Purpose of ReviewThe vertebrate cap’n’collar family transcription factor Nrf2 and its invertebrate homologs SKN-1 (in worms) and CncC (in flies) function...Full Text Available
Dal82p binds to the UISALL sites of allophanate-induced genes of the allantoin-degradative pathway and functions synergistically with the GATA family Gln3p and Gat1p transcriptional...Full Text Available
#beta#-SiAlON was synthesized from a zeolite by NH_3 gas nitridation and its formation mechanism was investigated using X-ray diffraction and "2"9Si and "2"7Al NMR spectroscopy. It was revealed that most of the Si and Al atoms react to form #beta#-SiAlON via amorphous forms of Si-Al-O-N and O-SiAlON. Nitridation using NH_3 gas is an effective means of preventing mullite formation and promoting the introduction of nitrogen into aluminosilicate materials at lower temperatures than temperatures required by the carbothermal reduction nitridation process. Further, the NMR spectra showed that the siliceous part of the system changed into low z-value of Si_6_-_zAl_zO_zN_8_-_z (#beta#-SiAlON) and the incorporation of Al components into the #beta#-SiAlON was ...
Studies were assigned values based on whether they were anecdotal or ... or family income), work experience, birth order, military or civilian ...... observed with submarine personnel and polar expeditioners (Sandal et al., 1996). ...
TP63, a member of the TP53 gene family, is a nuclear marker of myoepithelial cells. Antibody against p63 is frequently used to aid in the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma, as well as in the identification of myoepithelial cells in other tissues including the breast. p63 is also a marker for squamous cell carcinoma. Recently, it was found that all p53 family members are involved in regulating the process of muscle differentiation through the retinoblastoma (RB) protein. Ablation of these p53 family functions blocks the differentiation program and promotes malignant transformation by enabling cooperating oncogenes to transform myoblasts. We therefore studied p63 expression in a number of neoplasms with myogenic differentiation. Immunohistochemical staining for p63 was performed on paraffin se...
The effect of phosphorus on the corrosion resistance of Al-bronzes is studied in detail in this work. A literature review showed that there are a lot of things known about the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Al-bronzes. In spite of their corrosion resistance the corrosion properties and the structure of the protective oxide films of Al-bronzes were seldom a matter of interest. Systematic studies of the influence of different alloying elements on the oxide film and the corrosion properties are rare. Therefore, it is not possible to predict the corrosion resistance of Al-bronzes, made by alloying particular elements. The high corrosion resistance of the new alloy CuAl_2_0P_1 was the reason to investigate the influence of phosphorus on the corrosion properties of Al-bronzes in more detail. A systematic study of the microstructure and the corrosion ...
Metastatic disease is a primary cause of cancer-related death, and factors governing tumor cell metastasis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we address this question by using tumor cell lines derived...Full Text Available
The A-15 compounds with the highest critical temperatures and critical fields are stable only at high temperatures and sometimes are not stable at any temperature. Fabrication of such materials thus necessarily involves the creation and manipulation of metastable phases. It follows that the bronze matrix technique now under development for Nb_3Sn- and V_3Ga-based composite superconductors is not suitable for high-T/sub c/ materials of the Nb_3 (Al, Ge, Ga, Si) family. Alternative technologies will be necessary for such materials. Efforts to develop suitable alternatives, using Nb_3Al, are described.
Magnetic properties of the Al1-xGaxFeO3 family of oxides crystallizing in a non-centrosymmetric space group have been investigated in detail along with structural aspects by employing X-ray and neutron diffraction, Moessbauer spectroscopy and other techniques. The study has revealed the occurrence of several interesting features related to unit cell parameters, site disorder and ionic size. Using first-principles density functional theory based calculations, we have attempted to understand how magnetic ordering and related properties in these oxides depend sensitively on disorder at the cation site. The origin and tendency of cations to disorder and the associated properties are traced to the local structure and ionic sizes. -- Graphical abstract: We have studied both experimentally and theoretically the important role of disorder at the cation site on magnetic and related properties of the Al1-xGaxFeO3 ...
In case of airplane engine, technical development like increase of temperature at the turbine entrance or high speed rotation with a purpose of thrust up, and reduction of structural part single substance mass or reduction of number of parts in order to achieve lightness and so forth, has been promoted in order to improve the performance that is evaluated by thrust weight ratio (thrust/weight). Accordingly, research and development of high heat resistance, high strength, lightness and so forth of each material of the parts are in demand. As a representative material corresponding to such demand, L10 type {nu}-TiAl intermetallic compound which is light and has improved high temperature strength properties is paid attention and its development is promotes. The authors were successful for the first time in the world to manufacture composite material with CVD type SiC fiber that was difficult so far by using ...
This article introduces the story of Yusuf al-Marzuk (1895-1957), a Kuwaiti merchant who created a thriving network in the Arabian/Persian Gulf and India. This network was part of the vast, undocumented activities of Kuwaiti merchants. They were uncovered by rare British reports. Yusuf's economic power enabled him to participate in the struggle of Kuwaiti elites to achieve political power vis-a-vis the Kuwaiti rulers, the Sabah family. This article demonstrates the importance of the trading networks with respect to the economic and political developments that shaped the region before the relatively well researched oil period.
Yb-, Y-, Yb/Y-, and Yb/Nd-doped -SiAlON ceramics with 5-wt% barium aluminosilicate (BAS) were synthesized by hot pressing. Typical self-reinforced microstructures were obtained in all investigated -SiAlONs in spite of the type of doped cations. This is attributed to the incorporation of BAS, which could supply suitable liquid phase to promote the anisotropic growth of the -SiAlON grains. All the composites exhibited excellent high-temperature mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance due to the formation of a self-reinforced microstructure and the complete crystallization of BAS additive.
Ni catalysts supported on {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, CeO{sub 2} and CeO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} systems were tested for catalytic CO{sub 2} reforming of methane into synthesis gas. Ni/CeO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts showed much better catalytic performance than either CeO{sub 2}- or {gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-supported Ni catalysts. CeO{sub 2} as a support for Ni catalysts produced a strong metal-support interaction (SMSI), which reduced the catalytic activity and carbon deposition. However, CeO{sub 2} had positive effect on catalytic activity, stability, and carbon suppression when used as a promoter in Ni/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts for this reaction. A weight loading of 1-5wt% CeO{sub 2} was found to be the optimum. Ni catalysts with CeO{sub 2} promoters reduced the chemical interaction between nickel and support, resulting ...
Two families of CeO{sub 2}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (ACE) catalyst supports, containing 3 and 20 % wt CeO{sub 2} respectively, have been examined and compared with the pure oxides CeO{sub 2} and (transition-phase) Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Structural data indicate that, also in the presence of CeO{sub 2}, the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} support undergoes all phase transitions at the usual temperatures. Electron micrographs show that particles morphology and crystals size are mainly imposed by the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} support. The porosimetric texture indicates a more pronounced meso-porosity in the ACE systems than in pure Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, especially in the case of low CeO{sub 2} loadings. FTIR spectra and volumetric/calorimetric data of the adsorption of CO at {approx}300 K show that the surface Lewis acidity of aluminas is severely modified by the presence of CeO{sub 2}: the overall ...
l-Carnitine is a critical metabolite indispensable for the metabolism of lipids as it facilitates fatty acid transport into the mitochondrion where b-oxidation occurs. Human astrocytes (CCF-STTG1 cells) and hepatocytes (HepG2 cells) exposed to aluminum (Al) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), were characterized with lower levels of l-carnitine, diminished b-oxidation, and increased lipid accumulation compared to the controls. g-Butyrobetainealdehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) and butyrobetaine dioxygenase (BBDOX), two key enzymes mediating the biogenesis of l-carnitine, were sharply reduced during Al and H2O2 challenge. Exposure of the Al and H2O2-treated cells to a-ketoglutarate (KG), led to the recovery of l-carnitine production with the concomitant reduction in ROS levels. It appears that the chann...
Hydrogenation of carbon monoxide at 101.3 kPa has been studied over a series of ion-exchanged Ru catalysts supported on NaX, NaY, KL, Na mordenite, and HY zeolites. The type of zeolite had pronounced effects on the activity and selectivity of the Ru. The specific activity would appear to be related to the dispersion of reduced ruthenium in the zeolite. Methane selectivity, however, seems to be strongly influenced by the type and concentration of alkali cations remaining in the ion-exchanged zeolite. These cations appear to promote chain growth much as traditional alkali promoters would, though perhaps more indirectly. Due to bifunctional properties of the zeolite-supported catalysts, a significant fraction of C/sub 4/ was in the form of isobutane. Formation of isobutane seems to be related to either the Si/Al ratio in the zeolites or the concentration of the remaining alkali cations, but not to the OH concentration. In ...
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death (PCD), is a fundamental process that protects organismal integrity. In earlier work, we demonstrated that over-expression of either of two anti-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 family (BCL-2 or BCL-X L could elevate the frequency of radiation-induced mutations at the autosomal TK1 locus in human TK6 lymphoblasts that express wild-type TP53. Ectopic expression of BCL-X L also elevated the frequencies of double-strand break-induced gene conversion. The purpose of this study is to determine if BCL-2 family proteins promote radiation mutagenesis indirectly through their suppression of PCD, or whether the 'pro-mutagenic' function of these proteins can be separated from their anti-apoptotic function. We developed stable transfectants of TK6 cells that express a mutated form of BCL-X L with a single amino acid substitution in the BH1 domain that is known to interfere with the ability to suppress ...
This article argues the importance of ensuring initiatives aimed at improving children-s social and emotional well-being are based on sound participatory principles. The discussion posits links between the recognition of children, dialogic approaches to participation, changing conceptualisations of children and childhood, and children-s well-being. It explores these links in light of one particular initiative, Seasons for Growth (Graham, 1996, 2002, Seasons for Growth; Loss and Grief Education Program. MacKillop Foundation), an education programme built around emerging evidence that giving children a voice assists them to adapt to family change. The paper concludes with insights into what is involved when we locate notions of -having a say- as a key element in promoting children-s well-bei...
Studies have suggested that skill-building through hands-on cooking as a nutrition education strategy, is effective to improve overall dietary quality among participants. FamilyCook Productions' ''Diet for a Healthy Planet with Teen Battle Chefs(TM)'' curriculum using this approach, was piloted in 2008 in a Brooklyn public high school resulting in a statistically significant improvements in dietary quality as well as attitudinal improvements and efforts by students to support changes in school food service. Program evaluation used the RE-AIM framework and employed both quantitative and qualitative strategies including pre and post program surveys, focus groups, and weekly electronic teacher feedback. The program has since grown to over 85 high schools in 16 states.
This document consist of brief reports prepared by postdoctoral students supported by the project, each describing his accomplishments under the grant. Topics include (1) Malignant Transformation of MSU-1. 1 Cells by Gamma Radiation, (2) Correlation between Levels of ras Expression and Presence of Transformed Phenotypes Including Tumorigenicity, Using a Modulatable Promoter, (3) Relation between Specific rad Oncogene Expression, (4) Correlation of Genetic Changes in Fibroblastic Tumors with Malignancies, (5)Transformation of MSU-1.1 Cells by sis Oncogene, (6) Malignant Transformation of MSU-1.0 Cells, (7) Correlation of Urokinase Plasminogen Activation (mu-PA) with Malignant Phenotype, (8)Two Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Studies of the Proteins of the Major Cell Strains of the MSU-1 Family of Cells, and (9) Correlation between Proteinase Activity Levels and Malignancy.
The performance of Ag-promoted Pd/Al2O3 catalysts, which were prepared by the selective deposition of Ag onto Pd using a surface redox (SR) method, during acetylene hydrogenation was compared with that of catalysts prepared by impregnation. The Pd surface was more effectively modified with Ag added by SR, even when small amounts of Ag were added. The catalyst prepared by SR showed a higher ethylene selectivity than the one prepared by impregnation, because SR allowed both the preferential deposition of Ag on the low-coordination sites of Pd and a greater electronic modification of Pd by Ag.
Synthesis of O'/#beta#' SiAlON composites was studied. As starting materials, Si_3N_4, Al_2O_3 and SiO_2 powders were used. Pressureless sintering was applied as consolidation technique and was performed at 1400-1700 C. Densification and reaction taking place during sintering were followed. Microstructure of O'/#beta#' composites is discussed. It was found that without additives liquid phase amount formed within the samples was below critically needed for full densification, but promoted reaction of O' and #beta#' formation. Using yttria as additive densification was enhanced. O'/#beta#' ratio decreased while H_V and K_I_c increased with increasing amount of additive. (orig.).
The genus Conexibacter (Monciardini et al. 2003) represents the type genus of the family Conexibacteraceae (Stackebrandt 2005, emend. Zhi et al. 2009) with Conexibacter woesei as the type species of the genus. C. woesei is a representative of a deep evolutionary line of des-cent within the class Actinobacteria. Strain ID131577T was originally isolated from temperate forest soil in Gerenzano (Italy). Cells are small, short rods that are motile by peritrichous fla-gella. They may form aggregates after a longer period of growth and, then as a typical charac-teristic, an undulate structure is formed by self-aggregation of flagella with entangled bacteri-al cells. Here we describe the features of the organism, together with the complete sequence and annotation. The 6,359,369 bp long genome of C. woesei contains 5,950 protein-coding and 48 RNA genes and is part of the Genomic Encyclopedia of Bacteria and ...
ObjectiveFamily-centered bedside rounds (FCBR) are recommended to improve trainee education, patient outcomes, and family satisfaction. However, bedside teaching...Full Text Available
When preadipocytes differentiate into adipocytes, several differentiation-linked genes are activated. Lipo-protein lipase (LPL) is one of the first genes induced during this process. To investigate early events in adipocyte development, we have focused on the transcriptional activation of the LPL gene. For this purpose, we have cloned and fused different parts of intragenic and flanking sequences with a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. Transient transfection experiments and DNase I hypersensitivity assays indicate that several positive as well as negative elements contribute to transcriptional regulation of the LPL gene. When reporter gene constructs were stably introduced into preadipocytes, we were able to monitor and compare the activation patterns of different promoter deletion mutants at selected time points representing the process of adipocyte development. We could delimit two cis-regulatory elements important for gradual activation of the ...
Actinosynnema mirum Hasegawa et al. 1978 is the type species of the genus, and is of phylogenetic interest because of its central phylogenetic location in the Actino-synnemataceae, a rapidly growing family within the actinobacterial suborder Pseudo-nocardineae. A. mirum is characterized by its motile spores borne on synnemata and as a producer of nocardicin antibiotics. It is capable of growing aerobically and under a moderate CO2 atmosphere. The strain is a Gram-positive, aerial and substrate mycelium producing bacterium, originally isolated from a grass blade collected from the Raritan River, New Jersey. Here we describe the features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence and annotation. This is the first complete genome sequence of a member of the family Actinosynnemataceae, and only the second sequence from the actinobacterial suborder Pseudonocardineae. The 8,248,144 bp long single replicon genome ...
The {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}w/6061 Al composite was fabricated by the squeeze casting and extruded with the extrusion ratios of 44 and 100 at 773 K. Its tensile strength and superplastic characteristics were investigated and the following results were obtained: (1) the {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}w/6061 Al composite exhibits the tensile strengths of about 400 MPa at room temperature and of about 250 MPa at 773 K; (2) the m value of the composite pulled at 818 K is 0.33 in the strain rate range from 0.02 up to 1.0 s{sup {minus}1}; (3) the total elongation of the composite becomes about 173 % at the strain rate of 0.02 s{sup {minus}1} even in the case of the high volume fraction of 0.25; (4) no reaction product on the surface of {beta}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} whisker after removing a matrix by etching was detected except AlN; (5) the fracture surface of the composite includes the melt matrix and small filaments, which shows that ...
Special CoMo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts were prepared for testing in coal liquefaction: a conventional CoMo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst, one containing Zn as a second promoter and one having the alumina acidified with fluorine. Their activities were compared with that of red mud. The experiments were conducted in a stirred autoclave with a subbituminous coal and solvent (tetralin, anthracene oil or creosote oil) at 425{degree}C and 17 MPa. The liquefaction products were fractionated into oils, asphaltenes and preasphaltenes with pentane, toluene and THF. The Co(Zn)Mo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts have far higher activities than red mud. Zn and fluorine have beneficial effects on the catalyst activity. Coal tar distillates give higher conversions and oil + gas yields than tetralin when the prepared catalysts are used. 17 refs., 7 tabs.
Wood is currently having a renaissance as a domestic fuel. Wood pellets, usually about 8 mm in diameter and 40 mm long and produced from sawmill and wood processing residues by pressing without binders, are gaining general acceptance. According to a market analysis of Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim, about 4,800 pellet-fuelled heating systems with automatic fuel supply and with a total thermal capacity of 35 kW are in operation in Germany, and 2000 new ones were installed in 2000. [German] Holz als Brennstoff erlebt in vielen Heizkellern und Kaminen eine Renaissance. Und zwar nicht in Form von Holzscheiten, sondern als kleine Presslinge, meist mit einem Durchmesser von acht und einer Laenge von bis zu 40 Millimetern. Als Abfallprodukt von Saegewerken und Holz verarbeitenden Betrieben werden die so genannten Pellets unter hohem Druck und ohne Bindemittel wie beispielsweise Leim hergestellt. Und dieser ...
It was shown by Gibbons and Tsarev (1996 Phys. Lett. A 211 19, 1999 Phys. Lett. A 258 263) that N-parameter reductions of the Benney equations correspond to particular N-parameter families of conformal maps. In recent papers (Baldwin and Gibbons 2003 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 36 8393-417, Baldwin and Gibbons 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 5341-54), the present authors have constructed examples of such reductions where the mappings take the upper half p-plane to a polygonal slit domain in the #lambda#-plane. In those cases, the mapping function was expressed in terms of the derivatives of Kleinian #sigma# functions of hyperelliptic curves, restricted to the one-dimensional stratum #THETA#_1 of the #THETA#-divisor. This was done using an extension of the method given in Enolskii et al (2003 J. Nonlinear Sci. 13 157) extended to a genus 3 curve (Enolski V Z and Gibbons J Addition theorems on the strata of the theta divisor of genus three ...
S100A4, a member of the Ca(2+)-activated S100 protein family, regulates the motility and invasiveness of cancer cells. Moreover, high S100A4 expression levels correlate with poor patient survival in several cancers. Although biochemical, biophysical, and structural data indicate that S100A4 is a noncovalent dimer, it is unknown if two functional S100A4 monomers are required for the productive recognition of protein targets and the promotion of cell invasion. To address this question, we created covalently linked S100A4 dimers using a glycine rich flexible linker. The single-chain S100A4 (sc-S100A4) proteins exhibited wild-type affinities for calcium and nonmuscle myosin-IIA, retained the ability to regulate nonmuscle myosin-IIA assembly, and promoted tumor cell invasion when expressed in S100A4-deficient colon carcinoma cells. Mutation of the two calcium-binding EF-hands in one monomer, while leaving the other monomer ...
The DNA sequence motif ATTTGCAT (octamer) or its inverse complement has been identified as an evolutionarily conserved element in the promoter region of immunoglobulin genes. Two major DNA-binding proteins that bind in a sequence-specific manner to the octamer DNA sequence have been identified in mammalian species--a ubiquitously expressed protein (Oct-1) and a lymphoid-specific protein (Oct-2). During characterization of the promoter region of the chicken immunoglobulin light chain gene, the authors identified two homologous octamer-binding proteins in chicken B cells. when the cloning of the human gene for Oct-2 revealed it to be a member of a distinct family of homeobox genes, they sought to determine if the human Oct-2 cDNA could be used to identify homologous chicken homeobox genes. Using a human Oct-2 homeobox-specific DNA probe, they were able to identify 6-10 homeobox-containing genes in the chicken genome, ...
With regard to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), there is few scientific knowledge on the emission patterns into the environment and exposure pathways to humans, and basic information is insufficient to consider what measures effective are. For the purpose of promoting risk reduction of target substances more effectively and efficiently, it is desirable to comprehend accurately the causal chain from the target substances utilization to the risk intake, and to evaluate the measures covering the whole applications of target substances. As the existing researches on the PBDE emission inventory, there are EU risk assessment report (European Chemical Bureau 2000, 2002, 2003), Danish EPA (1999), Palm et al.(2002) and Alcock et al. (2003). In addition, emissions of DecaBDE are published in TRI (Toxic Release Inventory) of US EPA. However, the primary information of the previous inventories is often the same and estimations ...
Alkaline promoted active carbon supported iron catalysts are very active in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene in the presence of carbon dioxide. The best results were obtained at 550 C for a Li-promoted catalyst with a conversion of ethylbenzene of 75% and a selectivity towards styrene of nearly 95%. These results are better than those obtained with industrial catalysts which perform the dehydrogenation process with an excess of water. The main product of the dehydrogenation reaction with CO{sub 2} was styrene, but the following by-products were detected - benzene and toluene. The selectivity towards toluene was always higher than towards benzene. We observed also the formation of carbon monoxide and water, which were produced with a constant molar ratio of about 0.8. The weight of the catalysts increased up to 20% during the reaction due to deposition of carbon. Using a too large excess of CO{sub 2} (CO{sub 2}/EB>10) ...
Analysis of the use of information sources by family physicians is important for both practical and theoretical reasons. First, analysis of the ways in which family physicians handle information may...Full Text Available
Although research demonstrates many negative family outcomes associated with single-parent households, little is known about processes that lead to positive outcomes for these families. Using...Full Text Available
Individuals from families recruited for the Long Life Family Study (LLFS) (n= 4559) were examined and compared to individuals from other cohorts to determine whether the recruitment targeting longevity...Full Text Available
The ETS proteins are a family of transcription factors (TFs) that regulate a variety of biological processes. We made genome-wide analyses to explore the classification of the ETS gene family. We identified...Full Text Available
Inclusion of family members in the assessment of patients with chronic pain can improve outcomes. Family functioning can be assessed in four basic areas: boundaries, power, communication, and intimacy....Full Text Available
This study describes instructions for after-hours care offered by family physicians' offices when patients telephone the practice. Randomly selected (n=1,680) Ontario family physicians and general practitioners...Full Text Available
With the increase in multi-cultural families, Korea is seeing a rapid increase in immigrated housewives, who are closely related to food culture. However, studies for the diet of multi-cultural families,...Full Text Available
Recent increases in births to unmarried parents, and the instability surrounding these relationships, have raised concerns about the possible health effects associated with changes in family...Full Text Available
This exploratory research paper investigated the coping strategies of families of hospitalized psychiatric patients and identified their positive and negative coping strategies. In this paper, the coping...Full Text Available
Two automated radiometers of RRA family designed for radon concentration measurements are presented. Principal performance specifications and promising applications of the radiometers are presented.
A family of sealant materials has been developed for use in the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and in other applications in the temperature range of 800 endash 1000 degree C. These materials are based on glasses and glass-ceramics in the SrO endash La_2O_3 endash Al_2O_3 endash B_2O_3 endash SiO_2 system. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) for these materials are in the range of 8 endash 13x10"-"6/degree C, a good match with those of the SOFC components. These sealant materials bond well with the ceramics of the SOFC and, more importantly, form bonds that can be thermally cycled without failure. At the fuel cell operating temperature, the sealants have viscosities in the range of 10"4-10"6 Pa-s, which allow them to tolerate a CTE mismatch of about 20% among the bonded substrates. The gas tightness of a sample seal was demonstrated in a simple zirconia-based oxygen concentration cell. copyright 1996 Materials Research Society.
Dozens of universities--primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia--are eyeing the Gulf region as a largely untapped reservoir of academic potential and economic opportunity. During the last few years, UAE states like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Ras al Khaymah have spent billions to entice top universities. And many colleges are responding--examples include New York University's campus in Abu Dhabi; Michigan State University's school in Dubai; and big names like Cornell, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon that have set up shop in Qatar. Typically, Western universities begin their foray into the Gulf by teaming with local investors. The colleges oversee the academic infrastructure while the investors front all operational costs. The partnerships are complicated. Some investors are mining the UAE's educational zeal for profit. In other cases, schools join forces with the region's numerous royal families, who are mostly ...
Superplasticity in Ti alloys has been widely investigated in the past and superplastic forming of aerospace components has thus been developed over the last two decades. The Ti alloy most studied in this framework is undoubtedly the Ti-6Al-4V (wt %) alloy, for which maximum elongations are obtained in the temperature range [880-900C]. The development of the superplastic properties has been demonstrated to be in close relation with quite similar volume fractions of the #alpha# and #beta# phases, the #beta# transus temperature for this alloy ranging from 980-1000 C. Attempts have been carried out to reduce the temperature of superplastic forming of Ti-6Al-4V by the addition of elements like Fe, Co, or Ni. Such an introduction of alloying elements indeed results in a decrease of the optimum forming temperature to values as low as 820 C. This decrease is mainly attributed to a change in the phase volume fractions according to thermodynamic ...
The major purpose of the Police Family Life Education Project (FLEP) is 'to develop and deliver a program that will provide police recruits and their immediate family members with stress management education that focuses on the role and responsibilities o...
A one parameter family of iterative methods for the simultaneous approximation of simple complex zeros of a polynomial, based on a cubically convergent Hansen-Patricks family, is studied. We show that the convergence of the basic family of the fourth order can be increased to five and six using Newtons and Halleys corrections, respectively. Since these corrections use the already calculated values, the computational efficiency of the accelerated methods is significantly increased. Further acceleration is achieved by applying the Gauss-Seidel approach (single-step mode). One of the most important problems in solving nonlinear equations, the construction of initial conditions which provide both the guaranteed and fast convergence, is considered for the proposed accelerated family. These cond...
Promoters are important regulatory elements that contain the necessary sequence features for cells to initiate transcription. To functionally characterize a large set of human promoters, we measured...Full Text Available
BackgroundPromoter region plays an important role in determining where the transcription of a particular gene should be initiated. Computational prediction of eukaryotic Pol II promoter...Full Text Available
The Sunshine Project of Japan was inaugurated in 1974. Since 1980 it has been promoting priority projects such as coal liquefaction. Japan is now promoting the basic and applied research that underpins this development and is increasing the efficiency of technical development. With regard to risk dispersion, the expansion of international cooperation such as the IEA is being promoted.
The effect is reported of seven inorganic oxide additives on both the formation mechanism and the densification of X-Sialon prepared by a silicothermal process. The oxides were added to the starting mixture of halloysite clay, alumina and elemental silicon at a level of 1 wt% of the calculated final product, and fired in nitrogen at 1200-1500 deg C. The formation of X-Sialon was monitored by thermal analysis, powder XRD and 2"7"Al and "2"9Si solid state MAS NMR The effects of the additives are temperature dependent and influence the various stages of the reaction by differing degrees. The oxides which best promote the formation of crystalline X-Sialon (Y_2O_3, CaO and MgO) are also those which facilitate the conversion of initially-formed Si_3N_4 to SiO_2N_2 and SiO_3N units. Densification is most enhanced by Y_2O_3 CaO and CeO_2; MgO exerts its maximum effect on sintering at lower temperatures. Copyright (1998) Australasian Ceramic Society
We show that the morphology and the luminescence properties of ZnO layers produced by magnetron sputtering can be controlled by technological parameters of sputtering, particularly by the ratio of argon to oxygen gases in the gas flow during the growth process. Smooth and flat layers were produced with a high Ar/O ratio, while porous layers with various morphologies were obtained with a low Ar/O ratio. The layers produced with O/Ar ration equal to 10 exhibit extremely high near-bandgap luminescence intensity even higher in comparison with bulk ZnO single crystals. The free carrier density estimated from the analysis of photoluminescence spectra is also very high in these samples suggesting that these technological conditions promote both optical and electrical activation of the doping Al impurity. The samples grown with high Ar/O ratios exhibit strong visible emission which is controlled by the technological conditions.
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), acting for the US Department of Energy (DOE), contracts for and administers programs for the purpose of promoting the development and commercialization of large scale, transportable battery energy storage systems. Under DOE Co-Op Agreement No. DE-FC04-94AL99852, SNL has contracted for the development and delivery of an initial prototype 250 kW bridge that becomes an integral subsystem of a 2 MW/10 Second System that can be used by utility customers to protect power sensitive equipment from power disturbances. Development work includes field installation and testing of the prototype unit at a participating utility site for extended product testing with subsequent relocation to an industrial or commercial participating utility customer site for additional evaluation. The program described by the referenced document calls for cost sharing with the successful bidder and eventual title transfer to the ...
Pd-Ag bimetallic catalysts, supported on gamma-Al2O3, have been evaluated as exhaust catalysts for methanol-fueled vehicles. Laboratory studies have shown that a 0.01% Pd-5% Ag catalyst has greater CO and CH3OH oxidation activity than either 0.01% Pd or 5% Ag catalysts alone. Moreover, Pd and Ag interact synergistically in the bimetallic catalyst to produce greater CO and CH3OH oxidation rates and lower yields of methanol partial oxidation products than expected from a mixture of the single-component catalysts. The Pd-Ag synergism results from Pd promoting the rate of O2 adsorption and reaction with CO and CH3OH on Ag. Rate enhancement by the bimetallic catalyst is greatest at short reactor residence times where the oxygen adsorption rate limits the overall reaction rate.
The Kansas State Board of Education awarded $10.25 million to local education agencies through the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990. A work group developed the System of Measures and Standards of Performance (SMSP). Programs for single parents, displaced homemakers, and single pregnant women were funded to provide education/training, employment readiness, and job placement. Seven gender equity facilitator projects and 17 projects to provide young women access to training and support services for technical and nontraditional occupations were funded. Funding provided programs for criminal offenders in corrections institutions and special populations students. To promote state leadership and professional development, funds for curriculum development, inservice training, and vocational student organizations were awarded. Community-based organizations provided transitional programs, outreach programs, and other services for ...
The aims of the study were to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Thai Family Health Routines (TFHR) scale, a 70-item self-report questionnaire used to measure the health of Thai families through their routine behaviors in daily life. Development of the TFHR was based on the structural domains of Denham's Family Health Model. The TFHR scale was initially composed of 85 items and tested on 1,040 families living in the central region of Thailand. The confirmatory factor analysis, with an acceptable factor structure model, yielded 70 items aligned with six factors: self-care, safety and prevention, mental health behavior, family care, family caregiving, and illness care routines. The preliminary psychometric properties demonstrated that the TFHR scale had satisfactory internal consistency, criterion validity, and construct validity. The test results ...
Previous family and twin studies have indicated that Graves' disease has a heritable component. Family studies have also shown that some autoimmune disease cluster in families and genetic studies have been able to show shared susceptibility genes. In the present nation-wide study we describe familial risk for Graves' disease among parents and offspring, singleton siblings, twins and spouses with regard to age of onset, gender and number and type of affected family members. Additionally familial association of Graves' disease with any of 33 other autoimmune and related conditions was analyzed. The Swedish Multigeneration Register on 0-75-year-old subjects was linked to the Hospital Discharge Register from years 1987-2007. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for individuals ...
The oxide colloidal route, developed in the laboratory for mono-metallic catalysts, consists in preparing a metallic oxide hydro-sol which leads to the supported catalyst after deposition onto a support and an activation stage. In this work, this method has been adapted to the preparation of alumina supported bimetallic Pd-Sn catalysts to determine its interest for the control of the properties of the bimetallic phase (size, composition and structure). In the preliminary study concerning tin oxide sols, SnO{sub 2} (size=2,3 nm) and Sn{sub 6}O{sub 4}(OH){sub 4} (size = 25 nm) nano-particles were synthesized by neutralization respectively for tin(IV) and tin(H). The control through the pH of the aggregation of the PdO and SnO{sub 2} particles revealed that increasing oxide solubility promotes integral re-dispersion of the oxide particles. To synthesize oxide bimetallic sols, three strategies were defined. Copolymerization (formation of a mixed oxide nano-sol by cross ...
Policy strategies for the promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources differ significantly among the Member States of the European Union with respect to the amount of additional installed capacity as well as concerning the country-specific support costs. The present report aims to assess the effectiveness and the economic efficiency of the support policies in the EU based on both historical experiences and prospective model-based analysis. The main message of the investigation is that the most effective policy instruments tend to be cost-efficient at the same time. In particular, feed-in tariff systems were identified as a successful instrument for supporting renewable energies in terms of effectiveness and efficiency, whereas quota systems still have to prove themselves in practice. (orig.) [German] Bezueglich des Erfolges bei der Foerderung erneuerbarer Energietraeger im Stromsektor bestehen deutliche Unterschiede zwischen den Mitgliedsstaaten der ...
FLUTAN is a highly vectorized computer code for 3-D fluiddynamic and thermal-hydraulic analyses in cartesian and cylinder coordinates. It is related to the family of COMMIX codes originally developed at Argonne National Laboratory, USA. To a large extent, FLUTAN relies on basic concepts and structures imported from COMMIX-1B and COMMIX-2 which were made available to KfK in the frame of cooperation contracts in the fast reactor safety field. While on the one hand not all features of the original COMMIX versions have been implemented in FLUTAN, the code on the other hand includes some essential innovative options like CRESOR solution algorithm, general 3-dimensional rebalacing scheme for solving the pressure equation, and LECUSSO-QUICK-FRAM techniques suitable for reducing `numerical diffusion` in both the enthalphy and momentum equations. This report provides users with detailed input instructions, presents formulations of the various model options, and explains by ...
FLUTAN is a highly vectorized computer code for 3D fluiddynamic and thermal-hydraulic analyses in Cartesian or cylinder coordinates. It is related to the family of COMMIX codes originally developed at Argonne National Laboratory, USA, and particularly to COMMIX-1A and COMMIX-1B, which were made available to FZK in the frame of cooperation contracts within the fast reactor safety field. FLUTAN 2.0 is an improved version of the FLUTAN code released in 1992. It offers some additional innovations, e.g. the QUICK-LECUSSO-FRAM techniques for reducing numerical diffusion in the k-{epsilon} turbulence model equations; a higher sophisticated wall model for specifying a mass flow outside the surface walls together with its flow path and its associated inlet and outlet flow temperatures; and a revised and upgraded pressure boundary condition to fully include the outlet cells in the solution process of the conservation equations. Last but not least, a so-called visualization ...
Guar seed gum, consisting primarily of a high molecular weight galactomannan, is the most cost effective natural thickener, having broad applications in the food, cosmetics, paper, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries. The properties of the polymer can potentially be enhanced by genetic modification. Development of suitable endosperm-specific promoters for use in guar is desirable for metabolic engineering of the seed gum. A ~1.6?kb guar mannan synthase (MS) promoter region has been isolated. The MS promoter sequence was fused with the GUS reporter gene and overexpressed in the heterologous species alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The potential strength and specificity of the MS promoter was compared with those of the constitutive 35S promoter and the seed specific ?-phaseolin promoter. Quant...
This study sought to examine the association between adolescents’ relationship with family and school and depressive symptoms across ethnic/racial groups (White, Black, Hispanic, and...Full Text Available
The Ty transposable elements of Saccharomyces cerevisiae form a heterogeneous family within which two broad structural classes (I and II) exist. The two classes differ by two large substitutions and...Full Text Available
BackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that often results in child and family functional impairments. Although there are evidence-based treatment...Full Text Available
The "ovalbumin Y" gene, one of three which constitute the ovalbumin gene family in chicken has been completely sequenced. The exact location of exons can be derived from the comparison with the ovalbumin...Full Text Available
By analysis of crossovers in key recombinant families and by homozygosity analysis of inbred families, the Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) locus was localized in a 300-kb interval between the X104 gene and...Full Text Available
BackgroundSupport groups have proved to be effective in reducing the burden on family caregivers of dementia patients. Nevertheless, little is known about the factors that influence...Full Text Available
The official name of this gene is "solute carrier family 25 (mitochondrial carrier; adenine nucleotide translocator), member 4." SLC25A4 is the gene's official symbol. The...
BackgroundFamilial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is caused by germline mutations in the APC (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli) gene. The vast majority of APC mutations...Full Text Available
We performed genome-wide homozygosity mapping in a large consanguineous family from Morocco and mapped the autosomal-recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) in this family to the DFNB79...Full Text Available
Genes of the S100 fused-type protein (SFTP) family are clustered within the epidermal differentiation complex and encode essential components that maintain epithelial homeostasis and barrier functions....Full Text Available
The full impact of secondary stigma (stigma directed at family) on an HIV-positive individual is unknown. This qualitative research explores perceptions of secondary stigma in the Vietnamese...Full Text Available
The DNA sequences were determined for the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene from five unrelated Japanese patients with familial LPL deficiency. The results demonstrated that all five patients are homozygotes...Full Text Available
The article describes the caregiving responsibility to provide food for chronically ill family members and the meanings attached to food and eating when ill created stress for family caregivers. The...Full Text Available
Four cases of unilateral giant breasts from two unrelated families are described. Three of the patients were managed surgically. It is speculated from a review of available published reports that this...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVES: To assess the subjective quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers of Sudanese type-1 and type-2 diabetic outpatients, using the WHO 26-item QOL instrument, compared with a general population...Full Text Available
Despite their ecological and economical importance, fishes of the family Ariidae are still genetically and cytogenetically poorly studied. Among the 133 known species of ariids, only eight have been...Full Text Available
Family stress theory can explain associations between contextual stressors and parenting. However, the theory has not been tested among Mexican Americans or expanded to include cultural-contextual...Full Text Available
Five children from two families presented to a regional neonatal surgical unit between 1959 and 1984 with congenital anal anomalies and other malformations resulting from an autosomal dominant inherited...Full Text Available
BackgroundMost rapidly evolving gene families are involved in immune responses and reproduction, two biological functions which have been assigned to the carcinoembryonic antigen...Full Text Available
BackgroundMimivirus, a giant dsDNA virus infecting Acanthamoeba, is the prototype of the mimiviridae family, the latest addition to the family of the nucleocytoplasmic...Full Text Available
Familial defective apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 is a genetic disease that leads to hypercholesterolemia and to an increased serum concentration of low density lipoproteins that bind defectively to the...Full Text Available
PurposeTo report the clinical, ophthalmic, and genetic characteristics for lattice corneal dystrophy type I (LCDI) in a Chilean family.MethodsSix...Full Text Available
BmpA, BmpB, BmpC, and BmpD are homologous Borrelia burgdorferi lipoproteins of unknown functions, encoded by the bmp genes of paralogous chromosomal gene family 36....Full Text Available
We previously reported the identification of a new family of plant methyltransferases (MTs), named the SABATH family, that use S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) to methylate...Full Text Available
PurposeTo detail the highly variable ocular phenotypes of a French family affected with an autosomal dominantly inherited vitreoretinopathy and to identify the disease gene.MethodsSixteen...Full Text Available
We survey a new area of parameter-free similarity distance measures useful in data-mining, pattern recognition, learning and automatic semantics extraction. Given a family of distances on a set of objects, a distance is universal up to a certain precision for that family if it minorizes every distance in the family between every two objects in the set, up to the stated precision (we do not require the universal distance to be an element of the family). We consider similarity distances for two types of objects: literal objects that as such contain all of their meaning, like genomes or books, and names for objects. meaning, like genomes or books, and names for objects. The latter may have literal embodyments like the first type, but may also be abstract like ``red'' or ``christianity.'' For the first type we consider a family of computable distance measures corresponding to parameters ...
...Cummins Turbo Technologies launches new family of turbochargers for smaller diesel engines at IAA Hannover, public service, publicservice.co.uk Cummins Turbo Technologies ...launches new family of turbochargers for smaller diesel engines at IAA Hannover Cummins Turbo Technologies launches new family of turbochargers for smaller diesel engines at IAA ...Facebook Delicious Cummins Turbo Technologies launches new family of turbochargers for smaller diesel engines at IAA Hannover Cummins Turbo Technologies, a global engineering leader ...turbocharger technology, launched a new range of diesel turbochargers specifically designed for diesel engines from 2 -5 litre capacity today at IAA Hannover. Cummins ...
The dispersion curves E(k-bar) have been calculated for bound and resonant (110) surface states of AlSb, AlAs, and AlP. AlSb is predicted to have no surface states within the bulk fundamental band gap, but AlAs and AlP are predicted to have surface state band minima which are very near the conduction band edge, and could lie either within the gap or immediately above the edge.
The research project's objective is to create a decision help for owners of residential buildings for several families regarding the renewal of decentralized heating and warm water preparation systems in the flats. The focus lies on a comparison of the costs of typical systems on the basis of a full cost calculation. This is done by taking into consideration the intentions of residential building companies like the reduction of additional costs to be paid by the tenants (both for social reasons and to make the flats easier to rent), low investment costs, low maintenance costs, energy saving, tenants' claims for comfort and acceptance by the tenants, economical reasons, especially regarding flats fully amortized (activation in the balance sheet). In addition to the quantitative comparison, the advantages and disadvantages of the different systems were also compared to one another from the qualitative point of view. [German] Ziel des ...
The purpose of the present study was to examine reactions between bromium atoms with {alpha}, {beta}-unsaturated carbonyls. Acrolein, methacrolein, and methyl vinyl zetone were chosen as representatives of this family. The latter two compounds, beside formaldehyde, belong to the main products of atmospheric oxidation of isoprene and have been detected in the troposphere at concentrations of up to almost 1 ppb. It is known that alkenes react with bromium via addition to form an instable adduct. This product can either decompose again into its educts or react with molecular oxygen. The aim of the study was to determine the velocities of the reactions between the three {alpha}, {beta}-unsaturated carbonyls and bromium and to clarify the involved reaction mechanisms by means of kinetic experiments and product analyses. (orig./SR) [Deutsch] In dieser Arbeit wurde die Reaktion von Bromatomen mit {alpha}, {beta}-ungesaettigten Carbonylen untersucht. Ausgewaehlt wurden ...
We have previously reported the construction and characterization of an autonomously replicating plasmid in Trypanosoma brucei. In this plasmid the procyclic acidic repetitive protein (PARP) gene promoter...Full Text Available
A series of deletion mutants extending from -250 toward the capsite has been constructed in the early promoter region of the adenovirus 2 EIIa gene and tested both in vitro, and in vivo after transfection...Full Text Available
A continuous stream of activating and repressing signals is processed by the transcription complex paused at the promoter of the c-myc proto-oncogene. The general transcription factor...Full Text Available
BackgroundGene promoters can be in various epigenetic states and undergo interactions with many molecules in a highly transient, probabilistic and combinatorial way, resulting in...Full Text Available
PurposeTo study informal skill transfer via staff networks as a complement to formal training among afterschool childcare providers implementing a health promotion...Full Text Available
This commentary adds effect sizes to the recently published systematic review by De Meester and colleagues and provides a more detailed insight into the effectiveness of interventions to promote physical...Full Text Available
BackgroundWith rates of childhood obesity increasing, physical activity (PA) promotion especially in young children has assumed greater importance. Given the limited effectiveness...Full Text Available
BackgroundSearching for approximate patterns in large promoter sequences frequently produces an exceedingly high numbers of results. Our aim was to exploit biological knowledge for...Full Text Available
ObjectivesThis feasibility study developed and pilot tested an intervention to: (1) increase knowledge about prostate cancer (CaP) screening; and (2) promote self-efficacy...Full Text Available
The properties of AlN make this material very attractive for optical, electronic, and tribological application. Also, if the AlN could be formed on the Al surface to enhance its surface properties, Al could be applied for the lightening of machine parts. However, a dense oxide film exists on the surface of Al, which prevents the formation of the Al nitride even during plasma nitriding and plasma coating process. In this study, plasma nitriding has been tried to form an AlN layer on Al after the surface activation processes. During the plasma nitriding, the density of the nitrogen ions was amplified by means of controlling the power of the Al substrates. The film thickness, microstructural features and the mechanical properties such as hardness and wear properties of the AlN layer ...
... counseling, some training, and assure the general health and welfare of the command. ... publications, promotions, OERs/NCOER's (Officer Efficiency ...
... or the Noncommissioned Officer Efficiency Report (NCOER) for promotion ... Providing effective coaching, delegating, counseling, and role modeling ...
Fine ceramics center (JFCC) succeeded in the higher precision of thermal diffusivity measurement by the laser flash. This results are part of 'the research on thermophysical property measurement technique and standard substance of the functional material' by the intelligent establishing of a base promotion system of Science and Technology Agency. Cooperative research. thermal diffusivity with Natl. Res. Lab. of Metrology is one of the representative thermophysical property. The speed in which a heat transmits of the material is shown, and it is indispensable to the design of the high-temperature member subject. JFCC heralds the world as a standard substance for the thermal diffusivity measurement; 'TD-AL' using the alumina material is developed and is supplied in the spring in last year. Laser flash which uses laser beam for the heat source is general for the measurement. However, there was grinding undercut ...
Testing of barrier properties of insulating materials against radon is usually based on the measurement of the radon diffusion coefficient. Presented report summarizes results of radon diffusion coefficients measurements in more than 120 insulating materials obtained throughout Europe. All measurements were performed by the Czech Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering in cooperation with the Radiation Protection Institute. We have found out that great differences exist in diffusion properties, because the diffusion coefficients vary within eight orders from 10"-"1"5 m"2/s to 10"-"8 m"2/s. For each material category of different chemical composition statistical evaluation of results is presented. Possibilities of usage of the radon diffusion coefficient for the design of radon resisting membranes are discussed. Based on the experience from the Czech Republic the paper is trying to show that controlling applicability of membranes by setting of the upper limit for the radon ...
We present a study of the crystal field in PrNiAl, NdNiAl, ErNiAl and ErCuAl intermetallic compounds based on inelastic neutron spectroscopy. These compounds crystallize in the ZrNiAl-type hexagonal structure with an orthorhombic symmetry on rare-earth sites. The results are compared with the specific-heat data, and the lower parts of the crystal-field energy-level schemes are determined. (orig.)
We present a study of the crystal field in PrNiAl, NdNiAl, ErNiAl and ErCuAl intermetallic compounds based on inelastic neutron spectroscopy. These compounds crystallize in the ZrNiAl-type hexagonal structure with an orthorhombic symmetry on rare-earth sites. The results are compared with the specific-heat data, and the lower parts of the crystal-field energy-level schemes are determined. (orig.)
...The RSPB: Birds by family: Owls E-mail to a friendE-newsletterContact us Home England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales About Overview Awards & recognition Contact ...Birds by family PrintHome Birds and wildlife Bird guide Birds by family Owls Owls Owls are specialised birds with round heads and rather flat ...or dished faces, with forward-facing eyes and a short, hooked bill. Most are nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk)... Owls are found all over the temperate and tropical parts of the world. Barn owl With heart shaped face, buff back ...
In many industrialised societies, women remain underrepresented in the sciences, which can be predicted by the gender gap in math achievement at school. Using PISA 2006 data, we explore the role of family background and single-sex schooling in girls' disadvantage in maths in South Korea and Hong Kong. This disadvantage is found to be associated with single-sex schooling, but not with family background. Attending a girls' school confers a benefit only in South Korea, whereas the gendered curriculum counteracts the selectivity advantage of girls' schools in Hong Kong. We find that a gendered social structure prevalent in both societies.
If fourth family condensates are responsible for electroweak symmetry breaking then they may also break approximate global symmetries. Among the resulting pseudo-Goldstone bosons are those that can have diquark quantum numbers. We describe the variety of diquarks and their decay modes, and we find aspects that are particular to the fourth family framework. Spectacular signatures at the LHC appear and are explored for color sextet diquarks with 600 GeV mass. We consider a simple search strategy which avoids diquark reconstruction. We also consider 350 GeV mass diquarks that are accessible at the Tevatron.
In this work, a comprehensive model has been developed for the absorption of carbon dioxide into promoted hot potassium carbonate solution. The model, which is based on penetration theory, incorporates an extensive set of important reactions and takes into account the coupling between mass transfer and chemical kinetics. The penetration theory provides an appropriate absorption rate and enhancement factor for the chemical absorption. Operating data for carbon dioxide absorption into DEA-hot potassium carbonate solution has been compared with model predictions. The impact of parameters such inlet temperature of lean solution, promoter concentration, liquid split fraction, hot feed location and type of promoter on the performance of a split-flow absorber have been examined. The use of other promoters is an efficient way to enhance the carbon dioxide absorption, which has been discussed in this paper.
The objective of this study was to evaluate how the vehicles of choice affect the pharmacokinetics of orally administered Fluoranthene [FLA] in rats. Fluoranthene is a member of the family of...Full Text Available
The proteolytic activities of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM); a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) families play important...Full Text Available
The receptor-associated protein (RAP) is a molecular chaperone that binds tightly to certain newly synthesized LDL receptor family members in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and facilitates their delivery...Full Text Available
This longitudinal study examined a model of early school achievement in reading and math, as it varies by socioeconomic context, using data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. A conceptual model was tested that included features of family stress, early parenting, and school readiness, through both a single-group analysis and also a multiple-group analysis. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of more advantaged and less advantaged families. Family stress and parenting were shown to operate differently depending on the socioeconomic context, whereas child-based school readiness characteristics were shown to operate similarly across socieodemographic contexts. Implications for intervention are discussed.
The stereocontrolled total synthesis of 4-hydroxydictyolactone (4), a member of the xenicane diterpene family of natural products, is described. These studies feature the development...Full Text Available
The penetrance of Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in families with primary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations is very complex. Matrilineal and nuclear genetic background, as well as environmental factors, have been reported to be involved in different affected pedigrees. Here we describe two large Chinese families that show a striking difference in the penetrance of LHON, in which 53.3% and 15.0% of members were affected (Pin vivo mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as described in a previous study. Evolutionary analysis failed to indicate any putatively pathogenic mutation that cosegregated with G11778A in these two pedigrees. Our results suggest that the variable penetrance of LHON in the two Chinese families is independent of both their mtDNA haplotype background and a seconda...
The Sirtuins are a family of orthologues of yeast Sir2 found in a wide range of organisms from bacteria to man. They display a high degree of conservation between species, in both sequence and function,...Full Text Available
ObjectiveTo assess familial links in fat stereotypes and predictors of stereotypes among girls and their parents.Research Methods and...Full Text Available
Phospholemman (PLM), a member of the FXYD family of regulators of ion transport, is a major sarcolemmal substrate for protein kinases A and C in cardiac and skeletal muscle. In the heart, PLM...Full Text Available
The Model for the Assessment of Psychosocial Problems (MAPP) can help family medicine residents effectively assess patients with psychosocial problems. Following a patient-centred clinical method, MAPP...Full Text Available
News Jobs Grants/Funding Families Prevention Diseases Regulations Preparedness Mental Health and Traumatic Events Find Local Mental Health Services Information for: Parents and...
The present study investigated the association of mothers’ marriage and changes in young adolescents’ cognitive and socioemotional development and changes in family processes....Full Text Available
... elevated blood sugar levels, but not full-blown diabetes. What are the keys to preventing the disease? ... been well studied, in a study called The Diabetes Prevention Program, in several thousand people with this ...
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are a significant component of a wider family of retroelements that constitute part of the human genome. These viruses, perhaps representative of previous exogenous...Full Text Available
Homocysteine concentrations are a read-out of methionine metabolism and have been related to changes in lifespan in animal models. In humans, high homocysteine concentrations are an important predictor...Full Text Available
The family physician dealing with gynecologic pelvic pain (acute or chronic) enters at the beginning of the problem as diagnostician, refers the patient to a specialist in the interim, and resumes...Full Text Available
Background and AimsAnnonaceae are one of the largest families of Magnoliales. This study investigates the comparative floral development of 15 species to understand the basis for...Full Text Available
A 6-week-old girl with fever, hypernatraemia, dehydration, and polyuria failed to concentrate urine in response to exogenous vasopressin administration. There was no family history of nephrogenic diabetes...Full Text Available
Many family physicians are considering purchasing a computer in the near future. This article explains some of the jargon of the computer industry and describes the various specifications that will...Full Text Available
Summary of recent advancesA family of small molecules called ascarosides act as pheromones to control multiple behaviors in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans....Full Text Available
The synapsin III gene, SYN3, which belongs to the family of synaptic vesicle-associated proteins, has been implicated in the modulation of neurotransmitter...Full Text Available
BackgroundPoliovirus, the causative agent of poliomyelitis, is a human enterovirus and a member of the family of Picornaviridae and among the most rapidly evolving viruses known....Full Text Available
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a program to improve hypertension control practices in primary care. DESIGN: Retrospective quasi-experimental study. SETTING: Three hospital-based family...Full Text Available
"2"7Al and "2"9Si solid-state NMR spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were obtained for #alpha#-SiAlON powders prepared by combustion synthesis, according to which the phase transformation and structure evolution of #alpha#-SiAlON were studied. It was found that in #alpha#-SiAlON "2"9Si chemical shift values (-48 < #delta# _S_i < -47) were close to those in #beta#-Si_3N_4 and #alpha#-Si_3N_4, indicating that Si atoms kept SiN_4 coordination to a large extent in #alpha#-SiAlON despite the presence of O atoms. Dissimilarly, "2"7Al chemical shift values in #alpha#-SiAlON deviated clearly from that corresponding to AlN_4 coordination (#delta# _A_l #approx# 112) and occurred in a range from #delta# _A_l 95.5 to 99.9, which should be assigned to tetrahedral ...
Conduction properties of Rb"+ ion in Rb-Al-priderite and K"+ ion and Rb"+ ion in (K,Rb)-Al-priderite, were investigated by NMR using "2"7Al in the framework as a probe. Size effect was observed remarkably in the activation energies. Frequency dependence of T_1 in Rb-Al-priderite at a low temperature indicates that the relaxation behavior of "2"7Al in Rb-Al-priderite can be described by the continuum model. Barrier height distributions and 'attempt frequencies' in both samples obtained by a curve-fitting method are discussed in comparison with those of K-Al-priderite. (orig.).
Synthesis of Eu-doped #beta#- and 15R-SiAlONs was studied by the ammonia nitridation of precursors derived from an #alpha#-Si_3N_4 fine powder dispersed in aluminum glycine gel with various Si/Al ratio and post-annealing in a nitrogen pressure furnace. The largest amount of #beta#-SiAlON was observed in the product at 1750 deg. C for Si/Al = 1/1 with small amounts of both #alpha#- and 15R-SiAlON impurities. The product showed two emissions at around 420 nm and 560 nm. The emission intensities decreased with increasing amount of #beta#-SiAlON. The former and latter emissions were assigned to Eu"2"+ in the 15R- and #alpha#-SiAlONs impurities. A mixture of Eu-doped 15R-SiAlON with #alpha#-Al_2O_3 impurity was obtained for Si/Al = 1/6, using AlN together with ...
Metagenomics projects based on shotgun sequencing of populations of micro-organisms yield insight into protein families. We used sequence similarity clustering to explore proteins with a comprehensive dataset consisting of sequences from available databases together with 6.12 million proteins predicted from an assembly of 7.7 million Global Ocean Sampling (GOS) sequences. The GOS dataset covers nearly all known prokaryotic protein families. A total of 3,995 medium- and large-sized clusters consisting of only GOS sequences are identified, out of which 1,700 have no detectable homology to known families. The GOS-only clusters contain a higher than expected proportion of sequences of viral origin, thus reflecting a poor sampling of viral diversity until now. Protein domain distributions in the GOS dataset and current protein databases show distinct biases. Several protein domains that were previously categorized as kingdom ...
While prior research has examined family, school, and peer factors as potential predictors of problem behavior, less attention has been given to studying when these factors are most predictive...Full Text Available
During apoptosis, the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins BAK and BAX form large oligomeric pores in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Apoptotic factors, including cytochrome c, are...Full Text Available
In this paper we present a new efficient sixth-order scheme for nonlinear equations. The method is compared to several members of the family of methods developed by Neta (1979) [B. Neta, A sixth-order family of methods for nonlinear equations, Int. J. Comput. Math. 7 (1979) 157-161]. It is shown that the new method is an improvement over this well known scheme.
The complete complementary code (CCC) is a sequence family with ideal correlation sums which was proposed by Suehiro and Hatori. Numerous literatures show its applications to direct-spread code-division multiple access (DS-CDMA) systems for inter-channel interference (ICI)-free communication with improved spectral efficiency. In this paper, we propose a systematic framework for the construction of CCCs based on $N$-shift cross-orthogonal sequence families ($N$-CO-SFs). We show theoretical bounds on the size of $N$-CO-SFs and CCCs, and give a set of four algorithms for their generation and extension. The algorithms are optimal in the sense that the size of resulted sequence families achieves theoretical bounds and, with the algorithms, we can construct an optimal CCC consisting of sequences whose lengths are not only almost arbitrary but even variable between sequence families. We also discuss the ...
This investigation concerns the nonlinear dynamics of heat transfer from a surface using an upstream eddy promoter. A numerical model is developed for the coupled fluid flow and heat transfer process based on a modified MacCormack scheme. Numerical simulations are carried out to determine the response and heat transfer enhancement due to the promoter. The average heat transfer from a cavity floor is seen to be increased by a factor of approximately five over the unpromoted'' flow. Another interesting feature of the study is the nonlinear viscous flow dynamics from the cylinder-wall interaction which differ significantly from the familiar cylinder-free stream patterns.
This investigation concerns the nonlinear dynamics of heat transfer from a surface using an upstream eddy promoter. A numerical model is developed for the coupled fluid flow and heat transfer process based on a modified MacCormack scheme. Numerical simulations are carried out to determine the response and heat transfer enhancement due to the promoter. The average heat transfer from a cavity floor is seen to be increased by a factor of approximately five over the unpromoted'' flow. Another interesting feature of the study is the nonlinear viscous flow dynamics from the cylinder-wall interaction which differ significantly from the familiar cylinder-free stream patterns.
SiC-AlN and SiC-SiAlON refractory composites were obtained by means of nitridation of the mixtures of silicon carbide (SiC) powder with a broad granulometric distribution and powders of aluminium (Al) and aluminium-silicon (Al-Si) mixtures. The mixtures of the composition Al-25% Si, Al-50% Si and Al-75% Si were previously prepared by means of 'mechanical alloying' technique. Thermodynamic analysis was accomplished in order to evaluate the viability of SiC-SiAlON and SiC-AlN refractories production by the chosen processing method, and the results confirmed viability of such. Investigation of nitridation of Al and Al-Si powder compacts in order to obtain the AlN and #beta#-SiAlON matrix phases of the composite was ...
XAFS data of metallic glass Al_0_._9_1La_0_._0_9 and a crystalline phase Al_1_1La_3 formed by annealing of the glass were measured at the La L_3 edge at T=12 K and analyzed using the radial distribution function method. The shortest La-Al distance appeared to be distinctively smaller within the glass than in the crystal. This difference decreases the disparity in size of La and Al in the alloy, allowing their mixing in the glassy state. ((orig.)).
In this article, transhumanism is considered to be a quasi‐medical ideology that seeks to promote a variety of therapeutic and human‐enhancing aims. Moderate conceptions are distinguished...Full Text Available
Axon outgrowth and guidance to the proper target requires the coordination of filamentous (F)-actin and microtubules (MTs), the dynamic cytoskeletal polymers that promote shape change and locomotion....Full Text Available
Recent Reviews in Carcinogenesis is a service of the International Cancer Research Data Bank (ICRDB) Program of the National Cancer Institute, intended to facilitate and promote the exchange of information between cancer scientists. It contains abstracts ...
The practice of medical tourism depends on successfully informing potential patients about procedure options, treatment facilities, tourism opportunities, travel arrangements, and destination countries. The promotion of medical tourism includes a wide range of marketing materials such as flyers, booklets, and websites. Yet, there is a paucity of knowledge about the dissemination, content, and reception of these promotional materials. Drawing on a thematic content analysis of the promotional print material distributed at the first medical tourism trade show in Canada in 2009, the main purpose of this article is to identify and understand the messages and images that companies use to market India as a global destination. While researchers and news media frequently cite low cost procedures as...
While autophagy has been shown to act as an anti-viral defense, the Picornaviridae avoid and, in many cases, subvert this pathway to promote their own replication. Evidence indicates...Full Text Available
Chaperones (stress proteins) are essential proteins to help the formation and maintenance of the proper conformation of other proteins and to promote cell survival after a large variety of environmental...Full Text Available
In tomato crop, the induction of resistance emerges as an important alternative for achieving the reduction of chemicals in disease control. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of 28 Trichoderma isolates to promote the growth of tomato seedlings and to induce systemic resistance (ISR) against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and Alternaria solani, the causal agents of bacterial spot and early blight, respectively. Twelve isolates promoted the increase of plant dry matter mass (DMM) above 100%, showing the great potential of these strains. All isolates were able to colonize the root system of tomato plants. The plant growth-promoting isolates were further evaluated for potential elicitation of ISR. Treatment of the soil with all Trichoderma isolates provided protection in tomato plants from 2...
Is global warming contributing to amphibian declines and extinctions by promoting outbreaks of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis? Analyzing patterns ... ...
The importance of cancer metabolism has been appreciated for many years, but the intricacies of how metabolic pathways interconnect with oncogenic signaling are not fully understood. With a clear understanding...Full Text Available
The structure and catalytic properties of 2 wt.-% Pd/SiO/sub 2/ catalysts promoted with 2 wt.-% MgO and 0.2-5 wt.-% iron have been investigated. Catalysts were characterized by TPR, hydrogen chemisorption, and Moessbauer spectroscopy and their catalytic performance in methanol formation was also measured. At 16 at.-% iron a sharp maximum was observed in the activity which can be interpreted as being due to simultaneous promotion with iron and MgO. Independent mechanisms of promotion were found for the two modifiers: iron influenced the metallic component by forming bimetallic PdFe particles while MgO changed the properties of silica in a favourable way. 6 figs., 29 refs., 1 tab.
diet and genetic obesity metabolic defects and inflammation. To determine the role of adipocyte death in promoting adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in animal...
BackgroundThe evaluation of interventions and policies designed to promote resilience, and research to understand the determinants and associations, require reliable and valid measures...Full Text Available
The morphology and size characteristics of the population of AlP particles produced by treatment of a pure aluminium melt with an Al-Fe-P inoculant addition have been determined. The particles are shown to be polyhedral like the primary silicon they nucleate in hypereutectic Al-Si alloy melts and to be prone to clustering at increased phosphorus addition levels. The number of AlP particles per unit area is shown to be comparable with the corresponding number density of polyhedral primary silicon in Al-20 wt.% Si treated in the same way under identical conditions which is consistent with earlier conclusions that AlP acts as a nucleation catalyst for primary silicon in hypereutectic Al-Si casting alloys. (orig.)
... In a HEAO 1 study of active galaxies, principally Seyfert 1s, in the 2, 165 keV energy range, Rothschild et al. ... As discussed by Rothschild et al. ...
Phase transformations from #alpha#- to #beta#-SiAlONs (i.e., from #alpha#' to #beta#') have been recently reported in a number of rare-earth SiAlON systems during postsintering heat treatment. In the present work, this transformation process in a Sm (#alpha# + #beta#)-SiAlON material is studied by using XRD, TEM, and EDS X-ray mapping techniques. It is observed that in addition to the formation of #beta#' and M' phases, the #alpha#'-to-#beta#' transformation is accompanied by a significant increase in the amount of an AlN-polytypoid phase. The results suggest that some #alpha#' phases are thermodynamically unstable at temperatures lower than the material sintering temperature and will decompose when conditions allow. For the composition studied in this work, the #alpha#-SiAlON decomposition can be described in general as #alpha#' #-># #beta#' + M' + AlN ...
Effect of Al and AlP particles on the microstructure of near eutectic Mn-Si alloy (Mn-30 wt.%Si) was studied by Electron Probe Micro-analyzer (EPMA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Crystal lattice correspondence analyses show that both Al and AlP have good lattice matching coherence relationships with MnSi phase, and the addition of Al and AlP particles results in an abnormal eutectic structure, i.e. the eutectic constitution MnSi and Mn{sub 5}Si{sub 3} precipitate separately: MnSi precipitates firstly, and then the Mn{sub 5}Si{sub 3} phase.
Lea, MN Micro Albertville, AL Micro Albuquerque, NM Metro Alexander City, AL Micro Alexandria, LA Metro Alexandria, MN Micro Alice, TX Micro Allegan, MI Micro...
Abstract Electronic structures of two representative zigzag and armchair models of aluminum phosphide nanotube (AlPNT) were investigated by density functional theory calculations. The structures were optimized and the bond lengths, tip diameters, band gaps, and dipole moments were calculated. Moreover, the quadrupole coupling constants (CQ) were calculated for the Al-27 atoms of the optimized structures. The same values of AlP bond lengths were calculated for both models. The larger value of band gap of armchair model than the zigzag model indicated the stronger dielectric property for the former model. The values of CQ(27Al) were the largest for the Al atoms placed at the tips of both zigzag and armchair AlPNT than other Al atoms, which could reveal dominant role of the Al atoms placed at...
The European Court of Justice has defined a clear means by which waste utilisation methods can be distinguished from waste disposal methods in a logical, well-understandable manner. With its stringent definition of ''utilisation'' this judgement points the way to quality-oriented waste management practices. We do not share the often voiced fear that this decision will lead to an increased incineration of compound wastes in industrial plants such as cement works. From the fact that, according to the decision by the European Court of Justice, wastes destined for utilisation fulfil a certain purpose and therefore, if not available in sufficient quantity must be replaced by primary raw materials, it follows that these wastes are required to fulfil specific quality criteria. This is rarely the case, if at all, with compound wastes. From the viewpoint of Luxembourg the decision by the European Court of Justice can be regarded as a positive impulse towards ...
Batch interaction experiments were performed under aerobic conditions to characterize the adsorption behavior and valence speciation of CoEDTA complexes (equimolar at 10 -5 mol/L) in a series of Pliocene subsurface sediments containing various amounts of Fe and Mn oxides. The experiments were performed in 0.003 mol/L Ca(ClO 4 ) 2 with a solids concentration of 500 g/L at variable pH (4-9) and at the natural pH of the sediments (pH = 8.3). Three of these subaerial sediments (Ringold 1, 2, 3) contained significant quantities of extractable Fe and Mn, while the fourth (Ringold 4) was virtually devoid of sesquioxide precipitates. Microscopic and mineralogic analyses of the most heavily encrusted material (Ringold 2) showed that the oxides existed as intergrain cements and contained crystalline goethite and rancieite/todorokite. Adsorption on a synthetic analog sorbent (0.6 mass % ferrihydrite-coated sand) over a range in pH showed that, while both Co(II)EDTA 2- and Co(III)EDTA - sorb ...
Interest to thin film of metals' silicides first of all is conditioned intrinsic al them unique physical properties. On their basis of it is possible to produce extremely sophisticated devices of solid-state electronics, production which needs the controlled change of physics, chemical and electrical properties with high-level of accuracy. On the present time most are in detail investigated composition, structure and properties of three-dimensional samples of metals' silicides. In the last years the intensive are led to researches in the direction of creation and study of physical-chemical properties thin (500-1000 Angstroms) and ultrafine (100-120 Angstroms) films silicides. It has information about composition, morphology of surface and emission of properties of thin film of silicides of barium, of cobalt and of palladium, was obtained in conditions of ultra-high vacuum. Low energy ion implantation and further annealing on composition, electronic and crystalline ...
Our work deals with accumulative roll bonding (ARB) of pure Mg sheet (0.9mm thickness) and of Al5052 sheet (0.5mm). A stacking of Al-Mg-Al was firstly rolled to 50% reduction at 400"0C and secondly ARB has been processed up to 3 cycles. In such multilayers as well as highly mixed composites of two-phased system texture development, phase reactions and strain accumulation are of basic interest, which needs a combination of different experimental methods for characterization. The present paper deals with the global texture evolution measured by thermal neutrons to average always over the whole sample thickness, SEM and optical microscopy indicates the macroscopic development of Mg and Al layers. The initial materials show typical and strong basal plane texture of hexagonal Mg (17.9mrd) and a recrystallization texture of cubic Al (8.5mrd). Co-deformation of Al/Mg/Al leads to strong ...
Abstract We present a study of the impact of different model groups in the detection of circumstellar debris discs. Almost all previous studies in this field have used kurucz (atlas9) model spectra to predict the stellar contribution to the flux at the wavelength of observation, thus determining the existence of a disc excess. Only recently have other model groups or families like marcs and nextgen (phoenix) become available to the same extent as atlas9. This study aims to determine whether the predicted stellar flux of a disc target can change with the choice of model family can a disc excess be present in the use of one model family whilst being absent from another. A simple comparison of kurucz model spectra with marcs and nextgen model spectra of identical stellar parameters was conduc...
Home economics is a dynamic field that imparts knowledge intended to help people adapt to their environment by making effective use of human and material resources. Hence, the profession values global concerns for the environment, human rights, health, and well-being. In Nigeria, home economics teachers must also consider the role they play in programs such as family life education, poverty alleviation, and universal basic education. In particular, home economics is one of the subjects through which core messages of the country's Population and Family Life Education program are to be integrated at the secondary school level. In this article, the author discusses the outcomes of this program and provides recommendations for teachers teaching this subject. (Contains 1 table and 1 resource.)
This guide accompanies the following article: Gabrielle Poeschl, `What Family Organization Tells Us about Fairness and Power in Marital Relationships', Social and Personality Compass 1/1 (2007): 557-571, 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2007.00026.x Author's Introduction One thing that often strikes me, when I talk with people, is the human capacity to accept and defend surprising aspects of the social life. Thus, we have some feeling that the separation between the domestic and the public spheres has not always existed, but we are ready to assume that in the first human groups, men went out hunting to feed their family, while women stayed in the camp to take care of the children. Even in the face of evidence to the contrary, we are reluctant to question the opinion that men and women differ in persona...
In six dimensions, cancellation of gauge, gravitational, and mixed anomalies strongly constrains the set of quantum field theories which can be coupled consistently to gravity. We show that for some classes of six-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories coupled to gravity, the anomaly cancellation conditions are equivalent to tadpole cancellation and other constraints on the matter content of heterotic/type I compactifications on K3. In these cases, all consistent 6D supergravity theories have a realization in string theory. We find one example which may arise from a novel string compactification, and we identify a new infinite family of models satisfying anomaly factorization. We find, however, that this infinite family of models, as well as other infinite families of models previously identified by Schwarz are pathological. We suggest that it may be feasible to demonstrate that there is a string theoretic realization of ...
Generalized linear models (GLMs), as defined by J. A. Nelder and R. W. M. Wedderburn (1972), unify a class of regression models for categorical, discrete, and continuous response variables. As an extension of classical linear models, GLMs provide a common body of theory and methodology for some seemingly unrelated models and procedures, such as the logistic, Poisson, and probit models, that are increasingly used in family studies. This article provides an overview of the principle and the key components of GLMs, such as the exponential family of distributions, the linear predictor, and the link function. To illustrate the application of GLMs, this article uses Canadian national survey data to build an example focusing on the number of close friends among older adults. The article concludes with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of GLMs.
Delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) is a unique disorder characterized by fluctuating otologic symptoms in the setting of preexisting unilateral deafness. The symptoms include aural fullness, fluctuating hearing, and/or episodes of vertigo similar to those observed in Meniere disease and may occur ipsilateral or contralateral to the previously deafened ear. In most reported cases, the unilateral deafness has been a profound sensorineural hearing loss with a sudden onset that has been variously attributed to bacterial or viral labyrinthitis, acoustic or cranial trauma, otosclerosis, and congenital CMV infection. Familial occurrence of the syndrome has not previously been reported in the literature. In this report, we describe two possible familial instances of delayed DEH. These patients ra...
Abstract Flavin-containing reductases are involved in a wide variety of physiological reactions such as photosynthesis, nitric oxide synthesis, and detoxification of foreign compounds, including therapeutic drugs. Ferredoxin-NADP(H)-reductase (FNR) is the prototypical enzyme of this family. The fold of this protein is highly conserved and occurs as one domain of several multidomain enzymes such as the members of the diflavin reductase family. The enzymes of this family have emerged as fusion of a FNR and a flavodoxin. Although the active sites of these enzymes are very similar, different enzymes function in opposite directions, that is, some reduce oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) and some oxidize reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). In t...
In accordance with federal legislation, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has conducted a project to demonstrate use of its Energy Conservation Voluntary Performance Standards for Commercial and Multi-Family High-Rise Residential Buildings; Mandatory for New Federal Buildings; Interim Rule (referred to in this report as DOE-1993). A key requisite of the legislation requires DOE to develop commercial building energy standards that are cost effective. During the demonstration project, DOE specifically addressed this issue by assessing the impacts of the standards on (1) construction costs, (2) builders (and especially small builders) of multi-family, high-rise buildings, and (3) the ability of low-to moderate-income persons to purchase or rent units in such buildings. This document reports on this project.
Salt stress elicits betaine accumulation to high levels in species from several diverse dicot families (Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Convolvulaceae, Solanaceae, and Asteraceae). FAM-MS studies with deuterated precursors showed that species from all these families synthesize betaine from choline. Enzyme assays and immunotitration data showed that all accumulating species contained betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) enzyme activity recognized by antibodies raised against purified BADH isolated from Spinacia oleracea. Immunoblotting indicated that the BADH monomer was in all cases of Mr {approx} 63,000. The similarity of BADH in the different species is consistent with a single evolutionary origin for the betaine pathway. This was supported by the presence in immunoblots of a cross-reacting band at Mr {approx} 63,000 in Magnolia x Soulangiana, a primitive angiosperm.
Background: As the global population ages, support for family caregivers who provide the bulk of care to community-dwelling older people is becoming ever more important. However, in many countries, homecare-service practitioners currently do not follow a systematic approach to assessing and responding to caregiver needs. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of caregivers and practitioners who took part in a field test of the Family Caregivers Support Agreement (FCSA) tool, a modified version of the Carers Outcome Agreement Tool (COAT) initially developed as the result of an Anglo-Swedish study. Both the COAT and the FCSA are designed to facilitate partnerships between caregivers and practitioners so that needs assessment and subsequent support services are negot...
Transcription for a hybrid SV40 promoter-beta globin coding sequence recombinant initiates from both early-early (EE) and late-early (LE) SV40 start sites (EES and LES) in the absence of DNA replication....Full Text Available
This short article describes the strategies taken into consideration by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy for the promotion of renewable forms of energy in Switzerland. Two basic models are considered and the parts to be played by the Swiss Confederation, the Swiss Cantons, Energy Agencies and professional organisations are discussed. The importance of the activities of partner organisations and actor-networks in various areas such as solar, small hydro, geothermal and wind energy are discussed, as are models for financing the necessary promotion and marketing efforts
Current information suggests that chemical carcinogenesis is a multistep process with one of the best studied models in this regard being the two-stage carcinogenesis system using mouse skin. The effects of several carcinogens and tumor promoters in various sequences of application were studied to examine the nature of the process. The actions of several tumor inhibitors were compared. (ACR)
Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is a state of low serum 3,5,3′ triiodothyronine (T3) that occurs in chronically ill patients; the degree of reduction in T3 is associated...Full Text Available
The heat transfer augmentation is reviewed in view of high temperature heat exchangers illuminating the contribution of radiative heat transfer. A number of means and/or devices are presented as well as the sophisticated concept which will be promoted to the extended applications in matured industries such as iron and steel, oir refinery, petro-chemical. It should be emphasized that the more creative and innovatory technology has to be promoted in order to stimulate and refresh the foregoing industries, recognizing the increasing importance of the energy resources.
C14, C15, and C16 alkyl nitriles, and C16 and C18 alkyl acetylenes at 10 to 105 micromolar concentrations promote the growth of stem sections from...Full Text Available
The microstructure of Al/{alpha}-Al{sub 2}0{sub 3} composites made by infiltrating Al into dense mullite preforms has been characterized using transmission electron microscopy. Observations revealed that the formation of the Al/Al{sub 2}0{sub 3} composites involves three stages. Initially, Al infiltrates into a dense mullite preform through grain boundary diffusion, and reacts with mullite at grain boundaries to form a partial reaction zone. Then, a complete reaction takes place in the reaction region between the partial reaction zone and the full reaction zone to convert the dense mullite preform to a composite of {alpha}-Al{sub 2}0{sub 3} (matrix) and an Al-Si phase (thin channels). Finally, the reduced Si from the reaction diffuses out of the Al/Al{sub 2}0{sub 3} composite through the metal channels, whereas Al from ...
Zr-Al metallo-organic compounds were thermally decomposed to prepare ZrO_2-Al_2O_3 composite powders. The specific surface area was dependent on the organofunctional groups of the starting organic compounds. The pore size distribution was dependent on the heating rate when the heating temperature was the same. 4 refs.; 4 figs.
The authors report experimental results of heat transfer in the region of transition to turbulence. The augmentation was induced through deployment of periodically placed cylindrical eddy promoters in parallel plane channel flows. Eight different configurations were used. The presence of eddy promoters displaced the point of transition from Reynolds number values of 1500 for the plane channel to around 400 for the least stable case. The value of Nusselt number at the transition for eddy promoters cases was up to 2.5 times higher than the one for the plane channel at the transition. Furthermore, the lower the transition Reynolds number, the higher the Nusselt number at the transition. For the cases where the diameter of the promoters was small and/or the pitch large, the heat transfer results in the transition region were consistent with values obtained from the Reynolds analogy when the analogy was ...
The tribological properties of gas pressure sintered SiAlON and its composite with 18wt% silicon carbide (SiC) against two different mating materials, i.e., alumina and SiAlON are evaluated. SiAlON and SiAlON-18%SiC composite ceramics were prepared by pressure less sintering and gas pressure sintering. Fretting wear tests were carried out under dry unlubricated ambient conditions (room temperature 23-25^oC; relative humidity 50-55%) with a load of 8N for 45,000 cycles. Friction and wear properties of SiAlON-SiC proved better than the monolithic SiAlON. The formation of silica roll like structure on the composite worn surface was observed.
Hydrotalcites with different Al/Al+Mg ratios, and prepared at different pH and different aging temperatures of the gel were used as precursors of Mg-Al mixed oxides, and their textural and physicochemical properties were determined. A complete reaction network for the isopropanol decomposition on these catalysts has been established, and it is shown that the concentration of acetone in the products cannot always be used for a direct estimation of the rate of dehydrogenation. The Al/Al+Mg ratio for which the maximum in activity is obtained depends on the base strength needed for each particular reaction. For dehydrogenation of isopropanol, this is found at Al/Al+Mg [approx] 0.25. 36 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.
The effect of Al and Be ions pre-implantation on microstructural change and, the formation and growth of He bubbles in SiC/SiC composite was investigated. Four kinds of ion implanted specimens were prepared with 100 appm Al, 1000 appm Al, 100 appm Be and 1000 appm Be implanted. No microstructural change was observed in the matrices and fibers of SiC/SiC composites implanted with Al or Be ions up to 1000 appm. The un-implanted and Al or Be pre-implanted SiC/SiC composites were simultaneously irradiated to 10 dpa using triple ion-beams (6.0-MeV Si{sup 2+}, 1.0-MeV He{sup +} and 340-keV H{sup +}) at 1000 deg. C. Helium bubbles were formed in every matrix and fiber irradiated by triple ion-beams. The size of He bubbles in the matrix was increased by implanting Al or Be ions and increased with increasing amount of implanted Al or Be ions. The ...
The effect of Al and Be ions pre-implantation on microstructural change and, the formation and growth of He bubbles in SiC/SiC composite was investigated. Four kinds of ion implanted specimens were prepared with 100 appm Al, 1000 appm Al, 100 appm Be and 1000 appm Be implanted. No microstructural change was observed in the matrices and fibers of SiC/SiC composites implanted with Al or Be ions up to 1000 appm. The un-implanted and Al or Be pre-implanted SiC/SiC composites were simultaneously irradiated to 10 dpa using triple ion-beams (6.0-MeV Si"2"+, 1.0-MeV He"+ and 340-keV H"+) at 1000 deg. C. Helium bubbles were formed in every matrix and fiber irradiated by triple ion-beams. The size of He bubbles in the matrix was increased by implanting Al or Be ions and increased with increasing amount of implanted Al or Be ions. The size of He ...
Xenorhabdus is a major insect pathogen symbiotically associated with nematodes of the family Steinernematidae. This motile bacterium displays swarming behavior on suitable media, but...Full Text Available
BackgroundHow socio-demographic factors influence women's autonomy in decision making on health care including purchasing goods and visiting family and relatives are very poorly...Full Text Available
Growing evidence suggests the Wnt family of secreted glycoproteins and their associated signaling pathways, linked to development, are recapitulated during wound repair and regeneration events. However,...Full Text Available
BackgroundAntioxidant vitamins are often described as having “independent” associations with risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. We aimed...Full Text Available
During 1968-77, 572 consecutive children with one or more positive urine cultures who were referred by their family doctors to one paediatric surgical outpatient clinic were investigated and prospectively...Full Text Available
BackgroundCongenital microcoria (CMC) is due to a maldevelopment of the dilator pupillae muscle of the iris, with a pupil diameter of less than 2 mm. It is associated with juvenile...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVETo determine if ProL1, a member of the opiorphin family of genes, can modulate erectile physiology, as it encodes a peptide which acts as...Full Text Available
BackgroundPrevious studies in Ascomycetes have shown that the function of gene families of which the size is considerably larger in extant pathogens than in non-pathogens could be...Full Text Available
An outbreak of acute respiratory disease in Hendra, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia, in September 1994 resulted in the deaths of 14 racing horses and a horse trainer. The causative agent was a new member...Full Text Available
BackgroundTwenty-eight genes putatively encoding cytosolic glutathione transferases have been identified in the Anopheles gambiae genome. We manually annotated these...Full Text Available
BackgroundHepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections are a serious global and national public health problem. Earlier studies have reported increasing rates of hepatitis infection...Full Text Available
SummaryTRPV1 is the founding and best-studied member of the family of temperature-activated transient receptor potential ion channels (thermoTRPs). Voltage, chemicals, and heat...Full Text Available
This book chapter discusses sugarcane culture and history, describes arthropod biologies and injury, and identifies sugarcane pest management factors to consider for people interested in commercial sugarcane production. Arthropod groups include 10 orders and 40 families. Sugarcane pest management ...
Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is the developmental restructuring of somatic cells towards the embryogenic pathway and forms the basis of cellular totipotency in angiosperms. With the availability of full-length...Full Text Available
Recognition of acetylated chromatin by the bromodomains and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins is a hallmark for transcriptional activation and anchoring viral genomes to mitotic chromosomes...Full Text Available
alpha-actinins are actin microfilament crosslinking proteins. Vertebrate actinins fall into two classes: the broadly-expressed actinins 1 and 4 (actn1 and actn4)...Full Text Available
Using longitudinal data from the Youth Development Study (analytic sample N = 712), we investigate how age, adult role acquisition and attainments, family resources, parent-child relationship...Full Text Available
To investigate the role of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) and albumin in the availability of thyroid hormones to peripheral tissues, comprehensive kinetic studies of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine...Full Text Available
The etiology of major depression remains unknown, but dysfunction of serotonergic signaling has long been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disorder. p11 is an S100 family member recently...Full Text Available
Nuclear hormone receptors comprise a characteristic family of transcription factors found in vertebrates, insects and nematodes. Here we show by cDNA and gene cloning that a Cnidarian, Tripedalia...Full Text Available
BACKGROUND: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of heritable diseases that manifest as blistering and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes. In the dystrophic forms of EB (DEB), the diagnostic...Full Text Available
Human longevity is in part genetically determined, and the insulin/IGF-1 signal transduction (IIS) pathway has consistently been implicated. In humans, type 2 diabetes is a frequent disease that results...Full Text Available
We examined the physiology of continence in 12 patients at least four months after colectomy, mucosal proctectomy, and endorectal ileo-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis....Full Text Available
About 20% of adults are persistently colonized with S. aureus in the anterior nares. Host genetic factors could contribute susceptibility to this phenotype. The objective of...Full Text Available
Paediatric palliative care is a holistic approach aimed at addressing the complex issues related to the care of children and families facing chronic life limiting illnesses. The needs of children are...Full Text Available
Background:Childhood obesity is increasingly being observed with changing lifestyles of families. The magnitude of overweight ranges from 9% to 27.5% and obesity ranges...Full Text Available
cdc18+ of Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a periodically expressed gene that is required for entry into S phase and for the coordination of S phase with mitosis. cdc18+ is related to the Saccharomyces...Full Text Available
Antagonists for kainate receptors (KARs), a family of glutamate-gated ion channels, are efficacious in a number of animal models of neuropathologies, including epilepsy, migraine pain, and anxiety....Full Text Available
PurposeRetinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by progressive loss of vision. The aim of this study was to identify the causative mutations...Full Text Available
The ToxRS system in Vibrio cholerae plays a central role in the modulation of virulence gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. An integration of multiple signalling inputs...Full Text Available
Using the Klein-Gordon equation with a box potential, a mass formula describing the family of nonflavored meson states with I = 1 is derived. The energy levels calculated agree with those observed within an accuracy of approx. 5%. In the model discussed quarks behave like tachyons.
Sirt1 (member of the sirtuin family) is a nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase that removes acetyl groups from various proteins. Sirt1 performs a wide variety of functions...Full Text Available
BackgroundGrapevine is subjected to numerous pests and diseases resulting in the use of phytochemicals in large quantities. The will to decrease the use of phytochemicals leads to...Full Text Available
Reversion-induced LIM protein (RIL) is a member of the ALP (actinin-associated LIM protein) subfamily of the PDZ/LIM protein family. RIL serves as an adaptor protein and seems to regulate cytoskeletons....Full Text Available
Enteropathogenic bacteria was isolated from 131 of 447 (29.4%) neotropical Panamanian lizards belonging to 34 species of seven families. Overall, 147 strains of bacteria were isolated comprising 26...Full Text Available
BackgroundSerine proteinase inhibitors (Serpins) are a large superfamily of structurally related, but functionally diverse proteins that control essential proteolytic pathways in...Full Text Available
Chemokine receptors control leukocyte chemotaxis and cell-cell communication but have also been associated with pathogen entry. GPR33, an orphan member of the chemokine-like receptor family,...Full Text Available
Juvenile hormone analog (JHA) insecticides are relatively nontoxic to vertebrates and offer effective control of certain insect pests. Recent reports of resistance in whiteflies and mosquitoes demonstrate...Full Text Available
In a holomorphic family $(X_b)_{b\\in B}$ of non-K\\"ahlerian compact manifolds, the holomorphic curves representing a fixed 2-homology class do not form a proper family in general. The deep source of this fundamental difficulty in non-K\\"ahler geometry is the {\\it explosion of the area} phenomenon: the area of a curve $C_b\\subset X_b$ in a fixed 2-homology class can diverge as $b\\to b_0$. This phenomenon occurs frequently in the deformation theory of class VII surfaces. For instance it is well known that any minimal GSS surface $X_0$ is a degeneration of a 1-parameter family of simply blown up primary Hopf surfaces $(X_z)_{z\\in D\\setminus\\{0\\}}$, so one obtains non-proper families of exceptional divisors $E_z\\subset X_z$ whose area diverge as $z\\to 0$. Our main goal is to study in detail this non-properness phenomenon in the case of class VII surfaces. We will prove that, under certain ...
... Hospital & University Hospital Basel) If I Had - Pre-diabetes - Dr. Venkat Narayan, MD, MSc, MBA, Rollins School ... School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Discusses the Treatment of Diabetes Back to Home Page If I Had - A ...
Over 200 mutations in the retina specific member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter super-family (ABCA4) have been associated with a diverse group of human retinal diseases....Full Text Available
The Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) belongs to the Retroviridae family of enveloped viruses, which is known to acquire minute amounts of host cellular proteins both on the surface...Full Text Available
The proprotein convertases (PCs) are calcium-dependent proteases responsible for processing precursor proteins into their active forms in eukariotes. The PC1/3 is a pivotal enzyme of this family that...Full Text Available
Heat shock proteins (Hsp) are a family of stress-inducible molecular chaperones that play multiple roles in a wide variety of animals. However, the roles of Hsps in parasitic nematodes remain largely...Full Text Available
BackgroundDeveloping lepidopteran microsatellite DNA markers can be problematical, as markers often exhibit multiple banding patterns and high frequencies of non-amplifying "null"...Full Text Available
BackgroundCucumis melo (melon) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, whose economic importance among horticulture crops is second only to Solanaceae. Melon has high...Full Text Available
Moenomycin A (MmA) belongs to a family of natural products that inhibit peptidoglycan biosynthesis by binding to the peptidoglycan glycosyltransferases (PGTs), the enzymes that make the glycan...Full Text Available
Inactivation of the RB tumor suppressor and activation of the MYC family of oncogenes are frequent events in a large spectrum of human cancers. Loss of RB function and MYC activation are thought to...Full Text Available
Koide's mass formula is an empirical relation among the charged lepton masses which holds with a striking precision. We present a model of charged lepton sector based on U(3)\\times SU(2) family gauge symmetry, which predicts Koide's formula within the present experimental accuracy. Radiative corrections as well as other corrections to Koide's mass formula are kept under control. We adopt a known mechanism, through which the charged lepton spectrum is determined by the vacuum expectation value of a 9-component scalar field \\Phi. On the basis of this mechanism, we implement the following mechanisms into our model: (1) The radiative correction induced by family gauge interaction cancels the QED radiative correction to Koide's mass formula, assuming a scenario in which the U(3) family gauge symmetry and SU(2)_L weak gauge symmetry are unified at 10^2-10^3 TeV scale; (2) A simple potential of \\Phi invariant under U(3)\\times ...
Premature menopause, ovarian failure younger than 40 years of age, is relatively rare but may preclude childbearing for some women who delay attempts at fertility. We present five kindreds in which...Full Text Available
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play vital roles in plant abiotic stress responses via cleavage or translational inhibition of their target mRNAs. Populus euphratica is a typical stress-resistant sessile organism that grows in desert areas. Here, we identified sequences of 12 miRNA precursors from 11 families and 13 mature miRNAs from 12 families by PCR amplification in P. euphratica. To detect expression differences in mature miRNAs and their precursors under dehydration and high salinity shock in P. euphratica, we examined 14 miRNA precursors from 13 miRNA families and 17 mature miRNAs from 17 miRNA families using the SYBR Green RT?PCR assay. This is the first report of expression profiles for both precursor and mature miRNAs in P. euphratica. By profiling both the matu...
BackgroundLeukotrienes (LTs) belong to the large family of lipid mediators implicated in various inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Four distinct types...Full Text Available
Background: CD1d belongs to a family of antigen presenting molecules that are structurally and distantly related to the classic major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I)...Full Text Available
PknB is a member of the newly discovered eukaryotic-like protein serine/threonine kinase (PSTK) family of proteins. The pknB gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli....Full Text Available
BackgroundConcerted evolution refers to the pattern in which copies of multigene families show high intraspecific sequence homogeneity but high interspecific sequence diversity....Full Text Available
Forty-one Spanish families with polycystic kidney disease 1 (PKD1) were studied for evidence of linkage disequilibrium between the disease locus and six closely linked markers. Four of these loci--three...Full Text Available
BackgroundBrevican is a member of the lectican family of aggregating extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycans that bear chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains. It is highly expressed in...Full Text Available
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are two familial syndromes known as phakomatoses that may be associated with endocrine tumors. These hereditary cutaneous...Full Text Available
Alcohol dependence (AD) is clinically and etiologically heterogeneous. The goal of this study was to explore AD subtypes among a sample of 1, 221 participants in the Irish Affected Sib Pair...Full Text Available
Bistability plays a central role in the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) controlling many essential biological functions, including cellular differentiation and cell cycle control. However, establishing...Full Text Available
The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a family of isoenzymes involved in the detoxication of a variety of electrophilic xenobiotics. The present investigation demonstrates that GST activity and...Full Text Available
FXYD1 (phospholemman) is a member of an evolutionarily conserved family of membrane proteins that regulate the function of the Na,K-ATPase enzyme complex in specific tissues and specific physiological...Full Text Available
Cynodon dactylon (Family: Poaceae) is known to be a tackler in Indian mythology and is offered to Lord Ganesha. It is found everywhere, even on waste land, road side, dry places, and...Full Text Available
Small RAC/ROP-family G proteins regulate development and stress responses in plants. Transient overexpression and RNA interference experiments suggested that the barley (Hordeum vulgare)...Full Text Available
The p21-activated kinases (PAKs), immediate downstream effectors of the small G-proteins of the Rac/cdc42 family, are critical mediators of signaling pathways regulating cellular behaviors and...Full Text Available
Species of the large family Orchidaceae display a spectacular array of adaptations and rapid speciations that are linked to several innovative features, including specialized pollination syndromes,...Full Text Available
Post amputation pain can be debilitating for patients and families. Chronic pain is a common phenomenon after lower extremity amputation, occurring in up to 80% of this population. The purpose of this...Full Text Available
Present investigations suggest that approximately 30% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases arise on the basis of inherited factors. We hypothesize that the majority of inherited factors are moderately...Full Text Available
BackgroundComplex situations that follow war and natural disasters have a psychosocial impact on not only the individual but also on the family, community and society. Just as the...Full Text Available
The cellular receptor for murine coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV)-A59 is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family of glycoproteins in the immunoglobulin superfamily. We isolated...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe rate of emergence of human pathogens is steadily increasing; most of these novel agents originate in wildlife. Bats, remarkably, are the natural reservoirs of many...Full Text Available
BackgroundMembers of the Sox gene family isolated from both vertebrates and invertebrates have been proved to participate in a wide variety of developmental processes, including...Full Text Available
The functional gene and three intronless pseudogenes for human triosephosphate isomerase were isolated from a recombinant DNA library and characterized in detail. The functional gene spans 3.5 kilobase...Full Text Available
You receive an annuity if eligible -- requires 18 months service for FERS; and 60 ... You may use up to 104 hours of your accrued sick leave to care for sick family ...
Zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) is a member of the death-associated protein kinase family associated with apoptosis in nonmuscle cells where it phosphorylates myosin regulatory light chain...Full Text Available
E-cadherins belong to a family of membrane-bound, cellular adhesion proteins. Their adhesive properties mainly involve the two N-terminal extracellular domains (EC1 and EC2). The junctions between these...Full Text Available
Several independent studies of bacterial degradation of nitrate ester explosives have demonstrated the involvement of flavin-dependent oxidoreductases related to the old yellow enzyme (OYE) of yeast....Full Text Available
Bhanja virus (BHAV) is pathogenic for young domestic ruminants and also for humans, causing fever and affections of the central nervous system. This generally neglected arbovirus of the family Bunyaviridae...Full Text Available
The CD1 family of proteins binds self and foreign glycolipids for presentation to CD1-restricted T cells. To identify previously uncharacterized active CD1 ligands, especially those of microbial origin,...Full Text Available
The complete RNA genome of the avian nephritis virus (ANV) associated with acute nephritis in chickens has been molecularly cloned and sequenced. Excluding the poly(A) tail, the genome comprises 6,927...Full Text Available
IntroductionBRAF (v raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1) is a serine-threonine kinase involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, known...Full Text Available
During this project we experimentally evaluated the below-ground biomass and carbon allocation and partitioning of four different fast- and slow-growing families of loblolly pine located in Scotland County, NC, in an effort to increase the long-term performance of the crop. The trees were subjected to optimal nutrition and control since planting in 1993. Destructive harvests in 1998 and 2000 were used for whole?plant biomass estimates and to identify possible family differences in carbon acquisition (photosynthesis) and water use efficiency. At regular intervals throughout each year we sampled tissues for carbohydrate analyses to assess differences in whole-tree carbon storage. Mini rhizotron observation tubes were installed to monitor root system production and turnover. Stable isotope analysis was used to examine possible functional differences in water and nutrient acquisition of root systems between the various ...
BackgroundMutations of the amyloid precursor protein gene (APP) are found in familial forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and some lead to the elevated production...Full Text Available
Background and AimsPlants from the family Lemnaceae are widely used in ecological engineering projects to purify wastewater and eutrophic water bodies. However, the biology of nutrient...Full Text Available
BackgroundSLC19A3 (solute carrier family 19, member 3) is a thiamin transporter with 12 transmembrane domains. Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in SLC19A3 cause...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe order Tetraodontiformes consists of approximately 429 species of fishes in nine families. Members of the order exhibit striking morphological diversity and radiated...Full Text Available
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration is a progressive neurodegenerative syndrome that is the second most common cause of early-onset dementia. Mutations in the progranulin gene are a major cause of familial...Full Text Available
A familiar power inverter circuit, combined with a ferroresonant transformer and a simple control circuit, provides the basis for an economically attractive modular family of DC to DC converters. The circuit is readily adaptable to a wide range of input voltages and single or multiple output voltages.
BackgroundThe Emergency Care Summary (ECS) was introduced in 2006 to allow aspects of the general practitioner (GP; family doctor, equivalent to primary care physician) medical record...Full Text Available
Methods of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the microstructure of dispersion-strengthened Cu-Al2O3 nanocomposites obtained by the method of simultaneous deposition of Cu and Al2O3 from the vapor phase. The effect of the size of particles of the oxide (Al2O3) and of their content on the electrical resistance of the composite has been considered. The results obtained make it possible to suppose that the main structural factor that determines the electrical resistance of the composite are nanodispersed particles of Al2O3 with a size of less than 20 nm.
AlN nanocrystalline layers and superstructures are used in the modern optoelectronic technology as reflecting mirrors in semiconductor layers. In the present work the properties of AlN films prepared by sputtering methods from an AlN target in reactive Ar + N plasma were investigated. The characterization was performed with HRTEM, SEM, glancing angle XRD and RBS methods. The present measurements confirmed the polycrystalline structure of AlN layers and enabled the evaluation of their grain size. The roughness and thickness of the layers were additionally determined by ellipsometric and profilometric measurements. (author)
We explore the structure of a new family gauge symmetry U(3) and show its experimental signatures to search for. U(3) gauge bosons obviate an unwelcome deviation of the charged lepton mass formula with the running masses from that with the pole masses. The current structure of this model leads to flavor number violations via exchange of extra gauge bosons. We obtain bounds on the masses of the gauge bosons from rare kaon decay searches and muonium-antimuonium oscillation searches. We propose attractive signatures at LHC and lepton colliders and discuss feasibility of their discovery.
It is shown that when a quantum mechanical oscillator is parametrically excited there are special values of the parameters for which the system will pass periodically through a lattice of coherent states associated with the modular group [Gamma]. It is shown that these [Gamma] transits can be used to determine unknown parameters. A method is given for detecting the transits experimentally and is made possible by the existence of three families of states associated with modular forms that are orthogonal to the lattice. For isotropic states the three families occur in [ital D]-mode systems with [ital D][gt]10, 14, and 26.
This article examines the interplay between globalising and localising forces occurring in a child welfare reform project in South Korea. Focusing especially on care and education services for children and families provided by the Korean 'Dream Start' programme, which provides comprehensive health, parental involvement and welfare services to low-income children and their families, I discuss its involvement in the process of 'glocalisation'. Drawing on Foucaultian ideas, I conducted a critical discourse analysis of the policy documents of Dream Start. The article concludes by discussing local resistance to the creation of a cosmopolitan child and the dual qualities of inclusion/exclusion inscribed in the Dream Start project.
I formulate a model in which money coexists with equity shares on a risky aggregate endowment. Agents can use equity as a means of payment, so shocks to equity prices translate into aggregate liquidity shocks that disrupt the mechanism of exchange. I characterize a family of optimal monetary policies and find that the resulting equity prices are independent of monetary considerations. I also study a perturbation of the family of optimal policies that targets a positive constant nominal interest rate and find that in this case the real equity return includes a liquidity return that depends on monetary considerations.
The solubility limit of #alpha#'-SiAlON solid solutions on the Si_3N_4-YN:3AlN composition join in the system Si_3N_4-YN-AlN has been determined at 1800 degrees C. The end members of these solid solutions are Y_0_._4_3Si_1_0_._7Al_1_._3N_1_6 and Y_0_._8Si_9_._6Al_2_._4N_1_6. Unit-cell dimensions of the #alpha#'-SiAlON solid solutions in the system Si,Al,Y/N,O can be expressed as follows: a_0 (Angstrom) = 7.752 + 0.045m + 0.009n, c_0 (Angstrom) = 5.620 + 0.048m + 0.009n, where the #alpha#'-SiAlON solid solution has the formula Y_xSi_1_2_-_(_m _+ _n_)Al_m_+_nN_1_6_-_nO_n. The single-phase boundary of the solid solution #alpha#'-SiAlON on the composition triangle Si_3N_4-YN:3AlN-Al;N:Al_2O_3 is delineated. The present paper also reports the phase relationships ...
The penetrance of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in families with primary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations is very complex. Matrilineal and nuclear genetic background, as well as environmental factors, have been reported to be involved in different affected pedigrees. Here we describe two large Chinese families that show a striking difference in the penetrance of LHON, in which 53.3% and 15.0% of members were affected (P < 0.02), respectively. Analysis of the complete mtDNA genome of the two families revealed the presence of the primary mutation G11778A and several other variants suggesting the same haplogroup status G2a. The family with higher penetrance contained a previously described secondary mutation G13708A, which presents a polymorphism in normal Chinese samples and does not affect in vivo mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as described in a previous study. ...
The penetrance of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in families with primary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations is very complex. Matrilineal and nuclear genetic background, as well as environmental factors, have been reported to be involved in different affected pedigrees. Here we describe two large Chinese families that show a striking difference in the penetrance of LHON, in which 53.3% and 15.0% of members were affected (P < 0.02), respectively. Analysis of the complete mtDNA genome of the two families revealed the presence of the primary mutation G11778A and several other variants suggesting the same haplogroup status G2a. The family with higher penetrance contained a previously described secondary mutation G13708A, which presents a polymorphism in normal Chinese samples and does not affect in vivo mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as described in a previous study. Evolutionary ...
Evidence from twin, adoption, and family studies suggests that there is strong aggregation of suicidal behaviors in some families. By comparison, the role of social modeling through peers has yet to be convincingly established. This paper uses data from four large studies (the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Suicidal Behaviour, the WHO/SUPRE-MISS, the CASE study, and the Queensland Suicide Register) to compare the effects of exposure to fatal and nonfatal suicidal behavior in family members and nonfamilial associates on the subsequent suicidal behavior of male and female respondents of different ages. Across all studies, we found that prior suicidal behaviors among respondents' social groups were more important predictors of suicidal behavior in the respondents themselves than previous research had indicated. Community-based suicide attempters in the WHO SUPRE-MISS had higher rates of exposure to prior suicide in nonfamilial ...
The possibility of having Sr as an interstitial metal cation in #alpha#-SiAlON has been investigated in two systems: a single-cation system (Si_3N_4-SrO-AlN) and a multication system (Si_3N_4-(Y_2O_3/SrO/CaO)-AlN). It was found that Sr alone does not form #alpha#-SiAlON and that Sr could only be accommodated in #alpha#-SiAlON in conjunction with Y and Ca. The Sr content of #alpha#-SiAlON increased as the total content of (Y + Ca) increased and appeared to reach a limit at 0.5 at.%, or 0.15 atom per #alpha#-SiAlON. Unexpectedly, some of the #alpha#-SiAlON that contained (Sr + Y + Ca) was present as laths or fibers with the c-axis perpendicular to the hot-press direction.
Micro-Vickers hardness measurement has been used to determine the composition of functionally graded materials (FGMs). Materials used in the present study are Al-SiC, Al-Shirasu and Al-Al{sub 3}Ni FGMs, which are fabricated by a centrifugal method. The micro-hardness of the aluminum matrix for Al-SiC FGM markedly increases as the volume fraction of SiC particles increases. However, the tendency is not so clear in the cases of Al-Shirasu and Al-Al{sub 3}Ni FGMs. Plastic strain energy due to thermal misfits between the matrix and dipersed particles is calculated based on an elasto-plastic analysis by applying a shell theory after Lee et al. The hardness is correlated theoretically with the composition gradient through the mean plastic strain energy (responsible for dislocation density). It is concluded that the composition gradient of ...
The objective was to estimate oral Al bioavailability from tea infusion in the rat, using the tracer 26Al. 26Al citrate was injected into tea leaves. An infusion was prepared from the dried leaves and given intra-gastrically to rats which received concurrent intravenous 27Al infusion. Oral Al bioavailability (F) was calculated from the area under the 26Al, compared to 27Al, serum concentrationxtime curves. Bioavailability from tea averaged 0.37%; not significantly different from water (F=0.3%), or basic sodium aluminum phosphate (SALP) in cheese (F=0.1-0.3%), but greater than acidic SALP in a biscuit (F=0.1%). Time to maximum serum 26Al concentration was 1.25, 1.5, 8 and 4.8h, respectively. These results of oral Al bioavailabilityxdaily consumption by the human suggest tea can provide a si...
Here we report normal-state conductance measurements of three different types of superconducting tunnel junctions that are being used or proposed for quantum computing applications: p-Al/a-AlO/p-Al, e-Re/e-AlO/p-Al, and e-V/e-MgO/p-V, where p stands for polycrystalline, e for epitaxial, and a for amorphous. All three junctions exhibited significant deviations from the parabolic behavior predicted by the WKB approximation models. In the p-Al/a-AlO/p-Al junction, we observed enhancement of tunneling conductances at voltages matching harmonics of Al-O stretching modes. On the other hand, such Al-O vibration modes were missing in the epitaxial e-Re/e-AlO/p-Al junction. This suggests that absence or existence of the Al-O stretching mode might be related to the crystallinity of the AlO tunnel barrier and the interface between ...
The intermetallic phase NiAl is a potential material for high-temperature applications; however, its technical application was prevented so far by its high brittleness at room temperature. This problem may be solved by incorporating relatively high-ductility particles into the NiAl matrix. Controlled crack propagation experiments, tensile and pressure tests were carried out in order to analyze the toughness and deformation characteristics of NiAl composite materials containing niobium or molybdenum particles at room temperature and in ambient atmosphere. Both the niobium and the molybdenum particles increase the toughness as compared to the pure NiAl matrix, but no ductilisation was observed in the composite materials investigated. Model experiments in consideration of experimental data suggest, hovewer, that the toughness and ductility of NiAl may be enhanced by optimizing the ...
Unlike the well-characterized nuclear function of the Notch intracellular domain, it has been difficult to identify a nuclear role for the ligands of Notch. Here we provide evidence for the nuclear function of the Notch ligand Delta-like 1 in colon cancer (CC) cells exposed to butyrate. We demonstrate that the intracellular domain of Delta-like 1 (Dll1icd) augments the activity of Wnt signaling-dependent reporters and that of the promoter of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene. Data suggest that Dll1icd upregulates CTGF promoter activity through both direct and indirect mechanisms. The direct mechanism is supported by co-immunoprecipitation of endogenous Smad2/3 proteins and Dll1 and by chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses that revealed the occupancy of Dll1icd on CTGF promot...
Increasing evidence has been accumulated indicating the important role of epigenetic regulation in tumor genesis. Previously, we observed that the transfection of hepatitis C virus core (HCVc) protein led to malignant transformation in normal biliary cells, and that tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A was downregulated in many hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients by hypermethylation in the promoter region. In the present study, we found SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3), a novel histone methyltransferase, was overexpressed in cholangiocarcinoma patients especially in those with HCV infection. Transfection of HCVc into hilar cholangiocarcinoma cell lines QBC939 and FRH0201 could upregulate the expression of SMYD3 and promote cell growth, which was consistent with the results of our cl...
Evolutionary conservation of DNA sequences provides a tool for the identification of functional elements in genomes. We have created a database of evolutionary conserved regions (ECRs) in vertebrate genomes entitled ECRbase that is constructed from a collection of pairwise vertebrate genome alignments produced by the ECR Browser database. ECRbase features a database of syntenic blocks that recapitulate the evolution of rearrangements in vertebrates and a collection of promoters in all vertebrate genomes presented in the database. The database also contains a collection of annotated transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) in all ECRs and promoter elements. ECRbase currently includes human, rhesus macaque, dog, opossum, rat, mouse, chicken, frog, zebrafish, and two pufferfish genomes. It is freely accessible at http://ECRbase.dcode.org.
Low-porosity #alpha#- and #beta#-SiAlON composite material was prepared when the powder mixture intended for preparation of yttrium #alpha#-SiAlON, with the formula Y_0_._4Si_1_2_-_m_+_nAl_m_+_nO_nN_1_6_- _n, was attritor milled in isopropyl alcohol or contained excess oxygen (n > 0.6). The region of stability of single-phase yttrium #alpha#-SiAlON was smaller at lower temperatures. Wet milling (in isopropyl alcohol) of AlN powder was found to introduce excess oxygen into the milled powder.
Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is widely distributed in the acid soil region of Southern China, where great potential of aluminum (Al) toxicity exists. To evaluate the Al tolerance of Moso bamboo, seed germination and root elongation were compared with two rice cultivars, and physical and physiological damages were examined under various levels of Al stress. Results showed that Moso bamboo seed germination was inhibited when Al concentration increased to 500 ?M, and the median lethal concentration was 2,000??M. Comparatively, the rice seed germination was not inhibited even at a concentration of 2,000??M Al. Aluminum accumulated mainly in the cell wall of root apices, and entered into protoplasts as treating time prolonged and/or Al concentration increased, which resulted in apoptos...
Intermetallic compounds based on the Al-Co system were synthesized by solid state method - mechanical alloying and their properties were investigated using XRD, SEM, and DSC. The powder was used to make new targets of irradiation for gamma sources in order to enhance the specific activity and to reduce the consumption of material. The intermetallic compound AlCo was formed in the first 4 hours of milling. After 8 hours of milling the medium size of crystallites were of 5.58 nm. This value decreases with the increase of milling time up to 3 nm, corresponding to the 28 hours of grinding. There was calculated and plotted the Gibbs function, #DELTA#_f"0, for the reaction of formation AlCo and Al_3Co from the Al-Co system. It had negative values over the entire range of temperatures for both investigated compounds. After 28 hours milling a phase composition was obtained as follows: 0.2% ...
Different SiAlON composites based on #alpha#'-SiAlON are investigated, with respect to the phase relationships, densification behavior, and mechanical properties. The compositions are located on a phase-diagram line parallel to the Si_3N_4-Y_2O_3#centre dot#9AlN compound in the Si_3N_4-SiO_2-AlN-Al_2O_3-Y_2O_3-YN system. Analysis of the reaction sequences shows that the formation of the composites is associated with the transient appearance of Y_4Al_2O_9 (YAM), yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG), melilite, and a nitrogen-rich liquid phase. The small shift of compositions on the Si_3N_4-Y_2O_3#centre dot#9AlN compound phase-diagram line toward the Al_2O_3-rich side offers the advantage of a higher sinterability and the removal of the melilite phase from a wide range of compositions containing #alpha#'-SiAlON and polytypes. The ...
Engineering ceramics have excellent properties such as high strength, high hardness and high heat resistance compared with metallic materials. To apply the ceramic in fast reactor environment, it is necessary to evaluate the sodium compatibility and the influence of sodium on the mechanical properties of ceramics. In this study, the influence of high temperature sodium on the mechanical properties of sintered ceramics of conventional and high purity Al_2O_3, SiC, SiAlON, AlN and unidirectional solidified ceramics of Al_2O_3/YAG eutectic composite were investigated by means of flexure tests. Test specimens were exposed in liquid sodium at 823K and 923K for 3.6Ms. There were no changes in the flexural strength of the conventional and high purity Al_2O_3, AlN and Al_2O_3/YAG eutectic composite after the sodium exposure at 823K. On the contrary, ...
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During development, multipotent neural precursors give rise to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), which migrate and divide to produce additional OPCs. Near the end of embryogenesis and...Full Text Available
In the decade before the discovery of insulin, the prominent American physicians Frederick Allen and Elliott Joslin advocated severe fasting and undernutrition to prolong the lives of diabetic patients....Full Text Available
Exercise promotes weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating its beneficial effects are not fully understood. Obesity correlates with increased production...Full Text Available
BackgroundProlylcarboxypeptidase (Prcp) gene, along with altered PRCP and kallikrein levels, have been implicated in inflammation pathogenesis. PRCP regulates angiotensin...Full Text Available
Devastating central nervous system injuries and diseases continue to occur in spite of the tremendous efforts of various prevention programs. The enormity of and annual escalation of healthcare...Full Text Available
Mitochondria and peroxisomes execute some analogous, nonredundant functions including fatty acid oxidation and detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and, in response to select metabolic cues, undergo...Full Text Available
Background and AimsIn spatially heterogeneous environments, a trade-off between seedling survival and relative growth rate may promote the coexistence of plant species. In temperate...Full Text Available
Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) promotes tumor cell adaptation to microenvironmental stress. HIF-1 is up-regulated in irradiated tumors and serves as a promising target for radiosensitization....Full Text Available
BackgroundIn Pseudomonas fluorescens ST, the promoter of the styrene catabolic operon, PstyA, is induced by styrene and is subject to catabolite...Full Text Available
BackgroundChromatin insulators or boundary elements are a class of functional elements in the eukaryotic genome. They regulate gene transcription by interfering with promoter-enhancer...Full Text Available
BackgroundFree nitric oxide (NO) reacts with sulphydryl residues to form S-nitrosothiols, which act as NO reservoirs. We sought to determine whether thiol-preserving...Full Text Available
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating embryogenesis and tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation. BAMBI (BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) has...Full Text Available
As the Medical Library Association (MLA) enters its second century, its role in providing leadership and focus for the education of health information professionals in a changing environment will be...Full Text Available
Recent clinical trials demonstrate that combined oral dosing with estrogen and progestin increases the incidence of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Similarly, in a rat model system of...Full Text Available
Background:Encouragement of stroke patients to resume driving is important to promote their reintegration into the community. Limited rehabilitation has been performed in this regard,...Full Text Available
Today, hospitals are involved extensively in social marketing and promotional activities. Recently, investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that routine testing...Full Text Available
To promote more efficient use of small-diameter timber, research efforts are being focused on the development and evaluation of connection methods that can be easily applied to non-standard round wood profiles. This report summarizes an evaluation of a 'd...
The cell wall envelopes of gram-positive bacteria represent a surface organelle that not only functions as a cytoskeletal element but also promotes interactions between bacteria and their environment....Full Text Available
The length polymorphism of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter gene promoter region has been implicated in altered 5-HT function and, in turn, neuropsychiatric illnesses, such as anxiety and depression....Full Text Available
This report of an interview with T. Watamori, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New Energy Development Organization (NEDO), Japan outlines the general activities of NEDO, and then gives emphasis to the prospects of the liquefaction of brown coal from Australia. (In Japanese)
A DNA sequence encoding the A chain of ricin toxin (RTA) from the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, was placed under GAL1 promoter control and transformed into Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Induction...Full Text Available
• Background and Aims Development and architecture of plant roots are regulated by phytohormones. Cytokinin (CK), synthesized in the root cap, promotes cytokinesis, vascular...Full Text Available
Subjects covered in this section are: (1) PCAST panel promotes energy research cooperation; (2) Letter issued by ANS urges funding balance in FFTF restart consideration and (3) FESAC panel releases report on priorities and balance.
The level of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) profoundly influences essential cell behaviors such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. The spatial and temporal pattern...Full Text Available
Most genetic changes that promote tumorigenesis involve dysregulation of G1 cell cycle progression. A key regulatory site in G1 is a growth factor–dependent restriction point (R) where cells...Full Text Available
Several different neuronal populations are involved in regulating energy homeostasis. Among these, agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons are thought to promote feeding and weight gain; however, the...Full Text Available
Continuing Medical Education (CME) is a requirement among practicing physicians to promote continuous enhancement of clinical knowledge to reflect new developments in medical care. Previous research...Full Text Available
BACKGROUNDProtocadherin-PC (PCDH-PC) expression is upregulated in apoptosis-resistant sublines of the LNCaP human prostate cancer (CaP) cell line. Here, we assess...Full Text Available
Minoxidil induces hair growth in male pattern baldness and prolongs the anagen phase. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been reported to act synergistically with minoxidil in vivo:...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe dystrophin glycoprotein complex is disrupted in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and many other neuromuscular diseases. The principal heterodimeric partner of dystrophin...Full Text Available
This program focused on practice-level service change as a means of improving patient care and developing leadership skills of 19 general practitioners (GPs) and aimed to: promote and support change...Full Text Available
Insulin resistance plays a central role in type 2 diabetes and obesity, which develop as a consequence of genetic and environmental factors. Dietary changes including high fat diet (HFD) feeding promotes...Full Text Available
The Salmonella PmrA-PmrB system controls the expression of genes necessary for polymyxin B resistance. Four loci were previously identified as part of the regulon, and interaction of...Full Text Available
Recent reports suggested that phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL)-3 might be involved in colorectal carcinoma metastasis with an unknown mechanism. Here we demonstrated that PRL-3 expression was...Full Text Available
BackgroundDespite considerable efforts to promote and support guideline use, adherence is often suboptimal. Barriers to adherence vary not only across guidelines but also across...Full Text Available
Type 1 pilus directs bladder epithelial binding and invasion by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in the initial stage of cystitis, but the bacterial determinants of postinvasion...Full Text Available
Several studies have raised the possibility that exposure to electrical and/or magnetic fields may be injurious to health in particular by the promotion or initiation of cancer. To investigate whether...Full Text Available
Early detection of precancerous tissue has significantly improved survival of most cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Animal models designed to study the early stages of cancer are valuable...Full Text Available
The Far UpStream Element (FUSE) regulatory system promotes a peak in the concentration of c-Myc during cell cycle. First, the FBP transcriptional activator binds to the FUSE DNA element upstream...Full Text Available
BackgroundThe tumor microenvironment has been described as a critical milieu determining tumor growth and metastases. A pivotal role of metastasis-inducing S100A4 in the development...Full Text Available
Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), a form of Hebbian plasticity, is inherently stabilizing. Whether and how GABAergic inhibition influences STDP is not well understood. Using a model neuron driven...Full Text Available
BackgroundAgricultural practices such as the use of irrigation during rice cultivation, the use of ponds for fish farming and the storage of water in tanks for livestock provide...Full Text Available
Tea ranks second only to water as a major component of fluid intake worldwide and has been considered a health-promoting beverage since ancient times. For the past two decades, we and others...Full Text Available
Red cell transfusions are associated with the development of acute lung injury in the critically ill. Recent evidence suggests that storage induced alterations of the red blood cell (RBC) collectively...Full Text Available
Basal segments taken from Old Home and Bartlett pear hardwood cuttings collected at intervals during the rooting period in September were extracted with ethanol and fractionated by paper chromatography...Full Text Available
Decitabine, an epigenetic modifier that reactivates genes otherwise suppressed by DNA promoter methylation, is effective for some, but not all cancer patients, especially those with solid tumors. It...Full Text Available
Sphingomyelin (SM) is an abundant phospholipid in cell membranes and in lipoproteins. In human plasma, SM is mainly found in atherogenic lipoproteins; therefore, higher levels of SM may promote atherogenesis....Full Text Available
The definition of “minor” veins in leaves is arbitrary and of uncertain biological significance. Generally, the term refers to the smallest vein classes in the leaf, believed to function...Full Text Available
This paper describes a new concept in zinc-air battery technology and provides and insight into the role of the German Post Office and its former chairman in its commercial promotion. (UK)
Taiwan has completed a very successful five-year industrial waste minimization (IWM) demonstration and promotion project sponsored by the government. From 1990 to 1995, the project successfully disseminated the IWM concept of pollution prevention (P2) to industries. It effectively reduced industrial waste while significantly benefitting the economy by assisting industries in implementing in-plant IWM programs. In July 1995, the second stage of the five-year IWM and ISO 14000 promotion project was initiated for further promoting the IWM, P2, and cleaner production and, in particular, coping with the upcoming international environmental management standards (ISO 14000). To assist industries in establishing an environmental management system (EMS) and accumulating related experience, an EMS pilot demonstration project of five model industries and an ISO 14001 EMS demonstration and promotion project for 22 ...
BackgroundParathyroid adenomas constitute the most common entity in primary hyperparathyroidism, and although recent advances have been made regarding the underlying genetic cause...Full Text Available
Tetrabutylammonium fluoride will remove phenyl, trichloroethyl and cyanoethyl groups from nucleotides. In addition to the desired nucleotide products other results including chain cleavage, phosphofluoridates...Full Text Available
Prof. Kodi Husimi was the director of the Institute of Plasma Physics of Nagoya University during 12 years from the beginning of the institute establishment in 1961. His main contribution on promotion of plasma physics and fusion research at the Institute is summarized. (author)
Enrichment cultures were used to determine the conditions promoting fastest methanogenic propionate degradation and growth by adapting the cultures to various physical and chemical conditions and measuring...Full Text Available
...Goods: promote the protection of ldquo;natural parks and reserves, mangroves, reefs and lagoons,rdquo; and ldquo;expanding forest cover and tree integration with agricultural production systems rdquo;; climate change will be reduced through the trading of pollution permits under the Kyoto Protocol. Enhancing Disaster Management Capabilities:...
Cholera outbreaks continue to occur regularly in Africa. Cholera has been associated with proximity to lakes in East Africa, and Vibrio cholerae has been found experimentally to concentrate...Full Text Available
The effect of plant water deficit on ethylene production by intact plants was tested in three species, beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)...Full Text Available
Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos exposed to ethanol have developed craniofacial, cardiovascular and skeletal defects which can be compared with the phenotypic features...Full Text Available
BackgroundInformation on more than 35 000 full-length Oryza sativa cDNAs, together with associated microarray gene expression data collected under various treatment...Full Text Available
Health education and awareness involves providing knowledge about causes of illness and choices to promote a change in individual behaviour and, thus, improves survival of individuals. Studies have,...Full Text Available
OBJECTIVEPhosphoinositide 3-kinase enhancer A (PIKE-A) is a proto-oncogene that promotes tumor growth and transformation by enhancing Akt activity. However, the physiological functions...Full Text Available
BackgroundLeukocyte telomere length (LTL) is an emerging marker of biological age. Chronic inflammatory activity is commonly proposed as a promoter of ...Full Text Available
BackgroundMammalian antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effectors of the innate immune response. A multitude of signals coming from pathways of mammalian pathogen/pattern recognition...Full Text Available
A series of lab and greenhouse studies were undertaken to understand how Cu and Zn toxicity influences Bromus carinatus (Hook and Arn.) growth, to what degree an organic amendment (yard waste compost) may reduce Cu and Zn bioavailability in Cu-Zn minespoil and promote plant growth in combination with fertilizer, and how the vertical distribution of compost in the minespoil influences rooting depth. Root Cu and Zn toxicity thresholds were determined to be 1 mg L"-"1 and 10 mg L"-"1 in solution, respectively. The compost amendment had exceptionally high Cu and Zn binding capacities (0.17 and 0.08 g metal g C"-"1, for Cu and Zn, respectively) that were attributed to high compost humic and fulvic acid concentrations. Maximum plant biomass was achieved when minespoil was amended with compost and fertilizer in combination. Fertilizer alone had no effect on plant growth. Mixing compost into the minespoil was essential to promote adequate rooting ...
The most characteristic features of the Lyme disease pathogens, the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) group, are their ability to invade tissues and to circumvent the immune defenses...Full Text Available
BackgroundInterest in lycopene metabolism and regulation is growing rapidly because accumulative studies have suggested an important role for lycopene in human health promotion....Full Text Available
In a previous study we found that nanofibrous poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds mimicking collagen fibers in size were superior to solid-walled scaffolds in promoting osteoblast differentiation...Full Text Available
This article addresses the problem of how to ensure consistency in messages communicating public health recommendations on environmental health and on child health. The World Health Organization states...Full Text Available
Cytokinesis in animal and fungal cells utilizes a contractile actomyosin ring (AMR). However, how myosin II is targeted to the division site and promotes AMR assembly, and how the AMR coordinates with...Full Text Available
SummaryMonoclonal antibodies are standard therapeutics for several cancers including the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab for B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Rituximab and other...Full Text Available
BackgroundHistone post-translational modifications are critical for gene expression and cell viability. A broad spectrum of histone lysine residues have been identified in yeast...Full Text Available
Pharmacologic or genetic deletion of components of the renin-angiotensin system leads to postnatal kidney injury, but the roles of these components in kidney development are unknown. To test the hypothesis...Full Text Available
AIM: This paper reviews progression in renal diseases. METHODS: An English language literature search using Medline (1980 January-2001 July) was done to assess research and review articles on progression...Full Text Available
Part one of this study investigated the effect of aging on social-cognitive characteristics related to physical activity (PA) among adults in the baseline phase of a health promotion...Full Text Available
The aggregation substance (AS) of Enterococcus faecalis, encoded on sex pheromone plasmids, is a surface-bound glycoprotein that mediates aggregation between bacteria thereby facilitating...Full Text Available
IntroductionMale circumcision is being promoted for HIV prevention in high-risk heterosexual populations. However, there is a concern that circumcision may impair...Full Text Available
Acquired resistance to the action of insulin to stimulate glucose transport in skeletal muscle is associated with obesity and promotes the development of type 2 diabetes. In skeletal muscle,...Full Text Available
Siderophores are essential factors for iron (Fe) acquisition in bacteria during colonization and infection of eukaryotic hosts, which restrain iron access through iron-binding protein, such as lactoferrin...Full Text Available
The single-stranded viral DNA of an M13 phage recombinant containing the early promoter region of SV40 was hybridized with linear, double-stranded replicative form DNA of a related M13 phage containing...Full Text Available
Background/AimTobacco use reduces the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Host-modulation with low-dose doxycycline (LDD) might favour repair and promote...Full Text Available
Crystalline ?-Al2O3 nanowires with diameter, 20?40?nm, length above 600?nm and aspect ratio above 30 have been successfully synthesized by thermal decomposition of boehmite (?-AlOOH) precursors obtained via hydrothermal route by using AlCl3, NaOH and NH3 as starting materials. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) were used to characterize the features of the as-made ?-Al2O3 nanowires and their ?-AlOOH precursors. The pH value of the solution and the mixed precipitant play important roles in the formation of ?-AlOOH nanowires. After calcination at 500?C for 2?h, the orthorhombic ?-AlOOH transf...
Whereas supersaturated aluminum alloys demonstrate enhanced passivity, conventional aluminum alloys spontaneously pit in air-saturated chloride solutions. We have concentrated on three areas: evaluation and characterization of Al-W alloys, which exhibit the best corrosion performance of any alloy system studied to date; characterization of the passive-film structure of Al-Mo alloys; and production and characterization of Al-W and Al-Ta powders, which will be used for compaction into bulk material. Surface analysis of the Al-W passive films formed during polarization show surprising little oxidized solute compared to other alloys. These results indicate that the barrier layer formation and electrostatic repulsion mechanisms used to explain the passivity of other alloys are not involved here. Instead the W may act to stabilize the passive film structure in a way similar to the way ...
Mg-Al mixed oxides with Mg/Al molar ratios of 0.5--9.0 were obtained by thermal decomposition of precipitated hydrotalcite precursors. The effect of composition on structure and surface and catalytic properties was studied by combining several characterization methods with ethanol conversion reactions. The nature, density, and strength of surface basic sites depended on the Al content. The catalyst activity and selectivity of Mg-Al mixed oxides in ethanol conversion reactions depended on composition. The dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde and the aldol condensation to n-butanol both involved the initial surface ethoxide formation on a Lewis acid-strong base pair. The dehydration of ethanol to ethylene, and the coupling and dehydration to diethyl ether increased with Al content, probably reflecting the density increase of both Al{sup 3+}-O{sup 2{minus}} ...
... in Ti-6Al-4V has been studied quite thoroughly [5-7], much of the work resulting from the Air Force-sponsored High Cycle Fatigue initiative [8]. In ...
The Ti and Ti-Al coatings were deposited onto hot-worked AISI H11 steel substrates and plasma nitrided at 900 C. The Ti coated samples were successfully nitrided, while cracking and delamination of the Ti-Al coating was observed during nitriding. The formation of [delta]-TiN and [epsilon]-Ti[sub 2]N phases were detected after plasma nitriding of the Ti coating. During plasma treatment of the Ti-Al coating, the initial Ti[sub 3]Al and Al phases were paartially transformed into TiAl phase. The martensite transformation of the substrate material was found. The as-deposited Ti coating has a fibrous structure, while the structure of the as-sputtered Ti-Al coating is columnar. The superficial Vickers microhardness of plasma-nitrided Ti coating was 2200 HV 0.03 and the critical load of higher than 50 N indicates very good coating-to-substrate ...
Aluminium nitride (AlN) is a very interesting ceramic because of its combination of properties such as high thermal stability, high hardness and an unusual combination of high thermal and low electrical conductivity. But it is very difficulty to obtain an AlN layer on the aluminium substrates by thermochemical nitriding process. Since a thin film of aluminium oxide existing on the surface of every aluminium substrate prevents the nitrogen atoms from diffusing into the aluminium lattice. However, it is possible to sputter the oxide film away from the aluminium surface in a glow discharge with the use of plasma nitriding technique and to allow the formation of AlN layer on the aluminium bulk. In the present work specimen of aluminium Al 99.5 has been plasma nitrided in a modified plasma nitriding unit, in which a diffusion pump was used to obtain an especially low partial pressure of oxygen in the vauum ...
Photoluminescence properties and local electronic structures of rare earth (Eu^3^+ and Ce^3^+) activated Sr3AlO4F have been studied. X-ray powder diffraction data indicated that the activator ions of Eu^3^+ and Ce^3^+ can be incorporated into the Sr3AlO4F lattice and formed limited solid solutions of Sr3-2xLnxNaxAlO4F (Ln=Eu, Ce) with Na^+ as a charge compensator ion. The local structure around Sr sites was initially explored using Eu-activated Sr3AlO4F as a structural probe. Sr3AlO4F:Eu^3^+ exhibits orange-red emission ranging from 520 to 740nm with a maximum peak at about 619nm mainly originating from the ^5D0->^7FJ (J=0, 1, 2, 3, 4) transitions, indicating that Eu exists mainly in the trivalent state due to a strong oxidative lattice in Sr3AlO4F. Sr3AlO4F:Ce^3^+ shows an unusual long-wa...
OBJECTIVE: To determine the common types of injuries among children (0-14 years) in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE). DESIGN: A retrospective descriptive hospital based study. SETTING: Al-Ain Medical...Full Text Available
BackgroundAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a common late-onset neurodegenerative disease, is associated with fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) in 3–10% of patients....Full Text Available
Aluminium (Al3+) toxicity is the primary factor limiting crop production on acidic soils worldwide. In addition to an application of lime for soil amelioration, Al3+ resistant plant varieties have been deployed to raise productivity on such hostile soils. This has been possible due to the exploita...
Aluminium (Al) toxicity, affecting around half of the world¿s arable land, severely hinders the ability of crop plants to utilize moisture and nutrients by restricting root growth and function. Among the cultivated cereals, rye is the most Al-tolerant and represents an important potential source of ...
The authors report on the nano-fabrication of GaN/AlGaN device structures using focused ion beam (FIB) etching, illustrated on a GaN/AlGaN heterostructure field effect transistor (HFET). Pillars as small as 20nm to 300nm in diameter were fabricated from the GaN/AlGaN HFET. Micro-photoluminescence and UV micro-Raman maps were recorded from the FIB-etched pattern to assess its material quality. Photoluminescence was detected from 300nm-size GaN/AlGaN HFET pillars, i.e., from the AlGaN as well as the GaN layers in the device structure, despite the induced etch damage. Properties of the GaN and the AlGaN layers in the FIB-etched areas were mapped using UV Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Damage introduced by FIB-etching was assessed. The fabricated nanometer-size GaN/AlGaN structures were found to be of good quality. The results demonstrate the ...
... Structures 9623595 P EPSCOR ENG DMI MATERIALS PROCESSING & MANUFCT Textile Engineering Department AL ... MPS DMR METALS, CERAMICS AND ELECT MATRS Materials and Mechanical Engineering AL Auburn University ...
Reactive milling of NiO + Al powder mixture resulted in the formation of NiAl-Al_2O_3 nanocomposite powders, with a crystallite size of about 20 nm. The Hall-Williamson analysis revealed that NiAl showed an orientation dependent crystallite size after short processing time and orientation dependent internal strain after long milling time. Both anisotropies were removed by heating the powders in the differential scanning calorimetry. Calorimetric studies showed one exothermic effect attributed to the reduction reaction of NiO and endothermic one associated with melting of Al. Two methods were applied for powders compaction: resistance sintering and pulse electric discharge. In both cases the densities of abut 90% of the theoretical value were achieved. A significant increase in average NiAl crystallites size in compacted samples was observed, up to several hundreds of ...
... 1984; Martin-Mora et al., 1995), and parasitism (Rothschild and Rothschild, 1939; Pesigan et al., 1958; Moose, 1963; Pan, ... effects of digeneans are variable; they may enhance (Rothschild and Rothschild...
A Ni3Al coating was prepared by plasma spraying technique on the surface of titanium alloy. Ni-Al mixed powders, coatings and reaction products were investigated by scanning electron microscope, EDS, DSC and XRD. A tight bonding between the coating and the substrate was formed. The X-ray diffraction analysis of the patterns showed that the coating not only had Ni3Al phase, but also had NiO and Al2O3 phase microcontent. Comparing Ni coated Al to Ni3Al at 900^oC, the diffusion was stronger and the diffusion layer was thicker. A minute pore structure was formed at 1200^oC in the front edge of solid-state reaction layer. So Ni3Al restrained the solid-state reaction of the coating with the substrate, and as a whole weakened the entry of oxygen atoms into the substrate and quenched the out-diffu...
The development of tough #alpha#-SiAlON with elongated grains in the last five years is summarized. This progress has been guided by the improved understanding of phase relations and nucleation/growth kinetics in SiAlON ceramics. Although most #alpha#-SiAlON compositions can be processed to contain some elongated grains, their microstructure, fracture toughness and R-curve behavior vary greatly. Such variability is due to the different phase stability of #alpha#-SiAlONs and the varying physical chemistry of the competing phases, including the transient/residual liquid. For this reason, microstructure control of #alpha#-SiAlON must pay close attention to the composition, starting powder and heating schedule. Seeding with single crystals of an appropriate #alpha#-SiAlON composition provides an attractive alternative that simplifies the task of microstructure ...
A microwave-assisted carbothermal reduction and nitridation (CTR/N) method has been used for successful preparation of monophasic #beta#'-SiAlON starting from kaolinite and carbon black. Phase pure #beta#'-SiAlON has been obtained in under 60 min in microwave field. The z value of microwave prepared #beta#'-SiAlON is found to be 2.95, which is very close to the expected value from kaolinite composition. Formation of #beta#'-SiAlON has been monitored with XRD and MASNMR of "2"9Si and "2"7Al; the possible reaction mechanism has been discussed. Kaolinite to #beta#'-SiAlON conversion appears to be a very rapid single-step reaction under microwave irradiation. #beta#'-SiAlON powders have been microwave sintered to 98.7% of theoretical density in 30 min.
The objectives of the project were to develop operational techniques for promoting contaminant hideout return from tube support crevices and to identify the effect of chemical inhibitor application on corrodent transport. The implementation of routine procedures for promoting the return of sequestered corrodents could retard the progression of denting or other corrosion processes and improve steam generator availability. Tests also quantified the effect of inhibitor application on crevice hideout and hideout return processes, with the intention of developing a better understanding of the inhibition mechanism. By carefully monitoring the hideout and hideout return inventories, the program also has provided the opportunity to study steam generator concentration processes in general.
Familial Angelman syndrome (AS) can result from mutations in chromosome 15q11q13 that, when transmitted from father to child, result in no phenotypic abnormality but, when transmitted from mother to child, cause AS. These mutations therefore behave neither as dominant nor as recessive mutations but, rather, show an imprinted mode of inheritance. The authors have analyzed two sibling pairs with AS and a larger family with four AS offspring of three sisters with several recently described microsatellite polymorphisms in the AS region. AS siblings inherited the same maternal alleles at the GABRB3 and GABRA5 loci, and the unaffected siblings of AS individuals inherited the other maternal alleles at these loci. In one of the AS sibling pairs, analysis of a recombination event indicates that the mutation responsible for AS is distal to locus D15S63. This result is consistent with a previously described imprinted submicroscopic deletion causing AS, a ...
Sialons are phases in the Si-Al-O-N and M-Si-Al-O-N systems where M includes Li, Mg, Ca, Sc, Y and the rare earth elements. They are comparable in variety with the mineral silicates and are built up of one-, two-, and three-dimensional arrangements of (Si,Al)(O,N)/sub 4/ tetrahedra in the same way that the structural units of the silicates are SiO/sub 4/ tetrahedra. These new materials include N-containing ceramics, glasses and glass-ceramics that are being explored for their thermal, chemical and physical properties.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mitogen that is critically involved in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and hematopoiesis. However, what and how transcription factors participate in the regulation of vegf gene expression are not fully understood. Here we report the cloning and sequencing of the zebrafish vegf promoter which revealed that the promoter contains a number of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-activated Smad binding elements (SBE), implicating Smad1 and Smad5 in the regulation of BMP-induced expression of vegf. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays of adding recombinant Smad proteins to the SBE-containing DNA oligonucleotides that represent portions of zebrafish vegf promoter resulted in mobility shift of the oligonucleotides. These changes demonstrate potential interactions between Smad1/5 and the vegf promoter. Reporter activity assays using the wild-type or SBE-deleted vegf ...
Recently, Wang et al. proposed a three-party simultaneous quantum secure direct communication (3P-SQSDC) scheme with EPR pairs, which enables three involved parties to exchange their secret messages simultaneously by using an EPR pair. This work proposed an enhancement on Wang et al.'s scheme. With the enhancement, the communications in the improved 3P-SQSDC can be paralleled and thus improves the protocol efficiency.
Attempts to synthesize YPd[sub 2]Si-type representatives LnPd[sub 2]Al were successful only with Ln triple bond Ce, Pr, Nd. This orthorhombic structure (oP16; space group Pnma) is an ordered variant of the Fe[sub 3]C type. Only NdPd[sub 2]Al undergoes magnetic ordering above 2 K. (orig.)
Immobilization of long-lived fission products (LLFP) such as radioactive Tc, Cs and Sr into #alpha#-SiAlON ceramics was evaluated using stable isotopes instead of radioactive isotopes, and the applicability of #alpha#-SiAlON ceramics as the inert matrix for transmutation of LLFP was investigated. In the case of single addition of SrO, SrCO_3, Cs_2CO_3 or ReO_2 to the starting materials, #alpha#-SiAlON, single phase was not formed after hot-pressing. When Y_2O_3 was added with SrO, SrCO_3 or Cs_2CO_3 to the starting materials (#alpha#-Si_3N_4, AlN and #alpha#-Al_2O_3) in optimum compositions, #alpha#-SiAlON single phase was obtained after hot-pressing at 1700degC or 1800degC. From the EDS analysis, Sr and Y were detected from grains. It is suggested that Y would assist the expansion of interstices of #alpha#-SiAlON lattice, resulting in the ...
The ErNi{sub 1-} {sub x} Cu {sub x} Al compounds crystallize all in the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type structure. The concentration dependence of lattice constants shows a discontinuity between x=0.5 and 0.6. This structural change has no primary impact on the magnetic order in this series, but influences the crystal field. The lower part of the crystal-field energy-level schemes has been estimated from the specific-heat data.
The ErNi_1_- _x Cu _x Al compounds crystallize all in the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type structure. The concentration dependence of lattice constants shows a discontinuity between x=0.5 and 0.6. This structural change has no primary impact on the magnetic order in this series, but influences the crystal field. The lower part of the crystal-field energy-level schemes has been estimated from the specific-heat data.
Aluminium toxicity is a major problem in agriculture worldwide. Among the cultivated triticeae, rye (Secale cereale L.) is one of the most Al-tolerant and represents an important potential source of Al-tolerance for improvement of wheat. The Alt4 Al-tolerance locus of rye contains a cluster of genes...
Pollen morphology of 30 species of the family Acanthaceae belonging to 11 genera has been investigated using light and scanning electron microscope. Acanthaceae is a eurypalynous family. Pollen are usually radially symmetrical, isopolar, sub-prolate to prolate rarely prolate-spheroidal or sub-oblate to oblate-spheroidal, generally tricolporate or heterocolporate rarely colpate or porate. Exine ornamentation varies from medium to coarse reticulate, or often lopho-reticulate with luminae perforated to baculate or scabrate. On the basis of apertural type, exine ornamentation and colpal membrane eight distinct pollen types have been recognized viz., Pollen type-I: Barleria cristata-type, Pollen type-II: Blepharis ciliaris-type, Pollen type-III: Hygrophila polysperma - type, Pollen type-IV: Justicia adhatoda-type, Pollen type-V:Lepidagathis incurva-type, Pollen type- VI: Peristrophe paniculata-type, Pollen type-VII: Ruellia patula-type and Pollen ...
We construct two families of refinements of the (projectivized) support variety of a finite dimensional module $M$ for a finite group scheme $G$. For an arbitrary finite group scheme, we associate a family of {\\it non maximal rank varieties} $\\Gamma^j(G)_M$, $1\\leq j \\leq p-1$, to a $kG$-module $M$. For $G$ infinitesimal, we construct a finer family of locally closed subvarieties $V^{\\ul a}(G)_M$ of the variety of one parameter subgroups of $G$ for any partition $\\ul a$ of $\\dim M$. For an arbitrary finite group scheme $G$, a $kG$-module $M$ of constant rank, and a cohomology class $\\zeta$ in $\\HHH^1(G,M)$ we introduce the {\\it zero locus} $Z(\\zeta) \\subset \\Pi(G)$. We show that $Z(\\zeta)$ is a closed subvariety, and relate it to the non-maximal rank varieties. We also extend the construction of $Z(\\zeta)$ to an arbitrary extension class $\\zeta \\in \\Ext^n_G(M,N)$ whenever $M$ and $N$ are $kG$-modules of ...
We present a conditional likelihood approach for testing linkage disequilibrium in nuclear families having multiple affected offspring. The likelihood, conditioned on the identity-by-descent (IBD) structure of the sibling genotypes, is unaffected by familial correlation in disease status that arises from linkage between a marker locus and the unobserved trait locus. Two such conditional likelihoods are compared: one that conditions on IBD and phase of the transmitted alleles and a second which conditions only on IBD of the transmitted alleles. Under the log-additive model, the first likelihood is equivalent to the allele-counting methods proposed in the literature. The second likelihood is valid under the added assumption of equal male and female recombination fractions. In a simulation study, we demonstrated that in sibships having two or three affected siblings the score test from each likelihood had the correct test size for testing ...
SNAP25 occurs on chromosome 20p12.2, which has been linked to schizophrenia in some samples, and recently linked to latent classes of psychotic illness in our sample. SNAP25 is crucial to synaptic functioning, may be involved in axonal growth and dendritic sprouting, and its expression may be decreased in schizophrenia. We genotyped 18 haplotype-tagging SNPs in SNAP25 in a sample of 270 Irish high-density families. Single marker and haplotype analyses were performed in FBAT and PDT. We adjusted for multiple testing by computing q values. Association was followed up in an independent sample of 657 cases and 411 controls. We tested for allelic effects on the clinical phenotype by using the method of sequential addition and 5 factor-derived scores of the OPCRIT. Nine of 18 SNPs had P values Irish family sample. Although we failed to replicate this in an independent sample, this gene should be further tested in other samples. PMID:19806613
The subjects covered in this Symposium range through almost every clinical medical specialty. From an average of one paper in each of the past three Symposiums, the explosive interest in cerebral amyloidosis has led to the presentation of 12 papers on this subject in the present volume. The genetically predisposed familial amyloidotic processes, such as the polyneuropathies and familial Mediterranean fever have also stimulated extensive and intriguing investigations which have revealed the striking effect of a single amino acid substitution in transforming a normal protein into a lethal ''amyloidogenic'' one. This Symposium clearly depicts the advances since the first amyloid fibril protein was definitively identified and defined 14 years ago. Since all amyloid fibril proteins so far described are variants of normal proteins, attention to gene abnormalities now becomes a significant focus as well as the pathogenic sequences which lead in these ...
Direct visualization of rare earths in @a- and @b-SiAlON unit-cells is performed through Z-contrast imaging technique in an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. The preferential occupation of Yb and Ce atoms in different interstitial locations of @b-SiAlON lattice is demonstrated, yielding higher solubility for Yb than Ce. The triangular-like host sites in @a-SiAlON unit cell accommodate more Ce atoms than hexagonal sites in @b-SiAlON. We think that our results will be applicable as guidelines for many kinds of rare-earth-doped materials.
Continuous freestanding SiC(Al) films were fabricated by melt spinning the aluminum-containing polycarbosilane (A-PCS) precursor. The results showed that the films contained #beta#-SiC crystals, #alpha#-SiC nano-crystals, C clusters and small amount of Al_4O_4C and Al_4SiC_4. The Al atoms in the films played important roles as both sintering aids and grain growth inhibitor. The PL spectrum showed a wide luminescence band from 320 nm to 440 nm, and the origin of PL centered at 385 nm might be related to the #alpha#-SiC nano-crystals using quantum size effects. The obtained films are expected to have important applications in MEMS for the environment of high temperature and optoelectronic devices.
The local strain and texture in Al interconnect wires have been investigated using white and monochromatic x-ray microbeams on the MHATTCAT undulator beam line at the Advanced Photon Source. Intergrain and intragrain orientations were obtained with ~0.01 degree sensitivity using white beam measurements on wide Al pads (~100 Mu-m) and thin (2 Mu-m) Al wires. Orientation changes of up to 1 degree were found within individual grains of the (111) textured Al interconnects. Deviatoric strain measurements indicate small intragranular strain variations, but intergranular strain variations were found to be quite large.
Monolithic SiAlON ceramics are hard and brittle with little possibility for property design, but multi-phase SiAlON ceramics offer great scope for controlling microstructural development and desired properties. The ceramics can also be reinforced by separate additions of other hard, refractory compounds. The toughness in all these SiAlON composites can be increased by several mechanisms, and the best effect is reached if they are combined. When glassy phase is present, crack paths are affected by the strains caused by different thermal expansion of the glassy phase and the crystals and also by the interface properties. The crystal shape influence toughness, especially pronounced is the effect of the elongated #beta#- grains. Different toughening mechanisms are achieved by separately added reinforcement phases. The hardness is raised by the presence of #alpha# SiAlON and other hard constituents, such as ...
The thermal transformation of Al-base icosahedral phases was studied in-situ by real time neutron powder diffraction. Different compositions have been selected in order to vary the initial phase morphology and change the neutron scattering contrast between species. Alloys with low silicon and large aluminium contents produce first the orthorhombic O-Al_6Mn modification. In alloys with larger silicon content, the #alpha#-AlMnSi cubic phase appears soon after the beginning of the transformation but is still preceeded by O-Al_6Mn. Depending on compositions, the crystallization of the icosahedral phase is controlled either by the diffusion of Al through its interface with the residual fcc aluminium or that of Si within the bulk. The results are discussed in the light of current structural models. (author) 40 refs., 14 figs., 3 tabs.
We reported in previous papers that both the near-uv and the visible photosensitivities of ferroelectric-phase PLZT (lead lanthanum zirconate titanate) ceramics are increased by as much as four orders of magnitude by ion implantation or a combination of thermal diffusion of Al and ion implantation. New results are presented here on high-energy (1 MeV) implants of Al and Ni and coimplants of Al + Ne and Ni + Ne, and these results are compared with earlier 500 keV implants of Al and Cr and coimplants of Al + Ne and Cr + Ne as surface modification techniques for increasing the visible photosensitivity of PLZT. The important role of grain size in determining optimum contrast and resolution of stored optical information is described in terms of new experimental results.
GaP and AlGaP were grown by atmospheric pressure OMVPE on GaP substrates using tertiarybutylphosphine as the phosphorus source. A specular surface of GaP was obtained on a (100) just-oriented surface at 700deg C. Hazy but uniform thickness AlGaP was obtained. The growth efficiency for GaP was 1.2x10{sup 3}{mu}m/mol and that for AlGaP was 2.1x10{sup 3}{mu}m/mol.4.2 K photoluminescence showed near-edge emission from both GaP and AlGaP. (orig.).
Luminescence properties of SiAlON phosphors codoped with Ca and Yb were investigated by changing the host lattice composition. These modifications of the host lattice were obtained by replacing Si-N bonds by Al-N and Al-O bonds. Their photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) properties were measured and compared with each other. PL allows observing the influence of the host lattice modifications by measuring wider areas. CL can excite all luminescent centers, in particular the UV luminescence centers, even if their amount is small. Thus, two additional peaks in the ultraviolet and infrared regions were observed in CL, which is not observed by PL. This work suggests that the combination of PL and CL gives more understanding about the luminescence of SiAlON phosphors, in particular the role of the secondary phases on their properties.
An impingement jet system was used to study flow-assisted corrosion (FAC) of 3003 aluminum (Al) alloy in ethylene glycol-water solutions that simulates the automotive coolant by corrosion potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements as well as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The effects of solution pH and fluid impact angle on Al FAC were determined. An increase of solution pH enhances the activity of Al due to dissolution of Al oxide film in alkaline environment. Moreover, Al activity decreases with the increasing fluid impact angle to the specimen. A CFD simulation shows that, with the increase of impact angle, the electrode area under high-velocity flow field decreases and that under low-velocity flow field increases. Consequently, the shear str...
Abstract The recent paper by Heyer et al. indicates that observations of size, linewidth and column density of interstellar clouds do not agree with simple virial equilibrium (SVE) as a balance between gravitational and kinetic energies in the sense that the clouds either have too much kinetic energy or too little mass to be bound. This may be explained by violation of SVE as suggested by Dobbs et al., by observational underestimation of the masses as suggested by Heyer et al. or by an external pressure acting as an additional confining force as suggested earlier by Heyer et al. The data of Heyer et al. cannot be explained with a single value for the external pressure, but if different clouds in the sample have different external pressures in the range of Pe/k= 104-107 cm-3-K, then most of...
A body-centered cubic (bcc) Mg-12Li-9Al-1Zn (wt.%) alloy was fabricated in air by electrolysis from LiCl-KCl molten salt at 500 deg. C. Electrolytic deposition of Li atoms on cathode (Mg-Al-Zn alloy) and diffusion of the Li atoms formed the bcc Mg-Li-Al-Zn alloy with 12 wt.% Li and only 0.264 wt.% K. Low K concentration in the bcc Mg alloy strip after the electrolysis process resulted from 47% atomic size misfit between K and Mg atoms and low solubility of K in Mg matrix.
A body-centered cubic (bcc) Mg-12Li-9Al-1Zn (wt.%) alloy was fabricated in air by electrolysis from LiCl-KCl molten salt at 500degreeC. Electrolytic deposition of Li atoms on cathode (Mg-Al-Zn alloy) and diffusion of the Li atoms formed the bcc Mg-Li-Al-Zn alloy with 12wt.% Li and only 0.264wt.% K. Low K concentration in the bcc Mg alloy strip after the electrolysis process resulted from 47% atomic size misfit between K and Mg atoms and low solubility of K in Mg matrix.
In this paper, we discuss various aspects of the development of an inverted-grown AlGaAs/GaAs cascade solar cell incorporating a patterned germanium tunnel junction. Topics include the development of the Al{sub 0.37}Ga{sub 0.63}As top cell, the growth of the GaAs bottom cell over the patterned germanium tunnel junction, and a technique for selective removal of thin AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures after lattice-matched growth on germanium substrates. The problems to be overcome for the achievement of around 30% efficiencies in the AlGaAs/GaAs cascade cell under concentrator applications are also discussed. (orig.).
We study contact structures compatible with genus one open book decompositions with one boundary component. Any monodromy for such an open book can be written as a product of Dehn twists around dual non-separating curves in the once-punctured torus. Given such a product, we supply an algorithm to determine whether the corresponding contact structure is tight or overtwisted when the monodromy is pseudo-Anosov. We rely on Ozsv{\\'a}th-Szab{\\'o} Heegaard Floer homology in our construction and, in particular, we completely identify the $L$-spaces with genus one, one boundary component, pseudo-Anosov open book decompositions. Lastly, we reveal a new infinite family of hyperbolic three-manifolds with no co-orientable taut foliations, extending the family discovered in \\cite{RSS}.
Pai ALH, Gray E, Kurivial K, Ross J, Schoborg D, Goebel J. The Allocation of Treatment Responsibility scale: A novel tool for assessing patient and caregiver management of pediatric medical treatment regimens. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:993 999. 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: The purpose of the current study is to report preliminary psychometric properties of the ATR scale, a brief measure of the distribution of treatment tasks across the family members of children with a kidney transplant. Pediatric patients with renal transplants (ages 7 18 yr) and their caregivers completed the ATR and measures of adherence and family functioning. Internal consistency for the ATR (total score and subscales) was strong (range = 0.75 0.93). Validity for the ATR was supported by significant co...
In this paper we classify a linear family of Lie brackets on the space of rectangular matrices $Mat(n\\times m,\\K)$ and we give an analogue of the Ado's Theorem. We give also a similar classification on the algebra of the square matrices $Mat(n, \\K)$ and as a consequence, we prove that we can't built a faithful representation of the $(2n+1)$-dimensional Heisenberg Lie algebra $\\mathfrak{H}_n$ in a vector space $V$ with $\\dim V\\leq n+1$. Finally, we prove that in the case of the algebra of square matrices $Mat(n,\\K)$, the corresponding Lie algebras structures are a contraction of the canonical Lie algebra $\\mathfrak{gl}(n,\\K)$.
Sandia National Laboratories has developed a family of airfoils specifically designed for use in the equatorial portion of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) blade. An airfoil of that family has been incorporated into the rotor blades of the DOE/Sandia 34-m diameter VAWT Test Bed. The airfoil and rotor design process is reviewed. Comparisons with data recently acquired from flow visualization tests and from the DOE/Sandia 34-m diameter VAWT Test Bed illustrate the success that was achieved in the design. The economic optimization model used in the design is described and used to evaluate the effect of modifications to the current Test Bed blade. 1 tab., 11 figs., 13 refs.
There has been growing international consensus on issues related to child labour - evident in various declarations, platforms, conventions, programmes of action etc. Child labour is the economic exploitation of children, or performance of any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child's health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. Poverty is the principal cause of child labour. Mostly the children work to support their families and also for their own survival. Paradoxically, however, child labour further aggravates the poverty syndrome as it usually deprives the children of education and opportunity to acquire skills for developing earning potentials. Other causes of child labour include family indebtedness, the lack or poor quality of schooli...
In this study we investigated cultural, familial, and individual beliefs that influenced international students? perceptions of therapy and help-seeking behaviors. Included were changes in perception or behavior before and after the students came to the US, and factors that influenced help-seeking behaviors. Six international students from East Asian countries where English is a foreign language, including Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, and South Korea, were interviewed. We used semi-structured interviews and participant observations for collecting data. The findings indicated changes after students came to the US. Further discussions focus on encouraging and discouraging factors relative to seeing therapists, and culturally sensitive interventions for family therapy clinicians.
Data were collected on 154 adoptive families with gay/lesbian and straight adoptive parents (154 parent respondents and 210 adolescent respondents). This study was principally interested in factors affecting adolescent attachment including parent sexual orientation, adolescent and parent life satisfaction, and parent level of relationship satisfaction with their adopted child as well as other key parent, child and adoption characteristics. The results suggest that higher level of adopted adolescent attachment to parents is not related to adoptive parent sexual orientation. Adolescent attachment to parents is related to adolescent life satisfaction; parent level of relationship satisfaction with their adopted child, number of placements prior to adoption, and adolescent's current age. Adole...
Background and aims. The multiplicity of vaccine injections during childhood leads to iterative painful and stressful experiences which may lead in turn to anticipated pain and then possibly to a true needle phobia. We aimed at evaluating a multifactorial strategy of pain management combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches during vaccination, as compared to usual care, in 4- to 12-year-old children. Methods. In all, 239 children were enroled by 25 family practitioners in an open-label study. After a pseudo-randomization, usual pain management (n = 132) was compared to a multifactorial strategy (n = 107) associating preliminary application of an anesthesic patch, preferential use of specified vaccines, child education by the parents and the doctor, parental accompaniment...