cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total Liquid Ventilation Provides Ultra-Fast Cardioprotective Cooling

Objectives We tested whether total liquid ventilation (TLV) can be used to rapidly cool and protect the infarcting heart. Background Decreasing myocardial temperature during ischemia is a powerful cardioprotective strategy, but clinical application has been impaired by lack of practical methodology to quickly cool the heart. Methods We performed 30-min coronary artery occlusion/3-h reperfusion in rabbits. Upon occlusion, rabbits underwent either oxygen (Gas), normothermic liquid (Liquid Warm), or cold liquid (Liquid Cool) ventilation. Results Left atrial chamber temperature decreased to 32.4° ± 0.2°C within 5 min of onset of cold TLV. Blood gases were within acceptable limits during TLV. In the Liquid Warm group, perfluorocarbon inhalation did not alter infarct size compared with Gas (37.7 ± 1.3% and 42.5 ± 4.9% of risk zone, respectively). However, infarction was significantly reduced in the Liquid Cool group (4.0 ± 0.5%). Cooling only during the initial 30 min of reperfusion did not reduce infarction. Conclusions Total liquid ventilation can elicit rapid cardioprotective cooling during ischemia.
A characterization of matroidal systems of inequalities

Abstract We consider the polyhedron Conv{xϵ{0,1}n:Mx⩽b}, where M is a p × n matrix of zeroes and ones and b is a nonnegative integer vector. We give a characterization of such polyhedra whose extreme points are the incidence vectors of the family of independent sets of a matroid and extend our result to polyhedra which are the convex hull of integral polymatroids. We also introduce some new classes of integral matroid polyhedra which extend a result of Edmonds.
Responses of inferior collicular neurons of the FM bat, Eptesicus fuscus, to pulse trains with varied pulse amplitudes

Abstract Under free field stimulation conditions, we studied the responses of inferior collicular neurons of the FM bat, Eptesicus fuscus , to pulse trains with varied pulse amplitudes. Each pulse train consisted of 7 pulses of 4 ms delivered at 24 ms interpulse-intervals (i.e. 42 pulses/s). For a control pulse train, all pulse amplitudes were equal to a neuron's best amplitude which, when delivered in single pulses, elicited maximal number of impulses from the neuron. The amplitudes of individual pulses of the remaining pulse trains were linearly increased or decreased at a slope of 0, 14, 28, 42, 56 and 69 dB/s. All 56 inferior collicular neurons discharged to pulse trains were of two main types. Type I ( N 43, 77%) neurons discharged to each pulse within a train while type II ( N 11, 20%) neurons discharged to the first pulse of a train stimulus only. Discharge patterns of the remaining ( N 2, 3%) neurons changed between type I and type II when stimulated with different pulse trains. The number of impulses discharged by a neuron varied with different pulse trains. In addition, the number of impulses discharged to each pulse by type I neurons also varied among individual pulses within the train. Only 14 neurons (25%) discharged maximally to the control pulse train. Responses of the remaining neurons to other pulse trains were either 30%–120% larger than ( N 17, 30%) or within 30% ( N 25, 45%) of the control pulse train response. Furthermore, half of 56 neurons selectively discharged to a most preferred pulse train with a response magnitude which was at least 50% larger than the response to the least preferred pulse train. Possible mechanisms underlying the different discharge patterns are discussed in terms of a neuron's recovery cycle, minimum threshold and inhibitory period relative to the temporal characteristics (pulse repetition rate and amplitude) of the pulse trains.
A screening method for occupational reproductive health risk.

Most currently recognized occupational exposure limits do not consider reproductive toxicological end points consistently when establishing recommended exposure limits. In many cases the information is not available, but perhaps as often, existing data is not employed. Further, many manufacturer's material safety data sheets omit reproductive hazard information. A method for identifying potential reproductive toxins and screening levels for associated health risks useful for hazard communication and exposure control is presented. To date, the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances lists between 5000 and 6000 chemicals, drugs, and natural substances that show a positive outcome in at least 1 reproductive effects study. This reproductive health risk assessment began with these substances. Using elements of the Environmental Protection Agency's health risk assessment process, the list was reduced to 213chemicals during the hazard identification step. Occupational reproductive guidelines (ORGs)were ...
‘We won't get ahead speaking like that!’ Expressing and managing language criticism in Hawai'i

Ample research has explored language attitudes and speaker evaluations, yet it has not attended to direct incidences of language criticism. This article presents evidence demonstrating that a majority of those surveyed in Hawai'i have experienced language criticism. Coded data suggest that criticism takes place during employment, educational, familial, social and community interactions. People manage such episodes through a variety of communicative responses, ranging from avoidant to aggressive. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research on language criticism in other multilingual settings.
Term induction of labor and risk of cesarean delivery by parity.

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the risk of cesarean delivery among both nulliparous and multiparous women undergoing a term induction of labor compared to women that present in spontaneous labor at term.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of term (≥37 weeks) singleton pregnancies between 2005 and 2010 comparing women that had an induction to those that presented in spontaneous labor. Multiparity was defined as a prior delivery after 20 weeks’ gestation. Chi-square was used to compare categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounders. Analyses were stratified by parity.Results: 863 women were included in the analysis. There were 605 inductions (cesarean rate 23%) and 257 spontaneous labor (cesarean rate 7%), OR 3.4, 95% CI [2.1–5.4]. Stratified by parity, nulliparas undergoing induction had an increased cesarean rate compared to spontaneous labor (27% versus 11%, OR 3.13, 95% CI [1.76–5.57]) as did multiparas (13% versus 3%, OR 4.04, 95% CI [1.36–11...
Transferring a national information system from the public sector to the private sector—how the Administration on Aging did it

The Administration on Aging (AoA) sponsored a national information system known as the SCAN system. The SCAN bibliographic database went on-line in March 1982. Congress, however, had repealed the authority for the clearinghouse, so the Government let all of the services of SCAN expire by September 1982. The Government then tried to keep the SCAN information accessible by offering it to the private sector. The Government solicited applicants through both the Federal Register and the Commerce Business Daily. As a result, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and AoA signed an agreement calling for AARP to make much of the SCAN information accessible on-line and to update it.
Ovarian Hormones, Aging and Stress on Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity

The ovarian steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone regulate a wide variety of non-reproductive functions in the central nervous system by interacting with molecular and cellular processes. A growing literature from studies using rodent models suggests that 17β-estradiol, the most potent of the biologically relevant estrogens, enhances synaptic transmission and the magnitude of long-term potentiation recorded from in vitro hippocampal slices. In contrast, progesterone has been shown to decrease synaptic transmission and reduce hippocampal long-term potentiation in this model system. Hippocampal long-term depression, another form of synaptic plasticity, occurs more prominently in slices from aged rats. A decrease in long-term potentiation magnitude has been recorded in hippocampal slices from both adult and aged rats behaviorally stressed just prior to hippocampal slice tissue preparation and electrophysiological recording. 17β-estradiol modifies synaptic plasticity in both adult and aged rats, whether behaviorally stressed or not by enhancing long-term potentiation and attenuating long-term depression. The studies discussed in this review provide an understanding of new approaches used to investigate the protective effects of ovarian hormones against aging and stress, and how these hormones impact age and stress-related learning and memory dysfunction.
The determination of the static quadrupole moments of the first 2+ states in 114Cd and 116Cd by higher order effects in Coulomb excitation

Abstract Measurements of the probabilities for Coulomb excitation of the first 2 +; states in 114 Cd and 116 Cd have been made with 4 He, 12 C and 16 O ions. The deviations observed from first-order perturbation theory are interpreted in terms of the static electric quadrupole moments Q 2 of the first 2 +; states of the two nuclei. The values of these static quadrupole moments are thus found to lie in the range −0.54 > Q 2 > −0.90 e b for 114 Cd and −0.70 > Q 2 > −1.16 e b for 116 Cd. The main uncertainty in Q 2 arises from a lack of knowledge of the signs of the E2 matrix elements to higher 2 +; states which also affect the excitation of the first 2 +; state.
BEARKIMPE-2: A VBA Excel program for characterizing granular iron in treatability studies

The selection of a suitable kinetic model to investigate the reaction rate of a contaminant with granular iron (GI) is essential to optimize the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) performance in terms of its reactivity. The newly developed Kinetic Iron Model (KIM) determines the surface rate constant (k) and sorption parameters (C"m"a"x &J) which were not possible to uniquely identify previously. The code was written in Visual Basic (VBA), within Microsoft Excel, was adapted from earlier command line FORTRAN codes, BEARPE and KIMPE. The program is organized with several user interface screens (UserForms) that guide the user step by step through the analysis. BEARKIMPE-2 uses a non-linear optimization algorithm to calculate transport and chemical kinetic parameters. Both reactive and non-reactive sites are considered. A demonstration of the functionality of BEARKIMPE-2, with three nitroaromatic compounds showed that the differences in reaction rates for these compounds could be attributed to differences in their sorption behavior rather than their propensities to accept electrons in the reduction process.
Structures of Dimethyl Sulphoxide Complexes

THERE has recently been widespread interest in the properties of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), as a chemical and a solvent, in both organic1 and inorganic2–4 systems. Its chemical behaviour is particularly influenced by its nucleophilic or donor character, which is potentially of two types, since either the sulphur or the oxygen atom should be capable of forming dative bonds to suitable electrophilic groups. This dual behaviour in organic systems has been discussed and exploited by Smith and Winstein5. The existence of the s-methylsulphoxonium ion has since been conclusively demonstrated by X-ray study6.
Quantitative characterization of specificity and potency of conjugated antibody with solid-phase, antigen bead standards.

Abstract An immunofluorescent assay was used to characterize precisely the potency and specificity of fluorescein-conjugated immunoglobulin class-specific and polyvalent antisera. Stable antigen standards consisted of highly purified immunoglobulin antigens covalently bound to polyaminostyrene beads. Linear regressions of weighted logit transformations of relative fluorescent intensities versus the logarithm of relative conjugate concentrations were determined. The potency of conjugates was compared using two different methods derived from the logit transformation. Inappropriate specificities were measured in some conjugates described as immunoglobulin ‘class-specific’.
On the Flexibility of Systems in System of Systems Architecting

Abstract System of Systems (SoS) architecting requires analyzing a set of individual but interconnected systems simultaneously in order to build a communicating SoS, which can provide the capabilities needed. In general, the systems can provide a set of capabilities and the SoS architect needs to decide which systems to include in the SoS so that each capability is provided by at least one system. In this case, the systems are inflexible, i.e., a selected system will contribute to the SoS with all the capabilities it can provide. On the other hand, if SoS architect can incentivize systems to contribute specific capabilities instead of all its capabilities, it might be possible to build a better SoS in terms of not only one objective but all objectives considered. In this study, we compare SoS architecting with inflexible and flexible systems and quantify the value of the flexibility of the systems for a military application. Two evolutionary algorithms are constructed for the SoS architecting with inflexible and flexible systems for the resulting multi-objective optimization problems. These evolutionary algorithms output a set of Pareto efficient SoS's for the architect. Upon comparing the Pareto fronts of inflexible and flexible models, we quantify the value of systems’ flexibilities. It is demonstrated that SoS architecting with flexible systems can improve performance while decreasing costs.
Amygdala unit activity during sleep and waking

Abstract Unit activity was recorded from the basolateral amygdala of freely moving cats during quiet waking (QW), slow-wave sleep (SWS), and paradoxical sleep (PS), and in response to sensory stimuli. Nichrome wires, 65 μ in diameter, implanted in bundles of ten each, served as the microelectrodes. Most cells in this region discharged at very low rates ( 39 61 ) discharged at significantly higher rates during SWS than in either PS or QW; and no increase in discharge rate was seen in association with the phasic activity of PS. All of these results are contrary to those generally reported for other brain loci. Cells that discharged at their highest rates during SWS represented a distinctly different class of cells than the faster firing cells that discharged fastest in PS or QW. These slowly firing cells exhibited high-rate bursts in PS, increased discharge rates in association with EEG synchrony observed over the sensorimotor cortex during PS, and selective responsiveness to complex sensory stimuli.
Adsorption and Activation of CO over Flat and Stepped Co Surfaces: A First Principles Analysis

The adsorption and activation of CO over flat Co{0001}, corrugated Co{1120}, and stepped Co{1012} and Co{1124} surfaces have been analyzed using periodic density functional theory calculations. CO strongly chemisorbs on all these surfaces but does not show a strong dependence on the surface structure. The calculated structure of adsorbed CO on Co{0001} at 1/3 monolayer (ML) of coverage was found to be in good agreement with the experiment. The barrier for CO dissociation over Co{0001} was found to decrease with decreasing CO coverage, taking on a value of 232 kJ/mol at 1/4 ML and 218 kJ/mol at 1/9 ML. The presence of the "zigzag" channel on Co{1120} enhances the reactivity slightly by reducing the barrier for CO dissociation to 195 kJ/mol. In contrast, the stepped Co{1012} and Co{1124} surfaces are much more active than the flat and corrugated surfaces. Both stepped surfaces provide direct channels for CO dissociation that do not have barriers with respect to gas-phase CO. In general the activation barriers lower as the reaction energies become more exothermic. Reconstruction of the step edges that occur in the product state, however, prevents a linear correlation between the reaction energy and the activation energy.
Pro‐ethics activities: Do they really reduce fraud?

We have seen a growing number of extraordinary financial frauds over the past few years. So critics call for more focus on ethics, and more pro-ethics activities. But do ethics programs really reduce fraud? The results of one study may surprise you. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3.88 Å structure of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus by cryo-electron microscopy

Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (CPV) is unique within the Reoviridae family in having a turreted single-layer capsid contained within polyhedrin inclusion bodies, yet being fully capable of cell entry and endogenous RNA transcription. Biochemical data have shown that the amino-terminal 79 residues of the CPV turret protein (TP) is sufficient to bring CPV or engineered proteins into the polyhedrin matrix for micro-encapsulation. Here we report the three-dimensional structure of CPV at 3.88 A resolution using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. Our map clearly shows the turns and deep grooves of alpha-helices, the strand separation in beta-sheets, and densities for loops and many bulky side chains; thus permitting atomic model-building effort from cryo-electron microscopy maps. We observed a helix-to-beta-hairpin conformational change between the two conformational states of the capsid shell protein in the region directly interacting with genomic RNA. We have also discovered a messenger RNA release hole coupled with the mRNA capping machinery unique to CPV. Furthermore, we have identified the polyhedrin-binding domain, a structure that has potential in nanobiotechnology applications.
Structural, energetic and dynamic properties of guanine(C8)-thymine(N3) cross-links in DNA provide insights on susceptibility to nucleotide excision repair.

The one-electron oxidation of guanine in DNA by carbonate radical anions, a decomposition product of peroxynitrosocarbonate which is associated with the inflammatory response, can lead to the formation of intrastrand cross-links between guanine and thymine bases [Crean et al. (Oxidation of single-stranded oligonucleotides by carbonate radical anions: generating intrastrand cross-links between guanine and thymine bases separated by cytosines. Nucleic Acids Res. 2008; 36: 742–755.)]. These involve covalent bonds between the C8 positions of guanine (G*) and N3 of thymine (T*) in 5′-d(…G*pT*…) and 5′-d(…G*pCpT*…) sequence contexts. We have performed nucleotide excision repair (NER) experiments in human HeLa cell extracts which show that the G*CT* intrastrand cross-link is excised with approximately four times greater efficiency than the G*T* cross-link embedded in 135-mer DNA duplexes. In addition, thermal melting studies reveal that both lesions significantly destabilize duplex DNA, and that the destabilization induced by the G*CT* cross-link is considerably greater. Consistent with this difference in NER, our computations show that both lesions dynamically distort and destabilize duplex DNA. They disturb Watson–Crick base-pairing and base-stacking interactions, and cause untwisting and minor groove opening. These structural perturbations are much more pronounced in the G*CT* than in the G*T* cross-link. Our combined experimental and computational studies provide structural and thermodynamic understanding of the features of the damaged duplexes that produce the most robust NER response.
Combination therapy of amlodipine/benazepril versus monotherapy of amlodipine in a practice-based setting.

Abstract Background Community-based studies are conducted to determine the degree to which therapeutic interventions will succeed in real world settings. This large practice-based clinical trial assessed the efficacy and tolerability of fixed-dose combination therapy with amlodipine/benazepril, compared with amlodipine monotherapy, in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Methods Hypertensive patients currently taking amlodipine were selected based on one of two criteria: inadequate blood pressure (BP) control on amlodipine (diastolic BP [DBP] ≥90 mm Hg; group 1), or inability to tolerate amlodipine (DBP ≤90 mm Hg, but with edema; group 2). Eligible patients were switched from 5 or 10 mg of amlodipine to 5/10 mg or 5/20 mg of amlodipine/benazepril for 4 weeks. In group 1 ( n = 6410), primary efficacy outcome was change in mean sitting DBP. A secondary efficacy outcome was change in mean sitting systolic BP (SBP). In group 2 ( n = 1502), primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients whose edema improved during therapy with amlodipine/benazepril when compared with amlodipine monotherapy. Results: In group 1, mean sitting DBP declined from 96.5 mm Hg at baseline to 84.9 mm Hg at week 4, a mean reduction of 11.5 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] −11.8 to −11.3 mm Hg; P P Conclusions: Fixed-dose combination antihypertensive agent amlodipine/benazepril was safe and effective for patients who experienced either inadequate BP control or edema with amlodipine monotherapy.
Microscopic considerations for models of ferromagnetic shape memory actuation

Micro magnetic and analytic models have been sued to describe the equilibrium twin structure and quasistatic actuation behavior of ferromagnetic shape memory alloys. However, these models do not incorporate microscopic aspects of the twin-boundary strain field, interactions with defects or non-equilibrium behavior. A model is described that accounts for the interaction of a 90 degree domain wall with such a twin boundary. Application of a magnetic field can displace the domain wall from a pinned twin boundary with the Zeeman energy being stored elastically in the domain- wall anisotorpy energy. Finally, the departure of the magnetization and twin structure from equilibrium configurations can be incorporated in thermodynamic models to describe AC behavior and hysteresis.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sakata-like electro/weak model

Abstract A left-handed SU (2)L × U(1) × U′(1) electro/weak model (with Q = T 3 + 1 2 Y − 2 3 L ) is proposed. For neutrino interactions, our predictions are a la WS only with sin2ΘW → sin2ΘeffW sin2ΘeffW (νq-scattering). For the polarized process eD → eX, the asymmetry parameter agrees with the WS one up to a second-order term. The additional neutral gauge boson is expected to be only one order of magnitude heavier than W±. We argue that the present neutral-current experimental results are not capable of distinguishing between the standard and the present models.
Synthesis of High Density, Size-Controlled Si Nanowire Arrays via Porous Anodic Alumina Mask

Porous anodic alumina (PAA) masks are employed for the template synthesis of high density silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays on a silicon substrate by the vapor−liquid−solid method. The uniform-sized ordered arrays of nanopores in the PAA mask anchored to Si(111) substrate are shown to enable the realization of vertically aligned epitaxial SiNWs with uniform diameter and spacing. The average diameter of the wires is 72 nm while the density is 60 wires/μm2. The high packing density and tightly controlled dimensions of SiNWs obtained by this nonlithographic method allow their effective integration into nanodevices for mass production.
Identification of an organelle receptor for myosin-Va

Little is known about how molecular motors bind to their vesicular cargo. Here we show that myosin-Va, an actin-based vesicle motor, binds to one of its cargoes, the melanosome, by interacting with a receptor-protein complex containing Rab27a and melanophilin, a postulated Rab27a effector. Rab27a binds to the melanosome first and then recruits melanophilin, which in turn recruits myosin-Va. Melanophilin creates this link by binding to Rab27a in a GTP-dependent fashion through its amino terminus, and to myosin-Va through its carboxy terminus. Moreover, this latter interaction, similar to the ability of myosin-Va to colocalize with melanosomes and influence their distribution in vivo, is absolutely dependent on the presence of exon-F, an alternatively spliced exon in the myosin-Va tail. These results provide the first molecular description of an organelle receptor for an actin-based motor, illustrate how alternate exon usage can be used to specify cargo, and further expand the functional repertoire of Rab GTPases and their effectors.
QoS specification languages for distributed multimedia applications: a survey and taxonomy

Following considerable research into quality-of-service-aware application programming interface design and QoS specification language development for multimedia systems, we present a survey and taxonomy of existing QoS specification languages. As computer and communication technology evolves, distributed multimedia applications are becoming ubiquitous, and quality of service (QoS) is becoming ever more integral to those applications. Because they consume so many resources (such as memory and bandwidth), multimedia applications need resource management at different layers of the communications protocol stack to ensure end-to-end service quality, and to regulate resource contention for equitable resource sharing. However, before an application can invoke any QoS-aware resource management mechanisms and policies - such as admission control, resource reservation, enforcement, and adaptation - it must specify its QoS requirements and the corresponding resource allocations. Furthermore, the application must describe how QoS should be scaled and adapted in cases of resource contention or resource scarcity during runtime. Our goal in this article is to systematically classify and compare the existing QoS specification languages that span several QoS layers with diverse properties. The provided taxonomy and the extensive analysis will give us a detailed look at the existing QoS specification languages along with their properties and relations.
Biobased Epoxy/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites: Thermophysical Properties and Fracture Behavior Evaluation

The biobased epoxy containing epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) and its clay nanocomposites were processed with an anhydride curing agent. The certain amount of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (DGEBF) was replaced by ELO. The selection of the DGEBF, ELO, an anhydride curing agent, and organo-montmorillonite clay resulted in an excellent combination, to provide new biobased epoxy/clay nanocomposites showing high elastic modulus, high glass transition temperature, and high fracture toughness with larger amount of ELO. Izod impact strength was almost constant while changing the amount of ELO. This is a promising result for future applications in different engineering industries.
Pseudolinear Gradient Ultrahigh-Pressure Liquid Chromatography Using an Injection Valve Assembly

The use of ultrahigh pressures in liquid chromatography (UHPLC) imposes stringent requirements on hardware such as pumps, valves, injectors, connecting tubing, and columns. One of the most difficult components of the UHPLC system to develop has been the sample injector. Static-split injection, which can be performed at pressures up to 6900 bar (100 000 psi), consumes a large sample volume and is very irreproducible. A pressure-balanced injection valve provided better reproducibility, shorter injection time, reduced sample consumption, and greater ease of use; however, it could only withstand pressures up to ∼1000 bar (15 000 psi). In this study, a new injection valve assembly that can operate at pressures as high as 2070 bar (30 000 psi) was evaluated for UHPLC. This assembly contains six miniature electronically controlled needle valves to provide accurate and precise volumes for introduction into the capillary LC column. It was found that sample volumes as small as several tenths of a nanoliter can be i...
Studying household purchasing and nonpurchasing behaviour for a frequently consumed commodity: two models

A panel data double-hurdle model is developed to analyse household purchasing behaviour. The model, a time-series extension of Cragg's conventional double-hurdle model of censored consumption, is able to account not only for the censored nature of commodity purchases, but also for the temporal linkage of the purchase process. The panel data double-hurdle model is compared with the marked renewal model that has also been used for studying household purchasing behaviour. The empirical results of the double-hurdle model show that for household milk purchases hurdle due to noneconomic reasons exists. The results of the marked purchase renewal model showed that the duration dependence is positive. Both models fit the data well. † The views presented in this paper are those of the authors and not necessarily those of USDA-ERS.
Implementing SNOBOL4 pattern matching in Icon

This paper presents several models for string pattern matching. Two of these provide a basis for implementing pattern matching in SNOBOL4. The cursor model does this in terms of changes in the position in the subject as patterns are applied. The substring model, on the other hand, is concerned with the portion of the subject that is matched by patterns. More general models are introduced, leading to a variety of extensions and generalizations of pattern matching. An implementation of these models is given in Icon.
Apparent radii of the native, stable intermediates and unfolded conformers of the α-subunit of tryptophan synthase from E. coli, a TIM barrel protein

The urea-induced equilibrium unfolding of the alpha-subunit of tryptophan synthase (alphaTS) from Escherichia coli can be described by a four-state model, N right harpoon over left harpoon I1 right harpoon over left harpoon I2 right harpoon over left harpoon U, involving two highly populated intermediates, I1 and I2 [Gualfetti, P. J., Bilsel, O., and Matthews, C. R. (1999) Protein Sci. 8, 1623-1635]. To extend the physical characterization of these stable forms, the apparent radius was measured by several techniques. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), analytical ultracentrifugation (UC), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments yield an apparent Stokes radius, R(s), of approximately 24 A for the native state of alphaTS. The small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiment yields a radius of gyration, R(g), of 19.1 A, consistent with the value predicted from the X-ray structure and the Stokes radius. As the equilibrium is shifted to favor I1 at approximately 3.2 M and I2 at 5.0 M urea, SEC and UC show that R(s) increases from approximately 38 to approximately 52 A. Measurements of the radius by DLS and SAXS between 2 and 4.5 M urea were complicated by the self-association of the I1 species at the relatively high concentrations required by those techniques. Above 6 M urea, SEC and UC reveal that R(s) increases linearly with increasing urea concentration to approximately 54 A at 8 M urea. The measurements of R(s) by DLS and R(g) by SAXS are sufficiently imprecise that both values appear to be identical for the I2 and U states and, considering the errors, are in good agreement with the results from SEC and UC. Thermodynamic parameters extracted from the SEC data for the N right harpoon over left harpoon I1 and I1 right harpoon over left harpoon I2 transitions agree with those from the optical data, showing that this technique accurately monitors a part of the equilibrium model. The lack of sensitivity to the I2 right harpoon over left harpoon U transition, beyond a simple swelling of both species with increasing urea concentration, implies that the Stokes radii for the I2 and U states are not distinguishable. Surprisingly, the hydrophobic core known to stabilize I2 at 5.0 M urea [Saab-Rincon, G., Gualfetti, P. J., and Matthews, C. R. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 1988-1994] develops without a significant contraction of the polypeptide, i.e., beyond that experienced by the unfolded form at decreasing urea concentrations. Kratky plots of the SAXS data, however, reveal that I2, similar to N and I1, has a globular structure while U has a more random coil-like form. By contrast, the formation of substantial secondary structure and the burial of aromatic side chains in I1 and, eventually, N are accompanied by substantial decreases in their Stokes radii and, presumably, the size of their respective conformational ensembles.
Demonstration of enhanced surface mobility of adsorbate cluster species by surface acoustic wave excitation induced by a pulsed laser

Fluorescence microscopy is used to explore the efficacy of surface acoustic waves (SAWs), as generated by a pulsed laser “tapping” a surface, to enhance the surface mobility of molecular adsorbates. The candidate adsorbate system under investigation comprises a series of gold clusters that are directly prepared on a silicon (111) surface by laser ablation of nanoparticles. Within the debris field the gold cluster Au8 is tracked because the fluorescence spectrum is known. The gold cluster is distinguished by using band-pass filters and tracked by fluorescence. The SAW source is a pulsed UV (355nm) laser operating at a repetition rate of 100Hz, where the laser fluence is set below the damage threshold of silicon. The experiment measures the location of the emitted light for a particular cluster through a high magnification (100X) imaging microscope that is integrated with a water-cooled (512x512 pixel) EMCCD camera. Image processing algorithms are used to track the light emission. Initial results show that the cluster Au8 moves approximately 0.5 Angstroms/s (when the excitation source is approximately 0.65 cm away). Diffusion and displacement data of adsorbed atoms and molecules on surfaces is sparse, though this value is similar for displacements of gold clusters on polymer films at 440 K, some metal-on-metal adatoms at room temperatures, and other nonmetal-metal interactions. The experiment also includes a laser heterodyne probe which measures the frequency distribution of the surface displacement induced by the pulsed SAWs. Results show that even at a source-to-probe distance of 1.8cm, frequency components up to 120MHz are present. These results suggest that “growing”/synthesizing thin films via surface aggregation of cluster compounds may be feasible.
Are Tips the 'Real' Deal?: A Conditional Assessment of Their Role in a Nominal Portfolio

This paper documents predictable time-variation in the real return beta of U.S. Treasury inflation protected securities (TIPS) and in the Sharpe ratios of both indexed and conventional bonds. The conditional mean and volatility of both bonds and their conditional correlation are first estimated from predetermined variables. These estimates are then used to compute conditional real return betas and Sharpe ratios. The time-variation in real return betas and the correlation between TIPS and nominal bonds coincides with major developments in the fixed income market. One implication of this predictability is that portfolio managers can assess more efficiently the risk of investing in TIPS versus conventional bonds. Conditional Sharpe ratios indicate that over the sample period, TIPS had superior volatility-adjusted returns relative to nominal bonds. This finding is striking in view of the absence of a major inflation scare during the sample period from February 1997 through August 2001, but is loosely consistent with the possibility that TIPS elevated rather than reduced Treasury borrowing costs. On the other hand, mean-variance spanning tests indicate that TIPS did not enhance the mean-variance efficiency of diversified portfolios.
X‐RAY QUASARS*

Observational data for the seven quasars or Seyfert-quasar transition objects identified with X-ray sources is reviewed for radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma-ray frequencies. The observational histories of the quasars 3C 273, MR 2251-178 and 0241+622 and the quasar-like Seyfert nuclei Fairall-9, Mk 509, IC 4329A and IIIZw 2 are discussed in detail, and it is noted that their X-ray variability and spectra do not differentiate them from Seyfert nuclei, supporting the similarity between the several types of active extragalactic nuclei. The space density of the six objects (excluding 3C 273) within 600 Mpc is found to be comparable to that of other Seyferts and quasars, suggesting that X-ray emitting objects constitute a substantial fraction of the luminous transition objects in the neighborhood of the Galaxy. It is also pointed out that observations of the X-ray variability of these objects, which indicates that the X-rays originate from compact regions, represent a promising means for the further understanding of the emission process.
The effects of levels of elaboration on learners’ strategic processing of text

In the current work, we examined learners’ comprehension when engaged with elaborative processing strategies. In Experiment 1, we randomly assigned students to one of five elaborative processing conditions and addressed differences in learners’ lower- and higher-order learning outcomes and ability to employ elaborative strategies. Findings indicated no significant differences among conditions on learning outcomes. However, learners better able to employ elaborative processing strategies performed better on outcome measures. Experiment 2 extended this research and addressed whether there would be differences across elaborative processing conditions in learners’ comprehension at delayed testing. We also examined the role of motivation in performance and strategy use. Findings indicated no differences on the outcome measures at delayed testing; however, there were significant differences in learners’ performance on an integration outcome at immediate testing. In addition, significant positive correlations were indicated for several outcome measures, strategy use and mastery orientation. Future research should further consider instructional scaffolds to promote learners’ strategic processing and critical individual difference variables as they effect elaborative processing.
The involvement of the peripheral nervous system in biopsy proven active giant cell arteritis

Peripheral nervous system (PNS) affection is an uncommon, sometimes life-threatening manifestation of giant cell arteritis (GCA). To describe characteristics of neurological abnormalities of the PNS in GCA patients. Eighty consecutive cases of biopsy proven GCA were studied. Three patients presented with subacute sensorimotor deficits abnormalities in the distribution of the arm plexus. In all cases PNS affection was the leading clinical symptom in addition to a typical clinical syndrome of cranial arteriitis. In one case MRI demonstrated diffuse signal abnormalities surrounding the brachial nerve plexus. In another patient, who died from pulmonary embolism 10 weeks after beginning of therapy, autopsy demonstrated residual arteritis in an artery supplying the brachial nerve plexus. Involvement of the PNS is more uncommon than cerebral ischemia and neuroophthalmological complications in patients suffering from GCA. Severe PNS involvement has an affinity to the midcervical nerve roots and the brachial nerve plexus.
Relationships among adult females in captive vervet monkeys: Testing a model of rank-related attractiveness

Abstract Data from three captive groups of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus) were used to test predictions from Seyfarth's (1977) model of rank-related attractiveness. Grooming patterns among adult females were consistent with the model's predictions. There was also evidence that females compete for access to the alpha female, as would be predicted by the model. This study failed to provide evidence for reciprocal support in agonistic encounters based on proximity relationships, independent of kinship.
The endocannabinoid system as a target for the treatment of visceral obesity and metabolic syndrome

The endogenous cannabinoid system is a novel, remarkably elaborate physiological signaling system, comprising the recently identified endogenous cannabinoid ligands, their corresponding selective receptors, and the machinery of proteins and enzymes that is involved in their biosynthesis, release, transport, and degradation. This system extends widely in both the central nervous system (CNS) and the periphery and exhibits a variety of actions implicated in vital functions (e.g., behavioral, antinociceptive, neuroprotective, immunosuppressive, cardiovascular, and metabolic). Particular interest has been focused on the apparent participation of endocannabinoids in metabolic homeostasis by modulating the activity of CNS circuits that control food intake and energy expenditure, the neuroendocrine response of the stress system, and the metabolic functions of crucial peripheral tissues, such as the adipose tissue, the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, and the skeletal muscles. These effects are predominantly CB 1 receptor mediated and, thus, selective antagonists of this receptor subtype are being vigorously investigated as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of various metabolic derangements (e.g., obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome). The first selective CB 1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant, has already successfully completed phase III clinical trials as adjunctive obesity treatment, with significant improvements in several associated metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors that led to the recent approval of its clinical use by the Food and Drug Administration.
Lessons in Medical Humanism: The Case of Montaigne

Michel de Montaigne, the great French humanist and inventor of the personal essay, suffered from frequent and severe renal colic. He wrote about his illness in his travel journal and in his last and greatest essay, "Of Experience." In his illness narratives, Montaigne integrated disease and suffering into his life and art. He humanized rather than conquered his disease. A mature humanism replaced his youthful Stoic philosophy of detachment and disengagement and provides a worthy model for our own medical humanism.
The molecular physiology of taste transduction

Taste receptor cells use a variety of mechanisms to transduce chemical information into cellular signals. Seven-transmembrane-helix receptors initiate signaling cascades by coupling to G proteins, effector enzymes, second messengers and ion channels. Apical ion channels pass ions, leading to depolarizing and/or hyperpolarizing responses. New insights into the mechanisms of taste sensation have been gained from molecular cloning of the transduction elements, biochemical elucidation of the transduction pathways, and electrophysiological analysis of the function of taste cell ion channels.
A Protein Phosphorylation Switch at the Conserved Allosteric Site in GP

A phosphorylation-initiated mechanism of local protein refolding activates yeast glycogen phosphorylase (GP). Refolding of the phosphorylated amino-terminus was shown to create a hydrophobic cluster that wedges into the subunit interface of the enzyme to trigger activation. The phosphorylated threonine is buried in the allosteric site. The mechanism implicates glucose 6-phosphate, the allosteric inhibitor, in facilitating dephosphorylation by dislodging the buried covalent phosphate through binding competition. Thus, protein phosphorylation-dephosphorylation may also be controlled through regulation of the accessibility of the phosphorylation site to kinases and phosphatases. In mammalian glycogen phosphorylase, phosphorylation occurs at a distinct locus. The corresponding allosteric site binds a ligand activator, adenosine monophosphate, which triggers activation by a mechanism analogous to that of phosphorylation in the yeast enzyme.
KALIRIN LOSS RESULTS IN CORTICAL MORPHOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS

Morphogenesis of pyramidal neuronal dendrites and spines is crucial for the formation and refinement of forebrain neuronal circuits underlying cognition. Aberrant dendrite and spine morphology is associated with neuropathological disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling pyramidal neuronal dendrite and spine morphogenesis in vivo remain largely unknown. Kalirin is a brain-specific guanine-nucleotide exchange factor for Rho-like small GTPases, and an important regulator of spine morphogenesis in cultured neurons. Here we show that RNAi-dependent knockdown of kalirin in cultured neurons affected dendrite morphology. Cortical pyramidal neurons from KALRN-null mice showed reduced spine density and impaired activity-dependent spine plasticity; and they exhibited reduced complexity of dendritic trees. KALRN-null mice also displayed smaller neuronal cell bodies and reductions in the size of the cortex and cortical layers. These data demonstrate important roles for kalirin in the regulation of cortical structure, ultrastructure, and spine structural plasticity.
DYNAMIC DATA-DRIVEN INVERSION FOR TERASCALE SIMULATIONS: REAL-TIME IDENTIFICATION OF AIRBORNE CONTAMINANTS

In contrast to traditional terascale simulations that have known, fixed data inputs, dynamic data-driven (DDD) applications are characterized by unknown data and informed by dynamic observations. DDD simulations give rise to inverse problems of determining unknown data from sparse observations. The main difficulty is that the optimality system is a boundary value problem in 4D space-time, even though the forward simulation is an initial value problem. We construct special-purpose parallel multigrid algorithms that exploit the spectral structure of the inverse operator. Experiments on problems of localizing airborne contaminant release from sparse observations in a regional atmospheric transport model demonstrate that 17-million-parameter inversion can be effected at a cost of just 18 forward simulations with high parallel efficiency. On 1024 Alphaserver EV68 processors, the turnaround time is just 29 minutes. Moreover, inverse problems with 135 million parameters - corresponding to 139 billion total space-time unknowns - are solved in less than 5 hours on the same number of processors. These results suggest that ultra-high resolution data-driven inversion can be carried out sufficiently rapidly for simulation-based "real-time" hazard assessment.
A low noise CMOS operational amplifier in a 1.2 mu m digital technology

A low noise CMOS operational amplifier has been fabricated in a standard 1.2- mu m digital technology. The op amp has a 3.0-mm/sup 2/ area. The layout and fabrication are described. The design requirements of the op amp included low power consumption, low input offset voltage, a gain-bandwidth product of at least 250 kHz, a 1/f noise corner of 100 Hz or lower, a midband equivalent input noise voltage of 10 nV/ square root Hz or less, and operation at +or-2.5 V. The primary design requirement of the low frequency amplifier (LFA) was the minimization of the equivalent input noise of the op amp, especially the 1/f noise at frequencies between 100 Hz and 10 kHz. One useful means of evaluating the performance of the LFA is to compare the op amp's characteristics to the typical parameters of the Texas Instruments TLC2201. This comparison indicates that the LFA's performance is approximately equal to that of the TLC2201 in most respects. >
Individual, Family, and Community Risk Markers for Domestic Violence in Peru:

This study draws on an ecological framework in testing relationships between individual, family, and community characteristics and the likelihood of women experiencing domestic violence in Peru. The sample of 15,991 women was taken from the 2000 Peru Demographic and Health Survey. Logistic regression models revealed that at the individual level, low educational attainment, early union formation, and a violent family background increase a woman's likelihood of abuse. Family-level risk markers include cohabitation, large family size, partner alcohol consumption, employment, and a woman's having higher status than her husband. At the community level, living in a noncoastal area and having an urban residence increase the likelihood of abuse.