cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An alternative clamp loading pathway via the T4 clamp loader gp44/62-DNA complex

In bacteriophage T4, a clamp loading pathway that utilizes the T4 clamp loader (gp44/62) and ATP hydrolysis initially to form a complex with the clamp (gp45) has been demonstrated, followed by interaction with DNA and closing of the clamp. However, the recent observation that gp45 exists as an opened form in solution raises the possibility of other pathways for clamp loading. In this study, an alternative clamp loading sequence is evaluated in which gp44/62 first recognizes the DNA substrate and then sequesters the clamp from solution and loads it onto DNA. This pathway differs in terms of the initial formation of a gp44/62-DNA complex that is capable of loading gp45. In this work, we demonstrate ATP-dependent DNA binding by gp44/62. Among various DNA structures that were tested, gp44/62 binds specifically to primer-template DNA but not to single-stranded DNA or blunt-end duplex DNA. By tracing the dynamic clamp closing with pre-steady-state FRET measurements, we show that the clamp loader-DNA complex is functional in clamp loading. Furthermore, pre-steady-state ATP hydrolysis experiments suggest that 1 equiv of ATP is hydrolyzed when gp44/62 binds to DNA, and additional ATP hydrolysis is associated with the completion of the clamp loading process. We also investigated the detailed kinetics of binding of MANT-nucleotide to gp44/62 through stopped-flow FRET and demonstrated a conformational change as the result of ATP, but not ADP binding. The collective kinetic data allowed us to propose and evaluate a sequence of steps describing this alternative pathway for clamp loading and holoenzyme formation.
Effective single-band models for strongly interacting fermions in an optical lattice

To test effective Hamiltonians for strongly interacting fermions in an optical lattice, we numerically find the energy spectrum for two fermions interacting across a Feshbach resonance in a double-well potential. From the spectrum, we determine the range of detunings for which the system can be described by an effective lattice model, and how the model parameters are related to the experimental parameters. We find that for a range of strong interactions the system is well described by an effective t-J model, and the effective superexchange term, J, can be smoothly tuned through zero on either side of unitarity. Right at and around unitarity, an effective one-band general Hubbard model is appropriate, with a finite and small onsite energy, due to a lattice-induced anharmonic coupling between atoms at the scattering threshold and a weakly bound Feshbach molecule in an excited center-of-mass state.
Negative Pion Capture in Helium

The capture rates of negative pions in ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ into the three modes $t+n$, $d+2n$, and $p+3n$ are calculated phenomenologically, using a two-nucleon capture model. The amplitudes which appear in the phenomenological interaction are evaluated by a comparison with the pion production cross sections; and the capture rates are compared with experiment. The calculated ratio of the triton mode to all captures within the energy range observed by Schiff, Hildebrand, and Giese is 30%, which is in good agreement with the experimental ratio of $\frac{1}{3}$.
Multimodal treatment strategies for advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary malignancy of the liver arising from malignant transformation and growth of biliary ductal epithelium. Approximately 50-70 % of CCAs arise at the hilar plate of the biliary tree, which are termed hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). Various staging systems are currently employed to classify HCs and determine resectability. Depending on the pre-operative staging, the mainstays of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Surgical resection offers the only chance for cure of HC and achieving an R0 resection has demonstrated improved overall survival. However, obtaining longitudinal and radial surgical margins that are free of tumor can be difficult and frequently requires extensive resections, particularly for advanced HCs. Pre-operative interventions may be necessary to prepare patients for major hepatic resections, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, and portal vein embolization. Multimodal therapy that combines chemotherapy with external beam radiation, stereotactic body radiation therapy, bile duct brachytherapy, and/or photodynamic therapy are all possible strategies for advanced HC prior to resection. Orthotopic liver transplantation is another therapeutic option that can achieve complete extirpation of locally advanced HC in judiciously selected patients following standardized neoadjuvant protocols.
A cDNA encoding a pRB-binding protein with properties of the transcription factor E2F

The retinoblastoma protein (pRB) plays an important role in the control of cell proliferation, apparently by binding to and regulating cellular transcription factors such as E2F. Here we describe the characterization of a cDNA clone that encodes a protein with properties of E2F. This clone, RBP3, was identified by the ability of its gene product to interact with pRB. RBP3 bound to pRB both in vitro and in vivo, and this binding was competed by viral proteins known to disrupt pRB-E2F association. RBP3 bound to E2F recognition sequences in a sequence-specific manner. Furthermore, transient expression of RBP3 caused a 10-fold transactivation of the adenovirus E2 promoter, and this transactivation was dependent on the E2F recognition sequences. These properties suggest that RBP3 encodes E2F, or an E2F-like protein.
Histochemical Studies on Leucocyte Alkaline Phosphatase in Non‐Leukaemic Granulocytosis: Effects of Anticoagulants and Role of Zinc and Magnesium

SUMMARY Studies were performed to determine the effects of a variety of anticoagulants on the increased granulocyte alkaline phosphatase activity present in patients with non-leukaemic granulocytosis and to determine the metallic requirements of the phosphatase activity present in the cells of such patients. The results indicated that although the anticoagulant ethylene-diamine tetra-acetic acid produced varying degrees of inhibition of LAP in the majority of patients studied, the degree of inhibition did not result in levels of LAP that could be confused with those observed in chronic granulocytic leukaemia. It is concluded that anticoagulated blood can be used for the histochemical evaluation of LAP without detracting from the clinical usefulness of the procedure. In all patients studied the addition of zinc resulted in almost complete restoration of EDTA inhibited LAP.
Neuromarketing: a layman's look at neuroscience and its potential application to marketing practice

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to briefly cover the origins of neuromarketing, explain the process in layman's terms, enumerate some of the findings in anecdotal form, and suggest future consumer behavior research directions based on these findings.Design/methodology/approach – The discussion of neuromarketing in this paper is based on reports of both a theoretical and applied nature. Their contents have been synthesized and placed into context by showing how they relate to traditional marketing research approaches and assumptions.Findings – While there are no concrete findings, preliminary assessments suggest that traditional, inferential assumptions about consumer behavior might be less powerful and explanatory than once believed. Combining neural activity images with conventional tools may produce more effective marketing practices.Research limitations/implications – Because this is an emerging field and still controversial, some of the key information is proprietary and/or fairly presumptive a...
β-Fragmentation and Other Reactions Involving Aminyl Radicals from Amino Acids

Aminyl radicals, HN•−CR2−CO2- (R = H, CH3) have been identified as significant transients in the hydroxyl radical-induced oxidation of the anions of glycine (Gly-), alanine (Ala-), and α-methylalanine (MeAla-) at relative yields of 37%, 43%, and 56%, respectively. Quantification has been achieved by two independent pulse radiolysis methods. Direct titration of the aminyl radicals made use of their capability to oxidize hydroquinone to the easily detectable semiquinone radical. The rate constant for this reaction involving the aminyl radical from alanine is 1.1 × 108 M-1 s-1 (at pH 11.0). An alternative method relied on the titration with methyl viologen and 4-carboxybenzophenone of the reducing radicals, which are formed as the result of secondary reactions of the aminyl radicals. In fact, several processes may occur and compete with each other in this case: (i) In the presence of proton donors the aminyl radicals can effectively be converted into H2N•+−CR2−CO2- radical zwitterions (even in basic solutio...
Parenting influence on the development of life history strategy

Abstract Using a newly developed measure of life history strategy, the influence of maternal and paternal sensitivity in childhood and maternal and paternal authoritative parenting in late adolescence on developing life history strategy was examined. Maternal sensitivity and maternal and paternal authoritative parenting were positively correlated with a slow LH strategy. Maternal sensitivity and maternal authoritative parenting each explained unique variance in life history strategy as measured in late adolescence. The results remained after controlling for ethnicity, sex, childhood SES, intelligence, and childhood temperament. Consistent with previous research and theory the results suggest that maternal sensitivity in early childhood affects the development of life history strategy. However, the results also suggest that significant post-pubertal plasticity in life history strategy development remains and that parental behavior continues to be influential in an individual's developing life history strategy.
Discontinuities in the symbolic environment: A problem in scaling

In this article some problems of scaling events data are re‐examined with a focus on apparent discontinuities, particularly at the cooperation end of the scales. The authors offer some possible interpretations of the “gaps” in both the international and domestic scales, and conclude with a discussion of three strategies (paradigms) for conceptualizing a theory of cooperation.
Monitor Based Oracles for Cyber-Physical System Testing: Practical Experience Report

Testing Cyber-Physical Systems is becoming increasingly challenging as they incorporate advanced autonomy features. We investigate using an external runtime monitor as a partial test oracle to detect violations of critical system behavioral requirements on an automotive development platform. Despite limited source code access and using only existing network messages, we were able to monitor a hardware-in-the-loop vehicle simulator and analyze prototype vehicle log data to detect violations of high-level critical properties. Interface robustness testing was useful to further exercise the monitors. Beyond demonstrating feasibility, the experience emphasized a number of remaining research challenges, including: approximating system intent based on limited system state observability, how to best balance the simplicity and expressiveness of the specification language used to define monitored properties, how to warm up monitoring of system variable state after mode change discontinuities, and managing the differences between simulation and real vehicles when conducting such tests.
Initial results of parallel-plate plasma opening switch experiments on HAWK

Summary form only given. Results of parallel-plate plasma opening switch (POS) experiments on HAWK are presented. The Hawk generator produces a sinusoidal output current of amplitude /spl sim/750 kA and quarter period /spl sim/1.2 its. The POS used is a tri-plate with a single cathode and two anode plates, each 15 cm wide. The plasma is injected from plasma guns through slots in the anodes. This POS performs almost as well as a comparable coaxial POS for short-circuit load shots with conduction times less than 700 ns. The parallel plate geometry provides much better diagnostic access than the standard coaxial POS. Framing camera images of the plasma imply that the current snowplows until it reaches the end of the injected plasma and opens near the cathode. A two-color laser interferometer is used to measure the electron and neutral densities of the plasma in the switch and in the magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) between the switch and load integrated along chords in the /spl theta/-like direction. The electron density measured in the injected plasma region rises sharply during conduction and falls rapidly near the time of opening consistent with a snowplow traveling through the injection region.
Presidential Policy Initiatives: How the Public Learns about State of the Union Proposals from the Mass Media

Media coverage of State of the Union proposals increases public knowledge on presidential policy initiatives, especially among individuals who follow news coverage. These estimates are based on within-survey/within-subjects comparisons of answers to factual questions for respondents who are simultaneously unexposed and exposed to media coverage on the same issue. In this powerful but underused design, individuals serve as counterfactuals for themselves, holding constant all relevant observed and unobserved characteristics. The findings are based on statistical analyses of data from four national surveys conducted since the late 1990s covering a range of topics from health care to Social Security reform. Watching or listening to the address directly does not appreciably affect knowledge once control variables are added for whether individuals follow news coverage of the speech, the amount of news coverage, and the interaction of these two factors.
Partial scan design based on circuit state information

State information of a sequential circuit can be used to evaluate the complexity of test generation. The ratio of valid states to all the states of the circuit is an important indicator of test generation complexity. Using valid states obtained via logic simulation, a testability measure based on the density of encoding is proposed for scan flip flop selection. A second testability measure based on the test generation state information is also presented and used to select scan flip flops. Cycles are broken selectively on the basis of the circuit state information. Good fault coverage and test efficiency are obtained when fewer scan flip flops than the minimum cut set are selected. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Creating and Using Formal Occasions in the Classroom

Videotapes of morning meetings in two primary grade classrooms are analyzed using a sociolinguistic scheme for describing formal meetings devised by Judith Irvine. Possible cognitive and affective effects of the structuring of meetings are considered. It is suggested that classroom meetings may vary in the extent to which they help children learn to participate in group meetings, develop a sense of identity, and learn to use more elaborated context-independent speech. Trade-offs among these potential functions are considered. CLASSROOM FORMALITIES; CLASSROOM INTERACTION ANALYSIS; SYMBOLIC INTERACTION.
The least wear

Abstract Of the four principal types of wear, adhesive wear is the only one which can never be eliminated. The three types of adhesive wear, namely severe wear, moderate wear and burnishing, are described, and the transitions between them are discussed. Burnishing, or material removal on a molecular scale, represents the least possible amount of adhesive wear, but we know little regarding the magnitude of the wear rate and methods of ensuring that a sliding system will operate in the burnishing regime. This is unfortunate because, for many sliding systems, especially those using unlubricated surfaces, there is no likelihood of achieving an acceptable life unless operation of the sliding surfaces in the burnishing regime can be assured.
High Plasticity and Substantial Deformation in Nanocrystalline NiFe Alloys Under Dynamic Loading

A nanocrystalline (NC) NiFe alloy is presented, in which both highly improved plasticity and strength are achieved by the dynamic-loading-induced deformation mechanisms of de-twinning (that is, reduction of twin density) and significant grain coarsening (see figure). This work highlights potential ingenious avenues to exploit the superior behavior of NC materials under extreme conditions.
Effects of pH and Geological Medium on Bacteriophage MS2 Transport in a Model Aquifer

A 1-meter long model aquifer has been used to simulate the effects of pH on the fate and transport of bacteriophage MS2 in a shallow groundwater system. The results show that transport of MS2 is sensitive to the pH of groundwater and the isoelectric points of minerals in the groundwater medium. At a slightly alkaline groundwater pH, transport rates of the MS2 bacteriophage were greater than that of a conservative tracer, bromide. Greater transport rates were interpreted as a preferential pathway effect due to the larger size of MS2. Pore exclusion and straining may also have contributed to the faster transport of MS2. At a neutral pH similar transport rates for both MS2 and the conservative tracer were observed. At a slightly acidic pH, however, the MS2 breakthrough concentration was trailing the breakthrough of the conservative tracer that was attributed to the pronounced effect of reversible adsorption at lower pH values. Acidic conditions also increased greatly the effect of irreversible sorption. The ...
CD38-Targeted Immunochemotherapy in Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A New Horizon

CD38 is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed in multiple myeloma and is a promising target for immunotherapy. Daratumumab is a human monoclonal antibody that has potent anti-multiple myeloma activity both as monotherapy and in combination with other multiple myeloma treatments, and has breakthrough designation on this basis.
Solubility of polyethylene in n-pentane at high pressures

Abstract The high pressure solubility of polyethylene standards (Mw = 2100, 16400, 108000 and 420000 and M w M n = 1.14, 1.16, 1.32 and 2.66, respectively) in n-pentane has been studied. Concentrations of up to 15 wt% polymer have been investigated. For each polymer sample and concentration, pressures that are required to achieve single-phase solutions have been determined over a range of temperatures. The solutions are found to all show lower critical solution temperatures. Demixing pressures are observed to depend strongly on the molecular weight of the polymer.
Post‐burke: Transcending the sub‐stance of Dramatism

(1992). Post‐burke: Transcending the sub‐stance of Dramatism. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 78, No. 3, pp. 349-355.
Using pattern quality confirmation to control a metal-level DUV process with a top-down CD-SEM

As critical-feature patterning processes increase in complexity and sensitivity, conventional critical dimension (CD) measurements may not afford the level of process control required for effective device production. By comparing recorded top-down scanning-electron-microscope (SEM) images to a predefined reference image, Pattern Quality Confirmation (pQC) enables a more detailed analysis of measurements captured by KLA-Tencor 8XXX series scanning-electron microscopes. An example of the utility of this additional information is discussed below for a metal interconnect level patterned with a conventional deep-ultraviolet (DUV) photolithography process. In particular, we demonstrate that for certain ranges of focus-exposure conditions, conventional post-develop CD measurements remain well within specification, however, when etched, the resulting metal-line CDs are significantly below the lower specification limit. The pQC image analysis results, however, predict the observed post-etch CD variations, and consequently offer sensitivity to yield-limiting focus drifts and excursions, enabling effective product-dispositioning (rework) decisions.
Gastric bypass surgery restores meal stimulation of the anorexigenic gut hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY independently of caloric restriction

Background The effects of gastric bypass surgery on the secretion of the anorexigenic gut-derived hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY), independent of caloric restriction and due to different dietary macronutrients, is not well characterized. This study examines the effects of a mixed-nutrient or high-fat liquid meal on the postprandial stimulation of GLP-1 and PYY following gastric bypass or equivalent hypocaloric diet.
Interception of reactive, DNA adduct-forming metabolites present in rodent serum following carcinogen exposure: implications for use of body fluids in biomonitoring.

The detection of adduct-forming metabolites in the serum of carcinogen treated animals by 32P-postlabeling was evaluated as a novel approach to overcome the stringent requirement of obtaining DNA from tissues in human biomonitoring assessments. Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) was given i.p. to B6C3F1, C57B1/6, ICR, and DBA/2 mouse strains as well as Sprague-Dawley rats. Three adducts related to BP were detected in the liver and/or lung of Sprague-Dawley rats or B6C3F1), C57B1/6, and ICR mice; a single adduct was detected in the liver and lung of the DBA/2 mouse strain. Adducts chromatographically similar to those found in these tissues were also detected when salmon sperm DNA was incubated with the serum of BP-treated animals. Benzidine treatment induced the formation of one adduct in the liver of B6C3F1 mice, which was chromatographically similar to dG-C8-N′-acetylbenzidine. An identical adduct was detected in the salmon sperm DNA incubated with the serum of these mice. Cyclopenta[cd]pyrene treatment produced four major and three minor adducts in the liver or lung of B6C3F1 mice, all but two of which were detected in DNA incubated with serum of cyclopenta[cd]pyrene-treated animals. Large interstrain differences in the serum level of BP adduct-forming metabolites as well as tissue DNA adducts were found which correlated with previously observed strain-specific trends in sensitivity to PAH-mediated carcinogenesis. Thus, levels of BP adduct-forming metabolites were found in the following descending order: B6C3F1, C57B1/6, ICR, and DBA/2. BP-derived adduct-forming metabolites were detectable as late as 2 d and 5 d post-treatment in the serum of C57B1/6 mice or Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively, which seems to coincide well with the reported species-specific turnover of serum albumin; a protein know to be involved in the transport of reactive metabolites throughout the systemic circulation. The results obtained clearly indicate the presence of adduct-forming carcinogen metabolites in the serum of treated animals, which seemingly irrespective of their chemical nature, can be intercepted with exogenous DNA and detected by 32P-postlabeling. Successful application of a serumbased approach coupled with the use of the generally applicable, ultrasensitive 32P-postlabeling assay could evade the need for obtaining DNA from tissues, currently the major impediment in human biomonitoring studies. ©1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Error growth and predictability in operational ECMWF forecasts

We study the forecast error growth in the 100-day ECMWF data set of 10-day forecasts previously utilized by Lorenz, separating the square of the error into systematic and random components. The random error variance is approximately equally distributed among all zonal wavenumbers m corresponding to the same total wavenumber n. Therefore, we combine the random error variance for all zonal wavenumbers and study its dependence on total (2-dimensional) wavenumber rather than on zonal wavenumber. We extend the Lorenz model for global r.m.s. error growth by including the effect of errors associated with deficiencies in the forecast model , and apply this new parameterization to the error variance of 10-day ECMWF operational forecasts obtaining an excellent fit. We point out that the commonly used parameter “doubling time of small errors” is not a good measure of error growth because it has to be determined by extrapolation to small errors and it is very sensitive to the method of extrapolation. On the other hand, the error growth at finite times is a better measure because it is well defined by the data. The results of the error fit to each total wavenumber n are the basis for the main conclusions of the paper. In the northern hemisphere winter data set, the error growth rateα increases almost monotonically with wavenumber, from about 0.3 day -1 at long waves to about 0.45 day -1 at medium and short waves. The saturation error variance V∞ is about 30% larger than the error variance at day 10 for long waves, which have not yet reached saturation. The scaled source of external error S / V ∞ (due to model deficiencies) varies from about 3% day -1 at long waves to about 20% day -1 at short waves. This increase of relative model error may be due to the second-order finite differences used in the ECMWF model during 1980/1981. Finally, we estimate the theoretical limit of dynamical predictability as a function of total wavenumber n . We define it as the time at which the error variance reaches 95% of the saturation value. This time decreases monotonically with n. In the winter, waves n ≪ 10 have not reached saturation at 10 days. In a perfect model with error growth similar to the present model, the predictability limit would be extended by about a week. In the summer, error growth rates and model deficiencies are larger than in winter, and the limit of predictability is close to 10 days even for long waves. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1987.tb00322.x
Magnetorheological Fluid Structure in a Pulsed Magnetic Field

The pulsed-field structure of an emulsion of monodisperse, magnetizable oil droplets is investigated via optical microscopy. By permitting droplet diffusion in the field-off state, a pulsed field allows minimization of energy through structural rearrangement. For droplets with a magnetic susceptibility of χ = 2.2 and radius a ≥ 0.32 μm, we find that rearrangement into ellipsoidal aggregates occurs in response to a pulsed magnetic field. The ellipsoid ends are composed of chainlike projections at low pulse frequencies and conical spikes at high pulse frequencies. The conical spikes appear to be energetically favored but cannot form at low pulse frequencies due to the large diffusion distance of the droplets in the field-off state. The eccentricity of the ellipsoids is invariant with field strength in strong fields, but in weak fields we find that the ellipsoids become more elongated as the field strength is lowered. This elongation in weak fields coincides with the formation of more dilute aggregates and g...
Wireless propagation in circular tunnels

We study models for propagation in circular tunnels. The excitation is either a circular magnetic or circular electric current loop. We produce expressions for the fields in terms of a Fourier transform over the axial variable. We then produce the modes in the lossy structure by contour integration techniques. We include numerical results for the field intensity both as a function of axial distance and as a function of radial distance for several frequencies, radii, and constitutive parameters of interest. We comment in particular concerning the specific form of the field both near to and far from the antenna source.
Iron increases manganese superoxide dismutase activity in intestinal epithelial cells

Abstract Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is an enzyme that functions in the mitochondria to detoxify superoxide radicals. MnSOD is low or absent in tumor cells and may act as a tumor suppressor. MnSOD is induced by inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF), potentially as a protective measure for host cells. Previous studies have shown that MnSOD activity decreases during early stages of colon carcinogenesis. Studies using a rodent model showed that diets high in iron also decreased the activity of this enzyme. The present study was designed to use a cell culture model to further investigate the effect of supplemental iron on MnSOD production and activity. Rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) were cultured in media supplemented with either linoleic acid or eicosapentaenoic acid and iron. The effect of iron on lipid peroxidation products and rate of proliferation was determined. MnSOD protein levels and activity were determined in the lipid and iron treated cells following treatment with TNF. Results showed that lipid peroxidation products increased with iron supplementation. Iron supplementation did not alter cell proliferation. Iron supplementation increased MnSOD protein levels and activity in the non-TNF treated cells but did not influence the ability of TNF to induce MnSOD in IEC-6 cells. Findings indicate that supplemental iron may increase MnSOD due to increased oxidative stress but does not compromise the ability of inflammatory mediators to further increase the activity of this enzyme.
A proposed new and quick method for measuring surface tension of liquid helium

Abstract Experimental difficulties in measuring the surface tension of liquid helium by the existing methods are discussed. A new, fast and reliable experimental technique for measuring the surface tension of liquid helium is described. The instrument is simple, compact and sensitive for such investigations. The principle of this method is to balance the downward pull due to surface tension on the edges of a glass-slide against the upthrust of liquid helium. The instrumental technique is flexible for modification, to facilitate the measurements of surface tension of other liquified gases and chemicals subjected to various physical conditions
Effect of Wake Disturbance Frequency on the Secondary Flow Vortex Structure in a Turbine Blade Cascade

An experimental study of the effect of wake disturbance frequency on the secondary flow vortices in a two-dimensional linear cascade is presented. The flow Reynolds numbers, based on exit velocity and suction side surface length were 25,000, 50,000 and 85,000. Secondary flow was visualized by injecting smoke into the boundary layer and illuminating it with a laser light sheet located at the exit of the cascade. To simulate wakes from upstream blade rows, a set of spanwise cylinders were traversed across the front of the blade row. The flow visualization results with a single wake disturbance reveal that the recovery time of the secondary flow vortex structure decreases as the wake traverse velocity is increased. The results of flow visualization with multiple wakes showed that wake disturbance frequencies below the axial chord flow frequency allowed complete recovery of the secondary flow vortex structure before the next wake encounters the blade leading edge. Wake disturbance frequencies that exceeded the axial chord flow frequency resulted in no observable recovery of the secondary flow vortex structure. Axial chord flow frequency is defined as the axial velocity in the cascade divided by the axial chord length of the turbine blade. @S0098-2202~00!02203-3#
I. Specificity of the glutathione S-transferases in the conversion of leukotriene A4 to leukotriene C4

Abstract We have synthesized the 5,6-LTA4, 8,9-LTA4, and 14,15-LTA4 as methyl esters by an improved biomimetic method with yields as high as 70–80%. We have investigated the catalytic efficiency of the purified cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes from rat liver in the conversion of these leukotriene epoxides to their corresponding LTC4 methyl esters. Among various rat liver GST isozymes, the anionic isozyme, a homodimer of Yb subunit, exhibited the highest specific activity. In general, the isozymes containing the Yb subunit showed better activity than the isozymes containing the Ya and/or Yc subunits. Interestingly, all three different LTA4 methyl esters gave comparable specific activities with a given GST isozyme indicating that regiospecificity of GSTs was not the factor in determining their ability to catalyze this reaction. Surprisingly, purified GSTs from sheep lung and seminal vesicles showed little activity toward these leukotriene epoxides, indicating a lack of the counterpart of rat liver anionic GST isozyme in these tissues.
Clinical and bacteriological efficacy of twice daily topical retapamulin ointment 1% in the management of impetigo and other uncomplicated superficial skin infections.

Abstract Background Cutaneous bacterial infections are common in children and adults and frequently are caused by Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). Treatment failures with topical agents are not uncommon and have been shown to be secondary to bacterial resistance. Objective To determine clinical and bacteriological efficacy of retapamulin ointment 1% in treatment of patients with cutaneous bacterial infections caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and other bacteria. Methods Prospective, nonrandomized, uncontrolled, open label, single center trial conducted between April 2008 and November 2012 that evaluated efficacy of retapamulin ointment 1% in the treatment of impetigo, folliculitis, and other minor soft tissue infections in children and adults. Fifty patients, who presented to a dermatology outpatient clinic and were clinically diagnosed with impetigo, folliculitis, or minor soft tissue infection suitable for treatment with a topical antibiotic, were screened. Thirty-eight patients were enrolled and received treatment: topical retapamulin ointment 1% twice daily for 5 days. Seven patients were MRSA positive and qualified for the primary efficacy population. One patient withdrew due to an adverse event. Clinical and microbiological exams were performed at baseline and follow-up 5 to 7 days later to assess clinical, microbiological, and therapeutic responses. Primary outcome was clinical response at follow-up in primary efficacy population with MRSA isolated as the baseline pathogen. Secondary outcomes included clinical, microbiologic, and therapeutic responses in patients who were culture positive for any species of bacteria. Results Clinical response at follow-up in the primary efficacy population (MRSA-positive patients) was not sufficiently powered to demonstrate significance; however, outcomes were excellent, with 7 of 7 patients demonstrating clinical success (5 of 7) or clinical improvement (2 of 7) at follow-up. Barring lack of significance due to small total sample size for patients who were culture positive for any species of bacteria ( n = 35), overall success rates were favorable for clinical, microbiologic, and therapeutic responses with values of 66%, 97%, and 69%, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate in severity. No serious AEs were reported. Conclusion Safety profile appears favorable given the low number of AEs. Study design limits conclusions that can be drawn. Nevertheless, this study supports use of topical retapamulin 1% ointment in treatment of cutaneous bacterial infections, particularly those caused by S. aureus , including MRSA.
Medicago PhosphoProtein Database: a repository for Medicago truncatula phosphoprotein data.

The ability of legume crops to fix atmospheric nitrogen via a symbiotic association with soil rhizobia makes them an essential component of many agricultural systems. Initiation of this symbiosis requires protein phosphorylation-mediated signaling in response to rhizobial signals named Nod factors. Medicago truncatula (Medicago) is the model system for studying legume biology, making the study of its phosphoproteome essential. Here, we describe the Medicago Phosphoprotein Database (http://phospho.medicago.wisc.edu), a repository built to house phosphoprotein, phosphopeptide, and phosphosite data specific to Medicago. Currently, the Medicago Phosphoprotein Database holds 3,457 unique phosphopeptides that contain 3,404 non-redundant sites of phosphorylation on 829 proteins. Through the web-based interface, users are allowed to browse identified proteins or search for proteins of interest. Furthermore, we allow users to conduct BLAST searches of the database using both peptide sequences and phosphorylation motifs as queries. The data contained within the database are available for download to be investigated at the user’s discretion. The Medicago Phosphoprotein Database will be updated continually with novel phosphoprotein and phosphopeptide identifications, with the intent of constructing an unparalleled compendium of large-scale Medicago phosphorylation data.
Sensitive analysis of blood for amodiaquine and three metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method using oxidative electrochemical detection has been developed for selective and sensitive quantification of the antimalarial drug amodiaquine and three of its metabolites in the blood of dosed individuals. The method requires only one extraction step and has detection limits of 1 ng/ml for amodiaquine and its metabolites desethylamodiaquine and bisdesethylamodiaquine and 3 ng/ml for 2-hydroxydesethylamodiaquine. Minor modification of the mobile phase preserves the chromatographic separation and allows ultraviolet spectroscopic detection, which, although appreciably less sensitive, permits monitoring of levels of amodiaquine and the three metabolites in blood and urine samples if an electrochemical detector is unavailable. Levels of amodiaquine and the three metabolites were determined for two volunteers undergoing a nine-week chemoprophylactic regimen in connection with travel to a malarious area. Data are included to compare the in vitro antimalarial activities against three strains of Plasmodium falciparum of amodiaquine and the three metabolites considered.
Layer-by-layer composite of anionic and cationic clays by metathesis.

An alternately stacked layer-by-layer composite of oppositely charged layered solids was obtained by solvothermal treatment of the monolayer colloidal dispersions of dodecylsulfate intercalated nickel aluminum LDH and cetyl trimethylammonium intercalated smectite in 1-octanol. This composite shows altered thermal decomposition behavior compared to the parent solids. On heating the LDH component of the composite decomposes to NiO, while the layer structure of the cationic clay is retained up to 800 °C.
Differences between Black and White Students in Curriculum Program Status.

Recent critics of the comprehensive community college have charged that these institutions are heavily engaged in a process of educational tracking. In this investigation, curriculum enrollments of 9907 black and white students in the North Carolina Community College System were compared, using U.S. Census socioeconomic status scores to represent the statuses of specific educational programs in which students were enrolled. The data were drawn from a larger survey of students that was conducted during the spring 1979 quarter. The results showed that there is some evidence that status hierarchies exist in the broader college transfer, technical, and vocational programs in the community college system. However, black and white student enrollment differences within each of these hierarchies did not appear to be as great as critics have maintained. The results indicate that female students, particularly black females, may be at a greater status disadvantage in program enrollments than their male counterparts.
Increased de novo hepatic lipogenesis in human immunodeficiency virus infection

We measured de novo lipogenesis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected men using a newly developed stable isotope method. HIV-infected subjects with a history of weight loss (n = 17, mean weight loss 14.9 +/- 3.2 kg), asymptomatic HIV-seropositive subjects with normal CD4 T-cell counts (n = 7) and healthy HIV seronegative controls (n = 11) were studied. Hepatic lipogenesis was determined by infusion of [2-13C]-acetate, using the recently described xenobiotic probe technique with mass isotopomer analysis. Hepatic acetyl-coenzyme A enrichment was measured by high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of secreted sulfamethoxazole-acetate, with measurement of incorporation into very low density lipoprotein-fatty acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Circulating tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interferon alpha (IFN alpha), insulin, and triglycerides were measured concurrently, and 7-day weighed food records were performed. De novo hepatic lipogenesis was increased 3- to 4-fold in HIV-infected subjects with weight loss compared to normal controls (P < 0.05 for palmitate and stearate in both overnight-fasted and fed states), and was also significantly increased in asymptomatic HIV seropositive subjects. Circulating TNF and IL-1 were not measurable in any subject (detection limit 2 pg/ml for IL-1 and 20 pg/ml for TNF). Serum IFN alpha was measurable in 11 out of 17 subjects with wasting and correlated significantly with de novo lipogenesis in overnight-fasted but not fed states. Serum IFN alpha was unmeasurable in asymptomatic HIV-infected subjects despite elevated lipogenic rates. Serum triglyceride concentrations were elevated in subjects with weight loss (2.09 +/- 0.28 mmol/L) and asymptomatic HIV-positives (1.34 +/- 0.34 mmol/L) in comparison to controls (0.67 +/- 0.08 mmol/L), and correlated with lipogenesis. Food intake correlated inversely with lipogenesis in the overnight-fasted state. We conclude that HIV infection is characterized by abnormal fat anabolism. This applies to subjects with reduced lean body mass and to asymptomatic HIV-positive subjects with normal T-cell counts. The former observation may have implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of the wasting syndrome. The latter observation is consistent with activation of the immune response and a state of viral nonlatency in early HIV disease.
Ligand participation in the reduction of CO2 catalyzed by complexes of 1,10 o-phenanthroline

Abstract Electroreduction of CO 2 catalyzed by Co(II), Fe(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes of 1,10 o -phenanthroline under non-aqueous conditions is dependent upon ligand as well as metal reduction.
Iontophoresis: an alternative to the use of carriers in cutaneous drug delivery

Abstract Passive delivery of most compounds across the skin is limited due to the barrier properties afforded by stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. Iontophoresis is an effective technique for physically facilitating transport of solutes across the skin for both local and systemic effects. It is believed to be a future method of choice for the systemic delivery of protein and peptide drugs which normally can only be delivered by parenteral therapy. By suitably varying the applied current, iontophoresis allows controlled preprogrammed delivery of a variety of compounds.
Morphine does not affect astrocyte survival in developing primary mixed-glial cultures.

Abstract In mixed-glial cultures, high concentrations of morphine (1 μM) have previously been shown to completely inhibit any increase in glial numbers, although DNA synthesis continues in flat, polyhedral astrocytes (type 1 astrocytes). This suggests that high concentrations of morphine are toxic to glia. Morphine toxicity was assessed in mixed-glial cultures using calcein-AM and ethidium homodimer dyes as viability markers to identify live and dead cells, respectively. At 3, 5, and 7 days in vitro there was no significant difference in the number of dead cells between untreated and opiate-treated groups. Comparable numbers of ethidium homodimer-labeled cells were present in all groups. The greatest amount of cell death (16–19%) occurred at 3 days in vitro, while fewer cells (8–12%) were dying at 7 days in vitro. To further characterize the dying glia, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and A2B5 immunocytochemistry were combined with viability markers. Only GFAP immunoreactive process-bearing cells and A2B5 immunoreactive cells (process-bearing cells and possibly some neurons) were dying in culture, whereas the death of flat, polyhedral GFAP-positive cells was not observed. Cell survival was not affected by morphine, but may be affected by culture conditions. Thus, morphine-induced reductions in glial numbers did not result from an increased rate of cell death. Collectively, the present and previous findings suggest that morphine inhibits the production of flat, polyhedral astrocytes solely by decreasing their rate of proliferation.
Optimal transmit dimension for wireless powering of miniature implants

RF wireless interface enables remotely powered implantable devices. To maximize the received power under the safety constraint, we analytically solved the optimal current source distribution and investigated the theoretical upper-bound of the efficiency obtainable with planary vertical magnetic current sources. The optimal solution reveals that a finite dimensional source is sufficient to approach the theoretical upper-bound. At the low MHz-range, a coil of approximately 2 cm in diameter is adequate. At the low GHz-range, multiple coils each with different phases and magnitudes are required. However, the efficiency at the low GHz-range is 16-dB higher than that at the low MHz-range for typical depth of the implant.
INTERPRETING EXPERIENCE History, Philosophy, and Science in the American Constitutional Debates

Political scientists are predisposed to view the American constitution as the product of pragmatic politics. In part, this interpretation has been inspired by the founders themselves, who frequentl...
Learning task sequences from scratch: applications to the control of tools and toys by a humanoid robot

The goal of this work is to build perceptual and motor control systems for a humanoid robot, starting from an infant's early ability for detecting repetitive or abruptly varying world events from human-robot interactions, and walking developmentally towards robust perception and learning. This work presents strategies for learning task sequences from human-robot interaction cues. Demonstration by human teachers facilitates robot learning to recognize new objects, such as tools or toys, and their functionality. Self-exploration of the world extends the robot's knowledge concerning object properties. Multi-modal percepts are then acquired and recognized by robotic manipulation of toys and tools.
A Microrobotic System For Protein Streak Seeding

We present a microrobotic system for protein crystal micromanipulation tasks. The focus in this report is on a task called streak seeding, which is used by crystallographers to entice certain protein crystals to grow. Our system features a set of custom designed micropositioner end-effectors we call microshovels to replace traditional tools used by crystallographers for this task. We have used micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) techniques to design and manufacture various shapes and quantities of microshovels. Visual feedback from a camera mounted on the microscope is used to control the micropositioner as it lowers a microshovel into the liquid containing the crystals for poking and streaking. We present experimental results that illustrate the applicability of our approach.
Traffic Safety and the Demographic Transition

Transportation crashes have major adverse consequences for society, entailing huge medical, property, and social costs. The devastating impacts of disabling injuries on the affected individuals and their families, lost productivity, and damage to the infrastructure and the environment are prime examples. Reducing transportation risks is consequently a high priority of public policy.