cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
S4-16 S ribosomal RNA complex: Binding constant measurements and specific recognition of a 460-nucleotide region☆

Abstract The region of the Escherichia coli 16 S ribosomal RNA recognized by the ribosomal protein S4 has been defined by assaying a set of 13 16 S rRNA fragments for S4 binding. The fragments were prepared by transcription in vitro, and binding constants were measured in three ways: retention of labeled RNA fragments on nitrocellulose filters by S4; cosedimentation of labeled S4 with RNA fragments in sucrose gradients; and the distribution of labeled S4 between two RNAs of different sizes in a sucrose gradient. All three methods gave similar relative binding strengths for a variety of 16 S rRNA and non-specific (23 S rRNA) sequences, with the exception of two of the largest 16 S rRNA fragments; these gave smaller association constants in the filter retention assay than in the other methods. We found that specific complexes of S4 with these larger RNAs do not bind well to filters, leaving non-specific complexes to dominate the assay. Specific complexes with RNAs ≤ 891 nucleotides were retained efficiently by S4 on filters, and gave reliable binding constants. All 16 S rRNA fragments containing nucleotides 39 to 500 bound S4 with the same affinity as intact 16 S rRNA, while all fragments with endpoints within 39 to 500 bound at least tenfold more weakly. This sequence must be able to fold independently of the rest of the rRNA. Comparison of this minimal 462-nucleotide S4 binding site with S4 footprinting results suggests that S4 binding might alter the conformations of RNA neighboring the 39 to 500 region in the intact 16 S rRNA. Specific S4-rRNA binding is not sensitive to KCl concentration, but a more normal salt dependence is seen in K2SO4 ( ∂ log K ∂ log [K + ] ≈ − 3.3). This duplicates the behavior of the specific S4-α mRNA translational repression complex, arguing that S4 recognizes both the mRNA and rRNA substrates by the same mechanism. Mg2+ is not required to form the specific rRNA complex, at least under conditions which stabilize RNA structure (0.35 m -KCl, 5 °C).
Measuring Supermassive Black Hole Spins in Active Galactic Nuclei

Measuring the spins of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in active galactic nuclei (AGN) can inform us about the relative role of gas accretion vs. mergers in recent epochs of the life of the host galaxy and its AGN. Recent advances in theory and observation have enabled spin measurements for a handful of SMBHs thus far, but this science is still very much in its infancy. Herein, I discuss how and why we seek to measure black hole spin in AGN, using recent results from long X-ray observing campaigns on three radio-quiet AGN (MCG-6-30-15, NGC 3783 and Fairall 9) to illustrate this process and its caveats. I then present our current knowledge of the distribution of SMBH spins in the local universe. I also address prospects for improving the accuracy, precision and quantity of these spin constraints in the next decade and beyond with instruments such as NuSTAR, Astro-H and a future generation large-area X-ray telescope.
Biased coin design with imbalance tolerance

One of the main aspects of a sampling procedure is to determine how to collect samples. A completely random sampling scheme is free of any bias and provides a basis for valid statistical inferences...
Making the World a Safer Place

Scientists and engineers have increasingly become involved in developing new tools for counterterrorism measures. In their Perspective, Colton and Russell provide a brief overview of recent advances in addressing decontamination, prevention and protection, and detection needs. While important progress has been made, many questions remain open, such as "How clean is clean enough" when decontaminating a facility. Basic, long-term (20-year) research will be critical for meeting future security and commercial technology needs.
Candidate Gene Studies of a Promising Intermediate Phenotype: Failure to Replicate

Many candidate gene studies use ‘intermediate phenotypes' instead of disease diagnoses. It has been proposed that intermediate phenotypes have simpler genetic architectures such that individual alleles account for a larger percentage of trait variance. This implies that smaller samples can be used to identify genetic associations. Pharmacogenomic drug challenge studies may be an especially promising class of intermediate phenotype. We previously conducted a series of 12 candidate gene analyses of acute subjective and physiological responses to amphetamine in 99–162 healthy human volunteers (ADORA2A, SLC6A3, BDNF, SLC6A4, CSNK1E, SLC6A2, DRD2, FAAH, COMT, OPRM1). Here, we report our attempt to replicate these findings in over 200 additional participants ascertained using identical methodology. We were unable to replicate any of our previous findings. These results raise critical issues related to non-replication of candidate gene studies, such as power, sample size, multiple testing within and between studies, publication bias and the expectation that true allelic effect sizes are similar to those reported in genome-wide association studies. Many of these factors may have contributed to our failure to replicate our previous findings. Our results should instill caution in those considering similarly designed studies.
Two new species of Mallomonas (Synurophyceae) from the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A.

Two new species of Mallomonas, M. ocalensis and M. caerula, are described from a clearwater, acidic and oligotrophic waterbody in the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A. Mallomonas ocalensis, in the Series Doignonianae of the Section Torquatae, consists of relatively small cells with scales that have a series of parallel shield ribs with alternating thicknesses, collar scales with very short bristles and posterior scales with small protruding spines. Mallomonas ocalensis is most similar to Mallomonas dickii, but is distinguished from the latter species based on the highly variable thicknesses of the shield ribs and significantly larger scales. Mallomonas caerula, in the Series Mallomonas of the Section Mallomonas, consists of relatively large cells that bear large domed and dorneless scales, and long, robust and ribbed bristles. Bristles with and without helmets can be found. The shield, especially the distal portion, and the posterior flange of scales consists of series of more or less parallel ribs. Mallomonas caerula appears to be most closely related to Mallomonas acaroides var. acaroides and Mallomonas acaroides var. muskokana, but can be distinguished from the latter taxa on the basis of scale type, scale structure and bristle morphology. Both new species were found in the plankton and surface sediments of Blue Sink Pond.
WPP-Domain Proteins Mimic the Activity of the HSC70-1 Chaperone in Preventing Mistargeting of RanGAP1-Anchoring Protein WIT1

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) tryptophan-proline-proline (WPP)-domain proteins, WPP1 and WPP2, are plant-unique, nuclear envelope-associated proteins of unknown function. They have sequence similarity to the nuclear envelope-targeting domain of plant RanGAP1, the GTPase activating protein of the small GTPase Ran. WPP domain-interacting tail-anchored protein 1 (WIT1) and WIT2 are two Arabidopsis proteins containing a coiled-coil domain and a C-terminal predicted transmembrane domain. They are required for RanGAP1 association with the nuclear envelope in root tips. Here, we show that WIT1 also binds WPP1 and WPP2 in planta, we identify the chaperone heat shock cognate protein 70-1 (HSC70-1) as in vivo interaction partner of WPP1 and WPP2, and we show that HSC70-1 interacts in planta with WIT1. WIT1 and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-WIT1 are targeted to the nuclear envelope in Arabidopsis. In contrast, GFP-WIT1 forms large cytoplasmic aggregates when overexpressed transiently in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf epidermis cells. Coexpression of HSC70-1 significantly reduces GFP-WIT1 aggregation and permits association of most GFP-WIT1 with the nuclear envelope. Significantly, WPP1 and WPP2 show the same activity. A WPP1 mutant with reduced affinity for GFP-WIT1 fails to decrease its aggregation. While the WPP-domain proteins act on a region of WIT1 containing the coiled-coil domain, HSC70-1 additionally acts on the C-terminal transmembrane domain. Taken together, our data suggest that both HSC70-1 and the WPP-domain proteins play a role in facilitating WIT1 nuclear envelope targeting, which is, to our knowledge, the first described in planta activity for the WPP-domain proteins.
Design Considerations for a Parallel Bit-Organized MOS Memory

This paper discusses the design trade-offs for a parallel bit-organized MOS memory. A memory capacity of 40K bits can be achieved using LSI techniques. Memory storage capacity is expandable in both word length and number of words stored. The physical dimensions of the memory should be considerably smaller than those of a comparable core design. Power consumption per bit should likewise be less than that achievable with cores. A full cycle time of 1 us or less can be achieved. Cost per bit should compare very favorably with that of a core design.
Discrete-time small-signal modeling of a 1 MHz efficiency-optimized dual active bridge converter with varying load

A discrete-time, small-signal model is developed for the dual active bridge (DAB) converter which considers the effects of zero-voltage switching (ZVS) intervals on converter dynamics. The model is applied to the converter operating under phase-shift modulation, and is shown to be valid across a full range of load values constituting multiple operating modes of the converter. Finally, the model is applied to the case of an unregulated converter to show that output voltage variation that results in improved efficiency over wide range of loads can also lead to simplified control and compensation requirements across the full load range
Origin of the magnetic spiral arms in the galaxy NGC6946

THE recent discovery1 of coherent, large-scale magnetic spiral arms located between the optical spiral arms of the nearby galaxy NGC6946 is difficult to reconcile with current galactic dynamo theory2. The formation of optical spiral arms is generally attributed to the role of density waves in the gas of the galactic disk, which trigger the formation of massive, luminous stars; turbulent processes in the gas are also believed to play a key role in the generation of the galactic magnetic field. Here we present the results of magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) calculations, which show that both fast (∼20km s−1) and slow (∼0.2 km s−1) MHD density waves can exist in a rotating galactic disk. Slow MHD density waves occur over the portion of a galactic disk that rotates almost rigidly3, and can give rise to a pattern of polarized radio emission similar to that observed in NGC6946, where the magnetic field is strong between the optical spiral arms. In contrast, fast MHD density waves produce spiral magnetic structures that are roughly coincident with the optical spiral arms—and which extend into the differentially rotating disk—as observed in the Whirlpool galaxy, NGC5194 (refs 4–6).
Calculation of the vapor pressure–temperature relationship using thermogravimetry for the drug allopurinol

Abstract Allopurinol sublimates when subjected to thermogravimetry in a nitrogen atmosphere. The process is zero order and plots of ln k versus reciprocal temperature (K) give a value of 132.64 kJ mol −1 for the activation energy. On the basis that equilibrium is achieved at all temperatures the data is used to establish a plot of the vapor pressure curve versus temperature from which a Clausius–Clapeyron relationship can be used to establish the Δ H for sublimation. The method requires that the equipment is calibrated and data for p -aminobenzoic acid is used for this purpose.
Information on Blood Alcohol Concentration: Evaluation of Two Alcohol Nomograms

The purpose of this study was to compare the utility of two common alcohol nomograms (tables) on impacting decisions regarding drinking, driving after drinking, the development of knowledge of the ...
Friction Dependence on α-Relaxations in a Tethered Polymer Monolayer

Functionalized low-molecular-weight polyisoputylene is commonly used as a lubricant additive to control low-velocity friction in clutches. The friction of tethered monolayers as a function of temperature and velocity was examined using lateral force microscopy. The friction force was found to obey time−temperature superposition, which indicates that the friction originates from a single relaxation mode. The scaling factors are identical to those obtained from neutron spin echo experiments of α-relaxations, linking the friction directly to segmental motion.
The reaction of ozone with adsorbent charcoal

Abstract The progressive reaction of ozone and oxygen mixtures with charcoal at 26°C was studied to specified weight-gains and to different subsequent weight-losses when outgassed at various temperatures. Although each ozone-treated adsorbent gave evidence of continuous decomposition when introduced into a vacuum adsorption apparatus, stability was obtained when the sample was cooled to 77·4°K. The degassing is associated with an inherent unstability of the ozone-product formed and not to desorbed gases. The products were characterized by very large decreases in the nitrogen adsorption at 77·4°K. Two explanations are examined to account for the adsorption behavior. First, the etching reactions that prevailed during the formation of the original carbon adsorbent can continue and lead to pore structures of greater diameters (and accordingly lesser specific surface area) than the original charcoal. Second, a blockage of the micropore openings to nitrogen molecules can take place due to the chemisorption of oxygen at the critical openings of the porous carbon structure. A sequence of three reactions is suggested to explain both the weight changes upon ozone treatment and the unique behavior of the nitrogen adsorption isotherms determined at 77·4°K.
A prescription for 'stress' - the role of Hsp90 in genome stability and cellular adaptation

Changes in cell homeostasis, or cell ‘stress’, are thought to tax the ability of the Hsp90 chaperone to facilitate an array of processes critical for genome maintenance. Here, we review the current understanding of how the Hsp90 chaperone machinery ensures the function of proteins important for DNA repair, recombination, and chromosome segregation. We discuss the idea that cell stress can overload Hsp90, resulting in genomic instability that may have important implications for stress adaptation and selection. The importance of Hsp90 in genome maintenance and its limited capacity to buffer the proteome may underlie the initiation or progression of diseases such as cancer.
Recognition and Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Part I. General Principles and Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias:

Management of cardiac arrhythmias has undergone major changes in the last few years. In the first part of this review, general principles of arrhythmia diagnosis are discussed. New techniques such as event recording and signal-averaged electrocardiography have a significant role in the clinical management of arrhythmias. Many new antiarrhythmic drugs are now available. Suppression of premature ventricular contractions to prevent malignant ventricular arrhythmias has been demonstrated to be an ineffective strategy. Implantable defibrillators and radio frequency ablation have revolutionized the treatment of arrhythmias. Differentiation of various supraventricular tachycardias has become very important since some these arrhythmias may be cured by radiofrequency ablation. Diagnosis and treatment of common supraventricular arrhythmias are discussed.
Residue on Printed Wiring Assemblies: An Overview and a Case History

Residues associated with soldering operations are common throughout the electronics manufacturing industry. Prevention is necessitated by MIL specs which require soldered assemblies to be free of all residues. Because of the large number of variables which contribute to residue formation, residues frequently appear under seemingly constant conditions, and detailed understanding of the materials and processes involved is needed for corrective action implementation. This paper presents the history of an investigation of white residue on solder masked printed wiring assemblies. The residue was determined to be flux related by experimentation and spectroscopic chemical analysis. Process modification testing was performed to evaluate the roles of flux identity, preheater temperatures and several cleaning process variables. Assemblies were subjected to humidity and temperature cycling, including periodic examination and electrical testing. Additionally, information learned during this investigation about a numb...
Kinetics of membrane micellization by the hydrophobic polyelectrolyte poly(2-ethylacrylic acid).

Rates of pH-dependent micellization of multilamellar vesicles by the hydrophobic polyelectrolyte poly(2-ethylacrylic acid) (PEAA) have been measured turbidometrically. This polymer shows a strong pH-dependence in its affinity for phospholipid membranes, binding in increasing amounts as pH is lowered and ultimately solubilizing membranes to form mixed micelles (Tirrell, Takigawa and Seki (1985) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 446, 237). The rate of solubilization of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) vesicle suspensions by PEAA increases approximately linearly with reductions in pH below a threshold at pH 6.55. Interestingly, negatively-charged dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol membranes showed qualitatively similar behavior in the presence of PEAA, and incorporation of 10% or 20% dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid in DPPC membranes did not affect solubilization rates, demonstrating that membrane charge is not an important factor in determining micellization kinetics. Micellization of DPPC and dimyrstoylphosphatidylcholine membranes occurs most rapidly at their respective gel-liquid crystalline transition temperatures (Tm); the rate enhancement is correlated with a peak in the temperature-dependent binding of a fluorescently-modified PEAA in slightly alkaline solutions in which no micellization is observed. The lateral compressibility of the membrane, which has a similar peak at T_m, is proposed to be an important determinant of the rate and extent of polymer adsorption, and consequently of the rate of micellization.
Work In Progress: Engineering Students' Change in Profile over the Freshman Year across Male and Female Samples: An Neural Network Approach

The differential change of incoming male and female engineering students' self-beliefs over the freshman year hold critical import for continuous improvement in first-year engineering education. Whether male and female students hold similar noncognitive self-beliefs upon entering college, and if they change similarly over the freshman year, are examined. Thus, the objective of this work-in-progress has been to develop an artificial neural network (NN), which uses the noncognitive attributes identified in our previous research (9 factors defined by 166 items) as independent parameters to predict student success, which is operationalized in terms of grade-point-average (GPA) and persistence (within engineering school) at the end of first year. The noncognitive measures include: academic self-efficacy, academic motivation, leadership, metacognition, major indecision, type of learner (e.g., deep vs. surface), teamwork, and expectancy-value. An analysis of the NN's ability to predict students' success based upon their initial responses and their differential change is presented as well as an analysis based upon gender.
Electrophysiologic studies after mustard's operation for d-transposition of the great vessels.

Abstract Electrophysiologic studies were performed in 16 patients after Mustard's operation for d-transposition of the great vessels. Standard 12 lead electrocardiograms showed the following rhythms: “sinus” (10 patients), junctional (4 patients), atrial flutter (1 patient) and alternating sinus and junctional (1 patient). Overdrive atrial stimulation was used to determine sinus nodal recovery time in the 16 patients. Atrial and atrioventricular (A-V) nodal effective refractory periods were determined in 12 patients utilizing the atrial extrastimulus technique. Twenty-four hour Holter electrocardiographic monitoring was performed in 15 patients. Ten (63 percent) of the 16 patients had abnormal sinus nodal recovery time. The atrial effective refractory period was prolonged in 4 (33 percent) of the 12 patients in whom it was measured. All 12 patients had a normal A-V nodal effective refractory period. Previously undetected arrhythmias were found in all patients when the 24 hour Holter electrocardiogram was compared with the standard electrocardiogram. Atropine shortened the sinus nodal recovery time, atrial effective refractory period and A-V nodal effective refractory period in all patients studied. One patient, whose junctional pacemaker was first to recover after termination of atrial pacing, had conversion to sinus rhythm and normal sinus nodal recovery time after administration of atropine. This study indicates (1) that a diseased sinus node and interrupted atrial pathways are involved in the genesis of arrhythmias after Mustard's operation, and (2) that adequate evaluation of arrhythmias in patients after this operation requires not only the standard electrocardiogram, but also a 24 hour Holter monitor, His bundle electrograms and determination of sinus nodal recovery time and atrial and A-V nodal effective refractory periods.
Emotional reactivity and its impact on neural circuitry for attention–emotion interaction in childhood and adolescence

Attention modulation when confronted with emotional stimuli is considered a critical aspect of executive function, yet rarely studied during childhood and adolescence, a developmental period marked with changes in these processes. We employed a novel, and child-friendly fMRI task that used emotional faces to investigate the neural underpinnings of the attention-emotion interaction in a child and adolescent sample (n=23, age M=13.46, SD=2.86, range=8.05-16.93 years). Results implied modulation of activation in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) due to emotional distractor valence, which marginally correlated with participant age. Additionally, parent-reported emotional reactivity predicted the trajectory of BOLD signal increase for fearful emotional face distractors such that participants low in emotional reactivity had a steeper latency to peak activation. Results imply that the use of the OFC to modulate attention in the face of social/emotional stimuli may mature with age and may be tightly coupled with adaptive emotional functioning. Findings are discussed in the context of risk for the development of psychiatric disorders, where increased emotional reactivity is particularly apparent.
Intraguild predation between spawning smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and nest‐raiding crayfish (Orconectes rusticus): implications for bass nesting success

Summary Predation on eggs is often assumed to be a primary factor influencing the reproductive success of fish. However, complex interactions between nesting fish and their egg predators may influence reproductive success in unexpected ways. The invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) engage in reciprocal predation during the bass spawning season; the net impact on bass reproduction is poorly understood. We hypothesise that the rates of nest abandonment and bass guarding behaviour will be positively related to crayfish abundance and that bass consumption of crayfish will mitigate energy loss due to nest guarding against crayfish. We tracked 62 bass nests throughout a spawning season in a north temperate lake with an established population of O. rusticus. Using video surveillance, we observed bass nest-guarding behaviour and crayfish predation on bass nests, reconstructed bass diets using faecal remains and made repeated measurements of mass and length for a subset of the parental bass. Results were consistent with all hypotheses. Nest abandonment rate and guarding activity were higher in areas with higher crayfish density. More than 95% of bass consumed crayfish while on the nest and bass condition factor increased during nesting, suggesting that energy consumed exceeded energy expended in defending the nest. The lakewide rate of smallmouth bass nest abandonment was 13%, which is lower than most published observations for this species. While high densities of nest-raiding crayfish can reduce nesting success, our limited observations indicate that consumption of crayfish may mitigate rates of nest abandonment by bass. Unexpected outcomes of complex interactions, such as reciprocal predation, should be considered when predicting population trajectories of native and invasive species.
Repair of benzo[a]pyrene-initiated DNA damage in human cells requires activation of DNA polymerase alpha.

Abstract Normal human fibroblasts treated with r -7, t -8-dihydroxy- t -9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[ a ]pyrene (BPDE) yielded DNA polymerase alpha with elevated levels of activity, incorporated [ 3 H]thymidine as a function of unscheduled DNA synthesis, and exhibited restoration of normal DNA-strand length as a function of unscheduled DNA synthesis. Lipoprotein-deficient fibroblasts treated with BPDE did not show elevated levels of DNA polymerase alpha activity, exhibited minimal [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation, and had fragmented DNA after 24 h of repair in the absence of lipoprotein or phosphatidylinositol supplementation. When DNA polymerase beta activity was inhibited, cells with normal lipoprotein uptake exhibited [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into BPDE-damaged DNA but did not show an increase in DNA-strand length. DNA polymerase alpha activity and [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation in lipoprotein-deficient fibroblasts increased to normal levels when the cells were permeabilized and low-density lipoproteins or phosphatidylinositol were introduced into the cells. DNA polymerase alpha isolated from normal human fibroblasts, but not from lipoprotein-deficient fibroblasts, showed increased specific activity after the cells were treated with BPDE. When BPDE-treated lipoprotein-deficient fibroblasts were permeabilized and 32 P-ATP was introduced into the cells along with lipoproteins, 32 P-labeled DNA polymerase alpha with significantly increased specific activity was isolated from the cells. These data suggest that treatment of human fibroblasts with BPDE initiates unscheduled DNA synthesis, as a function of DNA excision repair, which is correlated with increased activity of DNA polymerase alpha, and that increased DNA polymerase alpha activity may be correlated with phosphorylation of the enzyme in a reaction that is stimulated by low-density lipoprotein or by the lipoprotein component, phosphatidylinositol.
Pricing residential load shedding as a call option

Air-conditioner power-interruption programs are shown by simulation to reduce the peaks of a utility load profile. The value of this load-shifting capability is determined by a financial call option pricing model. The air-conditioner interruption option is determined to be worth about $0.65 per summer month to a representative utility; but this value varies widely with costs, volatility of demand, and the skill of implementation by utility managers. The interruption option is given an imputed value derived from the share prices of the utility. This imputed value approximates the value obtained by simulation.
Optimizing the patient positioning for PICC line tip determination

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used for both emergent and long-term vascular access for the infusion of numerous therapeutic agents such as chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, and analgesics, as well as for temporary hemodialysis or hemoperfusion [1]. Current standard of care dictates that CVC insertion should be followed by an immediate chest radiograph to confirm appropriate position [2]. Radiographic confirmation of central venous line placement is important because it is not possible to determine CVC tip position clinically. Although many catheter tips can be localized on the standard frontal radiograph, there are occasions when a second radiograph is necessary to localize the position of the CVC tip accurately [3]. We hypothesized that a right posterior obligue chest radiograph would more consistently enable the catheter tip to be seen as it reduces the superimposition of mediastinal structures. One hundred chest radiographs taken in an anteroposterior (AP) projection and 100 chest radiographs taken in a right posterior oblique (RPO) projection after a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line placement at UCI Medical Center from June 2000 to November 2002 were read by two radiologists. Forty-one percent of AP readings were discrepant and 4% had the annotation “difficult to identify the position of the tip” although the identification of tip position was similar. Fifty-five percent of AP readings were in agreement with no note of any difficulty. Eighteen percent of RPO readings were discrepant and 2% had the annotation “difficult to identify the position of the tip” although the identification of tip position was similar. Eighty percent of RPO readings were in agreement with no note of any difficulty.
C-2013 R1 (LOVEJOY) at IR Wavelengths and the Variability of CO Abundances Among Oort Cloud Comets

We report production rates, rotational temperatures, and related parameters for gases in C/2013 R1 (Lovejoy) using the Near InfraRed SPECtrometer at the Keck Observatory, on six UT dates spanning heliocentric distances (R_h ) that decreased from 1.35 AU to 1.16 AU (pre-perihelion). We quantified nine gaseous species (H_2O, OH^*, CO, CH^4, HCN, C_2H_6, CH_3OH, NH_3, and NH_2) and obtained upper limits for two others (C_2H_2 and H_2CO). Compared with organics-normal comets, our results reveal highly enriched CO, (at most) slightly enriched CH_3OH, C_2H_6, and HCN, and CH_4 consistent with "normal", yet depleted, NH_3, C_2H_2, and H_2CO. Rotational temperatures increased from ~50 K to ~70 K with decreasing R_h , following a power law in R_h of –2.0 ± 0.2, while the water production rate increased from 1.0 to 3.9 × 10^(28) molecules s^(–1), following a power law in R_h of –4.7 ± 0.9. The ortho-para ratio for H_2O was 3.01 ± 0.49, corresponding to spin temperatures (T_(spin)) ≥ 29 K (at the 1σ level). The observed spatial profiles for these emissions showed complex structures, possibly tied to nucleus rotation, although the cadence of our observations limits any definitive conclusions. The retrieved CO abundance in Lovejoy is more than twice the median value for comets in our IR survey, suggesting this comet is enriched in CO. We discuss the enriched value for CO in comet C/2013 R1 in terms of the variability of CO among Oort Cloud comets.
On reversible semi-Markov processes

Reversibility of Markov chains and Markov processes is a well-studied area. In this paper, we derive a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for the reversibility of a semi-Markov process, which is a generalization of known results. We discuss the relation between the reversibility of the continuous-time process with that of its underlying discrete-time Markov-renewal process.
Clustering instability in adhesive contact between elastic solids via diffusive molecular bonds

Abstract Motivated by experimental observations that cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion often involves formation of discrete patches of dense molecular bonds, we consider the plane strain problem of two elastic half-spaces, each covered with a layer of lipid membrane, joined together by mobile molecular bonds that diffuse along the interface under the combined action of a thin layer of glycocalyx repellers and an externally applied tensile stress. We show that, for a range of bond density values with or without the applied stress, the state of a uniform distribution of bonds is intrinsically unstable with respect to perturbations in bond density distribution. This instability is found to be primarily driven by elastic deformation energies in the bulk and the membrane. The change in free energy associated with a cosine perturbation in bond density distribution indicates that there exists a critical wavelength beyond which the perturbation becomes unstable and a fastest growing wavelength that tends to dominate as the instability grows. These length scales have typical values in the order of a micrometer, in agreement with the general characteristic size of bond clusters observed in cell adhesion.
Central line-associated bloodstream infection surveillance outside the intensive care unit: a multicenter survey.

Objective. The success of central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention programs in intensive care units (ICUs) has led to the expansion of surveillance at many hospitals. We sought to compare non-ICU CLABSI (nCLABSI) rates with national reports and describe methods of surveillance at several participating US institutions.Design and Setting. An electronic survey of several medical centers about infection surveillance practices and rate data for non-ICU patients.Participants. Ten tertiary care hospitals.Methods. In March 2011, a survey was sent to 10 medical centers. The survey consisted of 12 questions regarding demographics and CLABSI surveillance methodology for non-ICU patients at each center. Participants were also asked to provide available rate and device utilization data.Results. Hospitals ranged in size from 238 to 1,400 total beds (median, 815). All hospitals reported using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definitions. Denominators were collected by different m...
Survival of spores of Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata after exposure to ethanol solutions at various temperatures

F . M L I K O T A G A B L E R , M . F . M A N S O U R , J . L . S M I L A N I C K A N D B . E . M A C K E Y . 2004. Aims: To quantify and model the toxicity of brief exposures of spores of Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata to heated, aqueous ethanol solutions. These fungi are common postharvest decay pathogens of fresh grapes and other produce. Sanitation of produce reduces postharvest losses caused by these and other pathogens. Methods and Results: Spores of the fungi were exposed to solutions containing up to 30% (v/v) ethanol at 25– 50� C for 30 s, then their survival was determined by germination on semisolid media. Logistical, second-order surface-response models were prepared for each fungus. Subinhibitory ethanol concentrations at ambient temperatures became inhibitory when heated at temperatures much lower than those that cause thermal destruction of the spores by water alone. At 40� C, the estimated ethanol concentrations that inhibited the germination of 50% (LD50) of the spores of B. cinerea, A. alternata, A. niger and R. stolonifer were 9AE7, 13AE5, 19AE6 and 20AE6%, respectively. Conclusions: Ethanol and heat combinations were synergistic. Control of spores of these fungi could be accomplished with much lower temperatures and ethanol concentrations when combined compared with either used alone. Botrytis cinerea and A. alternata were less resistant to the combination than A. niger or R. stolonifer.
Libmonitor: A tool for first-party monitoring

Libmonitor is a library that provides hooks into a program and provides callback functions for monitoring the begin and end of processes and threads and maintains control across fork, exec and in the presence of signals. It provides a layer on which to build first-party profiling tools for performance or correctness. Libmonitor is lightweight, fully scalable, easy to use and does not require access to an application's source code.
Activity of branched dextrans in the acceptor reaction of a glucosyltransferase (GTF-I) from Streptococcus mutans OMZ176.

Abstract The ability of several native and chemically synthesized, branched dextrans to stimulate the activity of an α- d -glucosyltransferase (GTF-I) of Streptococcus mutans has been compared. The enzyme catalysed the transfer of glucosyl residues from sucrose with the formation of water-insoluble (1→3)-α- d -glucan. The rate of this reaction was greatly increased in the presence of dextran, and the extent of stimulation was negatively correlated with the degree of branching of the added dextran. The results refute the concept that growth of water-insoluble glucan occurs from the multiple, non-reducing termini of dextran acceptors.
Investigation of the thermal decomposition of triethylaluminium

Abstract The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of gaseous triethylaluminium were studied in static systems over the temperature range of 162–192°, and the extent of reaction was monitored by complete chemical analysis of the products. At various stages of the reaction the following species were observed: C2H4, C2H6, 1-C4H8, 2-C4H8, H2, metallic Al, and lesser amounts of CH4, C4H10, and C6H12. Treatment of the nonvolatile residues with D2O produced C2H5D, C4H9D, C6H13D, HD, D2, and CHχO4−χ, where x = 0, 1, 2, or 3. The best fit of the kinetic data in terms of disappearance of aluminium-ethyl bonds was to a first order heterogeneous reaction with the rate expression: k1 = 108·2e−29,000/RT. A mechanism involving concurrent molecular and free radical processes is proposed. Evidence for the attainment of an equilibrium in the (C2H5)3Al(C2H5)2AlHC2H4 system is presented.
Treasures IV: American Avant-Garde Film, 1947–1986. National Film Preservation Foundation/Image Entertainment, 2009

This lavish 2-disc DVD set, from the National Film Preservation Foundation and Image Entertainment, continues their series of enlightening and entertaining collections of rare and overlooked films ...
Development of attitude strength over the life cycle: surge and decline.

This article explores the relation of age to manifestations and antecedents of attitude strength. Three studies demonstrate that susceptibility to attitude change is greater during early and late adulthood than during middle adulthood. Three additional studies demonstrate that attitude importance, certainty, and perceived quantity of attitude-relevant knowledge are greater in middle adulthood than during early or late adulthood. These antecedents may therefore explain life cycle shifts in susceptibility to change. Susceptibility to change, importance, certainty, and perceived knowledge differ from one another in terms of their correlations with education, gender, and race, challenging the notion that attitude strength is a unitary construct. Evidence that people incorrectly believe that susceptibility to change declines steadily over the life course reinforces the distinction between operative and rectaattitudinal measures of attitude strength.
Down-regulation of lipoprotein lipase increases glucose uptake in L6 muscle cells.

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are synthetic hypoglycemic agents used to treat type 2 diabetes. TZDs target the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and improve systemic insulin sensitivity. The contributions of specific tissues to TZD action, or the downstream effects of PPAR-γ activation, are not very clear. We have used a rat skeletal muscle cell line (L6 cells) to demonstrate that TZDs directly target PPAR-γ in muscle cells. TZD treatment resulted in a significant repression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression in L6 cells. This repression correlated with an increase in glucose uptake. Down-regulation of LPL message and protein levels using siRNA resulted in a similar increase in insulin-dependent glucose uptake. Thus, LPL down-regulation improved insulin sensitivity independent of TZDs. This finding provides a novel method for the management of insulin resistance.
Synthesis and reactivity of tetrakis(imino)pyracene (TIP) ligands; bifunctional analogues of the BIAN ligand class.

The first two examples of a new class of bifunctional BIAN-type ligand have been prepared, and the reactions of one such ligand with CuBr2 and BCl3 have been explored.
Adenosine receptor blockade and nitric oxide synthase inhibition in the retina: Impact upon post-ischemic hyperemia and the electroretinogram

We performed this study to determine the effect on ocular blood flow and the electroretinogram of either nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition, adenosine receptor blockade or the combination of both after 1 hr of ocular ischemia. Thirty-seven cats under general anesthesia were subjected to 1 hr of complete ischemia in one eye by raising the intraocular pressure above systolic blood pressure. The other eye in each animal served as a non-ischemic control. Arterial blood gas tension, systemic arterial pressure, body temperature, hematocrit, and anesthetic level were controlled in each experiment. Cats were divided into four groups. Group 1 received normal saline injections [intravenous (i.v.) and intravitreal], Group 2 adenosine receptor blockade (0.1 ml of 0.01 M 8-sulfophenyltheophylline intravitreal) and saline i.v., Group 3 NOS inhibition (30 mg/kg 1- N G -nitro-arginine-methyl-ester i.v.) and saline intravitreal, and Group 4 intravitreal adenosine receptor blockade and NOS inhibition i.v. A subset of Group 3 received 1-arginine to investigate the reversibility of NOS inhibition, after the blood flow measurements were completed. Five minutes after the end of ischemia, blood flows in retina and choroid were measured using injections of radioactively labeled microspheres. Electroretinographic (ERG) studies were carried out before treatment, before ischemia, during ischemia, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 hr after ischemia ended. NOS inhibition significantly reduced basal blood flow in the choroid, and in the retina when combined with adenosine receptor blockade. Adenosine receptor blockade completely attenuated postischemic hyperemia in the retina, but retinal hyperemia reappeared when adenosine receptor blockade and NOS inhibition were combined. Adenosine receptor blockade had no effect on ERG recovery after ischemia. NOS inhibition led to a reduction of ERG a - and b -wave amplitudes in control eyes, that could be reversed by 1-arginine. Nitric oxide (NO) appears to be a significant factor in the regulation of basal blood flow in the choroid. Adenosine appears to be a major mediator of retinal hyperemia after 60 min of ischemia. Since NOS inhibition appeared to have direct effects on ERG wave amplitudes, short-term ERG studies may be of limited use in assessing the role of NO in postischemic recovery of the retina. Our observations correlate well with the emerging role of NO as a neurotransmitter in the retina.
Targeting of endothelin receptor-B to the neural crest

Endothelin receptor B (Ednrb) plays a critical role in the development of melanocytes and neurons and glia of the enteric nervous system. These distinct neural crest-derived cell types express Ednrb and share the property of intercalating into tissues, such as the intestine whose muscle precursor cells also express Ednrb. Such widespread Ednrb expression has been a significant obstacle in establishing precise roles for Ednrb in development. We describe here the production of an Ednrb allele floxed at exon 3 and its use in excising the receptor from mouse neural crest cells by use of Cre-recombinase driven by the Wnt1 promoter. Mice born with neural crest-specific excision of Ednrb possess aganglionic colon, lack trunk pigmentation, and die within 5 weeks due to megacolon. Ednrb receptor expression in these animals is absent only in the neural crest but present in surrounding smooth muscle cells. The absence of Ednrb from crest cells also results in a compensatory upregulation of Ednrb expression in other cells within the gut. We conclude that Ednrb loss only in neural crest cells is sufficient to produce the Hirschsprungs disease phenotype observed with genomic Ednrb mutations. genesis 46:396–400, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the internal tidal motions in the Florida Straits

Abstract The baroclinic tidal motions of diurnal and semidiurnal perrods in the Florida Straits are characteristically larger than those found in the open ocean. Typical measurements indicate a 100 m oscillation of the constant σ t surface and an associated 30 cm/sec oscillation of the surface velocity component along the channel axis. The theory of small amplitude long waves in s stratified channel is developed fort he tidal configuration in the Florida Straits. It is shown that an internal baroclinic seiche accompanies a free surface tidal wave. Thhis seiche is intimately linked to the topographic features of the channel, and is not present in a channel of uniform depth. Furthermore, large amplitude motions arise fortthe semi-diurnal tidal fluctuations, because the semi-diurnal baroclinic seiche is near resonance. Good consistency obtains between these calculations and the existing field measurements.
Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus as a Vaccine Vector for Cancer Therapy

Naturally occurring strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are currently being investigated in multiple clinical trials for oncolytic cancer therapy in the United States and abroad. We have previously reported, for the first time, the development of recombinant NDVs designed for enhanced cancer therapeutic efficacy. Specifically, we have shown that NDV engineered to express interleukin-2 (IL-2) generates a robust therapeutic response associated with increased tumor-specific T-cell infiltration after intratumoral administration in mice. We have now demonstrated that this therapeutic response is dependent on T cells and we have investigated the potential to focus the NDV-induced immune response toward a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) to enhance the inherent therapeutic efficacy of NDV further. We found that intratumoral treatments of tumor-bearing mice with recombinant NDV expressing a model TAA elicited an enhanced tumor-specific response, resulting in a significant increase in the number of complete tumor regressions compared with control NDV. Additionally, coadministration of NDV expressing a model TAA with NDV expressing IL-2 enhanced the TAA-directed response and led to more complete tumor regressions. Our results show that TAA-directed immunotherapy by oncolytic recombinant NDV alone or in combination with IL-2 results in an enhanced therapeutic efficacy and warrant consideration in the development of cancer therapies based on the use of oncolytic NDV.
Evaluation of a modified Fitts law brain–computer interface target acquisition task in able and motor disabled individuals

A brain–computer interface (BCI) is a communication system that takes recorded brain signals and translates them into real-time actions, in this case movement of a cursor on a computer screen. This work applied Fitts' law to the evaluation of performance on a target acquisition task during sensorimotor rhythm-based BCI training. Fitts' law, which has been used as a predictor of movement time in studies of human movement, was used here to determine the information transfer rate, which was based on target acquisition time and target difficulty. The information transfer rate was used to make comparisons between control modalities and subject groups on the same task. Data were analyzed from eight able-bodied and five motor disabled participants who wore an electrode cap that recorded and translated their electroencephalogram (EEG) signals into computer cursor movements. Direct comparisons were made between able-bodied and disabled subjects, and between EEG and joystick cursor control in able-bodied subjects. Fitts' law aptly described the relationship between movement time and index of difficulty for each task movement direction when evaluated separately and averaged together. This study showed that Fitts' law can be successfully applied to computer cursor movement controlled by neural signals.