cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technique of Echographic Examination of Right Ventricular Wall Thickness from the Right Sternal Border

Right ventricular wall motion was readily accessible for echocardiographic recording along the right sternal border in 27 pediatric patients (age: 24hrs-12yrs). Right ventricular epicardial and endocardial wall motion could be recorded only at the right sternal border in 10 of these patients, emphasizing the need for a new, alternative examination site.Calculated measurements of right ventricular wall thickness recorded from both right and left sternal borders (7pts) were similar (range of diff.=0-0.6mm; mean of dill.=0.26mm). Autopsy confirmation of right ventricular wall thickness was obtained in 2 patients.Epicardial motion could not be identified at the left sternal border in 10 patients. In these patients, right ventricular wall thickness was estimated by measuring from the inner chest wall to the endocardium. These measurements were compared to right ventricular wall thickness obtained from the right sternal border. Wall thickness obtained from the left sternal border was significantly underestimated in the absence of a definite epicardial interface (range of diff.=0.2-2.6mm; mean of diff.=1.3mm).We conclude that the right sternal border is a useful examination site when studies from the left sternal border are technically inadequate for evaluation. Measurement of right ventricular wall thickness should not be attempted unless both epicardial and endocardial interfaces are recorded simultaneously.
Methods for evaluating suitability of econometric demand models in design for market systems

This paper articulates some of the challenges for what has been an implicit goal of design for market systems research: To predict demand for differentiated products so that counterfactual experiments can be performed based on changes to the product design (i.e., attributes). We present a set of methods for examining econometric models of consumer demand for their suitability in product design studies. We use these methods to test the hypothesis that automotive demand models that allow for nonlinear horizontal differentiation perform better than the conventional functional forms, which emphasize vertical differentiation. We estimate these two forms of consumer demand in the new vehicle automotive market, and find that using an ideal-point model of size preference rather than a monotonic model has model fit but different attribute substitution patterns. The generality of the evaluation methods and the range of demand model issues to be explored in future research are highlighted.
Chief Executive Officers' perceived value of coaching: individual and organisational influences

Although coaching is widely being used as a means for leadership development, very little is known regarding CEOs' perceived value of coaching and those factors that influence these perceptions. Using 583 complete surveys from a national US survey of hospitals, this article examines the relationship of organisational and individual characteristics to the value CEOs have of coaching. National survey data of hospital CEOs in the USA were used in this research. Analyses included means, correlations, a Duncan–Waller test comparing multiple means and regression analyses. Overall, this research shows that CEOs value coaching more for staff improvement than for succession planning. Organisational factors that appear to increase the value of coaching include size of hospital and system affiliation. CEOs working for for-profit companies perceive less value in coaching. Males and CEOs with more direct reports have significantly lower values for coaching. Leaders should be more aware of the value of coaching and loo...
Least-cost management of nonpoint source pollution: source reduction versus interception strategies for controlling nitrogen loss in the Mississippi Basin

Abstract Nutrient pollution is one of the major sources of water quality impairments in the U.S. Agriculture is a major source of nutrients. Two alternative strategies for reducing nutrient loads from cropland are to reduce fertilizer application rates and to filter nutrients coming off cropland with restored wetlands. These two approaches are evaluated in the Mississippi Basin, where nutrient loadings to the Gulf of Mexico have caused a large zone of hypoxic waters. Because of the easement and restoration costs of wetlands, a fertilizer standard was found to be more cost effective than restoring wetlands for achieving a water quality goal up to a particular level of total nitrogen loss reduction. Beyond this point, wetland restorations are more cost-effective.
Low-income families' selection of child care for their young children

Abstract Conceptual models suggest that child, mother, family, and community factors are likely to affect families' choice of child care settings for their young children, yet little research has comprehensively tested such models among low-income families. This research assessed the type of early care experienced by low-income urban preschoolers (N = 802) in the Three-City Study. Results revealed that in comparison to White mothers, Latina mothers were less likely to use Head Start or center-based care. In comparison to mothers who did not work, mothers who worked full-time, part-time, or who had regular work schedules had a higher likelihood of relying on non-maternal early care. Type of care used also varied by geographic location, suggesting that care availability and accessibility have primary roles in low-income families' care options. Future research and policy suggestions are discussed in light of these results.
Random vibration of simple flexible arch dam reservoir systems from earthquakes

Nonstationary random vibration and hydrodynamic force solutions on arch dams from reservoir fluid during earthquakes are obtained and presented in normalized form for a group of general arch dam-reservoir-foundation systems. The solutions include nonstationary power spectral density and nonstationary mean square functions of the random earthquake generated vibration and hydrodynamic force on dams. The random earthquake ground acceleration is modelled by a nonstationary (or evolutionary) process due to Priestley-Kanai-Tajimi and the random solution is based on the method by Shinozuka. The arch dam-reservoir, geometry is restricted to a circular section of 90° central angle with two banks extending to infinity. The non-random but fundamental hydrodynamic, solution for a rigid dam by Kotsubo is used as the basis of the random solution for the flexible arch dam. A key assumption of first symmetric mode shape leads to considerable simplicity in the formulation and the computational efforts. This simplified solution is a good approximation when certain limitations on the input random excitation is carefully observed.
Micro-DNA sequence analysis using capillary electrophoresis and near-IR fluorescence detection

ABSTRACTOur group is developing optical solid-state, near-IR (NIR) fluorescence detection systems for the analyses ofDNA in restrictionmapping and sequencing applications. Specifically, we are investigating a base-calling scheme using fluorescence lifetimediscrimination in the NIR implementing intramolecular heavy-atom modified MR fluorescence dyes which can be configured ina single lane, single fluor format. Results will be presented concerning the ability to perform lifetime measurements on-lineduring capillary gel electrophoresis. Due to the high sensitivity associated with NIR fluorescence detection and small injectionvolumes in capillary electrophoresis, micro-reactor systems are also being developed which will potentially reduce the samplesize for preparation of DNA sequencing ladders. The Sanger dideoxy-terminated fragments are prepared using solid-phasesequencing strategies in these micro-capillary reaction chambers. Our discussion will focus on the stability ofthe immobilizedDNA template under typical sequencing conditions and the ability to sequence long templates using this strategy. Finally, wewill discuss our work on the preparation of nuclear staining dyes which show absorption and emission properties in the NIR forthe low-level detection ofrestriction fragments. Fluorescence spectra ofthese dyes in the presence ofdsDNAs will be presented.Keywords: Near-IR Fluorescence; DNA Sequencing; Capillary Electrophoresis; Nuclear Staining Dyes1. INTRODUCTION1. 1 BackgroundFluorescence has been demonstrated to be a viable detection strategy in DNA analyses due to its ease of automating,ultrahigh sensitivity and the ability to provide detection during the electrophoretic run significantly enhancing the speed and easeofthe determination when compared to autoradiographic methods [1-4]. Due to the intrinsically low quantum yields associatedwith the nucleotide bases, the general strategy has involved associating a fluorescent probe to the DNA. For DNA sequencing,the probe is covalently attached to either the 5' end of the sequencing primer or to the dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) via an
Synthesis of Epstein-Barr virus antigens and DNA in activated Burkitt somatic cell hybrids.

The synthesis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated early antigens (EA), membrane antigens (MA), virus capsid antigens (VCA) and DNA, was studied in IUDR treated Burkitt somatic cell hybrids. It was determined by subeloning the cultures that every cell contained complete and inducible EBV genomes as revealed by treatment with IUDR. Nuclear EA was observed in IUDR treated cells in the absence of EBV specific DNA synthesis. MA and VCA were only observed in cells after removal of IUDR and the initiation of EBV DNA synthesis. EBV DNA synthesis occurred rapidly after removal of IUDR and in two distinct bursts.
Identification of noisy FM signals using nonorthogonal wavelet transforms

An effective realization of a frequency modulation identification scheme requires an analysis tool which is capable of crisply extracting a signal's frequency fluctuations over time. Such an analysis should be digitally tractable, computationally efficient, concise, noise robust, and not too sensitive to time-shifts. In all these respects, non-orthogonal wavelet transforms (NOWTs) are well suited for the analysis of FM signals. Because no orthogonality is required of the wavelet family, the analyzing wavelet may be chosen almost arbitrarily. This freedom may be exploited to specify special families of wavelets which are defined directly in the frequency domain on a frequency interval of support described by a center frequency, and bandwidth. In general, these parameters may be used to tune the wavelet family to a particular class of signals of interest. A signal's frequency modulation may be estimated through simple coherent identification schemes in the NOWT domain, e.g., thresholding. Identification may then be subsequently performed via a simple nearest neighbor thresholded classifier using a specified metric (notion of distance). This approach is applied to a small test set of mono-component and multi-component synthetic FM signals and shown to yield 100% identification success at signal to noise ratios greater than -4dB using a Morlet based NOWT. For comparison, the same data set yields 100% identification success for signal to noise ratios only as low as 0dB when comparing signals directly in the time domain, i.e., via a matched filter technique.
Flow of gases through polyethylene

Diffusion and permeability constants for twelve permanent gases have been measured in a linear and a branched polyethylene, hydrogenated polybutadiene, and natural rubber over the temperature range 5–55°C. The Barrer time lag apparatus has been used in these determinations. For all gas–polymer pairs investigated, a linear plot of the logarithm of the diffusion or permeability constants versus the reciprocal absolute temperature is observed, indicating activated diffusion is occurring. Arguments have been presented supporting the hypothesis that natural rubber is a completely amorphous analog of polyethylene with respect to the diffusion process. It has been possible, as a result, to quantitatively express the reduction in diffusion constants in going from natural rubber to hydrogenated polybutadiene (29% crystalline), to the branched polyethylene (43% crystalline), and to the linear polyethylene (77% crystalline). These reductions were strongly dependent on gas molecular size, increasing as the molecular size increases. A geometric impedance factor and a chain immobilization factor have been introduced to account for the effect of crystallinity. The former is assumed to be independent of molecular size and accounts for the necessity of the diffusing molecule to by-pass crystallites which have been shown to be impenetrable. The latter size-dependent factor reflects the reduction in amorphous chain segment mobility brought about through the proximity of crystallites. Analysis of the geometric impedance factor supports the existence of thin, highly anisometric sheets of crystalline polymer in polyethylene. The anisometry of the crystallites was observed to increase with increasing crystallinity consistent with the chain folding mechanism for crystal growth in polyethylene. Nucleation and growth kinetics also qualitatively accounted for the variation in crystal anisometry observed in polymers prepared by different methods of polymerization. The apparent activation energies for diffusion determined in polyethylene include not only the energy required for chain segment separation but also the effect of thermal expansion and crystalline melting. Correlations have been presented which permit the estimation of gas diffusion constants in a wide variety of polyethylenes.
Relativistic theory of the spherical electrostatic analyzer

Abstract A general relativistic analysis of the properties of spherical electrostatic analyzers is presented, and applied to some special cases of interest. An important limitation on the allowable kinetic energies is shown to exist: for energies greater than a certain kinetic energy T max , the spherical analyzer is not an effective focusing instrument. Expressions for the velocity and energy dispersions, and for the resolving power, are derived. A special case, in which the central angle of the analyzer is greater than 3π 2 , and which has desirable focusing properties, is briefly discussed.
FEM analysis of mechanical state on sequentially machined surfaces

A thermo-elastic-viscoplastic explicit FEM model has been developed to predict effects of sequential orthogonal cuts on the mechanical state and cutting mechanisms in a machined layer. Residual stress distribution is shown to be significantly changed and cutting mechanisms slightly changed in sequential cuts. A method to compressively pre-stress a sequentially machined surface was proposed by planning the uncut chip thickness. Effects of unloading of cutting forces, cutting temperatures, and clamping forces on the residual stress distribution were evaluated.
The metabolism of homogenates of the mouse epididymis

This study has attempted an evaluation of the in vitro metabolic characteristics of the epididymis of the mouse and a definition of areas for further research pursuant to the elucidation of the role of this organ in the process of sperm maturation and storage. Optimal conditions were ascertained for the manometric measurement of total respiration and for the estimation of glycolytic activity by assay of lactate accumulation and phosphate esterification in fluoride poisoned homogenates. Homogenates of mouse kidney were utilized in all experiments for comparative purposes. The in vitro data presented indicate the epididymis to be predominantly oriented to a glycolytic metabolism. It is suggested that this metabolic orientation when considered with the results of other investigators is compatible with a hypothesis for the secretion of lactic acid by the epididymal epithelium into the lumen of the epididymal canal for spermatozoan utilization.
Surviving a disaster [optical communications]

The next-generation optical communications network, not surprisingly at all, will be as optical as it can be. Only optical dense wavelength-division multiplexing can provide the bandwidth elasticity that new emerging communications services demand. This is well understood, and despite an apparent slowdown in the world economy, multibillion-dollar commitments have been made to upgrade existing networks to next-generation DWDM. The next optical network is expected to be massive, yet flexible and ubiquitous. Current DWDM technology supports 160 wavelengths (in the C+L bands) per fiber; at 10 Gb/s this amounts to an astonishing 1.6 Tb/s aggregate bandwidth per fiber. Research has also demonstrated that ultra dense WDM (UDWDM) is possible, and it is a matter of time until 320 wavelengths (and a little later 640) will be multiplexed in a single fiber. As a consequence, we examine what the next optical network should be like, and proactively identify some areas that require special attention. One of the critical areas is service and network survivability not only when a node and/or link fails, but also when a cluster of nodes and/or links fail; that is, avoiding a disaster. Disaster avoidance has also become more important for both natural disasters and geo-political unrest.
Low- Q scaling, duality, and the EMC effect

High energy lepton scattering has been the primary tool for mapping out the quark distributions of nucleons and nuclei. Data on the proton and deuteron have shown that there is a fundamental connection between the low and high energy regimes, referred to as quark-hadron duality. We present the results of similar studies to more carefully examine scaling, duality, and in particular the EMC effect in nuclei. We extract nuclear modifications to the structure function in the resonance region, and for the first time demonstrate that nuclear effects in the resonance region are identical to those measured in deep inelastic scattering.
Bayesian analysis of uncertainty for structural engineering applications

There has been recent interest in differentiating aleatory and epistemic uncertainties within the structural engineering context. Aleatory uncertainty, which is related to the inherent physical randomness of a system, has substantially different effects on the analysis and design of structures as compared with epistemic uncertainty, which is knowledge based. Bayesian techniques provide powerful tools for integrating, in a rigorous manner, the two types of uncertainties. In a purely probabilistic viewpoint, the uncertainties merge, resulting in widened probability densities. From the viewpoint of design or experimentation, however, the two types of uncertainties have widely different effects. The purpose of this paper is to develop insight into these effects, using Bayesian-based analytical expressions for the aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. The paper goes beyond standard Bayesian conjugate distributions by incorporating the effects of model uncertainty, where the applicability of two or more analytical models are used to describe the structure of interest. The influence of multiple model uncertainties is explored for two problems: the Bayesian updating process as data is acquired, and the design of simple parallel systems.
Improved versions of assumed enhanced strain tri-linear elements for 3D finite deformation problems☆

Abstract Improved three-dimensional tri-linear elements for finite deformation problems are developed based on an assumed enhanced strain methodology which, in the linear regime, incorporates the classical method of incompatible modes as a particular case. Three crucial modifications of a recently proposed element, which reduces to Wilson's brick in the linear regime, are introduced to prevent locking response in distorted configurations and to maintain proper rank, while preserving excellent performance in bending dominated and localization problems: (i) a modified quadrature rule; (ii) an additional enhancement of the divergence term; and (iii) a modification of the isoparametric shape function derivatives for the three-dimensional problem. Moreover, these modified shape function derivatives are shown to improve the performance of the standard tri-linear brick in distorted configurations. In addition, a strategy is described to circumvent the memory storage requirements in the static condensation procedure of the enhanced strain parameters. The excellent performance of the improved methodology is illustrated in representative numerical simulations.
Simulation of Coherent Nonadiabatic Dynamics Using Classical Trajectories

In this paper, we describe a trajectory-based implementation of the semiclassical-limit Liouville equation approach to molecular dynamics on multiple electronic surfaces. The formalism is briefly reviewed, and a realization of the general theory in the context of a classical trajectory-based molecular dynamics algorithm is described. The method is applied to a model problem consisting of one-dimensional motion on two coupled electronic surfaces, and the results are compared with coupled-state wave packet calculations. Excellent agreement is obtained, even for the detailed phase space structure of the nonclassical electronic coherences, demonstrating that electronic coherent effects can be included naturally in generalized classical molecular dynamics simulations.
Covariant formulation of classical W-gravity

Abstract A covariant formulation of the recently discovered gauge theory for W3-type algebras is presented. It is obtained by a systematic construction, which starts from the classical (Poisson) W3-algebra. Having associated to each annihilation generator a gauge field and local parameter, and to each creation generator a field in the coadjoint representation, we require that all curvatures vanish and we adopt gauge choices which are such that only a finite number of gauge fields remain: the vielbeins eμ± and W-vielbeins Bμ++, Bμ−−, corresponding to the gauge parameters k± (diffeomorphisms) and λ±± (W-gravity). Apart from these the gauge sector has manifest local Weyl, Lorentz and “W-Weyl” and “W-Lorentz” symmetries. Matter is coupled by introducing an infinite set of scalar fields subject to a constraint which leaves only one physical field. This constraint is in turn identified with a field equation and yields upon integration, using an integrating factor, an invariant action. Various gauge choices are discussed.
Rational strain improvement for enhanced clavulanic acid production by genetic engineering of the glycolytic pathway in Streptomyces clavuligerus

Clavulanic acid is a potent beta-lactamase inhibitor used to combat resistance to penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics. There is a demand for high-yielding fermentation strains for industrial production of this valuable product. Clavulanic acid biosynthesis is initiated by the condensation of L-arginine and D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P). To overcome the limited G3P pool and improve clavulanic acid production, we genetically engineered the glycolytic pathway in Streptomyces clavuligerus. Two genes (gap1 and gap2) whose protein products are distinct glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GAPDHs) were inactivated in S. clavuligerus by targeted gene disruption. A doubled production of clavulanic acid was consistently obtained when gap1 was disrupted, and reversed by complementation. Addition of arginine to the cultured mutant further improved clavulanic acid production giving a greater than 2-fold increase over wild type, suggesting that arginine became limiting for biosynthesis. This is the first reported application of genetic engineering to channel precursor flux to improve clavulanic acid production.
The STM learning curve and where it may take us

SUMMARY The scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) has proved to be an extraordinary method to investigate surfaces in vacuum, air and liquid environments. Several issues regarding the use of the STM for atomic resolution studies are discussed. These include electronic contributions to STM images, the role of the tip in resolution and spectroscopy, as well as the need for complementary information about chemical composition or sub-surface structure.
The near-source impacts of diesel backup generators in urban environments

Abstract Distributed power generation, located close to consumers, plays an important role in the current and future power systems. However, its near-source impacts in complex urban environments are not well understood. In this paper, we focused on diesel backup generators that participate in demand response (DR) programs. We first improved the micro-environmental air quality simulations by employing a meteorology processor, AERMET, to generate site-specific boundary layer parameters for the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) modeling. The modeling structure was then incorporated into the CTAG model to evaluate the environmental impacts of diesel backup generators in near-source microenvironments. We found that the presence of either tall upwind or downwind building can deteriorate the air quality in the near-stack street canyons, largely due to the recirculation zones generated by the tall buildings, reducing the near-stack dispersion. Decreasing exhaust momentum ratio (stack exit velocity/ambient wind velocity) draws more exhaust into the recirculation zone, and reduces the effective stack height, which results in elevated near-ground concentrations inside downwind street canyons. The near-ground PM2.5 concentration for the worst scenarios could well exceed 100 μg m−3, posing potential health risk to people living and working nearby. In general, older diesel backup generators (i.e., Tier 1, 2 or older) without the up-to-date emission control may significantly increase the pollutant concentration in the near-source street canyons if participating in DR programs. Even generators that comply with Tier-4 standards could lead to PM hotspots if their stacks are next to tall buildings. Our study implies that the siting of diesel backup generators stacks should consider not only the interactions of fresh air intake and exhaust outlet for the building housing the backup generators, but also the dispersion of exhaust plumes in the surrounding environment.
The effect of annealing on sputtered GdIG films

Polycrystalline and single crystal films of GdIG were produced on a variety of substrates by RF sputtering and subsequent annealing. The effects of this annealing on the film properties are discussed. The deviation of the lattice parameters from the ideal value of 12.47 A was consistent with the strain produced by the mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficients. Optical absorption measurements indicated that the as-sputtered films contained both Fe2+and Fe3+ions. The coercive force ( T-T_{c} ) degrees above the compensation point did not depend upon the type of substrate or heat treatment. The temperature dependence of the Faraday rotation was consistent with the presence of a distribution in compensation points throughout the film. Films on YAG were subjected to varying heat treatments, and it was found that the average compensation temperature T c of a given film depended on the nature of the anneal. The behavior of the film upon annealing can be explained by a model in which the film successively experiences nucleation and grain growth, oxidation, and Al diffusion.
Fibronectin in the microvasculature: localization in the pericyte-endothelial interstitium

The pericytes of capillaries are interesting cells which resemble the smooth muscle cells of larger vessels in some aspects of their morphology and behavior. In this report, their relationship to the underlying endothelium has been investigated in some detail. Using indirect, fluorescent immunocytochemical techniques on fresh and fixed tissues, it was found that fibronectin (an adhesive protein in many tissue culture systems) is concentrated in spots along vessels and is only faintly visible in the basement membranes of exhaustively perfused preparations. By electron microscopy, using a peroxidase immunocytochemical marker, these concentrations of fibronectin were seen to be localized to the pericyte-endothelial interstitia. Examination by TEM using a new fixation procedure demonstrated the organization of microfilaments and dense plaques along the pericyte membrane with fibrous and basement membrane-like material within this interstitial space. The arrangements of these elements suggest a mechanical linkage between the two cells. Such a linkage would allow contractions or relaxation of the pericyte to affect vessel diameter.
Microbial coal solubilization in defined culture systems: biochemical and physiological studies

Paecilomyces TLi, a fungus isolated from coal, had previously been shown to transform solid coal into a water-miscible liquid during surface growth on coal or on a complex, solid microbiological medium. Coal solubilization has now been demonstrated in submerged cultures grown in defined liquid minimal media, although activity under these conditions is less than that observed in surface culture. Coal solubilization occurs under both alkaline and acidic conditions. Alkaline catalysis by biogenic materials(s), produced in specific response to the presence of coal, has been implicated in both systems. A variety of oxidized hydrocarbon substrates, including both aliphatic and aromatic compounds, can be utilized by this organism. Coal solubilization is enhanced by growth on aromatic compounds structurally related to lignin or coal monomers. Preliminary evidence suggests that coal solubilizing activity is self-regulating in this organism. 8 refs., 2 figs., 6 tabs.
Considerations for analytical supercritical fluid extraction of sulfonyl ureas employing a modified fluid

Important considerations are discussed for analytical SFE method development employing methanol–modified carbon dioxide and solid-phase trapping. The focus of this study was to break the method development procedure into distinct steps so that the origins of low recoveries could be determined conclusively. Sulfonyl urea herbicides were used as probe analytes. Analyte solubility, analyte trapping, analyte trap removal (solid-phase), and extract analysis were all shown to be equally important in achieving quantitative SFE recoveries.
Chloroplast-encoded chlB is required for light-independent protochlorophyllide reductase activity in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

A chloroplast-encoded gene, designated chlB, has been isolated from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, its nucleotide sequence determined, and its role in the light-independent reduction of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide demonstrated by gene disruption experiments. The C. reinhardtii chlB gene is similar to open reading frame 563 (orf563) of C. moewusii, and its encoded protein is a homolog of the Rhodobacter capsulatus bchB gene product that encodes one of the polypeptide components of bacterial light-independent protochlorophyllide reduction. To determine whether the chlB gene product has a similar role in light-independent protochlorophyllide reduction in this alga, a series of plasmids were constructed in which the aadA gene conferring spectinomycin resistance was inserted at three different sites within the chlB gene. The mutated chlB genes were introduced into the Chlamydomonas chloroplast genome using particle gun-mediated transformation, and homoplasmic transformants containing the disrupted chlB genes were selected on the basis of conversion to antibiotic resistance. Individual transformed strains containing chlB disruptions were grown in the dark or light, and 17 of the 18 strains examined were found to have a "yellow-in-the-dark" phenotype and to accumulate the chlorophyll biosynthetic precursor protochlorophyllide. RNA gel blot analysis of chlB gene expression in wild-type cells indicated that the gene was transcribed at low levels in both dark- and light-grown cells. The results of these studies support the involvement of the chlB gene product in light-independent protochlorophyllide reduction, and they demonstrate that, similar to its eubacterial predecessors, this green alga requires at least three components (i.e., chlN, chlL, and chlB) for light-independent protochlorophyllide reduction.
Neurobiology: The Eye within the Brain

Summary All vertebrates except mammals have photoreceptors within their brains; however, the light-sensitive cells have never been unambiguously identified. A new paper provides direct evidence of photosensitivity in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons in quail brain that mediate the seasonal reproductive response.
Clinical significance of serum high-molecular-mass alkaline phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase-lipoprotein-X complex, and intestinal variant alkaline phosphatase

This paper is a study to identify the clinical significance of high-molecular-mass alkaline phosphatase (ALP:E:C..3.1.3.1.), ALP-lipoprotein-X complex (LP-X) and intestinal variant ALP. We used cellulose acetate and agarose gels and techniques including wheat germ lectin, cetavlon-diethyl ether, thermostatability, neuraminidase and L-phenylalanine to improve the electrophoretic separation of the alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes. Patients' serum samples were electrophoresed from a diverse group of individuals ill with cholestasis, neoplastic disease metastatic to the liver, hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and chronic renal disease. Agarose gels provided better separation of ALP isoenzymes than cellulose acetate gels. The results also indicated that high-molecular mass ALP is present in patient's serum in conditions associated with cholestasis especially caused by hepatic malignancy. High-molecular mass ALP was frequently found to co-exist with the liver isoenzyme and LP-XALP complex. The intestinal variant was identified in patients with malignancy, cirrhosis, chronic renal disease and diabetes mellitus. Intestinal ALP coexisted concomitantly with a variant intestinal ALP. Intestinal variant ALP is most likely composed of intestinal ALP attached to a cellular membrane-binding domain, or may be an artifact produced by neuraminidase incubation.
The protection afforded by vitamin D against low radiation damage

Our general understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted protective actions of vitamin D have recently entered a new era. It is now becoming recognised that its most active molecular form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (also known as calcitriol), may offer protection against a variety of radiation- and otherwise-induced damages. As will be discussed, vitamin D carries out its protective actions by a host of mechanisms, among these being cell cycle regulation and proliferation, cellular differentiation and communication, Programmed Cell Death (PCD) (apoptosis and autophagy) and antiangiogenesis. As will be proposed and developed, vitamin D, with its preventative/ameliorating actions, should be considered among the prime (if not the primary) nonpharmacological agents that offer protection against sublethal low radiation damage and, in particular, against radiation-induced cancer.
Maternal attitudes and knowledge of child-rearing : Associations with family and child outcomes

A prospective, longitudinal study of a low birthweight, preterm cohort examined the effects of maternal knowledge of child development and concepts of child rearing on the quality of home environment and on child cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Measures of maternal knowledge at 12 months were found to be significantly associated with the quality of the home environment, the number of child behavior problems, and to a small but significant extent child Stanford-Binet IQ at 36 months. Maternal characteristics were associated with both maternal knowledge and maternal behavior. Child characteristics, including birthweight, were not associated with maternal knowledge or concepts of development for most of the cohort. Subgroup analyses by race/ethnicity revealed a similar pattern of results. However, a measure of neonatal health status was shown to be significantly associated with cognitive outcome in the African-American subgroup at 24 and 36 months.
Intrasellar arachnoid cysts

Thirteen pathologically documented intrasellar arachnoid cysts treated by transsphenoidal cyst excision and marsupialization were analyzed. Presenting symptoms included headache (7), visual loss (7), galactorrhea (4), and anterior pituitary dysfunction (2). Postoperatively, the 7 patients with visual loss and 4 with hyperprolactinemia improved. The 2 patients with anterior pituitary dysfunction did not improve and 2 additional patients required hormonal supplements. Based on this operative experience, the pathophysiology of these cysts is discussed. The indications for transsphenoidal exploration include the following: to relieve optic chiasm, pituitary stalk or gland compression, and to exclude the possibility of other sellar neoplasms.
Vaccines and Autism: A Tale of Shifting Hypotheses

Although child vaccination rates remain high, some parental concern persists that vaccines might cause autism. Three specific hypotheses have been proposed: (1) the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism by damaging the intestinal lining, which allows the entrance of encephalopathic proteins; (2) thimerosal, an ethylmercury-containing preservative in some vaccines, is toxic to the central nervous system; and (3) the simultaneous administration of multiple vaccines overwhelms or weakens the immune system. We will discuss the genesis of each of these theories and review the relevant epidemiological evidence.
Lineage ambiguity, infidelity, and promiscuity in immunophenotypically complex acute leukemias: genetic and morphologic correlates.

The laboratory characterization of acute leukemia has evolved as new technologies have emerged and been applied in the routine evaluation of these hematologic malignancies. With the use of morphology, cytochemistry, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics, it is possible to characterize acute leukemias in an extremely sophisticated and (ideally) therapeutically rational manner. Such routine approaches have unraveled, in part, the extreme and sometimes bewildering heterogeneity of the acute leukemias, with the identification of increasingly numerous subtypes. Much of this complexity is defined by the underlying genetic lesions, the determination of which is assuming an even greater role in the definition of specific entities. For example, more than 200 different recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities have been described in one broad category of acute leukemia, the acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). 1 Of note, these karyotypically detectable abnormalities occur in just more than half of all AMLs, with the remaining approximately 45% of these cases having normal cytogenetics. Molecular genetic insights into the latter category have accelerated in the past 5 years, with up to 80% of cases with a normal karyotype already revealing fascinating submicroscopic molecular aberrations. 2 This will yield additional tiers of complexity, accompanied, hopefully, by clarity of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and, ultimately, improved therapy. Nevertheless, the major initial decision to be made when assessing an acute leukemia is whether it is lymphoid or myeloid because this usually straightforward assignment of lineage is central to guiding remission induction chemotherapy and subsequent therapy. Whereas morphologic studies and cytochemistry were originally the primary tools used in such decisions, they have been largely if not completely superceded by immunophenotypic analysis, most often performed by flow cytometry. This allows the vast majority (>95%) of acute leukemias to be definitively classified as AML or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with the latter quite easily further assigned to B- or T-cell lineage. 3
An Exchange Strategy for the Interface of Community-Based Corrections into the Service System

Community-based corrections is a new dimension being added to the milieu of correctional devices for the criminal offender. One of the primary purposes of community-based corrections is the delivery of service, aiding in the reintegration of the offender into the community. Organization exchange theory is utilized as the theoretical basis for program implementation, a three-stage model is developed as a planning guideline for the acquisition of needed services, and afinal model is presented which serves an implementation function for the "ideal-type" model presented.
Organoactinide electrochemistry. A cyclic voltammetric and coulometric study of (C5Me5)2UCl2, [(C5Me5)2UCl2· THF]−Na+, (C5Me5)2UCl · THF and (C5Me5ThCl2

Abstract (C5Me5)2UCl2 exhibits a one-electron, reversible reduction to (C5Me5)2UCl2− without detectable Cl− loss, E 1 2 (CH3CN) = −1.30 V and E 1 2 (THF) = −1.22 V vs. SCE, which is shown to correspond to the one-electron, reversible oxidation of isolated [(C5Me5)2UCl2 · THF]− Na+ and to be distinct from the irreversible oxidation of (C5Me5)2UCl · THF (Epa (THF) = −0.71 V, 50 mV/sec scan the related (C5Me5)2ThCl2 is not reduced even out to −2.7 V.
Meiosis-specific gene discovery in plants: RNA-Seq applied to isolated Arabidopsis male meiocytes.

Meiosis is a critical process in the reproduction and life cycle of flowering plants in which homologous chromosomes pair, synapse, recombine and segregate. Understanding meiosis will not only advance our knowledge of the mechanisms of genetic recombination, but also has substantial applications in crop improvement. Despite the tremendous progress in the past decade in other model organisms (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila melanogaster), the global identification of meiotic genes in flowering plants has remained a challenge due to the lack of efficient methods to collect pure meiocytes for analyzing the temporal and spatial gene expression patterns during meiosis, and for the sensitive identification and quantitation of novel genes. A high-throughput approach to identify meiosis-specific genes by combining isolated meiocytes, RNA-Seq, bioinformatic and statistical analysis pipelines was developed. By analyzing the studied genes that have a meiosis function, a pipeline for identifying meiosis-specific genes has been defined. More than 1,000 genes that are specifically or preferentially expressed in meiocytes have been identified as candidate meiosis-specific genes. A group of 55 genes that have mitochondrial genome origins and a significant number of transposable element (TE) genes (1,036) were also found to have up-regulated expression levels in meiocytes. These findings advance our understanding of meiotic genes, gene expression and regulation, especially the transcript profiles of MGI genes and TE genes, and provide a framework for functional analysis of genes in meiosis.
The Status, Promise and Potential Perils of Commercially Available Genetically Modified Microorganisms in Agriculture and the Environment

Modern genetics has shown the power of modifying microbes, from viruses to bacteria to algae, to produce desirable agricultural products. Nevertheless, gene additions or modification have led to relatively few products in the marketplace due partly to costs of regulation, but also to the challenges of production, delivery and application. Some products with gene loss have been marketed, notably Agrobac-terium radiobacter with a deletion for plasmid transfer, some veterinary vaccines and plants with one or a few genes from microbes for plant protection. Concerns over using live microbes are centered on recombination with wild type strains, potential for environmental risks, market acceptance, market scope, monitoring costs, and costs of production. The challenges in microbial agricultural plant biotechnology far outweigh those in medical and veterinary biotechnology because of pricing potential, larger markets and controlled environments in which modified microbes can function. Nevertheless, the promise and need for control of plant pathogens for which little or no plant resistance is available warrant continued efforts in this area. Veterinary uses of modified microbes will continue and be more widely accepted. Plants ‘vaccinated’ with genes for plant protection are increasingly used but their safety is still questioned and debated. Products such as enzymes from GMOs will continue to enter the marketplace and be accepted with few questions.
Fair, efficient and scalable scheduling without per-flow state

In recent years, parallel computer systems are being increasingly used in multi-user environments, with several users sharing the interconnection network at the same time. As a result a large number frequently contend for link bandwidth at the core switches in the network. Traditional fair scheduling disciplines need to maintain per-flow states and perform packet scheduling on a per-flow basis, which increases the complexity of implementation at high speeds for large numbers of flows. We present an efficient, fair, simple and scalable solution which requires the schedulers in the entire network to maintain only a per-link state as opposed to a per-flow state. In our scheme, the edge switches in the network employ a modified version of the deficit round robin (DRR) scheduler, whereas the core switches use the proposed aggregated flow fair queueing (AFFQ) scheduling discipline. We prove that AFFQ maintains the same relative fairness bound as deficit round robin and has a work complexity of O(1). Our scheme is also applicable in other networks like the Internet, where the number of active flows in the core routers can be very large.
Progesterone regulation of activating protein-1 transcriptional activity: a possible mechanism of progesterone inhibition of endometrial cancer cell growth

The uterine endometrium and cancers derived from it are classic models of hormone action: estrogen promotes growth and progesterone inhibits proliferation and results in differentiation. We have now identified a major pathway through which progesterone causes these growth-limiting effects. Ligand-bound progesterone receptors modulate the composition and transcriptional activity of members of the activating protein-1 (AP-1) family, and in particular, c-Jun. First, a dominant negative form of c-Jun inhibits the constitutive growth of Hec50co cells in a manner similar to the effects of progesterone through progesterone B receptors. Second, progesterone inhibits the transcriptional activity of the AP-1 complex in reporter gene assays. Third, the DNA binding of AP-1 and the composition of the individual AP-1 factors on DNA is regulated by progesterone on electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Fourth, progesterone strongly inhibits total AP-1 as well as c-Jun recruitment to the cyclin D1 promoter, but enhances AP-1 occupancy on the p53 and p21 promoters, as shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The effects of progesterone on AP-1 DNA binding are confirmed to result in altered transcription of these AP-1 target genes by RT-PCR. These studies establish that modulation of AP-1 activity is a potential pathway of progesterone-induced growth inhibition in endometrial cancer cells.