cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The regulation of acrosomal exocytosis. I. Sperm capacitation is required for the induction of acrosome reactions by the bovine zona pellucida in vitro.

The regulation of acrosomal exocytosis in capacitated bovine spermatozoa by soluble extracts of zonae pellucidae was examined. Kinetic studies demonstrated that zonae pellucidae stimulated synchronous acrosome reactions. The t12 of this process was 5–10 min and response was maximal at 20 min. The apparent initial rate of exocytosis in sperm populations was dependent upon the concentration of zona pellucida protein, with an ED50 and a maximally effective dosage of 20 and 50 ng protein/μl, respectively. Zonae pellucidae caused up to a 48-fold increase in the apparent initial rate and a 3- to 4-fold stimulation in the net occurrence of exocytosis. In contrast, solubilized zonae pellucidae did not induce acrosome reactions in uncapacitated sperm. The development of a capacitated state, as assayed by the ability of sperm to fertilize eggs in vitro, was compared to the expression of zona pellucida-regulated acrosome reactions in a series of kinetic experiments. Both activities were manifest with similar kinetics and displayed identical dependencies toward stimulatory and inhibitory agents in vitro. It is concluded that capacitation is an essential prerequisite for the induction of acrosomal exocytosis in bovine sperm by the zona pellucida.
Nucleation Experiments in Molecular Beams.

Abstract : A nozzle molecular beam is used as a cluster generator, and the beam are examined with an ionization gage detector and high energy electron diffraction. The diffraction patterns of carbon dioxide and water for conditions of maximum clustering have 'averaged' cluster sizes of 1400 and 3400 molecules/cluster, and crystalline structure of simple cubic and diamond cubic which is characteristic of their respective bulk phases.
Management of Parotid Gland and Duct Injuries

Surgical repair of injuries to the parotid gland and its duct have been described in the literature for more than 100 years. Injury to the glandular structures are usually associated with penetrating wounds of the face and often involve concomitant damage to adjacent structures, including the facial nerve, the ear, and the nearby bony structures. Most investigators agree that management of these injuries depends on the location of the damage. However, there are differences of opinion as to the proper management of the repair when the injury to the glandular system is discovered early or late.
Corrigendum: Oxygen, Gastrin-Releasing Peptide, and Pediatric Lung Disease: Life in the Balance

Reference # 7 needs to be corrected to: Mary Sunday and Barbara Theriot, unpublished data. We have recently determined that most of the ovalbumin data in the article is unreliable. However, we have successfully validated the ozone data in additional experiments independent of those included in the article, which is the basis for the citation.
Aortic dissection after angioplasty and stenting of an aortic coarctation: Detection by intravascular ultrasonography but not transesophageal echocardiography

In this case report, an iatrogenic dissection of the descending aorta occurred during balloon angioplasty and stenting of a recurrent coarctation. The dissection was not seen by transesophageal echocardiography, but intravascular ultrasonography, performed routinely during such procedures at this institution, identified the dissection and guided further therapeutic stent placement.
Molecular beacons and related probes for intracellular RNA imaging.

Accurately imaging endogenous or non-engineered RNA in live cells is not an easy task. Ideally, a probe and imaging strategy will have the following properties: (1) functional probes will be delivered to the desired cellular compartment, (2) they will achieve the correct level of affinity to bind target RNA efficiently but not inhibit their function, (3) be sensitive enough to allow for the accurate detection of the cellular RNA population, and (4) allow for the tracking of RNA through biogenesis, transport, translation, and degradation pathways. In this review, the capabilities of current nucleic acid-based probes and strategies used to image native RNA are discussed and analyzed, and probe and strategy recommendations for new users are given. The review is concluded by addressing topics for future research, all in the hope of achieving the ideal RNA imaging probe and strategy. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 11–19 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Krausism and the Pygmalion Motif in Galdós's La familia de León Roch

(1992). Krausism and the Pygmalion Motif in Galdos's La familia de Leon Roch. Romance Quarterly: Vol. 39, Studies in Spanish Literature, 1750–1915, pp. 41-52.
A rapid carrier-free separation method for divalent rare earths

A separation of carrier-free divalent rare earths by electrolytic reduction and amalgamation is described. The separation is carried out in a water-jacketed cell, 1 cm diameter by 10 cm long, fitted with a stopcock at the bottom. The cell utilizes a Pt anode and Hg cathode. The electrolyte used is potassium citrate-rare earth acetate at a concentration of 10 mg rare earth oxide per ml. The decontamination factor observed for Lu in a typical separation for Yb is ≥104. Sm, Eu, and Yb are all amalgamated if present in the sample. For the present study, the parameters have been evaluated primarily for the case of Yb. A current of 100 mA is applied to 0.5 ml of electrolyte containing 1–1000 μg of Yb(III) for 5 min. The amalgam is decomposed and the Yb recovered by shaking for 1 min with 6M HCl. The overall time required is about 10 min and the yield is reproducible at 84–85%. Under these conditions, the electrolyte may contain up to 3.5 mg of Yb although at 2 mg the yield begins to decrease. The effects of current time, density and electrolyte concentration are discussed. This method has the advantage of being rapid and carrier-free, and the separated rare earth is in a form suitable for further chemical separation if required.
Particulate recording materials

Information (audio, video, or data) to be recorded magnetically is first encoded into a sequence of time-varying electrical signals which are used to drive a writing head, the magnetic field of which creates, on the moving tape or disk, a spatially varying pattern of magnetization. The reading process uses another head (or the same head) to reconvert this magnetization pattern into time-varying electrical signals that can be amplified and used to drive a loudspeaker, or a TV receiver, or feed data to a computer. Two methods of encoding the information are used; analog and digital. In analog recording, as the adjective suggests, the pattern of magnetization on the recording medium should be a precise analog of the incoming stream of information and the signal obtained on reading should be an exact reproduction of the original. Digital recording involves first converting the information into a sequence of ones and zeros which can then be recorded as a sequence of regions of opposite magnetization. Analog recording has been widely used to store audio and video information while digital recording was used for data recording. This picture is changing and digital recording is now being used increasingly in audio and video recording principally because errors can be corrected dynamically so that the original information can be reconstructed and copied repeatedly and with great fidelity. Whether the recording method used is analog or digital, similar though not identical properties are required of the recording materials and so the distinction between the two methods will not be pursued further.
Ultrasound evaluation of the penis for assessment of impotence

Image directed Doppler ultrasonography of the cavernous arteries provides functional, quantifiable assessment of penile arterial flow during a pharmacological erection. In this respect, this modality is superior to arteriography as a means of evaluating arteriogenic impotence. Peak flow velocity, arterial dilatation, and vessel pulsation are the most reliable ultrasonic indicators of arterial health. Aberrant arterial anatomy should be noted as this may contribute significantly to total penile blood flow. A thorough understanding of erectile physiology and anatomy is necessary to properly perform and interpret Doppler ultrasound results.
Reduction processes in Cu/SiO2, Co/SiO2, and CuCo/SiO2 catalysts

Abstract Cu/SiO 2 , Co/SiO 2 , and bimetallic CuCo/SiO 2 catalysts have been synthesized and their reduction behavior characterized by TPR, in situ XRD, and in situ XANES. In Cu/SiO 2 , a two step reduction process, CuO → Cu 2 O → Cu 0 , occurred. Two forms of the intermediate Cu 2 O with different degrees of reducibility were observed. Addition of cobalt to Cu/SiO 2 resulted in formation of an amorphous fraction of CuO that was more easily reducible than crystalline CuO. Cobalt addition also prevented formation of the less reducible form of Cu 2 O. Addition of copper to Co/SiO 2 increased the reducibility of Co 3 O 4 , and to greater extent of the intermediate CoO, which in the monometallic Co/SiO 2 was less readily reduced due to interaction with the support.
Native Teachers' Beliefs and Practices: Choosing Language and Cultural Revitalization over Uniformity and Standardization:

The goal of implementing a culture-based curriculum that draws upon indigenous knowledge, traditions, and language is currently in competition with demands placed on schools by high stakes educational reform to implement a standards-based curriculum in schools. Though often left out of the policy conversation, Native teachers in particular have much to contribute to understandings of how such reform discourse may derail Indigenous-centered discussions about education. This article draws from interview and observational data collected during a three-year (2005-2008) qualitative study of Native teacher beliefs and practices. Participants in the study included nine teachers who implement a language- and culture-based curriculum. Classroom observations, interviews, and focus groups were conducted to gather information about instructional practices in one Native language immersion school (pre-kindergarten to third grade). Findings indicate the teachers' perspectives on the ways in which their language instruction is compromised in light of pressures to teach to narrow conceptions of academic subject knowledge emergent from high-stakes policy and testing discussions. Teachers are neither passive recipients of curricular goals nor passive instructional directors of standards-based curriculum. Recommendations include cautioning tribal nations to find ways to buffer outside high stakes pressures impacting promising practices of immersion language teachers in early childhood education.
An educational strategy to enhance pharmacy students' attitudes toward addressing health literacy of patients

Abstract Objectives Evaluate the impact of an educational intervention based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), on enhancing pharmacy students' attitudes toward health literacy, perceived behavioral control and intentions concerning communicating with patients possessing inadequate health literacy. Methods This TPB-based, educational approach consisted of two 50-minute sessions and employed a pretest/posttest control group design. During the first session, experimental students were provided a 50-minute presentation and two out-of-class assignments. The second session included discussion of the assignments, in-class demonstrations, and small group learning activities. The intervention was administered to third year pharmacy students ( n = 40). Second year pharmacy students ( n = 42) served as controls. Three scales measured the TPB constructs. Results Analyses revealed significant improvements over time within the experimental group for attitudes toward health literacy ( p = 0.033) and perceived behavioral control concerning communicating with patients possessing inadequate health literacy ( p = 0.033). Intentions to communicate were high for both groups at pretest and no differences were found to exist for this construct in any analyses. Conclusions Given the number and severity of negative health related consequences associated with inadequate health literacy, it is imperative that schools of pharmacy be proactive and in preparing students to address patients' health literacy needs. This TPB-based, educational intervention may assist other pharmacy programs in their efforts of incorporating health literacy into their curriculums. The intervention may also be modified and implemented in advanced pharmacy practice experiences, residency programs and continuing education programs.
The biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids by bacilli. II. Temperature-dependent biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract Bacillus licheniformis 9259 has been shown to synthesize two C16 polyunsaturated fatty acids from endogenous or added palmitate at 20°, but not at 35°. Ready conversion of added palmitic acid labeled with 14C or 3H to these fatty acids by cultures of B. licheniformis incubated at 20° permitted the isolation of sufficient amounts of material for the determination of structure and label distribution by physical and chemical methods. The major polyunsaturated component was shown to be 5,10-hexadecadienoic acid while a minor component had the 7,10-double bond configuration. It was further shown that the biosynthesis of the major dienoic acid resulted from the cooperative action of two distinct desaturation systems. One system, which was present at both 35 and 20° desaturated palmitic acid to 10-hexadecenoic acid. A second system, active only at the lower temperature, resulted in the conversion of palmitic acid to 5-hexadecenoic acid. This system, which had previously been studied in Bacillus megaterium, is apparently not present at 35° but is rapidly induced at 20°. Utilizing 3H-labeled 10-hexadecenoic and 5-hexadecenoic acids which were prepared biosynthetically, it was possible to show that, at 20°, either substrate could serve as a precursor for the biosynthesis of 5,10-hexadecadienoic acid by B. licheniformis. Indeed, they were both more effective in this regard than palmitic acid added in similar concentrations. Although added palmitic acid is also converted to 7,10-hexadecadienoic acid at 20°, there was no evidence for the formation of the monoene, 7-hexadecenoic acid at either 35 or 20°. Presumably, the substrate for Δ7 desaturation is 10-hexadecenoic acid. The finding that B. licheniformis can carry out the conversion of palmitate to 5,10- and 7,10-hexadecadienoic acids apparently represents the first unequivocal indication of polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis de novo in bacteria.
Calculation of High-Temperature Crude-Oil/Water/Vapor Separations Using Simulated Distillation Data

High-temperature crude oil-water-vapor separation takes place in steam flooding and in-situ combustion processes. It also takes place in hydrocarbon recovery from deep volatile oil reservoirs. A practical procedure using the Holland and Welch method and simulated distillation data was developed to calculate crude oil-water-vapor separations at 387/sup 0/F (197/sup 0/C) and 456/sup 0/F (235/sup 0/C). The overhead yields obtained from the calculations were expressed as a function of the steam distillation factor, V /SUB w/ /V /SUB oi/ . The results were compared with laboratory crude oil steam distillation data. The approach satisfactorily predicted the overhead yields of thirteen out of sixteen crude oils with an average error of 11%. This is within experimental error of crude oil steam distillation. Twelve pseudocomponents of crude oils were selected and characterized using simulated distillation data for the calculations. The physical properties of the pseudocomponents were determined from existing correlations and from matching laboratory steam distillation data. The use of simulated distillation data eliminates the uncertainty and assumptions normally involved in the selection of crude oil pseudocomponents using Bureau of Mines distillation data, and thus, improves the reliability of the proposed computational approach. The proposed approach has many advantages. It eliminates the needmore » of conducting experimental steam distillation tests if crude oil simulated distillation data are available. It is easy and fast to calculate the overhead yields and densities without using the equation of state and uncertain pseudocomponent critical properties and interaction parameters. The proposed approach will provide useful information for designing and operating thermal recovery processes, and for predicting hydrocarbon recovery from high-temperature volatile oil reservoirs.« less
Relationship between electrode geometry and effectiveness of ventricular defibrillation in the dog with catheter having one electrode in right ventricle and other electrode in superior vena cava, or external jugular vein, or both

A catheter having three metal sleeves, each 6 mm long and separated by 2 mm, in a distal position, and four sleeves, each 20 mm long and separated by 25 mm, in a more proximal position was inserted through a jugular vein and its tip positioned in the apex of the right ventricle in each animal. The effectiveness of 60 combinations of sleeves in reversing ventricular fibrillation was studied in 1,440 episodes. For a given energy, the effectiveness is higher when the most distal sleeve is used in conjunction with the middle or both other sleeves for the electrode within the ventricle and two or more sleeves are used for the other electrode.
Soft‐palate reconstruction with the modified pharyngeal flap

Soft-palate malignancies classically have been managed with radiation therapy as the principal therapeutic modality. The survival rates are poor and may indicate the need for an aggressive combined approach using wide surgical resection. The use of surgery as the definitive control measure, however, raises objections about the loss of velopharyngeal closure in phonation and deglutition. The functional consequences of palate resection can be reversed with a one- or two-stage modified pharyngeal flap procedure. The surgical techniques and three representative cases are presented.
Macrophysiologic Roles of a Delivery System for Vulnerary Factors Needed for Bone Regeneration

Traditional histology identifies three components of bone: cells, an extracellular mineralized organic matrix, and a lymphatic-vascular component. Specialized bone cells known as osteoblasts promote bone regeneration. Clinically, this property has been exploited by surgeons with autografts and bank bone preparations to restore deficient form and function to almost every aspect of the skeleton. Unfortunately, these therapies can be inadequate for patients with panskeletal trauma. Therefore, a suitable alternative may be a laboratory-derived product consisting of a vulnerary factor and delivery system. The integration of a laboratory-engineered product in an osseous wound environment is a formidable challenge demanding a keen appreciation of the product's macrophysiologic roles in wound healing biology. Consequently, the purposes for this paper are 1) to define briefly macrophysiology relevant to a delivery system for vulnerary molecules and bone regeneration; 2) to review a key family of bone regenerating molecules, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs); and 3) to relate delivery system engineering with bone regeneration.
Effects of age at pairing on reproduction in captive California condors (Gymnogyps californianus)

The lack of breeding behavior seen in some pairs of adult California condors, Gymnogyps californianus, is of great concern for the captive breeding program. One possible cause for absent or delayed breeding in what are otherwise seemingly compatible animals is inbreeding avoidance behavior. To examine this possibility, housing and reproduction records were examined for all adult California condors. The influence of housing on reproduction of birds that had been exclusively paired for at least one full breeding season was examined with linear regression, and the age of females at the age of exclusive pairing was shown to have a significant influence on fertility, which increased with increased age at pairing. Behavioral data from adult pairs at the San Diego Wild Animal Park corroborated these findings, as mounts and copulations were observed at significantly lower frequencies in pairs that had been formed when the female was less than two years old. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of PECVD process-induced degradation of EEPROM reliability

MOSFET instabilities as a result of plasma processing have received significant attention in recent years. The focus of previous research has been directed at basic MOSFET devices. This paper describes the effects of PECVD PSG passivation on EEPROM device reliability through the use of response surface methodology (RSM). The investigation produced evidence of hydrogen induced EEPROM device degradation. An activation energy of 0.41 eV has been calculated using array cycling data at temperatures between 85 degree(s)C and 125 degree(s)C. The use of FTIR analysis produced excellent correlation between accelerated electron/hold trapping and the Si-H content of the as-deposited film. This result demonstrates that FTIR measurements serve as an effective process monitor of hydrogen induced degradation. The effects of PECVD process parameters on film integrity have been evaluated through the utilization of a passivation integrity etch. The process window has been found to be bounded by poor write/erase characteristics at high Si-H levels and poor film integrity at very low Si-H levels in the as-deposited film.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
SU-E-T-457: Design and Characterization of An Economical 192Ir Hemi-Brain Small Animal Irradiator

Purpose: To describe the design and dosimetric characterization of a simple and economical small animal irradiator. Methods: A high dose rate 192Ir brachytherapy source from a commercially available afterloader was used with a 1.3 centimeter thick tungsten collimator to provide sharp beam penumbra suitable for hemi-brain irradiation of mice. The unit is equipped with continuous gas anesthesia to allow robust animal immobilization. Dosimetric characterization of the device was performed with Gafchromic film. The penumbra from the small animal irradiator was compared under similar collimating conditions to the penumbra from 6 MV photons, 6 MeV electrons, and 20 MeV electrons from a linear accelerator as well as 300 kVp photons from an orthovoltage unit and Monte Carlo simulated 90 MeV protons. Results: The tungsten collimator provides a sharp penumbra suitable for hemi-brain irradiation, and dose rates on the order of 200 cGy/minute were achieved. The sharpness of the penumbra attainable with this device compares favorably to those measured experimentally for 6 MV photons, and 6 and 20 MeV electron beams from a linear accelerator. Additionally, the penumbra was comparable to those measured for a 300 kVp orthovoltage beam and a Monte Carlo simulated 90 MeV proton beam. Conclusions: The small animal irradiator described here can be built for under $1,000 and used in conjunction with any commercial brachytherapy afterloader to provide a convenient and cost-effective option for small animal irradiation experiments. The unit offers high dose rate delivery and sharp penumbra, which is ideal for hemi-brain irradiation of mice. With slight modifications to the design, irradiation of sites other than the brain could be accomplished easily. Due to its simplicity and low cost, the apparatus described is an attractive alternative for small animal irradiation experiments requiring a sharp penumbra.
Developmental Homologues: Lineages and Analysis

Developmental processes present several problems for identifying homologies and analyzing their evolution. Most evolutionary techniques approach homologies from either a taxonomic or a molecular persp
Overcoming barriers to establishing an inpatient vaccination program for pneumococcus using standing orders.

Objectives:To identify and classify barriers to establishing a standing orders program (SOP) for adult pneumococcal vaccination in acute care inpatient facilities and to provide recommendations for overcoming these roadblocks. Vaccination rates in hospitals with SOPs are generally higher than those in hospitals that require individual physician orders. The array of solutions drawn from our experience in different hospital settings should permit many types of facilities to anticipate and overcome barriers, allowing a smoother transition from initiation to successful implementation of an inpatient pneumococcal vaccination SOP.Design:Descriptive study of barriers and solutions encountered during implementation of a pneumococcal vaccination SOP in three hospitals of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System (UPMC) and in the scientific literature.Setting:As of 2004, two UPMC tertiary-care hospitals and one UPMC community hospital had incorporated SOPs into existing physician order-driven programs for inpatient vaccination with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.Results:Barriers were identified at each step of implementation and categorized as patient related, provider related, or institutional. Based on a process of continual review and revision of our programs in response to encountered barriers, steps were taken to overcome these impediments.Conclusions:A strong commitment by key individuals in the facility's administration including a physician champion; ongoing, persistent efforts to educate and train staff; and close monitoring of the vaccination rate were essential for successful implementation of a SOP for pneumococcal vaccination of eligible inpatients. Legal statutes and evaluations of external hospital-rating associations regarding the effectiveness of the vaccination program were major motivating factors in its success.
On Inertial Instability as Related to, the Multiple-Vortex Phenomenon.

Abstract The occurrence of subsidiary vortices (multiple vortices) in intense tornadoes is hypothesized as being due to the development of an inertial instability in a two-celled vortex. The instability is taken to develop within a cylindrical shear layer surrounding a central stagnant subcore. The possible validity of this hypothesis is examined by means of a simple linear stability analysis. The special case of the stability of a rotating flow within strongly sheared azimuthal velocity to non-axisymmetric (cylinder symmetric) disturbances is solved in detail. It is found that the results of this highly simplified vortex model show good qualitative agreement with actual observations. The observed sequence of destabilization of progressively higher wavenumber modes, the shifting of the most unstable mode to large wavenumbers, and the hysteresis effects found in laboratory simulations can all be argued from the model. The results are shown to reduce to the corresponding classical findings of Rayleigh in th...
Leading Indicators of Drowsiness in Simulated Driving

Drowsiness while driving was measured using three measures: a physiological measure of eye closure, a sustained reaction time task and a subjective assessment. The study was conducted in Ford's VIRTTEX driving simulator. Thirty-two adults who were sleep deprived for 24 hours and six adults who had a full night of sleep participated in the study. The performance of the sleep-deprived group was compared with that of the control group. Sleep-deprived drivers had significantly longer PVT reaction times, a greater number of lapses, higher PERCLOS values and perceived themselves as sleepier than did the control group. This study demonstrated the ability to successfully implement drowsiness measures in a driving simulator. The advantage of a three-hour simulator drive in providing increasing levels of drowsiness in each subject was established. These findings provide metrics that can be used to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of safety systems for drowsy drivers.
Evaluation of surface preparation methods for glass

In this study, methods of surface preparation by polishing, fiber-drawing, melt-casting and chemical etching were evaluated with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) for a variety of alkali and alkaline earth aluminosilicate glasses. Freshly polished glass surfaces were exposed to a variety of chemical etchants (NaOH, NH 4 OH and HF) and the resulting surface composition and morphology are reported. The polishing and etching parameters were optimized to obtain a smooth surface (root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of <3 nm) and a surface composition as close as possible to the bulk composition. In addition, glass melt and fiber surfaces were examined to investigate the effect of thermal processes on surface composition and morphology. It is shown that polishing can alter the surface composition of these multicomponent glasses, and that post-etching of the polished surface to expose the bulk composition is plagued by preferential leaching, contamination and/or roughening. The most significant conclusion is that there is a strong dependence of these surface compositional modifications upon the specific glass; even within specific glass systems, the polish/etch procedure must be modified to yield a surface with the bulk composition. On the other hand, the smoothness of fibers and melt-cast surfaces is ideally suited to AFM and depth profiling; their surface compositions can be close to the bulk values, but careful attention to the annealing conditions is required to achieve this.
Submarine Communication Antenna Systems

Submarine communication antenna systems are divided into three systems: VLF, HF, and UHF. The evolution of each system from World War II to the present is described, and some of the problems associated with the antennas in each frequency band are reviewed. HF transmission line systems and their losses are discussed, and various environmental problems are considered. Specific examples of stacked and combined antennas are given.
Mutating His29, His125, His133 or His158 abolishes glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D catalytic activity

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) specifically cleaves GPIs. This phospholipase D is a secreted protein consisting of two domains: an N-terminal catalytic domain and a predicted C-terminal b-propeller. Although the biochemical properties of GPI-PLD have been extensively studied, its catalytic site has not been identified. We hypothesized that a histidine residue(s) may play a critical role in the catalytic activity of GPI-PLD, based on the observations that (i) Zn2+, which utilizes histidine residues for binding, is required for GPI-PLD catalytic activity, (ii) a phosphohistidine intermediate is involved in phospholipase D hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine, (iii) computer modelling suggests a catalytic site containing histidine residues, and (iv) our observation that diethyl pyrocarbonate, which modifies histidine residues, inhibits GPI-PLD catalytic activity. Individual mutation of the ten histidine residues to asparagine in the catalytic domain of murine GPI-PLD resulted in three general phenotypes: not secreted or retained (His56 or His88), secreted with catalytic activity (His34, His81, His98 or His219) and secreted without catalytic activity (His29, His125, His133 or His158). Changing His133 but not His29, His125 or His158 to Cys resulted in a mutant that retained catalytic activity, suggesting that at least His133 is involved in Zn2+ binding. His133 and His158 also retained the biochemical properties of wild-type GPI-PLD including trypsin cleavage pattern and phosphorylation by protein kinase A. Hence, His29, His125, His133 and His158 are required for GPI-PLD catalytic activity.
Optimization of Satellite Laser Communication Subject to Log-Square-Hoyt Fading

In the existing studies of satellite laser communications, the variances in the azimuth and elevation axes of a swaying transmitter are usually assumed to be identical. In this correspondence, the analysis is extended to the general case in which these two variances are not the same. It is shown that the transmitter radial pointing error angle follows the Hoyt distribution. Furthermore, we prove that the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) follows the log-square-Hoyt distribution. Based on these results, we establish an optimization model to minimize the outage probability, subject to a specified transmitter power, by adjusting some system parameters such as the transmitter gain. A closed form of the solution is obtained and a set of representative curves are presented.
Disentangling the influence of neighborhood type and self-selection on driving behavior: an application of sample selection model

The causality issue has become one of the key questions in the debate over the relationships between the built environment and travel behavior. Although previous studies have tested statistical and/or practical significance of the built environment on travel behavior, few have quantified the relative roles of the built environment and residential self-selection in influencing travel behavior. Using 1,479 residents living in four traditional and four suburban neighborhoods in Northern California, this study explores the causal effect of neighborhood type on driving behavior and its relative contribution to the total influence of neighborhood type. Specifically, this study applied Heckman’s sample selection model to separate the effect of the built environment itself and the effect of self-selection. The results showed that, on average, the effect of neighborhood type itself on driving distance was 25.8 miles per week, which accounted for more than three quarters of the total influence of neighborhood type and 16% of individuals’ overall vehicle miles driven. These results suggest that the effect of the built environment on driving behavior outweighs that of self-selection. This paper also discussed the advantages and weaknesses of applying the Heckman’s model to address the self-selection issue.
Gifted Education Without A State Mandate: The Importance of Vigorous Advocacy:

Almost half of the states have mandates requiring differentiated instruction for gifted students. New York State, despite the lack of a mandate, has seen an increase in services for gifted students over the last 10 years. Factors that have promoted the development of programs for gifted students in the state are financial incentives, mandatory screening for giftedness, educational reform, and vigorous advocacy. Negative factors associated with the lack of a mandate have been inequities in access to programs, difficulties in assuring the quality of programs, and limited access to teacher preparation programs.
Dufaycolor: materials, techniques and deterioration

This paper investigates the materials and techniques of the additive colour screen process known as Dufaycolor. The focus of the paper is on Dufaycolor as used in still photography, with only brief mention of its use in cinematography. Included is a description of the general principles of additive colour processes; a brief comparison of the Autochrome and Paget processes with Dufaycolor; a history of Louis Dufay’s processes, culminating in Dufaycolor; the technical composition of Dufaycolor transparencies; manufacturing techniques; and how the photographic image was formed and viewed. Transparency types and sizes are also described. In addition, the paper provides a visual description of a number of Dufaycolor transparencies held in Australian collections, giving characteristics that can aid in the identification of this unusual photographic process. This description includes a brief discussion of possible causes of deterioration. Information was sourced from literature and an inspection of original materials from three Sydney cultural institutions: the Lucy Osburn–Nightingale Museum at the Sydney Hospital, the State Library of NSW and University of Sydney Macleay Museum.
First {Fe−NO}6 Complex with an N2S3Fe−NO Core as a Model of NO-Inactivated Iron-Containing Nitrile Hydratase. Are Thiolates and Thioethers Equivalent Donors in Low-Spin Iron Complexes?

The spectroscopic and structural properties of [(bmmp-TASN)FeNO]BPh4 (1) (bmmp-TASN = 4,7-bis(2‘-methyl-2‘-mercaptopropyl)-1-thia-4,7-diazacyclononane) have been determined and are compared with th...
Depth of field extension with spherical optics.

The introduction of spherical aberration in a lens design can be used to extend the depth of field while preserving resolution up to half the maximum diffraction-limited spatial frequency. Two low-power microscope objectives are shown that achieve an extension of ±0.88 λ in terms of wavefront error, which is shown to be comparable to alternative techniques but without the use of special phase elements. The lens performance is azimuth-independent and achromatic over the visible range.
Adjacent detector cross-talk in CMOS smart detector arrays

Substrate and waveguide cross talk models are presented for CMOS smart detectors arrays. A test chip of linear arrays using both p+n and n+p detectors has been designed and fabricated for characterization of substrate and waveguide cross talk. It is shown that both the substrate and waveguide models agree well with the measured cross talk. Techniques for reducing cross talk in CMOS detector arrays are also presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Terpenoide, LIV. Arborinol, ein neuer Triterpen-Typus

Aus den Blattern von Glycosmis arborea (Rutaceae) wurden zwei neue epimere pentacyclische Triterpene, Arborinol und Isoarborinol, isoliert. Durch chemischen Abbau und Anwendung physikalischer Methoden, insbesondere der kernmagnetischen Resonanz (NMR), der optischen Rotationsdispersion und der Massenspektroskopie konnte die Struktur der Ringe A, B und C der Arborinole aufgeklart und die Existenz von zwei sekundaren Methylgruppen im Rest des Molekuls nachgewiesen werden. Fur Arborinol und Isoarborinol wird deshalb die Struktur von 3-Hydroxy-Δ9(11)-13β.14α-dimethyl-pentacyclischen Triterpenen (I bzw. III) angenommen; sie stellen damit einen neuen Triterpen-Typus dar.
Some aspects of assessing efficiency of natural enemies.

Drawing retrospectively and collectively on results of a single individual and his associates covering some 22 years of field and laboratory studies, the authors present three documented case histories of technically complete biological control. They use these examples to illustrate the potential for greater use of this method of pest control, and they discuss the theory of biological control as related to whether or not introductions of a complex of enemy species will inherently lead to competitive interference and a lesser degree of control than if only the "best" species were introduced. They conclude that the three case histories are a refutation of this thesis, as are certain theoretical considerations, and the net results from all biological control programs on a worldwide basis.The authors also point to weaknesses in the use of currently available methods for quantitatively rating or appraising the control and regulating power of density-dependent factors that act with a lag (entomophagous parasites and predators), and emphasize chat regression and modelling methods should be used in conjunction with "check-methods" or other experimental means.
A microscopic DWBA analysis of (6Li, 6He) reactions

Abstract The spin-isospin flip ( 6 Li, 6 He) reaction has been studied. The experiment was performed with a 34 MeV 6 Li beam incident upon 25, 26 Mg and 27 Al targets. Angular distributions associated with the lowest 5 2 + , 1 2 + , 7 2 + 25 Al , 5 + , 3 + , 1 + 26 Al and 5 2 + 27 Si states were measured. Microscopic DWBA calculations were performed using Yukawa central and r 2 . Yukawa ( r 2 · Y ) tensor ( μ = 1.0 fm −1 ) potentials averaged over the 6 Li( 6 He) cluster model wave functions. Knock-on (KO) exchange corrections corresponding to the central interaction are included using the local-energy approximation (LEA) method. The conclusion is that the quasi-elastic process is of major importance in the ( 6 Li, 6 He) transition studied in this work.
A Simple Approach to Probe the Extracellular Signaling Pathways Using Ligand Traps

Cells communicate with one another through a huge variety of extracellular soluble signaling molecules. A common method in biology to investigate the signaling pathways is to inactivate the gene coding the interested ligand or receptor from cells using modern DNA technology, known as gene knockout. Even though very effective, however, gene knockout is a time-consuming and cost-prohibitive process and requires huge amount of efforts to conduct. Here we present a simple method to probe the extracellular signaling pathways through engineering a semi-permeable barrier between two cell populations. In this approach, ligand traps, receptor-coated nano/micro-particles, are embedded inside the nanoporous barrier. Because the receptors have the ability to selectively bind to certain ligand(s) with high affinity, the associated ligands can be ‘trapped’ inside the barrier when they try to perfuse from one cell population to the other. As a result, the targeted soluble ligands can be effectively blocked from the molecular exchange between the two cell populations. We have demonstrated the feasibility of this novel approach using fluorescent proteins. An analytical model has also been developed to guide the design of the ligand-trap-embedded barrier.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
An emergency intravenous route for the pediatric patient.

In pediatric patients, percutaneous venipuncture is preferable to cutdown, especially in inexperienced hands. The best route for maintenance fluid administration is a #19, #21 or #23 scalp vein needle or #18 or #20 plastic cannula placed in a superficial hand or foot vein. An incision 1 cm proximal to the medial malleolus of the tibia over the great saphenous vein is the classic pediatric cutdown. Other alternatives are brachial vein, saphenous vein distal to the medial aspect of the knee and, in extreme emergencies, the external jugular vein or cephalic vein in the arm. The cutdown technique with facilitating suggestions and possible dangers is described.
The impact of traffic prioritization on Deep Space Network mission traffic

A select number of missions supported by NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) are demanding very high data rates. For example, the Kepler Mission was launched March 7, 2009 and at that time required the highest data rate of any NASA mission, with maximum rates of 4.33 Mb/s being provided via Ka band downlinks. The James Webb Space Telescope will require a maximum 28 Mb/s science downlink data rate also using Ka band links; as of this writing the launch is scheduled for a June 2014 launch. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched June 18, 2009, has demonstrated data rates at 100 Mb/s at lunar-Earth distances using NASA's Near Earth Network (NEN) and K-band. As further advances are made in high data rate space telecommunications, particularly with emerging optical systems, it is expected that large surges in demand on the supporting ground systems will ensue. A performance analysis of the impact of high variance in demand has been conducted using our Multi-mission Advanced Communications Hybrid Environment for Test and Evaluation (MACHETE) simulation tool. A comparison is made regarding the incorporation of Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms and the resulting ground-to-ground Wide Area Network (WAN) bandwidth necessary to meet latency requirements across different user missions. It is shown that substantial reduction in WAN bandwidth may be realized through QoS techniques when low data rate users with low-latency needs are mixed with high data rate users having delay-tolerant traffic.1 2
A NEW AUSTRALIAN SPECIES OF STOMATODEX FAIN (ACARI: DEMODECIDAE) FROM THE OESOPHAGUS OF CERCARTETUS NANUS (DESMAREST) (MARSUPIALIA)

Stomatodex cercarteti sp.n. is described from adults and immatures from the oesophageal lining of the eastern pygmy possum, Cercartetus nanus. This is the first record of this genus from Australia and from a marsupial host.
Resolving a case of concurrent hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and surface antibody (HBsAb)

Abstract Background In most cases, patients appear to recover from acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and do not exhibit the surface antigen (HBsAg). Chronic carriers are positive for HBsAg but HBsAb is usually not present. After acute infection only HBsAb remains. The presence of both HBsAg and HBsAb is unusual. Methods We report on a patient whose results were analytically and clinically discrepant — positive for HBsAg and HBsAb on one testing platform but only HBsAg on another platform. Results Reasons for this result: 1) Interference from endogenous antibodies; 2) HBsAg is from one strain and HBsAb is from another: and 3) The presence of HBsAb and HBsAg. Growing evidence indicates that both may be present in many patients. Low HBsAb may be neutralized and not recognized by the solid-phase HBsAg in the assay. Likewise, low HBsAg may be neutralized by HBsAb. It remains unclear whether HBsAg is always cleared after acute infection. Conclusions Testing indicated that both HBsAb and HBsAb were present. The data shows that different testing platforms may produce different results depending on the kinetics, the exposure of the capture HBsAg and the extent of endogenous HBAg/HBsAb. We demonstrate a simple way to rule out test interference to presumptively identify true HBsAb.
Extractive Crystallization for the Production of Calcium Acetate and Magnesium Acetate from Carbonate Sources

Extractive crystallization was employed for the preparation of deicing compositions of calcium acetate (CA) and magnesium acetate (MA) at room temperature. The design system comprises an aqueous phase as the source of calcium or magnesium ions and an organic phase as the source of acetate ions. The process was designed with the consideration that acetic acid is used in an organic phase as extracted from a fermentation broth. The conditions under which the extractive crystallization method resulted in the formation of single crystals or aggregates of calcium acetate and magnesium acetate were studied. Furthermore, the effect of acetic acid concentration in the organic and aqueous phases on the characteristics of the obtained crystals was investigated. Overall, the extractive crystallization process proved to be feasible at least in the laboratory and resulted in the production of well-formed, nonporous, large single crystals and clusters of either calcium acetate acetic acid hydrate [Ca(CH3COO)2·CH3COOH·H2...
Fair Trade: The Challenges of Transforming Globalization – Edited by Laura T. Raynolds, Douglas L. Murray, and John Wilkinson

As a professor on a college campus, I see that nothing engages the mind of the socially conscious student quite as much as fair trade. For students of globalization, fair trade lies at the root of ...