cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mutational analysis of the structural basis for transcriptional activation and monomer-monomer interaction in the TyrR system of Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract In response to the binding of tyrosine or phenylalanine, the TyrR protein (513 amino acids) activates certain promoters and represses others. In a previous study (J. Cui and R. L. Somerville, J. Bacteriol. 175:303-306, 1993), it was shown that promoter activation was selectively abolished in mutant proteins lacking amino acid residues 2 to 9. An additional series of constructs that encoded mutant TyrR proteins having deletions or point mutations near the N terminus were analyzed. Residues Arg-2 and Leu-3 were shown to be critical for the activation of the mtr promoter. In confirmation of previous findings, none of the activation-defective mutant TyrR proteins had lost significant repression function. The TyrR protein was shown by chemical cross-linking to be dimeric. The polypeptide segments critical for dimer formation in vivo were identified by evaluating the negative dominance phenotypes of a series of mutant proteins, all defective in DNA binding, lacking progressively greater numbers of amino acid residues from either the N terminus or the C terminus. Amino acid residues 194 to 438 were found to contain all of the essential dimerization determinants.
A finite state network for phonetic text processing

In the past, phonetic transcriptions were made using a wide variety of fonts and formats, which hampered the development of phonetic text processing tools. Today, however, the increasing number of language documentation projects making their data freely available over the Web, combined with the adoption of the Unicode Standard by linguists as “best practice” character encoding, present linguistic software developers with an unprecedented opportunity to develop powerful tools for the analysis of phonetic text. This paper describes the generation of a finite state transducer that converts text represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet into phonetic feature sets.
Thermal conductivity of organic liquids

A new instrument and technique for determining the thermal conductivity of liquids by the coaxial cylinder method are described. Experimental values of the thermal conductivity, obtained over a broad temperature interval, are compared with the results of other investigators.
Women and opioid dependence treatment: office-based versus opioid treatment program-based care?

Abstract Women are under-represented in opioid dependency treatment, yet national statistics indicate that, as the non-medical use of prescription pain relievers rises, more women will require this treatment. Important considerations for the treatment of opioid-dependency in women include high rates of psychiatric illness, concerns regarding substance abuse and treatment in pregnancy, high rates of history of trauma, relationship dynamics that put women at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, and social factors such as lower economic status and responsibilities as care givers. Traditional approaches to opioid-dependency treatment, such as methadone maintenance programs (MMPs), have not consistently addressed these needs and do not provide flexible care and anonymity. Recent data suggest that, in comparison to MMPs, a greater percentage of women are entering office-based treatment. Yet it is unclear whether physicians' offices will be equipped to adequately handle women's treatment needs. Nonetheless of...
The orchid recovery program at Illinois College – a successful blend of teaching, research and undergraduate student participation to benefit orchid conservation

A decade ago (1996), the Orchid Recovery Program was established at Illinois College – a private liberal arts college – to promote the conservation of rare orchids through propagation. The school’s rural loca- tion, small size (1,000+ undergraduate students), and heavy teaching load (= 12 hours/semester) posed seri- ous challenges to the establishment of this research program. Nevertheless, over the years several aspects of the College were identified, targeted, and integrated to successfully blend the student academic experience with orchid conservation.
High-resolution velocity profile estimation with the scanning laser acoustic microscope

The authors introduce a technique for high-resolution velocity profile estimation with the scanning laser acoustic microscope (SLAM). In the past, the resolution of microscopic velocity profile was limited because the estimation process was based, in general, on interferometric data. Owing to a recent modification, the SLAM system is now equipped with a quadrature detector and is capable of holographic data acquisition. As a result, it is possible to measure quantitatively the two-dimensional phase distribution, which can be converted into the velocity profile. This technique consists of three major components. First, a phase error correction algorithm is used to remove the relative phase error from the holographic data samples. Subsequently, two-dimensional phase unwrapping on the corrected phase data is performed to obtain the exact phase distribution. Then the unwrapped phase variation can be converted into a quantitative profile of the propagation velocity. In addition to the detailed description of the algorithm, the authors demonstrate the accuracy and resolving capability of this velocity profile estimation technique with both test specimen and biological tissues samples. >
Incorporating patient-reported outcomes to improve emotional distress screening and assessment in an ambulatory oncology clinic.

A pilot intervention collecting patient-reported outcomes in two ambulatory clinics led to increased psychosocial distress screening followed by sustained improvement, indicated by both process and QOPI measures.
The preparation and properties of desoxypentosenucleic acid of bacteriophage T2.

1. 1. A simple method is presented for the isolation of DNA of about 90% purity from bacteriophage T T2 without the use of chemical reagents other than a neutral buffer, which results in a product which is homogeneous electrophoretically and ultracentrifugally. 2. 2. In a cacodylate buffer of 0.1 ionic strength and pH 6.83, phage DNA has an extrapolated sedimentation constant of S22w = 13.1 S. 3. 3. The DNA of E. coli has been partially purified and its physical chemical properties compared with those of phage DNA. The two DNA's cannot be resolved in a mixture by ultracentrifugation or electrophoresis under the conditions investigated. 4. 4. The sedimentation properties of phage DNA, and squid testis DNA are apparently indistinguishable, and very similar to those reported for thymus DNA. It is suggested therefore that the molecular weights of these DNA's from widely different sources are similar.
Fusing multiple images with evidential reasoning

An approach to fuse multiple images based on Dempster-Shafer evidential reasoning is proposed in this article. Dempster-Shafer theory provides a complete framework for combining weak evidences from multiple sources. Such situations typically arise in the image fusion problems, where a `real scene' image has to be estimated from incomplete and unreliable observations. By converting images from their spatial domain into the evidential representations, decisions are made to aggregate evidences such that a fused image is generated. The proposed fusion approach is evaluated on a broad set of images and promising results are given.
Parametric Combinatorial Computing and a Problem of Program Module Distribution

En calcul parametrique certaines parties de la description du probleme sont donnees comme des fonctions d'un ou plusieurs parametres, pouvant varier sur un grand nombre de valeurs. Des valeurs fixes des parametres specifient un probleme particulier, l'objectif du calcul parametrique etant de resoudre de maniere efficace de tels problemes en fonction des valeurs des parametres. On propose une methode de calcul parametrique generale, efficace pour une large classe de problemes combinatoires; la methode est liee a une methode developpee par Megiddo pour la resolution de problemes d'optimisation de ratios. On traite un exemple de distribution de modules de programme d'ordinateur entre deux processeurs
Ethanol Exposure and Withdrawal Sensitizes the Rat Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cell Region to β-Amyloid (25-35)-Induced Cytotoxicity: NMDA Receptor Involvement

BACKGROUND Millions of Americans suffer from Alzheimer's Disease (AD), which is characterized by significant neurological impairment and an accumulation in brain tissue of senile plaques consisting of beta amyloid (Abeta) peptide. The hippocampus, a region primarily responsible for learning and memory, appears to be particularly susceptible to AD-related injury and chronic alcohol abuse. Although certain risk factors for AD are known, it is unclear if alcohol abuse or dependence may contribute to neuropathology in AD. Recent research suggests that low-to-moderate consumption of alcohol may protect against development of AD, while alcohol dependence may increase risk of developing AD. Therefore, the current studies aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to 50 or 100 mM ethanol (EtOH) and withdrawal on hippocampal injury induced by Abeta peptide treatment. METHODS The present studies exposed organotypic hippocampal slice cultures to 50 or 100 mM ethanol (EtOH) for 10 days, after which the slices underwent ethanol withdrawal (EWD) in the presence of varying concentrations of Abeta 25-35 (0.1, 1, 10 microM), or 35-25 (200 microM), a negative control reverse sequence peptide. Cellular injury, as evidenced by uptake of propidium iodide (PI), was assessed for each subregion of the hippocampal complex (CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus). RESULTS Cellular injury in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer was significantly increased during withdrawal from exposure to 100 mM, but not 50 mM, EtOH. Exposure to Abeta in ethanol-naive cultures did not produce significant cytotoxicity. However, exposure to Abeta during EWD from 100 mM produced marked increases in CA1 pyramidal cell region cytotoxicity, effects reversed by cotreatment with a nontoxic concentration of the NMDA receptor channel blocker MK-801 (20 microM). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that withdrawal from exposure to a high concentration of EtOH produces marked cellular injury in the hippocampus, particularly the CA1 subregion. Further, this EtOH exposure and withdrawal regimen sensitizes the hippocampus to the toxic effects of Abeta treatment in a manner reflecting over activity of NMDA receptor function.
Thickness dependence of oscillatory exchange bias

Abstract We observed oscillatory exchange bias with temperature for various Fe/Gd multilayers. Exchange bias was observed to oscillate between positive and negative fields. It is found that the oscillatory pattern is strongly affected by the underlayer Gd thickness and the number of the bilayer repetitions. The position of the 16 nm thick Gd layer is crucial and if it is not in the right position the oscillations vanish. Coercive field is also oscillating within itself for the same temperature range studied. We speculate that oscillatory exchange bias is related to the underlying magnetic phase diagram of the ferrimagnetic multilayer.
An inexpensive microdrive for chronic single-unit recording

A microdrive and microelectrode costing about $2.67 is described. The assembly is lightweight, compact, and versatile and is ideal for chronic single-unit recording from behaving rats. It is easy to assemble and operate and has been used successfully by undergraduates in the teaching and research laboratory.
Creep behavior of solid solution alloys

Abstract Analysis of creep data of solid solution alloys of the alloy class indicates that the linear viscous glide models, which are based on interaction between a Cottrell atmosphere and dislocations, can explain quantitatively not only the creep behavior at intermediate stresses but also the breakdown of the creep power law at high stresses.
Zeolite-like Metal−Organic Frameworks (ZMOFs) as Hydrogen Storage Platform: Lithium and Magnesium Ion-Exchange and H2-(rho-ZMOF) Interaction Studies

Zeolite-like metal−organic frameworks (ZMOFs) are anionic, have readily exchangeable extra-framework cations, and can be constructed with a variety of organic linkers. ZMOFs therefore can be regard...
The abundance of boron in B- and A-type stars

Results are reported for Copernicus observations of the 1362.46-A resonance line of B II in 16 normal B and A stars. An average for the stars in which a boron abundance has been determined yields a B/H abundance ratio of 2 x 10 to the -10th; this value is taken to be the cosmic abundance of boron. The observed abundances are compared with those predicted by the galactic-cosmic-ray (GCR) spallation theory for the 'best fit' GCR flux, and remarkably good agreement is obtained. The value derived for the cosmic boron abundance is shown to support the theory that spallation reactions by high-energy GCRs on atoms of C, N, and O in the interstellar gas are responsible for the origin of B and Be as well as at least some Li. It is noted that the meteorite boron abundance is an order of magnitude greater than the cosmic abundance derived from stars, which implies an anomalous local enrichment in boron and possibly in the B-11/B-10 ratio during the formation of carbonaceous chondrites.
WAVE1 and Regulation of Actin Nucleation in Myelination

The myelin sheath can be compared to the neuronal growth cone in that the unfurled sheath looks like a giant lamellum. The authors recently tested this hypothesis by examining the importance of WAVE1, a regulator of lamellipodia formation in neurons and other cells, in myelinogenesis. They found that WAVE1 is critical for formation of oligodendrocyte lamellae and myelin sheaths. They review the regulation of WAVE1 and how WAVE1 is transported and localized to lamellipodia. Because they found that some but not all myelination was impaired by knockout of WAVE1 function, they hypothesize that other regulators of actin nucleation help oligodendrocytes produce myelin in parallel with WAVE1 function. Interestingly, they found that oligodendrocyte maturation also is disturbed with WAVE1 knockout and propose that proper localization and transport of signaling molecules relevant to the integrin signaling cascade are disrupted by loss of WAVE1 function. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(5):486—491, 2007. DOI: 10.1177/1073858407299423
A model of mental imagery

A spatial image is a representation of a scene which encodes the spatial location, distance away, surface orientation and movement of each visible surface in the scene. Mental images are spatial images which are held and transformed by a neural network called spatial memory. Spatial memory is a large two-dimensional array of processors called spatial locations which operate in parallel under the control of a single supervising processor. Though held in spatial memory, mental images are independent of it, and can be transformed, shifted and rotated by transforming and moving image parts among the spatial locations. The architecture and control structure of spatial memory are presented as are details of its operation in translating, scaling and rotating mental images of three-dimensional objects. Computer simulations of spatial memory are summarized, and spatial memory is compared with other models of mental imagery.
Freezing of fluids in forced flow

Abstract The freezing of a solid phase from a fluid flowing past a cold surface is analyzed. The time dependent, local solid layer thickness and the time dependent temperature distribution in the solid phase are determined as functions of the pertinent physical properties, the surface temperature and the surface convective heat flux. The latter may be a function of the streamwise coordinate. An exact, numerical, solution is obtained and is compared to the approximate solution of Lapadula and Mueller and two limiting solutions for very small and very large times. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the method of calculation.
Conjugated linoleic acid induces apoptosis through estrogen receptor alpha in human breast tissue.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring fatty acid found in ruminant products such as milk and beef, has been shown to possess anti-cancer activities in in vivo animal models and in vitro cell culture systems. In human breast cancer, the overall duration of estrogen exposure is the most important risk factor for developing estrogen-responsive breast cancer. Accordingly, it has been suggested that estrogen exposure reduces apoptosis through the up-regulation of the anti-apoptosis protein, Bcl-2. Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, regulates apoptosis and plays a crucial role in the development and growth regulation of normal and cancerous cells. Our research interest is to examine the effects of CLA on the induction of apoptosis in human breast tissues. The localization of Bcl-2 in both normal and cancerous human breast tissues was determined by immunohistochemical staining and the Bcl-2 protein expression was tested by western blot analysis. Co-culture of epithelial cells and stromal cells was carried out in the presence or absence of CLA to evaluate apoptosis in the context of a cell-cell interaction. The results showed that both normal and cancerous breast tissues were positive for Bcl-2 staining, which was higher overall in mammary ducts but very low in the surrounding stromal compartment. Interestingly, by quantifying the western blot data, basal Bcl-2 protein levels were higher in normal breast epithelial cells than in cancerous epithelial cells. Furthermore, treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) stimulated growth and up-regulated Bcl-2 expression in estrogen responsive breast epithelial cells; however, these carcinogenic effects were diminished by either CLA or 4-Hydroxytamoxifen (Tam) and were suppressed further by the combination of CLA and Tam. In both one cell type cultured and co-culture systems, CLA induced cell apoptosis in ERα transfected MDA-MB-231 cells but not in the wild type MDA-MB-231 cells. These data, therefore, demonstrate that ERα plays important roles in CLA induced apoptosis in human breast tissues.
Receipt of Transition Services Within a Medical Home: Do Racial and Geographic Disparities Exist?

Objectives 1. Rank states and southern region by racial disparity between black and white Youth with Special Health Care Needs (YSHCN) for Healthcare Transition receipt; 2. Determine if a racial and geographic disparity exists after control of characteristics. Methods The 05/06 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs data were used. A composite of Medical Home and Transition Outcome Measures captured Healthcare Transition. If both were met, Healthcare Transition was received; otherwise, if neither were met, it was not received. Race was grouped as Non-Hispanic black or white. Census Bureau regions defined geography. South was categorized as Deep South or remaining southern states. Characteristics included sex, age, health condition effect, education, poverty, adequate insurance, and metropolitan status. Observations were limited to YSHCN. Chi-square and logistic regression were conducted. Alpha was set to .05. Results A national 42% Healthcare Transition rate, and 25% racial gap was calculated (higher rate among white YSHCN). White YSHCN had more than twice, and Midwestern had 44% higher Healthcare Transition odds in regression analysis; sex, health condition effect, insurance, and education remained significant. For the Southern region, the Healthcare Transition rate was 38% with a 26% racial gap. White YSHCN had about 2.6 higher odds, and southern geography was not associated in regression analysis. Education, poverty, adequate insurance, and health condition effect remained significant. Conclusions A low Healthcare Transition rate was found, and disparities are poignant. Culturally salient intervention programs to address racial and geographic disparities are needed for Healthcare Transition eligible YSHCN.
Lessons from the Integration of Spain and Portugal to the EU

Portugal and Spain have been at the heart of European history and have played a critical role in European (and world) affairs throughout the centuries. Yet decades of relative isolation under authoritarian regimes in the twentieth century left both countries at the margins of Europe, and they did not take part in the early stages of the process of European integration in the 1950s–70s. Fortunately, the success of processes of democratic transition in both countries in the second half of the 1970s paved the way for full membership in the European Community (EC).I would like to thank the participants in the conference “Towards the Completion of Europe” held at the University of Miami on April 2005, and in particular to Dr. Joaquin Roy for all his advice and support. This is an updated version of a paper that I presented at the conference published in Royo 2006. I would like to thank Jeffrey Kopstein, Ramon de Miguel, Kalypso Nicolaidis, George Ross, and Francisco Seixas da Costa for their valuable comments during the last roundtable of the conference From Isolation to Europe: 15 Years of Spanish and Portuguese Membership in the European Union at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies, Harvard University, November 2–3, 2001. See also Royo 2003.
In search of clinical excellence.

This article was presented as a lecture at the 1995 Combined Sections Meeting by Joseph P. Farrell, MS, PT, who received the Orthopaedic Section's Paris Distinguished Service Award. He was recognized for service to the Orthopaedic Section in the area of manual therapy and for the formation of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT). Clinical excellence is a journey that every clinician should commence early in his/her career. The purpose of this paper is to discuss clinical excellence and its importance to the physical therapy profession. To address this topic, the following items will be discussed: 1) clinical competency and clinical expertise; 2) communication and patient management in the current era of health care reform; 3) politics relating to manual therapy; 4) the role of manual therapy in our profession; 5) clinical residency educational programs; and 6) the academic and clinician role in education. The author concludes that if physical therapy is a profession of e...
Reprint of: (Un)Informed charitable giving

Abstract Evidence suggests little informed giving. To understand this behavior, we examine voluntary provision of a discrete public good with independent private values that can be ascertained at a cost. We find that an individual who considers a smaller contribution is less likely to learn her value, and thus the percentage of informed giving diminishes as the population grows. We also find that a direct grant to the charity exacerbates crowding-out by discouraging information acquisition whereas a matching grant increases donations by encouraging it. We further show that with costly information, a (first-order) stochastic increase in values can decrease donations; and that facilitating private acquisition of information can be a better fund-raising strategy than directly supplying it.
Failure of MIF-1 or naloxone to reverse ischemic-induced neurologic deficits in gerbils

MIF-1 and naloxone exert similar actions in several situations. Since naloxone, at a dose of 1 mg/kg IP, has been reported to reverse the neurologic deficits of gerbils whose right common carotid artery had been occluded, MIF-1 was tested under the same conditions and the effects compared with naloxone. Doses of 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg IP of MIF-1 and naloxone did not significantly alter the signs of either moderate or severe neurologic deficits. Thus, the results of this study with gerbils do not add evidence for the use of these opiate antagonists in strokes.
Beyond the BMI: The Search for Better Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery

The application of the BMI of > or =35 as the major prerequisite for access to bariatric surgery is no longer appropriate because the index, now incorporated in the requirements of Medicare, Medicaid and most private carriers, does not reflect the degree or distribution of adiposity, it discriminates unfairly on the basis of gender, race, age, fitness, and body fat composition. Further, with increasing evidence that bariatric surgery can also induce full and durable remission of such comorbidities as type 2 diabetes even in patients with BMIs <30, new guidelines must be pursued.
The gatekeeper, pair-dependency and structural centrality

This is a note to introduce a new measure of a kind of structural centrality called pair-dependency. Pair-dependency explicates the centrality-related notion of the gatekeeper. Moreover, it turns out to be a fundamental structural property of communication networks that provides the basis for the derivation of two standard measures of structural centrality.
Cytochrome c enhancement of singlet molecular oxygen production by the NADPH-dependent adrenodoxin reductase-adrenodoxin system: the role of singlet oxygen in damaging adrenal mitochondrial membranes.

Abstract In the presence of NADPH, cytochrome c stimulates approximately a 200-fold increase in the production of singlet oxygen by the bovine adrenodoxin reductase-adrenodoxin system. The formation of singlet oxygen, which was monitored by the attending chemiluminescence, was markedly inhibited by the addition of superoxide dismutase or 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. The adrenal system, in the presence of cytochrome c, peroxidized adrenal mitochondrial lipids, as indicated by the formation of malondialdehyde. This oxidation is also inhibited by the addition of dismutase and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.
Energy Level Determination Using Two-Photon (Vacuum Ultraviolet and Visible) Resonance Spectroscopy

With the use of a Nd:YAG laser and a dye laser, energy levels in argon and krypton have been measured. This technique can examine energy levels in the range of 11.9 eV to 16.4 eV, with the accuracy rivaling methods that employ very long VUV monochromators. The amount of photoionization has been calculated and agrees well with the experiment.
TWO PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS IN ADULT PET-OWNERS AND NON-OWNERS

Despite an increased interest in animal/human bonding within the last decade, a review ( 3 ) of the many studies yielded only two (1, 2 ) which reported negative effects of pet ownership. Others demonstrated positive effects, e.g., ipcreased physical and mental well-being, on humans. When older people and children were given pets, self-esteem increased and adults with pers were better adjusted emotionally than those without pets. Most studies, however, measured self-esteem before and after pet acquisition or concerned owners already deeply involved with their pets, subjects often being selected by veterinarians or at pet shows. As most owners do not show their pets or even take them to veterinarians ( 5 ) , the present study investigated the more casual pet ownership of those who are less intensely involved or concerned with their animals than the subjects of previous studies. Based on the literature, adult animal-owners were expected to score higher in both self-esteem and feelings of well-being than non-owners. Ninety-nine subjects, ranging in age from 18 to 65 yr. ( 17 male, 18 female nonowners; 33 male, 31 female pet-owners), completed the Well-being and Self-acceptance Scales of the California Psychological Inventory which the examiners scored using the keys. Analysis of the data compared adult owners and non-owners, female owners with female non-owners, male owners with male non-owners, and cat-owners with dog-owners. No significant differences were found between any two groups on the Self-acceptance Scale. On the Well-being Scale, a significant difference was found between male owners and male non-owners, the latter scoring significantly higher ($40 = 2.25, p < .05). This result can probably be accounted for by the fact that half of the male non-owners and only one-fourth of the male pet-owners were members of a multipurpose service club characterized by close humao/human bonds. These members tended to score higher on the Well-being Scale than did non-members (t40 = 1.47, p < . l o ) . When club members were removed and the t test re-run, the difference between male owners and male non-owners disappeared ( tn = 1.07). Results neither support the hypothesis nor agree with any previous studies, possibly because types of subjects differed in the present and previous studies. Present subjects were adults engaged in productive work, the majority being professionally employed or business owners or managers. The animal/human bond fills the needs for companion, friend, servant, scapegoat, team-mate, confidant, defender ( 4 ) , and, in productively employed, upper middle-class adults, these needs may already be satisfied by human/human bonds. Pet ownership would be less beneficial than it is to other groups and, in some cases, a liability, subtracting time and energy from human interactions. But this study does point to difficulty in generalizing about the animal/human bond and to a need for research into the variables which alter the value of and need for pet ownership.
The effect of dietary fat on longevity of Drosophila melanogaster.

The effects on the lifespan of adult male Drosophila melanogaster of replacing dietary glucose by fructose, glycerol or one of a variety of fats has been studied. Isocaloric replacement of glucose by fructose or glycerol has no significant effect on lifespan but substituting lard, butter, margarine, dripping or palmitic acid for glucose led to a significant reduction in lifespan. A detailed study of the nature of the life shortening produced by one of the fats, palmitic acid, suggested that most of the life shortening effects are due to rapidly reversible processes, but approximately 20% of the life shortening effects persist irreversibly when transferred back to a low fat medium. This suggests that a high fat medium may accelerate the ageing process. In contrast, a short exposure to palmitic acid early in the life of the flies produces an irreversible increase in the life expectancy which is very variable. This may be due to an action on endogeneous microflora.
Molecular dynamics in lipid bilayers. Anisotropic diffusion in an odd restoring potential

Recent 2H nuclear magnetic resonance spin relaxation studies have questioned the influence of restoring potential parity on the description of lipid or molecular reorientational dynamics. In biomembranes the polar head groups of lipid and sterol constituents are expected to associate with the aqueous interface; therefore, realistic descriptions of molecular reorientation in bilayer systems should use an odd restoring potential. The multiexponential correlation functions and related spectral density functions for small-step anisotropic diffusion in a pseudo-restoring potential of the form U(beta) = -lambda cos beta are evaluated as a function of molecular ordering . From analysis of these results the single exponential approximation used in previous investigations is found to overestimate the decay rate at lower order, but is reliable for > 0.6. The exception to this trend is the decay constant for the G11 (omega; t) correlation function, which is not accurately portrayed by the first-order approximations. A second-order single exponential approximation is presented, and is shown to be equivalent to the weighted sum of the multidecay constants. In general, the potential parity is found to have only minor effects on the spin relaxation rates obtained to describe molecular reorientation in lipid bilayers.
NITRIC OXIDE: ROLE IN NEUROTOXICITY

SUMMARY 1. Nitric oxide (NO) is a novel neuronal messenger molecule which interacts with surrounding neurones, not by synaptic transmission but by diffusion between cells. 2. No is produced following stimulation of the enzyme, NO synthase (NOS). After synthesis, NO exerts its biological actions by diffusion to the site of action. Therefore, the way to regulate the physiological actions of NO is to regulate NOS. 3. NOS is activated by the influx of calcium from glutamate-activated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Overactivation of these receptors leads to overproduction of NO and neuronal cell death. 4. NOS can be regulated at the catalytic site, at the flavoproteins, at the calmodulin site and by phosphorylation. 5. In excess, NO is toxic to neurones. This toxicity is mediated largely by an interaction with the superoxide anion, presumably through the generation of the oxidant, peroxynitrite. 6. NO or peroxynitrite-mediated neuronal injury involves the activation of the nuclear protein, poly(ADP-ribose)synthetase.
Just Ask: Hospice Familiarity in Asian and Hispanic Adults

Abstract Context Previous research documents the under-utilization of hospice services by minority ethnic groups, but less data exist for Asian and Hispanic Americans. It is unclear whether these low utilization rates are a result of attitudinal or information barriers, or both. Objectives To examine self-reported familiarity and attitudes toward hospice among Asian and Hispanic groups in ethnically diverse Queens County, NY. Methods We surveyed diverse adults during health fairs, at senior centers, and church programs directed at ethnic populations. Respondents completed surveys in their preferred language: Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), and Korean. Analysis of variance was used to compare continuous variables among language groups; Fisher's exact test compared categorical variables. Results A total of 604 community adults were surveyed: 99 Chinese, 349 Korean, 156 Spanish. Respondents were mostly female, average age 53 years. Familiarity with hospice varied significantly among the groups ( P Conclusion When surveyed in their preferred language, Asian and Hispanic adults reported variable levels of familiarity with hospice services. Most responded positively to receiving future information and would tell friends and family members about hospice.
Segmentation of monochrome and color textures using moving average modeling approach

The segmentation of textures using features extracted with a 2-D moving average (MA) modeling approach is presented. The 2-D MA model represents a texture as an output of a 2-D finite impulse response (FIR) filter with simple input process. The 2-D MA model is flexible, and can be used for modeling both isotropic and anisotropic textures. The maximum likelihood (ML) estimators of the 2-D MA model are used as texture features. Supervised and unsupervised texture segmentation is considered. A neural network is used for supervised segmentation, and a fuzzy clustering algorithm is used for unsupervised segmentation. The texture features extracted by the 2-D MA modeling approach from sliding windows are classified with a neural network for supervised segmentation, and are clustered by a fuzzy clustering algorithm for unsupervised texture segmentation. The performance of the segmentation algorithms using MA model features are demonstrated in the experiment with both synthetic and natural images.
Shell Effects at High Angular Momentum

Major-shell effects are seen in the unresolved $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectra coming from high-spin states in the transition region: $^{154}\mathrm{Er}$ to $^{160}\mathrm{Er}$. The angular momentum alignments in the valence shell, which are spread in frequency in the heavier nuclei, are compressed into the low-frequency region in the lighter nuclei and separate almost completely from the angular momentum contributions due to the next higher major (proton) shell.
Thiol protection in membrane protein purifications: a study with phage holins.

Abstract The lambda holin, or S105, is a small cytoplasmic membrane protein that controls the timing of host lysis. Using thiol-specific reagents, we determined that the single cysteine residue within S105 was heterogeneously modified during membrane extraction and subsequent immobilized metal ion chromatography. Here we describe the use of a specific and reversible thiol reagent, 2,2′-dithiodipyridine, to generate purified protein with its cysteine residues in the native thiol state. The 2,2′-dithiodipyridine protection protocol was also successfully used for another unrelated holin, S 21 68, and should be generally useful for the purification of membrane proteins.
MOLECULAR BEAM PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY OF Ni(CO)4

Abstract The nickel carbonyl HeI (21.2175 eV) photoelectron spectrum has been reinvestigated with improved resolution and molecular beam sampling. The 9T 2 and 2E photoelectron bands are shown to be intrinsically diffuse, which is attributed to D 2d geometries. The ordering of the next seven outer valence electronic states is proposed from a linear least-squares fit of the spectrum.
Benign Bronchial Polyps and Papillomas

Abstract Confusion exists in differentiating between inflammatory bronchial polyps and papillomas. Both lesions are rare but may be differentiated by their histological appearance. Clinical features of 6 patients with inflammatory polyps and 5 with bronchial papillomas are reviewed. Bronchoscopic removal is usually possible, but thoracotomy with excision through a bronchotomy may occasionally be necessary for safe excision.
Response to the Article, “The Risks of a Quick Fix: A Case Against Mandatory Body Mass Index Reporting Laws”

We are writing in response to a recent article entitled “The Risks of a Quick Fix: A Case Against Mandatory Body Mass Index Reporting Laws.” In this article, Cogan, Smith, and Maine (2008) appear t...
Getting consumers to eat more whole-grains: The role of policy, information, and food manufacturers

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines were unique because they offered quantitative recommendations for consumption of whole-grains. This case study examines the hypothesis that the changed recommendations were responsible for the recent increase in retail sales and consumption of whole-grain food products. We find that release of the Dietary Guidelines and related media attention did increase availability and sales of whole-grain foods. A large impact on consumption occurred through reformulation of existing products, induced by competition among food suppliers. This study reveals the key role product reformulation plays in inter-firm competition and in realization of dietary changes recommended by public
Double-Cola and Antitrust Issues: Staying Alive in the Soft Drink Wars

This case study is the story of the underdog in the soft drink wars. It is a testament to the meaning of brands and the lengths that loyal consumers go to for Double-Cola, one of many small regional brands that struggle to compete against industry giants. It also offers insights into current antitrust issues within the regulatory environment and the lack of protection given to small brands in their fight to stay alive. Consequences for consumers, bottlers, and small manufacturers are explored.
The Scientific Status of Childhood Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Review of Published Research

Background: Dissociative identity disorder (DID) remains a controversial diagnosis due to conflicting views on its etiology. Some attribute DID to childhood trauma and others attribute it to iatrogenesis. The purpose of this article is to review the published cases of childhood DID in order to evaluate its scientific status, and to answer research questions related to the etiological models. Methods: I searched MEDLINE and PsycINFO records for studies published since 1980 on DID/multiple personality disorder in children. For each study I coded information regarding the origin of samples and diagnostic methods. Results: The review produced a total of 255 cases of childhood DID reported as individual case studies (44) or aggregated into empirical studies (211). Nearly all cases (93%) emerged from samples of children in treatment, and multiple personalities was the presenting problem in 23% of the case studies. Four US research groups accounted for 65% of all 255 cases. Diagnostic methods typically included clinical evaluation based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder criteria, but hypnosis, structured interviews, and multiple raters were rarely used in diagnoses. Conclusion: Despite continuing research on the related concepts of trauma and dissociation, childhood DID itself appears to be an extremely rare phenomenon that few researchers have studied in depth. Nearly all of the research that does exist on childhood DID is from the 1980s and 1990s and does not resolve the ongoing controversies surrounding the disorder.
Successful program to prevent aspergillus infections in children undergoing marrow transplantation : use of nasal amphotericin

Aspergillus infections in pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients are usually fatal. We began the use of a prophylactic nasal spray of amphotericin in 1990. This nasal spray was provided in addition to low-dose intravenous amphotericin. During the time of this study, the number of fatal cases of aspergillus in the pediatric BMT population was reduced significantly from 13.8% to 1.8% (P < 0.0025) thereby suggesting that the use of nasal amphotericin in this population helps to prevent fatal aspergillus infections. the lack of significant side-effects and the ease of administration make this a very helpful preventive measure in the supportive care of pediatric bone marrow transplant patients.
Predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling predictors of middle school children's after-school physical activity participation

Abstract Background: Children's participation in after-school physical activity can attenuate the overweight and obesity rates among rural, low socioeconomic status (SES) children. Children's individual determination, as well as social and environmental factors, can influence their behaviors. Purpose: The purposes of this study were to determine if a difference existed in after-school physical activity participation among children from different socioeconomic strata and to identify predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling predictors of after-school physical activity. Methods: A crosssectional, descriptive research design using surveys was used with rural, middle school children. Results: Low SES children were more active than high SES children. Physical activity self-efficacy, attraction to physical activity, and access to equipment were statistically significant in predicting children's after-school physical activity level. Discussion: Interventions enhancing self-efficacy and providing enjoyable options ...
The Revolution in Counseling: A Sociological Perspective

Revolution, from a sociological perspective, requires more than a full acceptance of behavioral techniques and applications by counselors. What the behaviorists have contributed is not a revolutionary stance but a newly coherent set of strategies for dealing with client problems. It is still the client who is encouraged to acquire behaviors more consistent with the immediate social milieu rather than the reverse—It is easier to fit the individual into the existing social order than to confront and change the social order. A revolution would entail taking on society as the client, and then developing and applying efficacious change strategies to social structures.
RECURRENT NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES AS EXPLANATION OF THE SELFING PHENOMENON IN SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM.

It is proposed that the presence of recurrent nucleotide sequences in the bacterial genome provides the basis for an explanation of the transductional selfing inSalmonella discovered byM. Demerec. If a mutation occurs in a recurrent sequence, the mutant sequence so produced would, according to this proposal, be replaceable by recombination with DNA from a donor strain which carried either the identical mutation or a deletion of the entire region in which the mutation had occurred. Generalized transducing virus provides an opportunity for the occurence of this non-allelic recombination by introducing any region of a donor genome into a recipient cell. Recurrence of nucleotide sequences in non-allelic genes may represent particularly successful sequences of amino acids such as occur at enzymatically active protein sites, or else they may represent the vestiges of similarity remaining after divergence of two originally identical genes. For these reasons, recurrent nucleotide sequences may reflect the evolutionary history of a bacterial genome.
Pfiesteria piscicida and Pfiesteria shumwayae in coastal waters of Long Island, New York, USA

Water and sediment samples were collected during summer and early fall 1999–2004 from coastal waters of New York State, USA, to test for the presence of Pfiesteria piscicida and Pfiesteria shumwayae. Physical and chemical conditions were characterized, and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were conducted. Both species were relatively common and found at most sites at least once, and the frequency of positive assays was higher in sediments than in the water column. In a subset of the data from Suffolk County, Long Island, the presence of Pfiesteria was related to high chlorophyll a and relatively high nutrient concentrations. Partial SSU rDNA sequences of four PCR amplicons generated using P. shumwayae primers indicated two sequences: three were identical to GenBank P. shumwayae entries, but one showed enough sequence difference (15 positions in a 454 bp amplicon) to suggest a possible new species. Three isolates were tested for toxicity, and one was found to kill fish in bioassays. Despite the widespread presence of both Pfiesteria species and demonstration of potential to harm fish, no blooms of these dinoflagellates have been observed, nor has there been evidence of Pfiesteria-related fish or human health problems in these waters, likely related to colder temperatures than optimal for Pfiesteria species.
Adjacent segment degeneration after lumbar spinal fusion: risk factors and implications for clinical practice.

COMMENTARY ON: Sears WR, Sergides IG, Kazemi N, et al. Incidence and prevalence of surgery at segments adjacent to a previous posterior lumbar arthrodesis. Spine J 2011:11:11–20 ( in this issue ).
Introduction to the Special Section of Best Papers From the 2007 Biometrics: Theory, Applications, and Systems Conference

The five papers in this special section illustrate the breadth of activities in current biometrics research.
A cross-linked copolypeptide with increased affinity for cations.

The copolymer poly Glu42Lys28Ala30 was crosslinked by S–S bridges by reaction with butyrothiolactone followed by air oxidation of the mercaptan covalent adduct. The modified copolypeptide was more compact hydrodynamically, more resistant to the structurally disruptive effects of urea, and able to bind dye cations with much increased avidity.
AnnouncingEstuaries and Coasts, Journal of the Estuarine Research Federation

This is the first issue ofEstuaries and Coasts (ISSN 1559-2723), which continues the Estuarine Research Federation's publication inEstuaries (1978–2005) (ISSN 0160-8347) of scientific reports, reviews, comments, and notes on estuarine and coastal scientific research from around the world. Numbering of volumes ofEstuaries and Coasts continues uninterrupted fromEstuaries since the expanded title was not intended to mark a change in the scope of the journal. It is our hope that the journal will continue to become more international in its coverage, and to include more coastal science than is sometimes associated with the single word nameEstuaries. In addition to the change of the journal's name there is also a new cover design that will change with each issue and highlight an estuary or coast associated with one or more articles in the issue. Another change to the journal is a new column entitled Perspectives in Estuarine and Coastal Science, which is intended to stimulate discussion about emerging topics in estuarine and coastal science. The H. T. Odum Synthesis Essay, initiated in 2005, will be continued on an annual basis.