cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of a carbomycin-resistance gene from Streptomyces thermotolerans

Two plasmids (pOJ158 and pOJ159) containing DNA fragments from the carbomycin(Cb)-producing strain Streptomyces thermotolerans were identified in Streptomyces griseofuscus based on their ability to confer resistance to Cb. The Cb-resistance determinants on pOJ158 and pOJ159 were designated carA and carB, respectively. In S. griseofuscus, pOJ159 also confers resistance to spiramycin, rosaramicin, lincomycin, and vernamycin B, but not to tylosin; in Streptomyces lividans, pOJ159 additionally confers resistance to erythromycin and oleandomycin. The carB gene was localized on pOJ159 to a 1.25-kb region whose nucleotide sequence was determined. The sequence has a G + C content of 68% and contains the coding sequence for carB and portions of the 5' and 3' untranslated regions. A comparison of the amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by carB (as deduced from the nucleotide sequence) with the deduced amino acid sequence of the RNA methylase from Streptomyces erythraeus (encoded by ermE) revealed extensive homology, suggesting that carB also encodes an RNA methylase. The region 5' to the coding sequence does not contain a small ORF or regions of complementarity that are commonly associated with translationally regulated macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance genes. The 3' untranslated region contains an inverted repeat sequence that potentially can form a stable RNA stem-loop structure with a calculated delta G of -70 kcal.
Binding Affinity of Angiotensin, Endothelin and α1Receptors in Newborn Mesenteric Artery Increases Following Exposure to Low Flow Conditions

Binding Affinity of Angiotensin, Endothelin and α 1 Receptors in Newborn Mesenteric Artery Increases Following Exposure to Low Flow Conditions
Effects of tetracaine and procaine on skinned muscle fibres depend on free calcium

The local anaesthetics, tetracaine and procaine have previously been found to block, induce or potentiate Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle depending on the preparation, experimental conditions and design. We now show that low concentrations of tetracaine and procaine block SR Ca2+ release whereas high concentrations induce release from the SR of amphibian and mammalian skinned fibres. Both actions depend on pCa, such that a shift in pCa can alter their effect from blocking to releasing Ca2+. In skinned fibres with Ca2+-loaded SR, tetracaine (1mm) produced a tonic contraction with a time to half-peak of 15–20 s and a magnitude reaching 80% of maximum force. Ca2+ release by tetracaine or procaine occured at pCa ⩽6.5 and was not blocked by Ruthenium Red (RR) (25 μm). This action of tetracaine was attributed to SR Ca2+ release rather than to a displacement of bound Ca2+ because fibres lacking a functional SR due to pre-treatment with quercetin (100 μm), A 23187 (100 μg ml−1) or Triton X-100 (1%) did not contract after additions of tetracaine. Lower concentrations of tetracaine (0.5mm) and procaine (⩽10mm) blocked contractions due to caffeine (at pCa ⩾6.73), sulphydryl oxidizing agents, or Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR). The inhibition of CICR as a function of pCa was difficult to measure quantitatively since lowering pCa to elicit CICR twitches was sufficient to initiate tetracaine-induced tonic contractions.
Methylene-bridged polysilsesquioxanes: substitution of a methylene spacer within a silicate matrix

Polysilsesquioxanes with organic bridging groups have been popular as building blocks for organosilicas used for catalyst supports, membranes, high surface area adsorbents, and dielectric films. The organic bridging is an integral part of the network giving rise to the hypothesis that bridged polysilsesquioxanes are more similar to silica in structure than polysilsesquioxanes with pendant organic groups. However, there is only limited evidence to support this organosilica model. To test the hypothesis, we chose to compare the sol–gel polymerizations of the simplest alkylene-bridged polysilsesquioxane monomer, bis(triethoxysilyl)methane (M-0) with two silica precursors: tetraethoxysilane (T-0) and hexaethoxydisiloxane (H-0), a proposed intermediate in T-0’s polymerization. M-0 and H-0 differ only on whether the bridging group between the two silicons is a methylene or oxygen, respectively. In spite of faster hydrolysis and condensation rates with M-0, comparisons of the methylene-bridged and silica monomers’ sol–gel chemistry and physical properties of the resulting xerogels reveal striking similarities that corroborate the organosilica model. In all three cases, hydrolysis and condensation led to mixtures of acyclic and cyclic intermediates. As one might expect from the structural similarities between the M-0 and H-0 monomers, mass spectrometric analyses of their early hydrolysis and condensation revealed nearly identical reaction pathways. Solid state Si-29 NMR analysis of the xerogels revealed very similar degrees of condensation and surface area analyses of the resulting xerogels (M-1, H-1, and T-1) revealed remarkably similar surface area and pore size distributions, especially between M-1 and H-1.
The behavior of actinides, phosphorus, and rare earth elements during chondrite metamorphism

New data on the U, Pu, and P distributions in less metamorphosed H-chondrites (type 3–5), coupled with literature results, permit a provisional picture to be assembled of the chemistry of these elements and for the rare earth elements in ordinary chondrites and the changes brought about by chondritic metamorphism. Preferential associations of phosphates with metals and/or sulndes in all chondrites strongly indicate an “initially” siderophile or conceivably chalcophile character for P in ordinary chondrite precursor materials with phosphate subsequently formed by oxidation. This oxidation occurred prior to or during chondritic metal-silicate fractionation. Uranium is initially concentrated in chondrule glass at ~ 100 ppb levels with phosphates (primarily merrillite) in H-3 chondrites being essentially U-free (<20 ppb). As chondrule glass devitrified during metamorphism, U migrated into phosphates reaching ~ 50 ppb in Nadiabondi (H-5) merrillite and 200–300 ppb in merrillite from equilibrated chondrites but “froze out” before total concentration in phosphates occurred. Relative ^(244)Pu fission track densities in the outer 5 μm of olivine and pyroxene grains in contact with merrillite and with chondrule mesostasis in Bremervorde (H-3) give Pu(mesostasis)/Pu(merrillite) <0.01, implying total concentration of Pu in phosphates. Similarly, no detectable Pu (<0.1 ppb) was found in chondrule mesostasis in Tieschitz and Sharps; whereas, direct measurements of tracks in phosphates in H-3 chondrites are consistent with high (≳10 ppb) Pu concentrations. Thus, a strong Pu-P correlation is indicated for ordinary chondrites. There is variable Pu/U fractionation in all chondritic phosphates reaching an extreme degree in the unequilibrated chondrites; therefore, the Pu/U ratio in phosphates appears relatively useless for relative meteorite chronology. Literature data indicate that the REE are located in chondrules in unequilibrated chondrites, most likely in glass; thus there may also be strong Pu/Nd fractionation within these meteorites. Like U, the REE migrate into phosphates during metamorphism but, unlike U, appear to be quantitatively concentrated in phosphates in equilibrated chondrites. Thus relative ages, based on Pu/Nd, may be possible for equilibrated chondrites, but the same chronological conclusions are probably obtainable from Pu concentrations in phosphates, i.e., on the Pu/P ratio. However, Pu/P chronology is possible only for ordinary chondrites; so there appears to be no universal reference element to cancel the effects of Pu chemical fractionation in all meteorites. Available data are consistent with — but certainly do not prove-that variations in Pu/P represent age differences, but if these age differences do not exist, then it is conceivable that the solar system ^(244)Pu/^(238)U ratio, important for cosmochronology, is still lower than the presently accepted value of 0.007.
Application of light extinction to determine stability of beef emulsions

One of the major concerns in the meat processing industry is the loss of emulsion stability resulting in cooking losses. An optical sensor technology to control the emulsification process would minimize this problem. The normalized light intensity (IN) as a function of fat/lean ratio (RFL; 0.075, 0.25, 0.33) and chopping time (CT; 2, 5, 8 min) were measured at three radial distances (2, 2.5, 3 mm) from the light source to calculate the optical density (OD) and the loss of intensity (ILoss), using a fiber optic spectrometer. ANOVA results were highly significant for IN, ILoss. Normalized intensity decreased with increased chopping time as a result of emulsion homogenization, and with increased distance. Chopping time had a positive correlation with fat losses during cooking, which in turn had a negative correlation with IN and ILoss. These results suggest that light extinction spectroscopy could provide information about emulsion stability.
Comparative study of bronchial artery revascularization in lung transplantation

Objective: Restoring dual blood supply to transplanted lungs by bronchial artery revascularization (BAR) remains controversial. We compared outcomes after lung transplantation performed with and without BAR. Methods: From December 2007 to July 2010, 283 patients underwent transplantation; 187 were 18 years or older, without previous or concomitant cardiac surgery. Of these patients, 27 underwent BAR in a pilot study to test success, safety, effectiveness, and teachability. A propensity score was generated to match BAR patients and 54 routine non-BAR patients. Follow-up was 1.3 � 0.68 years. Results:BAR was angiographically successful in 26 (96%) of 27 patients. BAR and non-BAR patients had similar skin-to-skin time (P ¼ .07) and postoperative hospital stays (P ¼ .2), but more reoperations for bleeding (P ¼ .002). Tracheostomy was performed in 9 (33%) of 27 BAR and 10 (19%) of 54 non-BAR patients (P ¼ .2, log-rank). One BAR (3.7%) and 4 non-BAR (7.4%) patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P ¼ .7). Airway ischemia was observed in 1 BAR (3.7%) versus 12 non-BAR (22% )p atients (P ¼ .03); anastomotic intervention was required in no BAR versus 8 non-BAR (15% )p atients (P ¼ .04). Hospital mortality was 1 of 27 versus 2 of 54 (P ¼ .9). BAR patients had lower early biopsy tissue rejection grades (P ¼ .008) and fewer pulmonary (P .2); 3 BAR versus 9 non-BAR patients developed bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) (P ¼ .14, log-rank). During follow-up, 4 BAR and 8 non-BAR patients died (P ¼ .6, log-rank). Conclusions: BAR is safe, with comparable early outcomes. Benefits of BAR include reduced airway ischemia and complications, lower biopsy tissue grades, fewer infections, and delay of BOS. A multicenter study is needed to establish these benefits. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2013;146:894-900)
The duration of homelessness: evidence from a national survey ☆

Abstract This paper provides evidence on the determinants of the duration of homelessness. We use newly available data from a large-scale, comprehensive microeconomic survey to estimate a parametric survival model of the length of a spell of homelessness. We find that homeless spells are longer for persons with certain demographic characteristics (such as older men) and behavioral histories (for example, previous incarceration and a history of drug and alcohol abuse). Our results suggest that current eligibility criteria for receiving housing assistance, which give preference to drug-free, single women with young children, are unlikely to reduce homelessness substantially and in a cost-effective manner.
Reply [to “Comment on ‘Changes in relative mean sea level’”]

There is little question that the International Latitude Service (ILS) polar motion time series displays a statistically significant drift in the mean position of the pole. The difficult problem is to determine “Whether this secular motion is apparent (a consequence of the measuring process, local crustal deformation and deflections of the vertical) or real (due to continental drift or a secular motion of the axis of rotation) …,” (K. Lambeck, The Earth's Variable Rotation: Geophysical Causes and Consequences, Cambridge University Press, London, 1980). Neither the n-sigma nor the theoretical plausibility arguments presented by S.R. Dickman are of much use in answering that question. The best evidence that at least some portion of the observed motion may be real is the loose agreement among the ILS, IPMS, and Doppler series during the limited periods of overlap.
The extreme and far ultraviolet environment at shuttle altitudes

Abstract The astronomical data obtained by the Far Ultraviolet Space Telescope (FAUST) and the Very Wide Field Camera (VWFC) on board the Spacelab I mission have triggered questions on the natural and induced Extreme and Far Ultraviolet (EUV and FUV) environment of the space shuttle. Moreover, the recent discovery of ∼1k Rayleighs N 2 Lyman Birge Hopfield (LBH) nightglow emissions by the U. S. Air Force's S3-4 satellite, and subsequent confirmation by the Imaging Spectrometric Observatory (ISO) experiment on the Spacelab I mission have serious implications for the astronomical observations from the shuttle. Since both ISO and S3-4 experiments were conducted from shuttle altitudes, the implied EUV and FUV environment for astronomical observations can be severe. In order to address the question of the suitability of the shuttle as an astronomical platform, we have examined data from FAUST and other experiments. We conclude that the FAUST background is most likely due to the observation of tropical UV arcs, a natural airglow phenomenon. Strategies for future shuttle experiments to overcome this and other natural emissions are discussed.
Kapitza conductance and heat flow between solids at temperatures from 50 to 300 K.

Measurements of the Kapitza conductance ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{K}}$ made using a picosecond optical technique at temperatures between 50 and 300 K are presented for interfaces between metals and dielectrics. The Debye temperatures ${\mathit{FTHETA}}_{\mathit{D}}$ of the metals (Pb, Au, Al, and Ti) were in the range from 102 to 426 K, while those of the dielectrics (${\mathrm{BaF}}_{2}$, sapphire, and diamond) varied from 287 to 2200 K. Conductances measured between materials with ${\mathit{FTHETA}}_{\mathit{D}}$ differing by less than about a factor of 5 were found to be in reasonable agreement with calculations based on a lattice dynamical theory. However, for more widely mismatched solids the measured conductances were found to be greatly in excess of the lattice dynamical calculations. In some of these cases the conductances exceeded even the phonon radiation limit, indicating that much of the heat flow between the solids was via an inelastic channel. It was demonstrated experimentally that the inelastic channel does not involve an interaction between the phonons in the dielectric and electrons in the metal. We show that the anomalously large conductance can be understood in terms of a model in which the anharmonicity of the metal plays an important role.
Separating the scattering and absorption coefficients using the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index with low-coherence interferometry

We present an analytical method that yields the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index (RI) from low-coherence interferometry measurements, leading to the separation of the scattering and absorption coefficients of turbid samples. The imaginary RI is measured using time-frequency analysis, with the real part obtained by analyzing the nonlinear phase induced by a sample. A derivation relating the real part of the RI to the nonlinear phase term of the signal is presented, along with measurements from scattering and nonscattering samples that exhibit absorption due to hemoglobin.
THE GROSS MORPHOLOGY OF THE ARTERIAL SUPPLY TO THE TRACHEA, PRIMARY BRONCHI, AND ESOPHAGUS OF THE RABBIT.

The gross arterial blood supply to the trachea, primary bronchi, and esophagus of six normal domestic rabbits has been studied by the use of injection techniques followed by careful in situ dissections. Several patterns are described with more variation being apparent on the left side.
Customer relations management research: an assessment of sub field development and maturity

MIS research into electronic commerce customer relations management (ECCRM) has received a great deal of attention over the last five years. This study investigates the status and maturity of this emerging sub field through an exhaustive literature review from all available conference proceedings and journals from the first published article (1984) until the end of the first quarter 2000. Results of the study of 211 articles indicate a number of interesting trends, which should be of concern to IS researchers in this area and in MIS on the whole. First, exploratory surveys dominate the research literature, which in itself may be problematic. However, even more troubling is the fact that the majority of the survey instruments were either not validated, or the authors did not think it important to include validation procedures within their papers. Second, little theory has been developed and few empirical studies use hypothesis testing. Third, there is little cumulative tradition emerging, as each study develops a new conceptual model, new constructs and new instruments. Finally, the news is not all bad; on the whole ECCRM literature has employed a wide range of research methods, constructs and variables. Although the sub field of ECCRM is young, it is growing rapidly and professional activity within the IS research community illustrates its emerging importance.
Electrical characteristics of interconnections for high-performance systems

A review is presented of the electrical characteristics of high-density, high-performance interconnections used in digital and communication applications. These interconnections behave as lossy transmission lines for the frequency range of interest. A brief theoretical explanation of the key properties of lossy, coupled transmission lines is given. A new short-pulse propagation technique used for characterizing a large category of wiring is described. A detailed description is made of each of the major interconnect types encountered namely, shielded cables, printed circuit boards, ceramic carriers, thin-film wiring, and on-chip wiring. Representative examples are given in each case to highlight the key performance-limiting parameters. The modeling and measurement techniques used are explained and examples are given. Future technological directions and their effect on performance are discussed.
Biosynthesis of phytosterols: Kinetic mechanism for the enzymatic C-methylation of sterols

Abstract Cloned soybean sterol methyltransferase was purified from Escherichia coli to gel electrophoretic homogeneity. From initial velocity experiments, catalytic constants for substrates best suited for the first and second C1 transfer activities, cycloartenol and 24(28)-methylenelophenol, were 0.01 and 0.001 s–1, respectively. Two-substrate kinetic analysis using cycloartenol and S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) generated an intersecting line pattern characteristic of a ternary complex kinetic mechanism. The high energy intermediate analog 25-azacycloartanol was a noncompetitive inhibitor versus cycloartenol and an uncompetitive inhibitor versus AdoMet. The dead end inhibitor analog cyclolaudenol was competitive versus cycloartenol and uncompetitive versus AdoMet. 24(28)-Methylenecycloartanol and AdoHcy generated competitive and noncompetitive kinetic patterns, respectively, with respect to AdoMet. Therefore, 24(28)-methylenecycloartanol combines with the same enzyme form as does cycloartenol and must be released from the enzyme before AdoHcy. 25-Azacycloartanol inhibited the first and second C1 transfer activities with about equal efficacy (Ki = 45 nm), suggesting that the successive C-methylation of the Δ24 bond occurs at the same active center. Comparison of the initial velocity data using AdoMet versus [2H3-methyl]AdoMet as substrates tested against saturating amounts of cycloartenol indicated an isotope effect on VCH3/VCD3 close to unity. [25-2H]24(28)-Methylenecycloartanol, [28E-2H]24 (28)-methylenelanosterol, and [28Z-2H]24(28)-methylene lanosterol were prepared and paired with AdoMet or [methyl-3H3]AdoMet to examine the kinetic isotope effects attending the C-28 deprotonation in the enzymatic synthesis of 24-ethyl(idene) sterols. The stereochemical features as well as the observation of isotopically sensitive branching during the second C-methylation suggests that the two methylation steps can proceed by a change in chemical mechanism resulting from differences in sterol structure, concerted versus carbocation; the kinetic mechanism remains the same during the consecutive methylation of the Δ24 bond.
Variance and bias computation for enhanced system identification

A study is made of the use of a series of variance and bias confidence criteria recently developed for the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) identification technique. The criteria are shown to be very effective not only for indicating the accuracy of the identification results, especially in terms of confidence intervals, but also for helping the ERA user to obtain better results. They help determine the best sample interval, the true system order, how much data to use and whether to introduce gaps in the data used, what dimension Hankel matrix to use, and how to limit the bias or correct for bias in the estimates. >
Conservative Repair of a Chromosomal Double-Strand Break by Single-Strand DNA through Two Steps of Annealing

The repair of chromosomal double-strand breaks (DSBs) is essential to normal cell growth, and homologous recombination is a universal process for DSB repair. We explored DSB repair mechanisms in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae using single-strand oligonucleotides with homology to both sides of a DSB. Oligonucleotide-directed repair occurred exclusively via Rad52- and Rad59-mediated single-strand annealing (SSA). Even the SSA domain of human Rad52 provided partial complementation for a null rad52 mutation. The repair did not involve Rad51-driven strand invasion, and moreover the suppression of strand invasion increased repair with oligonucleotides. A DSB was shown to activate targeting by oligonucleotides homologous to only one side of the break at large distances (at least 20 kb) from the break in a strand-biased manner, suggesting extensive 5' to 3' resection, followed by the restoration of resected DNA to the double-strand state. We conclude that long resected chromosomal DSB ends are repaired by a single-strand DNA oligonucleotide through two rounds of annealing. The repair by single-strand DNA can be conservative and may allow for accurate restoration of chromosomal DNAs with closely spaced DSBs.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Pulmonary Hypertension: Two New Cases and a Review of 86 Reported Cases

In this article, we describe pulmonary hypertension in two men (31 and 43 years of age) with human immu nodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who were exam ined at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Among 88 reported cases (including the two current ones) of HIVor acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associ ated pulmonary hypertension, 61% were male; the age range was 2 to 56 years (mean, 32). Dyspnea was the usual initial symptom. Of the 74 patients in whom pulmonary artery pressure was recorded or calcu lated by echocardiography, systolic pressures ranged from 49 to 118 mm Hg (mean, 68). Of the 33 cases in which lung tissue was evaluated microscopically, 28 (85%) were of the plexogenic variant of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Of the other five cases exam ined histologically, three consisted of thrombotic pulmonary arteriopathy (one was due to recurrent thromboembolism, and the other two were due to in situ thrombosis), and two were of pulmonary veno occlusive disease. No correlation existed between ei ther CD4 counts or a history of pulmonary infections and the development of pulmonary hypertension. In 15 of the 88 patients (17%), confounding factors for hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease were pres ent, including coexisting liver disease in 13 and coagulation abnormalities in 2. In 83% of the patients, the development of pulmonary hypertension seems to have been related primarily to the chronic HIV infection. Pulmonary hypertension was more rapidly progressive in patients with HIV or AIDS than in those with primary pulmonary hypertension; the reported time intervals between onset of symptoms and diagnosis were 6 months and 30 months, respectively. The 1year survival rate for patients with HIV and pulmonary hypertension was 51%, based on the follow-up data compiled from the 63 patients in whom it was described; this compares with a 1-year survival rate of 68% for patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Death was considered a direct consequence of pulmonary hypertension in 29 (76%) of the 38 fatal cases.
Inhibition of Protein Kinase C Prevents Rapid Desensitization of Type 1B Angiotensin II Receptor

The type 1B angiotensin II (AT1B) receptor cloned from rat kidney was stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The stably expressed receptor was characterized by radioligand binding studies and functional coupling to inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) formation. Exposure of cells expressing the AT1B receptor to angiotensin II (Ang II) resulted in a rapid and dose-dependent homologous desensitization of receptor-mediated production of IP3, with an essentially complete desensitization at an agonist concentration > 10 nmol/L. Binding studies revealed no significant change in the number of AT1B receptors in transfected cells exposed to 1 nmol/L Ang II, whereas exposure to 100 nmol/L Ang II caused a rapid decrease of cell surface receptors, with a 75% loss of receptor number seen at 1 hour. Rapid desensitization occurred in the absence of receptor internalization. Blockade of receptor internalization with concanavalin A had at most only a slight effect on the agonist-induced desensitization. This indicates that factors other than internalization are chiefly responsible for the rapid agonist-induced desensitization. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, caused rapid desensitization of the receptor-mediated IP3 response. Neither tyrosine kinase inhibitors nor a protein kinase A activator affected the receptor-mediated IP3 response. The specific PKC inhibitor GF109203X or PKC depletion by prolonged treatment with 1 mumol/L PMA completely blocked the PMA-dependent desensitization. Desensitization evoked by a low Ang II agonist concentration (1 nmol/L) was reversed by the PKC-specific inhibitor GF109203X or PKC depletion, whereas the desensitizing effect at a high agonist concentration (100 nmol/L) is only partially prevented by PKC inhibitory treatment. These results demonstrate that PKC plays a crucial role in the desensitization of the AT1B receptor. They also suggest that receptor internalization and an additional PKC-independent pathway also contribute to desensitization of the AT1B receptor in transfected cells.
Adult antisocial personality traits are associated with experiences of low parental care and maternal overprotection.

Objective: To investigate the role of parenting in the development of adult antisocial personality traits. Method: A total of 742 community-based subjects were assessed for adult DSM-IV antisocial personality disorder traits and for measures of parental behavior experienced as children, including by the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). Results: Three fundamental dimensions of parental behavior – care, behavioral restrictiveness and denial of psychological autonomy – were derived by factor analysis from the PBI. These dimensions significantly correlated with measures of parental behavior considered influential in later antisocial behavior. Adult antisocial traits in males were associated with low maternal care and high maternal behavioral restrictiveness, and in females, antisocial traits were associated with low paternal care and high maternal denial of psychological autonomy. These dimensions did not, however, explain all variance parental behavior has on adult antisocial personality traits. Conclusion: Adult antisocial personality traits are associated with experiences of low parental care and maternal overprotection.
A web-based diabetes intervention for physician: a cluster-randomized effectiveness trial

Objective. To determine the effectiveness of a provider-based education and implementation intervention for improving diabetes control. Design. Cluster-randomized trial with baseline and follow-up cross sections of diabetes patients in each participating phys- ician's practice. Primary Outcome Measures. 'Acceptable control' (hemoglobin A1c � 9%, blood pressure (BP) ,140/90 mmHg, low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) ,130 mg/dl) and 'optimal control' (A1c ,7%, BP ,130/80 mmHg, LDL ,100 mg/dl). Results. Of 364 physicians attempting to register, 205 were randomized to the intervention (n ¼ 102) or control arms (n ¼ 103). Baseline and follow-up data were provided by 95 physicians (2127 patients). The proportion of patients with A1c � 9% was similar at baseline and follow-up in both the control (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61, 1.47) and intervention arms (AOR: 1.16 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.69)); BP ,140/90 mmHg and LDL ,130 mg/dl were also similar at both measurement points (P ¼ 0.66, P ¼ 0.46; respectively). We observed no significant effect on diabetes control attributable to the intervention for any of the primary outcome measures. Intervention physicians engaged with the Website over a median of 64.7 weeks (interquartile range (IQR): 45.4 - 81.8) for a median total of 37 min (IQR: 16 - 66). Conclusions. A wide-reach, low-intensity, Web-based interactive multi-component intervention did not improve control of glucose, BP or lipids for patients with diabetes of physicians practicing in the rural Southeastern US.
Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Early Lyme Disease and Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis in Wisconsin

To compare clinical features and assess risk factors for human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) and early Lyme disease, we enrolled patients in a case-control study during the 1996 and 1997 tick seasons. Clinical and demographic characteristics were assessed for patients with laboratory-confirmed cases of HGE or Lyme disease, and risk factors were compared with those of matched control subjects. We identified 83 persons with Lyme disease, 27 with HGE, and 11 with apparent coinfection. Unsuspected Ehrlichia infection was identified in 8 (13%) of 60 patients with Lyme disease. Patients with HGE were older and more likely to have fever, chills, or dyspnea than were those with Lyme disease only. Most patients with apparent coinfection did not have hematologic abnormalities. In the risk factor analysis, tickborne illness was independently associated with rural residence and camping. The clinical spectrum of HGE overlaps that of Lyme disease, and physicians in areas of endemicity should consider both diseases in treating patients with a compatible rash or febrile illness.
Development and Application of High Performance Green Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (HP-G-HyFRC) for Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Buildings

The synergy of hybrid fibers allows for an enhanced concrete composite performance at a lower fiber volume fraction as compared to other types of fiber-reinforced concrete. This paper outlines the development process and properties of a new concrete composite termed high-performance green hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HP-G-HyFRC). Steel and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers were used as discontinuous reinforcement of the composite. Up to 60% of cement by mass was replaced by industrial wastes comprising slag and fly ash. At water-binder ratio of 0.25 and with the presence of coarse aggregates, careful proportioning of the mix constituents allows for a composite that is highly flowable. At a combined fiber volume fraction of only 1.65%, the composite also exhibits a deflection hardening behavior which is known to be beneficial for both serviceability and durability of structures. The composite was proposed to be used in an innovative double skin facade (DSF) system consisting of 30 mm air gap in between two thin HP-G-HyFRC skins with no main reinforcing rebars. It was shown that the DSF system alone allows for about 7.6% reduction of cooling energy in buildings.
Symposium on ultrafast electron microscopy and ultrafast science.

Dynamic characterization techniques have been utilized in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science for many years. Techniques range from neutron scattering to X-ray diffraction. Two of the fields experiencing much development recently have been electron-based techniques. Namely, ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) and ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM) have been advancing rapidly, but unfortunately, in parallel. We are approaching an era where the convergence of these two techniques could open up a wide range of scientific and technological opportunities and advancements.
HOLOCENE DYNAMICS OF TREELINE FORESTS IN THE SIERRA NEVADA

We reconstructed a 3500-yr history of fluctuations in treeline elevation and tree abundance in the southern Sierra Nevada. Treeline elevation was higher than at present throughout most of the last 3500 yr. Declines in the abundance of live trees and treeline elevation occurred twice during the last 1000 yr: from 950 to 550 yr BP and from 450 to 50 yr BP The earlier decline coincided with a period of warm temperatures (relative to present) in which at least two severe, multidecadal droughts occurred. This decline was apparently triggered by an increase in the rate of adult mortality in treeline forests. The more recent decline occurred during a period of low temperatures lasting for up to 400 yr and was apparently caused by a sustained failure of regeneration in combination with an increased rate of adult mortality. The apparent past importance of precipitation in controlling the position and structure of the treeline ecotone suggests that climatic controls over treeline may be more complex than previously thought. In the Sierra Nevada, responses of high- elevation forests to future warming may depend strongly on water supply.
The effects of spatial hole burning and energy diffusion on the single-mode operation of standing-wave lasers

Spatial hole burning in the absence of energy diffusion is examined. A formula is derived which predicts how far above threshold a homogeneously broadened standing-wave laser operates in a single-longitudinal mode. This is a conservative formula, since energy diffusion decreases the effects of spatial hole burning and increases the power level at which single-mode operation can be maintained. The role of energy diffusion is also examined. A formula is derived for how far above threshold a standing-wave laser oscillates in a single-longitudinal mode when energy diffusion is accounted for. Examples of the use of these formulas are given. >
GENDERED HUMAN RIGHTS: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY'S FAILED RESPONSE TO THE PERSECUTION OF WOMEN

Increasingly women's human rights are being violated as evidenced most recently in Afghanistan and Algeria. The persecution women face is often gender-related. The international community has repeatedly failed to acknowledge that gender-related persecution is as acute and as debilitating as other forms of persecution, i.e., ethnic, religious, political opinion. This failure to acknowledge gender-related persecution has been detrimental to female refugees and has resulted in inconsistent care and protection for them. Today there are well more than 20 million refugees, the majority of whom are female. The gender-related human rights abuses suffered by women, the failure of the international community to acknowledge this abuse, and the gendered nature of the care and protection female refugees receive, are the foci of this paper.
Dynamic Error Detection for Dependable Cache Coherency in Multicore Architectures

In chip multiprocessor (CMP) systems the various effects of technology scaling make the on chip components more susceptible to faults. Most of the earlier schemes that address fault tolerance issues in CMPs adopt redundant-thread techniques. These techniques are mostly effective, except that they fail to detect errors resulting from faults in hardware components on chip that commonly serve multiple cores. The cache coherence controller (CC) logic, which ensures consistency of data shared among multiple threads, is a vital common component in CMPs. A fault in CC logic of any of the processors may lead to errors in the data states in the entire CMP system. It is observed that up to 59.6% of the memory references cause a change in cache state for SPLASH-2 applications. We propose a novel scheme with a verification logic that can dynamically detect errors in the CC logic of multiple cores in a CMP system. The entire verification logic is designed with a negligible area of 0.1372 sq.mm using a TSMC 0.18 mu4-metal layer process technology. Even at highly aggressive fault injection rates, the logic achieves an average error coverage of more than 95% (and almost 100% for some applications)
Statistical estimation and testing for variation root-cause identification of multistage manufacturing Processes

Root-cause identification for quality-related problems is a key issue in quality and productivity improvement for a manufacturing process. Unfortunately, root-cause identification is also a very challenging engineering problem, particularly for a multistage manufacturing process. In this paper, root-cause identification is formulated as a problem of estimation and hypothesis testing of a general linear mixed model. First, a linear mixed fault-quality model is built to describe the cause-effect relationship between the process faults and product quality. Then, the estimation algorithms developed for a general linear mixed model are adapted to estimate the process mean and variance. Finally, a hypothesis testing method is developed to determine if process faults exist in terms of statistical significance. A detailed experimental study illustrated the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Note to Practitioners-Economic globalization brings intense competition among manufacturing enterprises. The key to succeed in this competitive climate is to rapidly respond to fast-changing market demands with high-quality and competitively priced products. To achieve this, we need to quickly identify root causes of quality-related problems in a complicated manufacturing system. However, the current widely adopted quality-control techniques focus more on monitoring than on root-cause identification. These techniques can efficiently detect the changes in the process but the root cause identification is often left to the plant engineers or operators. In this paper, a systematic estimation and testing method is proposed to identify the variational root causes in multistage manufacturing processes. First, a linear model is built based on the design information to describe the cause-effect relationship between the process faults and product quality. Then, an algorithm is developed to estimate the mean and variance of the process faults from the quality measurements of products. Finally, a statistical testing method is developed to determine if process faults (i.e. root causes) exist in terms of statistical significance. A detailed experimental study illustrates the effectiveness of this method. The method presented in this paper is a new quality-control technique and can be used for quality improvement of multistage manufacturing processes.
Opto-Excited Vibration of a μm-Scale On-Chip Sphere

>1GHz optically-induced vibrations are demonstrated in an on-chip micron-scaled device in which radiation pressure of a (CW) optical input pushes the structure to mechanically oscillate. Many mechanical eigen-modes are investigated.
A call for longitudinal research in positive organizational behavior

Summary After defining and providing the current status of psychological capital (PsyCap), we address the need to better understand its stability (i.e., state vs. trait). Specifically, we issue a call for longitudinal research. The balance of this ‘‘incubator’’ article examines the relevance, potential obstacles, and advantages of this design in meeting PsyCap’s future research needs. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
End-Loaded Shallow Curved Beams

This note examines the linear response of thin, shallow curved beams to an axially-directed compressive load. The response is tracked with a rise parameter drawn from related work on linear arches through which it is shown that the curved beam behaves like an axially compressed bar for small values of the rise parameter, whereas it responds as a beam in bending for large values of the parameter. This is totally opposite to that of laterally-loaded arches.
Polyamines Regulate the Stability of JunD mRNA by Modulating the Competitive Binding of Its 3′ Untranslated Region to HuR and AUF1

Polyamines critically regulate all mammalian cell growth and proliferation by mechanisms such as the repression of growth-inhibitory proteins, including JunD. Decreasing the levels of cellular polyamines stabilizes JunD mRNA without affecting its transcription, but the exact mechanism whereby polyamines regulate JunD mRNA degradation has not been elucidated. RNA-binding proteins HuR and AUF1 associate with labile mRNAs bearing AU-rich elements located in the 3' untranslated regions (3'-UTRs) and modulate their stability. Here, we show that JunD mRNA is a target of HuR and AUF1 and that polyamines modulate JunD mRNA degradation by altering the competitive binding of HuR and AUF1 to the JunD 3'-UTR. The depletion of cellular polyamines enhanced HuR binding to JunD mRNA and decreased the levels of JunD transcript associated with AUF1, thus stabilizing JunD mRNA. The silencing of HuR increased AUF1 binding to the JunD mRNA, decreased the abundance of HuR-JunD mRNA complexes, rendered the JunD mRNA unstable, and prevented increases in JunD mRNA and protein in polyamine-deficient cells. Conversely, increasing the cellular polyamines repressed JunD mRNA interaction with HuR and enhanced its association with AUF1, resulting in an inhibition of JunD expression. These results indicate that polyamines modulate the stability of JunD mRNA in intestinal epithelial cells through HuR and AUF1 and provide new insight into the molecular functions of cellular polyamines.
Women in Medicine and the Ticking Clock

Our careers began with the long, arduous, and intensely focused commitments of premed, medical school, residency, and fellowship. We planned our lives rationally and enacted our plans with care. Now we have long-desired and satisfying careers. We discovered something, however, that the culture of medical training and our plans had failed to anticipate: We did not allow time for the unexpected.
Proteomic analysis of renal calculi indicates an important role for inflammatory processes in calcium stone formation

Even though renal stones/calculi occur in ∼10% of individuals, they are an enormous economic burden to the entire US health system. While the relative metabolic composition of renal calculi is generally known, there is no clear understanding of the genetics of renal stone formation, nor are there clear prognostic indicators of renal stone formation. The application of proteomics to the analysis of renal calculi axiomatically holds that insight into renal stone pathobiology can be gained by a more comprehensive understanding of renal calculus protein composition. We analyzed isolated renal stone matrix proteins with mass spectrometric and immunohistochemical methods identifying 158 proteins with high confidence, including 28 common proteins. The abundant proteins included those identified previously in stones and proteins identified here for the first time, such as myeloid lineage-specific, integral membrane and lipid regulatory proteins. Pathway analyses of all proteins identified suggested that a significant fraction of the most abundant matrix proteins participate in inflammatory processes. These proteomic results support the hypothesis that stone formation induces a cellular inflammatory response and the protein components of this response contribute to the abundant stone matrix proteome.
Mechanism of association of adenylate cyclase toxin with the surface of Bordetella pertussis: a role for toxin–filamentous haemagglutinin interaction

Adenylate cyclase (AC) toxin from Bordetella pertussis is unusual in that, unlike most other members of the repeats-in-toxin family that are released into the extracellular milieu, it remains associated with the bacterial surface. In this study, we investigated the nature of the association of this toxin with the surface of B. pertussis. AC toxin was extracted from crude outer membrane preparations of B. pertussis with 8 M urea, but only partially with alkaline sodium carbonate and not at all with octylglucoside, suggesting that denaturation of the toxin is necessary for its removal from the membrane. B. pertussis mutants lacking filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA) released significantly more AC toxin into the medium, and AC toxin association with the bacterial surface was partially restored by expression of FHA from a plasmid, suggesting a role for FHA in surface retention of AC toxin. AC toxin distribution was unaffected by the absence of pertactin, or full-length lipopolysaccharide, or a defect in secretion of pertussis toxin. Using overlay and immunoprecipitation, we found that a direct physical association can occur between AC toxin and FHA. Combined, these findings suggest that FHA may play a role in AC toxin retention on the surface of B. pertussis and raise the possibility of an involvement of adherence mediated by FHA in delivery of AC toxin from the bacterium to the target cell.
Two-dimensional silicon-29 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of chemical exchange pathways in potassium silicate solutions

Abstract The results of two-dimensional silicon-29 nuclear magnetic resonance exchange spectroscopy (EXSY) experiments on 29 Si isotopically enriched potassium silicate solutions are reported The EXSY spectra reveal individual silicate anion exchange pathways and provide evidence for the occurrence of at least six single-step exchange processes in moderately concentrated potassium silicate solutions. Four are inter molecular, involving the monomeric anion, Q 0 , the formation and dissociation of the dimer, Q 2 1 ; the formation and dissociation of the linear trimer, Q 2 1 Q 2 ; the formation and dissociation of the linear tetramer, Q 2 1 Q 2 2 ; and the formation and dissociation of the substituted cyclic trimer, Q 2 Q 3 Q 2 2 . The remaining two are inter molecular and consist of ring opening/ring closing reactions of the cyclic trimer, Q 3 2 , and an internal rearrangement of the bicyclic pentamer, Q 2 Q 3 2 Q 2 2 . There is also evidence for the occurrence of additional exchange processes, although the congested nature of the 29 Si NMR spectrum introduces some uncertainties. Contrary to the generally accepted picture derived from linewidth considerations, the cyclic trimer appears to be rather labile, undergoing rapid ring opening and closing reactions, whereas the cyclic tetramer is considerably less reactive.