cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CosR is a repressor of compatible solute biosynthesis and transporter systems

Bacteria accumulate small, organic compounds, called compatible solutes, via uptake from the environment or biosynthesis from available precursors to maintain the turgor pressure of the cell in response to osmotic stress. Vibrio parahaemolyticus has biosynthesis pathways for the compatible solutes ectoine (ectABCasp_ect) and glycine betaine (betIBAproXWV), four betaine-carnitine-choline transporters (bcct1-bcct4) and a second ProU transporter (proVWX). Most of these systems are induced in high salt. CosR, a MarR-type regulator, which is divergently transcribed from bcct3, was previously shown to be a direct repressor of ectABCasp_ect in Vibrio species. In this study, we investigated the role of CosR in glycine betaine biosynthesis and compatible solute transporter gene regulation. Expression analyses demonstrated that betIBAproXWV, bcct1, bcct3, and proVWX are repressed in low salinity. Examination of an in-frame cosR deletion mutant shows induced expression of these systems in the mutant at low salinity compared to wild-type. DNA binding assays demonstrate that purified CosR binds directly to the regulatory region of each system. In Escherichia coli GFP reporter assays, we demonstrate that CosR directly represses transcription of betIBAproXWV, bcct3, and proVWX. Similar to V. harveyi, we show betIBAproXWV is positively regulated by the LuxR homolog OpaR. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrates that CosR is widespread within the genus, present in over 50 species. In several species, the cosR homolog was clustered with the betIBAproXWV operon, which again suggests the importance of this regulator in glycine betaine biosynthesis. Incidentally, in four Aliivibrio species that contain ectoine biosynthesis genes, we identified another MarR-type regulator, ectR, clustered with these genes, which suggests the presence of a novel ectoine regulator. Homologs of EctR in this genomic context were present in A. fischeri, A. finisterrensis, A. sifiae and A. wodanis.
Simulation of PWM based Sliding Mode Controller for a DC-DC Buck Converter on FIL

This paper addresses the real time implementation on FPGA of a robust non-linear control scheme, PWM based Sliding Mode Control for a DC-DC Buck Converter operating in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM). The DC-DC converter is modeled while keeping in consideration the effects of parasitic elements and losses. Then the Sliding Mode Control (SMC) law is discussed and designed for the modeled plant. The designed control law is implemented on FPGA using Xilinx System Generator (XSG) Tool. Using Xilinx System Generator (XSG) Tool, FPGA in the loop (FIL) simulations are preformed to validate the robustness in terms of line and load variations. The Simulink environment is used for Xilinx System Generator hardware co-simulation.
The Contribution of Shareholder Primacy to the Racial Wealth Gap

The US racial economic gap is substantial and growing, stemming from a history of racism and the importance of intergenerational transmission to wealth accumulation (Darity and Hamilton 2012); (Chiteji and Stafford 1999). Wealth equity is important because wealth permits economic freedom: the ability to invest in one’s future and the future of one’s children (Darity and Hamilton 2012). This article investigates the role of corporate equities and mutual fund ownership in increasing the racial wealth gap over time. As of the third quarter of 2019, 92.1 percent of corporate equity and mutual fund value was owned by white households. Black households owned 1.5 percent, while Hispanic households owned 1.9 percent. I use the Federal Reserve’s Distributional Financial Accounts to determine the changing impact of the corporate equity gap on the racial wealth gap, and to measure how shareholder payments—dividends and stock buybacks—are divided by race and ethnicity. This original analysis contributes to policy discussions about how to structure the rules for corporate equity ownership in society, and how to end wealth equities that are a legacy of the US’s shameful history of slavery, racism, and xenophobia.
The Utility of Preoperative Nutrition Screenings and Postoperative Nutrition Protocols in Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices and Heart Transplantation

Purpose Malnutrition can result in worse clinical outcomes following ventricular assist device (VAD) and heart transplantation (HT). Hemodynamic instability often leads to delays in optimal nutrition and increases the risk of iatrogenic malnutrition. In these settings, the exclusive or supplemental use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may enhance nutrition provision and avoid enteral nutrition (EN)-related complications. Nutrition screening and protocols may serve as a solution to address these issues by improving safety and delivery of EN/TPN in ICU settings. Methods Data were extracted from electronic medical records pre (2014-2016) and post (2017-2019) protocol implementation. The high-risk enteral nutrition guidelines (HRENG) were introduced in the setting of hemodynamic instability after VAD or HT: cardiogenic shock, need for ECMO, balloon pump, temporary mechanical support. Preoperative nutrition screenings were implemented to strengthen HRENG adherence. We assessed calorie/protein delivery POD 1-14, % of nutrition needs met, TPN start/end day, central line associated blood infection (CLABSI), ICU and total length of stay (LOS) and mortality rate. Results A total of 113 patients who met criteria of the HRENG were included. We compared 62 patients prior to the protocol to 51 managed after protocol implementation. Average 14 day calorie/protein deficits decreased (P Conclusion The implementation of preoperative nutrition screenings in conjunction with HRENG may not only facilitate earlier TPN initiation and decrease nutrient deficits, but decrease ICU LOS. Enhanced TPN use was not associated with higher CLABSI rates.
The effectiveness of a 3D virtual tooth identification test as an assessment tool for a dental anatomy course.

INTRODUCTION There has been a recent demand in dental education for distance learning and the use of virtual assessment tools that can leverage technology to potentially replace physical testing facilities. However, virtual tools that evaluate student learning should be validated prior to adoption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction of a 3D tooth identification test for a dental anatomy course that can be given remotely. MATERIALS AND METHODS First-year dental students (n = 41) enrolled in a dental anatomy course took both traditional in-person practical and virtual 3D tooth identification tests consisting of 25 test items. The test scores, average test durations, faculty time commitment and user perception were collected and analysed. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients (p < .05) were determined for the criterion measures including real tooth identification test scores, comprehensive written examination and overall grade for the course. RESULTS The average number of correct answers for the real and 3D virtual tooth identification examination was 21.3 ± 2.65 and 20.7 ± 2.56, respectively. The average test duration for the real and 3D virtual tooth identification test was 25:00 and 21:16 min, respectively. There was a positive correlation (p < .05) of the 3D virtual tooth identification test with the real tooth identification test (0.368), comprehensive written examination (0.334) and the overall course grade (0.646). The total faculty time commitment for the real and 3D virtual tooth identification test was 96 and 65 min, respectively. The students cited difficulty in manipulating the 3D models. CONCLUSION This study presents evidence that the 3D virtual tooth identification test can be used to assess dental students' understanding of dental anatomy effectively and efficiently.
The exploration of N6-deoxyadenosine methylation in mammalian genomes

N6-methyladenine (N6-mA, m6dA, or 6mA), a prevalent DNA modification in prokaryotes, has recently been identified in higher eukaryotes, including mammals. Although 6mA has been well-studied in prokaryotes, the function and regulatory mechanism of 6mA in eukaryotes are still poorly understood. Recent studies indicate that 6mA can serve as an epigenetic mark and play critical roles in various biological processes, from transposable-element suppression to environmental stress response. Here, we review the significant advances in methodology for 6mA detection and major progress in understanding the regulation and function of this non-canonical DNA methylation in eukaryotes, predominantly mammals.
Unsupervised Learning Model to Uncover

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (or SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally, causing a pandemic with, so far, more than 152 million infections and more than three million deaths (as of May 2021). In order to address the COVID-19 pandemic by limiting transmission, an intense global effort is in the development of a safe and effective vaccine, which generally requires several years of pre-clinical and clinical stages of evaluation as well as strict regulatory approvals. However, because of the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 worldwide, the development and testing of a new vaccine are being accelerated. There are currently some authorized, not yet approved, vaccines to fight COVID-19, besides other ones in clinical evaluation or in a pre-clinical stage, and many more being researched. In this work, we used natural language processing and a machine learning model to predict good candidate vaccines. We built an unsupervised deep learning model (CVW2V) to produce word-embeddings using Word2vec from a corpus of published articles, selectively focusing on COVID-19 candidate vaccines that appeared in the literature, to identify promising target vaccines according to their similarity with approved and authorized vaccines.
Gemcitabine in combination with oxaliplatin as second-line therapy of advanced and metastatic NSCLC

18157 Background: Single agent gemcitabine is active as second line therapy in NSCLC. Oxaliplatin may be non-cross resistant with the other platinum-containing agents used as first-line therapy in ...
Isomorphism and Conjugacy Theorems

We return now to the situation of Chapter II: L is a semisimple Lie algebra over the algebraically closed field F of characteristic 0, H is a maximal toral subalgebra of L, Φ ⊂ H * the set of roots of L relative to H. In (8.5) it was shown that the rational span of Φ in H * is of dimension l over Q, where l = dimFH*. By extending the base field from Q to R we therefore obtain an l-dimensional real vector space E spanned by Φ. Moreover, the symmetric bilinear form dual to the Killing form is carried along to E, making E a euclidean space. Then Theorem 8.5 affirms that Φ is a root system in E.
Hedonics and the "Selective Associations": Biological Constraint on Learning

Research concerned with visual dominance in appetitive and auditory dominance in aversive learning situations (selective associations) is reviewed. The present analysis stresses that the dominant sensory modality of stimulus control is determined by the relative affective valence acquired by a compound auditory-visual stimulus through reinforcement contingencies, rather than by whether the primary reinforcer is appetitive or aversive. For example, take two groups of rats or pigeons on exactly the same shock-avoidance contingency in a tone-light compound (TL), but with different contingencies when the compound is absent (TL). Responding came predominantly under (1) auditory control when conditions in TL were hedonically negative relative to those in (TL), and (2) visual control when conditions in (TL) made TL relatively positive. Selective associations here are a product of the relative hedonic state, positive or negative, established to the auditory-visual compound. Therefore, this constraint reflects a high level of functioning by a hedonic comparator -- with TL’s hedonic value contextually determined by the totality of the events encountered, and reinforcement contingencies, operating in its world. The physical particulars of the reinforcer in TL here, shock avoidance, clearly were not responsible for the hedonic psychological state TL produced. Weiss, Panlilio, and Schindler (1993a, 1993b) went on to show that these proclivities can be (1) reversed, and (2) overcome by a blocking design when the biologically-contingency-disadvantaged stimulus is first pretrained on its own. Relating the “hedonic model” to evolution is speculative. But, the hedonic model is scientifically integrative by relating this biological constraint to a variety of phenomena that involve incentive-motivational states. These include choice behavior, conditioned preference, behavioral contrast and appetitive-aversive interactions.
Design for System Decoupling and Disturbance Rejection

In this paper, we present a design method, using the plant input-output feedback compensator, to achieve system decoupling and disturbance rejection.
La clase alta y sus altos: la arquitectura y las secuelas del terremoto de Lima de 1746

El texto analiza la defensa que la clase alta limena hizo de los pisos superiores de sus viviendas, a proposito de la orden del virrey Manso de Velasco de restringir la altura de las edificaciones, tras el terremoto que sacudio la capital en octubre de 1746. La orden del virrey, secundada por el encargado de la reconstruccion de la ciudad, el frances Louis Godin, tuvo como trasfondo el intento de centralizar el poder en el estado colonial, en el contexto de las reformas borbonicas.
Optimal investment problems and volatility homogenization approximations

We describe some stochastic control problems in financial engineering arising from the need to find investment strategies to optimize some goal. Typically, these problems are characterized by nonlinear Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman partial differential equations, and often they can be reduced to linear PDEs with the Legendre transform of convex duality. One situation where this cannot be achieved is in a market with stochastic volatility. In this case, we discuss an approximation using asymptotic analysis in the limit of fast mean-reversion of the process driving volatility. Simulations illustrate that marginal improvement can be achieved with this approach even when volatility is not fluctuating that rapidly.
Estimation of Maximal Oxygen Intake from Submaximal Work Parameters

Abstract The purposes of this study were, first, to investigate the relationship between maximal oxygen intake and three submaximal work parameters (heart rate, oxygen intake, and respiratory quotient), and second, to develop regression equations for the estimation of maximal oxygen intake. Sixty boys, ranging in age from 12–15 years, were given a series of treadmill tests designed to elicit submaximal work parameters as well as maximal oxygen intake values. The data were treated by stepwise multiple correlation-regression analysis to obtain correlation coefficients between the various submaximal measures and maximal oxygen intake, and to obtain regression equations for estimating maximal oxygen intake. The .05 level was used to determine the significance of the correlation coefficients. Acceptable regression equations for estimation of maximal oxygen intake required a multiple correlation coefficient equal to or larger than .700. For both groups of boys (12–13 years old and 14–15 years old) only the subm...
Effects of Temperature on Methane Consumption in a Forest Soil and in Pure Cultures of the Methanotroph Methylomonas rubra.

Methane oxidation in soil cores from a mixed hardwood-coniferous forest varied relatively little as a function of incubation temperatures from −1 to 30°C. The increase in oxidation rate was proportional to T2.4 (in kelvins). This relationship was consistent with limitation of methane transport through a soil gas phase to a subsurface zone of consumption by diffusion. The Q10 for CO2 production, 3.4, was substantially higher than that for methane oxidation, 1.1, and indicated that the response of soil respiration to temperature was limited by enzymatic processes and not diffusion of either organic substrates or molecular oxygen. When grown under conditions of phase-transfer limitation, cultures of Methylomonas rubra showed a minimal response to temperature changes between 19 and 38°C, as indicated by methane oxidation rates; in the absence of phase-transfer limitations, M. rubra oxidized methane at rates strongly dependent on temperature.
How sick are dialysis patients undergoing cholecystectomy? Analysis of 92,672 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database

Abstract Background Although cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, there is an absence of data on the risks of cholecystectomy in dialysis patients. Our objective was to analyze the outcomes of cholecystectomy in dialysis patients. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we selected all patients who underwent cholecystectomy from 2005 to 2010. Univariate analysis was performed and logistic and linear regression models were used to obtain risk-adjusted outcomes. The main outcomes were morbidity, mortality, and length of stay. Results Dialysis was associated with a higher risk of 30-day postoperative morbidity (16.1% vs 3.8%, adjusted odds ratio 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.18 to 3.10), but not mortality. The average length of stay following any cholecystectomy was 4.1 days longer for dialysis patients (5.5 vs 1.4 days, P Conclusion Patients on dialysis who undergo cholecystectomy are at a higher risk for postoperative morbidity, but not mortality.
Real-time in vivo micromorphology and histopathology of choroidal osteoma using enhanced depth imaging

Choroidal osteoma is a usually unilateral benign tumor of the choroid composed of mature bone. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to image osteoma for several years. With the advent of enhanced depth imaging (EDI) feature of spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), better visualization of the morphology of choroidal lesions has been possible. Herein we present a case of choroidal osteoma in a 45-year-old woman, wherein in vivo morphology of the choroidal osteoma had been visualized using EDI technique of SD-OCT before and after performing photodynamic therapy. EDI OCT has proven to be a valuable noninvasive imaging modality, almost comparable to histopathological examination, for diagnosing choroidal osteomas and for providing an insight into the in vivo micromorphological changes occurring during the course of the disease.
Endothelium-derived vasoactive factors and the renal vasculature

The endothelium is now recognized to transduce intravascular hemodynamic and chemical signals into appropriate changes in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) tone. The effector branch of this transduction is due, at least in part, to endothelial release of potent soluble vasoactive mediators. Two such mediators, endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and endothelin, have markedly different chemical composition and contrasting effects on VSM tone. EDRF, identified to be nitric oxide or a nitrosothiol, is a vasodilator, whereas endothelin, a 21-amino acid polypeptide, is the most potent vasoconstrictor yet described. Considerable evidence has been amassed to suggest that these molecules play an important role in the regulation of basal renal hemodynamics and in the pathogenesis of acute renal failure. The purpose of this editorial review is to examine the data supporting a role for the endothelium in the regulation of renal hemodynamics in normal and pathological states.
The effect of uremia on wound tensile strength and collagen formation

Abstract The effect of uremia on wound healing in the rat was investigated by measuring the tensile strength of wounds and the amount of collagen formation in polyvinyl sponges implanted subcutaneously. Uremia had an adverse affect on healing capacity since there was a significant reduction in tensile strength and collagen formation in the uremic animals. Reduced healing was noted in the more severely uremic rats indicating that the degree of uremia was important. The uremic animals had a marked reduction in caloric intake and final body weight compared to control groups, and there was greater correlation between the results for tensile strength and collagen accumulation and the final body weights than the serum creatinine values. Therefore, the data suggest that nutritional factors are responsible for the demonstrated poor healing capacity associated with uremia.
Imaging atoms in surface dimers of GaAs(001)-c {(2×8)}/{(2×4)} by electron-emission holography

We demonstrate the imaging of As atoms in surface dimers of CiaAs(001)−c(2 × 8)(2 × 4) by inverting glancing-direction energy-dependent photoelectron diffraction (EDPD) spectra. The glancing-direction geometry, aided by pointing the photon's A-vector near the electron's exit direction, excludes most of the bulk-emitted electrons and enhances the surface signal. Image reconstructions based on Fourier inversion of experimental data as well as calculated EDPD spectra are given. The Helmholtz-Kirchhoff integral was shown to fail for measurements taken at 1067 eV. The vector Fourier transformation of EDPD spectra is a direct structural tool, i.e. it avoids the trial-and-error process; and with the EDPD data base used in the simulation, it achieves a spatial resolution of 0.6–1.0 A in the emitter-scatterer direction.
Carcass parameters and meat quality in meat-goat kids finished on chicory, birdsfoot trefoil, or red clover pastures

This study was conducted during the 2009 and 2010 grazing seasons to assess carcass parameters and chevon (goat meat) quality when meat-goat kids (n=72) were finished on pastures of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RCL), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.; BFT), or chicory (Cichorium intybus L.; CHIC). Final live weight (P 0.10) among treatments when adjusted for the covariate of carcass weight. Finishing meat-goat kids on RCL, BFT, or CHIC impacted concentrations of fatty acids (FAs) 18:1 trans-10, 18:1 cis-11, 18:2, 18:3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-6, omega-3, and PUFA:saturated fatty acid ratio in longissimus lumborum samples. Finishing meat-goat kids on CHIC, RCL, or BFT pastures produced carcass weights acceptable for most ethnic markets in the USA.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association’s Model Overview of Equine-Based Modalities

This article describes the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association’s (EAGALA) experiential model called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). EAGALA’s model is based on the Association for E...
Anisotropic Permeability of Fiber Preforms: Constant Flow Rate Measurement

Fiber preform permeability has a strong influence on the resin impregna tion behavior during polymer composites fabrication. A straightforward procedure has been developed for determining the general anisotropic in-plane permeability character of fiber preforms from constant flow rate mold filling experiments. The procedure is based on the application of Darcy's law to a two-dimensional in-plane flow situation. From ex perimental data on changes in flow front position and inlet pressure with mold filling time, the components of the in-plane permeability tensor can be calculated directly using param eters obtained from two linear plots. Experimental data for a commercial fabric confirms the applicability of the procedure. The required equipment setup and the analytical proce dure are both uncomplicated in nature. The proposed method provides a simple solution to the measurement of permeability and comparison of different preforms for polymer composites application.
Existence of helical forms of polyacetylene.

Ab initio Gaussian self-consistent-field calculations have been used to study the trans-cisoidal and cis-transoidal isomers of polyacetylene. Intramolecular rotational potentials have been obtained for both the conformations. In accord with our earlier studies for the trans-cisoidal form, the cis-transoidal form also exhibits a gauche state in this potential. This state can lead to a helical form of these polymers. Upon optimization, the lowest-energy states for both the cis isomers become helical, albeit with different equilibrium geometries. These results support the existence of helical forms of cis-polyacetylene as suggested by some experimental data.
Pharmacokinetics and protein binding of cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (II) administered as a one hour or as a twenty hour infusion

The pharmacokinetics of cis-dichlorodiamminoplatinum (II) (cisplatin) have been studied in seven patients, of whom four received the drug as a one hour infusion and three received it as a 20 h infusion. The patients receiving the drug over one hour exhibited biphasic clearance of total platinum with a rapid initial phase (8.7–22.5 min) and a prolonged second phase (30.5–106 h). Free (ultrafilterable) cisplatin was readily detectable in this group and was rapidly cleared (half-life about 22 min). The volume of distribution of the drug was 50.3–65.6 liters and it was 26.6–50% excreted in the urine in 48h. In the patients receiving the 20 h infusion, a more complex plasma elimination curve was seen, with the appearance of a secondary peak. Free drug was not detectable in these patients and they showed less urinary excretion (21.4–25.9% at 48 h) than the one hour group. Cisplatin was bound to several plasma proteins, including albumin, transferrin, and γ-globulin. The data indicate that cisplatin is retained in the body more extensively after a 20 h infusion than after a one hour infusion.
Experimental Observations of Flow Instability in a Helical Coil (Data Bank Contribution)

Experimental observations were made for the nominally fully developed flow through a helically coiled pipe of circular cross-section with a curvature radius to pipe radius ratio R[sub c]/a = 18.2. Laser-Doppler measurements of the instantaneous streamwise velocity, u[sub [theta]], and the cross-stream circumferential velocity, u[sub [phi]], components were obtained along the midplane of the pipe cross-section. The Reynolds number range explored was 3,800 < Re < 10,500 (890 < De < 2,460) and spans the laminar and turbulent flow regimes. Time integration of the velocity records has yielded previously unavailable mean and rms velocity profiles. In the range 5,060 < Re < 6,330, the time records of the velocity components reveal periodic flow oscillations with St [approximately] 0.25 in the inner half of the pipe cross-section while the flow near the outer wall remains steady. A frequency doubling (St [approximately] 0.5) is also observed at some midplane locations. This low frequency unsteadiness is distinct from the shear-induced turbulent fluctuations produced with increasing Re first at the outer wall and later at the inner wall of the coiled pipe. Simple considerations suggest that the midplane jet in the recirculating cross-stream flow is the source of instability.
Zeolin is a recombinant storage protein that can be used to produce value-added proteins in alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.)

The specific features of plants make them particularly suitable for the production of recombinant proteins and alfalfa is one of the recommended plant production systems. We have transformed alfalfa with a gene coding for a chimaeric protein made previously by fusing phaseolin to the N-terminal region of γ-zein and have analyzed the accumulation of this fusion protein, named zeolin. Zeolin was expressed both in T0 Regen SY alfalfa plants and in the progeny resulting from the sexual cross between Regen SY transformants and alfalfa cv. Adriana plants. In some alfalfa plants a 95 kDa zeolin glycosylated polypeptide is the most abundant polypeptide detected by Western-blot analysis, whereas in tobacco the most abundant zeolin polypeptide has a molecular mass around 60 kDa, expected for intact zeolin. Zeolin has been stably accumulated in alfalfa leaves because it forms endoplasmic reticulum-located protein bodies in the cell. As regards zeolin quantisation, in the progeny alfalfa plants a value of about 0.22–0.28 mg of zeolin / g of fresh leaf weight has been estimated.
Shyness and Physical Attractiveness in Mixed-Sex Dyads

Male and female strangers' shyness and physical attractiveness strongly affected their own and their partners' behavior during initial, unstructured interactions. First, dyad-level measures of behavioral involvement and perceived interaction quality were independently predicted by the men's shyness and the women's physical attractiveness. Second, shy men exerted avoidant control over mutual gazing by denying their female partners (but not themselves) opportunities to initiate and terminate mutual gazes. Third, as physical attractiveness of the men increased, conversations included fewer references to 3rd-party individuals, with the women appearing to be primarily responsible for setting the "exclusive" tone of these conversations. Fourth, as physical attractiveness of the women increased, the men reported an increasing percentage of metaperspective thoughts and feelings that reflected the symbolic adoption of their female partners' perspective. First impressions matter. In some instances (e.g., during job interviews and blind dates), the images created during initial encounters govern one's access to significant social and material rewards as well as to subsequent interactions. Even when continued encounters are ensured (e.g., when first meeting a new neighbor or co-worker), these same images color one's subsequent perceptions of the other person's friendliness, desirability, and competence. The enduring impact of first impressions seems exaggerated relative to the limited amount of information available in any single encounter. Certain personal characteristics influence initial impressions more than others. Characteristics that are readily observable should have the greatest initial impact. For example, race and gender are conspicuous features that have been shown to exert considerable influence on interpersonal behavior and perceptions (e.g., Ickes, 1984; Ickes & Barnes, 1977; Ickes, Schermer, & Steeno, 1979). In this study, we examined the impact of two other dispositional variables that are salient early in an interaction: physical attractiveness and shyness. Both of these characteristics are readily discerned. Evidence of their observability was reported by Funder and Dobroth
Inorganic Chemistry of Defensive Peroxidases in the Human Oral Cavity

The innate host response system is comprised of various mechanisms for orchestrating host response to microbial infection of the oral cavity. The heterogeneity of the oral cavity and the associated microenvironments that are produced give rise to different chemistries that affect the innate defense system. One focus of this review is on how these spatial differences influence the two major defensive peroxidases of the oral cavity, salivary peroxidase (SPO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). With hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) as an oxidant, the defensive peroxidases use inorganic ions to produce antimicrobials that are generally more effective than H(2)O(2) itself. The concentrations of the inorganic substrates are different in saliva vs. gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Thus, in the supragingival regime, SPO and MPO work in unison for the exclusive production of hypothiocyanite (OSCN(-), a reactive inorganic species), which constantly bathes nascent plaques. In contrast, MPO is introduced to the GCF during inflammatory response, and in that environment it is capable of producing hypochlorite (OCl(-)), a chemically more powerful oxidant that is implicated in host tissue damage. A second focus of this review is on inter-person variation that may contribute to different peroxidase function. Many of these differences are attributed to dietary or smoking practices that alter the concentrations of relevant inorganic species in the oral cavity (e.g.: fluoride, F(-); cyanide, CN(-); cyanate, OCN(-); thiocyanate, SCN(-); and nitrate, NO(3)(-)). Because of the complexity of the host and microflora biology and the associated chemistry, it is difficult to establish the significance of the human peroxidase systems during the pathogenesis of oral diseases. The problem is particularly complex with respect to the gingival sulcus and periodontal pockets (where the very different defensive stratagems of GCF and saliva co-mingle). Despite this complexity, intriguing in vitro and in vivo studies are reviewed here that reveal the interplay between peroxidase function and associated inorganic chemistry.
Identification of the Adsorption Mode of Thiophene on Sulfided Mo Catalysts

The adsorption and reactions of thiophene (C4H4S) on sulfided Mo/Al2O3 catalysts have been investigated over wide ranges of pressure (10-9−5 × 102 Torr) and temperature (140−693 K) using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). When dosed at 190 K, thiophene adsorbs molecularly onto sites located on MoS2-like structures and on uncovered alumina regions of sulfided Mo/Al2O3 catalysts as determined by IR spectroscopy. Thiophene is weakly chemisorbed to the catalyst surface and desorbs in a single peak with a maximum rate of desorption at 243 K. Based upon interpretation of IR spectra, the adsorption mode of thiophene on the sulfided Mo portion of the catalyst surface has been determined to be η1(S), with thiophene bonded to coordinately unsaturated (cus) Moδ+ sites located on the edge planes of MoS2-like structures. The saturation coverage of thiophene on MoS2-like structures of a sulfided 17.6 wt % Mo/Al2O3 catalyst is estimated to be C4H4S/Mo = 0.074. Thiophene is observed t...
Control of enzyme synthesis in early sea urchin development: aryl sulfatase activity in normal and hybrid embryos.

Abstract Aryl sulfatase activity begins to increase at the mesenchyme blastula stage and continues to increase through the pluteus stage. Total activity increases 30-fold in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus embryos and 10-fold in Allocentrotus fragilis embryos. The bulk of new sulfatase activity is localized on or near the cell surface; thus, unlike the unfertilized egg or early cleavage stages, up to 75% of the sulfatase activity of larvae can be extracted with isotonic Na:K, and intact larvae can hydrolyze exogenous substrate. Mixing experiments do not reveal any soluble activators, but do indicate the presence of a heat-stable, dialyzable inhibitor in eggs and embryos. Developmental changes in this inhibitor, however, are not sufficient to account for the observed change in enzyme activity. Studies with viable hybrids between S. purpuratus and A. fragilis strongly suggest that increased aryl sulfatase activity is under nuclear control. Thus, total activity is intermediate to that of the two parents in both reciprocal crosses. Gel electrophoresis of the sulfatase in the hybrid embryos reveals a band of intermediate mobility to that of the two parents. Anomalously, however, there are no electrophoretic bands corresponding to the parental enzymes in the hybrid embryos. Although nuclear control is implied, inhibition of 85% of the protein synthesis by puromycin does not immediately arrest the increase in sulfatase activity. This suggests some sort of activation process which is independent of protein synthesis. Several models involving modification of protein after its synthesis are proposed to explain the lack of immediate effect of puromycin and the absence of the parental bands in the hybrid embryos. Although less probable, it is also proposed that the increase in sulfatase activity may result from the modification of a pre-existing protein by a factor or factors whose synthesis is under genetic control during development.
Trichomonad infection in mourning doves, Zenaidura macroura, in Maryland

During the 10-year period 1950–1960 the incidence ofTrichomonas gallinae among several series of mourning doves shot or trapped in Maryland has varied from zero to 121/2 per cent. Prior to 1959, all isolations ofT. gallinae from doves during such surveys had been from birds with well-developed lesions. In 1959, trichomonads were demonstrated in three of 54 normal hunter-killed doves examined in Howard County. The incidence of trichomonad infection among doves which were submitted to the laboratory because they were obviously diseased was much higher. Of 44 clinically ill doves submitted during the period 1950–1960, 25 were found to be infected withT. gallinae. In the Maryland area the incidence of trichomonad infection among mourning doves appears to be low, but when infection does occur it is usually due to a pathogenic strain which produces a typical fatal canker.
Computer forensics curriculum in security education

Information Security curricula usually cover traditional security topics such as network security, cryptography, and operating system security. With the heavy reliance on computing technology for many of the day to day functions by people and businesses, criminals have joined the fray. Consequently, security aspects require developing adequate policies to protect the information assets as well as gathering suitable evidence in case the matter ends in a court. Rapid advancements in storage technology have contributed to storing large volumes of data in small devices. Such devices could be hidden with criminal intent or are prone to be lost, thus exposing confidential information. In either case we need to expose students specializing in security education to the technology and legal aspects. In this paper the author will share a sample undergraduate curriculum, resources needed to develop an inexpensive computer forensics lab, and how to integrate this course in the InfoSec curriculum.
1994 Special Issue: Rules for the cortical map of ocular dominance and orientation columns

Three computational rules are sufficient to generate model cortical maps that simulate the interrelated structure of cortical ocular dominance and orientation columns: a noise input, a spatial band pass filter, and competitive normalization across all feature dimensions. The data of Blasdel from optical imaging experiments reveal cortical map fractures, singularities, and linear zones that are fit by the model. In particular, singularities in orientation preference tend to occur in the centers of ocular dominance columns, and orientation contours tend to intersect ocular dominance columns at right angles. The model embodies a universal computational substrate that all models of cortical map development and adult function need to realize in some form.
Effect of oxygen on response of plastic and glass track detectors

Abstract Using beams of relativistic Au and U ions, we have found that the sensitivity (reduced track etch rate) of CR-39, Rodyne polycarbonate, and Cronar polyester track detectors depends on the length of time for which the sample is exposed to oxygen before irradiation and to the partial pressure of oxygen before and during irradiation. In contrast, the sensitivity of VG-13 phosphate glass detectors is independent of the presence or absence of oxygen before or during irradiation.
The Use of Intraservice Work per Unit of Time (IWPUT) and the Building Block Method (BBM) for the Calculation of Surgical Work

The Medicare Fee Schedule (MFS), which was first implemented in 1992, has had a broad impact upon all practicing physicians in America. It is the basis for fees that are paid for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries and is also used for payment by many third party-insurers as well. Despite its importance to surgical reimbursement, most surgeons know very little about the MFS, its history of development, or how fees are calculated for their most common procedures. This paper will review the development and evolution of the methodology used to construct the physician work component of the MFS, with special attention to 2 powerful tools: the measurement of intensity of work per unit time (IWPUT) and the building block methodology (BBM), which can be used with IWPUT to calculate physician work. The process has been refined by many groups, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Update Committee (RUC), the American College of Surgeons General Surgery Coding & Reimbursement Committee (GSCRC), and other national specialty societies. A robust methodology has been developed over this time period to combine the measurement of IWPUT with the BBM to calculate physician work during the global surgical period. This methodology allows us to measure and compare the resource-based work effort of physicians across a wide spectrum of specialties and allows us to more easily derive a value for work for a given global procedure or a single encounter. These 2 concepts (IWPUT and BBM) have been applied to a wide range of endeavors, including production of compensation packages for surgeons, calculation of relative reimbursement for newly developed procedures, improved practice management, and exploration of work estimation for nonglobal procedures and services.
Pseudoreplication, external validity and the design of playback experiments

Article critique sur les problemes que posent les experiences de restitution d'emissions sonores principalement en fonction de leur validite
Release of arachidonic acid from 1-ALKYL-2-ACYL-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, a precursor of platelet-activating factor, in sat alveolar macrophages

Platelet activating factor and the bioactive metabolites of arachidonic acid are secreted by alveolar macrophages in response to stimulation by phagocytic agents or calcium ionophore. We have previously shown a deacylation-acetylation sequence in the formation of 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PAF) from alkylacyl-(long chain)-GPC (Albert, D.H. and Snyder, F. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 97-102). This sequence may be an important source of 20:4 during inflammatory reactions since, in alveolar macrophages, the ether lipid precursor of PAF represents 35% of the choline glycerophospholipids and has a much higher content (35%) of 20:4 in the sn-2 position than does diacyl-GPC (17%). Alveolar macrophages prelabeled with 14C-labeled fatty acids (16:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 20:4) and [1-3H]alkyllyso-GPC were used to study the release of fatty acids from ether-linked and diacyl phospholipids. Each of these fatty acids was incorporated primarily into the choline glycerophospholipids of alveolar macrophages. The release of 20:4 from macrophage phospholipids was increased by treatment of the labeled cells with the calcium ionophore A23187 (2 microM) or zymosan (1 mg/ml), whereas the release of 16:0, 18:1 and 18:2 was not increased above control levels by either stimuli. Although more of the labeled 20:4 is released from the diacyl-GPC (50% of the total released), substantial amounts (44%) of 20:4 are derived from alkylacyl-GPC after incubating the stimulated cells for 60 min. The loss of 20:4 continued from the diacyl species throughout the incubation period studied, whereas a slower net release of 20:4 lost from the alkylacyl-GPC fraction was evident after 2 h. We conclude that the deacylation-reacylation cycle is an important aspect of the metabolism of 20:4 and alkylacyl-GPC during inflammatory stimulation of alveolar macrophages and that the deacylation of this ether-linked phospholipid (which is the first step in the formation of PAF) is responsible for a significant amount of the 20:4 released.
The physical, psychological and social impact of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, disabling skin disease affecting up to 2 percent of the population. Little is known about how physical, psychological and social features of the illness interact to create a negative impact. In this article, a biopsychosocial model of the impact of psoriasis is described, and results from a survey of 317 psoriasis patients are presented. The types of functional disability, psychological distress and disease-related stressors are described for highly strained patients (i.e. those with disease-related suicidal ideation) and compared with less strained patients (i.e. those without suicidal ideation). As predicted by the model, significantly more disability, psychological distress and disease-related stressors are found among highly strained patients. Logistical regression analysis revealed that strain is more strongly associated with disability, distress and disease-related stress level than with disease severity. Implications for research and clinical interventions are discussed.
Do temporary extensions to unemployment insurance benefits matter? The effects of the US standby extended benefit program

During the 2007–2010 economic downturn, the US temporarily increased the duration of Unemployment Insurance (UI) by 73 weeks, higher than any prior extension, raising concerns about UI's disincentive effects on job search. This article examines the effect of temporary benefit extensions using a Regression Discontinuity (RD) approach that addresses the endogeneity of benefit extensions and labour market conditions. Using data from the 1991 recession, the results indicate that the Stand-by Extended Benefit (SEB) program has a significant, although somewhat limited, impact on county unemployment rates and the duration of unemployment. The results suggest that the temporary nature of SEB benefit extensions may mitigate their effect on search behaviour.
Vark preferred learning styles and online education

It has become evident that students have diverse preferred learning styles and effective instructors must design and deliver courses to meet the needs of those students. This study investigates the four physiological learning styles of visual, aural, read‐write and kinesthetic as they apply to online education. Findings suggest that online students are more likely to have stronger visual and read‐write learning styles. Further, read‐write learners and students that were strong across all four learning styles were likely to evaluate course effectiveness lower than other students while aural/readwrite learners and students that were not strong on any learning style were more likely to evaluate course effectiveness higher than other students.
EVIDENCE FOR EXTRANORADRENERGIC DOPAMINE-β-HYDROXYLASE ACTIVITY IN RAT SALIVARY GLAND

—Three days after superior cervical ganglionectomy of adult Sprague-Dawley rats, the levels of endogenous norepinephrine, the uptake process for [3H]norepinephrine and the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase decreased 99 per cent in the ipsilateral salivary gland. In contrast, the activity of dopamine-β-hydroxylase and DOPA decarboxylase fell to 30 per cent of the activity of the contralateral innervated gland. Examination of the cofactor requirements, the characteristics of activation by cupric ion and the immunologic identity of this residual hydroxylase activity indicated that it was authentic dopamine-β-hydroxylase. The residual dopamine-β-hydroxylase in the denervated gland had the same subcellular distribution as the enzyme in the innervated salivary gland. Procedures that caused atrophy or hypertrophy of the acinar cells did not affect the total content of dopamine-β-hydroxylase in the denervated salivary gland. Chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxy-dopamine caused a 40 per cent decrement in the serum levels of dopamine-β-hydroxylase but a 30 per cent increase in its activity in the denervated salivary gland. Although denervation caused a complete loss of endogenous norepinephrine in the salivary gland, it resulted in only a 15 per cent decrement in the levels of endogenous octopamine and β-phenylethanolamine, two other products of dopamine-β-hydroxylase.
Surface migration and volume diffusion in the AgGaSe2-Ag2Se system

Surface migration and volume diffusion in the Ag2Se-AgGaSe2 system were investigated using reactive diffusion couples which were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. The surface diffusivities of all mobile species are found to be much larger than volume diffusivities. The results of the study suggest that Se moves together with Ag and Ga to maintain binary (Ag2Se and Ga2Se3) stoichiometry and electroneutrality. The dominance of surface migration kinetics can account for the uniform annihilation of second-phase precipitates during heat treatments.