cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved peptide mass fingerprinting matches via optimized sample preparation in MALDI mass spectrometry.

Abstract Peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) is a powerful technique in which experimentally measured m/z values of peptides resulting from a protein digest form the basis for a characteristic fingerprint of the intact protein. Due to its propensity to generate singly charged ions, along with its relative insensitivity to salts and buffers, matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI)-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) is the MS method of choice for PMF. The qualitative features of the mass spectrum can be selectively tuned by employing different methods to prepare the protein digest and matrix for MALDI-TOFMS. The selective tuning of MALDI mass spectra in order to optimize PMF is addressed here. Bovine serum albumin, carbonic anhydrase, cytochrome c, hemoglobin alpha- and beta-chain, and myoglobin were digested with trypsin and then analyzed by MALDI-TOFMS. 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) and alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) were prepared using six different sample preparation methods: dried droplet, application of protein digest on MALDI plate followed by addition of matrix, dried droplet with vacuum drying, overlayer, sandwich, and dried droplet with heating. Improved results were obtained for the matrix alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid using a modification of the died droplet method in which the MALDI plate was heated to 80 °C prior to matrix application, which is supported by observations from scanning electron microscopy. Although each protein was found to have a different optimum sample preparation method for PMF, in general higher sequence coverage for PMF was obtained using DHB. The best PMF results were obtained when all of the mass spectral data for a particular protein digest was convolved together.
Temporally enhanced 3D capture of room-sized dynamic scenes with commodity depth cameras

In this paper, we introduce a system to capture the enhanced 3D structure of a room-sized dynamic scene with commodity depth cameras such as Microsoft Kinects. It is challenging to capture the entire dynamic room. First, the raw data from depth cameras are noisy due to the conflicts of the room's large volume and cameras' limited optimal working distance. Second, the severe occlusions between objects lead to dramatic missing data in the captured 3D. Our system incorporates temporal information to achieve a noise-free and complete 3D capture of the entire room. More specifically, we pre-scan the static parts of the room offline, and track their movements online. For the dynamic objects, we perform non-rigid alignment between frames and accumulate data over time. Our system also supports the topology changes of the objects and their interactions. We demonstrate the success of our system with various situations.
Compartmentalized self-replication under fast PCR cycling conditions yields Taq DNA polymerase mutants with increased DNA-binding affinity and blood resistance

Faster-cycling PCR formulations, protocols, and instruments have been developed to address the need for increased throughput and shorter turn-around times for PCR-based assays. Although run times can be cut by up to 50%, shorter cycle times have been correlated with lower detection sensitivity and increased variability. To address these concerns, we applied Compartmentalized Self Replication (CSR) to evolve faster-cycling mutants of Taq DNA polymerase. After five rounds of selection using progressively shorter PCR extension times, individual mutations identified in the fastest-cycling clones were randomly combined using ligation-based multi-site mutagenesis. The best-performing combinatorial mutants exhibit 35- to 90-fold higher affinity (lower Kd ) for primed template and a moderate (2-fold) increase in extension rate compared to wild-type Taq. Further characterization revealed that CSR-selected mutations provide increased resistance to inhibitors, and most notably, enable direct amplification from up to 65% whole blood. We discuss the contribution of individual mutations to fast-cycling and blood-resistant phenotypes.
The orthosteric agonist-binding pocket in the prototypic class B G-protein-coupled secretin receptor.

Class B GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors) share heptahelical topology and G-protein binding with other superfamily members, yet have unique structures and modes of activation. Natural ligands for these receptors are moderate-length peptides with C-terminal α-helices. NMR and crystal structures of the peptide-bound disulfide-bonded receptor N-terminal domains demonstrate that these helices occupy a conserved groove; however, the details of this interaction vary from one receptor to another. In this review, we focus on the prototypic secretin receptor and use extensive intrinsic photoaffinity labelling, structure–activity series, alanine-replacement mutagenesis and fluorescence analysis to define the molecular basis for this interaction. Additionally, experimental validation of predictions coming from in silico molecular modelling has provided a basis for enhancement of binding affinity. Such insights will be useful in the rational development of drugs acting at this important group of targets.
Cardiovascular Collapse Associated with Disopyramide Therapy

Five patients with severe left ventricular failure, renal insufficiency, and recurrent ventricular tachycardia had cardiovascular collapse and died eight hours to 23 days after initiation of the usual doses of disopyramide. Three patients had recent myocardial infarction (12 to 33 days), and one had severe congestive cardiomyopathy. ECG changes antedated appearance of cardiovascular collapse and consisted of lengthening of the QRS (0.10 ± 0.02 to 0.22 ± 0.09; P µ g/ml) were available in two patients. A syndrome of progressive lengthening of ventricular depolarization and repolarization terminating in cardiovascular collapse and death associated with disopyramide is described. In addition, a high incidence of sinus bradycardia, atrioventricular conduction disturbances, or both was also noted. Disopyramide is contraindicated in patients with severe heart failure and renal insufficiency. Progressive widening of the QRS complex or the QT interval may presage appearance of severe myocardial dysfunction.
A Regression Model for the Prediction of Chlorophyll a in Lake Okeechobee, Florida

ABSTRACT Lake Okeechobee water quality data from 1980 to 1993 were used to develop a model for predicting chlorophyll a concentrations. Data collected by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the University of Florida included stage, temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, wind velocity and chlorophyll a. The lake was divided into five zones based on previous studies. Exploratory data analyses were performed to determine spatial and temporal scales of variation in chlorophyll a levels. The result of a backward testing strategy based on Type III sum of squares was a linear model in which the principle predictor of chlorophyll a concentration was log10 total phosphorus, followed by log10 total nitrogen and then by log10 temperature, die latter of which can be considered a seasonality term. The model suggests that location in the lake is important in predicting chlorophyll a since statistically different slopes describe the relationship between the predictors (temperature, total pho...
Computer simulation of helium-induced forward-recoil proton spectra for hydrogen concentration determinations

Abstract The availability of accurate p-4He elastic scattering cross sections with values which can be generated in a computer program means that, with proper attention to energy loss, helium-induced forward recoil proton spectra can be simulated for arbitrary hydrogen concentrations. Such simulated spectra can be used to fit data either in transmission or glancing-angle geometry. The method of calculating forward-recoil cross sections for incident 4He or 3He are explained and representative values tabulated. The spectrum simulation calculation without, and with. straggling and the effects of multiple scattering and kinematics are illustrated for transmission geometry.
Is virga rain that evaporates before reaching the ground

Abstract The visual phenomenon called virga, a sudden change in the brightness of a precipitation shaft below a cloud, is commonly attributed to evaporation of raindrops. It is said to be rain that does not reach the ground. The optical thickness of an evaporating rain shaft, however, decreases gradually from cloud base to ground. Thus, it is more likely that virga results from snowflakes melting in descent. Horizontal optical-thickness decreases of more than ten can occur in the short distance over which a snowflake is transformed into a raindrop. This decrease is caused by two factors: a smaller number density of hydrometeors because of the greater fall velocity of raindrops than of equivolume snowflakes, and a smaller scattering cross section: the first of these is dominant. An alternative explanation of virga is that it is precipitation that has not yet reached (rather than does not reach) the ground. This is a plausible explanation given the long time periods it may take hydrometeors, especially snow...
Influence of Media Type and Moisture on Adult Development and Pupal Mortality in Rhagoletis indifferens (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The influence of media type and moisture on adult development and pupal mortality in western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera:Tephritidae), was assessed using the pupal-adult and the larval-pupal stage. Inside containers, a higher percent of flies that emerged from dry loam was deformed (44.2%, 1-cm-depth loam; 84.4%, 5-cm-depth loam) than flies from 16% moist loam and dry and 16% moist lab soil (peat moss-sand mix) (0-14.9%). Percent of flies deformed from dry sand (22.1%, 1-cm depth; 49.5%, 5-cm depth) was greater than from 16% moist sand and dry and 16% moist peat moss (0-10.5%). Percents of flies deformed from 8% moist loam, lab soil, sand, and peat moss (0-5.8%) did not differ. Pupae suffered higher mortality at 7 and 14 d after larvae were dropped onto dry loam and dry sand (68.2-94.0%) than dry lab soil and dry peat moss (3.0-53.0%); respective mortalities at 21 and 28 d were similar (81.3-96.0 versus 64.7-97.9%). Pupal mortality in moist media was lower (0.5-40.3%) than in dry media. In outdoor tests, pupal mortality was also higher in dry loam than other dry media. In nature, 60.9% of pupae in dry sandy loams in late summer were dead. Results suggest R. indifferens has not yet evolved to fully cope with dry soils and that pupation in media with traits similar to those of peat moss or a peat moss-sand mix could reduce negative effects of dry environments on fly survival.
Supporting evidence-based medicine: a survey of U.S. medical librarians.

This study sought to identify medical librarians’ roles in supporting evidence-based medicine (EBM) practice; determine whether medical librarians’ work settings, work experiences, or job titles made a difference in their EBM responsibilities; and find out medical librarians’ perceptions of their roles in EBM practice. An online survey was distributed to U.S. medical librarians. The results showed that medical librarians had positive perceptions of their EBM-related responsibilities, which were diverse and specific. Their work experience, work settings, and job title categories related to some of their EBM responsibilities, as well as the nature of some of the responsibilities.
Ecological responses of dominant grasses along two climatic gradients in the Great Plains of the United States

. Few empirical data exist to examine the influence of regional scale environmental gradients on productivity patterns of plant species. In this paper we analyzed the productivity of several dominant grass species along two climatic gradients, mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT), in the Great Plains of the United States. We used climatic data from 296 weather stations, species production data from Natural Resource Conservation Service rangeland surveys and a geographic information system to spatially integrate the data. Both MAP and MAT were significantly related to annual above-ground net primary production (ANPP). MAP explained 54% to 89% of the variation in ANPP of two C4 short-grasses, Bouteloua gracilis and Buchloe dactyloides, and two C4 tall-grasses, Andropogon gerardii and Schizachyrium scoparium (= Andropogon scoparius). MAT explained 19% to 41% of the variation in ANPP of two C4 grasses, B. gracilis and B. dactyloides, and 41% to 66% of the variation in ANPP of two C3 grasses, Agropyron smithii and Stipa comata. ANPP patterns for species along both gradients were described by either linear, negative exponential, logistic, normal or skewed curves. Patterns of absolute ANPP (g/m2) for species differed from those of relative ANPP (%) along the MAP gradient. Responses were similar for species with common functional characteristics (e.g. short-grasses, tall-grasses, C3, C4). Our empirical results support asymmetric responses of species to environmental gradients. Results demonstrate the importance of species attributes, type of environmental gradient and measure of species importance (relative or absolute productivity) in evaluating ecological response patterns.
My lady's chamber: Female space, female chastity in Shakespeare

(1990). My lady's chamber: Female space, female chastity in Shakespeare. Textual Practice: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 73-90.
Reinstatement of cocaine seeking in 129X1/SvJ mice: effects of cocaine priming, cocaine cues and food deprivation.

Rationale and objectives. The mechanisms underlying relapse to cocaine seeking induced by exposure to priming cocaine injections, cues associated with cocaine self-administration and environmental stressors have been studied in rats. Here we describe a reinstatement method for studying relapse to cocaine seeking in mice, a suitable species for studying the effect of genetic manipulations such as gene knockout or gene over-expression on compulsive drug use. Methods. Male mice of the 129X1/SvJ strain were trained for 14–16 days to self-administer cocaine (0.75 mg/kg/infusion; 4 h/day; fixed-ratio-1 schedule of reinforcement; infusions were paired with a light-tone compound cue). Next, the lever-pressing behavior was extinguished by removing the cocaine syringes in the presence (Exps. 1 and 3) or absence (Exp. 2) of the cocaine cue. Subsequently, tests for reinstatement were conducted after exposure to priming injections of cocaine (0, 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0 mg/kg, IV; Exp. 1), response-contingent presentations of the cocaine-associated cue (Exp. 2), or food deprivation stress (1 and 22 h; Exp. 3). Results. The effect of cocaine priming on reinstatement was modest and was only observed at the highest dose tested. On the other hand, reinstatement of cocaine seeking was observed following exposure to the cocaine-associated cue and food deprivation stress. Conclusions. The present data suggest that factors contributing to relapse to drugs can be studied in the reinstatement model using the common 129X1/SvJ mouse inbred strain.
Minimally invasive cardiac operation: adapting cardioprotective strategies.

Abstract Background . Minimally invasive heart operation differs from traditional cardiac operations through the omission of a sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, or both. Current concerns with minimally invasive operation include: operative safety, learning curve, operative times, arrest times, and adequacy of myocardial protection. While many of the protective strategies used for traditional procedures may be applied to minimally invasive cardiac operations, the safe applications of minimally invasive operations require unique techniques of myocardial protection. Methods and Results . Omission of extracorporeal perfusion may benefit patients through attenuation of systemic inflammatory response, decrement in neurologic insults, and reduced bleeding complications. As a counterbalance, surgeons must consider long-term operative quality and level of myocardial protection provided during beating heart coronary operation. Current issues that must be addressed include: pharmacologic management, coronary collateralization and ischemic preconditioning, the utility of intraluminal coronary shunts, and technical adequacy of the anastomosis. Nonsternotomy cardiopulmonary bypass methods utilize alternative incisions and "port-access" technology, and may render more rapid patient recovery including: decreased pain, shortened hospital stay, and more rapid return to work. Altered strategies of myocardial protection in a closed chest environment must address: method of cannulation, technique of aortic occlusion, rapidity and maintenance of cardiac arrest, and cardiac de-airing techniques. Conclusions . Previous obstacles to minimally invasive cardiac operations included limitations in operative exposure, inadequate perfusion technology, and inability to provide myocardial protection. Recent advances in videoscopic visualization and evolving mechanisms of myocardial protection may justify the expanding application of minimally invasive techniques.
Differential targeting and retention of G protein-coupled receptors in polarized epithelial cells.

AbstractLocalization of receptors in discrete cellular microdomains undoubtedly contributes to their interaction with particular effectors and receptor targets. For G protein-coupled receptors, virtually nothing is known about the mechanisms and structural features responsible for their targeting to and retention in varying surface domains. We have shown that the Gj/Go-coupled α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2AAR) is directly targeted to the lateral subdomain of MDCK II cells. Mutational analysis has revealed that regions in or near the bilayer are likely critical for α2AAR targeting, whereas endofacial domains contribute to α2AAR retention on the lateral surface. Although the α2BAR also is enriched on the lateral subdomain at steady-state, its polarization occurs after initial random delivery to both apical and basolateral surfaces followed by a selective accumulation on the lateral subdomain. The α2CAR also is expressed on the lateral subdomain and achieves its localization via direct delivery to the basolate...
Prolonged sinoatrial block in an infant with respiratory syncytial viral bronchiolitis.

Complete heart block in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) infections has been described. This report describes a prolonged sinoatrial block exceeding 4 s in an infant with RSV, which, to the authors’ knowledge, is the longest such event described in the published literature. This block was followed by shorter episodes within the next 24 h. An extensive workup showed no other known cause of bradycardia or sinoatrial block. The infant was discharged home with 48 h Holter monitoring, which was normal. At this writing, the infant has remained asymptomatic since discharge. Respiratory syncytial viral infections may cause prolonged sinoatrial block in an otherwise healthy child.
Cloud height differences on Saturn

Spectrophotometry from 0.6-2.5 micron at 1.5% spectral resolution of Saturn's equator and visibly dark South Equatorial Belt near a 1980 ring-plane crossing shows substantially less absorption by methane over the equator than over the SEB. Model fits using Appleby's model atmosphere and a multiple scattering model lead to the conclusion that the pressure levels of the clouds in the two regions differ by 20%. The region of high clouds is coincident with the location of the equatorial fast jet observed by Voyager.
Phospholipid composition of lipid seed crystal isolates from ivory coast cocoa butter

Seed crystals isolated from Ivory Coast cocoa butter were shown to differ in chemical and thermal characteristics from solidified Ivory Coast butter. Higher concentrations of complex lipids in the seed crystals have led to speculation on the role these polar molecules play in lipid crystallization events. Phospholipids separated from lipid seed crystal isolates were twelve-fold more concentrated than the original cocoa butter. Seed crystals contained 3.99% phospholipids while cocoa butter samples contained 0.34%. Phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidic acid were identified in cocoa butter with phosphatidylcholine (37.7%), phosphatidylglycerol (27.3%) and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (15.6%) being the major phospholipid constituents. Two phospholipids not previously reported in cocoa butter were identified as phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol based on co-migration of standards. Cocoa butter and its seed crystals contained the same phospholipid entities; however, individual phospholipids differed significantly in concentration. Phosphatidylethanolamine (30.4%) and phosphatidylcholine (30.2%) were the major phospholipids in seed crystal samples. Fatty acid composition of cocoa butter and seed crystal phospholipids were found to be similar, with the exception of myristic, stearic and oleic acids. Myristic acid was three-fold higher in phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine in the seed crystals, whereas stearic acid was significantly lower in the seed crystals when compared to the cocoa butter. Concentrations of oleic acid were twice as high in seed crystal phosphatidylethanol-amine and almost four times as high in seed crystal phosphatidylcholine than in corresponding cocoa butter samples. The possible role phospholipids play in seed crystal development and in crystallization events is discussed.
Personal problem solving in a simulated setting: Do perceptions accurately reflect behavior?

The purpose of this study was to ascertain if people who appraise themselves as ineffective problem solvers compared to their perceived effective counterparts [i.e., those scoring high vs. low on the Problem-Solving Inventory (Heppner, 1988)] would behaviorally respond to a simulated problem less effectively. While delivering a 15-min classroom presentation, 61 participants were disrupted three times by a confederate. The results indicated that the self-perceived ineffective problem solvers compared to their perceived effective counterparts did not behave less effectively to the disruptions. However, interpersonal process recall (Kagan, 1975) showed that, during the third disruption, more of the former group compared to the latter group reported negative self-statements, more emotional arousal, intense affect, and self-focused as opposed to problem-focused statements. Further, the former group reported more debilitating cognitions and feelings during the task in general than did the latter group.
Stable isotope paleoecology of White River ungulates during the Eocene–Oligocene climate transition in northwestern Nebraska

Abstract We use the carbon and oxygen stable isotope content of mammalian tooth enamel to evaluate ancient biomes, habitat partitioning, and water use among 12 ungulate taxa from the White River Group in Nebraska. The White River Group spans an interval of climate change from the upper Eocene to the lower Oligocene when global climate cooled in a heterogeneous fashion. We test whether changes in biome structure or mammalian ecology occurred during this interval. We find that mean δ13C values for both Eocene and Oligocene faunas are consistent with dry, open biomes (e.g., woodland-savanna or woody scrubland). A significant increase in mean faunal δ13C values (+ 0.4‰) occurs in the lower Oligocene, primarily from the loss of individuals feeding in wetter–denser parts of the ecosystem. In the upper Eocene, Megacerops sp. (brontothere) and Perchoerus probus (peccary) have low mean δ13C values consistent with feeding in wetter, denser habitats (presumably riparian), whereas significantly higher mean values in the cursorial horse, Mesohippus spp., and the clawed oreodont, Agriochoerus antiquus, are consistent with feeding in more open, drier habitats. The extinctions of Megacerops sp. and Trigonias sp., a rhinocerotid with relatively low δ13C values, along with a decrease in the abundance of P. probus and other taxa, suggests reduction in the extent of wet habitats in the Oligocene. The rare tapir Colodon sp. is the only taxon sampled with a mean δ13C value low enough to indicate consistent feeding in a wet habitat in the Oligocene. However, range-through taxa occupy the same relative positions in isotopic space in both the Eocene and Oligocene faunas suggesting stability in drier habitats. A significant increase also occurs in mean faunal δ18O values (+ 1.0‰) in the Oligocene, primarily from the loss or reduction in abundance of water dependent species. Variance in δ18O values increases significantly in the Oligocene, which is consistent with greater water stress in plants from drier conditions. Oxygen values increase in A. antiquus (+ 0.9‰), the most aridity-sensitive species in both faunas, as expected for drier conditions, but values in another aridity-sensitive taxon (Mesohippus spp.) are virtually unchanged. Together, δ13C and δ18O enamel values generally suggest a shift to drier conditions in the early Oligocene although δ13C values yielded more consistent results. The lack of a large negative shift in δ18O values, expected with a decrease in mean annual temperature, suggests that any temperature changes in the early Oligocene were relatively small in the continental interior of North America.
Analysis of candidate genes for morphine preference quantitative trait locus Mop2.

Abstract Compared to DBA/2J (D2), C57BL/6J (B6) inbred mice exhibit strong morphine preference when tested using a two-bottle choice drinking paradigm. A morphine preference quantitative trait locus (QTL), Mop2 , was originally mapped to proximal chromosome (Chr) 10 using a B6xD2 F2 intercross population, confirmed with reciprocal congenic strains and fine mapped with recombinant congenic strains. These efforts identified a ∼10-Million base pair (Mbp) interval, underlying Mop2 , containing 35 genes. To further reduce the interval, mice from the D2.B6- Mop2 - P1 congenic strain were backcrossed to parental D2 mice and two new recombinant strains of interest were generated: D2.B6- Mop2 - P1 . pD . dB and D2.B6- Mop2-P1.pD.dD . Results obtained from testing these strains in the two-bottle choice drinking paradigm suggest that the gene(s) responsible for the Mop2 QTL is one or more of 22 remaining within the newly defined interval (∼7.6 Mbp) which includes Oprm1 and several other genes related to opioid pharmacology. Real-time qRT-PCR analysis of Oprm1 and opioid-related genes Rgs17 , Ppp1r14c , Vip , and Iyd revealed both between-strain and within-strain expression differences in comparisons of saline- and morphine-treated B6 and D2 mice. Analysis of Rgs17 protein levels also revealed both between-strain and within-strain differences in comparisons of saline- and morphine-treated B6 and D2 mice. Results suggest that the Mop2 QTL represents the combined influence of multiple genetic variants on morphine preference in these two strains. Relative contributions of each variant remain to be determined.
A meta-analytic review of opportunism in exchange relationships

The potential to engage in opportunism is a central theme in institutional economics, yet prior research has not quantitatively reviewed the role of opportunism in marketing research. This study uses meta-analytic techniques to synthesize research on opportunism conducted over the last quarter century. The analysis of 183 effect sizes extracted from 54 publications from the period 1982 to 2005 offers some support to extant channel theory. The research also indicates that the informant’s frame of reference and the research design significantly influence the observed effects. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
Limits of quantitation - Yet another suggestion

Abstract The work presented herein suggests that the limit of quantitation concept may be rendered substantially less ambiguous and ultimately more useful as a figure of merit by basing it upon the significant figure and relative measurement error ideas due to Coleman, Auses and Gram, coupled with the correct instantiation of Currie's detection limit methodology. Simple theoretical results are presented for a linear, univariate chemical measurement system with homoscedastic Gaussian noise, and these are tested against both Monte Carlo computer simulations and laser-excited molecular fluorescence experimental results. Good agreement among experiment, theory and simulation is obtained and an easy extension to linearly heteroscedastic Gaussian noise is also outlined.
The normal parturient's admission temperature

The relationship between oral temperature taken at the time of admission and the duration of elapsed labor was evaluated. Onset of labor data revealed a diurnal distribution with an apogee at midnight to 2 AM and a nadir at 11 AM to noon. Temperature data ranged from 94.3° to 99.7° F (34.6° to 37.6° C). The mean temperature of 97.8° ± 0.8° F (36.6° ± 0.44° C) is significantly lower (p
Measurement invariance of the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire across African–American and Latino adult asthma patients

Purpose This study tested the factorial and measurement invariance of the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ) in a sample of Latino and African–American asthmatic patients.
Memory for repeated words and parallel structure in compound sentences

Three experiments were conducted to study the short-term memory capabilities of children for compound sentences. Experiment I showed that memory was a positive function of the number of words repeated between the clauses of compound sentences. Experiment II demonstrated that when the syntactic surface structures were the same in both clauses, recall was enhanced. The third experiment provided evidence that parallel structures, rather than particular syntactic forms, were producing the effect. Results from the three experiments were interpreted as supporting a “frame, list, and rule” strategy for remembering compound sentences. Subjects extract frames of similar words from the two clauses, store lists of different lexical items to fit in the frame blanks, and use rules to regenerate the sentence.
Detection and Correction of Inductive Loop Detector Sensitivity Errors by Using Gaussian Mixture Models

Inductive loop detectors (ILDs) form the backbone of many traffic detection networks by providing vehicle detection for freeway and arterial monitoring as well as signal control. Unfortunately, ILD technology generally has limited the available sensitivity settings. Changing roadway conditions and aging equipment can cause ILD settings that had been correct to become under- or oversensitive. ILDs with incorrect sensitivities may result in severe errors in occupancy and volume measurements. Therefore, sensitivity error identification and correction are important for quality data collection from ILDs. In this study, the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is used to identify ILDs with sensitivity problems. If the sensitivity problem is correctible at the software level, a correction factor is then calculated for the occupancy measurements of the ILD. The correction methodology developed in this study was found effective in correcting occupancy errors caused by the ILD sensitivity problems. Single-loop speed calcul...
The size of adenylate cyclase and guanylate cyclase from the rat renal medulla.

The size distribution of adenylate cyclase from the rate renal medulla solubilized with the nonionic detergents Triton X-100 and Lubrol PX was determined by gel filtration and by centrifugation in sucrose density gradients made up in H2O or D2O. The physical parameters of the predominant from in Triton X-100 are 220,w, 5.9 S; Stokes radius, 62 A; partial specific volume (v), 0.74 ml/g; mass, 159,000 daltons; f/f0, 1.6; axial ratio (prolate ellipsoid), 11. For the minor form the values are : 220,w, 3.0; Stokes radius, 28 A; mass, 38,000 daltons; f/f0, 1.2. The corresponding values determined in Lubrol PX are similar. The value of v for the enzyme indicates that it binds less than 0.2 mg detergent/mg protein. Since interactions with detergents probably substitute for interactions with lipids and hydrophobic amino acid side chains, these findings suggest that no more than 5% of the surface of adenylate cyclase is involved in hydrophobic interactions with other membrance components. Thus, most of the mass of the enzyme is not deeply embedded in the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrance. Similar studies have been performed on the soluble guanylate cyclase of the rate renal medulla. In the absence of detergent, the molecular properties of this enzyme are: s20,w, 6.3 S; Stokes radius, 54 A, v, 0.75 ml/g; mass, 154,000 daltons f/f0, 1.4; axial ratio, 7. The addition of 0.1% Lubrol PX to this soluble enzyme increases its activity two- to fourfold and changes the physical properties to : s20,w, 5.5 S; Stokes radius, 62 A; v, 0.74 ml/g; mass, 148,000 daltons; f/f0, 1.6; axial ratio, 11. These results show that Lubrol PX activates the enzyme by causing a conformational change with unfolding on the polypeptide chain. Guanylate cyclase from the particulate cell fraction can be solubilized with Lubrol PX but has properties quite different from those of the enzyme in the soluble cell fraction. It is a heterogeneous aggregrate with s20,w, 10 S; Stokes radius, 65 A; mass about 300,000 daltons. The conditions which solubilize guanylate cyclase also solubilize adenylate cyclase and the two activities can be separated on the same sucrose gradient.
Role perceptions of services: A cross-cultural comparison with behavioral implications☆

Abstract This cross-cultural research examines the interaction between consumers and providers of nine different services, ranging from medical specialists to department store clerks, in the context of role theory. This approach views the service encounter as an event where consumers and providers play certain roles. Services can be classified in each culture by two dimensions from the psychological literature: power (to influence or control transactions) and commitment (referring to the long-term service relationship). Consumers in the United States and the Netherlands were asked to classify the services using power and commitment scales—and to predict how they would react in case of a problem. The results were then used to classify the nine services in the US and Dutch environment and to generate a matrix of role relationships. While Dutch consumers indicated greater likelihood of complaining for all services, the Dutch pattern across services appears to be remarkably similar to the American pattern. The identification of similarities is useful to managers in transferring successful marketing campaigns across service industries and countries.
Septal lesions increase play fighting in juvenile rats

Abstract Play fighting is a behavior exhibited by juveniles of many mammalian species, but the neurology of this behavior is poorly understood. In the present study lesions of the septal area or control operations were performed in rats at 23 days of age and social play was studied between the ages of 27–41 days of age. Septal lesions increased the frequency of play fighting and play initiation in both sexes; within the lesion and control groups males played more frequently and initiated more play bouts than females. Animals with septal lesions were somewhat lighter in body weight than controls, but since play frequency and body weight were not associated, it is unlikely that changes in body weight caused by the lesions are responsible for the effects of the lesions on play.
Objective Bayesian analysis for a spatial model with nugget effects

Abstract The focus of this paper is objective priors for spatially correlated data with nugget effects. In addition to the Jeffreys priors and commonly used reference priors, two types of “exact” reference priors are derived based on improper marginal likelihoods. An “equivalence” theorem is developed in the sense that the expectation of any function of the score functions of the marginal likelihood function can be taken under marginal likelihoods. Interestingly, these two types of reference priors are identical. The propriety of the marginal priors and joint posteriors is studied for a large class of objective priors including all objective priors developed. Under quite general conditions, only Jeffreys-rule and “exact” reference priors yield proper posteriors. A simulation study shows that the exact reference priors perform better than the Jeffreys-rule prior. Two real spatial datasets are used for illustration.
Mechanisms of Proliferation Synergy by Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and G Protein–Coupled Receptor Activation in Human Airway Smooth Muscle

Despite recent studies depicting the capacity of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) to activate mitogenic signaling pathways more commonly associated with receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), little is known regarding the interactive effects of GPCR and RTK activation on cell growth and signal transduction. Such interactions likely mediate the physiologic growth in most cells in vivo as well as the aberrant, non-neoplastic growth that occurs in diseases such as asthma, where disruptions of the local hormonal or inflammatory state can contribute to significant GPCR activation. In this study, we show that numerous inflammatory or contractile agents, including thrombin, histamine, and carbachol, potentiate epidermal growth factor (EGF)–stimulated proliferation of human airway smooth muscle (ASM), thus demonstrating a clear synergy between RTK and GPCR activation. Alterations in promitogenic nuclear signaling were evidenced by additive or synergistic increases in Elk-1 and activator protein-1 activation, and by...
ONIOM Study of Ring Opening and Metal Insertion Reactions with Derivatives of C60: Role of Aromaticity in the Opening Process

We have used the integrated, high accuracy ONIOM(G2MS) molecular orbital method to study the problem of ring-opening and metal-insertions into C 6 0 . The concerted ring-opening pathway proposed by Rubin et al. has been examined for hexahydro and hexamethyl derivatives of C 6 0 . The related open bistriazoline and bislactam C 6 0 derivatives (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1999, 38, 2360-2363) have also been studied. In the two possible [2+2+2] ring-fragmentation pathways breaking three sets of either five or six-membered rings, the 5-open hexahydro or hexamethylated species are much more favored than the 6-open analogues, the process being slightly endothermic in respect to the closed species. The orifice generated in these two species are likely to be too small even for the smallest metal cation Li + , with insertion barriers ranging from 45 to 60 kcal/mol. On the other hand, the Li + insertion barriers for the bistriazoline and bislactam derivatives are less than 20 kcal/mol, indicating that this small metal cation should be able to insert into the cavity of these systems with stabilization energies near -10 kcal/mol. These results suggest that a larger orifice is required for one of the desirable transition or f-row metals to be taken inside.
Plasma virus load evaluation in relation to disease progression in HIV- infected children

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of plasma HIV RNA load with survival and disease progression in HIV-infected children and to determine its correlation with ...
Irrigation with potable water versus normal saline in a contaminated musculoskeletal wound model.

Abstract : Background: Although the use of potable water for wound irrigation is attractive in an austere environment, its effectiveness has not been tested. We sought to compare the effectiveness of potable water irrigation in reducing bacterial number with that of normal saline irrigation. Methods: We used an established caprine model involving the creation of a reproducible complex musculoskeletal wound followed by inoculation with luminescent bacteria that allowed for quantitative analysis with a photon-counting camera system. Six hours after injury and inoculation, wound irrigations were performed using pulsatile lavage. Fourteen goats were randomized into two treatment groups: irrigation with 9 L potable water versus irrigation with 9 L normal saline. Images obtained after irrigation were compared with baseline images to deter- mine the reduction in bacterial luminescence resulting from treatment. Results: The irrigation in both groups reduced the bacterial counts by 71% from the preirrigation levels. Conclusion: Potable water reduced the bacterial load as effectively as normal saline in our model.
Transfer of Amino Acids across the In Vitro Perfused Human Placenta

Summary: Amino acid transfer across human placenta has been studied in an in vitro perfusion system. Transfer rates from maternal to fetal circuit of 12 amino acids were about the same when there was a downhill gradient permitting diffusion and active transport. This was termed “maximal transfer rate.” Cystine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid were transferred at approximately half the rate of the others under these conditions. Measurement of exchange rates with radioactive tracers and with equimolar concentration of amino acids on both sides of the membrane provided a close estimate of maximal transfer rate. Fetal nutrition requires active transfer against a gradient. The rate of active transfer is a fraction of the exchange rate. The ability to establish a transplacental gradient by perfused placenta was investigated with the maternal circuit open and fetal circuit closed (recirculated). The fetal to maternal concentration ratio for D-leucine and antipyrine was 1.0, for L-leucine, 1.5, indicating a stereospecific transport mechanism for leucine. Gradients of 1.56 ± 0.11 and 1.62 ± 0.10 were demonstrated for L-alanine and L-Iysine, respectively. The establishment of transplacental gradients is a placental function, requiring no assistance from maternal or fetal factors. The ratios of the exchange rates for the L- and D-isomers were determined as a measure of the active, stereospecific transport system. The L:D ratio from the maternal to fetal circulation for leucine was 1.64 ± 0.19, for alanine 1.78 ± 0.49. In the reverse direction, the ratio for leucine was 1.03. The placental membrane exhibits a polarity in active transport directed towards the fetus. The transplacental gradient for leucine is the result of a dynamic equilibrium between active transport towards the fetus and diffusion back towards the maternal circulation. The availability of intracellular amino acids to serve as a reserve for fetal needs was studied by perfusing the placenta with buffer containing no amino acids. After 2 hr of perfusion, 53–84% of each of nine amino acids was still retained within the placenta. It is suggested that the high tissue concentrations of amino acids are related to the metabolic needs of the placenta rather than to its transport functions. Speculation: The present studies have demonstrated differences between placental uptake and placental transfer of amino acids. It is still uncertain whether the two processes are serving two discrete functions (placental nutrition and fetal nutrition) or whether transplacental transfer involves mechanisms in addition to placental uptake (e.g., placental release).
Urinary dopamine levels and kidney monoamine oxidase activity in hypertensive rats

Abstract The relationship among urinary dopamine levels, arterial blood pressure, and kidney monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was studied in male rats with experimentally induced renal hypertension. Urinary dopamine levels rose throughout the experimental period from an average control value of 673 μg/l to a high of 1,022 μg/l. The excretion of dopamine was found to be quite variable. A regression analysis was conducted by regressing blood pressure on logarithm dopamine concentration. The coefficient of regression was + 0.85. As the weight of the experimental (hypertensive) animals increased, the urinary dopamine levels (μg/kg/24 hr) increased, whereas in the sham-operated control animals, the urinary excretion of dopamine (μg/kg/24 hr) decreased with increasing weight. Kidney MAO activity decreased after the induction of hypertension, went through what appeared to be a compensatory rise, and then dropped off sharply to the end of the experimental period. A clear and consistent relationship between decreased MAO activity and urinary dopamine levels was not established.
Mixture analysis of pursuit eye-tracking dysfunction in schizophrenia

Abstract Results of two recent studies suggest that a distinct subgroup of schizophrenic patients and their relatives have particularly deviant eye tracking. Such heterogeneity could be of considerable importance, as it may indicate significant pathophysiologic or etiologic heterogeneity in schizophrenia. An analysis of 101 consecutive-admission schizophrenic patients confirmed the existence of two distinct subgroups of patients with higher and lower levels of spatial [root mean square (RMS)] eye-tracking error. Hoever, there was no heterogeneity in the disturbance of pursuit eye movements. Anticipatory saccades, which by definition add very large amounts of spatial tracking error, were more frequent in the “high” RMS error group. Rates of anticipatory saccades were similar in the “low” RMS error patient group and normal controls, and there was no heterogeneity in the expression of anticipatory saccades. Apparent heterogeneity in global indices of eye-tracking impairment in schizophrenia appears to be a measurement artifact reflecting the powerful influence of anticipatory saccades on global performance indices, rather than true heterogeneity in the expression of any specific eye movement abnormality.
New evidence on the magnetic structure of Nd

Abstract Previously reported data on the magnetic structure of Nd above 7.5 K seem to be in conflict with the Landau theory of phase transitions. Evidence for a new magnetic phase transition at 18.6 K is presented. The Landau theory should be applied to the new phase which exists between 18.6 and 19.9 K.
Copper(II)−Hydroperoxo Complex Induced Oxidative N-Dealkylation Chemistry

A significant oxidative N-demethylation reaction occurs from a hydroperoxo−copper(II) species when formed within a tripodal tetradentate ligand framework possessing a pendant dimethylamine substrate. This mimics the monoxygenase activity occurring in the copper enzyme PHM. Observation of a product-based alkoxide−Cu intermediate and determination of a reaction kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD(intra) ∼ 2.3) by studying the ligand−N(CH3)(CD3) substrate provide further insights. The mononuclear CuII(-OOH) entity or species derived from this can promote biomimetic reactivity and thus requires further attention in biological or synthetic mechanistic studies.