cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clindamycin Effect on Glycocalyx Production in Experimental Viridans Streptococcal Endocarditis

Abundant glycocalyx production by viridans streptococci in the rabbit model of endocarditis has been associated with delayed antimicrobial sterilization. Enzymatic digestion of the glycocalyx with dextranase enhances antibiotic activity. The effect of clindamycin (30 mg/kg, subcutaneous, three times daily) was studied in rabbits with experimental aortic valve endocarditis caused by high glycocalyx-producing viridans streptococci. Animals receiving clindamycin had smaller vegetations that were sterilized more quickly than did controls or animals receiving penicillin or dextranase alone (P less than .001). Penicillin plus dextranase treatment allowed greater bacterial killing than penicillin alone and did not differ significantly from clindamycin treatment. Electron micrographs revealed markedly less cell-adherent glycocalyx on organisms grown in vitro treated with clindamycin versus penicillin and controls. It is hypothesized that clindamycin inhibits glycocalyx production in vivo, allowing better antimicrobial penetration in the infected cardiac vegetation.
Cytokine pattern is solely influenced by priming vaccine but immunity and disease by both priming and boosting vaccines in mice challenged with respiratory syncytial virus.

Vaccine formulation can influence cytokine and disease patterns in mice following respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) challenge. The influence of different live and killed dual-vaccine combinations on subsequent immune responses was investigated. BALB/c mice received either killed followed by killed (KV/KV), killed followed by live (KV/LV), live followed by killed (LV/KV), or live followed by live (LV/LV) RSV vaccines intramuscularly. Mouse weight loss, viral replication, cytokine expression patterns, immunoglobulin isotype antibody profiles, neutralizing antibody responses, and cytotoxicity T lymphocyte (CTL) activities in lungs were compared on subsequent live RSV challenge. On challenge, mice vaccinated initially with KV and boosted with either KV or LV expressed significantly skewed ratios of IL-4 to IFN-γ mRNA and IgG1 to IgG2a antibody, when compared to those vaccinated initially with LV. Low levels of RSV replication were detected in lungs of mice vaccinated with KV/KV, KV/LV, and LV/KV, but not in mice vaccinated with LV/LV. Mice vaccinated with KV/LV, LV/KV, or LV/LV had RSV-specific CTL activity in lungs six days after RSV challenge, while no CTL activity was detected in KV/KV-vaccinated mice. Mice vaccinated with KV/KV had the greatest weight loss, while LV/LV-vaccinated mice resulted in the least. Mice vaccinated with either KV/LV or LV/KV had intermediate weight loss after challenge. These data indicate that an original antigenic sin-like phenomenon was exhibited in cytokine and immunoglobulin isotype responses in mice after challenge. T helper (Th)-like immune responses were determined solely by the initial vaccination, while weight loss, viral replication, neutralizing antibody responses, and CTL activities were also influenced by boosted vaccinations.
Phosphorescence of tryptophan and proteins in the presence of silver ion.

Abstract The phosphorescence of tryptophan and proteins was examined in the presence of silver nitrate in order to obtain information on the mechanisms by which Ag + quenches fluorescence. The 1:1 Ag + -Trp complex is nonfluorescent both at 77 °C and 296 °C and has 3-fold higher phosphorescence quantum yield than the free amino acid. Silver ion causes loss of vibrational structure in the phosphorescence spectrum, and the lifetime decreases from 7.2 to 0.02. These findings are consistent with an intramolecular heavy-atom effect. A nonsulfhydryl protein, trypsinogen, shows changes in phosphorescence which are qualitatively, but not quantitatively, similar to tryptophan in the presence of silver nitrate. Yeast and liver alcohol dehydrogenases have many sulfhydryl groups and show only phosphorescence quenching on addition of Ag + . In this case, quenching occurs by an energy-transfer mechanism. The phosphorescence yield and spectrum of mercuripapain differed from those of papain and were consistent with a heavy atom effect due to Hg 2+ . The study was technically much facilitated by the use of aqueous snows containing 10% ( v v ) methanol. Among the advantages of such aqueous snows is the lack of gross denaturation which has in the past been a major objection to protein phosphorescence studies utilizing glasses of organic solvents.
Low-energy neutral atoms in the Earth's magnetosphere: modeling

Detection of low energy neutral atoms (LENAs) produced by the interaction of the Earth's geocorona with ambient space plasma has been proposed as a technique to obtain global information about the magnetosphere. Recent instrumentation advances reported previously1 and in these proceedings (McComas et a!., Funsten et aL) provide an opportunity for detecting LENAs in the energy range of <1 keV to -5O keY. In this paper, we present results from a numerical model which calculates line of sight LENA fluxes expected at a remote orbiting spacecraft for various magnetospheric plasma regimes. This model uses measured charge exchange cross sections, either of two neutral hydrogen geocorona models, and various empirical models of the ring current and plasma sheet to calculate the contribution to the integrated directional flux from each point along the line of sight of the instrument. We discuss implications for LENA imaging of the magnetosphere based on these simulations
Use of the transport specificity ratio and cysteine-scanning mutagenesis to detect multiple substrate specificity determinants in the consensus amphipathic region of the Escherichia coli GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) transporter encoded by gabP.

The Escherichia coli GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) permease, GabP, and other members of the APC (amine/polyamine/choline) transporter superfamily share a CAR (consensus amphipathic region) that probably contributes to solute translocation. If true, then the CAR should contain structural features that act as determinants of substrate specificity ( k (cat)/ K (m)). In order to address this question, we have developed a novel, expression-independent TSR (transport specificity ratio) analysis, and applied it to a series of 69 cysteine-scanning (single-cysteine) variants. The results indicate that GabP has multiple specificity determinants (i.e. residues at which an amino acid substitution substantially perturbs the TSR). Specificity determinants were found: (i) on a hydrophobic surface of the CAR (from Leu-267 to Ala-285), (ii) on a hydrophilic surface of the CAR (from Ser-299 to Arg-318), and (iii) in a cytoplasmic loop (His-233) between transmembrane segments 6 and 7. Overall, these observations show that (i) structural features within the CAR have a role in substrate discrimination (as might be anticipated for a transport conduit) and, interestingly, (ii) the substrate discrimination task is shared among specificity determinants that appear too widely dispersed across the GabP molecule to be in simultaneous contact with the substrates. We conclude that GabP exhibits behaviour consistent with a broadly applicable specificity delocalization principle, which is demonstrated to follow naturally from the classical notion that translocation occurs synchronously with conformational transitions that change the chemical potential of the bound ligand [Tanford (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79, 2882-2884].
Selection and characterization of verapamil-resistant multidrug resistant cells.

Abstract Multidrug resistant cells may become acutely sensitive to the calcium channel blocker verapamil, in spite of the fact that its accumulation by these cells is negligible [1]. We selected verapamil-resistant mutants from multidrug resistant Chinese hamster ovary cells. Levels of P-glycoprotein expression and cross-resistance profiles remained unaltered in the verapamil-resistant multidrug resistant cells. As well, a photoactive verapamil analog specifically bound to P-glycoprotein in these cells. We had previously used a photoactive anthracycline to show that calcium antagonists and several anticancer drugs bind to P-glycoprotein at overlapping or interacting sites [2,3]. Verapamil and its analogues no longer inhibit the binding of either anticancer drugs or calcium channel blockers to P-glycoprotein. Sequencing of P-glycoprotein revealed that no change had occurred in the coding sequence as a result of the selection procedure.
Infrared spectra of trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride

Spectra of matrix-isolated trifluoroacetic acid species and matrix-isolated and solid trifluoroacetic anhydride are reported. Vibrational assignments are given for the CF3COOH and CF3COOD monomers, the i.r. active vibrations of (CF3COOH)2 and (CF3COOD)2 cyclic dimers, and (CF3CO)2O. The analysis suggests that a very low barrier hinders internal rotation of the CF3 group in the acids and also indicates the probable absence of an equilibrium plane of symmetry in the monomers. The truth of these statements hinges on the interpretation of the data for the nominal COH bending vibration. For CF3COOH monomer this band shows two components that are separated by ~15 cm−1, while CF3COOD monomer yields a single, sharp band that is red-shifted by a normal amount. These observations, coupled with the anomalous isotopic frequency behavior found for this vibration with acetic acid monomers [C.V. Berney, R.L. Redington and K.C. Lin, J. Chem. Phys.53, 1743 (1970)], reinforces the suggestion that a relatively low barrier hinders H atom transfer between the two O atoms via a coordinate that originates as COH angle bending.
Stress amplification during development of the tendon-to-bone attachment

Mechanical stress is necessary to sustain the mineral content of bone in adults. However, in a developing neonatal mouse, the mineralization of soft tissues progresses despite greatly reduced average mechanical stresses. In adults, these reduced loads would likely lead to bone loss. Although biochemical factors may partly explain these different responses, it is unclear how mineralization is initiated in low load environments. We present here the effect of morphometric data and initial modeling supporting a hypothesis that mechanical factors across several length scales amplify stresses, and we suggest that these stresses are of a level adequate to contribute to mechanical signaling for initiation of mineralization at the developing tendon-to-bone enthesis. A mineral gradient is evident across the insertion from the onset of mineralization. This grading maintains a constant size from early postnatal time points to adulthood. At the tissue level, this grading contributes to reduced stresses in an adult animal and to a minor elevation of stresses in a neonatal animal. At the cellular level, stress concentrations around mineralizing chondrocytes are enhanced in neonatal animals compared with adult animals. The enhancement of stresses around cells at early time points may serve to amplify and transduce low loads in order to initiate mineralization.
The 20-yr oscillation in eastern North American temperature records

IT has been argued (see for example ref. 1) that there is little or no reliable evidence for 11- or 22-yr cycles in meteorological time series, and that even if a significant spectral peak exists, the identified cycle may not maintain its phase and amplitude sufficiently to allow reliable prediction. To investigate this we have examined January temperature records for 19 stations in eastern North America. Our results show that: first, a pervasive 20-yr peak exists in the spectra of January temperatures in eastern Canada and the United States; secondly, the 20-yr oscillation was largely in phase over this region until approximately 1960; and thirdly, the predictability of this oscillation is, at best, only marginal.
Impact modification of styrene‐acrylonitrile copolymers by methyl methacrylate grafted rubbers

Monodisperse methyl methacrylate grafted latex rubber (MMA-g) particles (0.12-0.13 µm) have been used for the impact toughening of a series of styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers of varied AN content. It was found that the MMA-g particles are most effective in toughening SANs containing about 25 to 34% AN. Mechanical properties, interphase adhesion, mechanical dilatometry, and phase morphology by transmission electron microscopy were determined on blends containing 20-30% rubber. Also, the miscibility range of SANs and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) graft was considered in attempting to analyze the relationships between the mechanical properties and the characteristic features of the blends. Issues relating the impact strength and deformation mechanisms, interphase adhesion, and particle morphology are discussed. It appears that the high impact strength of some of the blends may be caused primarily by certain morphological features such as particle clustering or small interparticle distances. Thus, craze initiation, shear yielding, and significant matrix deformation may all contribute to the overall ductility of the blend.
Ozonation of lysozyme in the presence of oleate in reverse micelles of sodium DI-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate

Ozone is shown to react with lysozyme in reverse micelles formed by 0.1 M sodium di-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate and 1.2–3 M water (pH 7.4) in isooctane solvent. The reaction of ozone is assessed by the oxidation of tryptophan residues in the protein to N-formylkynurenine. Cosolubilization of oleate in lysozyme-containing reverse micellar solutions at concentrations of 0.5–10 mM results in a progressive inhibition (19% to 82%) of the oxidation of tryptophan residues with a concentration for 50% inhibition around 2 mM. At this concentration of oleate, the magnitude of inhibition is independent of the micelle size and concentration, the overall interfacial area of reverse micelles, and the amount of ozone employed. These findings are discussed in terms of competitive reactions of ozone with unsaturated fatty acids and proteins in the lung lining fluid and in biological membranes.
Chaetomidium heterotrichum from Venezuela, with a key to species and cladistic analysis of the genus Chaetomidium

A species of the genusChaetomidium was isolated from fallen leaves of an unknown tree during a mycofloral survey of materials from the ‘Gran Sabana’ region in Southeastern Venezuela. The species was identified asC. heterotrichum. Identification was based on the perithecium lacking a neck and ostiole, the peridium being composed of textura angularis cells, the perithecium being covered with hairs and setae at the apex, and by 4-spored asci containing uniporate ascospores. The anamorph was intermediate betweenChalara andAcremonium sect.Chaetomioides. This is the first report of this species in Venezuela and only the second timeC. heterotrichum has been found. An illustrated description ofC. heterotrichum and a key to eight recognized species ofChaetomidium, based on morphological characters in the literature, are provided. The results of a cladistic analysis of 12 available morphological characters of the genus revealed two main groups, each based on the two characters ‘ascospore shape’ and ‘peridial wall type’. The ascomatal hairs had little influence on the species grouping. With the exception ofC. heterotrichum, the remaining species ofChaetomidium were monophyletically supported in 73% of the bootstrap replicates.Chaetomidium heterotrichum was the basal ingroup taxon and formed a sister group to the other species in the genus.
Blockade of postjunctional vascular alpha1- and alpha2-adrenoceptors in pithed rat by the enantiomers of WB-4101

The enantiomers of WB-4101 were evaluated for their ability to antagonize the α1-adrenoreceptor mediated pressor effect of cirazoline and the α2-adrenoreceptor mediated pressor effect of UK-14,304 in pithed rats. The (S)-stereoisomer of WB-4101 was more potent than the enantiomeric (R)-isomer in antagonizing both cirazoline and UK-14,304. The difference in potency between the enantiomers in blocking cirazoline was 37-fold in contrast to an enantiomeric difference of less than 3-fold for antagonizing UK-14,304. Based on DR2 values (i.e., dose of WB-4101 isomer in mg/kg required to produce a 2-fold rightward shift in the doseresponse curves of cirazoline and UK-14,304) obtained in vivo from Schild regressions, α1/α2 selectivity ratios were calculated. While the (S)-enantiomer displays a 187-fold selectivity for α1-adrenoreceptors, the (R)-enantiomer is only approximately 13-fold selective for α1-adrenoreceptors. These results indicate that the α1- and α2-adrenoreceptor blocking activity of WB-4101 resides predominantly in the (S)-enantiomer and that both enantiomers of WB-4101 are selective α1-adrenoreceptor antagonists in vivo. However the degree of α1-adrenoreceptor selectivity differs for each enantiomer, and the enantiometric activity ratios differ for each α-adrenoceptor subtype.
The chloromethoxy radical: kinetics of the reaction with O2 and the unimolecular elimination of HCl at 306 K

The gas-phase kinetics of the CH2ClO radical, formed by flash photolysis of Cl2 in CH3Cl/O2/N2 mixtures, was investigated at 306 K and at total pressures from 5 to 35 Torr by time-resolved mass spectrometry. Reaction of CH2ClO with O2 to form HC(O)Cl and HO2, and unimolecular dissociation to HCl and HCO were both observed. The absolute rate coefficient for reaction of CH2ClO with O2 is (2.8±1.2)×10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The unimolecular dissociation is well into the fall-off, the rate coefficient increasing from 6×102 s−1 to 4×103 s−1 between 5 and 35 Torr.
Nonstandard Higgs bosons as a source of monojets.

Nonstandard Higgs-boson models are examined as a potential source for events with large missing ${P}_{t}$ of the type recently seen by the UA1 group at CERN.
Effects of elevated circulating hormones on resistance exercise-induced Akt signaling.

Purpose: Hormones and muscle contraction alter protein kinase B (Akt) signaling via distinct mechanisms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether physiologically elevated circulating hormones modulate resistance exercise (RE)-induced signaling of Akt and its downstream targets. We hypothesized that elevated circulating hormones would potentiate the signaling response. Methods: Seven healthy men (mean +/- SD age, 27 +/- 4 yr; body mass, 79.1 +/- 13.6 kg; body fat, 16% +/- 7%) performed two identical lower-body RE protocols (five sets of five maximal repetitions of knee extensions) in a randomized order and separated by 1-3 wk: one protocol was preceded by rest [low-circulating hormonal concentration (LHC) trial], and the other was preceded by a bout of high-volume upper-body RE using short rest periods designed to elicit a large increase in circulating hormones [high-circulating hormonal concentration (HHC) trial]. Results: The HHC trial invoked significantly (P <= 0.05) greater growth hormone (GH) and cortisol concentrations compared with the LHC trial. There were minimal differences between trials in insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations. Contrary to our hypothesis, 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70 S6K) threonine (Thr) 389 phosphorylation within the vastus lateralis was attenuated at 180 min post-RE during the HHC trial. RE did not affect Akt or glycogen synthase kinase-3[beta] (GSK-3[beta]) phosphorylation nor were there differences between trials. Immediately post-RE, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation declined, and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation increased; however, there were no differences between trials in these variables. Conclusion: p70 S6K Thr 389 phosphorylation was attenuated during the HHC trial despite dramatically greater (>2.5-fold) circulating GH concentrations; this was potentially due to cortisol-induced inhibition of p70 S6K Thr 389 phosphorylation
Quinolone Mode of Action

Physical studies have further defined interactions of quinolones with their principal target, DNA gyrase. The binding of quinolones to the DNA gyrase-DNA complex suggests 2 possible binding sites of differing affinities. Mutations in either the gyrase A gene (gyrA) or the gyrase B gene (gyrB) that affect quinolone susceptibility also affect drug binding, with resistance mutations causing decreased binding and hypersusceptibility mutations causing increased binding. Combinations of mutations in both GyrA and GyrB have further demonstrated the contribution of both subunits to the quinolone sensitivity of intact bacteria and purified DNA gyrase. A working model postulates initial binding of quinolones to proximate sites on GyrA and GyrB. This initial binding then produces conformational changes that expose additional binding sites, possibly involving DNA. Quinolones also inhibit the activities of Escherichia coli topoisomerase IV (encoded by the parC and parE genes), but at concentrations higher than those inhibiting DNA gyrase. The patterns of resistance mutations in gyrA and parC suggest that topoisomerase IV may be a secondary drug target in E. coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In contrast, in Staphylococcus aureus these patterns suggest that topoisomerase IV may be a primary target of quinolone action. Regulation of expression of membrane efflux transporters may contribute to quinolone susceptibility in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The substrate profile of the NorA efflux transporter of S. aureus correlates with the extent to which the activity of quinolone substrates is affected by overexpression of NorA. In addition, the Emr transporter of E. coli affects susceptibility to nalidixic acid, and the MexAB OprK transport system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa affects susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. Quinolones avoiding transport by commonly occurring efflux systems may thus exhibit enhanced activity.
Development and evolution of melanophore patterns in fishes of the genus Danio (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

Pigmentation patterns in vertebrates have become an important model for those interested in mechanisms of pattern determination. I present detailed information on the development of melanophore patterns in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, five close relatives of that species, and an outgroup. The comparison of the ontogeny of melanophore patterns in this group is an important first step towards understanding the developmental basis of the interspecific variation. Pigment patterns in this group range from no distinct patterning at all to stripes of differing numbers and widths to reticulated stripes. Species examined form identical larval patterns and follow a common sequence of events from which different elements are eliminated or altered to produce the variety of patterns seen in the group. As flexion is completed, melanophores move from larval positions onto the flanks of the fish. In D. rerio, D. rerio 'leo,' D. kerri, and D. malabaricus, xanthophores become established on the body of the fish as the melanophores move; erythrophores become established on the flanks of D. albolineatus and D. sp. cf. aequipinnatus. An increase in melanophore number, begun at this time, continues at a higher rate in D. rerio, D. kerri, D. sp. cf. aequipinnatus and Tanichthys albonubes than in the other three species. This results in a greater number of melanophores on adults in those species with a higher rate of melanophore increase. No distinct pattern forms, except on the caudal peduncle, in D. albolineatus. In all other Danio species, melanophore stripes form first below then above the horizontal myoseptum. Additional stripes are added first below then above these initial two stripes. D. kerri develops fewer, wider melanophore stripes than D. rerio. After initial stripe formation, D. malabaricus and D. sp. cf. aequipinnatus both developed vertical pattern elements and reticulations in the melanophore pattern. Differences in patterns between species are similar in several cases to described mutants of the zebrafish, suggesting that some aspects of interspecific pigmentation pattern variation may be under relatively simple genetic control. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Metrics to assess design guidance

Heightened sustainability concerns and emerging technologies give building professionals the desire and ability to explore more alternatives for more objectives. As design challenges become more complicated, and as strategies become more advanced, the need and opportunity emerges to measure processes and to compare the guidance afforded. Through literature review and industry observations, we synthesize a comprehensive framework of definitions and metrics. We apply the metrics to an industry case study to illustrate how they help communicate information about challenges, strategies, and explorations present in the domain of energy efficient design. We measure and compare the guidance provided by applying two strategies to one challenge. The ability to measure guidance marks a valuable step for prescribing design process improvement.
Diffusiophoretic Motion of a Charged Spherical Particle in a Nanopore

The diffusiophoretic motion of a charged spherical particle in a nanopore, subjected to an axial electrolyte concentration gradient, is investigated using a continuum theory, which consists of the ionic mass conservation equations for the ionic concentrations, the Poisson equation for the electric potential in the solution, and the Stokes equations for the hydrodynamic field. With the concentration gradient imposed, the particle motion is induced by two different mechanisms: an electrophoresis generated by the induced electric field arising from the difference of ionic diffusivities and the double layer polarization (DLP) and a chemiphoresis by the resulting osmotic pressure gradient induced by the solute gradient in the electrical double layer around the particle. The particle diffusiophoretic velocity along the axis of the nanopore is computed as functions of the ratio of the particle size to the thickness of the electrical double layer, the ratio of the nanopore size to the particle size, the particle ...
Heme binding to the Mammalian circadian clock protein period 2 is nonspecific.

The mammalian circadian clock synchronizes physical and metabolic activity with the diurnal cycle through a transcriptional-posttranslational feedback loop. An additional feedback mechanism regulating clock timing has been proposed to involve oscillation in heme availability. Period 2 (PER2), an integral component in the negative feedback loop that establishes circadian rhythms in mammals, has been identified as a heme binding protein. However, the majority of evidence for heme binding is based upon in vitro heme binding assays. We sought to ascertain if these largely spectral assays could distinguish between specific and non-specific heme interactions. Heme binding properties by a number of other well-characterized proteins, all with no known biological role involving heme interaction, corresponded to those displayed by PER2. Site-directed mutants of putative heme-binding residues identified by MCD were unable to locate a specific heme-binding site on PER2. Protein film electrochemistry also indicates that heme binds PER2 non-specifically on the protein surface. Our results establish the inability of typical in vitro assays to easily distinguish between specific and non-specific heme binding. We conclude that heme binding to PER2 is likely to be non-specific and does not involve the hydrophobic pocket within the PER2 PAS domains that in other PAS proteins commonly recognizes cofactors. These findings also question the significance of in vivo studies that implicate heme interactions with the clock proteins PER2 and nPAS2 in biological function.
The Boom and the Slump: a Causal Account of the 1990s/2000s and the 1920s/1930s

Not all booms are alike, nor are slumps. The institutions and the shocks are never exactly the same. Yet the late 1990s boom, and its unwinding, strikingly parallel the boom of the roaring 1920s, the deep decline into the early 1930s andonly a partial rebound. Both experiences began with an investment boom, then a downturn in investment while consumption held up. Economic activity closely tracked investment. The realizations of extraordinary productivity gains were present in the problematic and incomplete recovery of the 1930s, which suggests the possibility that return to the medium‐term natural rate of unemployment may be a rather long process. I expect the rest of the decade to resemble the rest of the 1930s – a limited recovery with investment and employment below historical norms.
How to talk about sex with patients who are not heterosexual

Talking about sex and sexuality is difficult for most patients and physicians. But for the 10% of the population who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender,1,2 discussing sex can be even more confusing and uncomfortable. Many patients are unwilling to disclose their sexual orientation for fear of retaliation and discrimination. Unfortunately, the biases and prejudices of society are not always left at the door to the examination room and may affect the quality of health care received by patients who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Health care professionals often assume that their patients are heterosexual, which can create unease in the patient-physician relationship. The assumption of heterosexuality, or heterosexism, not only makes patients feel uncomfortable, but can also lead a physician to neglect certain aspects of health care and to provide inappropriate counseling. Some physicians are openly hostile, destroying patient trust and breaching patient confidentiality. I present a hypothetical case of Kate, a 23-year-old female graduate student, on her first visit to a health clinic. For the purposes of this article, I will focus on the sexual history, providing examples of improper questions and suggestions of alternative ways of obtaining an appropriate sexual history.
Catalyst activity comparison of alcohols over zeolites

Abstract Alcohol transformation to transportation fuel-range hydrocarbon over HZSM-5 (SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 = 30) catalyst was studied at 360 °C and 300 psig. Product distributions and catalyst life were compared between methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and 1-butanol as a feed. The catalyst life for 1-propanol and 1-butanol was more than double compared with that for methanol and ethanol. For all the alcohols studied, the product distributions (classified to paraffin, olefin, naphthene, aromatic and naphthalene compounds) varied with time on stream (TOS). At 24 h TOS, liquid product from 1-propanol and 1-butanol transformation primarily contains higher olefin compounds. The alcohol transformation process to higher hydrocarbon involves a complex set of reaction pathways such as dehydration, oligomerization, dehydrocyclization and hydrogenation. Compared with ethylene generated from methanol and ethanol, oligomerization of propylene and butylene has a lower activation energy and can readily take place on weaker acidic sites. On the other hand, dehydrocyclization of the oligomerized products of propylene and butylene to form the cyclic compounds requires the sites with stronger acid strength. Combination of the above mentioned reasons are the primary reasons for olefin rich product generated in the later stage of the time on stream and for the extended catalyst life time for 1-propanol and 1-butanol compared with methanol and ethanol conversion over HZSM-5.
Hypobaric helium atmospheres for light and electron microscopy of mammalian cells

The development of electron microscope environmental/hydration chambers (EMC's) for the examination of living biological specimens has necessitated a search for a suitable gaseous environment that is compatible with both electron imaging and cell survival. Helium has a lower electron scattering cross section than air. The effects of hydrated helium and hydrated air atmospheres in an EMC at pressures 50-200 Torr were examined with a JEM 200 transmission electron microscope operated at 200 kV and 22 degrees C. Results showed that whereas 200 Torr of air reduced beam transmission by more than 90% under these conditions, 200 Torr of moist helium only reduced beam transmission by 30%. The effects of sub-atmospheric or hypobaric helium atmospheres on human white blood cells attached to glass coverslips were investigated by phase-contrast light microscopy in a simulated EMC or light microscope environmental chamber (LMC) at ...37 degrees C. gross morphological changes were observed in cells held at pressures of 300 Torr of moist helium for exposure times of 15 min. At pressures below 300 Torr, morphological changes occurred more rapidly as the pressure was reduced. At the lowest pressures tested (60 and 80 Torr) 50% of the cell populations died within 6-7 min. The development of morphological changes produced by hypobaric stress followed a characteristic pattern. The filopodia, or microvilli attaching the cells to the substrate, became withdrawn, with only occasional retraction fibers remaining. Blends appeared around the cell surface and increased in size as hypobaric exposures progressed. Vacuoles, or cler spherical regions, appeared within the cytoplasm and the overall shape of the cells became circular. The cells became flatter during circularization, showing an apparent 2-2-5 X increase in size as they respread on the substrate...
The Impact of Tic Severity Dimensions on Impairment and Quality of Life among Youth with Chronic Tic Disorders

Varied findings exist concerning the relationship between global tic severity, impairment, and quality of life for youth with chronic tic disorders (TD). As global tic severity is comprised of multiple dimensions, specific dimensional aspects (e.g., tic severity type, tic number, tic frequency, tic intensity, tic complexity, tic interference) may impact impairment and quality of life by varying degrees. Twenty-four youth with TD completed an assessment of global tic severity, tic-related impairment, and quality of life. Findings suggest that motor tic severity significantly predicted clinician-rated impairment. Tic number, tic complexity, and tic interference significantly predicted parent-rated impairment. No dimensional aspects of tic severity predicted child-rated quality of life. Findings highlight that dimensional aspects of tic severity impact tic-related impairment distinctively. Clinical implications of these results are discussed.
Molecular resolution and reconstitution of the GPP(NH) and NAF sensitive adenylate cyclase system

Abstract When a special detergent-extraction procedure is applied to rat brain particulate fractions, the latter's adenylate cyclase activity becomes virtually unresponsive to NaF or Gpp (NH)p (guanylyl-5′-imidodiphosphate) despite the fact that under these conditions the enzyme does not appear to be removed (i.e., solubilized) from the membranes. Addition of exogenous fractions of detergent-solubilized membranes or of water-soluble samples of homogenates, obtained from various tissues, restores the stimulation of the enzyme by both Gpp(NH)p and NaF. These findings indicate that the stimulation caused by these agents is mediated by one or more regulatory component(s), and that these are molecular components physically distinct from the enzyme itself. The regulatory component(s) appear to be proteinaceous in nature and sensitive to SH-reactive reagents. The properties of the reconstituted system resemble those of the original particulate adenylate cyclase. This system may serve as a convenient tool for the study of the molecular properties of adenylate cyclase and of the basis of its regulatory control.
Identification of nonlinear elastic solids by a finite element method

Abstract The problem of utilizing experimental data to characterize the stress constitutive function for a nonlinear elastic solid is formulated as an inverse boundary value problem. The use of finite element discretization is extended by introducing a technique of material parameterization that utilizes finite elements defined over the domain of the stress constitutive function. The discretized identification problem is then reduced to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations that couples the data set and the discretized boundary value problem. The effect of errors in measured data is minimized by employing a weighted least squares error norm to generate the equations from which the unknown material parameters are obtained. An illustrative numerical experimental is included.
Interactions, superconducting T c , and fluctuation magnetization for two coupled dots in the crossover between the Gaussian orthogonal and unitary ensembles

We study a system of two quantum dots connected by a hopping bridge. Both the dots and connecting region are assumed to be in universal crossover regimes between Gaussian orthogonal and unitary ensembles. Using a diagrammatic approach appropriate for energy separations much larger than the level spacing, we obtain the ensemble-averaged one- and two-particle Green's functions. It turns out that the diffusion and Cooperon parts of the two-particle Green's function can be described by separate scaling functions. We then use this information to investigate a model interacting system in which one dot has an attractive $s$-wave reduced Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer interaction, while the other is noninteracting but subject to an orbital magnetic field. We find that the critical temperature is nonmonotonic in the flux through the second dot in a certain regime of interdot coupling. Likewise, the fluctuation magnetization above the critical temperature is also nonmonotonic in this regime, can be either diamagnetic or paramagnetic, and can be deduced from the Cooperon scaling function.
The active center of catalase

The refined structure of beef liver catalase (I. Fita, A. M. Silva, M. R. N. Murthy & M. G. Rossmann, unpublished results) is here examined with regard to possible catalytic mechanisms. The distal side of the deeply buried heme pocket is connected with the surface of the molecule by one (or possibly two) channel. The electron density representing the heme group, in each of the two crystallographically independent subunits, is consistent with degradation of the porphyrin rings. The heme group appears to be buckled, reflecting the high content of bile pigment in liver catalase. The spatial organization on the proximal side (where the fifth ligand of the iron is located) shows an elaborate network of interactions. The distal side contains the substrate pocket. The limited space in this region severely constrains possible substrate positions and orientations. The N delta atom of the essential His74 residue hydrogen bonds with O gamma of Ser113, which in turn hydrogen bonds to a water molecule associated with the propionic carbonylic group of pyrrole III. These interactions are also visible in the refined structure of Penicillium vitale catalase (B. K. Vainshtein, W. R. Melik-Adamyan, V. V. Barynin, A. A. Vagin, A. I. Grebenko, V. V. Borisov, K. S. Bartels, I. Fita, & M. G. Rossmann, unpublished results). Model building suggests a pathway for a catalase mechanism (compound I formation, as well as catalatic and peroxidatic reactions). There are some similarities in compound I formation of catalase and cytochrome c peroxidase.
Virus and bacteria dynamics of a coastal sediment: Implication for benthic carbon cycling

We measured microbial heterotrophic activity, bacteria, and virus-like particle (VLP) abundance in homogenized, undiluted, and anoxic enclosures of sediment collected at a coastal station. The bacterial growth rate and VLP net production increased along with the respiratory activity in response to temperature. This suggests that VLPs represent a dynamic component of benthic microbial communities and that the net production of viriobenthos is regulated by the metabolic activity of bacteria. The abundance, net production, and decay rate of VLPs were significantly higher than those encountered in most pelagic systems. However, the rates were lower than the very few available potential rates (three studies) of viriobenthic activity, which all were obtained applying different slurry approaches. Our measurements support the general observation that virus abundance and production correlate with the trophic status of the environment and show that microbial activity can regulate the viriobenthic production in undiluted, homogenized marine sediments. The virus-induced bacterial mortality corresponded to ;20% of bacterial net production and ;2% h 21 of the total bacterial population. This is moderate compared with the results of most pelagic studies, and the associated leakage of lysates (dissolved organic carbon) only amounted to 4‐8% of the produced dissolved inorganic carbon. Despite high standing stocks and relatively high turnover rates, VLP-induced bacterial lysis represented only a minor shunt in the benthic carbon cycle at the investigated site. Viruses are abundant in all aquatic environments, and their potential effect on prokaryotic population dynamics and element cycling received considerable attention during the past decade (Fuhrman 1999; Wommack and Colwell 2000; Weinbauer 2004). However, by far, most studies have been dedicated to the planktonic environment. It has been shown that virus infections are responsible for 20‐50% of the prokaryotic mortality (Weinbauer 2004) and that the virus-induced lysis of bacteria is a major source of planktonic dissolved organic matter (DOM) production (e.g., Fuhrman 1999; Wommack and Colwell 2000; Middelboe et al. 2003b). Despite the well-documented importance of prokaryotic viruses for the pelagic environment, our present knowledge on the distribution and impact of viriobenthos is still very limited. Sediments play a key role in the marine carbon cycle, and it is generally anticipated that, in coastal environments, 25‐ 50% of the carbon degradation is mediated by benthic processes (Wollast 1991). On the global scale, marine sediments are the quantitatively most important sites for carbon burial, and the burial rate is ultimately regulated by the efficiency of microbial-driven diagenesis (Archer and Maier Reimer 1994). Understanding environmental processes that affect the activity of benthic microbial communities is thus essential for accessing local and global carbon cycling. The relatively few benthic studies show high virus-like particle (VLP) abundances in sediments and that the number 1
Intoxication Detection using Phonetic, Phonotactic and Prosodic Cues

In this paper, we investigate multiple approaches for automatically detecting intoxicated speakers given samples of their speech. Intoxicated speech in a given language can be viewed simply as a different accent of this language; therefore we adopt our recent approach to dialect and accent recognition to detect intoxication. The system models phonetic structural differences across sober and intoxicated speakers. This approach employs SVM with a kernel function that computes similarities between adapted phone GMMs which summarize speakers’ phonetic characteristics in their utterances. We also investigate additional cues, such as prosodic events, phonotactics and phonetic durations under intoxicated and sober conditions. We find that our phonetic-based system when combined with phonotactic features provides us with our best result on the official development set, an accuracy of 73% and an equal error rate of 26.3%, significantly higher than the official baseline.
Motivation to Quit and Interest in Cessation Treatment Among Homeless Youth Smokers.

Author(s): Tucker, Joan S; Shadel, William G; Golinelli, Daniela; Ewing, Brett; Mullins, Leslie | Abstract: IntroductionApproximately 70% of unaccompanied homeless youth are current smokers. Although a few studies have described smoking behavior among homeless youth, none have focused on how to help homeless youth quit smoking. As such, there are significant gaps in understanding their interest in quitting and what strategies might best fit their specific needs.MethodsUnaccompanied homeless youth were randomly sampled from street sites in Los Angeles County (N = 292). All were current smokers who completed a survey on their smoking-related behaviors and cognitions.Results65.7% of youth had quit for at least 24hr during the past year, and 43.4% were motivated to quit. Previous quit attempts tended to be unassisted, but 58.6% reported that they would be interested in formal cessation treatment. Multivariate analyses indicated that motivation to quit was higher among youth who were older, Black or Hispanic (vs. White), and who asked about smoking by a service provider, but it was lower among those who were more nicotine dependent. Being interested in cessation treatment was more likely among youth who were asked about smoking by a service provider, anticipated more barriers to quitting, and were motivated to quit; it was less likely among youth who had slept outdoors during the past 30 days.DiscussionSmoking cessation is often considered a low priority for homeless youth. However, many are motivated to quit and are interested in smoking cessation products and services. Implications for developing and engaging homeless youth in cessation treatment are discussed.
Ternary Operations as Primitive Notions for Constructive Plane Geometry IV

This paper continues the investigations begun in [6] and continued in [7] about quantifier-free axiomatizations of plane Euclidean geometry using ternary operations. We show that plane Euclidean geometry over Archimedean ordered Euclidean fields can be axiomatized using only two ternary operations if one allows axioms that are not first-order but universal Lw1,w sentences. The operations are: the transport of a segment on a halfline that starts at one of the endpoints of the given segment, and the operation which produces one of the intersection points of a perpendicular on a diameter of a circle (which intersects that diameter at a point inside the circle) with that circle. MSC: 03F65, 51M05, 51M15.
Countertransference and the erotic.

Eros is like a huge spark that ignites our passion and then confronts us with the problem of living out this fire in ordinary space and time. What do we each know of this spark, this flame? Who or what was it’s object? Where have we felt this force for unity in ourselves, with another person, with life itself? Where are we unlived erotically? Where are the chinks in our erotic life? In focusing on the erotic in clinical work, we usually begin with the analysand’s transference. I want to explore eros in the life of the analyst for our relation to eros influences the clinical work we do. When eros is constellated, two possibilities of relationship present themselves: to an actual other who must be reckoned with as real, and to a psychic content, equally real, which we do not invent or control. How do we experience this electricity? What is our desire like? What does it take us back to, and toward what unseen purpose does it propel us? Eros brings with it a sense of purpose, of going somewhere important, something that enlists body, soul, and spirit.
Integrated photonics using asymmetric twin-waveguide structures

We demonstrate a number of integrated photonic devices using a twin-waveguide (TG) based technique. The asymmetric TG structure has vertically stacked active and passive waveguides grown in a single epitaxial growth step. All integrated components are defined by post-growth patterning, and tapered mode transformers provide efficient coupling between active and passive sections. Devices made from the same base wafer include single-frequency DBR lasers, semiconductor optical amplifiers and electroabsorption modulators integrated with passive components such as 3 dB couplers, grating sections and Mach-Zehnder interferometers.