cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual Roles of an Essential Cysteine Residue in Activity of a Redox-regulated Bacterial Transcriptional Activator

CprK from Desulfitobacterium dehalogenans is the first characterized transcriptional regulator of anaerobic dehalorespiration and is controlled at two levels: redox and effector binding. In the reduced state and in the presence of chlorinated aromatic compounds, CprK positively regulates expression of the cpr gene cluster. One of the products of the cpr gene cluster is CprA, which catalyzes the reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated aromatic compounds. Redox regulation of CprK occurs through a thiol/disulfide redox switch, which includes two classes of cysteine residues. Under oxidizing conditions, Cys11 and Cys200 form an intermolecular disulfide bond, whereas Cys105 and Cys111 form an intramolecular disulfide. Here, we report that Cys11 is involved in redox inactivation in vivo. Upon replacement of Cys11 with serine, alanine, or aspartate, CprK loses its DNA binding activity. C11A is unstable; however, circular dichroism studies demonstrate that the stability and overall secondary structures of CprK and the C11S and C11D variants are similar. Furthermore, effector binding remains intact in the C11S and C11D variants. However, fluorescence spectroscopic results reveal that the tertiary structures of the C11S and C11D variants differ from that of the wild type protein. Thus, Cys11 plays a dual role as a redox switch and in maintaining the correct tertiary structure that promotes DNA binding.
Development of visual evoked potentials and photic driving responses in normal full term, low risk premature, and trisomy-21 infants during the first year of life ☆

Stroboscopic visual evoked potentials (SVEPs) and photic driving responses were recorded during the first week of life post term and at 4, 13, 26 and 52 weeks in normal full term, low risk premature, and Trisomy-21 infants. The age effect on SVEP P2 peak latency was significant (P < 0.001). P2 latency for the Trisomy-21 group was significantly prolonged at 1 week of age only. Voltages and interhemispheric symmetry were highly variable, with no significant age or group effects. There is considerable variability in photic driving effects, even within sessions. Maximal driving frequencies are difficult to determine; they may be near 15 Hz at term. The age effect on optimal driving frequency (3–4 Hz at week 1 increasing to 5 Hz at 12 months) was significant (P < 0.001). The between-groups effect was not significant. The results are discussed in terms of (1) our own previous results, (2) previous results reported in the literature, and (3) significance in clinical applications.
Zeeman Effect and Uncoupling Phenomena in the CaH Bands

The effect of the strong $l$-uncoupling in the $^{2}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ state on the Zeeman patterns of the lines of the $^{2}\ensuremath{\Pi}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ CaH band at 7000A is discussed.
Visual performance-based image enhancement methodology: an investigation of contrast enhancement algorithms

ABSTRACT While vast numbers of image enhancing algorithms have already been developed, the majority of these algorithms have not been assessed in terms of their visual performance-enhancing effects using militarily relevant scenarios. The goal of this research was to apply a visual performance-based assessment methodology to evaluate six algorithms that were specifically designed to enhance the contrast of digital images. The image enhancing algorithms used in this study included three different histogram equalization algorithms, the Autolevels function, the Recursive Rational Filter technique described in Marsi, Ramponi, and Carrato 1 and the multiscale Retinex algorithm described in Rahman, Jobson and Woodell 2 . The methodology used in the assessment has been developed to acquire objective human visual performance data as a means of evaluating the contrast enhancement algorithms. Objective performance metrics, response time and error rate, were used to compare algorith m enhanced images versus two baseline conditions, original non-enhanced images and contrast-degrade d images. Observers completed a visual search task using a spatial-forced-choice paradigm. Observers searched images for a target (a military vehicle) hidden among foliage and then indicated in which quadrant of the screen the target was located. Response time and percent correct were measured for each observer. Results of the study and future directions are discussed. Keywords: image enhancement, psychophysical experiments, visual search, contrast enhancing algorithm.
Comparison of radionuclide angiographic synchrony analysis to echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a heritable arrhythmia syndrome entailing a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Discernment from benign arrhythmia disorders, particularly right ventricular outflow tract ventricular tachycardia (RVOT VT), may be challenging, providing an impetus to explore alternative modalities that may facilitate evaluation of patients with suspected ARVC. Objective We evaluated the role of equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) as a diagnostic tool for ARVC. Methods ERNA measures of ventricular synchrony—synchrony (S) and entropy (E)—were examined in patients with ARVC (n = 16), those with RVOT VT (n = 13), and healthy controls (n = 49). The sensitivity and specificity of ERNA parameters for ARVC diagnosis were compared with those of echocardiography (ECHO) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Results ERNA right ventricular synchrony parameters in patients with ARVC (S = 0.91 ± 0.07; E=0.61 ± 0.1) differed significantly from those in patients with RVOT VT (S = 0.99 ± 0.01 [ P = .0015]; E=0.46 ± 0.05 [ P P = .003]; E=0.48 ± 0.07 [ P = .001]). The sensitivity of ERNA synchrony parameters for ARVC diagnosis (81%) was higher than that for ECHO (38%; P = .033) and similar to that for CMR (69%; P = .162), while specificity was lower for ERNA (89%) than that for ECHO and CMR (both 100%; P = .008). Conclusion ERNA right ventricular synchrony parameters can distinguish patients with ARVC from controls with structurally normal hearts, and its performance is comparable to that of ECHO and CMR for ARVC diagnosis. These findings suggest that ERNA may serve as a valuable imaging tool in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected ARVC.
Robust microwave-assisted extraction protocol for determination of total mercury and methylmercury in fish tissues.

Abstract A rapid and efficient closed vessel microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method based on acidic leaching was developed and optimized for the extraction of total mercury (Hg), inorganic mercury (Hg 2+ ) and methylmercury (CH 3 Hg + ) from fish tissues. The quantitative extraction of total Hg and mercury species from biological samples was achieved by using 5 mol L −1 HCl and 0.25 mol L −1 NaCl during 10 min at 60 °C. Total Hg content was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). Mercury species were measured by liquid chromatography hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC–ICP–MS). The method was validated using biological certified reference materials ERM-CE464, DOLT-3, and NIST SRM-1946. The analytical results were in good agreement with the certified reference values of total Hg and CH 3 Hg + at a 95% confidence level. Further, accuracy validation using speciated isotope-dilution mass spectrometry (SIDMS, as described in the EPA Method 6800) was carried out. SIDMS was also applied to study and correct for unwanted species transformation reactions during and/or after sample preparation steps. For the studied reference materials, no statistically significant transformation between mercury species was observed during the extraction and determination procedures. The proposed method was successfully applied to fish tissues with good agreement between SIDMS results and external calibration (EC) results. Interspecies transformations in fish tissues were slightly higher than certified reference materials due to differences in matrix composition. Depending on the type of fish tissue, up to 10.24% of Hg 2+ was methylated and up to 1.75% of CH 3 Hg + was demethylated to Hg 2+ .
Altered sensory projections in the chick hind limb following the early removal of motoneurons

Chick sensory neurons grow to their correct targets in the hindlimb from the outset during normal development and following various experimental manipulations. This may result not because sensory neurons respond to specific limb-derived cues, but because they interact in some way with motoneurons which are responsive to such cues. To test this possibility, we removed the ventral part of the neural tube, which contains motoneurons and their precursors, at stages 16 1/2-20 1/2 and later examined the pathways sensory neurons had taken within the limb. Muscle nerves generally were missing or were reduced in diameter beyond the extent expected simply from the absence of motoneuron axons. In many cases, cutaneous nerves were enlarged, presumably due to the addition of other sensory axons. This result suggests that, in the absence of motoneurons, sensory neurons that normally project to muscles are unable to do so and may instead project along cutaneous pathways. Sensory axons from different segments also crossed less extensively in the plexus region than they did in control embryos, suggesting that alterations in their trajectories may normally be facilitated by similar changes in motoneuron pathways. Thus, motoneurons greatly enhance sensory neuron growth to muscles and contribute significantly toward the achievement of the normal sensory projection pattern. Sensory axons may fasciculate with motoneuron axons, or motoneuron axons may provide an aligned substrate for sensory neurons to grow along. Alternatively, motoneuron axons may alter the environment, thereby making certain pathways in the limb permissive for sensory neuron growth.
Lake superior binational program: The role of electric utilities

Lake Superior is called the greatest of the Great Lakes for good reason. It is the largest of the Great Lakes and also the cleanest. Although Lake Superior fish contain enough PCBs, mercury, and toxaphene to warrant fish consumption advisories, levels of toxic chemicals in Lake Superior are low compared to other Great Lakes. Because of the relatively clean waters of the lake and the basin's small industrial base, Lake Superior governments have agreed to set aside the basin as a special demonstration area with a goal of zero discharge and zero emission for nine toxic chemicals. Some of these chemicals have been associated with electric utilities. The governments recognize that electric utilities, industry and residents of the basin will all have a role in the march towards zero. The Lake Superior governments urge the electric utilities to consider 1) the proposed load reduction schedules for Lake Superior, 2) a US inventory of PCB equipment and 3) innovative solutions that bring facilities closer to zero discharge and zero emission.
Patterns and sources of variation in Daphnia phosphorus content in nature

It has recently been shown that Daphnia can vary in the phosphorus (P)-content of their body tissues, but the relative importance of genetic versus environmental causes for this variation is unexplored. We measured variation in P-content (as % body mass) of Daphnia from eight lakes and conducted experiments to contrast three sources of variation: interspecific variation, clonal variation and phenotypic plasticity. Daphnia P-content decreased with increasing seston C:P ratio across lakes. This relationship reflected both inter- and intraspecific variation. Daphnia parvula and D. dubia exhibited high P-content and were found in shallow lakes with low C:P seston, whereas D. pulicaria had low P-content and was found in deep, stratified lakes having high C:P seston. Populations of D. dentifera spanned this lake gradient and exhibited P-content that was negatively related to seston C:P. Evidence for phenotypic plasticity came from experiments with D. pulicaria and D. dentifera collected from a lake with P-deficient seston and fed a P-sufficient diet in the laboratory. In addition, populations of D. dentifera differed in P-content even after 7 d of feeding on P-sufficient resources, suggesting within-species clonal variation. However, mesocosm experiments revealed broad and surprisingly continuous variation in the P-content of individual clones of D. pulex (range 1.54–1.05%) and D. mendotae (1.51–1.07%) over a gradient in dietary C:P. The broad range in P-content exhibited by individual clones, acclimated for generations, suggests that variation in Daphnia P-content from laboratory experiments needs to be interpreted with caution. These results also show that phenotypic variation in response to environment can be a larger source of variation in P-content than genetic differences within or among species.
Crystal Structure of the GTPase-activating Protein-related Domain from IQGAP1

IQGAP1 is a 190-kDa molecular scaffold containing several domains required for interaction with numerous proteins. One domain is homologous to Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domains. However, instead of accelerating hydrolysis of bound GTP on Ras IQGAP1, using its GAP-related domain (GRD) binds to Cdc42 and Rac1 and stabilizes their GTP-bound states. We report here the crystal structure of the isolated IQGAP1 GRD. Despite low sequence conservation, the overall structure of the GRD is very similar to the GAP domains from p120 RasGAP, neurofibromin, and SynGAP. However, instead of the catalytic “arginine finger” seen in functional Ras GAPs, the GRD has a conserved threonine residue. GRD residues 1099–1129 have no structural equivalent in RasGAP and are seen to form an extension at one end of the molecule. Because the sequence of these residues is highly conserved, this region likely confers a functionality particular to IQGAP family GRDs. We have used isothermal titration calorimetry to demonstrate that the isolated GRD binds to active Cdc42. Assuming a mode of interaction similar to that displayed in the Ras-RasGAP complex, we created an energy-minimized model of Cdc42·GTP bound to the GRD. Residues of the GRD that contact Cdc42 map to the surface of the GRD that displays the highest level of sequence conservation. The model indicates that steric clash between threonine 1046 with the phosphate-binding loop and other subtle changes would likely disrupt the proper geometry required for GTP hydrolysis.
Incommensurate icosahedral density waves in rapidly cooled metals.

There are three simple phenomenological descriptions of incommensurate icosahedral density waves in rapidly cooled metals, based on stars of the reciprocal-lattice vectors which point to the vertices, edges, or faces of an icosahedron. The icosahedral phase of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.86}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{0.14}$ is described by the vertex model. We also discuss extended icosahedral correlations present in a hierarchical Frank-Kasper phase proposed by Mosseri and Sadoc.
Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibition by the KLF6 Tumor Suppressor Protein through Interaction with Cyclin D1

Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) is a tumor suppressor gene inactivated in prostate and colon cancers, as well as in astrocytic gliomas. Here, we establish that KLF6 mediates growth inhibition through an interaction with cyclin D1, leading to reduced phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) at Ser(795). Furthermore, introduction of KLF6 disrupts cyclin D1-cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) 4 complexes and forces the redistribution of p21(Cip/Kip) onto cdk2, which promotes G(1) cell cycle arrest. Our data suggest that KLF6 converges with the Rb pathway to inhibit cyclin D1/cdk4 activity, resulting in growth suppression.
Reducing thermal conductivity of binary alloys below the alloy limit via chemical ordering

Substitutional solid solutions that exist in both ordered and disordered states will exhibit markedly different physical properties depending on their exact crystallographic configuration. Many random substitutional solid solutions (alloys) will display a tendency to order given the appropriate kinetic and thermodynamic conditions. Such order–disorder transitions will result in major crystallographic reconfigurations, where the atomic basis, symmetry, and periodicity of the alloy change dramatically. Consequently, the dominant scattering mechanism in ordered alloys will be different than that in disordered alloys. In this study, we present a hypothesis that ordered alloys can exhibit lower thermal conductivities than their disordered counterparts at elevated temperatures. To validate this hypothesis, we investigate the phononic transport properties of disordered and ordered AB Lennard-Jones alloys via non-equilibrium molecular dynamics and harmonic lattice dynamics calculations. It is shown that the thermal conductivity of an ordered alloy is the same as the thermal conductivity of the disordered alloy at ≈0.6Tmelt and lower than that of the disordered alloy above 0.8Tmelt.
Genetics‐based interactions among plants, pathogens, and herbivores define arthropod community structure

Plant resistance to pathogens or insect herbivores is common, but its potential for indirectly influencing plant-associated communities is poorly known. Here, we test whether pathogens' indirect effects on arthropod communities and herbivory depend on plant resistance to pathogens and/or herbivores, and address the overarching interacting foundation species hypothesis that genetics-based interactions among a few highly interactive species can structure a much larger community. In a manipulative field experiment using replicated genotypes of two Populus species and their interspecific hybrids, we found that genetic variation in plant resistance to both pathogens and insect herbivores modulated the strength of pathogens' indirect effects on arthropod communities and insect herbivory. First, due in part to the pathogens' differential impacts on leaf biomass among the two Populus species and the hybrids, the pathogen most strongly impacted arthropod community composition, richness, and abundance on the pathogen-susceptible tree species. Second, we found similar patterns comparing pathogen-susceptible and pathogen-resistant genotypes within species. Third, within a plant species, pathogens caused a fivefold greater reduction in herbivory on insect-herbivore-susceptible plant genotypes than on herbivore-resistant genotypes, demonstrating that the pathogen-herbivore interaction is genotype dependent. We conclude that interactions among plants, pathogens, and herbivores can structure multitrophic communities, supporting the interacting foundation species hypothesis. Because these interactions are genetically based, evolutionary changes in genetic resistance could result in ecological changes in associated communities, which may in turn feed back to affect plant fitness.
Education for Instruction: A Review of LIS Instruction Syllabi

Libraries are seeing an increased emphasis on instruction, as indicated by analyses of job ads and surveys of library directors, but librarians responsible for instruction report lacking confidence in their abilities, and feeling underprepared to take on teaching roles. Through a review of courses offered at American Library Association–accredited institutions and a content analysis of syllabi, this study examines the extent to which library and information science programs are preparing new instruction librarians. The findings reveal the extent of opportunities available for students to learn about and practice instruction, and analyze the content outcomes, topics, and assignments of these courses.
Seismic stratigraphic evidence for a submerged middle Wisconsin barrier: Implications for sea-level history

High-resolution seismic reflection data from the inner shelf and coastal zones of central New Jersey document the presence of two depositional sequences. Seismic facies analysis of the lower sequence indicates the presence of a submerged barrier-island complex ∼20 m below present sea level and 0.2 to 1.7 km seaward of the modern coastline. Vibracore data from within the study area and correlation to an extensive seismic data set that extends farther offshore identify this submerged barrier as the maximum highstand shoreface associated with the middle Wisconsin (oxygen isotope stage 3) interstade. The results indicate that sea level was well below its present-day level during the middle Wisconsin, and not at or above the present level, as has been frequently proposed.
Petrology of the Weissliegendes sandstones in the Harz and Werra-Fulda areas, Germany

The Weissliegendes and adjacent related Permian sediments from the Harz and Werra-Fulda areas are petrologically described. The Weissliegendes sandstones are classified as moderately sorted, multicycle subgraywackes and orthoquartzites. Petrographic data indicate that the Weissliegendes and Zechsteinkonglomerate were derived in large part from the underlying Rotliegendes. Textural and stratification data show that the Weissliegendes sandstones were deposited in a shallow marine depositional environment and that the aeolian dune origin for the sandstones should be rejected. Rotliegendes sands and gravels were reworked by the transgressive Zechstein Sea, producing the sands of the Weissliegendes and the lag gravels of the Zechsteinkonglomerate. These two closely related units are time equivalent facies which represent the initial stage of the Zechstein Series.
One Hundred Percent American: The Rebirth and Decline of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s. By Thomas R. Pegram. (Chicago, IL: Ivan R. Dee, 2011. Pp. xiii, 281. $27.95.)

In 1965, historian David Chalmers published Hooded Americanism, a state‐by‐state account of the 1920s Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. His focus on a heterogeneous movement spurred scholars to begin ca...
Analyzing and Filtering Surface-Wave Energy By Muting Shot Gathers

Accurate estimation of the fundamental-mode dispersion curve is the most critical processing step of many shallow surface-wave methods. Use of multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), has proven very effective in separating different dispersive events that share the same seismic-frequency range. Yet, under certain circumstances, even when using such a data-redundant method, it may not be possible to separate the fundamental mode of the surface waves from higher modes. Dominant higher surface-wave modes, together with body- and guided waves, can impede the estimation of the fundamental mode. This is especially true when relatively short spread lengths are required for the survey for reasons such as higher lateral-resolution demands or presence of noise at the far offsets. A simple multichannel processing technique that mutes the interfering seismic waves in the shot records (offset-time (x‐t) domain) can be used to analyze and filter noisy surface-wave modes and thus significantly improve the range a...
The Starch of Amaranthus — Physico‐chemical Properties and Functional Characteristics

Starch from four varieties of amaranth grain were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Physico-chemical properties, including swelling power, solubility, water binding capacity, enzyme susceptibility, amylograph viscosity, and amylose, were determined. Functional characteristics, including bread and cake baking performance were studied. The granules of starch isolated from seeds of Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus were found to be very small in size. They were angular and polygonal in shape. Compared to corn starch, the amaranth starches had a higher swelling power, a lower solubility, a greater water binding capacity, a lower susceptibility to α-amylase, a higher amylograph viscosity and much lower amylose content. The amaranth starches produced very poor quality breads and cakes. The breads and cakes were low in volume, lacked symmetry, and had inferior grain, texture and crumb color. Die Starke von Amaranthus – Physikalisch-chemische Eigenschaften und funktionelle Merkmale. Die Starken aus vier Varietaten von Amaranth-Korn wurden durch Raster-Elektronenmikroskopie untersucht. Daruber hinaus wurden die physikalisch-chemischen Eigenschaften, einschlieslich Quellvermogen, Loslichkeit, Wasserbindungsvermogen, enzymatische Angreifbarkeit, Amylograph-Viskositat sowie Amylosegehalt, bestimmt. Die funktionellen Merkmale, einschlieslich der Eignung zur Brot- und Kuchenbereitung, wurden studiert. Die aus den Samenkornern von Amaranthus cruentus und Amaranthus hypochondriacus isolierten Starkekorner waren sehr klein, wirklich und vieleckig. Im Vergleich zu Maisstarke zeigten die Amarant-Starken hoheres Quellvermogen, niedrigere Loslichkeit, groseres Wasserbindungsvermogen, geringere Angreifbarkeit durch α-Amylase, hohere Amylograph-Viskositat und wesentlich geringeren Amylosegehalt. Die Amaranth-Starken fuhrten zu geringen Qualitaten bei Broten und Kuchen. Diese zeigten geringes Volumen, waren sehr ungleichmasig geformt und minderwertig in bezug auf Gefuge, Textur und Krumenfarbe.
Sonographically guided hydrodissection and corticosteroid injection for scleroderma hand

Scleroderma is associated with intractable hand pain from vasospasm, digital ischemia, tenosynovitis, and nerve entrapment. This study investigated the effect of hydrodissection of the carpal tunnel followed by corticosteroid injection for the painful scleroderma hand. Twenty-six consecutive subjects [12 with painful scleroderma hand and 14 with rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome (RA/CTS)] underwent sonographically observed carpal tunnel hydrodissection with 3 ml of 1% lidocaine administered with a 25-gauge 1-in. needle on a 3-ml RPD mechanical syringe (reciprocating procedure device). After hydrodissection, a syringe exchange was performed, and 80 mg of triamcinolone acetonide was injected. Baseline pain, procedural pain, pain at outcome, responders, therapeutic duration, and reinjection interval were determined. Hydrodissection and injection with corticosteroid significantly reduced pain scores by 67% in scleroderma (p < 0.001) and by 47% in RA/CT (p < 0.001). Scleroderma and RA/CTS were similar in outcome measures: injection pain (p = 0.47), pain scores at outcome (p = 0.13), responders (scleroderma, 83.3%; RA/CTS, 57.1%, p = 0.15), pain at 6 months (p = 0.15), and therapeutic duration (p = 0.07). Scleroderma patients responded better in time to next injection (scleroderma, 8.5 ± 3.0 months; RA/CTS, 5.2 ± 3.1 months, p = 0.03). Reduced Raynaud’s attacks and healing of digital ulcers occurred in 83% of subjects. There were no complications. Hydrodissection with lidocaine followed by injection of triamcinolone reduces pain and vasomotor changes in the scleroderma hand. The mechanism may be a combination of hydrodissection-mediated mechanical freeing of entrapped arteries, nerves, and tendinous structures and corticosteroid-induced reduction of inflammatory vasospasm.
Solar Diurnal Anisotropy of Cosmic Rays

THE solar diurnal anisotropy of cosmic rays is attributed to the bulk streaming of the cosmic ray gas caused by the corotating interplanetary magnetic field that is “rigidly attached to the Sun”1,2. By analogy with the classical Compton–Getting effect3, a(R), the amplitude of the daily variation at magnetic rigidity R is related to the ratio of particle speed v and the bulk streaming velocity u where γ is the exponent of the differential spectrum. Because, at the orbit of the Earth, u≈450 km s−1 a neutron monitor with mean rigidity of response about 10 GeV and atmospheric threshold 1 GeV should observe an amplitude extrapolated through the atmosphere to free space of about 0.7 per cent.
On the relationship between shock‐induced polar magnetic bays and solar wind parameters

[1] There has been an impression for more than half a century that reductions in the north-south component of the Earth's magnetic field in the polar region (often called “negative magnetic bays” or “polar magnetic bays”) may occur immediately after compression of the magnetosphere by interplanetary (IP) shock impacts, in particular when the magnetosphere is “preconditioned” by southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). A literature search suggests that this view has not been rigorously verified nor disproved. This paper reports a study of 43 IP shock events to illustrate the effect of IP shock-magnetosphere coupling on the high-latitude auroral electrojets. Specifically, we correlate the strength of magnetic bays (inferred from minimum values of the AL index within a 30-min window after shock impact) with solar wind parameters and their combinations within the same time window. It is surprisingly found that the strength of magnetic bays correlates much better with solar wind parameters downstream of a shock (correlation coefficient, r, up to 0.86) than solar wind parameters upstream of a shock (r up to 0.6). Therefore whether or not an interplanetary shock can “induce” a magnetic bay depends on the concurrent solar wind and IMF conditions. This strongly suggests that enhancements of the westward auroral electrojet during magnetosphere compression are primarily associated with a directly driven process. It is also found that the solar wind dynamic pressure, which is traditionally considered a secondary effect, contributes equally with IMF Bz to the westward auroral electrojet.
An intermediate spherical model of a ferromagnet

A one-parameter family of partition functions is considered which for zero value of the parameter α reduces to the spherical model of a ferromagnet. The model for α> 0 is closer to the usual discrete lattice spin model of a ferromagnet than is the spherical model. The first four terms in α of the limiting value of the partition function are calculated above and below the critical temperature for arbitrary interactions using the saddle point method to calculate certain correlation functions for the spherical model. These calculations indicate that the critical temperature is independent of α for small α and certain interactions.
Susceptibility of Amyloid β Peptide Degrading Enzymes to Oxidative Damage: A Potential Alzheimer's Disease Spiral†

Insulysin (IDE) and neprilysin (NEP) were found to be inactivated by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, an iron−ascorbate oxidation system, and by treatment with 2,2‘-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). In each case reaction led to the introduction of protein carbonyl groups as judged by reaction with 2,4-dintrophenylhydrazine. IDE was inactivated by reaction with 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) with the concomitant formation of protein adducts. NEP was not inactivated to a significant extent by HNE, but some HNE-adduct formation did occur. Prior reaction with hydrogen peroxide or AAPH led to enhanced formation of HNE adducts. Treatment of IDE with AAHP or hydrogen peroxide increased its susceptibility to proteolysis, while treatment of NEP with iron/ascorbate or hydrogen peroxide increased its susceptibility to proteolysis. Since IDE and NEP play a prominent role in the clearance of amyloid β peptides, their oxidative inactivation and enhanced proteolysis can contribute to the onset and/or progress...
The evolving Use of prognostic factors after resection of colorectal liver metastases

The expanding use of surgical therapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and developments in chemotherapeutic regimens have led to a significant improvement in survival. However, outcomes can vary substantially and criteria for determining the prognosis of individual patients are lacking. Traditionally, clinicopathologic factors, for example primary tumor stage, number and size of liver metastases, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels, presence of extrahepatic disease, and others, have been used to determine which patients are more likely to experience recurrence and poor survival. However, these factors, both separately and as part of scoring systems, have been inconsistent and conflicting in determining prognosis. Recently, molecular and biological indicators have emerged as potential prognosticators for CRLM patients undergoing hepatic resection. Tumor response to chemotherapy, both on imaging and on pathology, mutation status of such oncogenes as KRAS and BRAF, and expression patterns of proliferative markers including MACC1 and Ki-67, have all furnished promising results in prediction of patient outcomes. Moreover, circulating tumor cells and tumor DNA may not only be a useful prognostic instrument but also an excellent means of screening for early detection of recurrence.
Progress in the design of DNA sequence-specific lexitropsins

Sequence-specific polyamides that bind in the minor groove of DNA are attractive candidates for antibiotics, cancer chemotherapeutics, and transcriptional antagonists. This paper reviews the progress of structure-based design of minor-groove-binding polyamides, from the first structure of netropsin with DNA, to the effective linked polyamides currently under study. A theory of polyamide specificity is also reviewed, introducing methods to determine the optimal strategies for targeting a given DNA sequence within a genome of competing sequences.
Valence band and core level studies of InSb via photoemission measurements in the 20–70 eV range

Abstract We report photoemission measurements of valence band critical points, core level binding energies and spin-orbit splittings, and Auger processes using synchrotron radiation in the 20–70 eV range for InSb. Based on our studies of InSb and other semiconductors, several precautions when interpreting photoemission data in this energy range (e.g. Auger processes, matrix elements) are discussed.
Critical Fields and Currents in Superconductors

To determine critical fields and currents in small superconducting specimens, it has long been recognized that it is necessary to take into account the effect of a change in the order parameter with field or current. This review is primarily concerned with small specimens of dimensions iess than the coherence distance, so that changes in the energy gap with position may be neglected. One may then extend the theory to arbitrary temperatures by treating the gap as a variational parameter and finding the value which makes the free energy a minimum for given fields or currents. (W.D.M.)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating and Bulimia

D. L. Safer, C. F. Telch, & E. Y. Chen, New York: Guilford Press, 2009, ISBN: 978-1-60623-265-1 Since the first empirical report describing the use of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with eating...
Chromium in granitic rocks

Abstract We have analysed thirty granitic rocks for chromium by neutron activation and find a good correlation with magnesium. “High calcium” granite rocks average 16 to 22 p.p.m. Cr and “low calcium” granitic rocks average 3 to 4 p.p.m. Cr, depending on the method of estimation.
Growth trajectory evident at birth affects age of first delivery in female monkeys.

Growth trajectories established early in life have proven to be important determinants of metabolism, health in adulthood, and ultimate mortality. The age of sexual maturation may also be set early in development, perhaps etched in utero. The following study used growth curve modeling to investigate the degree to which birth weight and weight gain before sexual maturation constrained the timing of reproduction in 147 female rhesus monkeys living under standardized social and nutritional conditions. Although size at birth by itself did not determine age of reproductive maturation, it was strongly associated with the subsequent developmental growth trajectory, which in turn predicted age at first offspring. In contrast to human studies indicating that small birth size is followed by a postnatal “catch-up” growth phase that accelerates menarche, growth trajectories remained distinctive in small and large infant monkeys. Thus, it was the sustained and stable disparity in size already evident at birth and amplified through development that accounted for variation in the age of adult sexual maturity.
You Gotta Represent¡ Ethnic Identity Development among Hispanic Adolescents

Hispanic students' awareness of cultural, linguistic, and sociopolitical issues are influenced by their experiences in schools and affect their sense of identity. An examination of student discourse between bilingual gifted and bilingual general education students in an urban middle school is presented, with particular attention given to how participating bilingual students relate to each other, peers (in general and gifted education), teachers, administrators, families, and communities, and how they perceive themselves. A discussion of the core issues that emerged, including students' reawakening to their ethnic identity, differing rationales for using native language, and observed differences in self-perceptions between the gifted and general education bilingual Hispanic students is provided, along with results and implications for future research.
Ecological threshold and environmental management: A note on statistical methods for detecting thresholds

Many statistical models are available for detecting and quantifying ecological thresholds. The proper model can be selected through the comparison of the goodness-of-fit of multiple alternative models to the same data. In the context of selecting the appropriate threshold model, three sources of information should be used: patterns in model residuals, model predicted versus observed, and the posterior change point distributions. Applying alternative models to several ecological metrics measured along a total phosphorus gradient from a mesocosm experiment conducted in the Everglades, I conclude that changes in these metrics along the gradient are more likely to be gradual. The previously found strong threshold response is likely a result of the use of the step function model.
Comparison of wire reinforced tubes with warmed standard tubes to facilitate fiberoptic intubation

Abstract Study Objective: To compare the ease of insertion of a warmed standard tracheal tube to that of a wire reinforced tracheal tube when placed over a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Tertiary care hospital, Patients: 50 patients undergoing elective general anesthesia. Interventions: Patients' tracheas were intubated with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and had either a standard or wire-reinforced tracheal tube inserted. If resistance was met, the tube was withdrawn, rotated, and readvanced. This was repeated two times. If unsuccessful, the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope was removed, and intubation was attempted with the other type of tracheal tube. Measurements: The ability to advance the tracheal tube was determined. Main Results: There were no demographic differences between the two groups. There was a similar ease of advancement of the two tracheal tubes. Conclusions: When performing elective flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy for intubation, we recommend using the less expensive warmed standard tracheal tube.
Normal modes of a vortex in a trapped Bose-Einstein condensate

A hydrodynamic description is used to study the normal modes of a vortex in a zero-temperature Bose-Einstein condensate. In the Thomas-Fermi limit, the circulating superfluid velocity far from the vortex core provides a small perturbation that splits the originally degenerate normal modes of a vortex-free condensate. The relative frequency shifts are small in all cases considered (they vanish for the lowest dipole mode with $|m|=1$), suggesting that the vortex is stable. The Bogoliubov equations serve to verify the existence of helical waves, similar to those of a vortex line in an unbounded weakly interacting Bose gas. In the large-condensate (small-core) limit, the condensate wave function reduces to that of a straight vortex in an unbounded condensate; the corresponding Bogoliubov equations have no bound-state solutions that are uniform along the symmetry axis and that decay exponentially far from the vortex core.
Cutaneous reactions in head-injured patients receiving phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis.

Two types of adverse effects are caused by phenytoin, reversible dose-dependent central nervous system effects and non-dose dependent hypersensitivity effects. The most common presenting symptom of the hypersensitivity reaction is the development of a morbilliform rash. During a 45-month period, 151 head-injured patients received phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis using an 11-mg/kg i.v. and a 13-mg/kg i.m. parenteral loading dose followed by an i.m. or p.o. maintenance dose for therapeutic blood concentrations (10 to 20 micrograms/ml). The patients were followed for 18 months. The incidence of skin reaction to phenytoin was 19.4%, or 24 of 124 patients. Cutaneous reactions occurred from Day 5 through Day 91 of phenytoin therapy. Two patients had more serious reactions after the cutaneous reaction. One patient developed exfoliative dermatitis, and 1 had a pseudolymphoma type syndrome. Both recovered. Patients with cutaneous reactions had higher absolute eosinophil counts (P = 0.01). Other laboratory parameters of the white blood count and the total lymphocyte counts did not differ significantly. Patients receiving dexamethasone had a higher incidence of rash, but this did not reach statistical significance. Because recent data have not documented a seizure-prophylactic effect of phenytoin, only a head-injured patient who has experienced a first posttraumatic seizure should receive the drug.
A Convergent Route to the CDEF Tetracycle of Pectenotoxin-2

A convergent synthesis of the CDEF-tetracyclic region of pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2) is described. The synthetic pathway derives from a head-to-tail union of 2 equiv of linalool to establish a stereodef...
Reliability of mechanomyography and triaxial accelerometry in the assessment of balance

Abstract Reliability of high-resolution accelerometery (HRA) and mechanomyography (MMG) was evaluated for the assessment of single-leg balance. Subjects (5M/5F, 25±3yr; 169.4±11.7cm; 79.0±16.9kg) participated in fifteen (three randomized bouts of five repetitions) 15-s dominant leg stances. A single HRA was fixed superficial to L3/L4 segment to capture motions relative to the center-of-mass, and three-uniaxial accelerometers were fixed on the surface of the dominant leg correspondent to the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and soleus (SOL) muscles to record MMG. Triaxial signals from the HRA (s.r.=625Hz) were streamed to a base station, simultaneously with MMG (s.r.=1000Hz). Signals were sampled, recorded and later analyzed. HRAs were recorded in g's for vertical (VT), medial/lateral (ML), anterior/posterior (AP) directions, and resultant (RES) scalar. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were computed for each and Pearson's r was calculated for the relationships between MMG and HRA (α⩽0.05). Except for RES (ICC=0.36), all measures demonstrated moderately strong reliability (ICC=0.75, 0.73, 0.63, 0.87, 0.89, and 0.86 for VM, VL, SOL, VT, ML, and AP, respectively). HRA and MMG provide reliable information pertaining to balance, and may have application in evaluating postural control and stability.
Orbital magnetism of mesoscopic systems.

We study the orbital magnetic response of mesoscopic metallic systems. The response in singly (Landau) and multiply (Aharonov-Bohm) connected geometries is considered. It is argued that the absence of phase and energy relaxation at the sample boundaries in a typical magnetic measurement has dramatic consequences for the magnitude and the scale of variation of the response with the magnetic flux. We identify several regimes, depending on the strength of the magnetic field and the degree of disorder, and investigate the response in each of them. In particular, we discuss the mesoscopic fluctuations of the response and its average properties including the interaction-localization correction.
High performance liquid chromatography of triglycerides: Controlling selectivity with reverse phase columns

Rapid separations of triglycerides by chain length and degree of unsaturation have been made by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using reverse phase columns. Several different bonded columns were evaluated for use in reverse phase HPLC of triglycerides, and differences in selectivity are discussed. Selectivity was also modified by adding silver ion to the solvent, which produces marked changes in selectivity of solute triglycerides.
Small-bandwidth integrated tunable bandpass filters for GSM applications

This paper presents an integrated tunable lumped- element filter at 831 MHz with a 3 dB-bandwidth of 77 MHz (9% bandwidth) and an embedded insertion loss of 4.0 dB. The filter is fabricated using a combination of thick high aspect-ratio silver plating and bulk micromachining that enables the implementation of high- quality factor inductors as well as high-performance fixed and tunable two-port capacitors. The third-order filter shows good thermal stability and is continuously tuned using voltage-tunable capacitors.
Rotigotine transdermal patch in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome

Dopamine agonists are effective in delaying levodopa-induced dyskinesia in early Parkinson's disease (PD) and reducing motor fluctuations in advanced PD. Rotigotine, a novel dopamine receptor agonist, improves motor function in both early and advanced PD using a transdermal route of administration. A smaller, but convincing body of data, supports its ability to ameliorate the symptoms of restless legs syndrome as well. The side-effect profile mimics other dopamine agonists, with the addition of application-site reactions, most of which are mild-to-moderate. Advantages over existing dopamine agonists include once-daily administration, absence of food interactions, maintenance of stable plasma levels and utility in patients with swallowing difficulties.
Fluid shear stress primes mouse embryonic stem cells for differentiation in a self-renewing environment via heparan sulfate proteoglycans transduction

Shear stress is a ubiquitous environmental cue experienced by stem cells when they are being differentiated or expanded in perfusion cultures. However, its role in modulating self-renewing stem cell phenotypes is unclear, since shear is usually only studied in the context of cardiovascular differentiation. We used a multiplex microfluidic array, which overcomes the limitations of macroperfusion systems in shear application throughput and precision, to initiate a comprehensive, quantitative study of shear effects on self-renewing mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), where shear stresses varying by >1000 times (0.016–16 dyn/cm2) are applied simultaneously. When compared with static controls in the presence or absence of a saturated soluble environment (i.e., mESC-conditioned medium), we ascertained that flow-induced shear stress specifically up-regulates the epiblast marker Fgf5. Epiblast-state transition in mESCs involves heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), which have also been shown to transduce shear stress in endothelial cells. By disrupting (with sulfation inhibitors and heparinase) and partially reconstituting (with heparin) HSPG function, we show that mESCs also mechanically sense shear stress via HSPGs to modulate Fgf5 expression. This study demonstrates that self-renewing mESCs possess the molecular machinery to sense shear stress and provides quantitative shear application benchmarks for future scalable stem cell culture systems.—Toh, Y.-C., Voldman, J. Fluid shear stress primes mouse embryonic stem cells for differentiation in a self-renewing environment via heparan sulfate proteoglycans transduction.