cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteins Containing Expanded Polyglutamine Tracts and Neurodegenerative Disease.

Several hereditary neurological and neuromuscular diseases are caused by an abnormal expansion of trinucleotide repeats. To date, there have been 10 of these trinucleotide repeat disorders associated with an expansion of the codon CAG encoding glutamine (Q). For these polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, there is a critical threshold length of the CAG repeat required for disease, and further expansion beyond this threshold is correlated with age of onset and symptom severity. PolyQ expansion in the translated proteins promotes their self-assembly into a variety of oligomeric and fibrillar aggregate species that accumulate into the hallmark proteinaceous inclusion bodies associated with each disease. Here, we review aggregation mechanisms of proteins with expanded polyQ-tracts, structural consequences of expanded polyQ ranging from monomers to fibrillar aggregates, the impact of protein context and post-translational modifications on aggregation, and a potential role for lipid membranes in aggregation. As the p...
Uncommon Forms of Viral Hepatitis

Members of the herpesvirus family of viruses are commonly involved in human illness and infection. Herpesviruses are distinguished by the presence of a double-stranded DNA genome, a nucleocapsid composed of 162 capsomeres, and a viral envelope derived from the host nuclear membrane. The size of the complete virion ranges from 120 to 250 nm in diameter, while the nucleocapsid measures 95–100 nm in diameter. Of the approximately 80 herpesviruses characterized, only five agents are responsible for causing infections in humans: herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella-zoster (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Influence of Interval Between Postharvest Lettuce Residue Management and Subsequent Seeding of Broccoli on Cabbage Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) Infestation on Broccoli.

Larval stages of cabbage maggot, Delia radicum (L.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), attack the roots of Brassica crops and cause severe economic damage. In the Salinas Valley of California, Brassica crops are often planted after successive lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) crops. The interval between postharvest soil incorporation of lettuce residue and the subsequent Brassica crop can be as short as 7 d, which could influence D. radicum infestation on broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck). In 2014 and 2015, the effect of intervals between crops (IBC) on D. radicum infestation was evaluated. The treatments were 7, 20, 33, and 48 d IBC, and NL (no lettuce), 7, 21, 36, and 49 d IBC in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Insect counts and feeding damage on broccoli was assessed during 3–6 wk after planting. Adult Delia fly captures were significantly greater at 7 d than 36–49 d IBC in both years. In both years, D. radicum eggs collected were significantly greater at 7 d than at 33 d or 36 d IBC plots. Larvae collected were significantly greater at 7 d IBC than all other treatments in 2014, but not in 2015. Similarly, severity of feeding injury was significantly greater in 7 d than 33 d or 48 d IBC in 2014, but not in 2015. In 2015, broccoli with no prior lettuce had significantly lower Delia flies and D. radicum egg densities than 7 d or 21 d IBC. The implication of these results as a cultural control tactic for D. radicum infestation is discussed.
AN IATROGENIC CAUSE OF A HEART FAILURE EXACERBATION

Iatrogenic complications can manifest in a variety of ways. An 88 year old woman presents with a non ST elevation myocardial infarction, undergoing placement of a drug eluting stent to the right coronary artery. She then undergoes leadless pacemaker placement for tachy-brady syndrome using the
The influence of rainfall variability on the species composition of a northern California salt marsh plant assemblage

Natural variability in the species composition of salt marsh plant assemblage was studied for 4 years (1986–90) at Bolinas Lagoon, California (USA). The study was conducted during a period in which little or no physical disturbance occurred in the marsh. During the study, Bolinas Lagoon experienced highly variable rainfall, both within and between years. In years with average or below average winter and spring rainfall, the cover of Salicornia virginica increased relative to that of the other species. During the one year with much higher than average spring rainfall, the cover of Salicornia declined and rare species increased in relative abundance. These patterns suggest that under typical marsh conditions, the plant assemblage experiences stress due to low availability of freshwater and high soil salinity. Under such conditions, the stress-tolerant Salicornia dominates the assemblage. If, however, there is abundant rainfall early in the growing season, the other species are released from stress and are able to increase in cover. The marsh of Bolinas Lagoon appears to be resistant to change and able to tolerate stress. Few studies have examined natural variability in species in undisturbed marshes and more of such studies must be made in order to understand whether or not marshes are in general resistant to change caused by rainfall variability.
Stomatal response and human pathogen persistence in leafy greens under preharvest and postharvest environmental conditions

Abstract Human pathogens can internalize and persist inside crop plants leading to foodborne outbreaks and illnesses. Pathogenic bacteria might use natural openings on the plant surface, such as the stomatal pore, to penetrate the leaf interior and colonize the intercellular space. Once internalized, these pathogens often escape current sanitation procedures that are mostly efficient to clean the plant surface. Plants have evolved mechanism to quickly perceive the presence of bacteria and close the stomatal pore, potentially diminishing leaf contamination. In this study, we assessed the ability of several fresh leafy greens in mounting stomatal immunity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) SL1344 and determined the influence of environmental conditions (light, temperature, and humidity) on the effectiveness of the stomatal response and bacterial persistence in the leaf. We observed that, independent of the air relative humidity (RH), E. coli O157:H7 induces stomata closure in Butter Lettuce, Romaine, Basil, Spinach, and Cilantro when compared to the water control. However, STm SL1344 induces a variable stomatal response in different plant species and environmental conditions. Furthermore, endophytic STm 1344 population increases with high RH independently of other environmental conditions, whereas O157:H7 population size significantly increases in Romaine and Spinach only under post-harvest conditions. The phenotypic variability observed among the various STm-plant interactions provides opportunities to discovering the underlying genetic basis of both the plant and the pathogen, as well as to proposing additional plant-specific control measure to reduce pathogen load on/in leafy greens.
Design, Fabrication and Measurement of a Millimeter Wave Fresnel Lens using Additive Manufacturing

The design, fabrication and measurement of a 3D-printed Fresnel lens is presented. A dielectric characterization of polylactic acid material prior to simulation and fabrication of the lens is introduced. A full-wave simulation is used to design and optimize the gain of the lens. The focal length of the lens is chosen to be 40 mm. Fused deposition modeling is adopted to manufacture the lens. The final fabricated model is composed of 4 full-wave zones with 3 subzones and 1 supporting layer. The structure has 16 annular rings with maximum radius of 69.3 mm. Also., it has the thickness of 11.8 mm. The gain pattern measurements are performed in an anechoic chamber. The results show that the lens achieves a gain enhancement of 9 dB at 30 GHz.
A regional survey of deer damage throughout northeast nurseries and orchards.

Abstract In order to quantify the regional perspective on deer damage, a survey was sent to growers throughout nine Northeast states (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, and PA). The objective of the survey was to assess the extent of damage, economic impact, plants damaged, control methods used, and efficacy of control methods. After excluding those surveys that were returned as undeliverable mail (n = 103), a total of 341 (30%) responded. Of the respondents, 65% reported that deer damage was a problem at their nursery. Forty-seven (14%) respondents reported $10,000 or more in plant losses during 1996. The majority of the damage was due to browsing by deer (59%), while rubbing (33%) and trampling (8%) were less common. Plants damaged included yews (Taxus spp.), arborvitae (Thuja spp.), and fir (Abies spp.), various shade trees, hosta (Hosta spp.) and English ivy (Hedera helix). Most respondents (66%) with a deer damage problem utilized one or more methods of control. Repellents (66%) and fencing (56%) were t...
Giving the Devil his Due: Reflections of a Scientific Humanist

Who is the 'Devil'? And what is he due? The Devil is anyone who disagrees with you. And what he is due is the right to speak his mind. He must have this for your own safety's sake because his freedom is inextricably tied to your own. If he can be censored, why shouldn't you be censored? If we put barriers up to silence 'unpleasant' ideas, what's to stop the silencing of any discussion? This book is a full-throated defense of free speech and open inquiry in politics, science, and culture by the New York Times bestselling author and skeptic Michael Shermer. The new collection of essays and articles takes the Devil by the horns by tackling five key themes: free thought and free speech, politics and society, scientific humanism, religion, and the ideas of controversial intellectuals. For our own sake, we must give the Devil his due.
A Robotic System for Elderly Care and Monitoring using Human Robot Interaction

Human-Robot Interaction is an emerging field in the area of robotics and growth in this field finds application in several areas of the society. In this paper an initial progress of the design of a robotic system for elderly care is proposed. The paper describes the basic architecture of this proposed system and presents an initial implementation of this robot. This is a work in progress, and the robotic system will be updated and developed as the research progresses when more sensors and other components are interfaced providing more functionalities to the robot. Also, another goal of the project is contribution in undergraduate electrical and computer engineering education where students understand and learn to work on both hardware and software aspects in the design of an assistive robotic system.
Androgen deprivation as a tumour-immunomodulating treatment.

A new trial evaluated whether neoadjuvant use of the tumour vaccine GVAX plus cyclophosphamide with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) would augment antitumour immunity. ADT alone led to increased CD8+ T cell infiltration but also increases in regulatory cell populations. The results suggest that ADT should be used with treatments targeting the recruitment and persistence of these regulatory populations.
Characterization of Doped Oxide Films PSG/BPSG/FSG via DSIMS in Order to Eliminate Nonzero Kilometer Failures from Semiconductors Used in Automotive Industry : Topic/category: Yield Enhancment/Advanced Metrology

Doped oxide films with phosphorus and boron (PSG/BPSG) are widely used in the semiconductor processing on the first dielectric above FEOL films, to protect transistors from failures due to mobile ionic contamination (Na, Li, K, Mg & Ca). Fluorine doped films are utilized as alternatives to un-doped SiO 2 films for lower capacitance at the BEOL for smaller geometry aluminum back end technologies. Several in-line metrology techniques such as XRF and FTIR are utilized to characterize and monitor the integrity of those films but only provide limited information about the films and the dopant distribution. DSIMS/TOFSIMS depth profiles of the entire film stack do provide a clear understanding of dopants distribution and highlight any variations that have been proven to be the cause of failures and eliminate defective device deployment in the field, especially devices utilized in automotive industries.
Motivational factors that influence student science achievement: a systematic literature review of TIMSS studies

In this systematic literature review, we examined the theoretical frameworks, construct operationalisation, and quantitative results as they relate to student motivation and science achievement in ...
Adding Value in Student Managed Funds: Benchmark and Sector Selection

Student managed portfolios offer a practical learning environment but often miss opportunities for outperformance. We provide several recommendations for structuring fund trades to enhance the pedagogical experience for the students in addition to generating alpha. A strategy that targets mid cap stocks offers favorable risk-return characteristics and focuses on a market capitalization category that receives relatively less attention from professional money managers. Furthermore, a formal sector allocation strategy provides an additional source of portfolio outperformance when utilizing a metric that is robust to differences in companies across sectors. We document the high relative return dispersion among sectors in mid cap stocks and show that EV/EBITDA is a consistently effective ratio in both identifying undervalued and overvalued stocks.
Trends in medicare spending across strata of resource utilization among older individuals in the United States

Background Health care spending is an increasing proportion of government expenditures in most Western countries. How this growth is distributed between individuals with minimal compared to high health care utilization is unknown. Methods We examined total and per-capita government expenditure in an observational cohort of fee-for-service U.S. Medicare enrollees aged ≥65 years from 2007 to 2018. We categorized patients into annual resource utilization strata. We examined annualized changes in adjusted spending across resource utilization strata and the distribution of spending within and across strata for a variety of health care settings. Findings Examining 314,593,489 beneficiary-years of coverage, the top 1% of beneficiaries accounted for 14.9% of all expenditures, the top 5% for 41.5%, the top 10% for 60.0%, the top 20% for 79.1%, and the top 50% for 95.7%. Annual expenditures remained relatively stable from 2007 to 2018, with annual mean change of 0.7% (standard deviation 1.1%; median 1.1%) and mean per capita change of 0.4% (standard deviation 1·6%; median 0·3%). Changes were similar across strata with mean increases <1% in all, save for the <50th percentile strata (mean annual growth=1·9%), a significant difference (p = 0.0002). The overall distribution of expenditures across health care settings remained consistent over time, with different distributions between expenditure strata. Interpretation In the U.S. from 2007 to 2018, Medicare spending has a Pareto distribution in which 80% of the costs are attributable to 20% of beneficiaries. Despite low overall Medicare spending growth from 2007 to 2018, growth has been greatest among those in the lowest spending group. Funding The Commonwealth Fund (20,202,411).
Cultivating Asset-, Equity-, and Justice-Oriented Identities: Urban Field Experiences of Elementary Preservice Teachers of Color:

I examine how three elementary-level preservice teachers of Color cultivated their asset-, equity-, and justice-oriented pedagogical learning and identities through multilayered community-engaged t...
Abstract LB137: OKN-007 suppresses uterine carcinosarcoma by inhibiting extracellular sulfatase 2

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial carcinoma (EMC) is the most common gynecologic malignancy and is highly lethal in the metastatic setting with an overall survival of 1.5-2 years due to chemotherapy resistance. Uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) is a rare but aggressive biphasic subtype that comprises only 3-4% of EMCs but accounts for greater than 16% of uterine cancer deaths. Sulfatase 2 (SULF2) is an extracellular enzyme that activates pro-tumorigenic growth factor signaling, including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). SULF2 is overexpressed in many cancers and is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. TCGA data reveal that the SULF2 gene is commonly amplified or mutated in UCS (17.5%) and may be a viable therapeutic target. OKN-007, a disulfonyl derivative of phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone, interrupts the TGFβ pathway and decreases downstream markers of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) through inhibition of SULF2 in the tumor extracellular matrix. As such, assessment of OKN-007 was undertaken in UCS and EMC.METHODS: The anticancer effect of OKN-007 was evaluated in a UCS cell line (CS99) and EMC cell lines (Ishikawa, AN3CA, Hec1A, and RL95-2A). Cell viability, migration, colony-formation, and protein expression of SULF2, TGFβ, and EMT markers were evaluated in 2D and 3D culture conditions in vitro. The effect of OKN-007 alone or in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) on tumor growth was evaluated in an intraperitoneal UCS xenograft mouse model. In vivo tumor growth was monitored using magnetic resonance imaging. TGFβ, SULF2, and EMT markers were investigated by western blot. RESULTS: SULF2 was highly expressed in UCS and EMC cells in 2D and 3D conditions. Decreased cell viability, migration, and colony-forming ability were observed with OKN-007 treatment with differences observed in IC50 values in 2D vs 3D conditions. Mice treated with OKN-007 demonstrated no observable toxicity, had decreased mean tumor volume (p Citation Format: Anjalika Gandhi, Samrita Dogra, Rheal Towner, Bethany N. Hannafon, Katherine Moxley. OKN-007 suppresses uterine carcinosarcoma by inhibiting extracellular sulfatase 2 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB137.
Directional Electron Transfer in Ruthenium Modified Cytochrome c

Horseheart cytochrome c has been modified at His-33 with several different ruthenium redox reagents. The resulting modified proteins undergo intramolecular electron transfer where an electron is transferred between the ruthenium label and the heme c site. Depending on the redox potential of the ruthenium to the heme or vice versa. Using the two ruthenium complexes, [Ru(NH 3)5(OH 2)]2+ and [Ru(NH 3)4(N O —C—NH 2(OH 2)]2+, two proteins modified at the same site (His 33) were prepared. Based on the redox potentials of the two ruthenium reagents, intramolecular electron transfer is expected to occur with the same rate, but in opposite directions. In this poster our recent results on these modified proteins will be presented and its implication discussed.
Bayesian boxes: A colored calculator for picturing posteriors

The need for Bayesian inference arises in military intelligence, medical diagnosis and many other practical applications. The problem is that human inferences are generally conservative by Bayesian standards, i.e., people fail to extract all the certainty they should from the data they are given. Here I present a diagram called ”Bayesian Boxes” designed to correct conservatism. The diagram uses colored lines and boxes to illustrate the Bayesian posterior and the underlying principle. Compared to other diagrams, Bayesian Boxes is novel in illustrating the conceptual features (e.g., hypotheses and evidence) and computational structure (e.g., products and ratio) of Bayesian inference.
Interactive display conglomeration on the wall

We present a work in progress for a paradigm of wall-top displays for future offices, where instead of a small desktop, we treat the available walls as the desktop. Multiple projector-camera units, mounted on pan-tilt units (PTU), allow for the creation of the conglomeration of one or more high resolution displays, whose position, size, and aspect ratio can be changed by the user. This can be achieved by lucid gesture based interactions. Multiple wireless keyboard and mouse can be used to interact with the display(s) for shared collaborative or personal individual interactions. The system can also be extended to support stereoscopic projection and data input by superimposing projection displays and processing data from multiple cameras. This is achieved by a distributed network of projector-camera systems, and associated distributed registration and interaction methodologies.
Anabolic Steroids and Strength and Power Related Athletic Events.

(1980). Anabolic Steroids and Strength and Power Related Athletic Events. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 58-59.
Weighted Random Assignments with Application to Hashing

In this talk we will study the optimal solution to a class of random assignment problems with dependent weights. The result is then used to show that, in double hashing, the expected retrieval cost with respect to an optimal static hash table is O(1) even if the table is full. This confirms a conjecture of Gonnet and Munro (SIAM J. on Computing 8 (1979), 463–478).
Novel analysis of clinically relevant diagnostic errors in point‐of‐care devices: a reply to a rebuttal

See also Kitchen DP, Kitchen S, Jennings I, Woods TAL, Walker ID. Novel analysis of clinically relevant diagnostic errors in point-of-care devices: a rebuttal. This issue, pp 1191–2; Shermock KM, Streiff MB, Pinto BL, Kraus P, Pronovost PJ. Novel analysis of clinically relevant diagnostic errors in point-of-care devices. J Thromb Haemost 2011; 9: 1769–75.
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Pitfalls Associated with Neurofeedback Services

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the ethical, legal and professional pitfalls associated with neurofeedback services. Neurofeedback deals with the most complex aspects of human physiology, the human brain and its functioning, because the brain and nervous system are the major control centers for all human physiology. This chapter reviews some of the issues dealing with competence, the law, decision making, responsibility, qualitative electroencephalograms (QEEGs), and standards of care. Practitioners are encouraged to continue their education so as to maintain and enhance their areas of competence. The chapter also recommends that they be cautious in terms of the claims they make concerning neurofeedback. A claim made can readily be used by a client as a promise or contract and can result in problems for the practitioner if the claim is not fulfilled. The chapter also recommends ongoing supervision and consultation as ways of avoiding or minimizing some of the discussed pitfalls and concerns.
Malignancies Arising in Oncocytic Schneiderian Papillomas

Abstract Oncocytic schneiderian papillomas (OSPs) are uncommon benign neoplasms that arise from the sinonasal schneiderian epithelium. Malignancies arising in OSPs are rare, and, to our knowledge, only 14 such instances have been reported in the medical literature. We report 2 additional cases—a small cell carcinoma and a sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma arising in OSPs and presenting synchronously with the benign neoplasm. The potential for malignant transformation in OSPs is small, but warrants that these papillomas be completely excised to exclude a coexisting carcinoma.
Use of the Case-Control Method in Outbreak Investigations

The authors carried out a critical assessment of the literature to learn about the extent of use of the case-control method in outbreak investigations, and to identify problems observed in the use of this method to investigate outbreaks. The literature search comprised reports of outbreak investigations from the MEDLINE system, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, and six epidemiologic and medical journals. The proportion of these reports that used the case-control method increased from one article out of 519 in the 1960-1965 period to 144 out of 845 reported outbreaks in the 1980-1985 period. A comparison of the case-control studies of outbreak investigations in the 1970-1975 period with those in the 1980-1985 period revealed relatively more sophisticated methods of analysis in the latter period.
Qa-1, a Nonclassical MHC Molecule with Immunomodulatory Functions, Is Ubiquitously Expressed in the Immune-Privileged Anterior Chamber of the Eye

Purpose: To determine whether the MHC class Ib gene, Qa-1, is expressed in the tissues that surround the immune-privileged anterior chamber (AC) of the murine eye. Methods: Transcription of Qa-1 mRNA in BALB/c ocular tissues was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Expression of Qa-1 protein was assessed on ocular frozen tissue sections by immunohistochemistry, and within aqueous humor by western blotting. Results: Transcription of Qa-1 was found in all tissues surrounding the AC of the eye. Immunohistological staining revealed Qa-1 expression on corneal endothelium, corneal epithelium, and lens epithelium. No soluble Qa-1 was detected in aqueous humor. Conclusions: Qa-1, unlike other MHC class I molecules, is ubiquitously expressed in tissues surrounding the AC of the eye, raising the possibility that Qa-1 plays a role in creating and maintaining ocular immune privilege.
Towards a New Concept of Research.

Human beings are characterized for their ability to admire and be curious, for their capacity of searching and opening up to knowledge, all of which justify the practice of research. In research, human beings approach different areas of reality through the use of various strategies called methods. A diversity of methods is justified by the many areas of interest and the researcher's worldview, which has generated endless debates regarding methodology. This article shows how a change in people's philosophical viewpoints affects the researcher's methodological preferences. Taking into account the change from the mechanistic worldview of modernism to the systemic–organic–chaotic mind-frame of postmodernism, this debate continues to grow and requires a reconsideration of the concept of scientific research.
Perimeter patrol on autonomous surface vehicles using marine radar

Perimeter patrol enhances the utility of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) by enabling many security and scientific missions, including harbor protection, water sampling, and geological survey. We present a novel approach to perimeter patrol that uses only two sensors: commercial off-the-shelf available marine radar and the heading information from a GPS. Our algorithm performs computer vision morphological operations on the radar image to find a suitable path around shore and choose an appropriate next waypoint. Our method has proved robust to a variety of field conditions, allowing us to demonstrate the autonomous navigation of a 3.5 km perimeter lake.
Slow computing gifts (abstract only)

Slow Computing: is a transdisciplinary paradigm that celebrates the rich history and evolution of HCI and computational thinking experiences with diverse forms of interactive computing to foster democratic innovation. It appreciates Stonehenge and pyramids' tangible and embodied interactions as culturally integrated, social, communal, sustainable ubiquitous computing. Advancing Froebel's and Resnick's gifts for intrinsically motivated constructionist learning, slow computing gifts: Sundials; Towers of Hanoi puzzles; marble rollercoasters; water-play and Rube-Goldberg machines, enable simple and transparent DIY experiences that foster computational thinking (recursion, sequencing, parallel processing, modularity, timing, abstraction, systems thinking, sustainable computing, natural computing, etc.), discovery, exploration, and creativity. Requiring only existing local materials (water, sticks, balls, pebbles, etc.), these slow computing gifts provides powerful computational experiences that are globally accessible at "zero" cost. The studio will engage participants' transdisciplinary expertise to invent, create, deploy, and advance slow computing and slow computing gifts.
Contrasting Fe(III) Tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin Excited State Dynamics in Solution and Solid States

The excited-state dynamics of Fe(III) tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrins were investigated on a femto- to nanosecond time scale. In acetonitrile solution, the porphyrin excited state relaxes back to the ground state in less than 30 ps. The excited-state lifetime increased to over 2.5 ns in electropolymerized films. A similar effect is observed when porphyrins are incorporated into a PMMA polymer film. The excitation is localized on a single porphyrin chromophore in all systems, but the relaxation pathways differ in solution and solid state. The increase of the excited-state lifetime is attributed to changes in vibrational modes, such as doming of the macrocycle, induced by the steric demands of the solid-state environment.
Pesticide industry regulation: Economic consequences as revealed through stock price behavior

Previous studies of the economic consequences of regulation of the pesticide industry and their products have tended to focus upon agricultural commodity producers and consumers. This article examines stock price behavior by means of event study methodology in order to measure the impact of selected regulatory decisions on producers of pesticides in the United States. Several regulatory actions were found to have significant negative impacts on the US pesticide industry, ranging between 1.6% and 3.0% of shareholder value. The incidence of these effects depended on the type of regulation instituted and the circumstances surrounding the decision to change a regulation. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An experimental study to demonstrate the superior response characteristics of mechanisms constructed with composite laminates

Abstract A detailed experimental investigation is presented into the dynamic flexural responses of slider-crank and four-bar linkages constructed from steel, aluminum and two graphite-epoxy laminates. This is the first time that an experimental investigation has demonstrated that composite linked mechanisms have superior response characteristics to comparable mechanisms manufactured in the commercial metals, and also that this dynamic behavior is governed by the stiffness-to-density ratio of the link material.
Fibroblast Cell Morphology Altered by Low-Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

Low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasmas (LTAPPs) have garnered great scientific interest in recent years because of their chemically reactive properties. The LTAPP is currently being studied for potential applications in the field of plasma medicine including, but not limited to, wound healing and cancer therapy. In this paper, images of fibroblast cells exposed to different treatment times of LTAPP are presented. The results reveal the morphological cell changes associated with LTAPP treatment and indicate the potential use of LTAPP to alter physical attributes of mammalian cells.
Identification of amino acid residues of the pheromone‐binding domain of the transcription factor TraR that are required for positive control

Genes required for replication and for conjugal transfer of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens Ti plasmid are regulated by the quorum sensing transcription factor TraR, whose N-terminal domain binds to the pheromone 3-oxo-octanoylhomoserine lactone (OOHL) and whose C-terminal domain binds to specific DNA sequences called tra boxes. Here, we constructed 117 mutants, altering 103 surface-exposed amino acid residues of the TraR N-terminal domain. Each mutant was tested for activation of the traI promoter, where TraR binds to a site centred 45 nucleotides upstream of the transcription start site, and of the traM promoter, where TraR binds a site centred 66 nucleotides upstream. Alteration of 18 residues blocked activity at the traI promoter. Of these, alteration at three positions impaired TraR abundance or DNA binding, leaving 15 residues that are specifically needed for positive control. Of these 15 residues, nine also blocked or reduced activity at the traM promoter, while six had no effect. Amino acid residues required for activation of both promoters probably contact the C-terminal domain of the RNA polymerase alpha subunit, while residues required only for traI promoter activation may contact another RNA polymerase component.
The major tegument structural protein VP22 targets areas of dispersed nucleolin and marginalized chromatin during productive herpes simplex virus 1 infection

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) major tegument structural protein VP22 resides in multiple subcellular regions during productive infection. During an analysis of the molecular determinants of these localizations, we observed that a transfected fusion of the C-terminal portion of VP22, containing its pat4 nuclear localization signal, with GFP lacked nucleolar sparing compared to GFP alone. Thus, the initial goal was to determine whether VP22 associates with nucleoli. Using an optimized indirect immunofluorescence system to visualize nucleolin and viral proteins, we observed that VP22 present in VP22-expressing Vero (V49) cells "surrounded" nucleolin. These two initial findings implied that VP22 might associate directly with nucleoli. We next analyzed HSV-infected cells and observed that at late times, anti-nucleolin immune reactivity was dispersed throughout the nuclei while it retained uniform, circular staining in mock-infected cells. Time course infection experiments indicated that nucleolin initiated its transition from uniform to dispersed structures between 2 and 4 hpi. Comparison of Hoechst stained nuclei showed bright anti-nucleolin staining localized to regions of marginalized chromatin. These effects required de novo infected cell protein synthesis. A portion of VP22 detected in nuclei at 4 and 6 hpi localized to these areas of altered nucleolin and marginalized chromatin. VP22 was excluded from viral replication compartments containing the viral regulatory protein ICP22. Finally, altered nucleolin and marginalized chromatin were detected with a VP22-null virus, indicating that VP22 was not responsible for these nuclear architecture alterations. Thus, we conclude that nuclear VP22 targets unique subnuclear structures early (<6hpi) during herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection.
Gender Relations in Addiction and Recovery

Abstract This article adds to the growing but still limited literature on the role of gender relations in women's addiction and recovery. In-depth interviews were conducted with 35 women randomly drawn from a large study of drug-abusing pregnant women who were recruited into an HIV/AIDS prevention program. These interviews explored conditions surrounding initiation and continuation of drug use. past and current sexual/love relationships, and experiences in the HIV/AIDS prevention program. Throughout the interviews, the women participants consistently voiced feelings stressing the importance of relationships in their lives. At the same time, they expressed a sense of disconnection and deprivation in those relationships. Four areas in which relationships with male partners ran counter to women's needs for connection are discussed in this article: initiation into drug use and supply of drugs, disappointment in men for failure to be providers, experience of violence, and opposition to treatment. The implicati...
The potential of antibody-mediated immunity in the defence against biological weapons

Antibody-mediated immunity (AMI) has been used for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases for > 100 years, and has a remarkable record of safety, efficacy and versatility. AMI can be used for defence against a wide variety of biological weapons, and passive antibody (Ab) therapy has the potential to provide immediate immunity to susceptible individuals. Recent advances in the Ab field make it possible to generate Abs with enhanced antimicrobial functions. There are significant gaps in our understanding of Ab function, such that the development of Ab-based strategies remains a largely empirical exercise. Nevertheless, the advantages inherent in the therapeutic and prophylactic use of AMI provide a powerful rationale for continued development that will undoubtedly yield many new vaccines and therapeutic Abs.
Contemporary diplomatics of the civil and deceased estate case files found at the national archives of Zimbabwe

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss how the originality, authenticity, reliability and genuineness of legal records found at the National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ) are maintained. Provenance issues and their implications in diplomatics are also discussed. It notes that the status quo at the NAZ favours the diplomatic archiving of paper records, while electronic records are neglected. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a qualitative research approach. The data will mainly be collected using document analysis augmented by observations from the NAZ. Literature in regard to the Court Legal system of Zimbabwe will be reviewed and this even includes newspaper articles. Academic research papers on the archiving of electronic records in the less developed nations and developed nations will be reviewed also. Findings – The qualitative research approach revealed that the electronic national heritage of Zimbabwe is being lost mainly due to the archaic legislation which is silent on the management of electronic records. The results show again the violation of the sanctity of provenance principles in some selected cases. It was also found that the government is now producing both paper and electronic records, but the National Archives is only archiving paper records, the result of this being the incompleteness of records, thereby negatively affecting their diplomatics. Originality/value – Whereas a lot has been published about the management of electronic records in the developing world, this paper does not try to duplicate that but tries to bring a new dimension into this by showing how the diplomatics of these records is affected.
Development Of Laser Ranging Systems For Space Application

Laser ranging systems development has played a major role in advancing the tracking of spacecraft, as well as obtaining precise measurements for scientific experiments. This paper will describe the application of laser ranging for intercomparison of tracking systems, spacecraft and lunar tracking, and scientific experiments.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Selling medical travel to US patient-consumers: the cultural appeal of website marketing messages.

More US-based patients than ever are travelling abroad for medical or dental services. Beyond financial incentives, what cultural factors have supported this trend? Because of their interest in selling medical travel, medical travel agencies (MTAs) have vested interests in this question. To find out how they are answering it, an ethnographic content analysis of MTA websites was undertaken. Beyond themes promoting a ‘worry-free experience’ of ‘legitimate services’, themes linking healthcare consumerism to culturally specific identity ideals and self-creation/representation processes predominated. Themes relating to the demonstration of social position, savvy expression of good consumer judgment, and achievement of libertarian ideals figured highly. However, various inconsistencies (including an appeal to tourism in some but not other situations) suggested that medical travel involves, for the US-based consumer, a complex act of juggling context-specific self-identity desires and expectations in relation to...
Effects of chronic right ventricular pressure overload on left ventricular diastolic function

Right ventricular (RV) function influences left ventricular (LV) diastolic filling in various clinical and experimental models. The influence of RV systolic function on LV diastolic performance was examined in patients with severe RV pressure overload. Eighty-two patients with pulmonary vascular or parenchymal disease who were referred for heart-lung or lung transplant evaluation were studied. All patients had radionuclide angiography from which RV ejection fraction and LV peak filling rate were measured. Most patients (n = 51) had right-sided cardiac catheterization. In 24 patients (group 1), RV ejection fraction was 30%. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was greater in group 1 than in 2 (57 +/- 16 vs 34 +/- 20 mm Hg; p < 0.0001). Pulmonary artery wedge pressure was also greater in group 1 than in 2 (14 +/- 9 vs 7 +/- 2 mm Hg; p < 0.0001), whereas peak filling rate was decreased (2.16 +/- 0.88 vs 2.97 +/- 0.79 end-diastolic volumes/s; p < 0.0001). LV ejection fraction was normal in all patients. There was an inverse relation between RV ejection fraction and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (r = 0.45; p < 0.001; SEE 5.3). There was a direct relation between RV ejection fraction and LV peak filling rate (r = 0.49; p < 0.0001; SEE 1.34). In patients with RV pressure overload, RV systolic function is related to LV diastolic performance. This effect is most likely mediated by ventricular interdependence.
Radiology quality assurance: a clinical perspective

The traditional quality assurance programs in a radiology department will undergo a significant transformation as we introduce new technologies with computers such as PACS. A well designed quality assurance program will help assure that these new technologies are used effectively to improve our ability to manage our departments and provide quality care for our patients.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Theories of persistence

The debate over persistence is often cast as a disagreement between two rival theories—the perdurantist theory that objects persist through time by having different temporal parts at different times, and the endurantist theory that objects persist through time by being wholly present at different times. This way of framing the debate over persistence involves both an important insight and an important error. Unfortunately, the error is often embraced and the insight is often ignored. This paper aims to correct both of these mistakes, and thus clarify the debate over persistence.
Cosubstrates involved in the reduction of cytosolic glutathione disulfide in rat heart.

Abstract The functionality of glutathione (GSH), which is present in separate mitochondrial and cytosolic pools, hinges on a steady supply of reducing equivalents, provided by NADPH, to convert glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to GSH. It is believed traditionally that glucose 6-phosphate (G6-P) via the pentose phosphate pathway is the main cellular source of NADPH. The current study examined the ability of NADH- and NADPH-linked cosubstrates to support cardiac cytosolic GSSG reduction. Exogenous NADP + was added to the incubation mixtures because of the loss of this nucleotide during homogenization. Exogenous GSSG was added to all samples to levels that were ∼60% of total glutathione. In both the 500× g (with mitochondria) and 10 000× g (without mitochondria) rat heart supernatants, isocitrate supported reduction of ∼90% of available GSSG within 10 min. Malate, pyruvate and palmitoyl carnitine did not support GSSG reduction in either supernatant. G6-P yielded GSH levels within 10 min equal to 77% of total glutathione in the 10 000× g supernatant and 47% in the 500× g supernatant. The current data indicate: (1) The pentose phosphate pathway, alone, is less efficient than isocitrate at supplying reducing equivalents for cytosolic GSSG reduction; and (2) some confounding factor(s) occur in the 500× g and reconstituted 500× g supernatants whereby G6-P-supported GSSG reduction is attenuated.
Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: A Systematic Review

AF Recurrence After RFA: Systematic Review. Introduction: The relationship between success of radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and patient characteristics has not been systematically evaluated. Methods and Results: We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Trials Registry databases from 2000 through 2008 for studies reporting preprocedure predictors and AF recurrence after radiofrequency ablation. We extracted multivariable analyses and univariable data on predictors and AF recurrence. Eligible studies were highly heterogeneous, particularly regarding ablation technique and definition of AF recurrence. Among 25 studies with multivariable analyses, two-thirds to 90% of studies found that AF type, ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, structural heart disease, hypertension, and AF symptom duration did not predict AF recurrence (among patients with ejection fraction above 40% and left atrial diameter below about 55 mm). Studies found that gender and age were not predictors (in patients between 40 and 70 years old). Meta-analyses of univariable AF recurrence rates by AF type in 31 studies found that studies were statistically heterogeneous, but that nonparoxysmal AF predicted AF recurrence compared to paroxysmal AF (relative risk 1.59; 95% confidence interval 1.38–1.82; P < 0.001); meta-analyses of persistent or permanent versus paroxysmal AF yielded similar findings. Conclusion: Nonparoxysmal AF may be a clinically useful proxy for a combination of confounded variables, none of which alone is an independent predictor of AF recurrence. Evaluation of predictors was limited by exclusion of patients with severe heart disease or at the age extremes; thus, the evidence may not be as applicable to these populations. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1208-1216, November 2010)
Post Office telecommunications and the business user

Abstract A ‘user perspective’ from F. Mingaye of Ford Motor Company Ltd. Ford is a large user of BPO telecommunications services, with a current emphasis on voice and telegraph. Like other large organizations, from time to time it develops special requirements to meet its business needs. Is the Post Office's exercise of its monopoly powers best suited in all respects to meet the needs of its customers? This article is an edited version of a paper presented at the conference on ‘Post Office telecommunications - the way ahead’, 25–26 September 1978, London, UK, organized by Information Studies Ltd, Chorleywood, Herts.
Large space telescope

The Large Space Telescope, which is scheduled to be put into orbit above the Earth's atmosphere by NASA in the early 1980s, is a large, multipurpose optical instrument that is being designed to provide an increase in observational capability of nearly 100× with respect to brightness, 10× in resolving power, and a substantial bandwidth improvement over ground-based facilities. This paper describes, from a functional performance viewpoint, the LST system and, in greater detail, the on-board Data Management and Pointing Control Systems.
Computer generation of the characteristic polynomials of chemical graphs

A computer program based on the Frame method for the characteristic polynomials of graphs is developed. This program makes use of an efficient polynomial algorithm of Frame for generating the coefficients in the characteristic polynomials of graphs. This program requires as input only the set of vertices that are neighbors of a given vertex and with labels smaller than the label of that vertex. The program generates and stores only the lower triangle of the adjacency matrix in canonical ordering in a one-dimensional array. The program is written in integer arithmetic, and it can be easily modified to real arithmetic. The coefficients in the characteristic polynomials of several graphs were generated in less than a few seconds, thus solving the difficult problem of generating characteristic polynomials of graphs. The characteristic polynomials of a number of very complicated graphs are obtained including for the first time the characteristic polynomial of an honeycomb lattice graph containing 54 vertices.