cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activity of single-stranded DNA endonucleases in mung bean is associated with cell division

A single-strand-specific endonuclease from mung bean sprouts is widely used in molecular biology. However, the biological role of this enzyme is unknown. We studied the spatial and temporal activity of single-stranded DNA endonucleases in mung bean seedling by following enzyme activity that linearizes supercoiled plasmid DNA, a characteristic of this type of enzyme. The formation of a linear molecule from supercoiled DNA was found to occur in two distinguishable steps. The first, which involves introducing a nick into the supercoiled DNA and relaxing it, is very rapid and complete within a few seconds. The second step of cleaving the opposite strand to generate a unit-length linear duplex DNA is a relatively slow process. Analysis of the DNA cleavage sites showed the nuclease preferentially cuts supercoiled DNA at an AT-rich region. Varying levels of nuclease activity could be detected in different tissues of the mung bean seedling. The highest activity was in the root tip and was correlated with histone H1 kinase activity. This implies a link between nuclease activity and cell division. Induction of cell division in mung bean hypocotyls with auxin promoted formation of root primordia and considerably increased the activity of single-stranded DNA endonucleases. The nuclease activity and histone H1 kinase activity were reduced in mung bean cuttings treated with hydroxyurea, but not in cuttings treated with oryzalin. The potential function of single-stranded DNA endonucleases is discussed.
Why should Muslims abandon Jihad ? Human rights and the future of international law

Abstract This article examines the basis and reality of international legality and the universality of human rights from an Islamic perspective. The author calls for principled commitment and systematic respect for the institutional framework of international legality and the rule of law to encourage Muslims to abandon traditional notions of jihad. Similarly, since the institutional framework of legality and the rule of law in international relations is necessary for the protection of human rights as well, the absence of this framework would undermine the credibility and viability of human rights norms.
University surgical group

The medical marketplace and various forms of contracted care place academic medical centers at a potential disadvantage. Recruitment of patients and maintenance of the academic mission may at times have disparate agendas. The university surgeon traditionally has embraced patient care, education, research, and administration with relative ease. Major price constraints and new forms of market competition now threaten the centralization of technology, the creativity, and the educational mission of university surgical practices. The university must deal with this new order by being proactive and flexible in negotiation. Faculty should conduct their business among themselves and with outside entities under a practice plan. Business management and physicians must try vigorously to understand each other. Finally, universities should use their expertise to lead in clinical outcomes research. The ideal university practice must show leadership in technological advances, retain the scientific method, and produce useful precise outcomes analysis. The academic surgeon must help solve problems involving excessive costs, assaults on creativity, and the businness-medical interface. Time management will be essential.
Determination of spin- and valley-split energy levels in strained Si quantum wells

The energy spacing of spin- and valley-split energy levels in strained Si quantum wells is determined using tilted-magnetic-field Shubnikov - de Haas measurements. The effective Lande g-factor, , is determined both as a function of electron sheet concentration, , and Landau level occupation number, . The value of is determined from the angle at which the longitudinal magnetoresistance minima of adjacent spin-split Landau levels are equal. For the coincidence of the and levels, increases from to as is decreased from to at T = 0.4 K. In the same sample, with fixed electron concentration of , for , and oscillates between average values of and , for lower values of . The magnitude of the valley splittings has also been investigated; for a perpendicular magnetic field of , a splitting of is determined, which is several times smaller than values for Si inversion layers reported in the literature.
Altered locomotor and stereotyped responses to acute methamphetamine in adolescent, maternally separated rats

Rationale Neonatal maternal separation (MS) has been used to model the effects of early life stress in rodents. MS alters behavioral responses to a variety of abused drugs, but few studies have examined its effects on methamphetamine sensitivity.
Field Measurement of Jacket Member Structural Properties

This paper documents a fabrication yard measurement program carried out to measure jacket member damping and end fixity. These parameters are important in characterising vortex-induced vibration response. The results confirm the expectation that jacket members generally have low damping, frequently less than 0.3 percent of critical. The data indicates a range of end fixities can occur, depending on member end conditions, with an average fixity of about 70 percent typically observed. See also the following Abstract.
Evaluating the Effects of Direct Democracy on Public Policy: California’s Urban Growth Boundaries

This research addresses two interrelated questions about direct democracy: How does direct democracy affect public policy? And why do citizens and interest groups sometimes pursue policy change through direct democracy? We study these questions by testing for differences between urban growth boundaries (UGBs) that were enacted by city councils and by direct democracy in a large sample of California municipalities. We find that laws adopted at the ballot box are more extreme and are more difficult to amend or repeal. However, we also find that direct democracy does not result in less coherent or more fragmented policy regimes. In addition, we develop and test a model of the factors that lead political actors to pursue each strategy for policy change. Our results demonstrate that decisions to use the initiative process are largely a function of characteristics of local legislatures rather than citizen preferences for extreme policies.
Details of first order Coriolis resonance in C3v molecules

Abstract Reinvestigation of first order Coriolis resonance in molecules belongring to the group C 3 v in a very general manner has shown that two apparently different formulations are equivalent. Complete correlation is established between upper state wave functions, the corresponding transitions to these states, and the symmetry of the states under the full point group C 3 v for any arbitrary choice of phases for the rotation and vibration basis functions.
Coordination of CuB in reduced and CO-liganded states of cytochrome bo3 from Escherichia coli. Is chloride ion a cofactor?

The ubiquinol oxidase cytochrome bo3 from Escherichia coli is one of the respiratory heme−copper oxidases which catalyze the reduction of O2 to water linked to translocation of protons across the bacterial or mitochondrial membrane. We have studied the structure of the CuB site in the binuclear heme−copper center of O2 reduction by EXAFS spectroscopy in the fully reduced state of this enzyme, as well as in the reduced CO-liganded states where CO is bound either to the heme iron or to CuB. We find that, in the reduced enzyme, CuB is coordinated by one weakly bound and two strongly bound histidine imidazoles at Cu−N distances of 2.10 and 1.92 A, respectively, and that an additional feature at 2.54 A is due to a highly ordered water molecule that might be weakly associated with the copper. Unexpectedly, the binding of CO to heme iron is found to result in a major conformational change at CuB, which now binds only two equidistant histidine imidazoles at 1.95 A and a chloride ion at 2.25 A, with elimination of...
Non-paroxysmal A-V junctional tachycardia associated with acute myocardial infarction☆

Abstract The hospital records of 48 subjects with acute myocardial infarction complicated by non-paroxysmal A-V junctional tachycardia (NPJT) were reviewed. Fifteen of 48 subjects (31 per cent) so affected died. NPJT was most commonly associated with inferior wall infarction ( 24 48 , 50 per cent). Although ten of 16 (63 per cent) patients with acute anterior wall infarction and NPJT died, 23 of 24 patients with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction survived. Mean heart rates during NPJT were significantly greater in subjects with anterior wall infarction (113.4 ± 35.3 vs. inferior wall 85.4 ± 28.1, P
Preferences of infants for regular and distorted natural speech stimuli

Abstract The schema hypothesis proposed by Kagan (Science, 1970 , 170, 826–832) and Lewis (Developmental Psychology, 1969 , 1, 75–86) was used to make predictions concerning the preferences of infants 3 to 14 months old for speech stimuli. An operant response method was used in determining the infants' preferences for inflected, monotone, and scrambled natural speech stimuli. Although the infants' preferences did not change with age as predicted, the infants produced clear preference orderings for the three stimuli. The speech preferences were interpreted as being based on stimulus variables (e.g., word order, inflection, and speech rate) in addition to the realism variables assumed by the schema hypothesis.
Image simulation of partially amorphous materials

Abstract The extent to which the aperiodic character of HRTEM images corresponds to amorphous domains in partially amorphous materials has not been determined. Neither the spatial nor the quantitative correspondence between the HRTEM image and the actual structure has been quantified. This complicates the complete interpretation of HRTEM images wherever amorphous domains are present. In this study, periodic continuation has been employed to model large-scale defects (i.e. amorphous domains) within crystalline zircon (ZrSiO 4 ) in order to determine the spatial and quantitative accuracy of the phase-contrast imaging process when applied to partially amorphous materials. HRTEM image simulations of partially amorphous zircon show that increasing proportions of laterally homogeneous layers of amorphous material contribute aperiodic image intensity non-linearly, such that the apparent accumulation of amorphous material is compressed relative to the actual accumulation. Up to thirty percent of a sample can be amorphous before observable disruption to the periodicity occurs in the HRTEM image, and complete loss of the periodic character occurs when the crystalline volume fraction drops below twenty percent. Within this range of amorphous volume fractions, images exhibit a partially periodic character; however, the exact extent of the structural transition which gives rise to partially periodic images depends on sample thickness. Increasing crystal thickness decreases the image sensitivity to amorphous volumes. Laterally discontinuous regions of amorphous material contribute an aperiodic image character which corresponds spatially to the amorphous volume only when the crystalline/amorphous (C/A) interface is vertical (i.e. parallel to the electron beam). Non-vertical C/A interfaces give rise to gradational changes from periodic to aperiodic image character which are consistent with the changing columnar amorphous volume fraction across the interface. This may give rise to significant errors in the volumetric estimate of amorphous material derived from analysis of HRTEM images of laterally inhomogeneous, partially amorphous samples. Proper analysis of the image character in areas exhibiting mixed periodic/ aperiodic character, however, does allow an accurate determination of the amorphous volume fraction for materials which are 30 to 80 volume percent amorphous.
Numerical simulation of a compartmental system for the distribution of lipid soluble chemicals in mammalian tissues.

Abstract An analysis of the stability and accuracy of a particular numerical scheme used in the mathermatical modeling of the flow limit pharmacodynamics of highly lipid soluble drugs in mammalian tissue systems is presented. The necessary definitions and theorems together with their proofs are included. A typical example of the flow limit pharmacodynamics of the highly lipid soluble drug dieldrin (HEOD) is also presented.
Regional Hemodynamic Effects of Dopamine in the Indomethacin-Treated Preterm Infant

OBJECTIVE: We have previously demonstrated that dopamine induces selective renal vasodilation without affecting cerebral and mesenteric blood flow in ≤32 weeks' gestation normotensive preterm infants during the first postnatal day. In the present study, we have examined whether pretreatment with indomethacin affects the regional hemodynamic response to dopamine in >1-day-old normotensive preterm infants with similar gestational age. STUDY DESIGN: The pulsatility index (PI) was used to assess the dopamine-induced changes in renal, mesenteric, and cerebral blood flow using color Doppler ultrasonography in 20 indomethacin-treated normotensive preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus (gestational age: 27.2±1.5 weeks; postnatal age: 35.7±8.2 hours). Dopamine (5 μg/kg per minute) was started 4.9±2.1 hours (range: 2 to 8 hours) after the first dose of indomethacin to combat oliguria and/or impaired peripheral perfusion. Blood flow velocity measurements were obtained immediately before and 10 minutes after the start of dopamine with each subject serving as his/her own control. RESULTS: Dopamine increased heart rate and urine output but did not affect blood pressure at the dose applied. Dopamine decreased the PI in the renal and superior mesenteric artery (2.6±1.32 vs. 1.61±0.7 and 2.36±1.12 vs. 1.76±0.64, respectively; p 1-day-old indomethacin-treated preterm infant.
Aggregation bias and the benign neglect hypothesis

The results from prior examinations of the benign neglect hypothesis are mixed. The current research seeks to determine the extent to which aggregation bias can account for these inconsistencies. Guided by insights from the policing literature, characteristics of the social contexts of police districts in a Midwestern city are used to explore the relationship between racial conflict and police behavior. The results from autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) analyses of the influence of a race riot on arrests fail to produce evidence of benign neglect at the city level. However, when data are disaggregated to the police district level of analysis evidence of benign neglect is found in the area of the city where the least powerful, black residents reside. The implications of these findings are discussed.
μ-Tiles and mortar approach: A simple technique for the facile fabrication of continuous b-oriented MFI silicalite-1 thin films

Here we report a simple method, what we call a μ-tiles and mortar method, to grow highly b-oriented MFI thin films on substrates in a facile manner. The method involves three main steps: (1) rapidly assembling b-oriented MFI micro-crystal layers on porous substrates using manual assembly (i.e., direct assembly by rubbing crystals on functionalized surfaces), (2) passivating the flat crystal faces by sputtering a thin gold/palladium layer to prevent the nucleation and growth of crystals along the out-of-plane direction while allowing the growth of crystals along the in-plane direction, and followed by (3) filling the gaps between the MFI micro-crystals by allowing the crystals to grow only in the plane while preventing the out-of-plane growth of the crystals. It is shown that the key to the successful fabrication of oriented MFI thin films is to promote the in-plane (i.e., parallel to the support) growth of oriented zeolite tiles on substrates during the secondary growth step so as to eliminate the intercrystal gaps and generate a continuous film while preventing the out-of-plane (i.e., perpendicular to the support) growth and nucleation of mis-oriented grains. Using the μ-tiles and mortar method, we have demonstrated that continuous b-oriented MFI thin films can be readily made with controllable microstructure such as membrane thickness, size of single crystal domain, and density of grain boundary. We have also made, for the first time, MFI thin films that have preferentially oriented crystal grains with randomly oriented grain boundary structure. The method reported here has potentials to address some of the current engineering challenges for practical applications of zeolite membranes by enabling the fabrication of oriented zeolite membranes in a simple manner.
Electrical and synaptic properties of myenteric plexus neurones in the terminal large intestine of the guinea‐pig.

1. Intracellular recording methods were used to investigate the cellular neurophysiology of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus of the guinea-pig rectum. The rectum is a region of the gastrointestinal tract with specialized functions that include reflex relaxation of the internal and sphincter during defaecation. Electrical and synaptic properties of myenteric neurones in the rectum had not previously been studied. Therefore, the overall aim of the work was to describe electrical and synaptic behaviour and identify neurophysiological properties of rectal neurones that might be related to specialization of function in this region of the gut. 2. Thirty-four (58%) of fifty-nine impaled cells had electrophysiological properties of AH/type 2 enteric neurones. Eighteen (30%) behaved like type 3 neurones and only two (3%) behaved like S/type 1 enteric neurones. Three per cent were presumably glial cells and the remainder were unclassifiable. 3. Nicotinic cholinergic fast EPSPs were recorded in six of thirty-four (18%) of AH/type 2 neurones and in all eighteen of the type 3 cells. Slow EPSPs occurred in five of thirty-four (15%) of AH/type 2 neurones and were absent from type 3 neurones. 4. Type 3 neurones received fast synaptic inputs from axons in each of the interganglionic fibre tracts that were connected with the ganglion containing the neurone. 5. AH/type 2 neurones were apparently multipolar neurones with long processes projecting into each of the interganglionic fibre tracts connected with the ganglion. Type 3 neurones did not have processes leaving the ganglion in the fibre tracts. 6. Run-down in amplitude of the fast EPSPs in type 3 neurones occurred when they were evoked at frequencies of 5 Hz or greater. 7. Presynaptic muscarinic cholinergic receptors behaved like autoreceptors in suppressing the release of acetylcholine at nicotinic synapses on type 3 neurones. 8. Application of 5-hydroxytryptamine, acetylcholine, substance P and forskolin mimicked the characteristics of slow EPSPs in the AH/type 2 neurones. 9. The principal difference between neuronal behaviour in the rectum and small intestine, colon and stomach was in the relative proportions of AH/type 2, S/type 1 and type 3 neurones. This is discussed in terms of the functional specialization of the rectum.
Modeling Decomposing Objects under Combustion

We present a simple yet effective method for modeling of object decomposition under combustion. A separate simulation models the flame production and generates heat from a combustion process, which is used to trigger pyrolysis of the solid object. The decomposition is modeled using level set methods, and can handle complex topological changes. Even with a very simple flame model on a coarse grid, we can achieve a plausible decomposition of the burning object.
Monosynaptic muscarinic activation of K+ conductance underlies the slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential in sympathetic ganglia.

Slow muscarinic inhibition, which lasts seconds or longer, is probably an important modulator of synaptic interactions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neither the cellular location of muscarinic receptors nor the ionic mechanism underlying the inhibition is well understood. In parasympathetic neurones of the cardiac ganglion in the mudpuppy, activation of muscarinic receptors leads to an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (i.p.s.p.) produced by an increase in membrane conductance to K+ (ref. 1). At other sites, including sympathetic ganglia, however, the situation is less clear. In the 9th and 10th paravertebral sympathetic ganglia of the bullfrog stimulation of synaptic inputs to C neurones produces a slow muscarinic i.p.s.p.2. From extracellular recordings, it was suggested3 that this slow i.p.s.p. is mediated through muscarinic excitation of an inhibitory, catecholamine-releasing interneurone. However, using similar methods, Weight et al.4,5 reported that muscarinic receptors are located on C neurones themselves. Further controversy exists over the ionic basis of the i.p.s.p.; stimulation of an electrogenic ion pump6,7 and reduction of membrane Na+ conductance8 have both been proposed but remain unsubstantiated. We now present evidence, from intracellular recordings, that acetyl-choline (ACh) produces a monosynaptic activation of muscarinic receptors located on sympathetic C neurones, and the i.p.s.p. is accompanied by an increase in membrane K+ conductance.
Open Problems in Computational Vascular Biomechanics: Hemodynamics and Arterial Wall Mechanics

The vasculature consists of a complex network of vessels ranging from large arteries to arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. This network is vital for the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide and waste products from tissues. Because of its primary role as a pressure-driven chemomechanical transport system, it should not be surprising that mechanics plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of the normal vasculature as well as in the progression and treatment of vascular disease. This review highlights some past successes of vascular biomechanics, but emphasizes the need for research that synthesizes complementary advances in molecular biology, biomechanics, medical imaging, computational methods, and computing power for purposes of increasing our understanding of vascular physiology and pathophysiology as well as improving the design of medical devices and clinical interventions, including surgical procedures. That is, computational mechanics has great promise to contribute to the continued improvement of vascular health.
Zonal mean wind, the Indian monsoon, and July drying in the western Atlantic subtropics

[1] A fully closed zonal momentum budget is decomposed to explain the occurrence of zonal mean easterlies at subtropical latitudes in July. Eddy momentum fluxes from stationary eddies, most prominently the western sector of the Indian monsoon Tibetan High, are the primary mechanism governing the negative tendency of zonal mean momentum near 20°N–30°N. This strengthening of the zonal mean easterlies in July is significantly correlated with the concurrent strengthening of the North Atlantic Subtropical High (NASH) and the rainfall deficit in the western North Atlantic (WATL). Interannual variations of the Indian monsoon reflect changes in the strength of these zonal mean easterlies, with downstream teleconnections on the westward displacement of the NASH and precipitation in the WATL. An increase in rainfall in India from June to July corresponds to a decrease in rainfall in the WATL.
The photochemistry and dynamics of a dusty cometary atmosphere

The solving of a simultaneous set of differential equations representing conservation of number density, momentum, and energy together with solar radiation transfer in the streams which result in photolytic processes and the heating of the nucleus yields a self-consistent solution of the dynamical and thermal structure of an H2O-dominated two-phase dusty gas cometary atmosphere. Two models are considered for the transfer of solar radiation through the circumnuclear dust halo. The first considers only the direct extinction by the dust, and in the second the diffuse radiation field due to multiple scattering by the dust halo, which compensates for radiation removed by direct absorption when the optical depth is near unity, is approximated by neglecting the attenuation of radiation given off by the dust. It is shown that while dust attenuation has a strong effect on the H2O production rate, it also increases the electron density in the inner coma over the unattenuated case.
Muslim American University Students’ Perceptions of Islam and Democracy: Deconstructing the Dichotomy

The aftermath of 9/11 and the current surge of revolutions in North Africa and the Middle East have caused Muslim Americans to be either demonized or forgotten altogether, despite the significance of their everyday navigation of both Islamic and democratic values and unique efforts toward identity construction. The neglect of the Muslim American individual experience in the dominant discourse on Islam and democracy has stifled the voices of members of this marginalized population, thereby limiting their self-representation. Through the use of a phenomenological framework and Critical Discourse Analysis, this study complicates the dominant discourses on Islam and democracy by shedding light on the lived experiences of seven Muslim American university students and providing supplemental perspectives from their university professors. These participants constructed an alternative discourse that positioned the Islamic and democratic values of equality, respect, freedom, and education as compatible, albeit with...
On the strength of transverse waves in gaseous detonations

Abstract The ‘strength’ of a transverse wave in a propagating detonation is defined as the dimensionless pressure increase across the reflected shock at the triple point. It is shown that ‘strength’ may be measured from smoked foil records by measuring the entrance angle of a symmetrical intersection of Mach stems of opposite families. Measurements of strength are reported for argon diluted and undiluted stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen mixtures and for argon diluted stoichiometric acetylene-oxygen and ethylene-oxygen mixtures in the initial pressure range of 50 to 350 torr. The limitations of the technique are discussed as are the implications of the observations that strength is highly variable and at the same time relatively independent of initial pressure. The variability must affect quantitative measurements while on the other hand, a similarity argument is presented which indicates that strength should be independent of pressure in certain detonation systems.
Closed-form analytic synthesis of a five-link spatial motion generator

Abstract In the synthesis of motion generating mechanisms we seek to determine the key dimensions of a preconceived type of single-degree-of-freedom mechanism which will guide one of its links through a sequence of finitely or infinitesimally separated arbitrarily prescribed positions. In space, each such finitely separated precision position can be specified by the radius vector of the origin and the Euler angles of orientation of a coordinate system, embedded in the guided link, with respect to a fixed coordinate system of reference. The motion generator mechanim considered here consists of two grounded S - S links, ¶ one grounded C - S link, a ternary S-S-S coupler and the R - R - C fixed frame. Motion of the coupler is to prescribed. Each equation of synthesis is written by expressing the closure of the vector polygon covering the starting and one displaced position of one dyad formed by a grounded link and the coupler. The resulting system can be solved for unknown vectors defining the dyad in its starting position, in closed form for up to three precision positions.
In vivo myocardial kinetics of air-filled albumin microbubbles during myocardial contrast echocardiography. Comparison with radiolabeled red blood cells.

Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is a new technique for assessing myocardial perfusion that uses intracoronary injections of microbubbles of air. Because these microbubbles have a mean diameter of 4.3 +/- 0.3 microns and an intravascular rheology similar to that of red blood cells (RBCs), we hypothesized that their mean myocardial transit rates recorded on echocardiography would provide an estimation of regional myocardial blood flow in the in vivo beating heart. Accordingly, blood flow to the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) of 12 open-chest anesthetized dogs (group I) was adjusted to 4 to 6 flows (total of 60 flows), and microbubbles and radiolabeled RBCs were injected into the LAD in a random order at each stage. The mean myocardial RBC transit rates were measured by fitting a gamma-variate function to time-activity plots generated by placing a miniature CsI2 probe over the anterior surface of the heart, and the mean myocardial microbubble transit rates were measured from time-intensity plots derived from off-line analysis of MCE images obtained during the injection of microbubbles. An excellent correlation was noted between flow (measured with an extracorporeal electromagnetic flow probe) and mean myocardial RBC transit rate (y = 2.83 x 10(-3)x + 0.01, r = .96, SEE = 0.02, P < .001). A close correlation was also noted between mean RBC and microbubble myocardial transit rates (y = 1.01x + 0.01, r = .89, SEE = 0.02, P < .001). Despite its theoretical advantages, a lagged normal density function did not provide a better fit to the MCE data than the gamma-variate function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mine level analysis of planar and raised peat deposition in a wave- and tide-influenced deltaic shoreline setting; Beckley bed (Westphalian A), southern West Virginia

Abstract The Beckley bed of the New River Formation is known for difficult mining conditions. In the area examined the bed is composed of four coal benches separated by siliciclastic partings. Each bench represents a different episode of swamp development on a wave- and tide-influenced deltaic platform that had prograded to the northwest. Both planar swamps and raised mires developed in tidally influenced estuarine settings through time on this platform. These differing types of swamp morphology are superimposed, one upon the other, at the same geographic locations. These swamp environments were terminated by drowning, represented by a coarsening-upward sequence that overlies the bed. This sequence is tidally influenced and it represents the continuation of estuarine conditions. Most of this sequence is removed by an episode of incision by fluvial channels. This episode was followed by a return to sediment deposition in tidally influenced conditions. The distribution of all sediment types is influenced by faulting that was concurrent with sediment deposition. This faulting caused the localization and stacking of thick sandstones, thick coal areas, and the preservation of tidally influenced sediments that overlie the bed, all of which impact on the mineability of the bed.
Prediction over countable alphabets

We consider the problem of predicting finite upper bounds on unseen samples of an unknown distribution p over the set of natural numbers, using only observations generated i.i.d. from it. While p is unknown, it belongs to a known collection P of possible models.
An active-site-directed irreversible inhibitor of Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase

Abstract The α and β isomers of spiro-3-oxiranyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol were tested as possible inhibitors of Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase of Pseudomonas testosteroni . The β-oxirane causes a first-order irreversible inactivation of the enzyme and shows saturation kinetics (KI, 17 μM). Protection against inactivation is exhibited by 19-nortestosterone, a competitive inhibitor of the isomerase. Although the α-oxirane was found to be a good reversible inhibitor (Ki, 21 μM), prolonged incubation with it failed to produce any inactivation of the isomerase. The results obtained are consistent with the presence of a nucleophilic group situated near the 3-keto group of the substrate in the enzyme-steroid complex.
Modulated Coding for Intersymbol Interference Channels

From the Publisher: Summarizes the latest research results for mitigating intersymbol interference, introducing a new technique called modulated coding. Considers three cases in MC encoding and decoding and reviews mitigation methods, detailing basic concepts related to modulated coding.
Nuclear resonant scattering beamline at the Advanced Photon Source

The principal and engineering aspects of a dedicated synchrotron radiation beamline under construction at the Advanced Photon Source for nuclear resonant scattering purposes are explained. The expected performance in terms of isotopes to be studied, flux, and timing properties is discussed.
Electron Microscopy: A Tool for Visualizing Chromatin

The molecular biologist is fortunate that many of the macromolecules of interest can be visualized by the electron microscope, thus helping in the interpretation of biophysical and biochemical information. The problem arises in finding objective criteria for evaluating such images; gleaning the meaningful information and discarding the chaff. It is the goal of this article to set forth such guidlines to sharpen the student’s awareness of the characteristics of acceptable electron microscopic data. The evaluation of a micrograph, as other biophysical data, can and should be objective and not based on artistic merit. Progress in our understanding of chromatin structure has been accelerated by electron microscopy and will serve as an example for this discussion.
Efficient techniques for genotype‐phenotype correlational analysis

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are sequence variations found in individuals at some specific points in the genomic sequence. As SNPs are highly conserved throughout evolution and within a population, the map of SNPs serves as an excellent genotypic marker. Conventional SNPs analysis mechanisms suffer from large run times, inefficient memory usage, and frequent overestimation. In this paper, we propose efficient, scalable, and reliable algorithms to select a small subset of SNPs from a large set of SNPs which can together be employed to perform phenotypic classification. Our algorithms exploit the techniques of gene selection and random projections to identify a meaningful subset of SNPs. To the best of our knowledge, these techniques have not been employed before in the context of genotype‐phenotype correlations. Random projections are used to project the input data into a lower dimensional space (closely preserving distances). Gene selection is then applied on the projected data to identify a subset of the most relevant SNPs. We have compared the performance of our algorithms with one of the currently known best algorithms called Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (MDR), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithms are superior in terms of accuracy as well as run time. In our proposed techniques, random projection is used to map data from a high dimensional space to a lower dimensional space, and thus overcomes the curse of dimensionality problem. From this space of reduced dimension, we select the best subset of attributes. It is a unique mechanism in the domain of SNPs analysis, and to the best of our knowledge it is not employed before. As revealed by our experimental results, our proposed techniques offer the potential of high accuracies while keeping the run times low.
Variable effect of anH-21 barrier on response to skin allografts in the mouse

(AQR×B10)F1 mice were grafted with skin from donors differing in theK, I, KI, andISD regions of theH-2 complex. A dichotomy was observed in the fate of theH-2I-disparate grafts: either they were rejected acutely within the second week or were accepted indefinitely. Acceptances were much more common among male than female hosts. Acceptor status was limited to the I group, was unpredictable in occurrence, was not well-correlated with positive serum anti-Ia titers, and did not confer protection of grafts that were alike atH-2I but different atH-2K orH-2D. Since theH-2I barrier studied here elicited such divergent responses in genetically identical hosts, it is unlikely that any histocompatibility typing test could predict graft fate.
Pediatric Hepatology: Progress in Deciphering Mechanisms and Advancing Therapy

We are experiencing an era during which great progress has been made in the quest to identify the mechanisms of the wide variety of hepatobiliary diseases that begin during childhood and lead to ongoing liver dysfunction in children and adults. This issue of the Clinics in Liver Disease is therefore unique and timely; the recent advances in molecular genetics have pointed out new directions for investigation and potential therapeutic targets to improve the outcome of children and adults with chronic liver disease. The combination of patientand laboratorybased research has energized the field of pediatric hepatology. Clinicians are now able to apply new diagnostic algorithms based on the predominant clinical features and relevant biological networks of disease. On the horizon is the incorporation into clinical practice of treatment plans that take into account the patient’s genetic make-up. Our understanding of the molecular basis of hepatobiliary dysfunction has been dramatically broadened by studies addressing the molecular mechanisms that control liver development and serve as the biological basis for cholestatic diseases that manifest in young children. In the first article in this issue of Clinics
A Passive Dynamic Approach for Flapping-Wing Micro-Aerial Vehicle Control

This article outlines a new control approach for flapping-wing micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs), inspired both by biological systems and by the need for lightweight actuation and control solutions. In our approach, the aerodynamic forces required for agile motions are achieved indirectly, by modifying passive impedance properties that couple motion of the power stroke to the angle of attack (AoA) of the wing. This strategy is theoretically appealing because it can exploit an invariant, cyclical power stroke, for efficiency, and because an impedance-adjusting strategy should also require lower bandwidth, weight, and power than direct, intra-wingbeat control of AoA. We examine the theoretical range of control torques and forces that can be achieved using this method and conclude that it is a plausible method of control. Our results demonstrate the potential of a passive dynamic design and control approach in reducing mechanical complexity, weight and power consumption of an MAV while achieving the aerodynamic forces required for the types of high-fidelity maneuvers that drive current interest in autonomous, flapping-wing robotics.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
New liquid chromatographic approaches for free amino acid analysis in plants and insects

Abstract A simple and rapid method of analysis for free amino acids in plants and insects is presented. The amino acids were determined as their 5-dimethylaminonaphthalen-1-sulfonyl (Dns)dervatives. Two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on polyamide sheets and high-performance liquid chromatography on μBondapak C18 columns were used to resolve the Dns dervivatives. RF values of 45 Dns derivatives are reported.
Teaching focus for conventional use

The skilful use of focus, or intonational prominence, to create meaning is essential for learners of English. To take full advantage of this resource, students must learn to perceive, produce, and predict how focus is used. The last of these areas - prediction - is usually taught with reference to word class and new/given information. This paper presents an alternative approach to predicting focus which appeals to functional and meaning regularities which do not depend on extensive written input, and are more easily applicable to normal conversation. Analysis and possible exercises for three regularities are presented: focus in answers to questions, the correction of misinformation, and focus in repeated questions. Appealing to these and other functional regularities will help in bridging the gap between classroom instruction and the conversational use of focus.
Immunocytochemical Localization of Collagenase in Human Skin and Fibroblasts in Monolayer Culture

The development of a functionally monospecific antiserum to human skin collagenase has permitted the precise localization of this enzyme using fluorescence microscopy in tissue sections of human skin and in fibroblasts from primary cell culture. In human skin, collagenase is primarily localized to the upper or papillary dermis. Collagen fibers show pronounced staining suggesting that much of the enzyme present in skin is extracellular and perhaps bound to its collagen substrate. Cytoplasmic staining was also seen in fibroblast-like cells scattered in the upper dermis. Specific fluorescent staining was virtually absent in the mid-and lower dermis and in the epidermis. Fibroblasts obtained from human skin explants displayed a granular and frequently reticulated staining pattern primarily in the perinuclear region when examined either by immunofluorescent or immunoperoxidase techniques. By radioimmunoassay the culture medium contains material immunologically identical to skin collagenase. the findings suggest that the fibroblast is the major cell responsible for collagenase production.
An analysis of the effects of thermal demagnetization on magnetic carriers

We have attempted to determine why samples of the Mio-Pliocene Purisima Formation are not amenable to thermal demagnetization. Analyses of the changes in direction, intensity, susceptibility, color, and saturation magnetization as well as examination of individual magnetic grains using a scanning electron microscope have all contributed to the development of a consistent hypothesis for the fate of iron during thermal demagnetization. In this particular case, we believe that oxidation-exsolution of ilmenite and then direct dissolution of nearly pure magnetite result from progressively higher heating levels. Our approach should be useful in understanding the origin and nature of the magnetization of many lithologies, including those for which thermal demagnetization is the method of choice.
Dence for a gene in rats affecting lymphocyte responsiveness to PHA

A gene controlling high responsiveness of lymphocytes to in vitro stimulation by PHA was transferred from the Lewis strain of rats to the BN background by ten generations of backcrossing. The high-responder phenotype was initially defined on the basis of incorporation of3H-thymidine, but we show that this trait also involves higher levels of mitotic activity than are observed with low responder lymphocytes. This gene is not closely linked to any histocompatibility locus which could be detected by skin grafting, and it does not appear to affect the proportion of T lymphocytes.
A multi-level model of individual information privacy beliefs

Several types of individual information privacy beliefs have been studied in literature, but their distinctions, relationships, and behavioral impacts have yet been systematically analyzed, causing difficulties in comparing and consolidating results across literature. Based on a review on various types of privacy beliefs, this study develops a multi-level model to strengthen this concept. The model consists of three levels of privacy beliefs, including: disposition to privacy, representing a person's fundamental beliefs and overall propensity to value privacy across contexts; online privacy concern, representing a person's overall perception of privacy risks in the online environment; and website privacy concern, representing a person's perception of privacy risks on a particular website. An empirical test reveals that disposition to privacy has a positive impact on both online privacy concern and website privacy concern, and website privacy concern is the only significant predictor of intentions to disclose information and transact on a website. The study helps to synthesize individual information privacy beliefs and assists in understanding their impacts on online behavior.
Steam cooking significantly improves in vitro bile acid binding of collard greens, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, green bell pepper, and cabbage☆

Bile acid binding capacity has been related to the cholesterol-lowering potential of foods and food fractions. Lowered recirculation of bile acids results in utilization of cholesterol to synthesize bile acid and reduced fat absorption. Secondary bile acids have been associated with increased risk of cancer. Bile acid binding potential has been related to lowering the risk of heart disease and that of cancer. Previously, we have reported bile acid binding by several uncooked vegetables. However, most vegetables are consumed after cooking. How cooking would influence in vitro bile acid binding of various vegetables was investigated using a mixture of bile acids secreted in human bile under physiological conditions. Eight replicate incubations were conducted for each treatment simulating gastric and intestinal digestion, which included a substrate only, a bile acid mixture only, and 6 with substrate and bile acid mixture. Cholestyramine (a cholesterol-lowering, bile acid binding drug) was the positive control treatment and cellulose was the negative control. Relative to cholestyramine, in vitro bile acid binding on dry matter basis was for the collard greens, kale, and mustard greens, 13%; broccoli, 10%; Brussels sprouts and spinach, 8%; green bell pepper, 7%; and cabbage, 5%. These results point to the significantly different (P broccoli > Brussels sprouts = spinach = green bell pepper > cabbage as indicated by their bile acid binding on dry matter basis. Steam cooking significantly improved the in vitro bile acid binding of collard greens, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, green bell pepper, and cabbage compared with previously observed bile acid binding values for these vegetables raw (uncooked). Inclusion of steam-cooked collard greens, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, green bell pepper, and cabbage in our daily diet as health-promoting vegetables should be emphasized. These green/leafy vegetables, when consumed regularly after steam cooking, would lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, advance human nutrition research, and improve public health.
Encouraging Intellectual Growth: Senior College Student Profiles

Researchers and educational writers provide many views on what characteristics and skills the college graduate should possess (P. D. Gardner, 1998). Given the rapidly changing nature of knowledge in all disciplines and the subjectivity of grading systems, we argue the best indicator of a successful college education is a student's ability to think complexly about difficult problems. In this paper we examine students' levels of intellectual development to inform our understanding of how college experiences affect students' abilities to think in complex ways about difficult problems. Using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, we examine and compare the experiences of 19 senior college students who were rated at opposite ends of the Perry scheme of intellectual development. The 19 students were purposefully selected to represent the high and low ends of the Perry scale from an overall sample of 27 senior students at a large eastern university. Ten students from the original sample of 27 demonstrated the most advanced cognitive development with Perry scale ratings of 5–7. Nine students had Perry ratings below 4; this was the lowest rating represented in the sample. We examine the similarities and differences between these two sets of students' academic profiles, and their comments about their curricular experiences, and how the Perry scale reflects on these results. We then discuss how these similarities and differences relate to students' development of the desirable characteristics of a college graduate, implications for faculty and administrators, and the relationship of these results to prior studies using the Perry scheme.