cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glutathione peroxidase-1 gene knockout on body antioxidant defense in mice

To determine the in vivo role of cellular glutathione peroxidase (E.C.1.11.1.9, GPX1), we challenged the GPX1 knockout [GPX1(-/-)], the GPX1 overexpressing [GPX1(+)], and their respective wild-type (WT) mice of different Se and vitamin E status with acute oxidative stress. After these mice were injected with pro-oxidants paraquat or diquat at 12 to 125 mg/kg of body weight, their survival rate and time were a function of their GPX1 activity levels. The GPX1 protection was associated with attenuation of NADPH and NADH oxidation, protein carbonyl and F(2)-isoprostanes formation, and alanine transaminase release in various tissues, and was irreplaceable by high levels of dietary vitamin E or other selenoproteins. The GPX1 expression was also protective against moderate oxidative stress induced by low levels of paraquat or diquat, particularly in the Se-deficient mice. Alteration of GPX1 expression showed no impact on the expression of other selenoproteins and antioxidant enzymes in unstressed mice. Total Se content in liver of the Se-adequate GPX1(-/-) mice was reduced by 60% the WT controls. In conclusion, normal expression of GPX1 is essential and overexpression of GPX1 is beneficial to protect mice against acute oxidative stress.
Blood-brain barrier permeability is markedly decreased in cholestasis in the rat

The blood-brain-barrier plays an essential role in regulating the entrance of substances into the brain. To date, permeability of the blood-brain barrier has not been studied in models of cholestatic liver injury, although levels of substances known to enhance vascular permeability (bile acids, substance P, histamine) are elevated in cholestasis. Two rat models of cholestasis were studied: bile duct resection (5 days after surgery) and alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate treatment (45 mg/kg/day for 7 days). The mean value for whole brain blood-to-brain transfer constant in bile duct resection rats was about 50% less than corresponding values in sham-operated and unoperated control rats (p < or = 0.05, respectively). Reductions in blood-to-brain transfer constant of similar magnitude were found in the caudate nuclei, cortexes and hippocampi of bile duct-resected rats. Blood-to-brain transfer constant values in alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate-treated rats were also about 50% less in whole brain and specific brain regions than corresponding control values. A precedent for a decrease in blood-to-brain transfer constant is the dexamethasone-treated rat, in which the phenomenon has been attributed to a decrease in cerebral capillary endothelial cell membrane fluidity. We confirmed that blood-to-brain transfer constant values are reduced by about 50% in dexamethasone-treated rats. A decrease in membrane fluidity affords a rational explanation for a decrease in blood-to-brain transfer constant in cholestasis as a consequence of the dynamic equilibrium between elevated plasma levels of cholesterol in cholestasis and cell membranes exposed to the circulation.
Chromosomal loci influencing chronic alcohol withdrawal severity

Ethanol (alcohol) withdrawal-induced convulsions are a key index of physical dependence on ethanol and a clinically important consequence of alcohol abuse in humans. In rodent models, severity of withdrawal is strongly influenced by genotype. For example, many studies have reported marked differences in withdrawal severity between the WSR (Withdrawal Seizure Resistant) and WSP (Withdrawal Seizure Prone) mouse strains selectively bred for over 25 generations to differ in chronic withdrawal severity. Therefore, we used an F2 intercross between the inbred WSP and WSR strains for a genome-wide search for quantitative trait loci (QTLs), which are chromosomal sites containing genes influencing the magnitude of withdrawal. We also used the recently developed HW, RHW (high withdrawal) and LW, RLW (low withdrawal) lines selectively bred for the same trait and in the same manner as the WSP, WSR lines. QTL analysis was then used to dissect the continuous trait distribution of withdrawal severity into component loci, and to map them to broad chromosomal regions by using the Pseudomarker 0.9 and Map Manager QT29b programs. This genome-wide search identified five significant QTLs influencing chronic withdrawal severity on Chromosomes (Chrs) 1 (proximal), 4 (mid), 8 (mid), 11 (proximal), and 14 (mid), plus significant interactions (epistasis) between loci on Chr 11 with 13, 4 with 8, and 8 with 14.
A critical comparison of charge-pumping, dual-transistor, and midgap measurement techniques (MOS transistors)

Charge-pumping, dual-transistor, and midgap estimates of radiation-induced interface-trap density are compared for a large number of transistors fabricated using a wide range of processing technologies. Comparisons are shown for single-transistor midgap and charge-pumping measurements and dual-transistor-mobility measurements. When conventional analysis methods are used to determine threshold voltages, there can be as much as a factor-of-two-difference in the density of interface traps measured by charge pumping and the dual-transistor-mobility and midgap techniques. Using the voltage that corresponds to twice the bulk potential as the threshold voltage, better agreement between the three techniques is obtained. In addition, the authors present a technique that combines n- and p-channel transistor charge-pumping and threshold-voltage measurements to accurately determine the threshold-voltage shifts due to interface-and oxide-trap charge. Called the dual-transistor charge-pumping technique, it contains no adjustable parameters and includes a physically based self-consistency check. >
Apoptosis and involution in the mammary gland are altered in mice lacking a novel receptor, β1,4-Galactosyltransferase I

Abstract Receptor-mediated cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are critical regulators of cell survival, and perturbing these signaling pathways can disrupt cellular differentiation and function in a variety of tissues, including the mammary gland. One such receptor is the cell surface-associated, long isoform of β1,4-galactosyltransferase I (GalT I). Deletion of long GalT I leads to increased mammary ductal branching morphogenesis [Dev. Biol., 244 (2002) 114]. Here, we show that this expansion in the mammary epithelial (ME) cell compartment is accomplished through decreased apoptosis during pregnancy and involution. Decreased apoptosis during involution is concomitant with delayed alveolar collapse, persistent expression of the milk protein gene α-lactalbumin and delayed expression of genes associated with the tissue-remodeling phase of involution. Using 3-dimensional in vitro cultures, we show that the decrease in apoptosis is dependent on laminin 1, a ligand for surface GalT I, suggesting that surface GalT I negatively influences ECM-dependent cell survival, a novel function for an ECM receptor. In the best-studied examples, ECM promotes survival through integrin receptor-mediated activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Aggregation of surface GalT I also activates FAK, therefore, we asked if FAK activation was altered in ME from long GalT I null mice. Activated FAK was appropriately localized to focal adhesions in long GalT I null ME. However, FAK activation was constitutively reduced 4.5-fold in long GalT I nulls relative to wild type. Expression of the integrin β1 subunit was not affected by loss of long GalT I. Collectively, these results suggest that surface GalT I might negatively regulate ME cell survival by linking integrin-independent FAK activation to apoptotic rather than survival signaling events.
Wafer charging monitored by high frequency and quasi-static C–V measurements

Abstract A combined high frequency and quasi-static C−V technique is used to monitor wafer charging of MOS structures during plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). The test chip used consists of MOS capacitors spanning over five decades of area (25 μm2 to 4 × 106 μm2). Measured interface trap density (Qit) is found to be dependent exponentially on plasma exposure time and linearly on the plasma ion density. The PIII pulsed bias voltage has no effect on wafer charging.
Microphotonic sensors for the rapid detection of the presence of explosive gas mixtures

A first generation, microphotonic sensor for rapid (10 ms response time) measurement of vapors from the hydrocarbon-based fuels JP-8, DF-2, and gasoline has been developed at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. This sensor is based upon a previously reported laser mixing technique that uses two tunable diode lasers emitting in the near-infrared spectral region to measure concentrations of gases having unstructured absorption spectra. The fiber-mixed laser beam consists of two wavelengths, one of which is absorbed by the fuel vapor, and one of which is not absorbed. By sinusoidally modulating the power of the two lasers at the same frequency but 180 degrees out of phase, a sinusoidal signal is generated at the detector (when the target gas is present in the line of sight). The signal amplitude, measured using standard phase sensitive detection techniques, is proportional to fuel vapor concentration. A second generation sensor, designed to measure the full envelope of the first overtone C-H vibrations in middle distillate fuels is currently being developed. Both sensors are described. Limits of detection using the first generation sensor are reported for vapors of the three fuels studied.
Expression, Inducers and Cellular Sources of the Chemokine MIG (CXCL 9), During Primary Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection of the Cornea

AbstractPurpose: To investigate the production of monokine induced by gamma-interferon (MIG) during a primary Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection of the cornea. We hypothesize that multiple CXCR3 ligands are involved in T cell recruitment during HSV-1 corneal infection and that neutrophils have the potential to contribute to their production.Materials and methods: Levels of MIG were evaluated in an in vivo murine model of HSV-1 corneal infection by quantitative ELISA. Cultured murine corneal fibroblast (MCF) cells and purified neutrophils were stimulated in vitro with IFN-γ and IL-1α to determine inducers of MIG. Cellular sources of MIG production in vivo were investigated via cellular depletion studies. Additionally, MIG production resulting from interaction between resident human corneal cells and neutrophils was evaluated in an ex vivo model of human corneal infection.Results: MIG was significantly elevated on days 2–6 and on day 8 following corneal infection. MCF and neutrophils secreted MIG...
derision, exorcism, and the ritual production of power

In this article, I address theoretical constructions of ritually produced symbolic power in Tamang communities of Nepal. I relate dance-skits deriding dominant classes and violent exorcisms to the social production of this power. This symbolic power is an elementary form of power produced in the activity of ritual itself. The ritual analyzed could be characterized as defiant, and thus I address larger questions of ritual and resistance. [ritual, power, resistance, Tamang, Nepal, South Asia]
A disposable tear glucose biosensor--part 3: assessment of enzymatic specificity.

Background:A concept for a tear glucose sensor based on amperometric measurement of enzymatic oxidation of glucose was previously presented, using glucose dehydrogenase flavin adenine dinucleotide (GDH-FAD) as the enzyme. Glucose dehydrogenase flavin adenine dinucleotide is further characterized in this article and evaluated for suitability in glucose-sensing applications in purified tear-like saline, with specific attention to the effect of interfering substances only. These interferents are specifically saccharides that could interact with the enzymatic activity seen in the sensor's performance.Methods:Bench top amperometric glucose assays were performed using an assay solution of GDH-FAD and ferricyanide redox mediator with samples of glucose, mannose, lactose, maltose, galactose, fructose, sucrose, and xylose at varying concentrations to evaluate specificity, linear dynamic range, signal size, and signal-to-noise ratio. A comparison study was done by substituting an equivalent activity unit concentrat...
Insider Trading and regulation: A look at bank holding companies

With the passage of the Insider Trading Sanctions Act (ITSA) of 1984, regulators have attempted to reduce insider trading activities through their increased power to impose stiffer penalties on violators. In their study of trading activity associated with tender offers, Arshadi and Eyssell (1991) find that insiders went from being heavy net purchasers of their own firms' stock prior to tender offer announcements to being weak net sellers. The special status of bank holding companies suggests that the trading patterns of insiders would differ between bank holding companies and non-bank holding companies. The results in this paper indicate this to be the case as there is no change in the trading patterns for insiders of bank holding companies between the two regulatory periods.
Rank exposure index on a Silurian carbonate tidal flat

Adequate discrimination between ancient intertidal and supratidal limestones and dolomites is often difficult because of vagueness of terms, problems of resolution, and the fact that most ‘diagnostic’sedimentary features are not restricted to narrow environmental zones. Furthermore, the rise and fall of sea-level in restricted, epeiric seas is usually due more to storm surges than to true tides, and hence the occurrence and extent of tidal-flat inundations are quite irregular. ‘Rank exposure index’is a concept introduced (1) to quantify the relative percentage of time that sediments are subaerially exposed and (2) to produce a more refined subdivision of shoreline carbonate rocks. The scheme employed to determine this index is a combination of numerical methods: cluster analysis separates 46 Tonoloway Limestone samples (Silurian of Maryland) into groups based on 16 sedimentary, mineralogic, and organic features, and minimum spanning tree produces a connected series of the five resultant groups. These groups are then ranked in sequence from 1 (greatest subaerial exposure) to 5 (least). Rocks of rank 1 are thought to have been deposited at the highest position within the tidal zone, as on a beach ridge. Rocks of decreasing rank reflect greater frequency of flooding. Those of rank 5 represent sediments deposited closest to low-water level, as in a tidal pond. Rock type, mineralogy, fossil content, algal stromatolites, and sedimentary structures are closely related to exposure rank as interpreted for the Tonoloway carbonates. Rank exposure index, therefore, is a semi-quantitative measure to aid in the detailed reconstruction of ancient shoreline environments.
CloudRS: An error correction algorithm of high-throughput sequencing data based on scalable framework

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies produce huge amounts of data. These sequencing data unavoidably are accompanied by the occurrence of sequencing errors which constitutes one of the major problems of further analyses. Error correction is indeed one of the critical steps to the success of NGS applications such as de novo genome assembly and DNA resequencing as illustrated in literature. However, it requires computing time and memory space heavily. To design an algorithm to improve data quality by efficiently utilizing on-demand computing resources in the cloud is a challenge for biologists and computer scientists. In this study, we present an error-correction algorithm, called the CloudRS algorithm, for correcting errors in NGS data. The CloudRS algorithm aims at emulating the notion of error correction algorithm of ALLPATHS-LG on the Hadoop/ MapReduce framework. It is conservative in correcting sequencing errors to avoid introducing false decisions, e.g., when dealing with reads from repetitive regions. We also illustrate several probabilistic measures we introduce into CloudRS to make the algorithm more efficient without sacrificing its effectiveness. Running time of using up to 80 instances each with 8 computing units shows satisfactory speedup. Experiments of comparing with other error correction programs show that CloudRS algorithm performs lower false positive rate for most evaluation benchmarks and higher sensitivity on genome S. cerevisiae. We demonstrate that CloudRS algorithm provides significant improvements in the quality of the resulting contigs on benchmarks of NGS de novo assembly.
Infant sensitivity to audio-visual discrepancy: A failure to replicate

It has been suggested that very young infants perceive in a common auditory and visual space. Aronson and Rosenbloom (1971) attempted to demonstrate this commonality by showing that infants become distressed by discrepancies between the visually and aurally specified locations of a speaker. However, this finding has not proved easy to replicate, and the present study also failed to confirm it. There are reasons to believe that the method of Aronson and Rosenbloom does not provide a strong test of their hypothesis.
Acute exposure to thyroid hormone increases na+ current and intracellular Ca2+ in cat atrial myocytes

Whole-cell recording methods and fluorescence microscopy were used to study the effects of acute exposure to thyroid hormone (T3) on cat atrial myocytes. Acute exposure (≈5 min) to 10 nm T3 significantly increased tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive inward Na+ current (INa) at voltages between −40 and +20 mV. At maximal INa activation (−40 mV) T3 increased peak INa by 32 %. T3 had no effect on the time course of INa decay, voltage dependence of activation, inactivation, or recovery from inactivation. Comparable exposures to reverse T3 (rT3) or T4 had no effect on INa. L-type Ca2+ current was unaffected by acute exposure to T3. T3-induced increases in INa were unaffected by 50 μm nickel, a blocker of T-type Ca2+ current. T3 significantly increased cell shortening (+62 %) and could elicit spontaneous action potentials arising from Ca2+-mediated after-depolarizations. T3 (but not rT3) significantly increased baseline intracellular Ca2+, release of Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and caffeine (10 mm)-induced release of SR Ca2+. We conclude that acute T3 exposure increases Na+ influx via INa and thereby stimulates reverse-mode Na+-Ca2+ exchange to increase intracellular Ca2+ content and release. As a result, T3 increases contraction strength, and can initiate Ca2+-mediated arrhythmic activity. Acute non-genomic effects of T3 can contribute to the positive inotropy and sinus (atrial) tachycardia traditionally attributed to chronic, genomic effects of elevated thyroid hormone on atrial muscle.
Factor analysis and gratification constructs

This article focuses on differences in factor analytic methods and statistical packages, and the potential impact of these differences on gratification literature. These differences are illustrated with a study that incorporated five gratification constructs and 20 items from the literature, and reanalysis of data from two previously published studies. The results suggest that some “over‐factoring”; may pervade the gratification literature. Relatively large matrices provide some protection against retention of factors potentially extraneous to the common factor model.
Bloodless Surgery and Patient Safety Issues

The risks and benefits of a request for nonblood medical or surgical management must be weighed against a patient's constitutional right to refuse treatment. Thorough assessment, planning, and preparation optimize a patient's status to undergo surgery without transfusions. Thoughtful selection of surgical approach, meticulous hemostasis, and blood salvage with reinfusion can minimize blood loss. Continuous patient assessment, supportive measures, and selective phlebotomy allow safe recovery. An educated, organized, and well-equipped team can manage the medical and surgical care without the use of blood transfusions; not only do we have the tools but also the ethical responsibility to do so.
Institutions and the Politics of Survival in Jordan: Domestic Responses to External Challenges, 1988–2001

Institutions and the Politics of Survival in Jordan: Domestic Responses to External Challenges, 1988–2001. By Russell E. Lucas. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2005. 185p. $65.00. As the title suggests, this work seeks to explain the staying power of the Hashemite monarchy in Jordan. To his credit, Russell Lucas eschews essentialist arguments that rely on religion or culture to explain the staying power of Arab authoritarianism. He opts instead for an institutional approach, examining “regime manipulation of domestic political institutions … to quiet discontent caused by unpopular policies” (p. 1). Lucas argues that the regime has focused what he calls throughout the analysis “survival strategies” on three centers of political and civil society: political parties, the parliament, and the press. These strategies have enjoyed varying degrees of success, and the analysis concentrates on three factors—he does not prioritize them or give an indication of how much they explain—that have influenced the success or failure of the survival strategies: “the resourceful use of constitutional rules by the regime; the reinforcement of the opposition's disunity of collective action [ sic ] against the survival strategy and the regime's policies, and the attention to not imposing costs on sectors of the regime coalition that could fray its unity” (p. 2).
Effect of relative humidity on electron distribution and ozone production by DC coronas in air

The effect of relative humidity on the electron distribution and the ozone production in the direct current (dc) corona discharge from a thin wire is evaluated with a numerical model. The model is based on the prior models of ozone production by dc coronas in dry air, with modifications to incorporate the effect of water vapor on the corona plasma and the plasma chemistry for ozone production. The distribution of electron number density is obtained by solving coupled continuity equations for charge carriers and the Maxwell's equation. The electron kinetic energy distribution is solved from the Boltzmann equation. Both the electron number density distribution and the distribution of electron kinetic energy are insensitive to the variation in the relative humidity due to the relatively low water content. The electron distribution data are then combined with the chemical mechanisms of ozone production in humid air and the two-dimensional (2-D) transport processes to obtain the distribution and the production of ozone. In qualitative agreement with prior experimental findings, the ozone production rate decreases with increasing relative humidity in both positive and negative coronas due to the removal of atomic oxygen by water molecules, and the ozone production rate in the negative corona is one order of magnitude higher than that in the positive corona.
ON THE RETENTION OF PRIMORDIAL NOBLE GASES IN THE PESYANOE METEORITE

Abstract A sample of the Pesyanoe meteorite has been examined by X-ray diffraction microtechnique, in an effort to find minerals of known gas-trapping tendency and thus explain the high helium content of the meteorite. Determinations of enstatite, feldspar, and troilite by earlier workers have been confirmed. The existence of many variant minor pyroxene phases, including clinopyroxene and rhombic pyroxene with stacking faults, shows that the history of the meteorite must have involved several complex heating and cooling cycles. In addition, there exists a variety of Sulfides, which includes not only both magnetic and non-magnetic troilites, daubreelite, and oldhamite, but also a new mineral, MgS, the composition of which has been checked by spectrographic analysis. All the sulfides present show a high degree of crystal imperfection. Vaterite (μ-CaCO3) has been found, but it is not known whether it is of terrestrial or antecedent origin. The high concentration of dislocations in the sulfides indicates a comparable abundance of other lattice defects. It is suggested that lattice defects of various kinds are the most probable loci of the gas atoms. The gases apparently entered the sulfide crystals during their growth, either in a closed magma chamber or in a hot gas stream containing both noble gases and sulfur compounds. Some circumstantial evidence favours the latter alternative.
Estimation Bias in the First-Order Autoregressive Model and Its Impact on Predictions and Prediction Intervals

The least squares estimate of the autoregressive coefficient in the AR(1) model is known to be biased towards zero, especially for parameters close to the stationarity boundary. Several methods for correcting the autoregressive parameter estimate for the bias have been suggested. Using simulations, we study the bias and the mean square error of the least squares estimate and the bias-corrections proposed by Kendall and Quenouille. We also study the mean square forecast error and the coverage of the 95% prediction interval when using the biased least squares estimate or one of its bias-corrected versions. We find that the estimation bias matters little for point forecasts, but that it affects the coverage of the prediction intervals. Prediction intervals for forecasts more than one step ahead, when calculated with the biased least squares estimate, are too narrow.
On the Equivalence of Control Systems and the Linearization of Nonlinear Systems

Given two control systems where the control enters linearly, a necessary and sufficient condition is derived that these systems be locally diffeomorphic, i.e., that there exist a local diffeomorphism between the state spaces which carries a trajectory of the first system for each control into the trajectory of the second system for the same control. As a corollary we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for a system to be locally diffeomorphic to a linear system.
Two-Year Evaluation of Auxiliaries Trained in Expanded Duties

A two-year evaluation of the performance of dental assistants trained in certain duties that are traditionally performed by dentists, in comparison with the performance of senior dental students, has shown the assistants to be capable of performing delegated procedures without loss of quality and within acceptable lengths of time. The addition of one such assistant to a team already containing a dental student and an assistant performing traditional chairside assistance resulted in a 33% increase in productivity of dental treatment. An attitudinal study of the involved dental students indicated that, in general, they were in favor of such expansion of the duties of the dental assistant as one means of alleviating the dental manpower shortage.
Photo-excited zero-resistance states in quasi-two-dimensional GaAs / AlxGa1−xAs devices

We illustrate some experimental features of the recently discovered radiation-induced zero-resistance states in the high-mobility GaAs/AlGaAs system, with a special emphasis on the interplay between the radiation-induced changes in the diagonal resistance and the Hall effect. We show that, quantum Hall effects, i.e., quantum Hall plateaus, disappear under photoexcitation, at the minima of the radiation-induced magnetoresistance oscillations.
Self-qualification in L2 Japanese : An interface of pragmatic, grammatical, and discourse competences

In Japanese, self-qualification, or a qualifying segment of talk that reduces the force of the speaker's own utterances, is frequently introduced with contrastive markers, such as demo, kedo, and ga. This study explores the relationship between the grammatical and pragmatic competence of Japanese L2 learners by examining their use of such self-qualification in a corpus of oral proficiency interviews. It demonstrates that successful self-qualification is achieved not only by the placement of appropriate connective expressions but also through effective use of foregrounding and/or backgrounding discourse mechanisms. The results indicate a close relationship between pragmatic, grammatical, and discourse competence in learner language.
Measurement of Time of Flight in the Millimicrosecond Region

The Hanford system for measurement of neutron time of flight differs from conventional techniques only in the use of a vernier chronotron for time interval measurements. The chronotron consists of two circulating transmission lines with a single fast coincidence circuit between them. The line lengths are adjusted to give slightly different circulation periods. By counting the number of circulations necessary to bring two noncoincident pulses into coincidence, a number is obtained which is a measure of the time interval in terms of the difference in circulation periods. This number is used as the channel address for storage in a Radiation Counter Laboratories 256 channel analyzer. Discussion of the vernier chronotron includes: 1) The factors determining channel width, stability and uniformity, 2) use of the RCA 6810 for starting circulation directly, 3) performance of the system as determined with prompt gamma ray cascades, and 4) performance of the instrument in conjunction with the other components of the time of flight system.
Psychiatric diagnosis and school placement: A comparison between inpatients and outpatients

The effects of inpatient vs. outpatient status on change in educational placement were examined for a sample of 185 inpatients and 351 outpatients evaluated at a psychiatric facility. Within thesame diagnostic categories, inpatients tended to receceive higher percentages of changes to more-restrictive educational settings than outpatients following evaluation, although such a downward trend was noted for the latter sample as well. The limitations of psychiatric diagnosis to school personnel when making educational placement decisions was discussed.
Identification of the NADH-binding subunit of energy-transducing NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) of thermus thermophilus HB-8.

Abstract The energy-transducing NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) isolated from Thermus thermophilus HB-8 is composed of approximately 10 unlike polypeptides and contains noncovalently bound FMN and at least three iron-sulfur clusters [Yagi,T., Hon-nami,K., and Ohnishi,T. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 2008–2013]. When NDH-1 of T. thermophilus HB-8 was irradiated by short UV light in the presence of [adenylate- 32 P]NADH or [adenylate- 32 P]NAD, radioactivity was incorporated into a single polypeptide of M r 47,000. The labeling of the M r 47,000 polypeptide was diminished when UV irradiation of the enzyme complex with [adenylate- 32 P]NAD was carried out in the presence of NADH or deamino-NADH which act as substrates for the NDH-1, but not in the presence of NADP(H) or AMP which act neither as substrates nor as competitive inhibitors. These results strongly suggest that the M r 47,000 polypeptide is an NADH-binding subunit of the NDH-1 of T. thermophilus HB-8.
Using a process graph to improve system-user knowledge sharing

We present our approach to addressing a critical design issue affecting users of ERP systems: the lack of transparency of the underlying business process model. To enhance system-to-user communication involving complex process flows, we have implemented a dynamic process graph and a set of related task links that are displayed alongside the traditional ERP task interface. This solution can also benefit other applications involving prolonged processes that are unfamiliar to the user.
A comparison of algorithms for exact analysis of unordered 2 × K contingency tables

Abstract We present a comparison of two efficient algorithms for exact analysis of an unordered 2 × K table. First, by considering conditional generating functions, we show that both the network algorithm of Mehta and Patel ( J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 78 (1983)) and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm of Baglivo et al. ( J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 82 (1992)) rest on the same foundation. This foundation is a recursive polynomial relation. We further show that the network algorithm is equivalent to a stage-wise implementation of this recursion while the FFT algorithm is based on performing the same recursion at complex roots of unity. Our empirical results for the Pearson X 2 , likelihood ratio, and Freeman-Halton statistics show that the network algorithm, or equivalently, the recursive polynomial multiplication algorithm is superior to the FFT algorithm with respect to computing speed and accuracy.
Proteolytic activity of whole human serum activated by streptokinase.

Abstract The proteolytic activity of whole human serum possessed the following characteristics: optimum pH 7.5–8.6 depending on the substrate; hydrolysis curves showed lag period variations depending on serum dilution; the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant was 5.3 × 10−5; and serum dilution activities indicated the presence of a dissociable inhibitor. Serum protease activity was partially inhibited by ovomucoid, but not by fetuin. The usefulness of these techniques in determining the balance of plasmin and inhibitors in whole serum is discussed.
Brownian Models of Open Queueing Networks with Homogeneous Customer Populations

We consider a family of multidimensional diffusion processes that arise as heavy traffic approximations for open queueing networks. More precisely, the diffusion processes considered here arise as approximate models of open queueing networks with homogeneous customer populations, which means that customers occupying any given node or station of the network are essentially indistinguishable from one another. The classical queueing network model of J. R. Jackson fits this description, as do other more general types of systems, but multiclass network models do not.The objectives of this paper are (a) to explain in concrete terms how one approximates a conventional queueing model or a real physical system by a corresponding Brownian model, and (b) to state and prove some new results regarding stationary distributions of such Brownian models. The part of the paper aimed at objective (a) is largely a recapitulation of previous work on weak convegence theorems, with the emphasis placed on modeling intuition. Wit...
A fluidic-enabled polarization reconfigurable antenna on a hexagonal substrate tile

A design for a reconfigurable antenna is proposed which has polarization reconfigurability, tunable impedance bandwidth, and a modular hexagonal topology for array tiling. A fluid channel with alternating plugs of Eutectic Gallium-Indium alloy and a low-loss perfluorocarbon heat transfer fluid provide variable control of the coupling between a central driven patch and four tapered parasitic arms. These are used in combination with an orthogonally-offset dual probe feed to obtain polarization diversity. Coaxial Stub Microfluidic Impedance Transformers connected to the arms enable impedance tuning through reactive loading to enable frequency agility. Simulated results are provided to illustrate the basic performance of the antenna.
Quinine blocks the high conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel in rat pancreatic β-cells

Abstract The [Ca 2+ ] i -activated K + -channel, one of the 3 K + -channels described in pancreatic β-cells, is a high conductance, voltage-dependent K + -channel. Quinine, known to block [Ca 2+ ] i -activated K + -channels in other cells, has been described to block the silent phase between the bursts of glucose-evoked electrical activity in mouse pancreatic β-cells, and to inhibit K + efflux from rat pancreatic islets. We report here that quinine blocks the [Ca 2+ i -activated K + -channel in rat pancreatic β-cells, from the external side of the membrane. We also show that the blockade is characterized by fast flickering of the K + -channel between the open and closed state. Mean open and closed times within bursts were found to be exponentially distributed, suggesting that the blockade by quinine involves obstruction on the K + flow through the open to be exponentially distributed, suggesting that the blockade by quinine involves obstruction on the K + flow through the open channel.
Statin/fibrate combination in patients with metabolic syndrome or diabetes: evaluating the risks of pharmacokinetic drug interactions

Patients with the metabolic syndrome and/or Type 2 diabetes mellitus continue to have a high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and progression of atherosclerotic lesions despite aggressive statin therapy. Although the National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines recommend the use of fibrates in combination with statins in patients at very high risk of CHD (e.g., patients at the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target with high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, many physicians remain reluctant to use these combinations due to concerns of myotoxicity. Recently conducted metabolic and pharmacokinetic drug–drug interaction studies using gemfibrozil or fenofibrate in combination with five commonly used statins demonstrated a widely different drug interaction potential for these two fibrates. Gemfibrozil causes a 2- to 6-fold increase in statin area under the curve and increases the exposure to many recently approved drugs for the treatment of dia...
Beta-Ray Spectra of Scandium

The positron spectrum of ${\mathrm{Sc}}^{44}$, and the electron spectrum of ${\mathrm{Sc}}^{48}$ have been measured by a spectrometer of high resolution. A Kurie plot of the spectra shows that neither satisfies the Fermi distribution for an "allowed disintegration." The maximum energy of the positrons is 1.45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 Mev, and of the electrons 640\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4 kev. Other activities in scandium were too weak to be measured. The spectra have been corrected for width of the slits of the spectrometer, and an experimental check on the accuracy of the correction obtained. The positron decay curve may be resolved into two components, of 4-hr. and 52-hr. half-life, due to a 52-hr. $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transition to the 4-hr. ${\mathrm{Sc}}^{44}$ positron-emitting level. The conversion coefficient of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray is 0.070\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.012, corresponding to a change of angular momentum of 3 units in the transition. The excitation energy of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray for deuteron bombardment has been obtained as 4.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 Mev.
FDG PET in Prostate Cancer.

The role of positron emission tomography (PET) with [F-18]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) for the imaging evaluation of patients with cancer has expanded rapidly around the world. The development of hybrid PET-CT imaging systems that can precisely localize metabolic abnormalities and characterize the metabolic activity of normal and abnormal structures, commercial regional distribution of FDG, growing clinical experience, recently spearheaded by National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR; http://www.cancerPETregistry.org/), and improved understanding of clinical indications and reimbursement have all facilitated the increasing use of FDG PET and PET-CT in cancer imaging. FDG PET has been employed for diagnosis, initial staging, restaging, prediction and monitoring of treatment response, surveillance and prognostication in a variety of cancers and leads to improved clinical decision-making and cost-effective management changes in considerable number of patients (1–3). The exact clinical use of PET and PET-CT in prostate cancer is currently being explored. The recent publications summarizing the findings of NOPR demonstrated that prostate cancer was one of the most common cancers with patient enrollment (4, 5). Here we first review the available relatively limited data on the molecular biology basis of FDG accumulation in prostate cancer followed by a brief review of the current clinical experience with the use of PET with FDG in the imaging evaluation of prostate cancer.
The susceptibility to tryptic hydrolysis of peptide bonds involving ϵ-N-methyllysine

Using isolation of soluble peptides as a means of comparing the efficiency of tryptic hydrolysis of various forms of the phase-1 flagellin of Salmonella typhimurium, it was found that peptides terminating in N-methyllysine required a longer period of exposure to enzyme for their detection than did equivalent peptides terminating in lysine.
Syngas Combustion Kinetics and Applications

Strong interest in the use of coal-derived syngas in gas turbines has led to recent experimental studies that highlight the important features of H2/CO combustion at high pressures and relatively low temperatures. In the present study these investigations are reviewed, evaluated, and chemical kinetic updates based on these new results are discussed. Disparities observed between experimental measurements and kinetic model predictions of high pressure ignition delay and burning velocity are noted and the effect that surfaces, trace impurities, and contaminants may have on the H2/CO kinetic system are elucidated. In particular, the impurity coupling with NOx is discussed in relation to energy conversion processes involving hydrogen as a fuel component. An example of its importance to pre-ignition in reciprocating engine applications is also demonstrated.
Immigrant Incorporation and Political Participation in the United States.

This article examines several factors related to immigrant incorporation that have been ignored in previous studies of voting participation. We add various immigrant-related variables to a model th...
Measuring seasonality: psychometric properties of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire and the Inventory for Seasonal Variation

There is a general consensus that seasonal changes in mood, behavior and vegetative functions vary in magnitude across the general population. Studying the dimension of seasonality requires reliable and valid measures. This study examined and compared the psychometric properties of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) and the Inventory for Seasonal Variation (ISV) in 148 college students; 73 also completed a retest 2 months later. Results indicated good psychometric properties for both scales in terms of score distributions, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, factor structure and item-latent trait relationships using item response theory. Given the long history of its use and some small psychometric and simplicity advantages for the SPAQ, its continued use as a dimensional measure of seasonality is indicated.
Collaborative Aesthetics in the Feature Film: Cinematic Components Predicting the Differential Impact of 2,323 Oscar-Nominated Movies:

Unlike most forms of artistic expression, the feature film is the collaborative product of many individuals. The comparative impact of these separate contributions was assessed in 2,323 movies nomi...
A descriptive survey of signs and symptoms associated with the myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome

Data were taken on age, sex, educational background, frequency of complaints of pain, occlusal relationships, oral habits, and muscles tender to palpation from 56 patients with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome. Muscle tenderness in patients with the myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome is associated particularly with the masseter, temporal, and lateral and medial pterygoid muscles. No significant difference was found between occlusal relationships in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The syndrome may be sex linked.
Globalization, Democracy, and Effective Welfare Spending in the Developing World:

The literature on the effects of globalization on social policy and welfare, and the parallel literature on the effects of democracy, operate in mutual isolation to a surprising degree. This articl...
Psychotherapy of gender identity conflict in young boys.

Abstract The psychotherapies of 3 young boys exhibiting gender identity conflicts are described. These boys evidenced significant internal conflict about masculine identification and demonstrated in their treatment certain unique phase-specific constructs of symptoms that were often part of a larger picture of personality disturbance. Turmoil over autonomous strivings in the second year of life appeared entangled with the somewhat later age-typical anxiety resulting from awareness of sexual differences. Consequently, such internal conflict must be addressed directly in the clinical intervention with such boys in order to promote development of a less vulnerable sexual identification.
Whoops, I did it Again: Commission Errors in Prospective Memory

Prospective memory research almost exclusively examines remembering to execute an intention, but the ability to forget completed intentions may be similarly important. We had younger and older adults perform a prospective memory task (press Q when you see corn or dancer) and then told them that the intention was completed. Participants later performed a lexical-decision task (Phase 2) in which the prospective memory cues reappeared. Initial prospective memory performance was similar between age groups, but older adults were more likely than younger adults to press Q during Phase 2 (i.e., commission errors). This study provides the first experimental demonstration of event-based prospective memory commission errors after all prospective memory tasks are finished and identifies multiple factors that increase risk for commission errors.
Pre-filtering of self-encoded spread spectrum in dense multipath channels

We present pre-filtering methods of self-encoded spread spectrum (SESS) in dense multipath channels. SESS eliminates the need for traditional transmit and receive pseudo noise (PN) code generators. In this paper, we propose multipath management of SESS in dense multipath urban environments. We propose a transmitter pre-filtering method that retains only good paths that contribute to the data decision positively at the receiver, and eliminates undesirable paths. The proposed technique significantly improves the system performance while increasing the transmit power moderately.
Intelligent Information Integration: Reclaiming the Intelligence

The authors present their work in the conceptualization, design, implementation, and application of “lean” information integration systems. They present a new data integration approach based on a schema-less data management and integration paradigm, which enables developing cost-effective large scale integration applications. They have designed and developed a highly scalable, information-on-demand system called NETMARK, which facilitates information access and integration based on a theory of articulation management and a context sensitive paradigm. NETMARK has been widely deployed for managing, storing, and searching unstructured or semi-structured arbitrary XML and HTML information at the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA). In this paper the authors describe the theory, design and implementation of our system, present experimental benchmark evaluations, and validate our approach through real-world applications in the NASA enterprise. [Article copies are available for purchase from InfoSci-on-Demand.com]
Political economic mosaics: Archaeology of the last two millennia in tropical sub-Saharan Africa

▪ Abstract This review explores recent research that moves away from conventional preoccupations with origins and independent innovation in African Iron Age archaeology. Critiques of cultural evolutionary formulations and empirically robust case studies combine to shape new concerns with the following: the variable expressions of complexity in time and space; the mosaic quality of social, political economic, and technological landscapes; and the effects of global entanglements over the last millennium. Ongoing research in western and eastern Africa highlights the dynamism of political economic arrangements over the last two millennia and reminds us that configurations enshrined in twentieth-century ethnography represent but a moment in the dynamic history of African societies.