cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A k-mer based approach for classifying viruses without taxonomy identifies viral associations in human autism and plant microbiomes.

Abstract Viruses are an underrepresented taxa in the study and identification of microbiome constituents; however, they play an essential role in health, microbiome regulation, and transfer of genetic material. Only a few thousand viruses have been isolated, sequenced, and assigned a taxonomy, which limits the ability to identify and quantify viruses in the microbiome. Additionally, the vast diversity of viruses represents a challenge for classification, not only in constructing a viral taxonomy, but also in identifying similarities between a virus’ genotype and its phenotype. However, the diversity of viral sequences can be leveraged to classify their sequences in metagenomic and metatranscriptomic samples, even if they do not have a taxonomy. To identify and quantify viruses in transcriptomic and genomic samples, we developed a dynamic programming algorithm for creating a classification tree out of 715,672 metagenome viruses. To create the classification tree, we clustered proportional similarity scores generated from the k-mer profiles of each of the metagenome viruses to create a database of metagenomic viruses. The resulting Kraken2 database of the metagenomic viruses can be found here: https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1615774 and is compatible with Kraken2. We then integrated the viral classification database with databases created with genomes from NCBI for use with ParaKraken (a parallelized version of Kraken provided in Supplemental Zip 1), a metagenomic/transcriptomic classifier. To illustrate the breadth of our utility for classifying metagenome viruses, we analyzed data from a plant metagenome study identifying genotypic and compartment specific differences between two Populus genotypes in three different compartments. We also identified a significant increase in abundance of eight viral sequences in post mortem brains in a human metatranscriptome study comparing Autism Spectrum Disorder patients and controls. We also show the potential accuracy for classifying viruses by utilizing both the JGI and NCBI viral databases to identify the uniqueness of viral sequences. Finally, we validate the accuracy of viral classification with NCBI databases containing viruses with taxonomy to identify pathogenic viruses in known COVID-19 and cassava brown streak virus infection samples. Our method represents the compulsory first step in better understanding the role of viruses in the microbiome by allowing for a more complete identification of sequences without taxonomy. Better classification of viruses will improve identifying associations between viruses and their hosts as well as viruses and other microbiome members. Despite the lack of taxonomy, this database of metagenomic viruses can be used with any tool that utilizes a taxonomy, such as Kraken, for accurate classification of viruses.
Reproducible Results in Parsing-Based Machine Translation: The JHU Shared Task Submission

We present the Johns Hopkins University submission to the 2010 WMT shared translation task. We describe processing steps using open data and open source software used in our submission, and provide the scripts and configurations required to train, tune, and test our machine translation system.
Mobile Subscribers' Willingness to Churn Under the Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

Mobile number portability (MNP) means that customers using mobile service can retain their telephone numbers when they change operators. Mobile carriers are concerned about which factors influence willingness to churn of customers. This study examined these concerns through three steps. The first is checking whether willingness to churn between the different situations, without MNP and with MNP differs. The second is to figure out how different factors influence willingness to churn in those situations. Finally, a classification model is proposed to categorize the subscribers who have willingness to churn or not. This study shows that the difference of willingness to churn before and after MNP. The results show that quality and price are the most influential factors in both cases. Inconvenience of changing numbers is additional factor in case of the unavailability of MNP. The results have implications particularly that mobile carriers should consider their quality of service and price more under the new situation.
Executive Dysfunction in Homebound Older People with Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES: To describe patterns of cognitive deficits and activities of daily living (ADLs) in older people with diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, population-based study. SETTING: Three homecare agency areas in Boston, Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred ninety-one homebound people aged 60 and older; 40% with diabetes mellitus. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic data; evidence of diabetes mellitus and other diseases; Mini-Mental State Examination and tests of memory and executive function; ADLs. RESULTS: Executive and visuospatial functions were more impaired in individuals with diabetes mellitus than in those without, as assessed using Block Design (mean score±standard deviation 17.1±8.6 vs 20.5±9.6, P=.003) and Trails B (median seconds to accomplish the task: 255 vs 201, P=.03). For memory, word retention score was lower in those with diabetes mellitus than without (39.1±28.9 vs 48.0±29.7, P=.01), but the other memory tests did not show a difference between these two subgroups. More individuals with diabetes mellitus suffered from depressive symptoms than those without (55% vs 42%, P=.03). The ADL scores of those with diabetes mellitus were higher than those without. CONCLUSION: The pattern of cognitive deficits in people with diabetes mellitus suggests frontal-subcortical dysfunction, as seen in microvascular disease of the brain. The impairment in ADLs may be associated with this executive dysfunction, which cerebral microvascular disease in diabetes mellitus may cause.
Association of Smoke-Free Laws With Lower Percentages of New and Current Smokers Among Adolescents and Young Adults: An 11-Year Longitudinal Study.

Importance Smoke-free laws are associated with a lower prevalence of smoking. Objective To quantify the effect of 100% smoke-free laws on the smoking behavior of adolescents and young adults in a longitudinal analysis. Design, Setting, and Participants Pooled logistic regression and zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis of participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (data from 1997 to 2007), with complete data on initiation of smoking (n = 4098) and number of days respondents reported smoking in the past 30 days (n = 3913). Exposures Laws for 100% smoke-free workplaces, laws for 100% smoke-free bars, and state cigarette taxes. Main Outcomes and Measures Smoking initiation (first report of smoking cigarette), current (for 30 days) smoking, and number of days respondents reported smoking in the past 30 days among current smokers. Results Laws for 100% smoke-free workplaces, but not bars, were associated with significantly lower odds of initiating smoking (odds ratio, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.44-0.99]). Laws for 100% smoke-free bars were associated with lower odds of being a current smoker (odds ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.71-0.90]) and fewer days of smoking (incidence rate ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.80-0.90]) among current smokers. Taxes were associated with a lower percentage of new smokers but not current smokers among adolescents and young adults. The effect of smoke-free workplace laws on smoking initiation is equivalent to a $1.57 (in 2007 dollars) tax increase. Smoke-free bar laws are associated with lower rates of current smoking, as well as a decrease in the number of days reported smoking among current smokers. Conclusions and Relevance Smoke-free laws are an important tobacco control tool. They not only protect bystanders from secondhand smoke but also contribute to less smoking among adolescents and young adults.
In-situ HVEM Investigation of Processes Leading to Fracture in Metals

The unique features of in-situ straining to fracture in high voltage electron microscopes have been outlined. Phenomena pertinent to the ductile fracture of metals have been reviewed as they relate to the study of rupture in the microstructural regime. Experimental observations on pure single crystals of silver, α-iron, and beryllium during fracture have been reported and analyzed. The fracture mechanism can be subdivided into the sequence microvoid initiation, void growth, and void coalescense. It is proposed to distinguish between a primary and a secondary sequence. The latter is applicable to ligament fracture which constitutes the final separation. It was concluded that dislocation cell walls and other boundaries are the initiation sites for microcracks in pure metals and alloys. Die Methodik des in-situ Dehnens bis zum Bruch in Hochstspannungs-Elektronenmikroskopen wird umrissen. Ein kurzer Uberblick uber die Erscheinungen beim Bruch von verformbaren Metallen bezuglich der Feinstruktur wird gegeben, und Beispiele an Hand von Beobachtungen in Silber, α-Eisen und Beryllium werden analysiert. Der Mechanismus des Zahbruches kann in den fortschreitenden Ablauf „Lochbildung — Lochvergroserung — Bruckeneinschnurung” eingeteilt werden. Es wird vorgeschlagen, zwischen einem primaren und sekundaren Ablauf zu unterscheiden, wobei der letztere auf die Brucken zwischen den Lochern anzuwenden ist. Es konnte die Schlusfolgerung gezogen werden, das Versetzungszellwande und andere Grenzen fur den Beginn von Mikrorissen in reinen Metallen und Legierungen verantwortlich sind.
The sensitivity of the superconducting transition temperature to residual stress in high-T c intermetallic compounds

Residual-stress-induced superconductivity is reported to occur only in the high-T c members of the C14 and C16 crystal systems. Second transitions are also seen in ThIr2(C15) and MoRe3(A12). The change inT c , as a result of introducing large residual stresses, increases with the bulkT c .
Application of spectroscopic imaging in epilepsy

Functional and anatomical neuroimaging has had a dramatic effect on the evaluation of patients for seizure surgery. The demonstration by PET that the epileptogenic focus has interictal metabolic abnormalities has allowed a greater number of patients to come to seizure surgery, with fewer of these patients requiring intracranial electrode evaluations. Metabolic changes have also been demonstrated utilizing single voxel and whole brain 1 H and 31 P MRS imaging techniques with the interictal focus characterized by increased Pi, pH, and decreased PME and NAA. These findings can be used to accurately lateralize temporal lobe as well as frontal lobe epilepsy. Furthermore, there is evidence that these findings can be used to localize the seizure focus with the changes specific for the epileptogenic region ; although, more diffuse changes both ipsilaterally and contralaterally have been seen. In patients with anterior hippocampal seizure foci the pH is significantly alkaline only in the ipsilateral hippocampus, whereas the increased Pi and decreased PME can be seen throughout the ipsilateral temporal lobe. When compared to controls the contralateral hemisphere is acidotic. Decreased NAA concentrations as well as NAA/Cr ratios have been demonstrated in the epileptogenic region in temporal and frontal lobe epilepsy. The decreased NAA has been correlated with the severity of cell loss, and may be a more sensitive measure than qualitative or quantitative measures of the hippocampal atrophy ; however, the NAA decrease is more widespread than just the epileptogenic focus but may be maximal at the site of seizure initiation. In preliminary work, NAA maps of deviation from normality have suggested the maximal change to coincide with the epileptogenic region. These results suggest that in focal epilepsy there is abnormal metabolic activity throughout the brain detectable by MRS, with patterns of metabolic asymmetry that are useful for seizure localization.
Forensics and Case Studies in Civil Engineering Education: State of the Art

This paper reviews the state of the art in the use of forensic engineering and failure case studies in civil engineering education. The study of engineering failures can offer students valuable insights into associated technical, ethical, and professional issues. Lessons learned from failures have substantially affected civil engineering practice. For the student, study of these cases can help place design and analysis procedures into historical context and reinforce the necessity of lifelong learning. Three approaches for bringing forensics and failure case studies into the civil engineering curriculum are discussed in this paper. These are stand-alone forensic engineering or failure case study courses, capstone design projects, and integration of case studies into the curriculum. Some of the cases have been developed and used in courses at the United States Military Academy and the Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as at other institutions. Finally, the writers have tried to assemble many of the known sources of material, including books, technical papers, and magazine articles, videos, Web sites, prepared PowerPoint presentations, and television programs. (150th Anniversary Paper)
Genome-wide analysis of the rat colon reveals proximal-distal differences in histone modifications and proto-oncogene expression

Since disease susceptibility of the intestine exhibits an anatomical bias, we propose that the chromatin landscape, especially the site-specific epigenetic differences in histone modification patterns throughout the colonic longitudinal axis, contributes to the differential incidence of site-specific pathology. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the chromatin structure associated with gene expression profiles in the rat proximal and distal colon by globally correlating chromatin immunoprecipitation next-generation sequencing analysis (ChIP-Seq) with mRNA transcription (RNA-Seq) data. Crypts were isolated from the proximal and distal colonic regions from rats maintained on a semipurified diet, and mRNA gene expression profiles were generated by RNA-Seq. The remaining isolated crypts were formaldehyde-cross-linked and chromatin immunoprecipitated with antibodies against H3K4me3, H3K9me3, and RNA polymerase II. Globally, RNA-Seq results indicate that 9,866 genes were actively expressed, of which 540 genes were differentially expressed between the proximal and distal colon. Gene ontology analysis indicates that crypt location significantly affected both chromatin and transcriptional regulation of genes involved in enterocyte movement, lipid metabolism, lymphatic development, and immune cell trafficking. Gene function analysis indicates that the PI3-kinase signaling pathway was regulated in a site-specific manner, e.g., proto-oncogenes, JUN, FOS, and ATF, were upregulated in the distal colon. Middle and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were also detected in the colon, including select lncRNAs formerly only detected in the rat nervous system. In summary, distinct combinatorial patterns of histone modifications exist in the proximal versus distal colon. These site-specific differences may explain the differential effects of chemoprotective agents on cell transformation in the ascending (proximal) and descending (distal) colon.
Identification of key parameters by comparing experimental and simulated growth of vapor-deposited amorphous Zr 65 Al 7.5 Cu 27.5 films

Scanning tunneling microscopy growth studies on vapor-deposited amorphous ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{65}{\mathrm{Al}}_{7.5}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{27.5}$ films are analyzed to identify the dominant surface structure forming mechanisms. Qualitative and---concerning the scaling behavior of surface roughness and height-difference-correlation functions---also quantitative agreement of the experimental results with numerical simulations of a Monte Carlo model and a continuum model can be achieved. Curvature-induced surface diffusion, adatom concentration triggered surface diffusion, and geometrical effects can be identified to be the key parameters for the experimentally observed surface morphology. Some discrepancies, especially in the late stages of growth, remain, but can be explained qualitatively by additional effects, such as tip convolution or by the limitations of the approximations in the model assumptions.
Field Tests to Determine the Damping Characteristics of Synchronous Generators

PRACTICAL system tests of the damping action of generators with and without low resistance damper windings, but otherwise identical, have been made. The effects of normal variations of generator field circuit resistance, field current, and loading were investigated, and data for checking calculated machine constants also were obtained. The results of the tests presented in this paper are valuable from a quantitative, as well as from a qualitative standpoint.
Electroreduction of a series of alkylcobalamins: mechanism of stepwise reductive cleavage of the Co-C bond.

The electrochemical (EC) reduction mechanism of methylcobalamin (Me-Cbl) in a mixed DMF/MeOH solvent in 0.2 M tetrabutylammonium fluoroborate electrolyte was studied as a function of temperature and solvent ratio vs a nonaqueous Ag/AgCl/Cl(-) reference electrode. Double-potential-step chronoamperometry allowed the rate constant of the subsequent homogeneous reaction to be measured over the temperature range from 0 to -80 degrees C in 40:60 and 50:50 DMF:MeOH ratios. Activation enthalpies are 5.8 +/- 0.5 and 7.6 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol in the 40:60 and 50:50 mixtures of DMF/MeOH, respectively. Digital simulation and curve-fitting for an EC mechanism using a predetermined homogeneous rate constant of 5.5 x 10(3) s(-1) give E degrees' = -1.466 V, k degrees = 0.016 cm/s, and alpha = 0.77 at 20 degrees C for a quasi-reversible electrode process. Digital simulation of the results of Lexa and Saveant (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1978, 100, 3220-3222) shows that the mechanism is a series of stepwise homogeneous equilibrium processes with an irreversible step following the initial electron transfer (ET) and allows estimation of the equilibrium and rate constants of these reactions. An electron coupling matrix element of H(kA) = (4.7 +/- 1.1) x 10(-4) eV ( approximately 46 J/mol) is calculated for the nonadiabatic ET step for reduction to the radical anion. A reversible bond dissociation enthalpy for homolytic cleavage of Me-Cbl is calculated as 31 +/- 2 kcal/mol. The voltammetry of the ethyl-, n-propyl-, n-butyl-, isobutyl-, and adenosyl-substituted cobalamin was studied, and estimated reversible redox potentials were correlated with Co-C bond distances as determined by DFT (B3LYP/ LANL2DZ) calculations.
Characterizations of closed classes of boolean functions in terms of forbidden subfunctions and post classes

We characterize Post classes of Boolean functions (also known as clones) in terms of forbidden subfunctions that allows one to give a comparably short proof of the classical Post theorem.
Efficient AFT implementation in FPGAs to detect potential electromigration failures

An efficient and modular architecture is used to implement Arithmetic Fourier Transform algorithm as a Built-in-Self Test structure to identify electromigration faults in FPGAs. Xilinx Virtex 5 FPGA, implemented in 65 nm fabrication process, is used to implement BIST and simulate the electromigration failure mechanisms. Fault signatures are developed for different interconnect FPGA resources and simulation results are presented.
A mixed min-max control problem governed by integral equations

Abstract A mixed min-max control problem is considered using relaxed controls. Mixed min-max problems governed by differential equations have been considered using Dubovitskii and Milyutin theory and convex analysis [1]. Here we use relaxed controls and penalization to deal with a process governed by integral equations. We use a technique employed by us in dealing with control problems governed by integral equations [2].
Listener perceptions along a fluency–disfluency continuum: A phenomenological analysis

Abstract The purpose of this study was to conduct a phenomenological analysis (a qualitative research method) of unbiased listeners’ perceptions to six speech samples across a fluency–disfluency continuum. A sample of 60 individuals heard only one sample chosen from three levels of fluent or three levels of disfluent speech. Listeners were interviewed following the presentation of the speech sample and their comments were analyzed with respect to the perception of the speaker’s communicative effectiveness. Communicative effectiveness was supported by three phenomenological categories: speaker attributes, listener attributes, and story attributes. Five theme clusters further supported these categories: speech production, context, speaker identity, listener comfort, and story comprehension. The results showed that listener perceptions within theme clusters varied across the six speech samples. The results also showed that listeners differentially respond to a broad array of information in the speech signal (not simply fluency or disfluency). These findings support Traunmuller’s (1994) modulation theory associated with information that can be obtained from the speech signal. Implications for the treatment of stuttering are also discussed. Educational objectives: The reader will learn (1) how listeners may have multiple and varying perceptual experiences depending upon where along a fluency–disfluency continuum a speech sample is heard; (2) how perceptual experiences are influenced by speaker, listener, and story attributes; and (3) how phenomenological analysis may expand our understanding of multifactorial issues associated with stuttering.
Context-dependent data envelopment analysis—Measuring attractiveness and progress

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a methodology for identifying the efficient frontier of decision making units (DMUs). Context-dependent DEA refers to a DEA approach where a set of DMUs are evaluated against a particular evaluation context. Each evaluation context represents an efficient frontier composed by DMUs in a specific performance level. The context-dependent DEA measures (i) the attractiveness when DMUs exhibiting poorer performance are chosen as the evaluation context, and (ii) the progress when DMUs exhibiting better performance are chosen as the evaluation context. The current paper extends the context-dependent DEA by incorporating value judgment into the attractiveness and progress measures. The method is applied to measuring the attractiveness of 32 computer printers. It is shown that the attractive measure helps (i) customers to select the best option, and (ii) printer manufacturers to identify the potential competitors.
Preventing Use-after-free with Dangling Pointers Nullification

Many system components and network applications are written in languages that are prone to memory corruption vulnerabilities. There have been countless cases where simple mistakes by developers resulted in memory corruption vulnerabilities and consequently security exploits. While there have been tremendous research efforts to mitigate these vulnerabilities, useafter-free still remains one of the most critical and popular attack vectors because existing proposals have not adequately addressed the challenging program analysis and runtime performance issues. In this paper we present DANGNULL, a system that detects temporal memory safety violations—in particular, use-after-free and double-free—during runtime. DANGNULL relies on the key observation that the root cause of these violations is that pointers are not nullified after the target object is freed. Based on this observation, DANGNULL automatically traces the object’s relationships via pointers and automatically nullifies all pointers when the target object is freed. DANGNULL offers several benefits. First, DANGNULL addresses the root cause of temporal memory safety violations. It does not rely on the side effects of violations, which can vary and may be masked by attacks. Thus, DANGNULL is effective against even the most sophisticated exploitation techniques. Second, DANGNULL checks object relationship information using runtime object range analysis on pointers, and thus is able to keep track of pointer semantics more robustly even in complex and large scale software. Lastly, DANGNULL does not require numerous explicit sanity checks on memory accesses because it can detect a violation with implicit exception handling, and thus its detection capabilities only incur moderate performance overhead.
Radar target signature evaluation using numerical deconvolution

In this paper a problem with radar image processing and target signature evaluation is examined. Using three dimensional images representing radar target cross section (RCS) and associated to each visible element of the target's geometry it is possible to obtain an indication of target's main scattering centers and of the target's configuration by a tridimensional processing of the amplitude of received signal in function of range and azimuth parameters. When a Radar pulse propagates in the space and reflects from the surface of a target, convolution is the process that describes how the propagating X-band radio wave interacts with the target of observation and target's main scattering centers. Deconvolution is an inverse filtering operation that attempts to remove the “smearing” effects of the Radar radiation pattern in order to better interpret targets profiles and structure. In this paper, the radar images are processed by using the returned radar signals and deconvolving them with the radar radiation pattern, depending on transmitted pulse and antenna beam. In this way it is possible to get reasonable estimates of target configuration, sizes, etc., and to identify targets with radar.
Potential limitations of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in heart transplant recipients.

Abstract The number of patients undergoing transplantation for terminal heart failure has increased dramatically over the last few years.1 Occlusive coronary artery disease has emerged as a major cause of late graft loss.2 The only viable alternative for heart transplant recipients with progressive coronary disease has been retransplantation.3 The role of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in this patient population remains undefined. This study reviews our experience with PTCA in this patient population.
A review and applications of information ecologies

This review of Information Ecologies notes how well Nardi and O'Day's biological approach fits with articulation theory (in rhetoric), since both encourage spelling out alternatives and consequences so as to avoid oversimplified technology choices. A closer look at the relevance of their case studies to promoting suitable technological improvements in K-12 education, however, finds concerns (about adequate social rewards and sustainability) along with promising parallels.
Multiple steady states in one-dimensional electrodiffusion with local electroneutrality

This paper concerns itself with construction and study of multiple steady states, occurring in one-dimensional ambipolar electrodiffusion with local electroneutrality, constant and equal charge carrier mobilities in the absence of generation-recombination. Piecewise constant fixed change density with four sign alterations is assumed. Multiple solution branches are constructed via a numerical and asymptotic solution of a system of nonlinear equations, resulting from an explicit integration of the appropriate boundary value problem. The parameter range in which multiplicity occurs is determined with the aid of asymptotic procedures. Existence of the appropriate multiple solutions follows from the Newton–Kantorovich Theorem.
Advanced Practice Nursing Students in the Patient-Centered Medical Home: Preparing for a New Reality

Driven by reimbursement incentives for increased access, improved quality and reduced cost, the patient-centered medical home model of health care delivery is being adopted in primary care practices across the nation. The transition from traditional primary care models to patient-centered medical homes presents many challenges, including the assembly of a well-prepared, interprofessional provider team to achieve effective, well-coordinated care. In turn, advanced practice nursing education programs are challenged to prepare graduates who are qualified for practice in the new reality of health care reform. This article reviews the patient-centered medical home model and describes how one college of nursing joined 7 primary care physician practices to prepare advanced practice nursing students for the new realities of health care reform while supporting each practice in its transition to the patient-centered medical home.
The Nature of Theory and Its Validation: Transpacific Origins?

children in the community first suggested that the observations were incorrect. Our analysis of a 1965 job survey also cast doubt on the "inadequate male role" hypothesis, and this was confirmed in a later resurvey of occupations in 1968 (Ch. 4). Later analysis of family data, also collected during subsequent field research, clearly established the very "adequate" nature of male role-playing (Ch. 5, see especially "Marital Relations," pp. 45-46, and "Parent-Child Relations," p. 46). Keber's apparent benevolent racism and her selective reading (or comprehension) have so distorted her criticism of our book that we feel it is not the kind of review one
Invest in the future: become a volunteer in your professional nursing organization.

In this article, volunteer activity in professional organizations is explored. Volunteerism is defined as the giving of a person's time, energy, and talent to organizations without monetary compensation. A combination of other-serving or altruistic and self-serving or instrumental factors motivates people to volunteer. Examples of these motivations include wanting to help others, contributing to an important cause, encouraging an action, belonging to a community that promotes a positive sense of self, believing in a professional commitment to serve others, and being passionate about the things an organization brings to a profession. Challenges surrounding volunteerism are discussed in this article, and activities and opportunities for volunteer involvement in professional organizations are illustrated. Personal examples related to the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) that detail the ways in which members can get involved also are highlighted.
Chemical and enzymic studies of thioesters of glutamic acid and glutathione.

Abstract The rate of enzymic and non-enzymic splitting of S-α- and γ-glutamyl-glutathione and of their carbobenzyloxy derivatives was studied under different conditions and the cleavage products were identified. In the absence of enzymes S-γ-glutamylglutathione is rapidly split to glutathione and pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid while the α-thioester is converted to the extent of 40–50 % to N-α-glutamylglutathione. Both carbobenzyl-oxy-substituted thioesters are split rapidly by brain thioesterase but are stable in the absence of an enzyme preparation. The absorption curves of the substituted and unsubstituted thioesters of glutathione and glutamic acid as well as a synthesis of N-α- l -glutamylglutathione are reported. Highest specific as well as total thioesteratic activity was found in the soluble protein fraction of rat liver homogenates followed by the mitochondrial, nuclear, and finally by the microsomal fraction.
Transmembrane Domain Interactions Are Necessary for Negative Cooperativity of the Insulin Receptor

Insulin binding to the human insulin receptor (HIR) is characterized by negatively cooperative site-site interactions that give rise to a curvilinear Scatchard plot. Insulin binding to recombinant secreted HIRs is linear, suggesting that interactions between the transmembrane or cytoplasmic domains of the receptor heterodimers may be responsible for the generation of negative cooperativity. To determine the domains responsible, a series of HIR cDNAs encoding C-terminal deletion mutations was constructed; HIR.delta CT, HIR.delta TK, HIR.delta TMCP-encoded deletions of the tyrosine kinase regulatory, the tyrosine kinase regulatory and catalytic, the cytoplasmic and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, respectively. When expressed in COS cells, all cDNAs were processed to mature alpha- and beta- subunits. The affinity of HIR.delta CT, HIR.delta TK, and HIR.delta CP for insulin were 2- to 3-fold greater than that of wild type HIR (HIR.WT) which was 4- to 5-fold greater than that of HIR.delta TMCP. Scatc...
Contrast gain control in the cat visual cortex

The eye functions effectively over an enormous range of ambient illumination, because retinal sensitivity can be adapted to prevailing light levels1,2. Higher order neurones in the visual pathway are presumably more concerned with relative changes in illumination, that is, contrast, because a great deal of information concerning absolute light level is processed at the retinal level3. It would therefore be of considerable functional value if cells in the visual cortex could adapt their response levels to a steady-state ambient contrast, in a manner analogous to the sensitivity control mechanism of the retina. We have examined here the idea that adaptation of neurones in the visual cortex to ambient contrast is similar to adaptation in the retina to ambient illumination. The experiments were performed by measuring contrast response functions (response amplitude as a function of contrast) of striate neurones, while systematically adapting them to different contrast levels. Our results show that, for the majority of cortical neurones, response–contrast curves are laterally shifted along a log-contrast axis so that the effective domains of neurones are adjusted to match prevailing contrast levels. This contrast gain control mechanism, which was not observed for lateral geniculate (LGN) fibres, must be of prime importance to visual function.
Theoretical aspects of affinity chromatography

Abstract There is significant interest in the biochemical industry in the use of affinity-chromatography processes for the purification, separation, and analysis of enzymes, hormones, antibodies, proteins and other macromolecules. Appropriate theories are needed in order to predict the dynamic behavior, to design, to scale-up, to optimize, and to control affinity-chromatography systems. This review presents the mass transfer mechanisms and rate steps involved in the formation and dissociation of the adsorbate-ligand complex, and suggests models which can be used to predict the performance characteristics of affinity-chromatography processes. Procedures are also presented with which the parameters characterizing the mass transfer and interaction mechanisms of the models can be estimated, and theoretical and experimental areas and directions are suggested for future research in affinity-chromatography systems. Results and their implications for batch, fixed bed, periodic countercurrent bed, and radial flow systems are discussed. The need for continuous affinity-chromatography separations is also considered.
Folded-beam design for a Martin–Puplett interferometer with substrate polarizers

A polarizing interferometer requires a rotation of 45° between the input polarizer and beam-splitter polarizer. If substrate polarizers are used, however, the p polarization should be transmitted at both polarizers for highest efficiency. An out-of-plane configuration is presented that satisfies both criteria.
Dark conductivity and photoconductivity in solid films of C70, C60, and KxC70.

We report the dark conductivity and photoconductivity (\ensuremath{\sigma} and \ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\sigma}) in sublimed films of ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$, and ${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$. In comparison with ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$, the maximum quantum efficiency of ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ in air (\ensuremath{\sim}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$) is two orders of magnitude higher. The frequency-response range of the photoconductivity of ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ is wider than that of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ as well. The disorder and charge localization are important for the charge transport in ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$, reflected in a bimolecularlike recombination and a large temperature dependence of the dark conductivity. The Fowler plot suggests that the energy gap of ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ is smaller (1.5 eV) than that of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ (1.7 eV). The temperature dependence of \ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\sigma} for ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ has a local peak between 260 and 270 K, which is possibly related to the freezing of the orientational disorder in ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ below 270 K. The photoconductivity in ${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ is extremely small, probably due to the charge delocalization which increases the recombination rate.
Molecular Mechanisms Of Drought Resistance and Advances On Plant Genes For Clean Up Of Heavy Metals

Molecular Mechanisms Of Drought Resistance and Advances On Plant Genes For Clean Up Of Heavy Metals
Ferromagnetic phase‐mass equivalence and lunar sample magnetic remanence

Man-made alloy spheres simulating the compositions of particles found in the lunar soil and weighting approximately 10 mg are shown to be equivalent, insofar as remanence intensity and demagnetization stability are concerned, to more than about 10 billion submicrometer spherical iron particles. The large particles not only contain large stable magnetic remanence, but when the polished surfaces of these particles are etched and carefully studied, they provide useful petrogenetic information, imply the mechanism of magnetization, the time-temperature history, and outline the format for possible paleointensity analysis. The intensity and stability of the remanence in these large spheres is related to the microstructure developed during rapid cooling.
Holographic Interferometric Study of Heat Transfer Associated With a Single Vapor Bubble Sliding Along a Downward-Facing Heater Surface

Heat transfer associated with a single vapor bubble sliding along a downward-facing heater surface was studied experimentally to understand the mechanisms contributing to heat transfer enhancement. Heater surface was made of polished silicon wafer of length 185 mm and width 49.5 mm. Saturated and subcooled performance fluid PF 5060 at atmospheric pressure was used as the test liquid. The heater surface was at 75° inclination to the vertical for the experiments reported here. Single vapor bubbles were generated at an artificially formed cavity at the bottom end of the heater surface. Holographic interferometry was used to obtain the temperature profile around the bubble as it slides along the heater surface near the top end of the heater plate. From the fringe patterns, the temperature gradient around the bubble interface was measured and heat transfer into or out of the bubble was computed. In addition to these experiments, the volumetric growth of the vapor bubble as it slides along the heater surface was obtained using direct high-speed photography for the same experimental conditions. Heat transfer from the wall was estimated utilizing inputs from both interferometry studies as well as the volume growth data. Results are given for a range of liquid subcoolings and wall superheats, and are compared with previously published works.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
gp49B1 suppresses stem cell factor-induced mast cell activation-secretion and attendant inflammation in vivo.

We report that gp49B1, a mast cell membrane receptor with two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIM), constitutively inhibits mast cell activation-secretion induced by stem cell factor (SCF), a tissue-derived cytokine that also regulates mast cell development. The intradermal injection of SCF into the ears of gp49B1 null (gp49B–/–) mice elicited∼4- and 2.5-fold more degranulating mast cells and tissue swelling caused by edema, respectively, than in gp49B+/+ mice. SCF did not induce tissue swelling in mast cell-deficient mice, and the responsiveness of gp49B–/– mice to mast cell-associated amine and lipid mediators was unaltered. When gp49B+/+ and gp49B–/– mice were pretreated with antagonists of the amines, SCF-induced tissue swelling was reduced by >90% and 60%, respectively, and it was reduced by >90% in both genotypes when a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist was also provided. Hence, the dominant contribution of secretory granule amines to SCF-induced tissue swelling is the result of gp49B1-mediated inhibition of the production of cysteinyl leukotrienes by mast cells. Our findings also provide the first example of an ITIM-bearing receptor that constitutively suppresses inflammation generated in vivo independently of the adaptive immune response by a receptor that signals through intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity rather than immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs.
How much state assignments can differ

We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for a group of density matrices to characterize what different people may know about one and the same physical system.
Blood Transfusion as a Risk Factor for Death in Stage III and IV Operative Laryngeal Cancer

Objective: To evaluate the role of a blood transfusion in a patient population with head and neck cancer that was treated with combined therapy (surgery and radiation). Design: Retrospective, nonrandomized end point study. Univariate and multivariate analysis of 24 variables, including transfusion status. Setting: The Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study (Cooperative Studies Program 268). Patients: Patients in the surgical arm of the study (166 patients) underwent surgery and postoperative radiation therapy for advanced (stage III and IV) laryngeal cancer. Main Outcome Measures: Identification of variables related to patient time to death. Results: The univariate analysis identified age, clinical N (lymph node) class, primary tumor site, number of pathologically positive lymph nodes, extracapsular spread, pretreatment screening hematocrit, hematocrit and albumin level at 1 month after treatment, intraoperative fluids and units of blood, and total units of blood as significant ( P Conclusions: Clinical N class or pathologic node status occupied the first position of predictive significance in all models. Blood transfusion status never retained independent significance in any multivariate assessment. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1995;121:1227-1235)
Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma

The lesion had been present two years and began as a white spot as big as a hemp seed. It had been growing more rapidly for one year, and measured one inch and a quarter in its largest diameter, and just over one inch in the narrowest part. It was more or less circular and formed a “plaque” raised about f/ieth of an inch above the level of the skin. In colour it was of a pale yellowish white tint as a whole, with dilated vessels coursing over it. At the point where the patient said it had first appeared, the part was slightly depressed, white and cicatricial looking, but not for more than xth of an inch. . The “plaque” as a whole was smooth, but with a lens a faint tendency to desquamation could be made out [Z].
A scalable delivery framework and a pricing model for streaming media with advertisements

This paper presents a delivery framework for streaming media with advertisements and an associated pricing model. The delivery model combines the benefits of periodic broadcasting and stream merging. The advertisements' revenues are used to subsidize the price of the media content. The pricing is determined based on the total ads' viewing time. Moreover, this paper presents an efficient ad allocation scheme and three modified scheduling policies that are well suited to the proposed delivery framework. Furthermore, we study the effectiveness of the delivery framework and various scheduling polices through extensive simulation in terms of numerous metrics, including customer defection probability, average number of ads viewed per client, price, arrival rate, profit, and revenue.
A simple method for determination of corexit 9527® in natural waters

Abstract A method for determination of Corexit 9527® in natural waters was developed to meet the demand for effective monitoring of anionic surfactant-based oil spill dispersants. Incorporating ion-pair formation with bis(ethylenediamine) copper(II), extraction of the complex into methylisobutylketone, and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, the method is suitable for a concentration range of 2 to 100 mg/liter, with precision as low as 5% relative standard deviation for samples in the mid- to high-range. Only a small sample volume is required (10 ml), allowing rapid analysis of multiple samples and providing sensitivity in the range most required for monitoring during the first few hours after application, when toxic impacts are most probable. Sensitivity may be substantially increased for trace analysis by increasing sample volume. Overall, the method is simple, rapid, sensitive within the range required for monitoring, requires a small sample volume, and is suitable for both marine and fresh waters.
Infected splenic artery aneurysm with associated splenic abscess formation secondary to bacterial endocarditis: Case report and review of the literature

Infected aneurysms are rare and may present with rupture or sepsis. Surgical treatment is often required to prevent catastrophic sequelae. Bacterial endocarditis is one of the classic causes of infected aneurysm. We present a case of a 6.1-cm infected splenic artery aneurysm secondary to endocarditis. Surgical treatment consisted of aortic and mitral valve replacements, splenic artery aneurysm resection, and splenectomy. We reviewed five other reported infected splenic artery aneurysms in which documented ruptured had occurred in three patients. Because the rate of rupture in these patients appears to be quite high, infected splenic artery aneurysms require prompt treatment.
Regulatory effects of glucocorticoids on ornithine aminotransferase and serine dehydratase in rat liver.

Abstract A comparison was made of the effects of several dose levels of the glucocorticoids, triamcinolone and cortisone, on the responses of the adaptive enzymes, ornithine aminotransferase ( l -ornithine:2-oxoacid aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.13) and serine dehydratase ( l -serine hydro-lyase (deaminating), EC 4.2.1.13) in rat liver, to an increase in the level of dietary protein. Glucocorticoid administration inhibited the stimulation of ornithine aminotransferase by high dietary protein, and the capacity of the regulatory system of this enzyme for interaction with glucocorticoids was fixed. In contrast, the response of serine dehydratase to dietary protein was stimulated by glucocorticoids, and the capacity of the regulatory system fo this enzyme for interaction with glucocorticoids was variable. These results are interpreted as evidence that glucocorticoids regulate ornithine aminotransferase and serine dehydratase by different mechanisms.
Nursing Interventions for Spintual Care: Preferences of the Community-Based Elderly

This descriptive correlational study examined the relationships between the three concepts of core spiritual experience, spiritual perspective, and self-transcendence, as well as the spiritual-care nursing interventions preferred by a convenience sample of 50 community-based older adults. Results of single-session interviews indicated significant positive correlations among the three concepts. Spiritual interventions preferred by older adults were those interventions focusing on the therapeutic communication skills of the nurse and the nurse's attitude and approach toward clients. Overall, older adults who believed in a Higher Power and whose beliefs were prominent in their lifestyle rated spiritual nursing interventions as more important than did older adults who did not hold strong beliefs in a Higher Power and whose spiritual beliefs were not prominent in their lifestyle. Findings give direction for providing spiritual nursing care to older adults.