cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attribute satisfaction and experiential involvement in evaluations of live musical performance: Theory and managerial implications for services

Abstract A model is developed and validated linking satisfaction with attributes related to the performance and the setting to satisfaction with live musical performance. Experiential involvement is also an important element impacting satisfaction and both are linked with managerial outcomes, including repeat patronage and consumer spending. The model is tested through two studies to assess the generalizability and validity of the model via structural equation modeling and regression analysis. The model proves to be robust, with an unexpectedly complex pattern of relationships between antecedents and managerial outcomes. Regression further suggests variables in the model that predict consumer spending.
The design and application of upwind schemes on unstructured meshes

Solution and mesh generation algorithms for solving the Euler equations on unstructured meshes consisting of triangle and quadrilateral control volumes are presented. Cell-centered and mesh-vertex upwind finite-volume schemes are developed which utilize multi-dimensional monotone linear reconstruction procedures. These algorithms differ from existing algorithms (even on structured meshes). Numerical results in two dimensions are presented.
Abstract 5441: The involvement of MSK1 in non-canonical activation of NF-KB in the late phase of UVB irradiation.

Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (NF-KB) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in controlling expression of genes involved in the immune and inflammatory responses as well a being a key component in the onset of a larger number of cancers. One activator of NF-KB that has been studied, but still remains controversial, is that of ultraviolet B light (UVB). In this study we demonstrate that mitogen- and-stress activated protein kinase (MSK1) is responsible for a non-canonical late-phase activation of NF-KB. Following UVB irradiation (50 mJ/cm2) MSK1 is activated via phosphorylation at both 6 and 24 h time points. Investigations into the signaling pathways upstream of MSK1 through the use of specific inhibitors for mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)(PD 98059) and p38 (SB 203580) revealed that both kinases are required for full phosphorylation during the late-phase (24 h) while p38 is predominately responsible for phosphorylation during the early-phase (6 h). Electromobilty shift assays (EMSA) for NF-KB binding affinity showed that inhibition of MSK1 via inhibitor H89 resulted in a marked reduction in binding affinity. Inhibition of p38 also coincided with a reduction in NF-KB binding affinity. Interestingly, supershift assays implicate that the p65 isoform of NF-KB is predominantly involved in late-phase activation in response to UVB irradiation. Analysis of cell viability showed that decreased viability was correlated with MSK1 inhibition and decreased NF-KB binding affinity. Together, the results of these studies shed light onto a novel pathway of MSK1 mediated late-phase activation of NF-KB in response to UVB irradiation. Citation Format: Oliver L. Carpenter. The involvement of MSK1 in non-canonical activation of NF-KB in the late phase of UVB irradiation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5441. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5441
Fungal root colonization responses in natural grasslands after long‐term exposure to elevated atmospheric CO2

Summary Arbuscular mycorrhizae, ubiquitous mutualistic symbioses between plant roots and fungi in the order Glomales, are believed to be important controllers of plant responses to global change, in particular to elevated atmospheric CO2. In order to test if any effects on the symbiosis can persist after long-term treatment, we examined root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and other fungi of several plant species from two grassland communities after continuous exposure to elevated atmospheric CO2 for six growing seasons in the field. For plant species from both a sandstone and a serpentine annual grassland there was evidence for changes in fungal root colonization, with changes occurring as a function of plant host species. We documented decreases in percentage nonmycorrhizal fungal root colonization in elevated CO2 for several plant species. Total AM root colonization (%) only increased significantly for one out of the five plant species in each grassland. However, when dividing AM fungal hyphae into two groups of hyphae (fine endophyte and coarse endophyte), we could document significant responses of AM fungi that were hidden when only total percentage colonization was measured. We also documented changes in elevated CO2 in the percentage of root colonized by both AM hyphal types simultaneously. Our results demonstrate that changes in fungal root colonization can occur after long-term CO2 enrichment, and that the level of resolution of the study of AM fungal responses may have to be increased to uncover significant changes to the CO2 treatment. This study is also one of the first to document compositional changes in the AM fungi colonizing roots of plants grown in elevated CO2. Although it is difficult to relate the structural data directly to functional changes, possible implications of the observed changes for plant communities are discussed.
Realizability of p-point graphs with prescribed minimum degree, maximum degree, and point-connectivity

Abstract In a recent paper, we gave a generalization of extremal problems involving certain graph-theoretic invariants. In that work, we defined a ( p , Δ, δ, λ) graph as a graph having p points, maximum degree Δ, minimum degree δ, and line-connectivity λ. An arbitrary quadruple of integers ( a, b, c, d ) was called ( p , Δ, δ, λ) realizable if there is a ( p , Δ, δ, λ) graph with p = a , Δ = b , δ = c , and λ = d . In this work, we consider the more difficult case of ( p , Δ, δ, κ) realizability, where κ is the point-connectivity. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a quadruple to be ( p , Δ, δ, κ) realizable are derived.
Cool temperatures interfere with D1 synthesis in tomato by causing ribosomal pausing

Photodamage occurs when leaves are exposed to light in excess of what can be used for photosynthesis and in excess of the capacity of ancillary photoprotective as well as repair mechanisms. An important site of photodamage is the chloroplast encoded D1 protein, a component of the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center. Even under optimal growth irradiance, D1 is photodamaged necessitating rapid turnover to prevent the accumulation of photodamaged PSII reaction centers and consequent inhibition of photosynthesis. However, this on-going process of D1 turnover and replacement was impeded in the chilling-sensitive tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants when exposed to high-growth light at cool temperature. The decrease in D1 turnover and replacement was found not to be due to changes in the steady-state level of the psbA message. While the recruitment of ribosomes to psbA transcript, initiation of D1 translation, and the association of polysomes with the thylakoid membrane occurred normally, chilling temperatures caused ribosomal pausing during D1 peptide elongation in tomato. The pause locations were non-randomly located on the D1 transcript. The interference with translation caused by ribosomal pausing allowed photodamaged PSII centers to accumulate leading to the consequent inhibition of photosynthesis.
Comparison of eye movement metrics recorded at different sampling rates

Previous work has shown significant differences in eye movement metrics recorded by devices differing in sampling rates. Two schools of thought have emerged on how to effectively compare such apparently disparate data. The first, termed here as upsampling, strives to process eye movement data recorded at a low sampling rate to allow comparison with data recorded at a high sampling rate, e. g., by fitting a cubic spline to the signal derivative (i.e., velocity). Instead, we suggest downsampling based on a two-pass solution in which data is first downsampled and smoothed prior to its velocity-based classification. Results indicate that given a similar experimental task, this approach gives more equitable results than other single-pass classification methods as they typically do not explicitly consider sampling rates.
Bacillus larvae isolation, culturing, and vegetative thermal death point.

Abstract Bacillus larvae can be easily isolated from the scalelike remains of American foulbrood-killed honey-bee larvae through the use of a differential sterilization technique. The process is dependent on the fact that B. larvae spores will not normally germinate in nutrient broth but that they will germinate in other types of media. The isolation procedure involves a preliminary introduction of scale material into nutrient broth, a series of incubation periods followed by heat treatments, and final inoculation into a B. larvae supportive medium. The medium selected contained yeast extract, soluble starch, and agar. In tests determining the thermal death point of vegetative cells of B. larvae , it was found that a temperature of 60°C for 15 min was required to ensure complete nonsurvival.
New acetohydroxy acid synthase activity from mutational activation of a cryptic gene in Escherichia coli K-12

A mutation in an allele identified as ilvJ662 causes the expression of acetohydroxy acid synthase activity that is resistant to feedback inhibition by L-valine. The ilvJ662 allele was transduced as an unselected marker into a strain, CU1126 (ilvB, ilvHI), deficient in acetohydroxy acid synthase activity. The ilvJ662 allele appears to code for a new acetohydroxy acid synthase activity (acetohydroxy acid synthase IV), with physical, kinetic, and physiological properties distinct from the other three isozymes.
Prior methamphetamine self-administration attenuates the dopaminergic deficits caused by a subsequent methamphetamine exposure.

Others and we have reported that prior methamphetamine (METH) exposure attenuates the persistent striatal dopaminergic deficits caused by a subsequent high-dose “binge” METH exposure. The current study investigated intermediate neurochemical changes that may contribute to, or serve to predict, this resistance. Rats self-administered METH or saline for 7 d. On the following day (specifically, 16 h after the conclusion of the final METH self-administration session), rats received a binge exposure of METH or saline (so as to assess the impact of prior METH self-administration), or were sacrificed without a subsequent METH exposure (i.e., to assess the status of the rats at what would have been the initiation of the binge METH treatment). Results revealed that METH self-administration per se decreased striatal dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) function and DA content, as assessed 16 h after the last self-administration session. Exposure to a binge METH treatment beginning at this 16-h time point decreased DAT function and DA content as assessed 1 h after the binge METH exposure: this effect on DA content (but not DAT function) was attenuated if rats previously self-administered METH. In contrast, 24 h after the binge METH treatment prior METH self-administration: 1) attenuated deficits in DA content, DAT function and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 function; and 2) prevented increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein and DAT complex immunoreactivity. These data suggest that changes 24 h, but not 1 h, after binge METH exposure are predictive of tolerance against the persistence of neurotoxic changes following binge METH exposures.
A study of avoidance conditioning in five genera of mice

Abstract An automated apparatus for measuring the rate of avoidance conditioning in small animals was described. The machine consisted of a connecting series of five inclined ramps and five chambers, arranged staircase-wise, and was electronically designed to present five identical environmental situations to an animal in temporal sequence without interference from the investigator. After a group of ten animals was run ten times each through the machine, two sets of 500 readings were easily analysed into learning curves. Results are presented for the genera Microtus , Onychomys , Perognathus , Peromycus , three strains of Mus . The genera and strains all exhibit differing behaviours in the machine. The improvement in performance was apparent from the significant difference in readings obtained in the early and late trials in two strains of Mus and in Peromyscus . The wild Mus commensal, Mus m. ‘Mo.’ , was the only strain however that exhibited early avoidance conditioning. The employment and the advantages of the apparatus are discussed. Moreover, certain relationships between the learning characteristics of the various mouse types and their behavioural profiles, as well as neurochemical and other data described from this laboratory, are speculated upon.
Electric Field Induced Co-Localization of Membrane Components in Supported Lipid Bilayers Detected by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

It is widely believed that certain membrane lipids and membrane-anchored proteins associate to form clusters with emergent function. While extensive data on phase diagrams are available for a range of lipid compositions, these are most commonly visualized by the partitioning of dyes between different phases, and, especially in the case of dye-labeled lipids, the label may substantially alter the physical properties of the components. For this reason we have been developing secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to image membrane components, in particular a NanoSIMS instrument, where components are differentiated by isotope or atom labels. We are particularly interested in components that co-localize with the ganglioside GM1, often considered to be a “raft” marker. Here we exploit the single negative charge on GM1 which allows it to be selectively moved in an electric field parallel to a patterned, supported membrane surface and address the question of whether other membrane components, notably cholesterol and sphingomyelin, also reorganize. Supported lipid bilayers were formed by the fusion of giant unilamellar vesicles (8:16:5:71 sphingomyelin:cholesterol:GM1:DOPC) to oxidized silicon substrates. Orthogonal isotopic labeling of lipid bilayer components and mono-fluorination of GM1 allowed generation of molecule-specific images that map the lateral re-distribution of molecules as a result of an electric field. Simultaneous detection of up to seven different ion species, including secondary electrons, allowed generation of ion ratio images whose signal intensity could be correlated to composition through the use of calibration curves from standard samples.
Judges' Attitudes toward the Public Accounting Profession

This paper presents the results of two related studies. In Study One we examine US judges' attitudes toward the public accounting profession and the extent to which those attitudes have changed over three distinct periods of time: (a) early in the decade of the 1990s, (b) late in the decade of the 1990s, but before the Enron and subsequent corporate debacles, and (c) three years after the Enron debacle. We anticipate that attitudes of judges toward the public accounting profession will be relatively stable over time, but nonetheless subject to change if given a substantial stimulus. In Study Two we compare the most current judges' attitudes with those of law students, MBA students and auditors. In total, we find that judges' attitudes are significantly (1) more negative towards the profession in the most recent survey, (2) equivalent to attitudes exhibited by law students and MBA students, and (3) divergent from attitudes of practicing auditors. Conclusions and future research are also discussed.
Longitudinal cytogenetic study of metaphase and interphase cells in childhood monosomy 7 syndrome

A 15-year-old male with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) characterized by monosomy 7 was cytogenetically evaluated by metaphase karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of interphase cells at six different points during the course of his disease. At diagnosis, there was complete agreement between metaphase and interphase findings. Interphase analysis alone provided important cytogenetic information on the first specimens received following intensive combination chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation where metaphase analyses were uninformative. The detection of a minor post-treatment monosomy 7 population by interphase but not metaphase studies may have identified minimal residual disease prior to recurrence of MDS. From this longitudinal study, it is concluded that metaphase and interphase cytogenetic analyses form complementary approaches and that use of both provides greater analytical power when appropriate chromosome markers are available.
Particle statistics in topologically nontrivial two-dimensional magnetic systems

Abstract It is demonstrated that charged particles may acquire unusual statistics in topologically nontrivial two-dimensional samples placed in strong magnetic fields. These novel statistics follow from an analysis of the self-adjoint extensions of the Landau hamiltonian which are partially classified by the UIR's of the fundamental group. Superselection rules corresponding to different quantum theories are found. Supersymmetry arguments are used to construct exact ground states.
Expected Annual Emergency Miles per Ambulance: An Indicator for Measuring Availability of Emergency Medical Services Resources

ABSTRACT: Context: To ensure equitable access to prehospital care, as recommended by the Rural and Frontier Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agenda for the Future, policymakers will need a uniform measure of EMS infrastructure. Purpose and Methods: This paper proposes a county-level indicator of EMS resource availability that takes into consideration existing EMS resources (ambulances), population health and demographics, and geographic factors. The indicator, the EXpected annual emergency miles per AMBulance (EXAMB), provides a basis for comparing ambulance availability across counties within states. A method for calculating the EXAMB indicator is demonstrated using data from 5 states. Findings: The EXAMB indicator was negatively correlated with ambulance availability per 100,000 population in 4 of the 5 states in the study. The indicator was positively correlated with rurality in 3 states. In Mississippi, South Carolina, and Wyoming, whole-county health professional shortage areas had median EXAMB values 45%–81% higher than those of the non–health professional shortage areas counties. Conclusions: Future research should explore the relationship of the EXAMB to EMS outcomes, with the ultimate goal of developing a nationally recognized indicator of “adequate” EMS resource availability.
Oxygen isotope composition of carbonates, silicates, and oxides in selected carbonatites: constraints on crystallization temperatures of carbonatite magmas

Abstract Oxygen isotope compositions and fractionations between calcite (Cc) and magnetite (Mt), diopside-rich clinopyroxene (Di), monticellite (Mnt), kimzeyite-rich garnet (Gt), and biotite (Bt) were measured for carbonatites from Oka (Canada), Magnet Cove (USA), Jacupiranga (Brazil), and Essonville (Canada), to obtain crystallization temperatures and explore the crystallization history of carbonatites. The highest isotopic temperatures are obtained from Cc–Mt fractionations from Oka (745–770 °C) and Cc–Mnt fractionations from Magnet Cove (700 and 760 °C). Cc–Mt temperatures for very coarse-grained, euhedral magnetite phenocrysts and calcite from Jacupiranga are 700 °C. In samples that contain diopside and magnetite, the Cc–Mt temperatures are always higher than Cc–Di temperatures. This difference is consistent with crystallization of magnetite before diopside, minor retrograde resetting of magnetite isotopic compositions, and the order of crystallization inferred from inclusions of Mt in Di. Cc–Mt, Cc–Di, and Cc–Mnt fractionations are thus interpreted to represent those established during crystallization at rapid cooling rates (103–104 °C/my). Diffusion model calculations indicate that at slower post-crystallization cooling rates (10–102 °C/my), magnetite compositions should experience significant isotopic resetting by diffusional exchange with Cc, Bt, and apatite, and yield lower temperatures than Cc–Di. Cc–Bt fractionations correspond to the lowest temperatures (440–560 °C). Although some of these are relatively high isotopic temperatures for biotite, they most likely represent those established during subsolidus retrograde exchange between biotite and calcite during rapid subsolidus cooling.
The dirty dozen : a concise measure of the Dark Triad

There has been an exponential increase of interest in the dark side of human nature during the last decade. To better understand this dark side, the authors developed and validated a concise, 12-item measure of the Dark Triad: narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism. In 4 studies involving 1,085 participants, they examined its structural reliability, convergent and discriminant validity (Studies 1, 2, and 4), and test-retest reliability (Study 3). Their measure retained the flexibility needed to measure these 3 independent-yet-related constructs while improving its efficiency by reducing its item count by 87% (from 91 to 12 items). The measure retained its core of disagreeableness, short-term mating, and aggressiveness. They call this measure the Dirty Dozen, but it cleanly measures the Dark Triad.
The Landfall and Inland Penetration of a Flood-Producing Atmospheric River in Arizona. Part I: Observed Synoptic-Scale, Orographic, and Hydrometeorological Characteristics

AbstractAtmospheric rivers (ARs) are a dominant mechanism for generating intense wintertime precipitation along the U.S. West Coast. While studies over the past 10 years have explored the impact of ARs in, and west of, California’s Sierra Nevada and the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Mountains, their influence on the weather across the intermountain west remains an open question. This study utilizes gridded atmospheric datasets, satellite imagery, rawinsonde soundings, a 449-MHz wind profiler and global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and operational hydrometeorological observing networks to explore the dynamics and inland impacts of a landfalling, flood-producing AR across Arizona in January 2010. Plan-view, cross-section, and back-trajectory analyses quantify the synoptic and mesoscale forcing that led to widespread precipitation across the state. The analyses show that a strong AR formed in the lower midlatitudes over the northeastern Pacific Ocean via frontogenetic processes and sea surface latent-hea...
Strabismus surgery for neurological illness. The Stevens Commission 1887-1889.

• In 1887, the New York Neurological Society appointed a committee of distinguished neurologists to investigate the claim of ophthalmic surgeon George Thomas Stevens that he could cure chorea and epilepsy through correction of refractive errors and strabismus. After 21/2 years, the supervised therapeutic trial collapsed amid mutual recriminations. The commission issued a bland statement to the effect that the treatment was not curative and was insufficiently helpful to recommend. The idea of ocular reflex causation and surgical cure of "neuroses" persisted for several more decades in the face of increasing skepticism and resistance.
Erratum in print version of "Toward a More Accurate Quantitation of the Activity of Recombinant Retroviruses: Alternatives to Titer and Multiplicity of Infection"

Volume 74, no. 3, p. 1258-1266, 2000. The second page of this article was incorrectly inserted from another article.
Modeling the Behavior of Electroactive Polymers for Overcharge Protection of Lithium Batteries

A continuum-scale model is presented to explain how electroactive polymers such as polythiophene can be used to provide overcharge protection for lithium-ion batteries. The model shows how the cell is transformed upon overcharge from a battery to a resistor with a resistivity that varies with position across the separator. Upon discharge or open circuit, self discharge transforms the resistor back into a battery, and normal cycling can be resumed. A simplified model yields a design equation that shows how the potential at which the cell shorts depends on the current density, separator thickness, and the variation of the electronic conductivity and the oxidation potential of the polymer with a degree of oxidation. The effect of these parameters on the transient and steady-state behavior of the short is explored. The shorting voltage is independent of the choice of positive electrode and scales with the potential of the charged negative electrode. Kinetic effects on the transient behavior and thermal effects are also considered.
Continuous wave photothermal deflection spectroscopy in a flowing medium

A complete and rigorous theoretical treatment of the continuous wave photothermal deflection spectroscopy in a flowing medium is given. The theoretical results have been verified experimentally.
Two functionally divergent UDP-Gal nucleotide sugar transporters participate in phosphoglycan synthesis in Leishmania major.

In the protozoan parasite Leishmania, abundant surface and secreted molecules, such as lipophosphoglycan (LPG) and proteophosphoglycans (PPGs), contain extensive galactose in the form of phosphoglycans (PGs) based on (Gal-Man-PO4) repeating units. PGs are synthesized in the parasite Golgi apparatus and require transport of cytoplasmic nucleotide sugar precursors to the Golgi lumen by nucleotide sugar transporters (NSTs). GDP-Man transport is mediated by the LPG2 gene product, and here we focused on transporters for UDP-Gal. Data base mining revealed 12 candidate NST genes in the L. major genome, including LPG2 as well as a candidate endoplasmic reticulum UDP-glucose transporter (HUT1L) and several pseudogenes. Gene knock-out studies established that two genes (LPG5A and LPG5B) encoded UDP-Gal NSTs. Although the single lpg5A– and lpg5B– mutants produced PGs, an lpg5A–/5B– double mutant was completely deficient. PG synthesis was restored in the lpg5A–/5B– mutant by heterologous expression of the human UDP-Gal transporter, and heterologous expression of LPG5A and LPG5B rescued the glycosylation defects of the mammalian Lec8 mutant, which is deficient in UDP-Gal uptake. Interestingly, the LPG5A and LPG5B functions overlap but are not equivalent, since the lpg5A– mutant showed a partial defect in LPG but not PPG phosphoglycosylation, whereas the lpg5B– mutant showed a partial defect in PPG but not LPG phosphoglycosylation. Identification of these key NSTs in Leishmania will facilitate the dissection of glycoconjugate synthesis and its role(s) in the parasite life cycle and further our understanding of NSTs generally.
Re-capping the message.

The 5′-cap structure that typifies all polymerase II-transcribed RNAs plays important roles in pre-mRNA processing and mRNA export, translation and quality control. Removal of the cap is a regulated process that is considered to be the first irreversible step in mRNA decay. An emerging view challenges this idea: mRNAs have been identified in mammalian cells that lack sequences from their 5′ ends but nevertheless appear to be modified with a cap or cap-like structure. Furthermore, a cytoplasmic form of capping enzyme was recently identified that, together with a novel kinase, generates capped ends from cleaved RNAs. These and other findings provide evidence for re-capping and its possible functions.
Benefits, obstacles, and future of six sigma approach

Abstract Understanding the key features, obstacles, and shortcomings of the six sigma method allows organizations to better support their strategic directions, and increasing needs for coaching, mentoring, and training. It also provides opportunities to better implement six sigma projects. This paper examines the evolution, benefits, and challenges of six sigma practices and identifies the key factors influencing successful six sigma project implementations. It integrates the lessons learned from successful six sigma projects and considers further improvements to the six sigma approach. Effective six sigma principles and practices will succeed by refining the organizational culture continuously. Cultural changes require time and commitment before they are strongly implanted into the organization.
Unilateral leg swelling and hydronephrosis

A 57-year-old man with history of hypertension presented with 6 days history of left lower extremity swelling, pain and purple discoloration. He denied shortness of breath, cough, chest pain or palpitations. He took hydrochlorothiazide for HTN. On presentation, his vital signs were stable and physical exam was remarkable for left leg pitting edema and tenderness to palpation of left calf with purple discoloration. His creatinine and BUN were elevated at 2.1 mg/dl (normal 0.6–1.2 mg/dl) and 31 mg/dl (normal 8–23 mg/dl), respectively. Rest lab results were within normal. The diagnosis of DVT was entertained and ultrasound (US) of the left legs showed acute thrombosis extending from the proximal to mid left common femoral vein into the left femoral profundus and origin of the left saphenous vein. The patient was started on heparin IV infusion and admitted to medical floor for further work-up. US of the kidneys …
The glass transition temperature (tg) as a parameter for monitoring the cure of an amine/epoxy system at constant heating rates

Abstract : A continuous heating transformation (CHT) diagram displ ays the time and temperature of events that a material encounters during the course of continuous heating at different heating rates. For thermosetting systems, these events include gelation, vitrification and devitrification. Analysis of isothermal data for a diglycidyl-type epoxy/tetrafunctional aliphatic amine system, which is initially liquid at room temperature, indicated that kinetic control applied prior to vitrification. The parameters so obtained (i.e., order of reaction, Arrhenius pre-exponential term, and activation energy) together with a relationship between Tg and extent of reaction were used as a basis for modeling the onset of vitrification and devitrification in the CHT diagram. For heating scans from below Tgo (glass transition temperature of the reactants), the initially glassy material will devitrify when the temperature reaches Tgo, except for very low heating rates for which initial devitrification is not encountered. Keywords: Cure, Vitrification, Glass transition, Kinetics, Time-temperature-transformation cure diagram, Continuous heating, Time-temperature-transformation cure.
Selectivity and stoichiometry of copper oxide in propylene oxidation

Abstract The oxidation of propylene to acrolein on the surface of a cuprous oxide crystal was studied. Simultaneous in situ measurements were carried out of the catalytic activity, the electrical conductance, and the optical properties of the catalyst. The results indicate that the most active solid phase for acrolein formation is stoichiometric or copper-rich cuprous oxide. Oxygen-rich cuprous oxide and cupric oxide, on the other hand, favor complete oxidation of propylene to carbon dioxide and water. A mechanism is postulated that is based on a solid-state model with surface state energy levels.
Quantitative Studies of Binding between Synthetic Galactosyl Ceramide Analogues and HIV‐1 Gp120 at Planar Membrane Surfaces

A critical spacer arm length necessary to promote efficient binding of the HIV-1 surface glycoprotein rgp120 to several synthetic galactosyl-conjugated lipids, reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers, was identified. This should aid the design of anti-HIV-1 agents based on membrane-tethered, carbohydrate-based receptors for gp120.
The class II trans-activator CIITA interacts with the TBP-associated factor TAFII32

The class II trans- activator (CIITA) is the main transcriptional co-activator for the expression of MHC class II proteins. Its N-terminal 125 amino acids function as an independent transcriptional activation domain. Analyses of the primary amino acid sequence of the activation domain predict the presence of three alpha-helices, each with a high proportion of acidic residues. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we found that two of these predicted alpha-helices are required for full transcriptional activation by CIITA. Moreover, a CIITA protein in which both functional alpha-helices have been deleted displays a dominant negative phenotype. This activation domain of CIITA interacts with the 32 kDa subunit of the general transcription complex TFIID, TAFII32. Decreased transcriptional activation by N-terminal deletions of CIITA is correlated directly with their reduced binding to TAFII32. We conclude that interactions between TAFII32 and CIITA are responsible for activation of class II genes.
A Micropower Chopper-Stabilized Operational Amplifier using a SC Notch Filter with Synchronous Integration inside the ContinuousTime Signal Path

A micropower chopper-stabilized opamp uses an SC notch filter with synchronous integration inside the CT signal path to eliminate chopping noise. Characteristics include rail-to-rail I/O, 15muA supply current at 1.8 to 5.5V, 2muV offset, 55nV/radicHz noise, 350kHz GBW, and a chopping frequency of 125kHz. The die area is 0.7mm2 using 0.6mum CMOS
The impact of gender on the progression of chronic renal disease

Observations in experimental animals and in humans have shown that the rate of progression of renal disease is influenced by gender. Deterioration of renal function in patients with chronic renal disease is more rapid in men than in women, independent of differences in blood pressure or serum cholesterol levels. In addition to genetically determined differences between the sexes in renal structure and function, sex hormones may directly influence many of the processes implicated in the pathogenesis of renal disease progression. Potential mechanisms include receptor-mediated effects of sex hormones on glomerular hemodynamics and mesangial cell proliferation and matrix accumulation as well as effects on the synthesis and release of cytokines, vasoactive agents, and growth factors. In addition, estrogens may exert potent antioxidant actions in the mesangial microenvironment, which may contribute to the protective effect of female gender.
Improving Tropical Cyclogenesis Statistical Model Forecasts through the Application of a Neural Network Classifier

A binary neural network classifier is evaluated against linear discriminant analysis within the framework of a statistical model for forecasting tropical cyclogenesis (TCG). A dataset consisting of potential developing cloud clusters that formed during the 1998–2001 Atlantic hurricane seasons is used in conjunction with eight large-scale predictors of TCG. Each predictor value is calculated at analysis time. The model yields 6–48-h probability forecasts for genesis at 6-h intervals. Results consistently show that the neural network classifier performs comparably to or better than linear discriminant analysis on all performance measures examined, including probability of detection, Heidke skill score, and forecast reliability. Two case studies are presented to investigate model performance and the feasibility of adapting the model to operational forecast use.
Investigation of an Alternative Chemical Etchant for Mercuric Iodide Detectors

At present a 10% KI solution is commonly used as an etchant for HgI 2 crystals. Recent photoluminescence (PL) spectra from such etched samples show that impurities contained in the KI solution dope the HgI 2 during the etching process. Some of these dopants are known to cause carrier trapping in the detectors fabricated from the material. Thus, it is desirable to find an alternative etchant that does not create new defects in HgI 2 . Etchants studied here include deionized water, 10% potassium iodide (KI), methanol, and acetone. The results of acetone as an etchant reveal only small changes in the PL spectra after etching. Methanol etching causes the incorporation of a deep radiative recombination center in HgI 2 .
Prediction of violent recidivism

Objective: To describe the changes and improvements in accuracy of the prediction of violent recidivism. Method: The evolution of better prediction models is described by reviewing the more significant methods used and referring to the results of their application. Results: Development of instruments such as the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, the Violence Risk Assessment Guide (VRAG), the HCR-20 and the multiple-item comprehensive questionnaire of Monahan and Steadman has substantially improved accuracy in risk assessment. The presence of full-blown psychopathy has proven itself a better predictor of violence than has a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSW-IV). Shortcomings to the efficacy of the current instruments stem from the difficulty in detecting violence-proneness in persons who eventually assault or murder one or two persons (usually family members), but who have no, or a limited, record of past violence. Persons from affluent backgrounds are more adept at evading arrests or convictions than are the poor. Adolescent sons abused by parents are at risk to commit violent acts later on, but the community has little power to detect or intervene until these acts are committed. Conclusion: Prediction of violence has significantly improved over the last 20 years, thanks to the development of objective instruments of risk assessment.
Combination of Drugs and Drug-Resistant Reverse Transcriptase Results in a Multiplicative Increase of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Mutant Frequencies

Replication of drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the presence of drug can lead to the failure of antiretroviral drug treatment. Drug failure is associated with the accumulation of drug resistance mutations. Previous studies have shown that 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT), (−)2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-thiacytidine (3TC), and AZT-resistant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) can increase the virus in vivo mutation rate. In this study, the combined effects of drug-resistant RT and antiretroviral drugs on the HIV-1 mutant frequency were determined. In most cases, a multiplicative effect was observed with AZT-resistant or AZT/3TC dually resistant RT and several drugs (i.e., AZT, 3TC, hydroxyurea, and thymidine) and led to increases in the odds of recovering virus mutants to over 20 times that of the HIV-1 mutant frequency in the absence of drug or drug-resistance mutations. This observation indicates that HIV-1 can mutate at a significantly higher rate when drug-resistant virus replicates in the presence of drug. These increased mutant frequencies could have important implications for HIV-1 population dynamics and drug therapy regimens.
Reconsidering racial/ethnic differences in sterilization in the United States

Objective Cross-sectional studies have found that low-income and racial/ethnic minority women are more likely to use female sterilization and less likely to rely on a partner’s vasectomy than women with higher incomes and whites. However, studies of pregnant and postpartum women report that racial/ethnic minorities, particularly low-income minority women, face greater barriers in obtaining a sterilization than do whites and those with higher incomes. In this paper, we address this apparent contradiction by examining the likelihood a woman gets a sterilization following each delivery, which removes from the comparison any difference in the number of births she has experienced.
Differential roles of PPARγ vs TR4 in prostate cancer and metabolic diseases.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor g (PPARg, NR1C3) and testicular receptor 4 nuclear receptor (TR4, NR2C2) are two members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily that can be activated by several similar ligands/activators including polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites, such as 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, as well as some anti-diabetic drugs such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs). However, the consequences of the transactivation of these ligands/activators via these two NRs are different, with at least three distinct phenotypes. First, activation of PPARg increases insulin sensitivity yet activation of TR4 decreases insulin sensitivity. Second, PPARg attenuates atherosclerosis but TR4 might increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Third, PPARg suppresses prostate cancer (PCa) development and TR4 suppresses prostate carcinogenesis yet promotes PCa metastasis. Importantly, the deregulation of either PPARg or TR4 in PCa alone might then alter the other receptor's influences on PCa progression. Knocking out PPARg altered the ability of TR4 to promote prostate carcinogenesis and knocking down TR4 also resulted in TZD treatment promoting PCa development, indicating that both PPARg and TR4 might coordinate with each other to regulate PCa initiation, and the loss of either one of them might switch the other one from a tumor suppressor to a tumor promoter. These results indicate that further and detailed studies of both receptors at the same time in the same cells/organs may help us to better dissect their distinct physiological roles and develop better drug(s) with fewer side effects to battle PPARg- and TR4-related diseases including tumor and cardiovascular diseases as well as metabolic disorders.
Expression of a Mutation Causing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Disrupts Sarcomere Assembly in Adult Feline Cardiac Myocytes

Abstract Mutations in the β-myosin heavy chain (βMyHC) induce hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), cardiac hypertrophy, and sarcomere disarray, with the latter being the characteristic hallmark. Thus, we sought to determine whether expression of mutant βMyHC in adult feline cardiac myocytes, a species known to develop HCM with a phenotype identical to that in humans, induces sarcomere disarray. A full-length βMyHC cDNA was cloned from a human heart cDNA library, and an HCM-causing mutation (Arg 403 Gln) was induced in the βMyHC cDNA by site-directed mutagenesis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The normal and mutant βMyHC cDNAs were cloned into pΔE1spIB shuttle vector, downstream from a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Replication-deficient recombinant adenoviral constructs (Ad5/CMV/βMyHC-N and Ad5/CMV/βMyHC-403) were generated through homologous recombination of pΔE1spIB/CMV/βMyHC-N or Ad5/CMV/βMyHC-403 and pBHG10 after cotransfection in 293 host cells. Infection of COS-1 cells with the βMyHC construct resulted in the expression of a full-length myosin protein. Efficiency of infection of isolated adult cardiac myocytes was >95%. Expression of the βMyHC constructs into mRNA at 48 hours after infection of feline cardiac myocytes was confirmed by reverse transcription–PCR. The net total protein and β-myosin synthesis were determined by using the amount of incorporation of [ 3 H]phenylalanine into total protein and β-myosin, respectively. Although the total amount of protein synthesis was equal among experimental groups, the net myosin synthesis at 48 hours was greater in cardiac myocytes infected with normal or mutant βMyHC constructs than control myocytes or those infected with vector alone ( P
Carbon and nitrogen nutrient balance signaling in plants

Cellular carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) metabolism must be tightly coordinated to sustain optimal growth and development for plants and other cellular organisms. Furthermore, C/N balance is also critical for the ecosystem response to elevated atmospheric CO(2). Despite numerous physiological and molecular studies in C/N balance or ratio response, very few genes have been shown to play important roles in C/N balance signaling. During recent five years, exciting progress was made through genetic and genomic studies. Several DNA microarray studies have shown that more than half of the transcriptome is regulated by C, N and the C-N combination. Three genetic studies involving distinct bioassays have demonstrated that a putative nitrate transporter (NTR2.1), a putative glutamate receptor (GLR1.1) and a putative methyltransferase (OSU1) have important functions in the C/N balance response. OSU1 is identical to QUA2/TSD2 which has been implicated to act in cell wall biogenesis, indicating a link between cell wall property and the C/N balance signaling. Given that many investigations are only focused on C alone or N alone, the C/N balance bioassays and gene expression patterns are discussed to assist phenotypic characterization of C/N balance signaling. Further, re-examination of those previously reported sugar or nitrogen responsive genes in C/N balance response may be necessary to dissect the C/N signaling pathways. In addition, key components involved in C-N interactions in bacterial, yeast and animal systems and whether they are functionally conserved in plants are discussed. These rapid advances have provided the first important step towards the construction of the complex yet elegant C/N balance signaling networks in plants.
A coordination network containing metal–organometallic secondary building units based on π-bonded benzoquinone complexes

In DMSO–MeOH solvent the complex [(η4-benzoquinone)Mn(CO)3]− (QMTC) reacts with Mn2+ ions to produce the coordination polymer {Mn2[(η4-benzoquinone)Mn(CO)3]4(DMSO)}n, which consists of dimanganese secondary building units interconnected by QMTC spacers.
The transfer and stable homotopy theory

The purpose of this paper is to give a proof of the following splitting theorem in stable homotopy theory. We assume all spaces are localized at a fixed prime p. Let k be the symmetric group on {1, …, k}, Q(.) = lim ΩnΣn(.), and QkS0, k ∈ , denote the components of QS0.
Applications of operational amplifiers in strain gauge circuits

Operational amplifiers, originally developed for analogue computation, are now widely used in analogue instrumentation, signal conditioning, servo controls, voltage and current regulators and an extensive range of other functions. In experimental mechanics, operational amplifiers are ideally suited to applications involving strain gauges. Both Wheatstone bridge and ballast (potentiometer) circuits are examined together with the limitations and constraints imposed by amplifier and external circuit considerations. These limitations are important, whether relatively simple operational amplifiers or the more complex instrumentation amplifiers are used. Many manufacturers provide a wide range of ‘off-the-shelf’ integrated circuit and discrete amplifiers, together with comprehensive specifications, permitting selection of a suitable device. Before discussing strain gauge applications, the properties of operational amplifiers will be reviewed briefly.
Sociologists in Research, Applied, and Policy Settings: Bringing Professionals in from the Cold:

Historically, U.S. sociologists employed outside the professoriate had lower status and were less likely to be considered professionals than those inside. Academic restructuring may result in a closing of the status gap. This article, based on the responses of 600 PhD sociologists employed in applied, research, and policy positions, focuses on whether historically agreed upon professional characteristics, such as use of specialized knowledge, autonomy, ethical norms, and basic research, are related to overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with economic security. We expected that professional characteristics were significantly related to overall satisfaction, but not to satisfaction with economic security. Our expectations were generally met. Respondents used sociological theories, methods, and concepts to analyze social issues, design interventions, and evaluate solutions. Professional job characteristics result in higher job satisfaction, when other factors are held constant. In contrast, professiona...