cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morbidity and efficacy of genitofemoral nerve grafts with radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives To review our experience with genitofemoral nerve grafting after radical prostatectomy, to determine both morbidity and efficacy. Methods We identified patients who underwent genitofemoral nerve grafting between 2001 and 2003 at our hospital. Morbidity was recorded prospectively in the charts, and a validated questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function, IIEF-5) was used to determine erectile function. Results Twenty-seven patients received 32 genitofemoral nerve grafts. Five patients (19%) received bilateral grafts. In 3, a single nerve was harvested for a bilateral graft. Mean graft length was 5 cm, and mean follow-up was 14 months. Two patients (7%) reported persistent, minor numbness or tingling of the ipsilateral thigh or hemiscrotum. No other morbidity was noted. Overall, 56% of the patients were able to sustain an erection with enough firmness for penetration at the time of follow-up. Of those patients who reported no preoperative erectile dysfunction, 69% were able to have sexual intercourse. Conclusions Harvesting and interposition of genitofemoral nerve grafts in the neurovascular bundle adds very minimal morbidity to radical prostatectomy. The results reported in our patients are at least comparable to those achieved with sural nerve grafting. Whether these results are a consequence of an effective unilateral nerve-sparing dissection or the nerve grafting itself is uncertain.
Ferromagnetic resonance observation of exchange and relaxation effects in CrO2

Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) was observed in epitaxial thin films of CrO2 grown on TiO2. FMR spectra were taken at 9.5 and 35 GHz and at temperatures from 4 K to above the ordering temperature of 393 K. The spectra of these films are generally complicated because of surface roughness and the distribution of stresses and anisotropies through their thickness. The thinnest films, however, display typical spin wave spectra, which could be approximated using uniform magnetic material analyses. The exchange constant at 300 K, D∼70 meV A2, is consistent with values derived from the temperature dependence of M at low temperatures. The temperature dependence of D was extracted from the spin wave spacing and is similar to other magnetic metals. Our data indicate a room temperature Gilbert damping parameter of at most 0.0023 near 300 K, which is less than those of metallic magnetic materials except possibly Fe. The small damping parameter suggests that intrinsic losses seen in other magnetic metals, which may arise...
Plasmodium falciparum: a simple polymerase chain reaction method for differentiating strains.

Abstract Laboratory studies of the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum have been hampered by difficulties in defining differences between isolates. We have developed a method based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that allowed us to identify quickly the various strains with which we routinely work. We also adapted methods for easily purifying enough DNA to produce a PCR product from a small volume of culture: 100 μl of an in vitro culture infected at 1% parasitemia. The primers were chosen from conserved regions flanking the variable repeats in four cloned genes, RESA, MSA-1, MSA-2, and CSP. The PCR products amplified from three of these genes differed in size and allowed us to identify particular isolates on this basis alone. The variation was between strains, and not a reflection of genetic instability during in vitro culture of one isolate. The method is sufficiently sensitive to detect a 1% contamination of one strain with another, an advantage for monitoring the integrity of strains when different isolates are grown in the same laboratory. The technical ease and speed of this assay and the small amount of culture required make it ideal for monitoring strains in the laboratory.
A VIEW OF MARKETING AND ADVERTISING PRACTICES IN ASIA AND ITS MEANING FOR MARKETING MANAGERS

Asia, as a market, offers a great deal of opportunity for those who are willing to understand its cultural characteristics and marketing systems. This article investigates the use of media and the practice of marketing in Asia. Some marketing guidelines are offered and their managerial implications are discussed.
Conserving and Optimizing Limited Water for Crop Production

Proper soil and crop management systems are critical for sustainable production in semi-arid environments, and there are principles that apply to both dryland (non-irrigated) and limited-irrigation systems. In the non-irrigated environment, crop residue from no-till systems permits more diverse crop rotations with less frequent fallow, which leads to increased precipitation-use efficiency. Soil improvements from no-till systems include decreased soil erosion, increased soil organic matter, improved soil structure, and increased infiltration rate. These soil improvements create a positive feedback loop by making more water available to the crop, increasing yields, and returning more crop residues to the soil. In the Great Plains of the United States, we have found that annualized grain production from no-till systems with less frequent fallow can be increased by 75% with an increase in economic return from 13% to 36% compared with the traditional wheat-fallow cropping system. There is also a need to increa...
The Economics of Agricultural Information: Factors Affecting Commercial Farmers’ Information Strategies in Ohio

Information-seeking behavior is one of the most enduring subjects in the marketing and agribusiness literature. Based on a mail survey of 3,000 randomly selected farmers in Ohio, this study contributes empirical evidence about differences in farmers' information strategies regarding type, amount, and sources of information, and identifies factors that explain the variation in farmers' information search behavior. Farmers split into four distinct search typologies. Farmers' attitudes toward search, farm sales, years farming, Internet access, and farm type were good predictors of search strategies, underscoring the value of the clustering approach for farmer segmentation. Copyright 2009 Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
Differentiation of an immature T cell line: A model of thymic positive selection

Abstract Thymocyte differentiation is dependent upon recognition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on thymic stroma, a process called positive selection. Here we describe an immature CD4 + 8 + T cell line derived from a TCR transgenic mouse that differentiates into CD4 + 8 − cells in response to antigen and nonthymic antigen-presenting cells. When injected intrathymically, these cells differentiate in the absence of antigen. The ability of immature T cells to recognize MHC molecules in the absence of foreign antigen in the thymus can thus be attributed to a unique property of thymic antigen-presenting cells. These studies also demonstrate the phenotypic and functional changes associated with TCR-mediated T cell maturation and establish an in vitro model system of positive selection.
Wheat straw composition and spectral reflectance changes during decomposition

Quantification of crop residue cover is required to assess the extent of conservation tillage. Our objectives were to measure the changes in wheat straw composition and spectral reflectance during decomposition and to assess impact of these changes on remotely sensed estimates of residue cover. Mesh bags filled with wheat straw were placed on the soil surface and removed at intervals over 22 months. The relative proportions of cellulose and hemicellulose in the straw declined while lignin increased. Reflectance spectra of wheat straw and two soils were measured over 350-2500 nm region. Absorption features in the reflectance spectra associated with cellulose diminished as the straw decomposed. The Cellulose Absorption Index (CAI) was a robust estimator of crop residue cover. Advanced multi-spectral sensors with multiple relatively narrow shortwave infrared bands or hyperspectral sensors are needed to assess crop residue cover reliably over diverse agricultural landscapes.
Blocking of guanidine action on poliovirus multiplication

Abstract The ability of choline to block the inhibitory action of guanidine on poliovirus type 2 multiplication was studied in three cell types. Poliovirus biosynthesis showed increasing sensitivity to inhibition by guanidine in the different cells in the order: HeLa cells, LLC-MK 2 cells, and primary rhesus monkey kidney cells. When viral replication was more strongly inhibited in a given cell type, a higher concentration of choline was required to block the inhibition. Kinetic studies in all three cell types showed that 10 m M choline rapidly reversed the inhibitory effects of 0.4 m M guanidine. After the addition of choline, viral multiplication proceeded at a rate indistinguishable from that in control cultures that had received neither guanidine nor choline. Although choline and methionine act synergistically in blocking virus-inhibitory action of guanidine, choline and dimethylethanolamine are incapable of synergism. This suggests that guanidine antagonists may be grouped into several classes. Choline, dimethylethanolamine, and methionine all suppress the growth-supportin activity of 0.4 m M guanidine on a guanidine-dependent strain of poliovirus type 1.
Odor-facilitated reentrainment in male and female juvenile Octodon degus

The social, diurnal rodent, Octodon degus, exhibits faster reentrainment rates of circadian activity when exposed to olfactory social cues from females already entrained to the new light cycle (donors) during reentrainment after a phase shift of the light:dark (LD) cycle. However, adult degus display sex differences in the use of olfactory stimuli to accelerate reentrainment, with intact males requiring odors from at least two females for accelerated reentrainment, while odors from a single female are sufficient for faster recovery for females. In addition, adult gonadal hormones modulate responsiveness to the rate-enhancing olfactory stimuli. The present study examines responsiveness to reentrainment-accelerating odors in juvenile animals just prior to puberty. We report that the sex difference in sensitivity observed in adults is not evident in juveniles; both males and females, when exposed to odors from one unfamiliar adult, accelerated reentrainment of circadian activity after a 6-h phase-advance of the LD cycle. In conjunction with adult data, these results suggest that the sensitivity-reducing role of testosterone does not change across the life span, while the sensitivity-enhancing role of ovarian hormones in females occurs only post-pubertally.
Comments on power spectra of discrete stochastic time series

Abstract We show that the slope of slightly flatter than -2 seen in the power spectra of stochastic series is a consequence of finite discrete systems observed with limited temporal correlation.
ENDEMIC MALIGNANT CATARRHAL FEVER AT THE SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK

Malignant Catarrhal Fever was diagnosed in an Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus), a Barasingha Deer, (Cervus duuauceli duuauceli), and four Javan Banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus) at the San Diego Wild Animal Park between July, 1976 and January, 1979. Three of the four Banteng lived adjacent to an exhibit in which wildebeest were born at 29, )8 and 82 days prior to the Banteng's deaths. The disease was characterized by pyrexia, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, dyspnea and rhinitis. Mortality was 100%. Post mortem lesions in the respiratory, digestive, lymphoid and nervous systems were erosions, ulcers, necrosis and hemorrhage. Microscopic lesions included lymphoid necrosis, reticuloendothelial hyperplasia and diffuse vasculitis. All virus isolation attempts were negative.
Environmental effects on measured structural frequencies—model prediction of short‐term shift during heavy rainfall and comparison with full‐scale observations

The sensitivity of measurements of the frequencies of vibration of structures to environmental factors, such as weather, has been of interest for structural identification and health monitoring, as changes in these frequencies are often used as indicators of degradation of the structure. This paper presents a simple 2D soil–structure interaction model that can predict shifts in the apparent frequency of a building due to water saturation of the soil during heavy rainfall, and recovery as the degree of saturation decreases. The soil is modeled as a porous half-space, dry or fully saturated with viscous fluid (water in this case), the motion of which is described by Biot's theory of wave propagation in fluid-saturated porous media. This model is a generalization of a previous model considered by the authors to more realistic soils—with finite permeability and saturated with viscous fluids. Results of model predictions are shown for model parameters that correspond approximately to the NS response of Millikan library in Pasadena, CA, and are compared with the observed trends at the same site under ambient noise excitation (up to about 3.5% increase in the first frequency during heavy rainfall, and recovery within about a week following the rainfall). Results are shown for a range of values of soil permeability as well as for undrained soil (elastic solid with Poisson ratio close to 0.5). The model predictions agree qualitatively with the observed effects at Millikan library, but the analysis does not exclude other possible causes for the observed effect. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology of surgical ILM‐specimens in epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and diabetic retinopathy

Purpose Myofibroblasts play a major role in the production of retractile phenomena causing contraction or shrinkage of the epiretinal membranes (ERM) in proliferative vitreoretinopathy and diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the expression of myofibroblasts on epiretinal tissues in eyes with epiretinal membranes, diabetic macular edema (DME) or macular holes. Methods Samples of ERM and ILMs (internal limiting membranes) following macular epiretinal membrane removal in eyes with diabetic maculopathy, refractory to conservative treatment, idiopathic epiretinal membrane and macular holes, were collected. Double immunofluorescence staining, with antibodies recognizing a smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) and fibronectin (ED-A FN) or vimentin in myofibroblasts, followed by confocal and electronic microscopy was performed. Results a-SMA in association with either ED-A FN or vimentin were detected in all ERM specimens. a-SMA and ED-A FN were also detected in ILMs removed in cases of stage IV macular holes. ED-A FN was expressed in close relation to a-SMA–positive myofibroblasts, predominately located close to the border of the macular hole area. In all idiopathic ERMs, ED-A FN was expressed in close relation to a-SMA–positive myofibroblasts. In those cases, no a-SMA staining was observed in ILM specimens. Conclusion Scanning electron microscopy indicated that active contraction mechanisms are always expressed in epiretinal macular membrane and underling ILM tissues in eyes with diabetic maculopathy and late stages of macular hole.ILM folding seems to be myofibroblast-independent in idiopathic epiretinal membrane cases.
Numerical fixed-point solution for near-optimum regulators of linear quadratic gaussian control problems for singularly perturbed systems

The fixed-point method is developed for obtaining an efficient numerical solution of the linear quadratic gaussian problem for singularly perturbed systems. It is shown that each iteration step improves the accuracy by an order of magnitude, that is, the accuracy 0(ek) can be obtained by performing only k — 1 iterations. In addition, only low-order systems are involved in algebraic manipulations and no analyticity requirements are imposed on the system coefficients.
The Illinois State Police as an Archetypal Model

This article is a social history regarding the creation and evolution of the state police in Illinois as an archetypal model. The methodology and data collection employed a content analysis of both primary and secondary sources. It is posited that the Illinois State Police is a historical artifact that is the product of: (1) the Progressive agenda and the concomitant police professionalization movement; (2) social, economic and cultural forces at work during the years immediately following the turn of the century; and (3) the desire by entrenched power to control the laboring and unruly classes. Both the evolution of the Illinois State Police and its place within the American scheme of policing are representative of other state-level policing agencies across the nation.
Legitimacy, Public Relations, and Media Access: Proposing and Testing a Media Access Model:

This study examines how an organization's access to the media reflects two sets of influences—its public relations (PR) expertise and legitimacy. A context of stem cell and the cloning debate is used to test the relationships. Two surveys and a content analysis show that the legitimacy of sources perceived by journalists has an impact on the regularity and valence of those sources' media coverage, whereas the PR expertise of sources does not have an impact on any of the media access indicators. Public relations expertise, however, shows some impact on the legitimacy of sources as perceived by journalists, indicating that legitimacy operates as an intervening variable between PR expertise and media access of sources.
Supercooling and crystallization

The supercooling of droplets of water under conditions of cooling rate and pressure that bracket those found in nature has been quantitatively studied. Also the temperature at which water vapor in ordinary atmospheric air will crystallize to form snow crystals has been determined. The spontaneous freezing point is presented in a graph as a function of droplet size. Such varied water sources as tap water, distilled water, mountain stream water, and water condensed from the atmosphere were used. A photomicrograph of formvar replicas of the snow crystals formed is presented, and the size distribution and relative number of the accompanying supercooled water droplets is given in tabular form, as a function of temperature. The results of the supercooling and crystallization investigations indicate that the current precipitation theories need modification. A new concept of the initiation of precipitation is presented.
The stress field of a sliding inclusion

Abstract This paper discusses the stress fields when a spheroidal inclusion, free to slip along its interface, is subjected to a constant nonshear eigenstrain, and when an elastic body containing the inhomogeneity is under all-around tension or uniaxial tension at infinity. In each case the stress field in the inclusion or the inhomogeneity is not constant, contrary to Eshelby's solution. When sliding takes place, the stress increases locally compared with the perfect bonding case, but the elastic energy decreases due to the relaxation. The relative displacement (slip) along the interface is also evaluated.
The Diagnosticity of Advertising Generated Brand Attitudes in Brand Choice Contexts

Advertising theory tends to presume, sometimes implicitly, that advertising mediates brand choice through its effect on brand attitudes. This article addresses the limitation of using brand attitude measures at or near the time of advertising exposure to predict the relative ability of a set of alternative advertising message appeals to directly influence brand-choice decisions. The results suggest that the ability of advertising-generated brand attitudes to predict advertising effects on brand choice declines when (a) consumers’ motivation to deliberate is greater at the time of brand choice than at the time of attitude formation, (b) the message appeal of the brand assigned the most favorable attitude rating is not accessible, not perceived to be at least as diagnostic as competitor appeals, or both, and (c) attitude differences among brand alternatives are small.
Modeling of inertial particle transport and deposition in human nasal cavities with wall roughness

Abstract Nasal inhalation helps to protect the lungs from detrimental effects of toxic particles which, however, may also place the nasal and adjacent tissues at risk. Alternatively, drug–aerosol deposition on pre-determined nasal airway surfaces can be a modern pathway for rapid medical treatment. The present study focuses on inertial particles in the range of 1 μ m ⩽ d p ⩽ 50 μ m , subject to steady laminar flow rates of 7.5 and 20 L/min. In contrast to ultrafine particles, for certain fine particle sizes deposition is strongly affected by wall roughness, which was incorporated with a selective micro-size airway-surface layer. The validated computer simulation results show that the inertial particle deposition in human nasal cavities increases with increasing impaction parameter, IP = d a 2 · Q . Most of the deposition occurs in the anterior part of the human nasal cavities, especially in the nasal valve region. Considering drug–aerosol targeting, an optimal impaction parameter value exists which generates for normal inlet conditions the largest deposition in desired areas, e.g., the middle meatus, inferior meatus and olfactory regions. However, the absolute deposition efficiencies, especially in the inferior meatus and olfactory region, are very small because particles hardly reach those regions due to the complex nasal geometric structures. The influence of gravity was also analyzed and an experimentally validated correlation for inertial particle deposition in human nasal cavities has been provided.
Properties of the chitinase of the antifungal biocontrol agent Streptomyces lydicus WYEC108

Abstract An extracellular chitinase from culture filtrates of Streptomyces lydicus WYEC108, a broad spectrum antifungal biocontrol agent, was characterized and purified. Its role in the antifungal activity of this actinomycete was studied. Low constitutive levels of the enzyme were observed when cultures were grown with both simple and complex carbon substrates. The optimal temperature and substrate concentration for maximal chitinase production were 25–30°C and 0.4–0.8 g ml −1 chitin, respectively. High chitinase production was obtained when 1% colloidal chitin was present in the medium as a growth substrate. Activity was induced by n -acetylglucosamine or n,n′ -diacetylchitobiose (GlcNac) 2 and repressed by glucose, xylose, arabinose, raffinose, and carboxymethyl cellulose. Strong catabolite repression of the chitinase was observed. Addition of pectin, laminarin, starch, or β-glucan to the chitin-containing medium, however, increased chitinase production. Probing the S. lydicus genomic DNA with the chi A gene from S. lividans has localized the gene to a 2.5 kb DNA fragment of genomic DNA. The chitinase appears to play a role in the antifungal activities of S. lydicus WYEC108. Production was greatly enhanced when cells were grown in a medium containing colloidal chitin supplemented with certain fungal cell wall preparations, in particular those from Pythium or Aphanomyces species. Crude fungal cell walls were lysed by partially purified chitinase. While S. lydicus also produces one or more antifungal antibiotics, its chitinase probably plays a significant role in the in vivo antifungal biocontrol activity of this rhizosphere-colonizing actinomycete.
The biosynthesis of 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethylpteridine

Abstract A pteridine implicated in the biosynthesis of folic acid, 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-hydroxy-methylpteridine, has been isolated from cultures of Corynebacterium species. Carrier 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethylpteridine was added to cultures of Corynebacterium species grown in a medium supplemented with [2- 14 C]guanine, then re-isolated and purified to constant specific radioactivity. Its oxidation product, 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-pteridine carboxylic acid, was found to have the same specific radioactivity.
Gas sensing behaviour of mat-like networked tungsten oxide nanowire thin films

Here, we present the results of the resistive response of tungsten trioxide nanowire (mat-like, nanowire networks) and nanoparticle thin films subjected to N2O gas in the temperature range of 373–773 K. The nanowire mats exhibited an order of magnitude higher response in the resistivity change compared to that of nanoparticle films at temperatures above 523 K. Nanowire mats also exhibited relatively faster adsorption and desorption times. Impedance spectroscopy studies showed that the gas sensing mechanism for nanowire mats involves changes in both the nanowire and grain boundary resistances, whereas for nanoparticle films only the grain boundary resistance governs the sensor properties upon exposure to gases.
On the escape routing of differential pairs

As an important step in PCB design, the escape routing problem has been extensively studied in literature. However, few studies have been done on the escape routing of differential pairs. In this paper, we study the differential pair escape routing problem and propose two algorithms. The first one computes the optimal routing for a single differential pair while the second one is able to simultaneously route multiple differential pairs considering both routability and wire length. We then propose a two-stage routing scheme based on the two algorithms. Experimental results show that our routing scheme efficiently and effectively solves the differential pair escape routing test cases we obtained from industry.
Chern-Simons theory with matter fields: Broken-symmetry phase.

A U(1) Chern-Simons theory interacting with a complex scalar field is quantized in 2+1 dimensions in the broken-symmetry phase. In the limit when the Higgs field becomes very massive the low-lying excitations correspond to a charge-neutral massive boson with {ital canonical} {ital statistics}. The angular momentum has an anomaly and in the broken-symmetry phase the ground state is not rotational invariant. The angular momentum of excitations relative to that of the ground state is well defined, canonical, and without anomalies.
Some n‐dimensional geometry

The following material might be used in an honour's section of multivariable calculus or as a topic for a math club lecture. It uses heavy doses of analogy and generalization and a blend of synthetic and analytic methods. If there is any difficulty try letting n = 3. Considering a ball inscribed in a cube and stepping up the dimension we show that the ratio of the content of the inscribed Nball to the Ncube approaches zero as the dimension approaches infinity. Similar results are described for an Nball inscribed in a regular simplex or regular cross polytope.
Scaling of matrices to achieve specified row and column sums

IfA is ann ×n matrix with strictly positive elements, then according to a theorem ofSinkhorn, there exist diagonal matricesD 1 andD 2 with strictly positive diagonal elements such thatD 1 A D 2 is doubly stochastic. This note offers an alternative proof of a generalization due toBrualdi, Parter andScheider, and independently toSinkhorn andKnopp, who show that A need not be strictly positive, but only fully indecomposable. In addition, we show that the same scaling is possible (withD 1 =D 2) whenA is strictly copositive, and also discuss related scaling for rectangular matrices. The proofs given show thatD 1 andD 2 can be obtained as the solution of an appropriate extremal problem. The scaled matrixD 1 A D 2 is of interest in connection with the problem of estimating the transition matrix of a Markov chain which is known to be doubly stochastic. The scaling may also be of interest as an aid in numerical computations.
Sex and Strain Differences in Whole Skeletal Development in the Rat

The dry weight and calcium content of whole skeletons was determined in both male and female weanling, adolescent, and mature rats of the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), Wistar Kyoto (WKY), and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat strains. Dry skeletal mass, calculated as percent of body mass (%BM), increased with maturity in each strain. In adolescent and mature animals, skeletal development (%BM) was greater in female rats. SHR showed greater skeletal development (%BM) than normotensive rat strains and this difference was detectable even in weanling animals. Despite these age, strain, and gender-related differences in skeletal development, the calcium content per unit skeletal mass was identical among the various groups examined. Regression analysis of the plot of skeletal mass as a function of body mass indicated that only a portion of mature skeletal development was related to body mass. The results show that skeletal mass developed in the rat is only partially determined by structural support demands.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions of Unacceptable Solutions in LP Discriminant Analysis

Characterization of unacceptable solutions for linear programming (LP) discriminant models have been discussed in the literature and the results presented so far are not satisfactory. This paper establishes necessary and sufficient conditions of unacceptable solutions for a number of LP models, addresses the practical implications of these conditions, and discusses the relationship between unacceptable solutions and multiple solutions.
Methane solubilities in multisalt solutions

Abstract Solubilities of methane in multisalt solutions at 550 psia and 25°C can be predicted from single-salt salting coefficients. The ionic strength contribution of the ith salt, Ii, is multiplied by its molal salting coefficient, kmi, in the following summation over all salts: log M o M s = ∑ i k m i I i where mo and ms are molal methane solubilities in distilled water and the salt solution, respectively, at the T, P and methane fugacity of interest. This equation predicts methane solubility in multisalt brines containing Na+, K+, Mg+2, Ca+2, Cl−, SO4−2 and CO3−2 ions. kmi values reported by Stoessell and Byrne (1982b) can be used in solubility predictions in brines at earth surface conditions. Prediction in reservoir brines would require determination of kmi, for the different salts at reservoir temperatures and pressures.
Growth Physics in Nitella: a Method for Continuous in Vivo Analysis of Extensibility Based on a Micro-manometer Technique for Turgor Pressure

The view that the plant cell grows by the yielding of the cell wall to turgor pressure can be expressed in the equation: rate = cell extensibility × turgor. All growth rate responses can in principle be resolved into changes in the 2 latter variables. Extensibility will relate primarily to the yielding properties of the cell wall, turgor primarily to solute uptake or production. Use of this simple relationship in vivo requires that at least 2 of the 3 variables be measured in a growing cell. Extensibility is not amenable to direct measurement. Data on rate and turgor for single Nitella cells can, however, be continuously gathered to permit calculation of extensibility (rate/turgor). Rate is accurately obtained from measurements on time-lapse film. Turgor is estimated in the same cell, to within 0.1 atm or less, by measurement of the ability of the cell to compress gas trapped in the closed end of a capillary the open end of which is in the cell vacuole. The method is independent of osmotic equilibrium. It operates continuously for several days, over a several fold increase in cell length, and has response time of less than one minute. Rapid changes in turgor brought on by changes in tonicity of the medium, show that extensibility, as defined above, is not constant but has a value of zero unless the cell has about 80% of normal turgor. Because elastic changes are small, extensibility relates to growth. Over long periods of treatment in a variety of osmotica the threshold value for extensibility and growth is seen to fall to lower values to permit resumption of growth at reduced turgor. A brief period of rapid growth (5× normal) follows the return to normal turgor. All variables then become normal and the cycle can be repeated. The cell remains essentially at osmotic equilibrium, even while growing at 5× the normal rate. The method has potential for detailed in vivo analyses of “wall softening.”
Characterization and Functional Properties of Gastric Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells from Children, Adults, and the Elderly

T cells are the main orchestrators of protective immunity in the stomach; however, limited information on the presence and function of the gastric T subsets is available mainly due to the difficulty in recovering high numbers of viable cells from human gastric biopsies. To overcome this shortcoming we optimized a cell isolation method that yielded high numbers of viable lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) from gastric biopsies. Classic memory T (TM) subsets were identified in gastric LPMC and compared to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from children, adults and the elderly using an optimized 14 color flow cytometry panel. A dominant effector memory (TEM) phenotype was observed in gastric LPMC CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in all age groups. We then evaluated whether these cells represented a population of gastric tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells by assessing expression of CD103 and CD69. The vast majority of gastric LPMC CD8+ T cells either co-expressed CD103/CD69 (>70%) or expressed CD103 alone (~20%). Gastric LPMC CD4+ T cells also either co-expressed CD103/CD69 (>35%) or expressed at least one of these markers. Thus, gastric LPMC CD8+ and CD4+ T cells had the characteristics of TRM cells. Gastric CD8+ and CD4+ TRM cells produced multiple cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α, IL-17A, MIP-1β) and up-regulated CD107a upon stimulation. However, marked differences were observed in their cytokine and multi-cytokine profiles when compared to their PBMC TEM counterparts. Furthermore, gastric CD8+ TRM and CD4+ TRM cells demonstrated differences in the frequency, susceptibility to activation and cytokine/multi-cytokine production profiles among the age groups. Most notably, children’s gastric TRM cells responded differently to stimuli than gastric TRM cells from adults or the elderly. In conclusion, we demonstrate the presence of gastric TRM which exhibit diverse functional characteristics in children, adults and the elderly.
Installation of a reactive site for covalent wiring onto an intrinsically conductive poly(ionic liquid)

Abstract Post-polymerization radical bromination of a nanostructured poly(ionic liquid) that selectively introduces a reactive bromo-group onto the polyalkylthiophene backbone is described. Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy proves that the bromine is successfully introduced at the 3-methyl position of the thiophene and that the molecular structure of the polymer remains largely intact with only minimal chain scission detected. FT-IR and Vis-NIR spectroscopy indicates that incorporation of the bromine induces twisting (loss of co-planarity) of the polythiophene backbone. WAXS confirms retention of an ordered lamellar structure with minor lattice spacing contraction. Cyclic voltammetry confirms spectroscopic findings that the bromination reaction yields a stable p-doped polymer. The installed bromine is susceptible to nucleophilic displacement permitting the covalent attachment of other functional molecules, such as a dialkylphosphonate. Elemental analysis of such a transformation established that 100% functionalization can be achieved. These results collectively demonstrate that post-modification of a π-conjugated polymer can be used to both tune electronic and photonic properties, as well as install a chemoselective attachment point for the covalent wiring of other molecules.
Prostaglandin E2 receptors EP2 and EP4 are down-regulated in human mononuclear cells after injury.

Abstract Background. Recent characterization of prostaglandin receptor subtypes shows that each is critical to cellular functions and operates through separate signaling pathways that may explain differing effects of prostanoids. This study aimed to determine whether prostaglandin receptors EP2 and EP4 are modulated after injury and to evaluate the effect of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) addition and blockade on EP receptor expression. Methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 10 patients sustaining fracture or burn injury and 10 control subjects were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide ± NS-398, an inhibitor of PGE 2 production. Samples were evaluated for production of PGE 2 , tumor necrosis factor-α, and leukotriene B 4 as well as mRNA expression of EP receptors and COX-2. EP receptor expression was also evaluated after treating control PBMCs with PGE 2 . Results. PBMCs from injured patients exhibited significant increases in PGE 2 production and COX-2 mRNA compared with control subjects, and these increases were inhibited by NS-398. In contrast, EP2 and EP4 receptors were markedly down-regulated after injury and NS-398 restored expression to control levels. Decreased EP2 and EP4 receptor expression after injury was replicated by coincubation of PBMCs with PGE 2 . Conclusions. Specific PGE 2 receptors are down-regulated after injury and NS-398 reverses this response. Furthermore, PGE 2 mediates EP2 and EP4 down-regulation. These data suggest that specific EP receptor subtypes may provide critical targets for augmenting the immune response after injury in humans. (Surgery 2001;130:249-55.)
Light-Regulated GABAA Receptors: An Optogenetic Toolset for Studying Neural Inhibition

GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are the major mediators of inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. The diverse composition of the GABAAR pentamers, which determines receptor localization and biophysical properties, leads to the heterogeneity and complexity of GABAergic transmission. To elucidate the distinct roles of different GABAAR isoforms within a neural circuit, tools allowing precise and specific control over the target receptors are required. Here we present a series of light-regulated GABAA receptors (LiGABARs) for studying different GABAAR α-isoforms in the nervous system. Each α-subunit of the LiGABAR is installed a photo-switchable antagonist near the GABA-binding pocket. The installed antagonist, which contains an azobenzene core, reversibly isomerizes to trans and cis configurations in response to 500-nm and 380-nm lights, respectively. This photoisomerization allows lights to turn off and restore the receptor activity by advancing and withdrawing the antagonist. LiGABARs can be employed in neurons to enable optical control of neural inhibition. For instance, in cortical neurons containing α1-LiGABAR, light switching can cause a ∼60% change in the amplitude of the evoked inhibitory postsynaptic current. The target specificity and the spatiotemporal precision offered by optical control make LiGABARs a promising toolset for in-depth investigations of GABAergic transmission.
Technology contracts: An academic perspective

As university-industry ties broaden and strengthen it becomes more important for technology managers on both sides to understand the nature and obligations of the other, and thus its needs, policies, and limitations. This paper discusses some relevant aspects of the nature of universities, the needs of industry, current technologytransfer laws, and in consequence, university policies. It also provides standard language in selected clauses of research and licensing agreements that address these issues. In explicating this fundamental information, the paper might be a useful basis for starting negotiations.
Contribution to the MHD Modeling in Low Speed Radial Flux AC Machines With Air-Gaps Filled With Conductive Fluids

This work deals with the modeling of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) phenomena in the air-gaps of low speed radial flux AC electrical machines filled with incompressible and electrically conductive fluids. The proposed model concerns laminar flows and it is based on a weak MHD coupling at the steady state regimes. The MHD power losses are evaluated and discussed. The model is easy to implement and could be a useful tool for the design and the optimization. An application to marine current turbine is considered.
Synthesis and biological activity of stemtoxin by Stemphylium botryosum and related fungi

Ulocladium sp., Alternaria alternata f. sp. lycopersici, Stemphylium vesicarium and several isolates of Stemphylium botryosum were tested for their ability to produce polypeptides ( M r = 26 900; 19 500; triplet at 15 500) similar to those associated with phytotoxicity of culture filtrates from S. botryosum pathogenic on alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ). Phytotoxic activity and groups of polypeptides with similar relative mobilities following sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were recovered in partially purified fractions from all Stemphylium isolates and Alternaria alternata f. sp. lycopersici , but not in similarly purified fractions from Ulocladium sp. Immunoglobulin G, produced in response to the denatured 26 900 polypeptide from S. botryosum Mu9 phytotoxin (stemtoxin), cross-reacted with similar polypeptides from all Stemphylium isolates and A. alternata f. sp. lycopersici . Ability to produce stemtoxin in vitro together with ability to penetrate alfalfa leaves in vivo was not sufficient for pathogenicity of Stemphylium on alfalfa.
Female pseudohermaphroditism: Unusual variants and their management

Abstract We describe five patients with unusual variants of female pseudohermaphroditism. Excluded were cases of urogenital sinus malformations secondary to the adrenogenital syndrome. Two were of the idiopathic familial form and three were associated with complex caudal malformations. Management should be focused on proper sex assignment and immediate definition of the anatomy by appropriate endoscopy and radiography to plan the correct operative approach. Special attention must be focused on early drainage of any associated obstructive lesions of the urinary, gynecological, or lower gastrointestinal tracts. Successful management and surgical reconstruction of the external genitalia and associated urogenital or cloacal anomalies should result in almost normal female appearance and function.
Different Frequency of Gene Targeting Events by the RNA-DNA Oligonucleotide Among Epithelial Cells

A unique hybrid oligonucleotide composed of both RNA and DNA has been shown to correct a point mutation in a site-specific and inheritable manner in extrachromosomal and chromosomal targets. In order to develop new gene therapeutics for skin, we tested two oligonucleotides that were shown to create a point mutation in alkaline phosphatase and β-globin genes in several epithelial cell types. Highly transformed epithelial cells (HeLa) exhibited a conversion frequency of 5% by both RNA-DNA oligonucleotides. In comparison, other immortalized epithelial cells (HaCaT) or human primary keratinocytes did not show any detectable level of gene conversion by the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, indicating less than 1% conversion frequency. The concentration of the oligonucleotide in the nuclei of HeLa cells was similar to that of HaCaT or human primary keratinocytes measured by a radio-labeled or a fluorescein-conjugated oligonucleotide. Moreover, the RNA-DNA oligonucleotide exhibited a prolonged stability in the nucleus. Thus, neither uptake nor nuclear stability of the oligonucleotide appears to be a limiting factor in gene targeting events under our experimental conditions. These results indicate that the frequency of gene targeting varies among different cells, suggesting that cellular recombination and DNA repair activities may be important.
Multi-mode surface wave phenomena

Abstract This paper illustrates, by means of an explicitly solvable problem, use of a slightly singular solution to demonstrate certain aspects of surface wave propagation. The solution is required to be bounded. However, one of the first derivatives is allowed to be singular at a junction of the structure. The surface wave guidance action of the structure is modelled by a two-mode phenomenological boundary condition (multiple impedance condition). For simplicity of illustration, a plane structure that is terminated by a perfectly conducting plane vertical to it, is selected. The solution to the resulting mathematically formulated two-dimensional quarter plane problem is obtained exactly in an elementary fashion. Thus, it is possible to simply observe certain properties of surface wave propagation. The main result is that the “sub-surface” power flow at the junction depends directly on the amplitude of the slightly singular solution, leading us to conjecture that such fields represent leakage or excitation through the junction. Additionally, we show that control over the form of the excited outward travelling surface waves may be exercised by inclusion of this term or by a slot imbedded in the vertical termination, i.e., mode conversion is possible. Finally, by simultaneously adjusting the termination and the slot, the structure can be made to be only cylindrically radiating. The multiple impedance structure is extended in a “virtual” manner so that the effect of its internal field may be taken into account when computing the total power flow in the surface wave field. In particular, modal surface wave power flow is determined by associating an interior field with each component of the exterior surface wave field. The form is suggested by actually calculating the power flow through the impedance surface, a conservation of power argument, and requiring that modal surface wave power flow separability results. After this, by a conservation of energy argument, a definition of power flow everywhere within the virtual structure is given that extends the form previously obtained for the surface wave field. Applying this formula, the flow into the junction is defined. It is easily seen that this power depends directly on the strength of the singular term. Specifically, it vanishes when this term is ruled out by a boundedness requirement. Finally, as an interesting application of a lemma of Lurye and Newstein, the cylindrical power is computed without resorting to complicated integrations of the pattern function and in a simplified case the result is checked by an actual integration.
Photocatalytically‐mediated disinfection of water using tio2 as a catalyst and spore‐forming Bacillus pumilus as a model

Abstract The photocatalytic oxidation process has been evaluated as a basis for disinfecting large volumes of water. A 95 percent reduction in viability of B. pumilus spores, suspended with TiO2 in water, was observed after exposing the model organism to ultraviolet (UV) light (λ 365 nm). Kinetic plots showed that the viability of B. pumilus spores decreased exponentially. No reduction in viability occurred if B. pumilus spores were incubated in the dark (control) or if illumination occurred in the absence of a TiO2 catalyst (TiO2 condition). Intermittent illumination reduced viable B. pumilus spores more effectively than continuous exposure to UV. For various TiO2 concentrations suspended in water from 1 mg/ml to 4 mg/ml, maximum losses of viability were observed at TiO2 concentrations of 2 mg/ml of water and spore densities ≥ 109 CFU/ml. On the basis of the data presented here, the TiO2‐based photocatalytic process shows significant potential as a basis for both stationary and portable water disinfectin...
Effects of chlorpromazine and three metabolites on behavioral responses in rats

Effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) and three metabolites (3,7-dihydroxy-CPZ; 7,8-dihydroxy-CPZ; 7-hydroxy-CPZ) on behavioral performance of rats were tested by three methods: (a) continuous nondiscriminative lever-pressing shock-avoidance response without a warning signal; (b) discriminative pole-climbing shock avoidance and escape; (c) discriminative control of behavior by drug states. Both types of avoidance were much more impaired by CPZ than by the metabolites. The metabolite producing the most consistent impairment was 7-hydroxy-CPZ and the least consistent was 7,8-dihydroxy-CPZ. In the test for discriminative control of behavior by drug states, the 7-hydroxy-CPZ was the only metabolite which evoked the CPZ stimulus characteristics whereas the 7,8-dihydroxy-CPZ produced a generalized depressant effect.