cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coal physical structure: porous rock and macromolecular network

Abstract This paper is a review of current knowledge of coal physical structure and the various new approaches used to investigate it. It is shown that in its native state coal is a porous solid, the pore structure being unstable in subbituminous and lower rank coals. Coals behave like cross-linked macromolecular networks, and can be swollen with appropriate organic solvents. Coal physical structure may be described as a porous macromolecular network having either plastic or elastic properties depending upon treatment.
Curvature-Driven, One-Step Assembly of Reconfigurable Smectic Liquid Crystal “Compound Eye” Lenses

Confined smectic A liquid crystals (SmA LCs) form topological defects called focal conic domains (FCDs) that focus light as gradient-index lenses. Here, we exploit surface curvature to self-assemble FCDs in a single step into a hierarchical structure (coined "flower pattern") molded by the fluid interface that is pinned at the top of a micropillar. The structure resembles the compound eyes of some invertebrates, which consist of hundreds of microlenses on a curved interface, able to focus and construct images in three dimensions. Here we demonstrate that these flowers are indeed "compound eyes" with important features which have not been demonstrated previously in the literature. The eccentric FCDs gradually change in size with radial distance from the edge of the micropillar, resulting in a variable microlens focal length that ranges from a few microns to a few tens of microns within a single "flower". We show that the microlenses can construct a composite 3D image from different depth of field. Moreover, the smectic "compound eye" can be reconfigured by heating and cooling at the LC phase transition temperature; its field of view can be manipulated by tuning the curvature of the LC interface, and the lenses are sensitive to light polarization.
Liver transplant rejection: value of hepatic vein Doppler waveform analysis

Background: To determine whether abnormal hepatic vein Doppler tracings can be used to predict liver transplantation rejection.
Reactive Oxygen and NF-κB in VEGF-Induced Migration of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) contribute to angiogenesis and the lesions of atherosclerosis. Since, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is overexpressed by VSMC in intima of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries, we determined if VEGF could stimulate VSMC migration and the intracellular signals involved. VEGF induced VSMC migration but had no significant activity on proliferation. VEGF increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NF-kappaB activation and IL-6 expression. Blockade of the generation of intracellular ROS by antioxidants inhibited VEGF-induced NF-kappaB activation, IL-6 expression, and cell migration indicating that generation of ROS was required for NF-kappaB activation and the chemotactic activity of VEGF. Expression of a mutated, nondegradable form of inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaB-alphaM) suppressed VEGF-triggered activation of NF-kappaB and upregulation of IL-6 as well as VSMC migration. Neutralization of IL-6 by its antibody significantly attenuated the migration stimulated by VEGF. Collectively, our data provide the first evidence that intracellular ROS and NF-kappaB are required for VEGF-mediated smooth muscle cell migration. Further, IL-6 induced by VEGF is involved in the ability of the growth factor to stimulate migration.
Mechanistic Studies on the Reaction of Nitrocobalamin with Glutathione: Kinetic evidence for formation of an aquacobalamin intermediate.

The essential but also toxic gaseous signaling molecule nitric oxide is scavenged by the reduced vitamin B12 complex cob(II)alamin. The resulting complex, nitroxylcobalamin [NO–-Cbl(III)], is rapidly oxidized to nitrocobalamin (NO2Cbl) in the presence of oxygen; however, it is unlikely that nitrocobalamin is itself stable in biological systems. Kinetic studies on the reaction between NO2Cbl and the important intracellular antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), are reported. In this study, a reaction pathway is proposed in which the β-axial ligand of NO2Cbl is first substituted by water to give aquacobalamin (H2OCbl+), which then reacts further with GSH to form glutathionylcobalamin (GSCbl). Independent measurements of the four associated rate constants k1, k–1, k2, and k–2 support the proposed mechanism. These findings provide insight into the fundamental mechanism of ligand substitution reactions of cob(III)alamins with inorganic ligands at the β-axial site.
Steep, transient density gradients in the Martian ionosphere similar to the ionopause at Venus

[1] With the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding (MARSIS) on the Mars Express (MEX) spacecraft, the electron density can be measured by two methods: from the excitation of local plasma oscillations and from remote sounding. A study of the local electron density versus time for 1664 orbits revealed that in 132 orbits very sharp gradients in the electron density occurred that are similar to the ionopause boundary commonly observed at Venus. In 40 of these cases, remote sounding data have also confirmed identical locations of steep ionopause-like density gradients. Measurements from the Analyzer of Space Plasma and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA-3) electron spectrometer and ion mass analyzer instruments (also on Mars Express) verify that these sharp decreases in the electron density occur somewhere between the end of the region where ionospheric photoelectrons are dominant and the magnetosheath. Combined studies of the two experiments reveal that the steep density gradients define a boundary where the magnetic fields change from open to closed. This study shows that, although the individual cases are from a wide range of altitudes, the average altitude of the boundary as a function of solar zenith angle is almost constant. The average altitude is approximately 500 km up to solar zenith angles of 60°, after which it shows a slight increase. The average thickness of the boundary is about 22 km according to remote sounding measurements. The altitude of the steep gradients shows an increase at locations with strong crustal magnetic fields.
Control of a continuous tandem cold metal rolling process

The continuous tandem cold rolling of metal strip is a complex multivariable process whose control presents engineering challenges in addition to those generally encountered in the case of the stand-alone cold rolling process. In this paper it is shown that a newly developed and highly successful technique which uses the state-dependent Riccati equation method for controlling the stand-alone process also has a similar potential when applied in the continuous case, where the weld passage occurs at reduced speed and the product characteristics change quickly on the fly.
Spin as state variable for computation: prospects and perspectives

Recent experiments on spin devices like magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ's), domain wall magnets (DWM) and spin valves have led to the possibility of having very high density on-chip memories and logic. While the possibility of having on-chip spin transfer torque memories is close to reality, several questions still exist regarding the energy benefits of spin as the state variable for logic computation. Latest experiments on lateral spin valves (LSV) have shown switching of nano-magnets using spin-polarized current injection through a metallic channel such as Cu. Such lateral spin valves with multiple input magnets connected to an output magnet using metal channels can be used to mimic "neurons". The spin-based neurons can be integrated with CMOS and other devices like PCM's to realize ultra low-power data processing hardware based on neural networks (NN), and are suitable for different classes of applications like, cognitive computing, programmable Boolean logic and analog and digital signal processing. In this talk I will first discuss the advantages of using spin (as opposed to charge) as state variable for both memory and logic and then present how a cellular array of magneto-metallic neurons, operating at terminal voltages ~20mV, can do efficient analog computation for applications such as image sensing and processing.
A novel antireflux procedure: gastroplasty with restricted antrum to control emesis (GRACE)

Abstract Purpose Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly performed operation to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and vomiting in children with neurologic impairment. However, failure rates of Nissen fundoplication in this population are higher, and alternatives to Nissen fundoplication have technical and functional disadvantages. We hypothesize that the novel gastroplasty with restricted antrum to control emesis (GRACE) would be more effective than Nissen fundoplication at reducing emetic reflux. Methods To compare the GRACE with Nissen fundoplication, 15 canine subjects were randomized to Nissen fundoplication or GRACE. All subjects underwent gastrostomy tube placement. Baseline gastric emptying, electrogastrography, and induced vomiting studies were performed. Nissen fundoplication or GRACE was then performed. Postoperatively, gastric emptying and vomiting studies were repeated. Results Gastric emptying before and after antireflux procedures was not significantly different between groups. Both Nissen fundoplication (38%, P = .04) and GRACE (69%, P P = .03). Conclusions In this canine model, GRACE appears to be significantly more effective than Nissen fundoplication at reducing emetic reflux. This novel procedure preserves gastric function and is well tolerated. The GRACE procedure may provide an alternative to Nissen fundoplication as a primary or repeat antireflux procedure for children with neurologic impairment.
Engagement of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor 1 Leads to ATF-2- and p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase-dependent TNF-α Gene Expression

Abstract Engagement of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptors by the TNF-α ligand results in the rapid induction of TNF-α gene expression. The study presented here shows that autoregulation of TNF-α gene transcription by selective signaling through tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) requires p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity and the binding of the transcription factors ATF-2 and Jun to the TNF-α cAMP-response element (CRE) promoter element. Consistent with these findings, TNFR1 engagement results in increased p38 MAP kinase activity and p38-dependent phosphorylation of ATF-2. Furthermore, overexpression of MADD (MAP kinase-activatingdeath domain protein), an adapter protein that binds to the death domain of TNFR1 and activates MAP kinase cascades, results in CRE-dependent induction of TNF-α gene expression. Thus, the TNF-α CRE site is the target of TNFR1 stimulation and mediates the autoregulation of TNF-α gene transcription.
Method optimization in capillary zone electrophoretic analysis of hGH tryptic digest fragments.

Abstract The mobile phase composition was optimized for the separation of tryptic digest fragments of human growth hormone by capillary zone electrophoresis. The effect of pH (pH 2.4, 6.1, 8.1 and 10.4) was evaluated since pH determines the relative charge of species, the prime contributor to selectivity; pH 8.1 was selected for the optimization studies. Tricine (buffer), sodium chloride (ionic strength adjustor), and morpholine (mobile phase additive) concentrations were systematically varied at pH 8.1. All three exhibited major effects on the electroosmotic flow velocity and current, and minor effects on selectivity. Tricine was the most crucial for good resolution, although addition of morpholine helped to resolve closely eluting species. The optimum separation conditions were found to be pH 8.1 with 0.1 M tricine, 0.02 M morpholine and no salt.
Measurement of quality of life in bone marrow transplantation survivors.

This study was designed to assess the reliability and validity of a Quality of Life (QOL) instrument on a sample of 179 allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) survivors. The QOL-BMT tool was developed specifically for this population and was based on the investigators' prior research and a conceptual model of Quality of Life. Patients who were at least 100 days post BMT completed the 30 item visual analogue questionnaire. The instrument measured physical symptoms (e.g., weight loss, frequent colds, skin changes, cataracts, sexual problems), psychological to illness, social concerns (e.g., relationship adjustment, return to work), and spiritual well-being (e.g., sense of control, future goals). Psychometric analysis of the instrument included measures of reliability and validity. The study findings demonstrate the unique aspects of QOL dimensions in BMT survivors and the value of QOL assessment in clinical practice and research.
Aldosterone receptor antagonists for heart failure: Current status, future indications

Many patients with heart failure should receive an aldosterone receptor antagonist, ie, either spironolactone (Aldactone) or the newer agent eplerenone (Inspra)--in addition to an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) or both, and a beta-blocker. We review the evidence and indications.
Church-based education: an outreach program for African Americans with hypertension

The goals of this education outreach demonstration study were to prepare a cadre of registered nurses (RN) as Church Health Educators (CHE), and to test the efficacy of a hypertension (HBP) education and support program in African American (AA) churches for persons with HBP in managing blood pressure (BP). In this two-phase study, RNs were prepared as CHEs in phase 1 and a convenience sample of 97 subjects with HBP was taught by the CHEs in phase 2. The intervention's content included the bases of HBP and HBP management strategies, and was taught in eight 1-hour sessions. Using a pre-test-post-test design, data on knowledge, social support and BP were collected at baseline (pre), post-intervention (post1) and 3 months post-intervention (post2). Major findings include: (1) there was a significant increase in knowledge scores from pre to post1 and post2 (P < or = 0.0001; F = 95.08; df = 1.79); (2) education, age and number of years with HBP explained 49% of the variance associated with HBP knowledge; (3) systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial BP (MAP) significantly decreased from pre to post1 and post2 (SBP-p < or = 0.0001, F = 18.35, df = 1.91; MAP-p < or = 0.0001, F = 17.80, df = 1.86); (4) DBP significantly decreased from pre to post1 only (p < or = 0.008, F = 17.48, df = 1.91); and (5) relationships were found between social support and DBP, and social support and MAP. Issues that emerged from this study with implications for outreach programming include recruitment and retention, randomization, selective sampling, intervention design and use of volunteers.
Metabolism of lipoprotein acylglycerols by liver parenchymal cells.

Abstract We investigated the metabolism by hepatocyte suspensions of the acylglycerols in lipoprotein remnants as well as those associated with albumin and low or high density lipoproteins. Remnants, albumin and plasma lipoproteins, rich in monoacylglycerol were prepared by short-term incubations of radio-labeled chylomicra or very low density lipoproteins with extrahepatic lipoprotein lipase in the presence of albumin and low and high density lipoproteins. We demonstrated that liver parenchymal cells contain an active monoacyl-glycerol acyltransferase that is located on the extracellular surface of the cell plasma membrane. Further, the enzyme is capable of degrading the monoacyl-glycerol in all the above forms. Triacylglycerol in intact chylomicra and very low density lipoproteins were not metabolized by the cells to any appreciable degree. The degradation of the remnant triacylglycerol appeared to depend solely on the activity of the lipoprotein lipase bound to the lipoprotein remnants. Little uptake of intact lipoprotein acylglycerols by the hepatocytes was observed; instead, hydrolysis of the substrates in the medium always preceded the uptake of the products. The products were then utilized for the synthesis of triacylglycerol and phospholipid within the cells.
Effects of prayer and religious expression within computer support groups on women with breast cancer.

Research indicates that two common ways breast cancer patients or women with breast cancer cope with their diagnosis and subsequent treatments are participating in computer support groups and turning to religion. This study is the first we are aware of to examine how prayer and religious expression within computer support groups can contribute to improved psychosocial outcomes for this population. Surveys were administered before group access and then 4 months later. Message transcripts were analyzed using a word counting program that noted the percentage of words related to religious expression. Finally, messages were qualitatively reviewed to better understand results generated from the word counting program. As hypothesized, writing a higher percentage of religion words was associated with lower levels of negative emotions and higher levels of health self-efficacy and functional well-being, after controlling for patients’ levels of religious beliefs. Given the proposed mechanisms for how these benefits occurred and a review of the support group transcripts, it appeared that several different religious coping methods were used such as putting trust in God about the course of their illness, believing in an afterlife and therefore being less afraid of death, finding blessings in their lives and appraising their cancer experience in a more constructive religious light. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
I-CELL DISEASE: IMPAIRED FIBROBLAST UPTAKE OF β-HEXOSAMINIDASE IS NOT DUE TO EXCESS SIALIC ACID

I-CELL DISEASE: IMPAIRED FIBROBLAST UPTAKE OF β-HEXOSAMINIDASE IS NOT DUE TO EXCESS SIALIC ACID
Finite element analysis of the effect of volume shrinkage during laser densification

Effects of the volume shrinkage due to transformation from a powder compact to dense liquid on the temperature distribution and the size of the transformation zone during laser densification have been investigated using a three-dimensional finite element model. The dependence of the volume shrinkage effect on the mesh size of the model and the criterion used to judge whether an element remains as powder or becomes liquid has also been evaluated. The results of the simulation have been compared with the experiment, and it is found that the simulation matches the experiment very well. Furthermore, this study also indicates that simplified models that do not include the local geometry change due to the volume shrinkage during densification provide good estimations of the temperature field and the size of the laser-densified body, although the shape of the laser-densified body predicted is different from that obtained in the experiment.
FOXO transcription factors throughout T cell biology

The outcome of an infection with any given pathogen varies according to the dosage and route of infection, but, in addition, the physiological state of the host can determine the efficacy of clearance, the severity of infection and the extent of immunopathology. Here we propose that the forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factor family — which is central to the integration of growth factor signalling, oxidative stress and inflammation — provides connections between physical well-being and the form and magnitude of an immune response. We present a case that FOXO transcription factors guide T cell differentiation and function in a context-driven manner, and might provide a link between metabolism and immunity.
Experimental study of evaporation and isotopic mass fractionation of potassium in silicate melts

The behavior of Na and K during evaporation from chondrule composition melts was studied using a vacuum furnace. Though Na is the less volatile of the two as an element, it is lost more rapidly than K from silicate melts. Mass fractionation of K isotopes was measured by ion microprobe and Rayleigh fractionation is observed for vacuum evaporation (10−5 atm). With higher pressures of air, the K loss rate decreases but with increasing hydrogen pressure, K is lost more rapidly. δ41K decreases with higher pressures, because of back reaction between melt and K in the gas. With long heating duration, the release of light K condensed within the furnace leads to interaction with the K-depleted melt and a further reduction of δ41K. Natural chondrules differ in some ways from our experimental residues. Some (especially type IIA) have superchondritic Na and K, despite their assumed formation in nebular hydrogen, which enhances volatile loss, and chondrules do not show K isotopic fractionation. Type I chondrules in Semarkona (LL3.0) either plot on our evaporation trend, or are depleted in K but slightly enriched in Na, relative to K. In Bishunpur (LL3.1), type I chondrules are mostly K-depleted but moderately to strongly enriched in Na. In petrologic type 3.2 to 3.4 chondrites they are enriched in both K and Na, like type II chondrules. The alkali contents suggest type I chondrules experienced evaporation and subsequent metasomatism. Their normal δ41K values suggest closed-system evaporation of a chondritic precursor in a gas with relatively high K pressures due to vaporization of dust accompanying chondrule precursor aggregates. Type II chondrules are volatile-rich, as well as unfractionated in K isotopes. They probably formed in a gas with higher pK than in the case of type I chondrules, due to heating of a more dust-rich parcel of gas.
c-erbB activation in avian leukosis virus-induced erythroblastosis: Clustered integration sites and the arrangement of provirus in the c-erbB alleles

Abstract There is considerable evidence that links the activation of cellular genes to oncogenesis. We previously reported that structural rearrangements in the cellular oncogene c-erbB correlate with the development of erythroblastosis induced by avian leukosis virus (ALV). c-erbB recently has been shown to be related to the gene encoding epidermal growth factor receptor. We now have characterized the detailed mechanisms of c-erbB activation by ALV proviruses. We report here that the ALV proviral integration sites are clustered 5' to the region where homology to v-erbB starts, suggesting that interruption in this region of c-erbB is important for its activation. The proviruses are oriented in the same transcriptional direction as c-erbB and usually are full-size. The latter finding is in contrast to the frequent deletions observed within the c-myc-linked proviruses in B-cell lymphomas. We have also identified a second c-erbB allele, which differs from the previously known allele primarily by a deletion in an intron region. This allele is also oncogenic upon mutation by an ALV provirus.
Phosphorus and nitrogen effects on microbial euendolithic communities and their bioerosion rates

Cages and fertilizers were used at Glover's Atoll, Belize to test the relative importance of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to microbial euendolithic communities (bacteria, algae and fungi) and their bioerosion rates of Strombus gigas shells after 56-days of exposure. By the end of the experiment, the abundance of green algae was higher than cyanobacteria and fungi in N and N+P treatments, although green algae did not increase proportionally with increasing N concentrations, suggesting that green algae were co-limited by P and N. In contrast, cyanobacteria abundance increased with increasing P concentration, suggesting that cyanobacteria were P-limited. Fungi were not significantly affected by the addition of nutrients. Microbioerosion rates in the N and N+P treatments were 2-times greater than rates in the P treatment and 15-times greater than the control treatment. Results demonstrate that increased nutrient concentrations on coral reefs may increase microbioerosion rates, and variations in nutrient ratios can modify microborers community composition.
ULTRASOUND EVALUATION OF NEWBORN THYROID STRUCTURE: VISUALIZATION WITHOUT RADIATION

Infants with suspect thyroid dysfunction need visualization of the structure of the thyroid gland in addition to the understood biochemical specific studies for diagnostic and follow up care. With the application of ultrasound real time (10 MHz high resolution real time, prototype ATL, Bellevere, WA) 8 evaluations have revealed information aiding diagnosis and counseling potential for parents. Infants with prematurity and low T4 studies compatible with the diagnosis of "sick euthroid" when seen to have a normal gland may be observed with less anxiety than those found to have no structure resembling thyroid. Gland size of infants whose mothers required antithyroid medication during pregnancy can be serially followed. Term newborns with screening values in the first weeks of life that indicate possible athyreosis can have rapid confirmation when the gland is found absent; those with dysgentic thyroid structure may be followed with or without treatment depending on other individual balances of thyroid studies. Parents have indicated appreciation of this newer visualization technique utilizing ultrasound.
Lead concentrations in soil, sediment and clam samples from the Pungo River peatland area of North Carolina, USA.

Abstract Lead (Pb) concentrations were measured in samples of peat soils, sediments and clams ( Rangia cuneata ) collected from the Pungo River region of coastal North Carolina. In peat soils, mean Pb concentrations (dry weight ± 1 SD) were significantly higher ( p μ g g −1 ± 7·6) than in samples from depths of 20 cm (2·7 μ g g −1 ± 2·7) or 1 m (3·6 μ g g −1 ± 3·6). Mean Pb concentrations in surface sediments from canals draining peatlands and from the Pungo River which receives this drainage ranged from 0·1 μ g g −1 ± 0·1 to 7·0 μ g g −1 ± 0·6. These Pb concentrations are similar to values reported in other studies for areas considered uncontaminated. Fractionation analysis revealed that the majority of the Pb in the peat and sediment samples was associated with the residual fraction, with lesser amounts in the organically-bound fraction, and generally negligible amounts in the water-soluble fraction. These results indicate that the bulk of the Pb in the soils and sediments of this area is relatively immobile and non-bioavailabe. This is supported by the relatively low concentrations of Pb (0·2–0·5 μg g −1 , dry weight) observed in soft tissues of R. cuneata collected from the Pungo River.
Personal and social determinants of rural nurses' willingness to care for persons with AIDS.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the individual and social determinants of rural nurses' willingness to care for people with AIDS (PWAs). Willingness to care was viewed as a function of nurses' personal attitudes about AIDS care and PWAs; the influence of normative (significant others), comparative (the nursing profession), and generalized (the rural community) reference group norms on these attitudes; and how much importance respondents placed on membership in these reference groups. Responses to a mailed questionnaire from 615 rural nurses were analyzed. Individual determinants were nurses' feelings of preparedness and favorable attitudes about their personal safety when administering care. Social determinants were the degree of upset of respondents' significant others about their caring for AIDS patients and favorable attitudes of the respondents about professional and social concerns related to AIDS.
Prophylactic and therapeutic use of an anti-brevetoxin (PbTx-2) antibody in conscious rats

Abstract C. B. Templeton , M. A. Poli and R. Solow . Prophylactic and therapeutic use of an anti-brevetoxin (PbTx-2) antibody in conscious rats. Toxicon27, 1389–1395, 1989.—A polyclonal antiserum was investigated for prophylactic and therapeutic use in the treatment of brevetoxin intoxication. Conscious, tethered male rats were pre-treated with 1 ml of anti-brevetoxin IgG (PbAb) or control IgG by a 10 min infusion, then given brevetoxin (25 μg/kg) by a 1 hr infusion. Rats pre-treated with control IgG demonstrated signs of brevetoxin intoxication; these signs were absent in rats pre-treated with PbAb. In therapy studies, rats were infused for 1 hr with 100 μg/kg brevetoxin, followed immediately by 2 ml of either PbAb or control IgG. During toxin infusion, both groups showed signs of brevetoxin intoxication. Rats treated with control antibody died within 6 hr. In rats treated with PbAb, respiratory rates began to return toward baseline almost immediately, and fewer neurological signs developed. After 24 hr, nearly all neurological signs had disappeared and both core and peripheral temperatures had returned to normal. There was a time differential between two groups of signs, suggesting high and low accessibility compartments for the antibody. These compartments probably represent central and peripheral nervous system. All animals treated with PbAb survived at least 8 days. These results suggest that PbAb has both therapeutic and prophylactic potential in the treatment of brevetoxin intoxication. Further, because of the differential in efficacy in reversing central and peripheral nervous system signs of brevetoxin intoxication, it provides useful new information on the mechanism of action of this toxin.
Subcellular localization of acyl carrier protein in leaf protoplasts of Spinacia oleracea.

Abstract This communication demonstrates that all de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in spinach leaf cells requires acyl carrier protein (ACP) and occurs specifically in the chloroplasts. Antibodies raised to purified spinach ACP inhibited at least 98% of malonyl CoA-dependent fatty acid synthesis by spinach leaf homogenates. Therefore, the presence of ACP in a compartment of the spinach leaf cell would serve as a marker for de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. A radioimmunoassay capable of detecting 10(15) mol (10(-11) g) of spinach ACP was developed to measure the levels of ACP in leaf cell components isolated by sucrose gradient centrifugation of a gentle lysate of spinach leaf protoplasts. All of the ACP of the leaf cell could be attributed to the chloroplast. Less than 1% of the ACP associated with chloroplasts resulted from binding of free ACP to chloroplasts. Of interest, ACP from Escherichia coli, soybean, and sunflower showed only partial crossreactivity with spinach ACP by the radioimmunoassay. These results strongly suggest that, in the leaf cell, chloroplasts are the sole site for the de novo synthesis of C16 and C18 fatty acids. These fatty acids are then transported into the cytoplasm for further modification and are either inserted into extrachloroplastic membrane lipids or returned to the chloroplast for insertion into lamellar membrane lipids.
A Tandem Orthogonal Proteolysis Strategy for High-Content Chemical Proteomics

The field of proteomics aims to assign functions to the numerous protein products encoded by eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes. Toward this end, chemical strategies have emerged as a powerful means to enrich specific classes of proteins based on shared functional properties, such as catalytic activity [activity-based protein profiling (ABPP)], and post-translational modification state. The theoretical information content in chemical proteomic experiments greatly exceeds the actual data procured, due in large part to limitations in existing analytical technologies. Here, we present a tandem orthogonal proteolysis (TOP) strategy for high-content chemical proteomics that enables the parallel characterization of probe-labeled proteins and sites of probe modification. The TOP approach exploits “click chemistry” to introduce a multifunctional tag onto probe-labeled proteins that contains both a biotin group for protein enrichment and a tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease cleavage site for selective release of pr...
ISOLATION AND EXPRESSION OF THE INTERLEUKIN-2 GENE FROM THE KILLER WHALE, ORCINUS ORCA

Complementary DNA encoding interleukin-2 (IL-2) was isolated, cloned, and sequenced from the killer whale, Orcinus orca. The sequence of the killer whale IL-2 coding region consists of 455 nucleotides which translate into a polypeptide containing 151 amino acids. Killer whale IL-2 displays 88%, 88%, 87%, 87%, 85%, 84%, 80%, and 71% nucleotide sequence homology and 76%, 76%, 76%, 73%, 68%, 73%, 64%, and 56% amino acid homology with the cow, sheep, pig, red deer, horse, human, manatee, and mouse, respectively. High levels of killer whale recombinant IL-2 were generated by transiently transfecting killer whale IL-2/pCMV Blue plasmid DNA into cultured monkey kidney cells (Cos-1). Generation of this recombinant IL-2 will allow the development of assays useful for assessing IL-2 levels in the serum and from isolated lymphocytes of killer whales and possibly other species of cetaceans. A major contribution and significance of the in vitro expression of killer whale IL-2 exists in its potential to be used as a therapeutic agent.
Can your eyebrows tell me who you are

In this paper, we will show that eyebrow region can be used as a stand-alone biometric for recognition. We compare the recognition performance of eyebrow with eye and full face following NIST's FRGC Experiment 4 protocol, the most harsh experiment in FRGC ver2.0 database which involves matching 8,014 uncontrolled probe images from 466 subjects to 16,028 controlled target images from the same 466 subjects (∼128 million comparisons). We are the first to evaluate the recognition performance of eyebrow on such a big database and compare to the performance of full face. We will use multiple discrete transform encoded features to capture the local information of eyebrow as well as full face. The experimental results amazingly show that compared with the full face, the eyebrow region has 5/6 drop in size but only 1/6 drop in rank-1 identification rate.
SERVPERF Utility for Predicting Neighborhood Shopping Behavior

ABSTRACT Marketers addressing customer perceptions of service quality have developed the SERVQUAL and SERVPERF scales and have shown these to be correlates of perceived service quality in a variety of consumer industries including retail shopping. This study applies SERVPERF items to urban community development issues by considering the utility of the SERVPERF items in predicting a propensity to shop neighborhood stores as compared to a propensity to shop in areas outside the neighborhood. The results suggest specific SERVPERF issues that may influence neighborhood shopping.
Microfinance: Creating Opportunities for the Poor?

Executive Overview Microfinance is an emerging phenomenon that opens access to capital for individuals previously shut out from financial services. In its direct engagement with the poor, microfinance represents a new way for financial capital to potentially stimulate economic growth in developing countries. However, microfinance is poorly understood, and it remains unclear whether it delivers on its promises. The goal of this paper is to introduce the topic of microfinancing to a wider audience of management researchers and to identify opportunities for future research in this new and growing area.
Characterization of a new genotype of avian bornavirus from wild ducks

Avian bornaviruses (ABV) are a recently described group of intranuclear negative-stranded RNA viruses (Order Mononegavirales, Family Bornaviridae). At least 13 different ABV genotypes have been described. One genotype, the Canada goose genotype (ABV-CG), has been isolated from geese and swans and is widely distributed across North America. We have isolated and characterized a previously undescribed genotype of avian bornavirus from the brains of wild ducks. This new genotype, provisionally designated ABV genotype MALL, was detected in 12 of 83 mallards, and 1 of 8 wood ducks collected at a single location in central Oklahoma. The virus was cultured on primary duck embryo fibroblasts, fragments were cloned, and its genome sequence of 8904 nucleotides determined. This new genotype has 72% nucleotide identity and 83% amino acid identity with the ABV-CG genotype previously shown to be present in geese and swans. Histologic and immunohistochemical examination of the brains and eyes of four positive ducks indicated the presence of virus-infected neurons and glia in their cerebrums and retinas in the absence of inflammation. More than one genotype of ABV is circulating in North American waterfowl. While the infected ducks were not observed to be suffering from overt disease, based on the immunohistochemistry, we speculate that they may have suffered some visual impairment.
Interactive patterns of knowledge management in organisations: insight from a fashion company

The categorisation of knowledge into explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge has provided an impression that explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge may be difficult to manage simultaneously. We use a grounded theory approach for determining how sales representatives in a fashion industry manage create, acquire, manipulate, and share both explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge concurrently. Our findings suggest that the boundary between explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge is porous and the tools and techniques used to manage one kind of knowledge can also be used to manage the other kind of knowledge. Insights obtained through this research also show that a firm uses both technological system and social system parallel to managing knowledge.
An unseen danger: frequency of posterior vessel wall penetration by needles during attempts to place internal jugular vein central catheters using ultrasound guidance.

Objectives:To evaluate the frequency of unsuspected posterior vessel wall penetration of the internal jugular vein during ultrasound-guided needle cannulation.Design:Prospective, single-blinded observational study.Setting:Urban level I emergency department with an annual census of 80,000.Patients:Re
Modeling and Prediction for Processes on Network Graphs

Throughout this book so far, we have seen numerous examples of network graphs that provide representations—useful for various purposes—of the interaction among elements in a system under study. Often, however, it is some quantity (or attribute) associated with each of the elements that ultimately is of most interest. In such settings it frequently is not unreasonable to expect that this quantity be influenced in an important manner by the interactions among the elements. For example, the behaviors and beliefs of people can be strongly influenced by their social interactions; proteins that are more similar to each other, with respect to their DNA sequence information, often are responsible for the same or related functional roles in a cell; computers more easily accessible to a computer infected with a virus may in turn themselves become more quickly infected; and the relative concentration of species in an environment (e.g., animal species in a forest or chemical species in a vat) can vary over time as a result of the nature of the relationships among species.
Hyperglycaemia-induced intrarenal RAS activation: the contribution of metabolic pathways

Keywords: candesartan, 2-deoxyglucose, glucose Abstract Hyperglycaemia-induced activation of the renin- angiotensin system (RAS) has been observed in normal and diabetic humans. Our main objective was to determine whether the mechanism involved a physical or metabolic effect of glucose. First, Sprague- Dawley rats of the CD strain were given sequential intravenous (i.v.) doses of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg candesartan 30 minutes apart, in the presence of a continuous i.v. infusion of dextrose 20% in water (D20W). The 0.1 mg/kg dose produced a maximal renal blood flow (RBF) response and was used thereafter. Another set of animals then received an infusion of either normal saline (NS), dextrose 5% in water (D5W) or dextrose 20% in water (D20W) for 2 hours, followed by candesartan 0.1 mg/kg i.v. Finally, the response to candesartan 0.1 mg/kg i.v. during D20W infusion was compared with that during infusion of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), a glucose analogue that competitively inhibits the glycolytic enzyme, hexokinase. RBF (electromagnetic flowmeter), blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, and urine glucose were monitored. There was no significant RBF response to candesartan on either NS (6.01±0.48 to 6.20±0.49 ml/minute/g kidney; p=0.216) or D5W (7.63±1.20 to 7.58±1.39 ml/minute/g kidney; p=0.965), whereas there was a significant response to D20W (6.64±0.59 to 7.46±0.67 ml/minute/g kidney; p=0.002). The RBF response was significantly enhanced by D20W compared with 2DG (change in RBF: 0.82±0.22 vs. -0.04±0.26; p=0.05), despite similar BP, blood glucose, and urine glucose. Glucose acts, at least in part, through intracellular utilisation to induce RAS activation, as manifested by an enhanced renal vascular response to an angiotensin II antagonist.
Nutritional Composition and Use of Common Carp Muscle in Yellow Perch Diets

Abstract High market demand for marine fish meals coupled with increasing costs and questionable sustainability of wild stocks have led researchers to investigate a variety of alternative plant and animal protein sources for aquaculture feeds. Our objective was to evaluate the use of common carp Cyprinus carpio, a locally abundant, nonnative fish species, to offset the cost of marine fish meal in fish feed. We completed analyses of common carp whole muscle, formulated diets containing combinations of carp and Gulf menhaden Brevoortia patronus fish meal, and then evaluated test diets in a feeding trial with yellow perch Perca flavescens. Composition (dry matter basis [dmb]) of common carp flesh (crude protein [CP] = 73.4%, crude lipid [CL] = 25.7%) slightly differed from menhaden fish meal (MFM; CP = 71.0%, CL = 11.7%, dmb). Three experimental diets were formulated to include percentage ratios of 50:0, 25:25, or 0:50 of common carp muscle meal (CCMM) to MFM to obtain similar crude protein (29.7 ± 0.9% [mea...
Time Domain Simulation of the NASA Crew Launch Vehicle

The NASA Crew Launch Vehicle is a two-stage orbital launcher designed to meet NASA’s current as well as future needs for human space flight. In order to free the designers to explore more possibilities during the design phase, a need exists for the ability to quickly perform simulation on both the baseline vehicle as well as the vehicle after proposed changes due to mission planning, vehicle configuration and avionics changes, proposed new guidance and control algorithms, and any other contingencies the designers may wish to consider. Further, after the vehicle is designed and built, the need will remain for such analysis in the event of future mission planning. An easily reconfigurable, modular, nonlinear six-degree-of-freedom simulation matching NASA Marshall’s in-house highfidelity simulator is created with the ability to quickly perform simulation and analysis of the Crew Launch Vehicle throughout the entire launch profile. Simulation results are presented and discussed, and an example simulation to demonstrate the need for ground vibration testing is shown. I. Introduction HE United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has committed to building the ARES I Crew Launch Vehicle as the man-rated launcher to support the implementation of the Vision for Space Exploration 1 . Preliminary Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC these analyses assumed there was insufficient cross-coupling of the vehicle axes to affect stability results. SAVANT uses fully coupled nonlinear equations of motion to run a time-domain simulation to arrive at specific operating points where frequency results are desired. SAVANT is capable of generating both time domain and frequency domain information of both the vehicle integrated stack and Upper Stage flight during ascent flight phases. The tool is used to provide vehicle system and component analysis involving system data for multiple Design Analysis Cycles (DAC) and is able to simulate the effects of component and algorithm modifications in terms of flight performance and robustness requirements.
Realization of a digital PWM power amplifier using noise and ripple shaping

A digital pulse width modulation technique featuring noise and ripple shaping (NRS) for audio power amplification is realized. The sampled and extrapolated power source amplitude signal is used to shape the interpolated input digital signal. This shaped signal is fed to a noise shaper to produce a reduced bit digital signal fully representing the original signal. The output power signal is not affected by the requantization error or the power source ripple. Therefore, DC power regulators can be eliminated without sacrificing the signal to noise ratio. A digital signal processor controlled full bridge power amplifier was built with close to 5 kHz bandwidth and 40 dB ripple rejection improvement at 60 Hz over conventional PWM power amplifiers. >
Enhanced Na+ Channel Intermediate Inactivation in Brugada Syndrome

Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac disease that causes sudden death related to idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in a structurally normal heart. The disease is characterized by ST-segment elevation in the right precordial ECG leads and is frequently accompanied by an apparent right bundle-branch block. The biophysical properties of the SCN5A mutation T1620M associated with Brugada syndrome were examined for defects in intermediate inactivation (I:(M)), a gating process in Na(+) channels with kinetic features intermediate between fast and slow inactivation. Cultured mammalian cells expressing T1620M Na(+) channels in the presence of the human beta(1) subunit exhibit enhanced intermediate inactivation at both 22 degrees C and 32 degrees C compared with wild-type recombinant human heart Na(+) channels (WT-hH1). Our findings support the hypothesis that Brugada syndrome is caused, in part, by functionally reduced Na(+) current in the myocardium due to an increased proportion of Na(+) channels that enter the I:(M) state. This phenomenon may contribute significantly to arrhythmogenesis in patients with Brugada syndrome. The full text of this article is available at http://www.circresaha.org.
Exploring High School Coaches' Implicit Theories of Motivation from a Self- Determination Theory Perspective

According to Self-Determination theory, coaches' fulfillment of their athletes' psychological needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy has strong implications for motivation in the sporting context. Given this, the purpose of the study was to understand whether coaches' implicit theories of motivation mirror Self-Determination theory and thus incorporate satisfaction of athletes' three psychological needs. Eleven high-school coaches were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed through both inductive and deductive analytic procedures. Content analyses of the data found that these coaches use a variety of strategies to address the need for competence, but implement fewer strategies to support relatedness. Autonomy strategies were only discussed when specifically guided by the researchers. Two other findings also emerged from the data, including perceived barriers to implementing motivational strategies and differences in strategy utilization based on specific demograph...