cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-wall composition and accessibility to hydrolytic enzymes is differentially altered in divergently bred switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) genotypes.

The aims of this study were to understand the genotypic variability in cell-wall composition and cell-wall accessibility to enzymes in select switchgrass plants obtained from two different populations derived from a base population of octaploid cultivars. Population C+3 was developed by three breeding generations for high digestibility and population C−1 developed by one generation of breeding for low digestibility. Above-ground biomass from 12 selected genotypes, three each with high or low digestibility within each population, was analyzed for their cell-wall aromatics and polysaccharides. The ratio of p-coumaric acid/ferulic acid was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for the high-lignin C−1 population over the low-lignin C+3 population, although the amounts of these two phenolics did not differ between populations. Combined values of guaiacyl + syringyl-lignin were consistently higher in genotypes from the C−1 population as compared to the genotypes from the C+3 population. Overall, p-coumaric acid was released by enzymes in greater amounts than ferulic acid in all these genotypes. Genotypes in the C−1 population exhibited lower dry weight loss as compared to the genotypes in the C+3 population after enzymatic digestion, suggesting changes in cell-wall architecture. Overall, our data highlight the phenotypic plasticity coded by the switchgrass genome and suggest that combining dry matter digestibility with other more specific cell-wall traits could result in genotypes with greater utility as bioenergy feedstocks.
Na + ,K + -ATPase IS REGULATED BY GLUCOCORTICOIDS IN AN AGE AND TISSUE DEPENDENT MANNER

The adaptation of newborn mammals to extrauterine life is conditioned by increased expression of enzymes that are of importance for specialized tissue function. In the rat, maturation is accelerated around birth in the lung and around weaning in the kidney. The Na+, K+-ATPase enzyme is responsible for the active transport of ions across the membrane of each cell at the expense of 30% of total body O2 consumption. We have reported that in the infant rat renal cortex, glucocorticoids (GC) rapidly increases the abundance of the Na+, K+-ATPase mRNA, suggesting a direct transcriptional regulation. We have now compared the effect of a single injection of betamethasone, a synthetic highly specific GC, on the abundance of mRNA for the catalytic α and the regulatory β subunits in lung and kidney from fetal, infant and young rats. In the kidney the most prominent effects on the a mRNA was found at 10 days of age (5.3±0.9 fold). A significant increase was also found in 20-day-old rats (1.6±0.2 fold), but no effect was found in fetal and 5-day-old rats. In the lung the most prominent effect was found around birth, but no effect on α mRNA was found at 10 and 20 days. In the kidney there was a coordinate increase in α and β mRNA subunits, while in the lung, the β subunit was stimulated alone, in 10- and 20-day-old rats. Conclusion. GC induction of Na+, K+-ATPase genes is age- and tissue dependent. The GC sensitive period coincides with the physiological need for organ maturation.
Acoustic shadowing on B-mode ultrasound of the carotid artery predicts CHD

Abstract The relationship between carotid artery lesions (CALs), with and without acoustic shadowing (AS) as an index of arterial mineralization, and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) was examined in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study cohort. Among 12,375 individuals, ages 45–64 years, free of CHD at baseline, 399 CHD events occurred between 1987–1995. In a 3-cm segment centered at the carotid bifurcation, CALs with and without AS were identified by B-mode ultrasound (US). After adjustment for the major CHD risk factors, the CHD hazard ratio (HR) for women with CAL without AS compared to women without CAL was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.22, 2.60) and the HR comparing women with CAL with AS to women with CAL without AS was 1.73 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.80). Corresponding HRs for men were 1.59 (95% CI: 1.22, 2.07) and 1.04 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.51). CALs predicted CHD events; this association was stronger for mineralized CALs in women, but not men. (E-mail: gerardo_heiss@unc.edu)
Construction of an SI Theory of Fashion: Part 3. Context of Explanation:

This final paper of a three-part series focuses on the context of explanation in the development of theory. We illustrate how our SI theory of fashion may be used to explain regularities and how those regularities may be used to explain singular occurrences. The theory presented in the first part of this series is used to explain phenomena in the deductive sense. How theories subsume and thereby organize findings into a body of knowledge is illustrated Recommendations for a wide variety of approaches to the study of fashion change in appearance styles are provided.
18O-Labeled Adenosine and 9-(β-D-Arabinofuranosyl)Adenine (ARA-A): Synthesis, Mass Spectrometry, and Studies of 18O-Induced 13C NMR Chemical Shifts

Abstract [2′-18O]- and [3′-18O]-Adenosine and [2′-18O]- and [3′-18O]-9-(β-D-arabinofuranosyl) adenine were synthesized from−appropriate nucleoside precursors. The sites of 18O-incorporation were determined by mass spectrometry. 18O-Induced 13C NMR shifts were measured for 2′-and 3′-labeled adenosines as 1.2 and 1.6 Hz, respectively.
Using a Nonparametric Bootstrap to Obtain a Confidence Interval for Pearson’s r with Cluster Randomized Data: A Case Study

A nonparametric bootstrap was used to obtain an interval estimate of Pearson’s r, and test the null hypothesis that there was no association between 5th grade students’ positive substance use expectancies and their intentions to not use substances. The students were participating in a substance use prevention program in which the unit of randomization was a public middle school. The bootstrap estimate indicated that expectancies explained 21% of the variability in students’ intentions (r = 0.46, 95% CI = [0.40, 0.50]). This case study illustrates the use of a nonparametric bootstrap with cluster randomized data and the danger posed if outliers are not identified and addressed. Editors’ Strategic Implications: Prevention researchers will benefit from the authors’ detailed description of this nonparametric bootstrap approach for cluster randomized data and their thoughtful discussion of the potential impact of cluster sizes and outliers.
Growth, Morphology, and Developmental Instability of Rainbow Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, and Four Hybrid Generations

Abstract Hybridization of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii with nonindigenous rainbow trout O. mykiss contributes to the decline of cutthroat trout subspecies throughout their native range. Introgression by rainbow trout can swamp the gene pools of cutthroat trout populations, especially if there is little selection against hybrids. We used rainbow trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout O. clarkii bouvieri, and rainbow trout × Yellowstone cutthroat trout F1 hybrids as parents to construct seven different line crosses: F1 hybrids (both reciprocal crosses), F2 hybrids, first-generation backcrosses (both rainbow trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout), and both parental taxa. We compared growth, morphology, and developmental instability among these seven crosses reared at two different temperatures. Growth was related to the proportion of rainbow trout genome present within the crosses. Meristic traits were influenced by maternal, additive, dominant, overdominant, and (probably) epistatic genetic effects. Dev...
The SREBP Pathway: Regulation of Cholesterol Metabolism by Proteolysis of a Membrane-Bound Transcription Factor

We thank our colleagues Beth Duncan, Jay Horton, Axel Nohturfft, Jih-tung Pai, Juro Sakai, Jin Shimano, and Iichiro Shimomura for helpful comments in the preparation of this review. We thank Ravi Pathak for the immunofluorescence micrograph (Figure 3Figure 3). Our research is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (HL20948) and the Perot Family Foundation.
Measurement of hydroxyl ions in thin passive oxide films using secondary ion mass spectrometry

In spite of the application of a wide range of techniques to determine the presence of hydroxyl ions in passive oxide films formed electrochemically and chemically on metals, a clearly acceptable answer has not yet emerged. In this paper the application of SIMS to this problem is discussed. Experimental difficulties associated with large background hydroxyl signals when using a PHI SIMS II instrument and their solution by modification of the SIMS equipment and a pumpdown procedure are described. The advantages of measuring cation-containing polyatomic species are indicated, and the calibration of SIMS for hydroxyl using thermal “dry” oxides and “wet” oxy-hydroxides is presented. Detection limits of 0.1% for hydroxyl in passive films are possible. Within this limit passive films on nickel and iron are shown to contain no hydroxyl, while films on Fe-25%Cr contain 0.6±0.1% OH- within the inner chromium-rich part of the film and 1.1±0.1% OH- within the outer iron-rich part of the film. A fraction of a monolayer of surface hydroxyl exists on all passive films. Various non-passive oxide films (e.g. the electropolish film on nickel and Fe-25%Cr) have significant levels of hydroxyl incorporation.
A controlled comparison of continuous versus intermittent feeding in the treatment of infants with intestinal disease.

We compared two feeding regimens, continuous intragastric feedings and intermittent oral feeding, in nine infants with protracted diarrhea and malnutrition and two infants with surgically created short bowel. Continuous nasogastric feeding caused significant increases in enteral balance of the major nutrients, whereas intermittent feedings resulted in negative or only slightly positive enteral balance. The improvements in enteral balance from intermittent to continuous feeding in infants with diarrhea were as follows: Fat from 13±0.8 to 22±2.0 gm/24 hours; nitrogen from 0.63±0.2 to 1.7±0.2 gm/24 hours; calcium from −63±20 to 145±4 mg/24 hours; zinc from −0.57±0.2 to 1.3±0.2 mg/24 hours; and copper from −0.09±0.03 to 0.21±0.02 mg/24 hours. There was also a significant increase in body weight during the continuous feeding (168±16 gm/72 hours) as compared to the intermittent feeding (−171±26 gm/72 hours). Similar improvements in enteral balance were seen in the two infants with short bowel. These findings document that improved enteral balance can be achieved with continuous feeding in infants with bowel disease.
In defence of gene patents

For two years the Nuffield Council of Bioethics has scrutinised the pros and cons of gene patenting in the healthcare industry. The Council recently published its findings, saying that too many patents have been granted on gene sequences and, in future, gene patents ‘should be the exception rather than the rule’. The Council’s recommendations even go as far as to propose the discontinuance of monopoly rights on existing gene patents for certain applications such as diagnostic tools. The consequences of curtailing patent rights could have a deleterious effect on the healthcare industry where patents are essential for recovering the investment made in drug discovery. Furthermore, it could lead to a ‘dark age’ where the human gene sequences responsible for disease are kept secret by a minority of the industry players. In its defence, the patent system is a very sophisticated, self-correcting system with safeguards to protect society from unwarranted monopolies. Its purpose is to put every scientific advance into the public domain with the trade-off of a time-limited monopoly awarded to the proprietor.
Morphology predicts rapid growth of small abdominal aortic aneurysms

This study evaluated CT scans of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) (< 5 cm) to assess anatomic features associated with rapid expansion. Serial CT scans obtained at least 10 months apart (mean 15 months) from patients with small AAAs were reviewed. Each cross-sectional image of the AAAs was analyzed using a computer-assisted design program. The circumference of the AAA in each CT image was divided into eight equal arcs, from which the apparent radius of curvature (Rc) for each segment was calculated. Flattening of the wall curvature results in an increased segmental Rc. The CT scans of nine patients with expanding AAAs (expansion ≥0.5 cm/yr) were compared to those of 10 patients with stable AAAs (expansion <0.2 cm/yr). To adjust for differences in AAA size, the Rc for each segment was normalized by dividing each individual Rc by the average of the eight Res (RcAvg) calculated for that cross-sectional CT image. Analysis of variance showed that the left posterolateral segments in expanding AAAs had larger Rc/RcAvg ratios than those segments in stable AAAs (1.14 ± 0.19 vs. 0.80 ± 0.09, p < 0.02). Laplace's law indicates that the left posterolateral segment in AAAs that grow more rapidly is subjected to greater wall tension. Flattening in the curvature of the left posterolateral wall segment was significantly associated with an increased rate of expansion in small AAAs. This finding, readily derived from standard CT scan images, may predict which small AAAs are more prone to rapid expansion.
Yearling rams initially disinterested in estrous ewes subsequently exhibit subnormal sexual performance

Abstract Sexual performance tests are useful in describing and predicting relative differences in the sexual performance of male ungulates. A significant percentage of domestic yearling rams are sexually inhibited when first exposed to estrous ewes. The following study demonstrates that such sexually-inhibited yearling rams subsequently exhibit subnormal sexual performance once they become sexually active. Individual 30-min sexual performance (serving capacity) tests were administered to 73 Targhee rams at 18–19 months of age. Forty-one rams (56%) successfully mated with estrous ewes on first exposure (Test 1). Seventeen rams (23%) commenced servicing ewes on Tests 2, 3 or 4. Of the remaining 15 rams, 12 attained ejaculations in subsequent tests but only after being housed continuously with females. These three groups of rams were compared for frequency of mounts with and without ejaculation plus a measure of mount efficiency (mounts per ejaculation) during the third and fourth tests in which they serviced females. Rams that successfully mated in Test 1 subsequently exhibited higher frequencies of ejaculation ( P
Improving the goals and process (GAP) matrix for groups: Incorporating feedback from the field

Abstract The authors respond to issues raised by commentators about the goals and process (GAP) matrix. They discuss themes apparent in several commentaries, including the choice of nomenclature, the need for anew model, the level of complexity of the model, the difficulty of capturing dynamic groups in a rigid/reductionist model, the omission of task/work groups from the original model, and the revision of the Association for Specialists in Group Work model suggested by Conyne and Wilson. A revised version of the GAP matrix that attempts to address these issues is presented.
An examination of internal auditing programmes at IIA endorsed schools

Reports on a survey examination of the contents of the internal auditing programmes presented by schools and colleges endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors. The report contains the frequency of presentation and the characteristics of Basic and Advanced Internal Auditing, Internship and EDP Auditing courses. Also identifies other courses in the programmes. Discusses the philosophy of the programmes, foundation courses, completing the programmes, and marketing the programmes. Precedes the survey discussion by a description of historical activities related to the programme development; the prerequisites for participating programmes; and objective of the study.
A First Look at the Validity of the DIAL-3 Spanish Version.

To examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the scales on the Spanish version of the Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning—Third Edition (DIAL-3), exploratory factor analysis is performed on data from 648 children who are native speakers of Spanish and who attend Head Start. Three factors, labeled Verbal Ability , Nonverbal Ability, and Achievement, collectively account for 56% of the variance in children's performances. Confirmatory factor analysis evaluate this empirically-derived model and the conceptually-derived model of the authors of the DIAL-3 in a separate sample of 588 Spanish-speaking Head Start children. The empirically-derived model characterized children's performances better than the conceptually-derived model. The discussion highlights potential uses of the new factors, ideas for consideration during revision of the Spanish DIAL-3, and the need for additional validity research on the measure.
Temperature Dependence of the Work Function of Tungsten from Measurement of Contact Potentials by the Kelvin Method

The Kelvin method for the determination of contact potentials is adapted for measurements between filaments in vacuum. Measurements between a heated and a cool tungsten filament indicate an increase in the work function of tungsten, with temperature, of 6.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ volt per degree centigrade. This effect is distinguished from changes in work function arising from variations, with temperature, in contaminating layers on the tungsten, which tend to obscure the true temperature coefficient even under the best vacuum conditions. The observed true temperature coefficient appears to be comparatively independent of the existing degree of surface contamination. This suggests that the temperature effect must reside primarily in the thermodynamic potential of the electrons inside the metal and not in the potential barrier at the surface. The coefficient obtained resolves the discrepancy between the experimental value of $A$ in the Richardson equation and the theoretical factor of 120 without the introduction of a reflection coefficient.
Comparison of residual stress in martensitic alloys by nondestructive techniques

Three martensitic materials, namely Alloys EP-823, HT-9 and 422 were subjected to tensile loading at ambient temperature. The cylindrical specimens tested at different levels of tensile loading were analyzed for characterization of residual stress resulting from plastic deformation corresponding to the applied loads between the yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength. The extent of residual stress developed at these applied stresses was analyzed by nondestructive positron annihilation spectroscopy, activation, and neutron diffraction techniques. The results indicate that the residual stresses characterized by all three techniques exhibited a consistent pattern showing a gradual enhancement in residual stress with increasing applied load.
Modulating membrane protein stability and association by design

Membrane proteins perform crucial communication functions across biological membranes. They represent important targets for therapies and have unique properties for biotechnological applications. Recently, the number of high-resolution membrane protein structures has significantly increased and new insights into the sequence/structure relationships of transmembrane helical assemblies have been gained. Together with new experimental techniques, these advances have improved our understanding of membrane protein folding, stability, and recognition. Consequently, new design strategies are emerging that aim to target and stabilize simple transmembrane helical interfaces.
Note: Chordal multipartite graphs and chordal colorings

'Chordal multipartite graphs' are properly colored graphs such that two vertices in a minimal vertex separator are adjacent if and only if they are differently colored. They have induced cycle characterizations that transcend those of chordal and chordal bipartite graphs. Graphs that have such 'chordal colorings' are weakly chordal graphs with simple forbidden subgraph characterizations, and such a chordal coloring of a graph G requires only @g(G) colors.
Characterization of Fatigue Substructure of Incoloy Alloy 800 at Elevated Temperature

Transmission electron microscopy has been employed to study the fatigue substructure of Incoloy 800 at elevated temperatures. Substructure parameters such as cell or subgrain intercept size, dislocation density, and misorientation angle between adjacent cells or subgrains were evaluated and correlated with the observed fatigue properties. Observations, results and analysis of substructure data are presented and also discussed in terms of existing theories. Incoloy 800 push-pull fatigue specimens were examined after being tested at various test conditions at 538, 649, 704 and 760 °C. Subboundary intercept size and dislocation density were found to be related to both the saturation stress and the plastic strain amplitude, in accord with the “modified” theoretical predictions and the experimental findings. A critical dislocation density for cell formation was experimentally shown to exist and was found to be strongly temperature dependent. Subboundaries were also found to lie on the low index planes such as {100}, {110}, and {111}.
Ultrastructure of serotonin-immunoreactive terminals in the core and shell of the rat nucleus accumbens : cellular substrates for interactions with catecholamine afferents

The nucleus accumbens is composed of a core region involved in motor functions and a shell region implicated in emotional and motivational processes. Both of these regions receive serotonin- and dopamine-containing afferents. We examined whether the serotonin innervation or relation to catecholamine (mainly dopamine) axons in the nucleus accumbens shows common features or specializations corresponding to the noted functional differences in core and shell subregions. To address this question, we examined the ultrastructure of serotonin-containing axons and their relation to catecholamine-containing afferents in either the core or shell of the nucleus accumbens. Single coronal sections through the rat forebrain were processed for immunoperoxidase labeling of serotonin and immunogold silver labeling of tyrosine hydroxylase, the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme. Varicose processes showing peroxidase product for serotonin by light microscopy were confirmed to be axons and terminals by electron microscopy. In a quantitative analysis of serotonin-immunoreactive terminals forming one or more contacts in single sections, some common features were observed. For the core (n = 120) and the shell (n = 82), 41% formed synaptic junctions with unlabeled dendrites, 75% were in apposition with unlabeled terminals, which often formed asymmetric junctions, and 20% were in apposition with axons or terminals containing tyrosine hydroxylase. Thus, in both the core and shell of the nucleus accumbens, serotonin terminals synapse on postsynaptic neurons and are likely to modulate or be modulated by presynaptic interactions with excitatory axons forming asymmetric junctions and by catecholaminergic afferents. Marked differences in the morphology of serotonin axons were also seen in the core versus shell of the nucleus accumbens. By light microscopy, serotonin-immunoreactive axons were thicker and more varicose than those found in the core. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed that, in contrast to the core, serotonin-immunoreactive axons and terminals in the shell were larger in cross-sectional diameter size (0.7 μm vs. 0.3 μm). Additionally, serotonin axon terminals in the shell contained more numerous immunoreactive large dense core vesicles and more frequently formed symmetric as opposed to asymmetric contacts with dendrites. The larger size and more numerous dense core vesicles in serotonin-immunoreactive terminals in the shell support the concept that serotonin or co-existing neurotransmitter may be more tonically released in the shell versus core of the nucleus accumbens. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison of different reactive organophosphorus flame retardant agents for cotton: Part I. The bonding of the flame retardant agents to cotton

N-Methylol dimethylphosphonopropionamide (MDPA), known as “Pyrovatex CP” and “Pyrovatex CP New” commercially, has been one of the most commonly used durable flame retardant agents for cotton for many years. In our previous research, we developed a flame retardant finishing system for cotton based on a hydroxy-functional organophosphorus oligomer (HFPO) in combination with a bonding agent such as trimethylolmelamine (TMM) and dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU). In this research, we investigated the bonding of these two flame retardant finishing agents to cotton. We found that the majority of MDPA is bound to cotton by its N-methylol group and that the use of TMM as a co-reactant modestly increases the fixation of MDPA onto cotton. For HFPO, however, the use of a bonding agent is necessary to form a covalent linkage between HFPO and cotton. Both the fixation of HFPO on cotton and its laundering durability are influenced by the effectiveness and concentration of the bonding agent. The commercial product of HFPO contains approximately 33% more phosphorus than that of MDPA and the percent fixation of HFPO on cotton is also moderately higher than that of MDPA. The bonding between MDPA and cotton is significantly more resistant to hydrolysis during multiple launderings than that between HFPO and cotton. The selection of catalyst also plays a significant role in influencing the bonding of the flame retardant agents to cotton.
A Method of Early Irrigation of the Contaminated Postpneumonectomy Space

Abstract A modified balanced drainage system was used with other measures in a patient with an obstructing pulmonary carcinoma, infection, and necrosis. Management included right pneumonectomy, perioperative systemic antibiotics, protection of the remaining lung, and a modified balanced drainage system that allowed early irrigation of the postpneumonectomy space. On the tenth postoperative day, irrigations were discontinued, the right chest was filled with an antibiotic solution, and the thoracostomy tubes were removed. The mediastinum remained in a satisfactory position, and the patient recovered without evidence of empyema. He died of a cerebral metastasis five and a half months postoperatively. This method combines principles that have been used for many years. A balanced drainage-irrigation system permits early irrigation of the contaminated postpneumonectomy space while the mediastinum is still mobile. Prolonged hospitalization and formal closure of the thoracostomy sites can be avoided.
Does Whole Grain Consumption Alter Gut Microbiota and Satiety

This review summarizes recent studies examining whole grain consumption and its effect on gut microbiota and satiety in healthy humans. Studies comparing whole grains to their refined grain counterparts were considered, as were studies comparing different grain types. Possible mechanisms linking microbial metabolism and satiety are described. Clinical trials show that whole grain wheat, maize, and barley alter the human gut microbiota, but these findings are based on a few studies that do not include satiety components, so no functional claims between microbiota and satiety can be made. Ten satiety trials were evaluated and provide evidence that whole oats, barley, and rye can increase satiety, whereas the evidence for whole wheat and maize is not compelling. There are many gaps in the literature; no one clinical trial has examined the effects of whole grains on satiety and gut microbiota together. Once understanding the impact of whole grains on satiety and microbiota is more developed, then particular grains might be used for better appetite control. With this information at hand, healthcare professionals could make individual dietary recommendations that promote satiety and contribute to weight control.
Reconciling Competing Values in Public Administration: Understanding the Administrative Role Concept

This article reports research on the administrative role concept. The authors use the inductive research technique Q-methodology to probe the belief systems of 69 public administrators about their administrative roles and responsibilities. Results show that these administrators perceive five distinct roles. The authors labeled these roles stewards of the public interest, adapted realists, businesslike utilitarians, resigned custodians, and practical idealists. There is slight evidence of a neutral competence role as suggested by the Pendleton Act of 1883, Woodrow Wilson, and others (resigned custodian) but more support of a proactive administrative role (steward of the public interest) that overlaps with the role described by recent scholars such as the Blacksburg group. Another important finding is that three of the role conceptions appear to reject being responsive to the desires of elected officials. The five roles are examined in more detail, and the implications for future research are discussed.
Long-Term Follow-up of Chronic Pain Patients: A Preliminary Study

Patients who participated in a structured outpatient pain management program were followed for twenty-four to forty-three months with a mean of 31.8 months. Patients who were evaluated only were compared with patients who terminated prematurely or completed treatment. Patients completing treatment reported greater ability to handle domestic and occupational tasks, and greater tolerance for exercise. There appeared to be no significant effect of treatment on the subjective experience of pain, but patients who completed treatment reported markedly reduced use of medical resources for diagnosis and treatment of pain. Limitations of the present study are discussed.
The rat shorn mutation (shn) maps between D7Got143 and D7Rat94

The recessive shorn (shn) mutation in the rat generates an almost complete absence of normal hair. Previous analysis of 85 backcross rats typed for shn-generated hypotrichosis located this marker between the telomere and D7Mgh1 on distal rat Chromosome 7. Here, we present a microsatellite polymorphism analysis of a 184-member backcross panel–including 99 new rats—that places shn within a 2.7 cM interval between markers D7Got143 and D7Rat94. In addition, this analysis has allowed meiotic ordering of 18 microsatellite markers–including 10 D7Got markers previously positioned only by radiation reduced hybrid analysis—across the 16.8 cM region between D7Mit16 (Cyp2d4) and D7Rat94. Our inability to meiotically separate shn from 8 microsatellite markers (mapped by others over some 2–4 cM or more than 40 cR of genetic distance) suggests that the shn mutation may result from a chromosomal rearrangement that suppresses recombination throughout this interval. 2002 Published by Elsevier Science (USA).
Writing-to-Learn, Writing-to Communicate, & Scientific Literacy

Writing-to-learn (WTL) is an effective instructional and learning strategy that centers on the process of organizing and articulating ideas, as opposed to writing-to-communicate, which centers on the finished written product. We describe a WTL model that we have developed and tested with various student groups over several years. With effective instructor guidance (through prompts and in-class discussion), students demonstrated greater scientific literacy after participating in writing activities about engaging socio-scientific issues. We believe that WTL activities are underused in secondary and post-secondary biology courses.
Pan-PCR, a Computational Method for Designing Bacterium-Typing Assays Based on Whole-Genome Sequence Data

With increasing rates of antibiotic resistance, bacterial infections have become more difficult to treat, elevating the importance of surveillance and prevention. Effective surveillance relies on the availability of rapid, cost-effective, and informative typing methods to monitor bacterial isolates. PCR-based typing assays are fast and inexpensive, but their utility is limited by the lack of targets which are capable of distinguishing between strains within a species. To identify highly informative PCR targets from the growing base of publicly available bacterial genome sequences, we developed pan-PCR. This computer algorithm uses existing genome sequences for isolates of a species of interest and identifies a set of genes whose patterns of presence or absence provide the best discrimination between strains in this species. A set of PCR primers targeting the identified genes is then designed, with each PCR product being of a different size to allow multiplexing. These target DNA regions and PCR primers can then be utilized to type bacterial isolates. To evaluate pan-PCR, we designed an assay for the emerging pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Taking as input a set of 29 previously sequenced genomes, pan-PCR identified 6 genetic loci whose presence or absence was capable of distinguishing all the input strains. This assay was applied to a set of patient isolates, and its discriminatory power was compared to that of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and whole-genome optical maps. We found that the pan-PCR assay was capable of making clinically relevant distinctions between strains with identical MLST profiles and showed a discriminatory power similar to that of optical maps. Pan-PCR represents a tool capable of exploiting available genome sequence data to design highly discriminatory PCR assays. The ease of design and implementation makes this approach feasible for diagnostic facilities of all sizes.
The Effect of Extended First Passage Culture on the Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Human marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been investigated for more than 20 years. They have been shown to be therapeutic in a number of animal models and are currently in use in more than 200 clinical trials, thus documenting their importance in the field of translational medicine. Standard protocols for the passage and collection of hMSCs involve trypsinization of preconfluent cultures. This practice is based, at least in part, on concerns that the multipotency of these cells would be diminished if the cultures became confluent. To test this concern, hMSCs were isolated and maintained in standard culture conditions in primary culture and were then subcultured after 2 weeks. The resulting first passage cultures were divided into two groups: those that were subcultured at the normal frequency, usually at 7 days for each passage (referred to as standard conditions [SC]), and those that were maintained for up to 53 days without being further subcultured (extended first passage [EFP]). At the end of the second passage and each of five subsequent subcultures for cells in SC (i.e., through passage 7), complementary EFP cultures were also trypsinized. Cells from each group were counted, resuspended in serum-free medium, and assayed to determine the ability of the cells to differentiate along osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Cells in SC experienced an average of 27 population doublings through seven passages, whereas hMSCs in EFP achieved approximately 16 population doublings after 34 days but demonstrated very little increase in cell number after that time. The ability of hMSCs in EFP to produce bone in ceramic cubes implanted subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice and to differentiate into cartilage in pellet or aggregate culture was at least equivalent to that of the cells in SC through seven passages, whereas the capacity of the EFP hMSCs to produce lipid droplets in adipogenic conditions was maintained but was diminished relative to that of SC cells.
Compact On-Chip Microtensile Tester With Prehensile Grip Mechanism

Accurate measurement of material strength at small scales is of critical importance for the design and manufacture of reliable micro- and nanoscale devices. Many materials of interest, e.g., polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) and silicon carbide, are brittle, with statistical strength distributions. Therefore, strength quantification requires a large number of tests accurately performed on a practical platform. Here, analysis and testing of a compact on-chip microtensile test system, recently presented in a brief communication [Hazra et al., Journal of Micromechanics & Microengineering, 2009], is expanded significantly. We present new data on strength, alignment precision, temperature distribution, compliance calibration, stiffness ratio, force calibration, and effect of monolayer film coverage. High force (up to 30 mN) is applied to a 70-μm-long freestanding tensile bar (nominally of 2 μm width and 2.25 μm height) by cooling a thermal actuator (TA) that has gripped a crosshead via a prehensile mechanism. According to finite element analysis, specimen heating is small (<; 45°C above ambient). The system features a relatively small area occupied on the chip (500 × 700 μm2); excellent alignment resulting in in-plane and out-of-plane stress gradients of 2.2% and 1.5%, respectively, no sensitivity to residual stress or to cross-sectional shape, and high strain resolution (2.3 ×10-4). A compliance calibration factor, obtained from finite element analysis, is used to convert measured fracture displacement to fracture strain. The grip mechanism must be much stiffer than the tensile bar. A value of 6.1 is determined for this stiffness ratio. We show that the TA acts as a nonlinear spring that can be modeled to determine the applied force. Assuming a value of Young's modulus E = 164 GPa, we find a characteristic strength of 2.45 GPa, with a Weibull modulus of 12.04, reflecting a sample size of N = 34 polysilicon microtensile bars.
EFFECTS OF ACTIVE AND PASSIVE MOVEMENT UPON AUDITORY FUNCTION DURING PROLONGED ATYPICAL STIMULATION.

The ability to discriminate minute time differences between paired clicks presented to the two ears is significantly impaired if observers walk about during 1 hr. of exposure to dichotic white nois...
Trade credit in Zimbabwean manufacturing

Abstract Credit from suppliers is an important but often neglected source of finance for manufacturing firms. Zimbabwe is no exception. Unlike credit from financial institutions, trade credit does not rely on formal collateral but on trust and reputation. Contract enforcement is flexible. Network effects and statistical discrimination affect the screening of trade credit applicants. Black entrepreneurs are disadvantaged by their lack of business contacts and by the difficulty of distinguishing themselves from the mass of financially insecure and short-lived African-owned businesses in Zimbabwe. A vicious circle is created between weak financial base, unreliability as a debtor, and inability to gain access to credit.
Theoretical predictions of observed to expected ratios in RIVPACS-type predictive model assessments of stream biological condition

AbstractRiver InVertebrate Prediction And Classification System (RIVPACS)-type predictive models assess the biological conditions of streams by comparing observed assemblage composition (O) with an expected assemblage composition derived from reference site observations (E). The ratio of the 2 values (O/E) can be interpreted as a measure of taxonomic completeness. Values of O/E that are near 1 at a test site suggest that the site is comparable to reference sites, whereas values that differ substantially from 1 suggest that the site is degraded. I analyzed the computations involved in estimating E mathematically. The analysis reveals that many predictive models produce values of O/E that are systematically <1, even when the models are applied to sites that have the same average assemblage composition as reference sites. The amount by which O/E values are <1 depends upon the number of reference sites used to build the model, the manner in which these reference sites are distributed among discrete clusters, ...
The fifth force: A personal history

On January 6, 1986, a paper written by our group appeared in Physical Review Letters entitled “Reanalysis of the Eotvos Experiment”. In that Letter we reanalyzed a well-known 1922 paper by Eotvos, Pekar, and Fekete (EPF) which compared the accelerations of samples of different composition to the Earth. Our surprising conclusion was that “Although the Eotvos experiment has been universally interpreted as having given null results, we find in fact that this is not the case”. Two days later a front page story appeared in the New York Times under the headline “Hints of 5th Force in Universe Challenge Galileo’s Findings”, and so was born the concept of a “fifth force”. In this personal history I review the pre-history which motivated our paper, and discuss details of our reanalysis of the EPF paper that have not been presented previously. Our work led to illuminating correspondence with Robert Dicke and Richard Feynman which are presented here for the first time. I also discuss an interesting meeting with T.D. Lee, one of whose papers with C.N. Yang provided part of the theoretical motivation for our work. Although there is almost no support from the many experiments motivated by the EPF data for a fifth force with properties similar to those that we hypothesized in our original paper, interest in the EPF experiment continues for reasons I outline in the Epilogue.
Keeping Tax-Subsidized Corporate Money Out of Politics

Citizens United poses a special threat to the integrity of the U.S. tax system. The article identifies the special nature of the problem and proposes a possible solution. Specifically, it proposes that listed tax subsidies be disallowed to C corporations that spend more than some de minimis amount (e.g., $1 million per year) on nondeductible lobbying and/or political activities.
Self-Esteem, Sexual Self-Acceptance, and Spirituality

The relatively recent scientific study of sexuality gives rise to an even newer concern: the relationship of sexuality and spirituality. This article attempts to clarify that link by consideration of another relationship, that between sexual self-acceptance and self-esteem. Sexual self-acceptance refers to comfort with one's body as a sexually responsive organism. Self-esteem refers to one's level of satisfaction with oneself. Spirituality is defined psychologically, apart from theological presuppositions, and is related to the authentic development of one's human potential. The argument is that acceptance of one's sexuality is critical for positive self-esteem, that self-esteem is a prerequisite for postconventional development, and that such development is synonymous with spiritual development. Literature dealing with handicapped people, sex education programs, and homosexuality is cited to legitimate the link between sexual self-acceptance and self-esteem. Intimations follow, but no firm conclusions. T...
Search for anisotropic Lorentz invariance violation with γ -rays

While Lorentz invariance, the fundamental symmetry of Einstein's theory of general relativity, has been tested to a great level of detail, grand unified theories that combine gravity with the other three fundamental forces may result in a violation of Lorentz symmetry at the Planck scale. These energies are unattainable experimentally. However, minute deviations from Lorentz invariance may still be present at much lower energies. These deviations can accumulate over large distances, making astrophysical measurements the most sensitive tests of Lorentz symmetry. One effect of Lorentz invariance violation is an energy-dependent photon dispersion of the vacuum resulting in differences of the light travel time from distant objects. The Standard Model Extension (SME) is an effective theory to describe the low-energy behavior of a more fundamental grand unified theory, including Lorentz- and $CPT$-violating terms. In the SME the Lorentz-violating operators can in part be classified by their mass dimension $d$, with the lowest order being $d=5$. However, measurements of photon polarization have constrained operators with $d=5$ setting lower limits on the energy at which they become dominant well beyond the Planck scale. On the other hand, these operators also violate $CPT$, and thus $d=6$ could be the leading order. In this paper we present constraints on all 25 real coefficients describing anisotropic nonbirefringent Lorentz invariance violation at mass dimension $d=6$ in the SME. We used Fermi-LAT observations of 25 active galactic nuclei to constrain photon dispersion and combined our results with previously published limits in order to simultaneously constrain all 25 coefficients. This represents the first set of constraints on these coefficients of mass dimension $d=6$, whereas previous measurements were only able to constrain linear combinations of all 25 coefficients.
Can India Regain Its Lost Glory

The last 15 years have witnessed dramatic developments in the Indian subcontinent. Economic liberalism has firmly placed India on the fast path to prosperity and progress, notwithstanding Pakistan's perennial corrosive proxy misadventure. Scholars have demolished the notion of any Aryan invasion, established the unparalleled achievements of our illustrious forefathers, and have veritably provided a new identity to the common people to take pride in their heritage, their culture and their past and of course their country. This has raised a pertinent query in many Indians' minds. Can we regain our lost glory and reclaim our position as a world leader in every sphere of influence?My answer to this question would be a resounding YES.
Attenuation of avian infectious bronchitis virus by cold-adaptation.

SUMMARY. Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) Arkansas-type DPI strain was passaged 10 times in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicken embryos incubated at 28 C and 37 C. Virus grown at 28 C acquired cold-adapted (CA) and temperature-sensitive (TS) characteristics based on more-rapid growth at 28 C and a reduced ability to grown at 41 C, respectively, compared with non-cold-adapted (non-CA) virus grown at 37 C. The pathogenicity and immunogenicity were determined for CA and non-CA IBV in 1-dayold SPF chickens following intratracheal inoculation. The percentage of CA IBV-vaccinated chicks exhibiting respiratory disease exceeded 30% on only 1 day postinoculation (PI) (day 5 PI), compared with 8 days (days 2-9 PI) for birds given non-CA IBV. Mortality was 0% for CA IBV-vaccinated chickens and 6% for non-CA virus-vaccinated chickens. Microscopically, both CA and non-CA IBV caused diffuse tracheal deciliation, although mucosal hyperplasia, necrosis, and heterophil infiltration were more severe with non-CA IBV. Virus was reisolated from kidneys of chickens given CA IBV, suggesting the loss of the TS property. The instability of the TS property was confirmed by growth of the reisolated virus at 41 C. Both CA and nonCA viruses induced complete protection against homologous challenge virus infection of the upper respiratory tract.
A Ventricular Assist Device Recipient and Suicidality: Multidisciplinary Collaboration With a Psychiatrically Distressed Patient.

Background Ventricular assist device (VAD) recipients are at high risk of depression and anxiety, and poor psychosocial functioning is associated with worse medical outcomes. Purpose We present a case of a 31-year-old depressed patient who demonstrated passive suicidal behavior through multiple episodes of noncompliance, including temporarily discontinuing warfarin (Coumadin) several months after VAD implantation. The patient's psychosocial and medical histories and outcomes are presented. Conclusions This case underscores the importance of pre-VAD as well and ongoing psychosocial evaluation and management for this unique patient population. Clinical implications Medical teams who are treating patients with cardiovascular disease who are under consideration for VAD or heart transplantation need to be aware of the multitude of ways in which patients can express depressed and suicidal mood and work with a multidisciplinary team to treat such symptoms to optimize patients' success with VAD/heart transplantation.