal of the prosthesis and cement, thorough debridement, placement of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer, a course of intravenous antibiotics, and a delayed second-stage revision arthroplasty. ![Graphic][3] The choice of the spacer, either articulating or nonarticulating, is based on many factors, including the amount of bone loss, the condition of the soft tissues, the need for joint motion, the availability of prefabricated spacers or molding methods, and antibiotic selection. ![Graphic][4] Current data have demonstrated that the use of antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers has improved the outcomes of the treatment of infection associated with total joint arthroplasty. Total joint replacement is one of the most frequent and successful types of operations in orthopaedics. Infection is a rare yet devastating complication of the procedure, with a reported prevalence of 0.5% to 3% and with a higher reported prevalence after total knee arthroplasty than after total hip arthroplasty1-4. There is also a higher rate of infection after revision hip and knee arthroplasties than after primary hip and knee arthroplasties1-8. Two-stage revision surgery was first described in 1983 by Insall et al., who demonstrated the necessity of removing the implants as well as the cement and of introducing antibiotic therapy for definitive treatment9. This procedure has emerged as the standard of care for a late chronic infection at the site of a total joint replacement4,5,10-17. Garvin and Hanssen reviewed twenty-nine studies and found that two-stage … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif [4]: /embed/inline-graphic-4.gif
Characterization of three endophytic, indole-3-acetic acid-producing yeasts occurring in Populus trees.

Abstract Three endophytic yeast, one isolated from stems of wild cottonwood ( Populus trichocarpa ), two from stems of hybrid poplar ( P. trichocarpa × Populus deltoides ), were characterized by analyzing three ribosomal genes, the small subunit (18S), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and D1/D2 region of the large subunit (26S). Phenotypic characteristics of the yeast isolates were also obtained using a commercial yeast identification kit and used for assisting the species identification. The isolate from wild cottonwood was identified to be closest to species Rhodotorula graminis . The two isolates from hybrid poplar were identified to be species Rhodotorula mucilaginosa . In addition, the three yeast isolates were observed to be able to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a phytohormone which can promote plant growth, when incubated with l -tryptophan. To our knowledge, the yeast strains presented in this study were the first endophytic yeast strains isolated from species of Populus .
Integrated optoelectronic devices by selective-area epitaxy

The development of a simulation model for selective-area epitaxy and the fabrication of semiconductor lasers monolithically integrated with electroabsorption modulators by this technique are presented. Diffusion equations and boundary conditions from selective-area MOCVD theory are applied in a computational model to predict column III reactant concentrations, and self-consistent solutions for reaction parameters are found using the finite element method. Data are presented to demonstrate accurate predictions of the thickness and composition of selectively grown ternary InGaAs quantum wells. This model was utilized to design the selective growth mask for Fabry-Perot lasers integrated with intracavity electroabsorption modulators. These devices, with modulator lengths of 290, 620, and 1020 micrometer, exhibit cw threshold currents of 9, 7.5, and 7.5 mA, respectively. Also, extinction ratios of 16.5, 19.5, and 20.5 dB, respectively, are measured at a modulator reverse bias of 2 V. Distributed Bragg reflector lasers with monolithically integrated external cavity modulators are also fabricated, and the selective-area MOCVD simulation was employed to design the growth mask dimensions and the location of the gratings. Cw threshold currents of 10.5 mA, slope efficiencies of 0.21 W/A, and extinction ratios of 18 dB at a modulator reverse bias of 1.0 V are achieved for these devices.
Dynamic Modeling of Wind Farms with Fixed-Speed Wind Turbine Generators

A wind farm typically consists of a large number of individual wind turbine generators (WTGs) connected by an internal electrical network. To study the impact of wind farms on the dynamics of the power system, an important issue is to develop appropriate wind farm models to represent the dynamics of many individual WTGs. This paper presents various dynamic models, including a detailed model and three reduced-order equivalent models, of wind farms with fixed-speed WTGs. These models are developed and compared by simulation studies in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment under different wind velocity and fluctuation conditions as well as gird fault conditions. Concluding remarks are provided on how to choose an appropriate wind farm model for power system dynamic and transient studies.
Melanocortin antagonism ameliorates muscle wasting and inflammation in chronic kidney disease

Aberrant melanocortin signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of wasting in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previously, we demonstrated that agouti-related peptide (AgRP), a melenocortin-4 receptor antagonist, reduced CKD-associated cachexia in CKD mice. Our previous studies with AgRP utilized dual energy X-ray (DXA) densitometry to assess the body composition in mice (Cheung W, Kuo HJ, Markison S, Chen C, Foster AC, Marks DL, Mak RH. J Am Soc Nephrol 18: 2517–2524, 2007; Cheung W, Yu PX, Little BM, Cone RD, Marks DL, Mak RH. J Clin Invest 115: 1659–1665, 2005). DXA is unable to differentiate water content in mice, and fluid retention in CKD may lead to an overestimate of lean mass. In this study, we employed quantitative magnetic resonance technique to evaluate body composition change following central administration of AgRP in a CKD mouse model. AgRP treatment improved energy expenditure, total body mass, fat mass, and lean body mass in CKD mouse. We also investigated the effect of CKD-associated cachexia on the signaling pathways leading to wasting in skeletal muscle, as well as whether these changes can be ameliorated by central administration of AgRP. AgRP treatment caused an overall decrease in proinflammatory cytokines, which may be one important mechanism of its effects. Muscle wasting in CKD may be due to the activation of proteolytic pathways as well as inhibition of myogenesis and muscle regeneration processes. Our results suggest that these aberrant pathological pathways leading to muscle wasting in CKD mice were ameliorated by central administration of AgRP.
In the right place at the right time: visualizing and understanding mRNA localization

The spatial regulation of protein translation is an efficient way to create functional and structural asymmetries in cells. Recent research has furthered our understanding of how individual cells spatially organize protein synthesis, by applying innovative technology to characterize the relationship between mRNAs and their regulatory proteins, single-mRNA trafficking dynamics, physiological effects of abrogating mRNA localization in vivo and for endogenous mRNA labelling. The implementation of new imaging technologies has yielded valuable information on mRNA localization, for example, by observing single molecules in tissues. The emerging movements and localization patterns of mRNAs in morphologically distinct unicellular organisms and in neurons have illuminated shared and specialized mechanisms of mRNA localization, and this information is complemented by transgenic and biochemical techniques that reveal the biological consequences of mRNA mislocalization.
Obtaining closure for a plane fin heat sink with elliptic scale-roughened surfaces for Volume Averaging Theory (VAT) based modeling

Closure for a Volume Averaging Theory (VAT) based model of a plane fin heat sink (PFHS) with elliptic scale-roughened surfaces is obtained by evaluating the closure terms for the model using Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code. Modeling a PFHS as porous media based on VAT, specific geometry can be accounted for in such a way that the details of the original structure can be replaced by their averaged counterparts and the VAT based governing equations can be efficiently solved for a wide range of parameters. To complete the VAT based model, proper closure is needed, which is related to a local friction factor and a heat transfer coefficient of a Representative Elementary Volume (REV). The terms in the closure expressions are complex and sometimes relating experimental data to the closure terms is difficult. In this work we use CFD to obtain detailed solutions of flow and heat transfer through an element of the elliptic scale-roughened heat sink and use these results to evaluate the closure terms needed for a fast running VAT based code, which can then be used to solve the heat transfer characteristics of a higher level heat sink. The objective is to show how CFD can be used in place of a detailed, often formidable, experimental effort to obtain closure for a VAT based model.
Isolation of a feline leukaemia provirus containing the oncogene myc from a feline lymphosarcoma

The molecular mechanism by which feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) induces lymphoid malignancy in domestic cats is largely unknown. Using the insertional activation model of c-myc by avian leukosis virus in the induction of bursal lymphoma in chickens, we have now characterized the c-myc locus in feline tissues and investigated the possibility that FeLV may also insert within feline c-myc. We used the 1.5 kilobase (kb) PstI fragment of MC29 v-myc in Southern blot analysis to characterize the structure of the c-myc locus in the DNA of 31 naturally occurring feline lymphomas. Analysis of a cloned c-myc gene from one lymphoma demonstrated that sequences homologous to v-myc occupy 2.6 kb of feline DNA in which a putative intron of 0.5 kb separates sequences homologous to the 5' and 3' exons represented in avian v-myc. We also observed in the DNA of this lymphoma tumour-specific fragments homologous to v-myc. Characterization of these molecularly cloned myc-hybridizing fragments revealed the presence of at least two identical FeLV proviruses 5.5 kb in length, each containing long terminal repeats enclosing a spliced version of the feline myc gene.
An insight into the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B in periodic mesoporous materials

Abstract The present study explores the different modes of adsorption of rhodamine B dye over two different siliceous (Si-MCM-48 and Si-MCM-41) and titania loaded siliceous (Ti-MCM-48 and Ti-MCM-41) mesoporous materials. The equilibrium adsorption studies indicate that siliceous as well as Ti-loaded mesoporous materials are good adsorbents for the removal of rhodamine B dye from aqueous solutions, and an enhanced uptake was obtained with siliceous than the titania loaded mesoporous materials. The adsorption data were fitted with different isotherms, and it was observed in general that the dye molecules obeyed Langmuir type of adsorption. The presence of rhodamine B dimer was evident from DRS analysis, and the J-dimer formation of rhodamine B molecules was proved by photoluminescence (PL) studies. In addition, the degradation of rhodamine B dye over titania loaded and siliceous mesoporous materials indicate that Ti-MCM-41 is more effective than Ti-MCM-48, whereas only decoloration of the dye was observed in both of the siliceous materials. Furthermore, Ti4+ in tetrahedral coordination plays a vital role in enhancing the degradation efficiency, and the degraded products were identified by using electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) studies.