cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of elongation factors EF-G and EF-Tu with a conserved loop in 23S RNA

The elongation factors EF-Tu and EF-G interact with ribosomes during protein synthesis: EF-Tu presents incoming aminoacyl transfer RNA to the programmed ribosome as an EF-Tu-GTP-tRNA ternary complex and EF-G promotes translocation of peptidyl-tRNA and its associated messenger RNA from the A to the P site after peptidyl transfer. Both events are accompanied by ribosome-dependent GTP hydrolysis. Here we use chemical probes to investigate the possible interaction of these factors with ribosomal RNA in E. coli ribosomes. We observe EF-G-dependent footprints in vitro and in vivo around position 1,067 in domain II of 23S rRNA, and in the loop around position 2,660 in domain VI.EF-Tu gives an overlapping footprint in vitro at positions 2,655 and 2,661, but shows no effect at position 1,067. The 1,067 region is the site of interaction of the antibiotic thiostrepton, which prevents formation of the EF-G-GTP-ribosome complex and is a site for interaction with the GTPase-related protein L11 (ref. 3). The universally conserved loop in the 2,660 region is the site of attack by the RNA-directed cytotoxins alpha-sarcin and ricin, whose effects abolish translation and include the loss of elongation factor-dependent functions in eukaryotic ribosomes.
Dense innervation of Deiters' and Hensen's cells persists after chronic deefferentation of guinea pig cochleas

Innervation of Deiters' and Hensen's cells has been described in the organ of Corti of several mammalian species and has been suggested to arise from the olivocochlear (OC) efferent system (Wright and Preston [1976] Acta Otolaryngol. 82:41-47). In the present study, antineurofilament immunostaining was used to reveal these outer supporting cell fibers (OSCFs) in the normal guinea pig. In control ears, OSCFs were absent in the basal half of the cochlea but increased in number steadily toward the apex, peaking at values of over 1,200 fibers/mm. These values indicate a far more profuse innervation of supporting cells than has been described previously, suggesting that most OSCFs were not stained in previous immunohistochemical studies. Chronic cochlear deefferentation was used to test whether OSCFs are part of the OC system. The OC bundle was transected unilaterally, and the animals were allowed to survive for 4-8 weeks. Completeness of deefferentation was assessed by using acetylcholinesterase staining of the brainstem and measurement of the density of OC fascicles in the cochlea. By using these metrics, unilateral deefferentation was nearly complete in three animals. In successfully deefferented cases, the OSCF innervation density was not statistically different from control values. We conclude that the vast majority of OSCFs are not of OC origin. We speculate that they may be branches of type II afferent fibers to outer hair cells and that a smaller population of OSCFs with different morphology and immunoreactivity may arise from the OC system.
Detection of cucumber mosaic cucumovirus in weed species: a cautionary report on nonspecific reactions in ELISA

The reliability of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) coat protein (CP) in three weed species (Taraxacum officinale, Gnaphalium obtusifolium, and Conyza canadensis) was compared with other detection methods, including Western blot analysis and a bioassay. Analysis of extracts prepared from these species by double antibody sandwich (DAS) ELISA yielded high absorbance values (A4O5nm) that were indicative of CMV concentrations of purified CMV standards of greater than 50 mg/mL. However, results from an ELISA procedure designed such that no viral antigen should be detected suggested that the strong ELISA absorbance values were nonspecific reactions with material(s) in the weed extracts. These findings were substantiated when no CMV CP was detected by Western blot analysis or infectious CMV was detected in bioassays involving inoculation of extracts onto an indicator host (Cucurbita pepo ‘Crookneck’ (squash)). In both DAS ELISA and indirect ELISA procedures, t...
Comprehensive Evaluation of Composite Gene Features in Cancer Outcome Prediction

Owing to the heterogeneous and continuously evolving nature of cancers, classifiers based on the expression of individual genes usually do not result in robust prediction of cancer outcome. As an alternative, composite gene features that combine functionally related genes have been proposed. It is expected that such features can be more robust and reproducible since they can capture the alterations in relevant biological processes as a whole and may be less sensitive to fluctuations in the expression of individual genes. Various algorithms have been developed for the identification of composite features and inference of composite gene feature activity, which all claim to improve the prediction accuracy. However, because of the limitations of test datasets incorporated by each individual study and inconsistent test procedures, the results of these studies are sometimes conflicting and unproducible. For this reason, it is difficult to have a comprehensive understanding of the prediction performance of composite gene features, particularly across different cancers, cancer subtypes, and cohorts. In this study, we implement various algorithms for the identification of composite gene features and their utilization in cancer outcome prediction, and perform extensive comparison and evaluation using seven microarray datasets covering two cancer types and three different phenotypes. Our results show that, while some algorithms outperform others for certain classification tasks, no single algorithm consistently outperforms other algorithms and individual gene features.
Different diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide as predictors of respiratory morbidity.

Background The percent predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco%) is an important pulmonary function test (PFT) obtained before elective pulmonary resection. However, there are several Dlco values reported and it is unknown which ones are important predictors of postoperative morbidity. Methods This is a retrospective study of a prospective database of patients who underwent PFTs and pulmonary resection by one surgeon. The PFTs evaluated were as follows: forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 %), minute ventilation volume (MVV%), and three types of diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide values: the diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco%), the Dlco adjusted for hemoglobin (DL adjusted%), and the Dlco adjusted for alveolar volume (Dlco/VA%). Results There were 906 patients between January 2005 and December 2007, and lobectomy was performed most commonly. Complications occurred in 254 patients (28%) and were respiratory in 115 (13%). On univariate analysis, age ( p p = 0.008), history of coronary artery disease ( p = 0.028), FEV 1 % ( p = 0.021), postoperative predicted (ppo) FEV1% ( p p = 0.018), ppoDlco% ( p = 0.002), and Dlco/VA% ( p = 0.004) were significantly different among those who did and did not experience postoperative respiratory morbidity. Multivariate regression analysis identified ppoDlco%, ppoFEV1%, Dlco/VA%, and age as significant independent predictors of respiratory morbidity. Operative mortality was 2% (18 patients). Conclusions Although age, FEV 1 %, ppoFEV 1 %, Dlco%, and ppoDlco% are all well-known predictors of operative morbidity after elective pulmonary resection, the Dlco/VA% is another important predictor. This information should be included to help guide patient selection for pulmonary resection and to determine preoperative risk stratification.
Identification of Critical Skills for Success in Day Care

The purpose of this study was to gather information on day care teachers' perceptions of skills needed for successful performance in day care. Teachers from 23 day care centers in Madison, Wisconsin, provided responses to a 57 item questionnaire. Respondents were asked to rate behavior/skills as (1) not important to (4) very important. Those skills rated as important would provide information about the type of skills needed by handicapped young children for success in day care. Results from the questionnaire indicated that teachers rated certain skills as more or less important for successful performance. Skills categorized under the area of communication (e.g., responds to name) received the highest rating by most respondents. Skills in the area of preacademics (e.g., cuts with scissors) received the lowest ratings from respon. dents. Implications of these results for the performance of handicapped young children in integrated day care settings are discussed.
Urologic hypertension as an entity

Abstract 1. 1. A survey of 2,002 autopsy records was made to ascertain the relationship between urologic lesions and hypertension. 2. 2. Statistical methods show that a patient with hypertension is more likely to have urologic disease than is a patient without hypertension.
Droplet Based Microfluidics for Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Microspheres

Herein we present methods for synthesizing monodisperse mesoporous silica particles and silica particles with bimodal porosity by templating with surfactant micelle and microemulsion phases. The fabrication of monodisperse mesoporous silica particles is based on the formation of well-defined equally sized emulsion droplets using a microfluidic approach. The droplets contain the silica precursor/surfactant solution and are suspended in hexadecane as the continuous oil phase. The solvent is then expelled from the droplets, leading to concentration and micellization of the surfactant. At the same time, the silica solidifies around the surfactant structures, forming equally sized mesoporous particles. We show that hierarchically bimodal porous structures can be obtained by templating silica microparticles with a specially designed surfactant micelle/microemulsion mixture. Oil, water, and surfactant liquid mixtures exhibit very complex phase behavior. Depending on the conditions, such mixtures give rise to highly organized structures. A proper selection of the type and concentration of surfactants determines the structuring at the nanoscale level. Tuning the phase state by adjusting the surfactant composition and concentration allows for the controlled design of a system where microemulsion droplets coexist with smaller surfactant micellar structures. The microemulsion droplet and micellar dimensions determine the two types of pore sizes.
Relationship between cholesterol trafficking and signaling in rafts and caveolae

Caveolae and lipid rafts are two distinct populations of free cholesterol, sphingolipid (FC/SPH)-rich cell surface microdomains. They differ in stability, shape, and the presence or absence of caveolin (present in caveolae) or GPI-anchored proteins (enriched in lipid rafts). In primary cells, caveolae and rafts support the assembly of different signaling complexes, though signal transduction from both is strongly dependent on the presence of FC. It was initially thought that FC promoted the formation of inactive reservoirs of signaling proteins. Recent data supports the concept of a more dynamic role for FC in caveolae and probably, also lipid rafts. It is more likely that the FC content of these domains is actively modulated as protein complexes are formed and, following signal transduction, disassembled. In transformed cell lines with few caveolae, little caveolin and a preponderance of rafts, complexes normally assembled on caveolae may function in rafts, albeit with altered kinetics. However, caveolae and lipid rafts appear not to be interconvertible. The presence of non-caveolar pools of caveolin in recycling endosomes (RE), the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and in mobile chaperone complexes is now recognized. A role in the uptake of microorganisms by cells ascribed to caveolae now seems more likely to be mediated by cell surface rafts.
Lead poisoning of seabirds: environmental risks from leaded paint at a decommissioned military base.

The sources and risk factors for lead exposure to humans are relatively well recognized, yet much less is known about lead exposure risks and effects to wildlife. Here we utilized lead isotopic fingerprinting to investigate sources of elevated lead exposure to Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) chicks in the Midway Island National Wildlife Refuge, which was established on the site of a decom missioned military base that previously had undergone lead remediation. Whole blood from chicks as well as soil and paint chips from the chicks' nests were collected from birds nesting close to ( 100 m, reference site) buildings and analyzed for lead levels and isotopic compositions using magnetic sector ICP-MS. Blood lead levels of chicks from the building site had a geometric mean of 190 μg/dL (average = 320 ± 310 SD, range = 6.8−1400, n = 21) as compared to 4.5 μg/dL (average = 6.0 ± 4.2 SD, range = 1.2−13, n = 15) in chicks from the reference site. Nest soil lead leve...
Red Capitalists in China: The Party, Private Entrepreneurs, and Prospects for Political Change

It has become a truism that continued economic reform in China will contribute to political change. Policy makers as well as many scholars expect that formation of a private sector will lead, directly or indirectly through the emergence of a civil society, to political change and ultimately democratization. The rapidly growing numbers of private entrepreneurs, the formation of business associations, and the cooperative relationships between entrepreneurs and local officials are seen as initial indicators of a transition from China's still nominally communist political system. This book, first published in 2003, focuses on two related issues: whether the Chinese Communist Party is willing and able to adapt to the economic environment its reforms are bringing about, and whether China's 'red capitalists', private entrepreneurs who also belong to the communist party, are likely to be agents of political change.
Photodegradation of quinoline in water

Abstract The photodegradation kinetics of quinoline have been studied at 313 nm and in sunlight in organic-free water, lake water, and water containing several different solutes. The half-life of sunlight photodegradation is slightly shorter in lake water than in organic-free water (4–8%, depending upon the season). In near-surface lake water at 40° N latitude in summer, quinoline was predicted to degrade readily in sunlight, with a half-life of about 14 calendar days. The calculated half-life in winter was about 123 calendar days. The photodegradation of quinoline was accelerated significantly by NaNO 3 and dissolved organic matter, two effective producers of hydroxyl radicals in aquatic environments. The rate was also faster at pH 4.5 than at pH 7.0. Two photoproducts were identified in low yield, 2-hydroxyquinoline and 8-hydroxyquinoline; prolonged irradiation appeared to destroy the aromatic nucleus.
The constrained longest common subsequence problem

This paper considers a constrained version of longest common subsequence problem for two strings. Given strings S1, S2, and P, the constrained longest common subsequence problem for S1 and S2 with respect to P is to find a longest common subsequence lcs of S1 and S1 such that P is a subsequence of this lcs. An O(rn2m2) time algorithm based upon the dynamic programming technique is proposed for this new problem, where n, m and r are lengths of S1, S2 and P, respectively.
Global trauma and public feelings: Viewing images of catastrophe

Scholars have begun to discuss new digital viewing contexts, but few have explored processes involved in responding to images of catastrophe. Many assume that cognition (meaning) is primary in image‐reception, but I’ll show the complex interaction of cognition and affect. Drawing on research in psychology and cultural studies, I explore how proliferation of images may produce a culture of trauma. I define, analyze and critique three kinds of possible response to images of catastrophe. These are: a) secondary or vicarious trauma (VT), a response in which the viewer is shocked to the extent of being emotionally over‐aroused; b) what I call “empty empathy,” to indicate the fleeting nature of empathic emotions that viewers often experience; and finally c) witnessing – a response that transforms the viewer in a positive pro‐social manner, and that, unlike the first sorts of response, involves ethics along with empathy. The argument is supported by images drawn from the war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina and recent...
cDNA arrays and immunohistochemistry identification of CD10/CALLA expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The histological diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be complicated by difficulty in differentiation from cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic carcinoma. Immunohistochemical stains currently in use are suboptimal in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Using cDNA array analysis for differential gene expression, we demonstrated a significant increase in mRNA expression level of CD10/CALLA, a type 2 cell-surface metalloproteinase, in HCC, which was subsequently confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. To test the possibility of using CD10/CALLA as a diagnostic marker for HCC, various intrahepatic tumors were studied immunohistochemically using a monoclonal antibody for CD10. A characteristic canalicular-staining pattern was observed in normal hepatocytes and at the apical surface of bile duct epithelial cells. The canalicular expression of CD10 was identified in 9 of 15 HCCs examined (60%), whereas 10 cholangiocarcinomas and 8 of 9 metastatic carcinomas lacked this staining. In three of the six HCCs negative for CD10, the surrounding nonneoplastic liver tissue was also negative, suggesting fixation-associated loss of immunoreactivity. Six HCCs had stronger CD10 staining in tumor cells when compared to the surrounding nonneoplastic tissue. Three cases of benign bile duct adenomas also expressed CD10 at the luminal aspect. One of the MCs showed a diffuse, cytoplasmic staining for CD10, a pattern readily distinguishable from that of HCC. A panel of other immunohistochemical markers were also studied for comparison, including polyclonal anti-carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK20, and α-fetoprotein. Our results demonstrate that cDNA arrays can be effectively used to identify new diagnostic markers, and that CD10 is a reliable marker for identifying HCC, particularly when used in conjunction with a panel of immunohistochemical markers (polyclonal anti-carcinoembryonic antigen, CK7, CK20, and α-fetoprotein) and in the distinction from cholangiocarcinoma.
Reliability and validity of the Mini-Mental State Exam in neurologically intact elderly.

Reliability and validity of MMSE were explored in a sample of 122 healthy, community-residing elderly volunteers between the ages of 57 and 85, who were tested with a battery of neuropsychological tests over three annual probes. Test-retest reliability ranged between .45 and .50 over a 1-year interval and was .38 over a 2-year period. Change on the MMSE of more than 5 points over a 2-year period was associated with a neurological disorder. Significant correlations were found with many neuropsychological measures, especially with a measure of verbal learning.
The Use of Online Modules and the Effect on Student Outcomes in a High School Chemistry Class

The purpose of the study was to review the efficacy of online chemistry simulations in a high school chemistry class and provide discussion of the factors that may affect student learning. The sample consisted of 351 high school students exposed to online simulations. Researchers administered a pretest, intermediate test and posttest to measure chemistry content knowledge acquired during the use of online chemistry laboratory simulations. The authors also analyzed student journal entries as an attitudinal measure of chemistry during the simulation experience. The four analyses conducted were Repeated Time Measures Analysis of Variance, a three-way Analysis of Variance, Logistic Regression and Multiple Analysis of Variance. Each of these analyses provides for a slightly different aspect of factors regarding student attitudes and outcomes. Results indicate that there is a statistically significant main effect across grouping type (experimental versus control, p = 0.042, α = 0.05). Analysis of student journal entries suggests that attitudinal factors may affect student outcomes concerning the use of online supplemental instruction. Implications for this study show that the use of online simulations promotes increased understanding of chemistry content through open-ended and interactive questioning.
Prime Numbers in Arithmetic Progressions with Difference 24

(1965). Prime Numbers in Arithmetic Progressions with Difference 24. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 72, No. 2, pp. 139-143.
Comparative EPR study on high-spin ferric porphine complexes and cytochrome P-450 having rhombic character.

Abstract Comparative EPR studies were made on two high-spin Fe(III) porphine model systems and mammalian liver microsomal cytochromes P -450, all of which exhibit approximately the same degrees of rhombicity in their EPR spectra. Comparison of g values and linewidths as a function of temperature, and of the microwave power saturation demonstrated that EPR characteristics of P -450 are more similar to the Fe(III) porphines having the thiolate axial ligand than in the other model systems, the mixed crystals of Fe(III) porphine with the corresponding free base porphine, in which no thiolate ligand is involved. There is, however, a discrepancy between P -450 and the model thiolates with respect to the size of the zero-field parameter D . These observations indicate that P -450 heme has essential structural features in common with thiolates but the Fe-S bond of P -450 may be modified from its normal orientation in model thiolates, probably as a result of the constraints imposed by the protein stucture.
Design of Piezoelectric Actuator With In-Plane Motion Using Topology Optimization

In this paper, topology optimization is used to study the design of piezoelectric actuator with in-plane motion. Two case studies are reported, the maximization of the in-plane motion toward a pre-defined direction and the maximization of the output force. In addition to volume density as design variable used in the conventional topology optimization, a new design variable, electrode density, is introduced to model the electrode topology on the piezoelectric plate surface. Based on the electrode potential model, the relation between the nodal potential and the electrode density is established. Sensitivity analyses of objective function with respect to volume density and electrode density are derived from the adjoint method. Examples of optimized piezoelectric actuators from the proposed method are presented and discussed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Neutral mass spectrometer results from MSX early operations phase

Results are reported on the measurements obtained from the neutral mass spectrometer (NMS) during the early operations phase of the midcourse space experiment (MSX) mission. During this phase the dominant species present around the spacecraft was argon that originated from the sublimation of the solid argon cryogen used to cool the SPIRIT III aperture door. The major contaminant species was water vapor which outgassed from spacecraft surfaces that were in the NMS field of view. Organic species were generally below the detection limit. Inorganic species were detected that may have come from the NMS cover during deployment. In addition to the on-orbit results, the operation and specifications of the NMS are briefly described along with ground-calibration data.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Increased Heterozygosity at the Mdh-B Locus in Fish Inhabiting a Rapidly Fluctuating Thermal Environment

Abstract Populations of a common forage fish, red shiner Notropis lutrensis, were sampled from four localities on the Brazos River, Texas, affected by cold-water discharge from a hydroelectric dam and from unaltered sites in the same region. Polymorphism at the Mdh-B locus, encoding supernatant malate dehydrogenase, indicates that populations within 57 km of the dam are distinctive from other regional populations and possess a unique Mdh-B allele, have significantly higher levels of heterozygosity at the Mdh-B locus, represent a homogeneous set that have significantly different Mdh-B zygotic frequencies from other regional populations, and have significantly different Mdh-B zygotic proportions than would be expected under a Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Increased levels of heterozygosity in fish within 57 km of the dam were correlated with discharge-associated fluctuations in water temperature at sampling stations.
ATTENUATION OF MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA DURING CORONARY OCCLUSION BY ULTRASHORT-ACTING BETA ADRENERGIC BLOCKADE

To assess the effect of the ultrashort-acting beta blocker esmolol on ischemia induced by acute coronary occlusion, we studied 16 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Doppler echocardiography and ECG monitoring were performed continuously before, during, and after balloon occlusion in the drug-free state and during esmolol infusion. Fourteen of the 16 patients had ST segment elevation during balloon inflation. However, maximal ST segment elevation (2.1 +/- 1.5 mm vs 1.7 +/- 1.3 mm, p less than 0.001) and duration of ST segment elevation (68 +/- 20 seconds vs 54 +/- 19 seconds, p less than 0.05) were both significantly reduced during esmolol infusion. Furthermore, the decrease in ejection fraction seen during drug-free balloon occlusions was significantly blunted during esmolol infusion. In the baseline state ejection fraction decreased from 55% to 38% (p less than 0.05) during coronary occlusion compared with a decrease from 52% to 49% (p = NS) during esmolol infusion. In addition, esmolol appeared to delay the onset of segmental wall motion abnormalities after coronary occlusion, occurring at a mean of 40 seconds after balloon inflation versus a mean of 31 seconds in the absence of beta blockade (p less than 0.05). Thus the use of ultrashort-acting beta blockade appears to diminish the extent and delay the onset of myocardial ischemia during acute coronary occlusion.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Colorectal Cancer Risk: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

Incidence rates in the United States show clear racial/ethnic disparities for colorectal cancer. We examined the extent to which ethnic differences in risk factors could explain the age-adjusted variation in the risk of colorectal cancer, overall and by stage at diagnosis, among 165,711 African Americans, Japanese Americans, Latinos, Native Hawaiians and whites participating in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Over a median follow-up period of 10.7 years, 2,564 incident cases of colorectal cancer were identified through surveillance, epidemiology and end result tumor registry linkages in Hawaii and California. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each ethnic group compared to whites. After accounting for known/suspected risk factors, Japanese Americans (men, RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.09–1.48; women, RR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.24–1.78) and African American women (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.23–1.79) remained at increased risk of colorectal cancer relative to whites; African American and Japanese American women were also at increased risk of advanced disease compared to whites. In site-specific analyses, after multivariable adjustment, African Americans (both sexes) and Japanese American women remained at increased risk for colon cancer, and Japanese Americans (both sexes) and Native Hawaiian men for rectal cancer compared to whites. The results of our study suggest that differences in the distribution of known/suspected risk factors account for only a modest proportion of the ethnic variation in colorectal cancer risk and that other factors, possibly including genetic susceptibility, are important contributors to the observed disparities in incidence.
Accelerations of the Head During Soccer Ball Heading

The objective of this study was to investigate the accelerations of the head during soccer ball heading by introducing a prototype accelerometer-chip instrumented mouth guard. This mouth guard was evaluated for further use in head impact studies.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Influences of social isolation during development on sexual behavior of the rat

Male and female rats were weaned at 14 days of age and raised in social isolation or with three other animals. At maturity the male isolates displayed less male sexual behavior than the socially reared Ss. Female isolates, after ovariectomy and injection with androgen, exhibited much less male sexual behavior than control females similarly tested. After being brought into estrus by injections of estrogen and progesterone, the female sexual behavior of female social and isolate Ss did not differ. Data were interpreted as indicating that social isolation during development deprives rats of critical experiences necessary for development of appropriate responses to social stimuli eliciting male copulatory behavior in both sexes.
Devolution in Wartime: Sergei D. Sazonov and the Future of Poland, 1910–1916

trying to understand the roots and conduct of the First World War, historians have returned to the study of individual policy-makers after a few decades spent focusing on social and economic forces. One of the most important pre-war diplomats was Sergei D. Sazonov, foreign minister of Russia from 1910 to 1916. His influence on Russian policy formulation grew each year, to reach its zenith in July 1914, when he persuaded Tsar Nicholas II to authorize general mobilization, the decision which sent Russia to war.1 During the war, as Poland became a crucial arena of competition between the Central Powers and Triple Entente, Sazonov put forward increasingly liberal proposals for a future Polish kingdom (tsars tvo PoUskoe) within the Russian Empire. Ironically, just as he seemed to have reached his goal, having obtained the tsar's approval of a constitution giving autonomy to Poland to be introduced at the war's end, Sazonov was removed from office. His plans were shelved. In spite of the opening of the Russian archives, little work has been done on the development of Sazonov's Polish policy.2 This is the more surprising as the question of the future of Poland critically influenced both Sazonov's career as a diplomat and the divisions within the council of ministers that accompanied the collapse of the Romanov regime under the stress of war. Analysis of Sazonov as foreign minister in general studies of
An evaluation of porcelain strength and the effect of surface treatment

This investigation evaluated the flexural strengths of five porcelains commonly used in the all-porcelain margin technique and the effect of surface treatment on the flexural strength. Thirty samples were made by using each of five different porcelain margin systems. The five porcelain groups were subdivided into groups of 10 each to allow the evaluation of three surface treatments. A three-point flexural test was used to test the specimens on a universal testing machine. Crystar shoulder porcelain with distilled water as the binder was significantly stronger than the other porcelains tested, and porcelain treated with an overglaze was stronger than porcelain treated with autoglaze or autoglaze and polish.
Comparison of Measured and Modeled Turbulence Spectra for a Point Rotating as on a Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine

Presentation du modele theorique de la turbulence sur une structure tournante pour trois conditions de stabilite atmospherique. Comparaison du spectre de cisaillement de la vitesse moyenne du vent mesure et calcule a partir de la theorie de la couche limite
Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy of Temperature- and Thickness-Dependent Morphology and Fluorescence in Alq3 Films

We use near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) to probe the local optical and morphological properties in annealed, vacuum-deposited Alq 3 films (10-480-nm thick) with 10-100-nm resolution. We use concurrent shear force microscopy (an analogue to atomic force microscopy, AFM) to correlate the morphology of different regions to intensity variations in our fluorescence images as well as variations in the localized fluorescence spectra. We have observed nanoscale effects of annealing temperature on film morphology and fluorescence emission. Our studies show that Alq 3 films annealed below the glass transition temperature of Alq 3 (T < Tg = 172 °C) were very similar to unannealed films, except in very thin films (< 50 nm). Films annealed above Tg (T = 200 °C) for the same amount of time exhibit increased surface morphology and decreased fluorescence. In sufficiently thick films (500 nm) annealed at 200 °C, we observe the formation of microcrystalline domains.
Improved Fusion of Mesophyll and Cotyledon Protoplasts with PEG and High pH-Ca2+ Solutions

Summary Commercial-grade polyethylene glycol has been shown to contain substantial amounts of impurities, mostly acidic in character. These impurities were removed by deionization of PEG with a mixed-bed ion exchange resin. The deionized product was shown to be less toxic to mesophyll and young cotyledon protoplasts. The viability and the efficiency of heterokaryocyte formation was better with the deionized PEG. For the fusion of alfalfa mesophyll protoplasts with protoplasts of young cotyledons of soybeans, it was essential to reduce the ratio of PEG solution (33%) to protoplast culture medium from 3:1 to 1:1, and to increase the pH from 5.5 to 6 and calcium concentration from 500 mg · l-1 to over 1000 mg · l-1 in all solutions and culture media to ensure viability of the heterokaryocyte and parental protoplasts. Frequency of PEG and high pH-Ca2+ solution induced fusion was greatly reduced by increasing the osmolality of the eluting solution and enhanced by eluting the PEG with a hypotonic salt solution. The observations suggested that hypotonic shock is essential in PEG induced fusion.
The microcirculation in adipose tissue inflammation

In most humans, obesity is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory reaction occurring in several organ tissues, including the adipose tissue. Infiltration of bone marrow derived leukocytes (granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes) into expanding adipose depots appears to be an integral component of inflammation in obesity. Circulating leukocytes invade organ tissues mainly through post-capillary venules in the microcirculation. The endothelium of the post-capillary venules acts as a gatekeeper to leukocyte adhesion and extravasation by displacing on its luminal surface adhesion molecules that bind the adhesive receptors expressed on circulating leukocytes. Several studies investigating the impact of obesity on the microcirculation have demonstrated the occurrence of microvascular dysfunction in experimental animal model of obesity, as well as in obese humans. To date though, working hypotheses and study designs have favored the view that microvascular alterations are secondary to adipose tissue dysfunction. Indeed, a significant amount of data exists in the scientific literature to support the concept that microvascular dysfunction may precede and cause adipose tissue inflammation in obesity. Through review of key published data, this article prospectively presents the concept that in response to nutrients overload the vascular endothelium of the microcirculation acutely activates inflammatory pathways that initiate infiltration of leukocytes in visceral adipose tissue, well before weight gain and overt obesity. The anatomical and physiological heterogeneity of different microcirculations is also discussed toward the understanding of how obesity induces different inflammatory phenotypes in visceral and subcutaneous fat depots.
Clonally expanded Vα12+ (AV12S1),CD8+ T cells from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis are autoreactive

Objective Previously, we showed that 15-20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have oligoclonal expansions of peripheral blood CD8+ T cells expressing T cell receptors encoded by the Vα12 (AV12S1) gene. To better understand the significance of these expansions, the present study was undertaken to determine their specificity. Methods We cloned and characterized Vα12+,CD8+ T cells from the peripheral blood of 1 RA patient with a clonal expansion of these T cells. Results The T cell clones were autoreactive since they recognized autologous, but not allogeneic, antigen-presenting cells. Upon activation, these T cells secreted interleukin-4 and interleukin-10. The autoreactive T cell clones were class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restricted, by either HLA-B60 or HLA-Cw3. Conclusion A large population of class I MHC-restricted CD8+ T cells in a patient with RA is clonally expanded and autoreactive. These cells define a novel immune aberration in RA and provide a tool for defining the autoantigens that activate expanded T cell populations in vivo.
Formation of π-conjugated molecular arrays on silicon (0 0 1) surfaces by heteroatomic Diels-Alder chemistry

Abstract Recent advances in molecular electronics and organic-based electronic materials are placing increased emphasis on developing new methods for attachment of π-conjugated organic molecules to surfaces. We have developed a new strategy for forming oriented arrays of π-conjugated organic molecules on silicon surfaces. The SiSi dimers of the reconstructed Si(0 0 1) surface can selectivity react with the dicarbonyl group of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, leading to cyclic molecular structure between the attached molecule and underlying Si substrate. This reaction is formally analogous to a heteroatomic Diels–Alder reaction. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy data show that bonding occurs through the dicarbonyl functional groups, while surface infrared experiment data show that the π-conjugation is preserved. Ab initio calculations predict that this chemistry leads to aromatic rings that are rigidly attached to the surface, with the aromatic rings oriented perpendicular to the surface and parallel to the underlying SiSi dimers. This is confirmed by molecular-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy images, which clearly show the orientation of the individual molecules and are even able to resolve the two π lobes on adjacent faces of each vertically oriented molecule.
Coronary excimer laser angioplasty: Reduced complications and indium-111 platelet accumulation compared with thermal laser angioplasty

The relative safety and thrombogenicity of pulsed excimer and thermal laser angioplasty systems were compared in 20 normal coronary artery segments in a total of seven pigs. Using similar over the wire catheter systems and laser delivery periods of 3 to 5 s, thermal laser angioplasty was achieved with a 1.3 mm metal probe heated with 10 W of continuous argon laser energy and excimer laser angioplasty was performed with a 4.5F excimer laser catheter consisting of 13 concentrically arranged 200 microns fiber optics delivering 35 to 40 mJ/mm2 of xenon chloride (308 nm) excimer laser irradiation at a repetition rate of 25 to 30 Hz and a pulse duration of 120 ns. On angiography, the incidence of vessel perforation (1 in 10 versus 3 in 10) and abrupt vessel closure (0 in 10 versus 2 in 10) was less with excimer compared with thermal laser angioplasty. Macroscopically, there was a greater incidence of mural and occlusive thrombus formation after thermal laser than after pulsed excimer laser angioplasty. Histologic examination confirmed that this thrombogenicity was associated with greater charring and coagulation necrosis of the media. Quantitative indium-111-labeled platelet deposition was significantly increased after thermal laser angioplasty (median 87.2 x 10(6)/cm length) compared with excimer-treated (0.4 x 10(6)/cm length) or control (1.2 x 10(6)cm length) segments (p less than 0.001). Thus, excimer laser angioplasty was found to result in fewer complications and, as a consequence, less thrombosis and platelet accumulation than did thermal laser angioplasty.
Germline Mutations in Cancer Susceptibility Genes: An Overview for Nurses

Objective To provide an overview of hereditary cancer susceptibility genes and associated cancer risks. Data Sources Peer reviewed published research studies and review articles. Conclusions Identifying deleterious mutations in cancer susceptibility genes allows for clarification of cancer risk in individual family members and risk-level appropriate screening, and risk management recommendations. Evolving knowledge of the role of germline mutations provides an unprecedented opportunity to reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and morality. Implications for Nursing Practice To provide individuals/families with accurate cancer risk management information and guidance, oncology nurses must be familiar with scientific discoveries related to cancer susceptibility genes.
Making science relevant to environmental policy

Abstract Implementation of current environmental and natural resource policy has created an era of regulatory discontent, and has prompted calls for new approaches to management that can achieve both long-term ecological sustainability and improved policy performance. These new approaches, such as ecosystem management, emphasize the importance of holistic and integrated science, meaningful public involvement to reflect changing societal goals and objectives, collaborative decisionmaking, and flexible and adaptable institutions. Implementing such approaches will require significant institutional change in all institutions, including the institution of science. Attributes of the scientific culture — including adherence to the myth of objective, value-free science, preference for technical solutions as first-order solutions, and advancement of the scientific method and scientific rationality as preferred logic — have often worked to separate scientists from citizens and science from the policymaking process. They have also fostered undemocratic processes and results. Changes in the institution and culture of science, including embracing more holistic and integrated scientific processes, creating a more civic science, and rethinking the role of scientific advocacy in the policy process, will be required to move toward democratic as well as ecological sustainability.
Determining Three-Dimensional Motion and Structure from Optical Flow Generated by Several Moving Objects

A new approach for the interpretation of optical flow fields is presented. The flow field, which can be produced by a sensor moving through an environment with several independently moving, rigid objects, is allowed to be sparse, noisy, and partially incorrect. The approach is based on two main stages. In the first stage, the flow field is partitioned into connected segments of flow vectors, where each segment is consistent with a rigid motion of a roughly planar surface. In the second stage, segments are grouped under the hypothesis that they are induced by a single, rigidly moving object. Each hypothesis is tested by searching for three-dimensional (3-D) motion parameters which are compatible with all the segments in the corresponding group. Once the motion parameters are recovered, the relative environmental depth can be estimated as well. Experiments based on real and simulated data are presented.
Mass and salt transfers and halocline depths in an estuary

The paper considers fluxes of brackish and ocean water out of and into an estuary as well as the depth of the halocline in the estuary. The discussion ignores the details of the mass distribution and circulations in the main body of the estuary (except for the halocline depth) and concentrates on determining the flow conditions and interface depths in the vicinity of the mouth. The flow there is considered to be frictionless and the pressure hydrostatic, and the first part of the analysis, which assumes strong mixing (and, therefore, a deep halocline) in the estuary, yields the same results as those of Stommel and Farmer for their “overmixed” state. Phenomena in this state are determined by a non-dimensional number Q proportional to the fresh water influx q f . On the other hand, the problem can also be solved when the mixing is zero. The two extreme cases suggest a dependence on a mixing number M for arbitrary mixing. This permits a complete solution for the ocean water flux, brackish water flux, depth of the interface at the mouth, salinity of the brackish water, depth of the halocline in the main body of the estuary and height above sea level of the free surface in the estuary, all as functions of Q f and M . An interesting feature of all solutions is the main halocline depth which always becomes large for both weak and strong fresh water fluxes and therefore has a minimum at a value q fm which varies with M . This behavior has been observed in Alberni Inlet in British Columbia and in a laboratory experiment by Welander. Comparison of theory with the Baltic Sea leads to some numerical results and speculations. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1976.tb00695.x
Quasidifferentiability and observability of linear nonstationary systems

We suggest a method for studying the observability of linear nonstationary ordinary differential systems on the basis of the quasidifferentiability of the output variables with respect to some lower-triangular matrix. This approach permits one to weaken the smoothness requirement on the coefficients in the statement of observability criteria.
Divided loyalties in adolescent psychiatry: Late adolescence

The paper discusses problems that arise in psychotherapy with late adolescent patients when other individuals somehow become indirectly involved in ways that require or suggest some exchange of information. These individuals may be parents or administrative and teaching personnel within an institution. The differences between confidentiality, privileged communication, and privacy are discussed, and specific difficulties discussed in the therapy of late adolescents who are in the process of psychologically (as well as legally) attempting to achieve the independent status of a young adult.
Sagebrush as a sampling medium for gold exploration in the Great Basin — evaluation from a greenhouse study

Abstract Seedlings of hasin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. tridentata) germinated from seed collected near Preble, Nevada were grown in soils containing Carlin-type disseminated gold ore from Pinson and Getchell, Nevada. After 4 months growth in a greenhouse, leaves, twigs and stems for each plant were combined and analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) for the Carlin suite of elements which includes gold, arsenic, antimony and tungsten. Plants grown in soils containing Carlin ore did not accumulate significantly more gold than those growing in control soil (p 0.95). Mean arsenic in experimental plants varied from 4.4 to 6.4 μg/g (ppm) compared to 0.4 μg/g in control plants. Experimental plants contained 0.2 μg/g (ppm) antimony compared to 0.03 μg/g in control plants. Results suggest that sagebrush would be a good prospecting medium for detecting concealed Carlin-type deposits in the Great Basin if arsenic and antimony are used as the pathfinder elements. Results also suggest that true gold anomalies in sagebrush will be more difficult to separate from aeolian contamination than those for arsenic and antimony in arid environments. Based on this greenhouse study, optimum anomaly-to-background contrast would be obtained from combined arsenic and antimony content of stems or twigs stripped of bark. Leaves would be less likely to show anomalies because surface tissue cannot be adequately cleaned or stripped.