cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Object-oriented modeling and discrete-event simulation

Publisher Summary The chapter focuses on the discrete-event modeling and simulation approach that emerged from operations-research concerns. Object-oriented modeling and discrete-event simulation provide a powerful basis for design and analysis of computer-based systems in such applications as flexible manufacturing, automation, and robotics. The object-oriented approach provides powerful modeling concepts to support computer-based tools for complex system design. Discrete-event simulation has a long history of association with the object-oriented paradigm and provides the critical ability to study the dynamic behavior of models that are defined with object-oriented means. It is characteristic of simulation tools that they facilitate a (hypothetical) description of the internal structure of a real system to the level of detail that the modeler perceives in reality. This power of representation distinguishes simulation from analytical techniques but also places a new burden on the modeler such as the choice of the level of detail compatible with the objectives of the modeling effort, the real-system data available, and the computational and human resources at one's disposal. Modeling and simulation are usually performed within the context of system design, control, or management. The chapter also describes the discrete event system specification (DEVS) theory of discrete-event systems, emphasizing that DEVS should provide a firm foundation for such next-generation software environments.
Overview of Human Identity Testing and Forensic Genetics

This unit discusses the development of the field of forensic genetics, touching on the quality control and legal issues that are central to this area. It closes with a discussion of some caveats for interpreting forensic DNA results.
Long-term Effects of Dieting: Is Weight Loss Related to Health?

Success in dieting interventions has traditionally been defined as weight loss. It is implicit in this definition that losing weight will lead to improved health, and yet, health outcomes are not routinely included in studies of diets. In this article, we evaluate whether weight loss improves health by reviewing health outcomes of long-term randomized controlled diet studies. We examine whether weight-loss diets lead to improved cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose and test whether the amount of weight lost is predictive of these health outcomes. Across all studies, there were minimal improvements in these health outcomes, and none of these correlated with weight change. A few positive effects emerged, however, for hypertension and diabetes medication use and diabetes and stroke incidence. We conclude by discussing factors that potentially confound the relationship between weight loss and health outcomes, such as increased exercise, healthier eating, and engagement with the health care system, and we provide suggestions for future research. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Intergyre transport in a wind-driven, quasigeostrophic double gyre: An application of lobe dynamics

Abstract. We study the flow obtained from a three-layer, eddy-resolving quasigeostrophic ocean circulation model subject to an applied wind stress curl. For this model we will consider transport between the northern and southern gyres separated by an eastward jet. We will focus on the use of techniques from dynamical systems theory, particularly lobe dynamics, in the forming of geometric structures that govern transport. By "govern", we mean they can be used to compute Lagrangian transport quantities, such as the flux across the jet. We will consider periodic, quasiperiodic, and chaotic velocity fields, and thus assess the effectiveness of dynamical systems techniques in flows with progressively more spatio-temporal complexity. The numerical methods necessary to implement the dynamical systems techniques and the significance of lobe dynamics as a signature of specific "events", such as rings pinching off from a meandering jet, are also discussed.
Algorithms for a projection model of demographic indicators based on generalized age-dependent branching processes

Abstract Demographic indicators are not only used extensively to describe the current state of human populations, but they also enter into the formulation and implementation of population policies. Successes and⧸or failures of policies are frequently judged in terms of changes in demographic indicators over time. Using indicators in this way gives rise to a need for a methodology for projecting them over time in terms of basic determinants underlying the demographic evolution of human populations so that prospective population policies may be studied by computer simulation. The basic determinants of population dynamics considered in this paper were mortality, age at marriage, and fertility. The mathematical machinery used to incorporate these determinants into a workable one-sex mathematical system was that of generalized age-dependent branching processes. Given an initial age distribution and stationary law of evolution, algorithms for projecting three classes of indicators in time were developed. Included in the first class were the age distribution and rate of population growth. A second class included indicators of mortality, with specific attention being given to age-specific, crude, and infant death rates. Indicators of fertility made up a third class. Singled out for study were: age-specific birth rates, the total and net fertility rates, and the crude birth rate. Renewal theory was used to develop asymptotic formulas for all indicators considered; many of these formulas will be familiar to students of stable population theory. Some connections between the Leslie matrix and the projection system developed in this paper were also pointed out.
Status and research needs for prediction of seismic response in liquid containers

Abstract Current methods for seismic design of liquid storage tanks and steam suppression pools are reviewed to establish requirements for future research. The use of a transfer function and response spectrum method is emphasized for prediction of slosh response and impulsive loading. The method is also applicable to operating transient loads that occur in nuclear power plants. Direct applicability is noted for much of the available design data that had previously been developed for aerospace launch vehicles.
Investigation of Nuclear Energy Levels in Lead

The total neutron cross section of lead was measured from 20 kev to 750 kev with an energy spread of 10 kev. Maxima were observed at 350, 525, and 720 kev, each maximum being preceded by a minimum. In the region surrounding these anomalies, measurements were carried out with a resolution of about 5 kev. An attempt was made to interpret the maxima as due to resonances corresponding to isolated levels in the compound nucleus ${\mathrm{Pb}}^{209}$. No energy levels were resolved when similar measurements were carried out for bismuth.
NAFION-H | A SOLID PERFLUOROALKANERESINSULFONIC ACID CATALYZED CONVERSION OF ACETALS TO THIOACETALS (1)

Nafion-H has been found to be an excellent acid catalyst for the direct conversion of acetals to thioacetals with 1,2-ethanedithiol in methylene chloride solution.
Electronic, vibrational and rotational energy partitioning of CN radicals from the laser photolysis of ICN at 266 nm

Abstract A photofragment spectrometer has been designed to directly probe by laser induced fluorescence the internal energy distributions of fragments resulting from unimolecular decomposition. Results for photodissociation of ICN at 266 nm show that CN radicals are formed primarily in the 2Σ+ ground electronic state population distributions: Nν″=1/Nν″=0 = 0.012, Nν″=2/Nν″=0 = 6 × 10−4. Nν″=3/ Nν″=0 3000 K. Less than 0.1% of the CN radicals are formed initially in the A 2Π electronically excited state.
Effects of air-conditioned versus naturally ventilated housing during hot weather on the reproductive efficiency of gilts or sows

One hundred and ninety-eight sows and gilts were used during the summers of 1975 through 1978 to evaluate air-conditioned housing as a means of reducing the deleterious effects of heat stress on reproductive efficiency. At weaning (1975 and 1976) or mating (1977 and 1978), females were randomly assigned by pairs to either an air-conditioned (AC) building or to a naturally ventilated open sided building (NV); they remained in these for 30 days after mating. Boars were housed in the AC building. Temperature in the AC building was kept at 22 ± 1°C. Average maximum ambient temperatures outside the NV building were 32°C in 1975, 31°C in 1976, 33°C in 1977 and 31°C in 1978; average minimum ambient temperatures were 19, 18, 20 and 19°C, respectively. Although not greatly different between treatments, farrowing rate (farrowed/mated) was higher in AC housing in 1975 and 1978. Days to estrus after weaning (only available for 1975 and 1976), were less (P<0.01) for AC compared with NV housed sows (6.5 ± 1.0 vs. 11.7 ± 1.1). During 1975, 1976 and 1977, total pigs born, number born alive and number alive at 7 and 14 days favored sows housed in AC, whereas the reverse was true for 1978. Stillbirths were greater for NV sows in 1978, with no difference between AC and NV sows during the other years. Average birth weights did not differ between treatments. These results suggest that housing sows in an air-conditioned building during hot weather for 30 days after weaning may marginally improve reproductive performance as measured by litter size and return to estrus after weaning.
A rate result for simulation optimization with conditional value-at-risk constraints

We study a stochastic optimization problem that has its roots in financial portfolio design. The problem has a specified deterministic objective function and constraints on the conditional value-at-risk of the portfolio. Approximate optimal solutions to this problem are usually obtained by solving a sample-average approximation. We derive bounds on the gap in the objective value between the true optimal and an approximate solution so obtained. We show that under certain regularity conditions the approximate optimal value converges to the true optimal at the canonical rate O(n-1/2), where n represents the sample size. The constants in the expression are explicitly defined.
The State of the State in Congo-Zaire: A Survey of the Mobutu Regime

The armed struggle against Mobutu's dictatorship raised many questions regarding the viability of the Zairian State. Indeed, the rebels, led by Mr. Laurent Desire Kabila, did not face strong resistance from the Zairian army assisted by foreign mercenaries. The victory of the rebels clearly demonstrated the extent to which the Zairian State was vulnerables. On the socioeconomic level, the lives of the Zairian people under the Mobutu regime kept deteriorating day after day. Public employees were not receiving their salaries for months or even years, and the army and police that were supposed to protect citizens became, on the contrary, citizens' nightmares. On many occasions, soldiers harassed and terrorized the masses while public services were performed on the basis of briberies or kickbacks. Under Mobutu, Zaire became a kind ofjungle where the rule of law did not exist. In this context, some analysts did not hesitate to argue that the state was no longer existent in Zaire. In any society, the role of the state is to guarantee the protection of its citizens and to provide any other basic needs that promote the welfare of the masses. Unfortunately, Zairian masses whose territory possesses large amounts of mineral resources were among the most impoverished people in the African continent. Hospitals were in bad shape, roads were full of holes, public schools were out most of the time because teachers were never paid on a regular basis, and public services were almost nonexistent. Under these conditions, many students of Zairian politics reached the conclusion that the state did not exist in Zaire. This view was echoed by the Zairian masses, who felt unprotected and subject to conditions for which
Nucleotide Binding to the C-terminal Nucleotide Binding Domain of ArsA STUDIES WITH AN ATP ANALOGUE, 5′-p-FLUOROSULFONYLBENZOYLADENOSINE (FSBA)

ArsA protein, the catalytic component of the plasmid-encoded anion-translocating ATPase in Escherichia coli, contains two consensus nucleotide binding domains, A1 and A2, that are connected by a flexible linker. ATP has previously been shown to cross-link to the A1 domain upon activation with UV light but not to the A2 domain. The ATP analogue, 5′-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine (FSBA) was used to probe the nucleotide binding domains of ArsA. The covalently labeled protein was subjected to partial trypsin proteolysis, followed by Western blot analysis of the fragments with the anti-FSBA serum. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the labeled fragment showed that FSBA binds preferentially to the C-terminal domain A2 both in the absence and the presence of antimonite. Occupancy of the two nucleotide binding sites was determined by protection from trypsin proteolysis. Trypsin cleaved the ArsA protein at Arg290 in the linker to generate a 32-kDa N-terminal and a 27-kDa C-terminal fragment. The 32-kDa fragment is compact and largely inaccessible to trypsin; however, the 27-kDa was cleaved further. Incubation with FSBA, which binds to the C-terminal domain, resulted in significant protection of the 27-kDa fragment. This fragment was not protected upon incubation with ATP alone, indicating that A2 might be unoccupied. However, upon incubation with ATP and antimonite, almost complete protection from trypsin was seen. ATP and FSBA together mimicked the effect of ATP and antimonite, implying that this fully protected conformation might be the result of both sites occupied with the nucleotide. It is proposed that the A1 site in ArsA is a high affinity ATP site, whereas the allosteric ligand antimonite is required to allow ATP binding to A2, resulting in catalytic cooperativity. Thus antimonite binding may act as a switch in regulating ATP binding to A2 and hence the ATPase activity of ArsA.
The crystal structure of ribosomal protein S4 reveals a two‐domain molecule with an extensive RNA‐binding surface: one domain shows structural homology to the ETS DNA‐binding motif

We report the 1.7 A crystal structure of ribosomal protein S4 from Bacillus stearothermophilus. To facilitate the crystallization, 41 apparently flexible residues at the N-terminus of the protein have been deleted (S4Delta41). S4Delta41 has two domains; domain 1 is completely alpha-helical and domain 2 comprises a five-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet with three alpha-helices packed on one side. Domain 2 is an insertion within domain 1, and it shows significant structural homology to the ETS domain of eukaryotic transcription factors. A phylogenetic analysis of the S4 primary structure shows that the likely RNA interaction surface is predominantly on one side of the protein. The surface is extensive and highly positively charged, and is centered on a distinctive canyon at the domain interface. The latter feature contains two arginines that are totally conserved in all known species of S4 including eukaryotes, and are probably crucial in binding RNA. As has been shown for other ribosomal proteins, mutations within S4 that affect ribosome function appear to disrupt the RNA-binding sites. The structure provides a framework with which to probe the RNA-binding properties of S4 by site-directed mutagenesis.
Self-adaptive enhanced sampling in the energy and trajectory spaces: Accelerated thermodynamics and kinetic calculations

Here, we introduce a simple self-adaptive computational method to enhance the sampling in energy, configuration, and trajectory spaces. The method makes use of two strategies. It first uses a non-Boltzmann distribution method to enhance the sampling in the phase space, in particular, in the configuration space. The application of this method leads to a broad energy distribution in a large energy range and a quickly converged sampling of molecular configurations. In the second stage of simulations, the configuration space of the system is divided into a number of small regions according to preselected collective coordinates. An enhanced sampling of reactive transition paths is then performed in a self-adaptive fashion to accelerate kinetics calculations.
The infant with possible biliary atresia: Evaluation by ultrasound and nuclear medicine

Twenty-eight infants with jaundice were evaluated with ultrasound and radionuclide scans. Comparison of these studies with pathologic, surgical and clinical examinations demonstrated good correlation between ultrasonic and radionuclide studies. Ultrasound is an important preliminary study in the workup of such patients. Combined imaging provides the most information in a patient with suspected biliary atresia.
ac Conductivity of semiconducting trans-polyacetylene

Abstract The ac conductivity of semiconducting trans-polyacetylene has been measured over the frequency range 10 Hz to 10 MHz at room temperature. Both ohmic and blocking contacts were used on samples prepared at several doping levels below the metallic limit. The complex conductivity was found to be frequency independent for all levels of doping and for both types of contacts. A discussion is given regarding soliton motion and inhomogeneous doping and their possible effects on ac conductivity in trans-polyacetylene.
Nature of the phosphorylated residue in citrate cleavage enzyme

Abstract Citrate cleavage enzyme was phosphorylated with γ-32P-ATP. A 32P-compound was isolated by Dowex chromatography of an alkaline hydrolysate of the 32P-phosphoenzyme. The isolated compound behaved chromatographically and electrophoretically like phosphohistidine.
Detection of Contaminants on Electronic Microcircuit Substrates by Laser Spark Emission Spectroscopy

Laser spark emission spectroscopy is used to determine the elemental composition of contaminants found on electronic microcircuits fabricated on alumina substrates. This technique is particularly useful for rapid analyses of dielectric surfaces, and spatially resolved data with some degree of depth profiling information are obtained. Two specific examples are given which illustrate the utility of the method in pinpointing production problems.
Teleradiology coming of age: winners and losers.

1161 vice advantages of outsourced off-hour teleradiology, referring physicians and hospital administrators are now asking why their radiology groups cannot deliver the same levels of service for daytime radiology operations [9]. Given that many groups are understaffed, some have reluctantly agreed to outsource an increasing number of day time interpretations to the acquisitive teleradiology companies, which have built the logistic infrastructure to respond rapidly to this new dayhawk market. In other words, radiologists, by readily outsourcing their off-hour responsibilities, have inadvertently created a competitive dayhawk market for radiologic services. The speed with which competition has been introduced into the radiology market has caught some radiology groups by surprise, some of which have already lost either part or all of their existing franchise [2]. Furthermore, due to the success of the commercial tele radiology companies, larger entrepreneurial radiology groups have been encouraged to enter the market. They have the added advantage of being able to provide some on-site hospital coverage—a hospital will usually need some radiology daytime presence—while transmitting the majority of images elsewhere, wherever the majority of their group is located. The radiology market is therefore entering an intense phase of consolidation, and smaller radiology groups, particularly those deemed to deliver poor customer service, are at significant risk of losing out [2]. They are at a particular disadvantage because they often cannot offer the full range of subspecialty services that increasingly are being demanded of them [9]. Consequently, some radiologists can no longer assume long-term job security because their core value proposition can now be outsourced. Although many groups have responded accordingly and have either maintained or improved the Teleradiology Coming of Age: Winners and Losers
Rotational Control of Birefringent Particles Using an Optical Trap

Optical traps have been used in a multitude of applications in biology, such as stretching DNA molecules and bacterial tails, due to their ability to study molecules in solution. In addition to being capable of applying and sensing forces, optical traps also have the ability to accurately apply and sense torques. Birefringent particles experience a torque when trapped in elliptically polarized light which has resulted in rotation rates over 400 Hz. By measuring the frequency content of the exiting beam, the rotation rates can be tracked and controlled. Here we describe an optical trap with feedback torque control that maintains rotational rates in the presence of increasing drag. As a result, this research has the potential to advance the understanding of rotary motor proteins such as F1ATPase.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Proteolysis during T4 head maturation: Evidence against the involvement of a phage-induced trypsin-like enzyme

Abstract A mutant of Escherichia coli has been isolated which lacks protease II, an enzyme with trypsin-like specificity detectable by hydrolysis of the synthetic chromogenic substrate N -benzoylarginine- p -nitroanilide (BAPA). Infection of this mutant with bactriophage T4 results in no detectable increase in BAPA-hydrolyzing activity. This result is contrary to some recent reports which suggest that T4 induces a BAPA-hydrolyzing enzyme but which do not exclude the possibility that the measured activity is of host origin.
Stabilizing Fine-Grained Soils by Phosphate Electrogrouting:

The results of a laboratory study demonstrate the significant potential of electrogrouting, a new method for stabilizing soft soils with relatively low hydraulic conductivity. The experiments reported show that migration of stabilizing ions through soil pore fluid under applied direct current (dc) electric fields can be substantial. The method can achieve a more stable soil (i.e., less compressibility and higher shear strength, among other property improvements) without causing significant volume changes. In the experiments reported, the effect of stabilizing Boston Blue Clay (BBC) samples using phosphate ions was investigated. Initially, batch tests were conducted by mixing BBC samples with specific volumes of phosphoric acid solutions prepared at different concentrations. An increase of as much as 280% over the initial strength was achieved at the highest concentration of the acid used (10% of concentrated phosphoric acid solution). From the success of these batch tests, electrogrouting experiments were conducted by placing the soil in special treatment cells and applying a constant voltage gradient for 2 weeks. Electrogrouting the BBC under 1 V/cm dc is 15 times faster than is injection under a unit hydraulic gradient and produced increases in shear strength across the soil, with the greatest strength gain (160% of the initial shear strength) occurring in the soil section near the cathode (negatively charged probe). Additional results show the effects of electrogrouting on soil compressibility. A detailed review is given of the considerations necessary to implement the electrogrouting method in the field.
Beyond the Headlines: Wounding and the Community College Presidency.

A framework for understanding the human side of leadership, especially wounding and leadership struggles, is described with an emphasis on stories of community college presidents. Practical advice and recommendations are offered to better equip aspiring and practicing community college presidents for leadership challenges. A key message is that when a leader experiences a crisis, this stressful situation can be used as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Isolation, purification, and properties of a second bacteriolytic enzyme from Hartmannella glebae

Abstract The crude extract of a soil amoeba, Hartmannella glebae grown in the presence of both Aerobacter aerogenes and Alcaligenes faecalis was subjected to acetone fractionation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Two bacteriolytic enzymes were obtained. No further work was done on the first enzyme as it is probably the same enzyme which was reported earlier when amoebas were grown on A. aerogenes only. The second enzyme is produced only when A. faecalis was used as an additional source of nutrition. It was further purified by gel filtration on a Bio-Gel A column. Even though a purification of 30.9% with a total recovery of 380% was obtained with the second enzyme after DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, 87.5%, of the lytic activity was lost after gel filtration. As a result, it showed a 12-fold purification with a final recovery of 47%. Digestion of the cell walls of Micrococcus lysodeikticus resulted in the rapid solubilization of walls accompanied by the liberation of reducing groups, acetylamino sugars, and free amino groups. The enzyme is suspected to be a glycosidase i.e., endo-β- N -acetylmuramidase or endo-β- N -acetylglucosaminidase.
Description of and results from a new surface microlayer sampling device

Abstract A new surface microlayer sampler provides real-time information on interfacial chemical and biological components. The sampler consists of a partly immersed rotating glass cylinder oriented parallel to the direction of travel. The orientation eliminates build-up of surface components ahead of the sampler and minimizes fouling of the sampler by floating debris. The sampler has been towed successfully in the eastern Pacific Ocean and in coastal areas off Oregon and Maine. Coupled with absorbance and fluorescence detectors, the sampler allows measurements of interfacial chemistry and biology to be made concurrently with measurements of hydrographic and atmospheric conditions over a wide range of ocean surface conditions. The sampler also provides volumes of microlayer sample sufficient for analyses of trace components, for physiological measurements, and for laboratory (e.g. film balance) experiments.
The effects of outcome expectations and satisfaction on weight loss and maintenance: Correlational and experimental analyses - A randomized trial

This study examines the hypothesis that highly favorable outcome expectations promote weight loss and hinder weight maintenance. To investigate the effects of outcome expectations and satisfaction with treatment outcomes on weight loss, 349 adults were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 weight loss programs that emphasize either (a) an "optimistic" message, focusing exclusively on the positive aspects of weight loss, or (b) a "balanced" message, giving equal time to positive and negative aspects of weight loss. Participants changed their weight loss cognitions in response to the intervention, but there was no significant difference between the intervention treatment groups in short-term or long-term (18-month) weight loss. Independent of treatment message, positive outcome expectations and satisfaction were both associated with weight loss.
Lion-Tiger Hybrid

SOME of the readers of NATURE who have the opportunity of visiting the exhibition at Earl's Court may be interested to know that one of the members of the “Happy Family” now on show there is evidently a hybrid between a lion and a tiger. The animal appears to be about two years old. By artificial light the ground colour closely resembles that of a lion, being tawny rather than reddish yellow; but the tiger-stripes, though faint, are quite visible, especially on the tail. Such stripes might perhaps be mistaken for unusually strong cub-markings of the lion retained for an unusual length of time. But apart from the stripes, the tiger-strain comes out strongly in the blackness of the corners of the mouth, the hairs of the lips in this place being jet black in the tiger, white in the lion.
The 17 July 2006 Java tsunami earthquake

The 17 July 2006 Java earthquake involved thrust faulting in the Java trench and excited a deadly tsunami (∼5–8 m) that inundated the southern coast of Java. The earthquake's size estimates vary significantly with seismic wave period: very long-period signals (300–500+ s) indicate a seismic moment of 6.7 × 10^(20) Nm (M_w = 7.8), M_S (∼20 s) = 7.2, m_b (∼1 s) = 6.2, while shaking intensities (3–10 Hz) were ≤ MMIV. The large tsunami relative to MS characterizes this event as a tsunami earthquake. Like previous tsunami earthquakes, the Java event had an unusually low rupture speed of 1.0–1.5 km/s, and occurred near the up-dip edge of the subduction zone thrust fault. Most large aftershocks involved normal faulting. The rupture propagated ∼200 km along the trench, with several pulses of shorter period seismic radiation superimposed on a smooth background rupture with an overall duration of ∼185 s.
Functionalizing the Strawberry Genome—A Review

A draft sequence of the diploid strawberry was released to the public early in 2011. This milestone was achieved by an international team of experts exploiting the newest advances in sequencing tec...
The Franco-American Response to the Conscription Crisis in Canada, 1916–1918

(1993). The Franco-American Response to the Conscription Crisis in Canada, 1916–1918. American Review of Canadian Studies: Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 343-372.
The effect of health care on population health.

The health status of populations has long been a central focus for health scientists economists and policy makers. Early work from the USA and the UK established the contributions that factors such as environment and lifestyle make to population health. In his seminal work Who shall live Victor Fuchs examined declining rates of infant mortality in New York City. From 1900 to 1930 he found that rising living standards the spread of literacy and education and substantial decreases in birth rates all contributed to population health. With the introduction of antimicrobial drugs in the 1930s Fuchs attributed the continued decline in infant mortality from 1935 to 1950 to advances in health care and the continued improvement in living standards. Despite Fuchs’ findings the contribution of health care to the health status of populations has been difficult to quantify. Examinations of the effect of health-care expenditures on population health in the USA show a weak correlation between expenditures and the health status of statewide populations. However this correlation became progressively stronger as the population in question was disaggregated from state to county level and finally to the individual. Early cross-country studies examining population health showed little or no correlation between health-care expenditures and population health until Wolfe controlled for lifestyle revealing a positive correlation between health care and population health. (excerpt)
Interplanetary missions for the late twentieth century

A set of missions that is feasible during the remainder of this century and which will significantly contribute to our understanding of the solar system is presented. Targets include comets, asteroids, the outer planets and their satellites, and Mars. Mission opportunities for these targets are described in terms of launch vehicle, propulsion, and flight-time requirements, as well as other mission constraints such as launch payload margin and launch period objectives. Examples of encounter designs are also given.
Observing selected domains in multi-domain proteins via sortase-mediated ligation and NMR spectroscopy

NMR spectroscopy has distinct advantages for providing insight into protein structures, but faces significant resolution challenges as protein size increases. To alleviate such resonance overlap issues, the ability to produce segmentally labeled proteins is beneficial. Here we show that the S. aureus transpeptidase sortase A can be used to catalyze the ligation of two separately expressed domains of the same protein, MecA (B. subtilis). The yield of purified, segmentally labeled MecA protein conjugate is ~40%. The resultant HSQC spectrum obtained from this domain-labeled conjugate demonstrates successful application of sortase A for segmental labeling of multi-domain proteins for solution NMR study.
The role of the InGaAs surface in selective area epitaxy of quantum dots by indium segregation

The surface of strained InGaAs films for selective regrowth of InAs nanostructures is investigated by atomic force microscopy and Rutherford backscattering. 3.3-nm-thick In0.33Ga0.67As films were annealed at temperatures between 400 and 800 °C. Significant indium desorption was found to occur at temperatures above 550 °C. The optimum parameters are presented for selective growth of InAs quantum dots having densities of 6.6×1010 cm−2 on In0.33Ga0.67As films.
A hydrophilic-interaction chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitation of serum s-adenosylmethionine in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract Background s-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) 1 has been suggested as a diagnostic test and surrogate marker for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-positive patients. In this study, we report a robust hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay that can be used to quantitate serum SAM in clinical laboratories. Methods Proteins in serum samples were precipitated using trichloroacetic acid. The supernatant was separated after centrifugation. D 3 d 3 -SAM was added as the internal standard. SAM and d 3 -SAM were extracted using a mixed-mode cation exchange column. Extracts were dried under nitrogen and reconstituted in H 2 O and acetonitrile (1:9, vol:vol). HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was performed with a silica column and multiple reaction monitoring for SAM and d 3 -SAM. Results The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for SAM was 10ng/mL. The assay was linear between 10 and 500ng/mL. Intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 8% and inter-assay CV was 17% at the LOQ. Turnaround time for each specimen was approximately 1h. Using this method, we found that serum SAM concentration was correlated with fasting status, especially methionine intake. We also measured acute and convalescent serum SAM levels of 8 HIV-positive patients with PCP and non-PCP pneumonia. SAM concentrations in convalescent samples were significantly increased compared to acute levels only in patients with PCP. Conclusions The LC-MS/MS method had sufficient analytical sensitivity for detecting low levels of SAM found in HIV-infected patients and can be used for quantitative measurements in a clinical laboratory. This method facilitates research and possible clinical application of SAM as a marker for PCP.
Pulmonary Parenchymal Tissue Volume in Normal Subjects: The Effect of Age and Sex

Pulmonary parenchymal tissue volume (V t ) and pulmonary capillary blood flow were determined by the acetylene-inhalation technique of Cander and Forster in 66 normal subjects (31 male and 35 female subjects) ages 8 to 66 years. In subjects under the age of 20 years, values for V t , when factored by alveolar volume (V A ) to correct for differences in body size, were essentially identical in both male and female subjects (0.248 ± 0.039 in male subjects and 0.242 ± 0.079 in female subjects). In subjects between the ages of 21 and 40 years, V t /V A was significantly lower in men than women, 0.125 ± 0.057 vs 0.193 ± 0.046 (P t /V A increased, there was no significant difference between the sexes; ie , V t /V A decreased with advancing age up to the age of 35 years (more so in male than female subjects) and then increased back to pubertal values. The reason for the intersex changes is a greater increase of V A in male than female subjects for the same V t . The reasons for the increase in V t /V A in subjects over the age of 35 years are obscure.
Are All ß Blockers the Same for Heart Failure

Based on impressive morbidity and mortality data using beta blockers in heart failure, this therapy has now become part of the standard of care for patients with New York Heart Association II/III symptoms. The question remains whether there are clinically relevant differences between the beta blockers that have shown beneficial effects. This review summarizes the major mortality trials, and examines the smaller comparative trials of second and third generation beta blockers.
Global Profiling of Proteolysis during Rupture of Plasmodium falciparum from the Host Erythrocyte

The obligate intracellular parasite pathogen Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of malaria, a disease that results in nearly one million deaths per year. A key step in disease pathology in the human host is the parasite-mediated rupture of red blood cells, a process that requires extensive proteolysis of a number of host and parasite proteins. However, only a relatively small number of specific proteolytic processing events have been characterized. Here we describe the application of the Protein Topography and Migration Analysis Platform (PROTOMAP) (Dix, M. M., Simon, G. M., and Cravatt, B. F. (2008) Global mapping of the topography and magnitude of proteolytic events in apoptosis. Cell 134, 679–691; Simon, G. M., Dix, M. M., and Cravatt, B. F. (2009) Comparative assessment of large-scale proteomic studies of apoptotic proteolysis. ACS Chem. Biol. 4, 401–408) technology to globally profile proteolytic events occurring over the last 6–8 h of the intraerythrocytic cycle of P. falciparum. Using this method, we were able to generate peptographs for a large number of proteins at 6 h prior to rupture as well as at the point of rupture and in purified merozoites after exit from the host cell. These peptographs allowed assessment of proteolytic processing as well as changes in both protein localization and overall stage-specific expression of a large number of parasite proteins. Furthermore, by using a highly selective inhibitor of the cysteine protease dipeptidyl aminopeptidase 3 (DPAP3) that has been shown to be a key regulator of host cell rupture, we were able to identify specific substrates whose processing may be of particular importance to the process of host cell rupture. These results provide the first global map of the proteolytic processing events that take place as the human malarial parasite extracts itself from the host red blood cell. These data also provide insight into the biochemical events that take place during host cell rupture and are likely to be valuable for the study of proteases that could potentially be targeted for therapeutic gain.
Effect of Maturity on the Amino Acid Composition and Freezing Quality of ‘Emerald’ Soybean

Amino acid composition and freezing quality of a green-seeded vegetable-type soybean, ‘Emerald’ were evaluated at 86, 90, 95, 100, and 105 days after planting. Threonine, methionine, lysine, and arginine had an increasing trend with maturity. In general, with the exception of valine and tryptophan, the amino acid values of ‘Emerald’ were very close to the FAO/WHO reference pattern. In regard to the sensory attributes of frozen ‘Emerald’, panel members favored soybeans of intermediate maturities except for color and appearance, for widen the earlier maturities (86, 90 days) were preferred.
Whispers in the ear: preschool children's conceptualisation of secrets and confidants

In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three- to five-year olds (n = 17) in a university-sponsored preschool programme. Analyses using interpretive phenomenology indicated that preschool children view secrets with a sense of intimacy, and they reserve disclosure for a particular person, usually their best friend. There is a sense of ownership surrounding secrets for preschool children, and hence, secrets are regarded as something special to them. Furthermore, secrets are described as something that gives preschool children happiness and are often associated with games or pretend play. Finally, the analysis addresses children's secret hiding places and the types of concepts preschool children consider as a secret.
Gastrointestinal Neoplasia Associated with Bowel Parasitosis: Real or Imaginary?

Several parasitic species are well known to have carcinogenic properties, namely; Schistosoma hematobium (squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder) and the liver flukes Opisthorchis and Chlonorchis (cholangiocarcinoma). A large number of parasites are known to colonize the gastrointestinal tract. We sought to review the evidence that implicates these parasites in gastrointestinal neoplasia. Schistosoma japonicum, which is endemic primarily in east Asia, has been shown in multiple studies to convey a mildly increased risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma. The data supporting a causative role for Schistosoma mansoni in colorectal or other neoplastic processes are less convincing, limited primarily to small case-control studies and case series. Reports of possible associations between other gastrointestinal parasites (e.g., E. histolytica and A. lumbricoides) and neoplasia may be found in the literature but are limited to individual cases. We conclude that, other than S. japonicum and to a lesser extent S. mansoni, there is little evidence of an association between gastrointestinal parasites and neoplasia.
Potentiometric titration of hydrogen peroxide with an electropolished stainless steel electrode

Abstract The preparation and use of a stainless steel indicator electrode in the accurate potentiometric titration of aqueous hydrogen peroxide are described. The results agree excellently with those obtained by a standard colorimetric weight-titration procedure. The nature of the titration curves, potential changes and the factors affecting them are discussed. Rapid potentiometric titrations directly to the equivalence-point potential are possible, owing to the nature of the titration curve.
Spatial variation in hepatic levels and patterns of PCBs and PCDD/Fs among young-of-the-year and adult Atlantic tomcod (Microgadus tomcod) in the Hudson River estuary.

Full congener-specific polychorinated biphenyl (PCB) and partial-congener-specific polychorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furan (PCDD/F) analyses were performed on livers from young-of-the-year (YOY) and adult Atlantic tomcod from the Hudson River estuary including multiple sites along the main-stem Hudson River and Newark Bay/Hackensack River, NJ, and from a reference river, the Miramichi River, NB. Highest hepatic burdens of PCBs were found in fish collected in the main-stem Hudson River between river miles (RM) 37 and 50 and in Newark Bay/Hackensack River. By far, the highest concentrations of PCDD/Fs were seen in fish from Newark Bay/Hackensack River. The di- to tetrachlorinated biphenyls dominated the PCB composition in YOY tomcod, whereas the penta- to nonachlorinated biphenyls predominated in adults with particular prevalence of the 2,4,5-substituted diortho congeners. Overall, using a direct mixing model an aroclor composition of approximate 1:1:1, A1242:A1254:A1260, was calculated from the hepatic PCB p...
Digitalis in the treatment of heart failure in the elderly. The GIFA study results.

Abstract Digitalis glycosides have played an important role in the treatment of patients with heart failure (HF) for more than two centuries. Despite the introduction of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of HF, and controversies regarding the role of digitalis in HF in sinus rhythm and its effect on mortality, digoxin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the community and in hospital settings, particularly in the elderly. The Italian Group of Pharmacosurveillance in the Elderly (GIFA) monitored 20 047 hospitalized patients in 1988, 1991 and 1993, and found that digoxin was the most frequently prescribed drug in the management of HF. Inappropriate prescriptions of digitalis, defined with standardized criteria, were uncommon, and the mean daily dosage was low. Compared to earlier studies the incidence rate of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to digoxin, was also low. The reduction in ADRs incidence was probably due to a better understanding of digoxin pharmacokinetics and to a lower daily dosage in the elderly. Nevertheless, digoxin toxicity was significantly more frequent in patients aged ≥ 80 years than in those aged
Influence of mass transfer resistance on detection of nonaqueous phase liquids with partitioning tracer tests

Partitioning interwell tracer tests (PITTs) are a relatively new technique for measuring the amount of nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) within saturated porous media. In this work we examined the influence of mass transfer limitations on the accuracy of measured NAPL from PITTs. Two mathematical models were used along with laboratory column experiments to explore the influence of tracer partition coefficient, tracer detection limit, and injected tracer mass on NAPL measurements. When dimensionless mass transfer coefficients were small, NAPL measurement errors decreased with decreasing tracer partition coefficient, decreasing tracer detection limit, and increasing injected tracer mass. Extrapolating breakthrough curves exponentially reduced but did not eliminate systematic errors in NAPL measurement. Although transport in a single stream tube was used in the mathematical models and laboratory experiments, the results from this simplified domain were supported by data taken from a three-dimensional computational experiment, where the NAPL resided as large pool. Based on these results, we suggest guidelines for interpreting tracer breakthrough data to ascertain the importance of mass transfer limitations on NAPL measurements.
Effects of helium on radiation-induced defect microstructure in austenitic stainless steel

Abstract In the construction materials surrounding the spallation neutron source (SNS) mercury target, considerable quantities of transmutation products, particularly hydrogen and helium, will be generated due to the exposure to a high flux of 1 GeV protons and associated neutrons. In an effort to investigate the effects of high helium, therefore, bubble formation and defect clustering processes in AISI 316 LN austenitic steel were studied as a function of helium concentration and displacement damage dose with 360 keV He + and 3500 keV Fe + ion beams at 200°C. Helium irradiation was less effective in producing defects such as black dots and dislocation loops than Fe + ion irradiation at equivalent displacement dose. On the other hand, the formation of helium bubbles produced a strong depressive effect on the growth of loops and the evolution of line dislocations. The results indicated that the effect of helium bubbles was augmented as the bubble number density and size increased with increasing helium beyond 1 atomic percent (at.%). In such a case, the effect of helium bubbles can be more important than that of radiation-induced defects on the evolution of microstructure and the change in mechanical properties.
The Human Homolog of Yeast BRE1 Functions as a Transcriptional Coactivator through Direct Activator Interactions

Diverse histone modifications such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation play important roles in transcriptional regulation throughout eukaryotes, and recent studies in yeast also have implicated H2B ubiquitylation in the transcription of specific genes. Here, we report the identification of a functional human homolog, hBRE1, of the yeast BRE1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. hBRE1 specifically increases the global level of H2B ubiquitylation at lysine 120 and enhances activator-dependent transcription. Moreover, reduction of hBRE1 by RNAi decreases endogenous H2B ubiquitylation, activator-dependent transcription, and interestingly, H3-K4 and -K79 methylation. Of special significance, we show that hBRE1 directly interacts with p53 and that it is recruited to the mdm2 promoter in a p53-dependent manner. These studies suggest that hBRE1 is an H2B-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase and that it functions, through direct activator interactions, as a transcriptional coactivator. Importantly, they thus provide a paradigm for BRE1 recruitment and function in both yeast and higher eukaryotes.