cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multicolour hybrid nanoprobes of molecular beacon conjugated quantum dots: FRET and gel electrophoresis assisted target DNA detection

We have developed multicolour hybrid DNA probes employing green, yellow and orange colour quantum dot conjugated molecular beacons with black hole quencher 2. Optical and electrophoretic characterization revealed fluorescent energy transfer that follows the FRET mechanism with single nucleotide discrimination. Target DNA identification was observed to be highly sensitive up to 8 ng in gel electrophoresis. Comparison with the conventional organic dye SYBR Gold™ showed that our hybrid nanoprobes exhibit more stable performance with less background signal.
Vaccination of Chickens Against Marek’s Disease with the Turkey Herpesvirus Vaccine Using a Pneumatic Vaccinator

A pneumatic vaccinator has been successfully used to administer cell-associated turkey herpesvirus (HVT) vaccine without a loss in titer due to the pressure required to administer the vaccine. Laboratory studies have also shown that chickens vaccinated with graded doses of the HVT vaccine using doses as low as 41 PFU offered protection against Marek's disease (MD) when compared to the unvaccinated controls. The pneumatic vaccinator has also been successful in administering a combination of HVT vaccine and tissue culture fowl pox vaccine. Vaccinated birds were protected against challenge with virulent MD virus as well as fowl pox virus. Antibiotics such as spectinomycin pentahydrate or lincomycin hydrochloride monohydrate and spectinomycin sulfate tetrahydrate were used in combination with the HVT and fowl pox vaccine and none of the antibiotics appear to have an adverse effect on the efficacy of either vaccine.
Platinum group metal thiacrown complexes as precursors for self-assembly reactions

We report that our previously published molecular square, [{Pt([9]aneS3)(bipy)}4](OTf)8, although quite stable in nitromethane, slowly establishes an equilibrium with another coordination polymer, most likely a triangle, in acetonitrile. Multinuclear measurements on the square precursor complex, [Pt([9]aneS3)Cl2], show acetonitrile coordination upon dechlorination in that solvent, and acetonitrile coordination is additionally confirmed by the solid-state structure of [Pt([9]aneS3)(MeCN)2]2+. We form the complex through the reaction of [Pt([9]aneS3)Cl2] with excess AgPF6 in refluxing MeCN to produce a solid-state solution containing two complex cations with exclusive hexafluorophosphate counterions. Besides [Pt([9]aneS3)(MeCN)2]2+, a second cation is obtained, [Pt([9]aneS3)2]2+, which shows disorder between a double endo and a rare double exo conformation for the two [9]aneS3 ligands. We also report the structures of two Rh(III) thiacrown complexes, cis-[Rh([12]aneS4)Cl2](PF6), which involves cis chloro li...
Laser Desorption Jet-Cooling of Organic Molecules Cooling Characteristics and Detection Sensitivity

Laser desorption followed by jet-cooling allows wavelength-selective as well as mass- selective detection of molecules desorbed from a surface without fragmentation. The cooling characteristics and detection sensitivity of laser desorption jet-cooling of organic molecules are investigated. From the rotational contour of the electronic origin of the $1 ~-So transition of laser- desorbed anthracene, rotational cooling to 5-10 K is demonstrated. Vibrational cooling is studied for laser-desorbed diphenylamine, a molecule with low-energy vibrations, and a vibrational temperature below 15 K is found. The absolute detection sensitivity is determined for the perylene molecule. Using two-color (1 + 1) resonance enhanced multi-photon ionization (with a measured ionization efficiency of 0.25) for detection, it is found that one ion is produced in the detection region for every 2 x 105 perylene molecules evaporated from the desorption laser spot. A two-color (1 + I) REMPI spectrum (400 points) of perylene is recorded using only 30 picogram of material.
Confidence in Institutions Before, During, and After “Indecision 2000”

The disputed outcome of the 2000 presidential election provides an opportunity to examine changes in public confidence in various political institutions at a time when these were under unusual stress. The present research draws upon three-wave panel data. Measures of confidence were asked in August, December, and February. Particular institutions show distinct patterns, in line with their salient roles in the crisis. Confidence in the Supreme Court polarized considerably along partisan lines as a direct function of opinions about the Court's decision. Confidence in the Presidency, already polarized in August, shows weakening polarization and reverses direction upon Bush's inauguration. Confidence in Congress increased significantly, with no growth in polarization. Findings confirm that confidence in various institutions has dynamic components related to both “diffuse” and “specific” support.
Difficulties in Interpreting Course Evaluations: Some Bayesian Insights.

An investigation is undertaken of the nature of some of the difficulties encountered in interpreting accurately student evaluations of courses of instruction. Intuitive assessment of the results can be quite erroneous, especially if it is accompanied by a lack of awareness of Bayes' Theorem and the role of prior probabilities, as well as the record of the predictor, in obtaining an accurate interpretation of the results.
Electronic structure of a hydrogen impurity in nickel with the use of the linear combination of atomic orbitals method

The method of linear combination of atomic orbitals has been utilized to perform a first-principles calculation of the electronic states of a hydrogen defect in a nickel cluster. The Coulomb and exchange potential for a perfect crystal is curve fitted using a superposition of functions centered about each atom. These functions are then placed at each of the atoms in the cluster to construct the cluster potential. Results are presented for pure nickel clusters consisting of a central atom with five surrounding shells of atoms (79) and with three shells of atoms (43). The five-shell results compare favorably with a perfect crystal density of states and with other cluster calculations. Mulliken population analysis is utilized to examine the surface states. A calculation of the electronic states of a central hydrogen atom surrounded by three shells of nickel atoms (38 Ni atoms) is performed. The density-of-states results are compared with the density of states corresponding to a perfect crystal of nickel hydride and with other cluster calculations.
Human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase substitutes for DNA polymerase I in Escherichia coli

Abstract We present evidence that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase (RT) can substitute for DNA polymerase I in bacteria. Expression of HIV RT enables an Escherichia coli mutant, polA12 recA718, containing a temperature-sensitive mutation in DNA polymerase I, to grow at a nonpermissive temperature. The plasmid pBR322 contains a DNA polymerase I-dependent origin of replication. Expression of HIV RT enables the same E. coli mutant to maintain this plasmid at a nonpermissive temperature. Furthermore, expression of HIV RT in this mutant renders it sensitive to 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine, a commonly used anti-AIDS drug that targets HIV RT. These combined findings on the genetic complementation of DNA polymerase I by HIV RT provide a bacterial assay to screen for drugs directed against HIV RT. Genetic complementation provides a method for positive selection of large numbers of functional HIV RT mutants for studies on structure-function relationships.
Some observations on the relation between dislocation substructure and power law breakdown in creep

Abstract It is noted that there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that power law breakdown in creep in subgrain forming materials may be associated with major changes in dislocation substructural arrangement. Below the stress at which power law breakdown occurs, well-defined subgrains are formed and are maintained throughout the process of creep. Above this stress, less well-defined but perhaps stronger cell structures are observed. A simple calculation shows that the stress at which the transition is expected based on experimentally determined values of the spacing of dislocations in sub-boundaries is consistent with the value of stress at which power law breakdown is typically observed.
Accuracy of Radiative Corrections to Electromagnetic Scattering from Protons

Present calculations of radiative corrections for electron-proton and positron-proton scattering usually omit various parts independent of an infrared cutoff in two-photon-exchange contributions to the processes. These parts are examined for their effect on simple calculations which accompany the interpretation of experimental measurements. It is concluded that the simple calculations may not be adequate for largeangle scattering. More detailed analytic approximations are given for use at such angles if the asymptotic decrease of proton form factors is at least as fast as ${t}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. A numerical method is outlined for slower decreases. The contribution of the ${N}^{*}(1236)$ resonance to radiative corrections is noted to depend most strongly on the choice of a form factor for ${N}^{*}$ photoproduction.
In Situ Spectroscopy of Water Oxidation at Ir Oxide Nanocluster Driven by Visible TiOCr Charge-transfer Chromophore in Mesoporous Silica

An all-inorganic photocatalytic unit consisting of a binuclear TiOCr charge-transfer chromophore coupled to an Ir oxide nanocluster has been assembled on the pore surface of mesoporous silica AlMCM-41. In situ FT-Raman and EPR spectroscopy of an aqueous suspension of the resulting IrxOy-TiCr-AlMCM-41 powder reveal the formation of superoxide species when exciting the Ti(IV)OCr(III) --> Ti(III)OCr(IV) metal-to-metal charge-transfer chromophore with visible light. Use of H218O confirms that the superoxide species originates from oxidation of water. Photolysis in the absence of persulfate acceptor leads to accumulation of Ti(III) instead. The results are explained by photocatalytic oxidation of water at Ir oxide nanoclusters followed by trapping of the evolving O2 by transient Ti(III) centers to yield superoxide. Given the flexibility to select donor metals with appropriate redox potential, photocatalytic units consisting of a binuclear charge-transfer chromophore coupled to a water oxidation catalyst shown here constitute a step towards thermodynamically efficient visible light water oxidation units.
A comparison of multidimensional Wiener and maximum-likelihood filters for antenna arrays

It is shown that for linear sampled-data antenna-array processing, the Wiener filter has, in general, a higher output signal-to-noise ratio than does the mximun-likelihood filter. The two filters become virtually identical as the input signal-to-noise ratio grows large.
Plane wave scattering from a cylindrical Helmholtz resonator: Dirichlet case

The problem of scattering of a plane electromagnetic wave by a cylindrical Helmholtz resonator, which is simply an infinitely long conducting cylindrical tube with an azimuthal aperture on its outer periphery, is studied by a Green's function approach for the Dirichlet boundary condition. Numerical results for the total scattering cross-section normalized with respect to the total scattering cross-section of a cylinder with no aperture clearly indicate the resonance characteristics of the structure. The resonance peak is observed to be extremely narrow for narrow opening sizes and as the aperture size is increased, the magnitude of the peak decreases and the location of the peak shifts to a higher value of ka. A comparison of the normalized total scattering cross section for different values of the angle of incidence is made. Graphical results for the field distribution inside the resonator are also presented.
Photorefractive effect in an aminonitrostilbene side-chain copolymer

The photorefractive effect has been observed in a 1/1 side chain copolymer of N- methacryloxyethyl-N-methylaminonitrostilbene and methylmethacrylate. Holographic gratings were written in this polymer at 633 nm in 4 - 8 micrometers thick films at low laser powers and detected using four wave mixing and two beam coupling. The polymer which has a high linear electro-optic coefficient was intrinsically photorefractive and did not require the addition of photoconducting or charge generative components. Diffraction efficiencies on the order of 10 -5 - 10 -4 were measured by four wave mixing. Two beam coupling provided conclusive evidence that the observed effect was photorefractive in nature.
Retroviral Transduction of a T Cell Receptor Specific for an Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded Peptide

The Type II EBV malignancies nasopharyngeal carcinoma and EBV(+) Hodgkin's disease express three subdominant antigens, latency membrane protein (LMP) 1, LMP2, and EBNA-1. While adoptive immunotherapy with T cell lines for Type III EBV malignancy (such as posttransplant lymphoma, PTLD, which expresses the immunodominant EBNA-3 antigens) has been used to prevent and treat PTLD, the generation of class I MHC-restricted CTL suitable for the immunotherapy of Type II EBV malignancy is difficult. This is primarily due to the lack of anti-LMP or EBNA-1 CTL activity in many healthy volunteers. We have engineered, by retroviral transduction of the TCR, CTL that have the potential to recognize subdominant EBV latency antigens. Using the SAMEN retroviral vector we demonstrate the ability to transfer CTL activity from a LMP2 peptide-specific CTL clone to a stimulated PBMC population. TCR-transduced PBMC also secrete IFN-gamma upon coculture with LMP2 targets and maintain expression of the transduced TCR during subsequent mitogenic expansion.
Goals and products of the IEEE Professional Communication Society

Summary form only given. The special Administrative Committee (AdCom) session in February looked at various definitive statements in the IEEE PCS constitution and bylaws, at other internal writings, and at IEEE PCS activities and products. It was noted that objectives are in three areas: scientific, literary, and educational. These objectives were expanded on by drafting two goals each for scientific and literary, and five for educational objectives. Three major constituencies were noted: engineers, communicators, and educators. Matrices were created to show how the IEEE PCS activities, products, and services meet the needs of these constituencies. The matrices suggested additional activities to complete the IEEE PCS mission: select more engineering-oriented topics for Transactions papers and special issues; make focused proposals to other societies for joint projects; encourage chapter formation and activity; invite engineer presenters to IPCCs; and reach students. >
Finding hidden value through mixed-methodology: Lessons From the Discovery Program’s Holistic Approach to Truancy Abatement

Policy makers often bemoan the shortcomings and inefficiency of youth development and similar social work programs whose effectiveness cannot be demonstrated by quantifiable performance indicators. This study argues, through illustration of the Odyssey Learning Center’s Discovery Program (an alternative school serving rural Southern youth in an abject poverty context), that program value can only be evidenced through a mixed-methodological evaluation design. Reasons precluding traditional statistical analysis and effectiveness determinations are discussed and alternative conceptualizations of program value are considered.
The (+) reference: accuracy of estimated mean components in average response studies.

The (±) reference is defined as the result of alternate addition and subtraction and division by N (the number of sample functions). Under suitable conditions both the (±) reference and the variable component (noise) of the usual average tend to be derived from the same Gaussian process, and the former can be used as a measure of the latter. This property is most easily applied when the noise is derived from a stationary process. Application of the (±) reference and the average of the square of the voltage in studies of evoked response is discussed.
A general functional form for approximating the Lorenz curve

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present several descriptive approximations of empirical Lorenz curves. Each of these hypothetical forms is less restrictive than those considered before. We compare these alternative forms by goodness of fit, F -tests of nested forms, and measurement of the Gini coefficient.
Injecting 1000 centistoke liquid silicone with ease and precision.

BACKGROUND Since the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the 1000 centistoke liquid silicone, Silikon 1000, for intraocular injection, the off-label use of this injectable silicone oil as a permanent soft-tissue filler for facial rejuvenation has increased in the United States. Injecting liquid silicone by the microdroplet technique is the most important preventive measure that one can use to avoid the adverse sequelae of silicone migration and granuloma formation, especially when injecting silicone to improve small facial defects resulting from acne scars, surgical procedures, or photoaging. OBJECTIVE To introduce an easy method for injecting a viscous silicone oil by the microdroplet technique, using an inexpensive syringe and needle that currently is available from distributors of medical supplies in the United States. METHOD We suggest the use of a Becton Dickinson 3/10 cc insulin U-100 syringe to inject Silikon 1000. This syringe contains up to 0.3 mL of fluid, and its barrel is clearly marked with an easy-to-read scale of large cross-hatches. Each cross-hatch marking represents either a unit value of 0.01 mL or a half-unit value of 0.005 mL of fluid, which is the approximate volume preferred when injecting liquid silicone into facial defects. Because not enough negative pressure can be generated in this needle and syringe to draw up the viscous silicone oil, we describe a convenient and easy method for filling this 3/10 cc diabetic syringe with Silikon 1000. RESULTS We have found that by using the Becton Dickinson 3/10 cc insulin U-100 syringe, our technique of injecting minute amounts of Silikon 1000 is facilitated because each widely spaced cross-hatch on the side of the syringe barrel is easy to read and measures exact amounts of the silicone oil. These lines of the scale on the syringe barrel are so large and clearly marked that it is virtually impossible to overinject the most minute amount of silicone. CONCLUSION Sequential microdroplets of 0.01 cc or less of Silikon 1000 can be measured and injected with the greatest ease and precision so that inadvertent overdosing and complications can be avoided.
Developmental Approaches to the Patient with Pediatric and Psychiatric Comorbidity

Pediatric and psychiatric illness can combine in complex patterns, which have implications for diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. The knowledge base in pediatric psychiatry (child psychiatry as it applies to pediatric practice) has expanded considerably in the past two decades. The careful documentation of the epidemiology of comorbidity in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in clinical and population-based samples is enabling us to shift our attention to the examination of developmental pathways and predictable patterns of relationships between pediatric and psychiatric illness. We describe a pragmatically based model for the clinician who works in the primary care setting. The model is based on the biopsychosocial model of disease. We enrich our perspective by adding the theoretical framework of developmental psychopathology, as it informs child psychiatric practice. Context, complexity, and continuity are concepts that can be easily accommodated within the synthetic framework of developmental the...
Long-Term Follow-Up of Permanent Transvenous Pacing Systems Preserved During Tricuspid Valve Replacement

Patients undergoing tricuspid valve replacement who already have a transvenous pacemaker system in the right ventricle are often recommended to have the ventricular lead removed and an epicardial system implanted. However, as a rule, the reliability of endocardial transvenous pacemaker leads has been superior to epicardial systems. Therefore, if the pacemaker lead in the ventricle is still performing well, it may be preferable to leave it in place. In this communication, we present the long-term follow-up results leaving the pacer lead in place by securing it in a position outside the prosthetic valve without interfering with the function of the prosthetic valve.
Lipid lowering explains the insulin sensitivity enhancing effects of a thiazolidinedione, 5-(4-(2-(2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)ethoxy)benzyl)-2,4 thiazolidinedione*

Summary Aim: Insulin resistance is a characteristic feature of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The present study examined the effects of TZD300512, a thiazolidinedione, on glucose and lipid metabolism in the fatty Zucker rat (fa/fa), a rat model of insulin resistance. Methods: TZD300512 was administered (2.0 mg/kg/day) in the diet for 1 week to chronically catheterized Zucker fa/fa rats. We measured triglyceride clearance rate and hepatic triglyceride output. We assessed baseline glucose metabolism, and insulin-mediated glucose uptake. We also determined whether the insulin sensitivity enhancing effects of TZD300512 could be reversed by infusion of Intralipid. Results: TZD300512 treatment markedly reduced fasting plasma triglyceride by 72% and non-esterified free fatty acids by 46%. Moreover, treatment significantly enhanced plasma triglyceride clearance (AUC; 60.36 ± 11.50 v 131.44 ± 18.45 m m/min), but hepatic triglyceride output was not altered. Drug treatment significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose by 25%, plasma insulin by 73%, and had no effect on glucagon levels. Glucose infusion rate (GIR) needed to maintain euglycemia during hyperinsulinemic clamp was significantly increased from 34.96 ± 3.94 μmol/kg/min to 123.80 ± 4.80 μmol/kg/min, while whole body glucose uptake was more than doubled (58.49 ± 2.86 control vs. 126.97 ± 3.8 treated μmol/kg/min). Insulin-induced suppression of hepatic glucose production was nearly complete with treatment. Intralipid infusion reversed drug-induced improvement in insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: These results suggest that TZD300512-favourable alterations in lipid metabolism have a significant impact on its effectiveness in enhancing insulin sensitivity in a severely insulin resistant rodent model of type 2 diabetes.
Modeling and E-M estimation of haplotype-specific relative risks from genotype data for a case-control study of unrelated individuals.

The US National Cancer Institute has recently sponsored the formation of a Cohort Consortium (http://2002.cancer.gov/scpgenes.htm) to facilitate the pooling of data on very large numbers of people, co
Molecular Approaches to Studying Helminth Population Genetics and Phylogeny

Dans le cadre de l'etude des populations parasites et de la genetique evolutionniste chez les helminthes, les methodes d'evaluation de l'heterogeneite genetique, la variabilite genetique des especes et des populations, la variation genetique geographique parmi les populations et les applications des methodes moleculaires a la systematique sont discutes
Characterization of hepatitis B virus (Dane particle).

Abstract Hepatitis B virions (Dane particles) were purified from the sera of chronic HBsAg carriers by consecutive rate-zonal and isopycnic centrifugations in sucrose gradients using HBsAg, HBcAg and endogenous DNA polymerase activities as specific markers. Purified Dane particles, radiolabelled with Na 125I by the chloramine-T procedure, had a higher buoyant density in CsCl (1.28 g/cm3) than unlabelled particles (1.26 g/cm3) and an estimated sedimentation coefficient of 280 s. 125I-Dane particles were fully precipitated by anti-HBs and not by anti-HBc sera. Heavy and light density core particles were purified from heavy and light density populations of Dane particles and radioiodinated. The iodinated polypeptides of Dane particles and HBcAg were compared with those of the iodinated 22-nm form of HBsAg by SDS-PAGE. Iodinated Dane particles contained seven polypeptides with molecular weights of 18,000, 23,000, 26,000, 34,000, 43,000, 48,000 and 115,000. Heavy and light core particles contained three polypeptides with molecular weights of 18,000, 25,000 and 37,000.
Increased Flexibility Enhances Misincorporation TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON NUCLEOTIDE INCORPORATION OPPOSITE A BULKY CARCINOGEN-DNA ADDUCT BY A Y-FAMILY DNA POLYMERASE

The Y-family DNA polymerase Dpo4, from the thermophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus P2, offers a valuable opportunity to investigate the effect of conformational flexibility on the bypass of bulky lesions because of its ability to function efficiently at a wide range of temperatures. Combined molecular modeling and experimental kinetic studies have been carried out for 10S-(+)-trans-anti-[BP]-N2-dG ((+)-ta-[BP]G), a lesion derived from the covalent reaction of a benzo[a]pyrene metabolite with guanine in DNA, at 55 °C and results compared with an earlier study at 37 °C (Perlow-Poehnelt, R. A., Likhterov, I., Scicchitano, D. A., Geacintov, N. E., and Broyde, S. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 36951-36961). The experimental results show that there is more overall nucleotide insertion opposite (+)-ta-[BP]G due to particularly enhanced mismatch incorporation at 55 °C compared with 37 °C. The molecular dynamics simulations suggest that mismatched nucleotide insertion opposite (+)-ta-[BP]G is increased at 55 °C compared with 37 °C because the higher temperature shifts the preference of the damaged base from the anti to the syn conformation, with the carcinogen on the more open major groove side. The mismatched dNTP structures are less distorted when the damaged base is syn than when it is anti, at the higher temperature. However, with the normal partner dCTP, the anti conformation with close to Watson-Crick alignment remains more favorable. The molecular dynamics simulations are consistent with the kcat values for nucleotide incorporation opposite the lesion studied, providing structural interpretation of the experimental observations. The observed temperature effect suggests that conformational flexibility plays a role in nucleotide incorporation and bypass fidelity opposite (+)-ta-[BP]G by Dpo4.
Informant Agreement in Behavior Ratings for Children with Epilepsy

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of informant agreement for behavioral ratings of children with epilepsy. Informants completed Achenbach's 1991 scales: parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), teachers completed the Teacher's Report Form (TRF), and youth completed the Youth Self-Report Form of the CBCL (YSR). Analyses included degree of concordance of ratings as a function of informant, child gender, and condition severity (active vs inactive epilepsy). Results indicated that across all four types of raters (mothers, fathers, teachers, and adolescents) there was a similar pattern. Mothers' ratings tended to be the highest and youths' ratings tended to be the lowest across scales. In general, agreement among adult raters was greater than between youth and adults. Mothers and teachers reported more internalizing symptoms than did youth; mother, father, and teacher ratings on externalizing symptoms were not significantly different from each other. There were no significant effects of gender and condition severity on concordance among ratings although there were some interesting trends.
Nuclear structure of 41Ca from inelastic proton scattering

Angular distributions have been measured for inelastic and elastic scattering of 19 MeV protons on 40, 41Ca. A total of 89 levels were identified below 6.4 MeV in 41Ca with an energy resolution of 12 keV. Inelastic transition strengths have been extracted using DWBA theory with a vibrational model form factor. These transition strengths correlate well with inelastic α-scattering and electro-magnetic values. The quadrupole strengths are interpreted in terms of the coexistence model and imply that the excited-core admixtures in the ground states of both 40Ca and 41Ca are ≈ 5 %. The octupole strength in 41Ca exhibits features characteristic of the weak coupling of an f72 neutron to the lowest 3− state in 40Ca. The l = 5 strength exhibits a similar weak-coupling behaviour. In both cases the microscopic structure appreciably reduces the transition strength for the highest spin members of the weak-coupling multiplets.
The displacement of phenylbutazone-14C and warfarin-14C from human albumin by various drugs and fatty acids.

The technique of ultrafiltration was employed to characterize the effect of various drugs and fatty acids on the binding of phenylbutazone-14C and warfarin-14C to human albumin. Tolbutamide, indomethacin, sulfamethoxypyridazine, and chlorophenoxyisobutyric acid (CPIB) competitively inhibit the binding of phenylbutazone-14C to albumin. Similarly, CPIB at a concentration of 4.6 × 10−4M competitively inhibits the binding of warfarin-14C to albumin. Phenylbutazone-14C and warfarin-14C appear to bind to the same site on the protein, since each drug competitively inhibits the binding of the other to human albumin. Lauric acid, myristic acid, and stearic acid displace both phenylbutazone-14C and warfarin-14C from albumin. Lauric acid inhibits the binding of phenylbutazone-14C and warfarin-14C by competing with these compounds for the same binding site on the protein.
Mentors' Influence on Mexican American Students' Career and Educational Development

Effects of mentoring on Mexican American high school students' career aspirations were examined. Results indicated most students had a mentor, and mentors were most helpful through role modeling, verbal encouragement, personal support, and providing career guidance. Gender differences were found on several outcome variables but were not detected based on sex or ethnic match, or the presence of a mentor. Los efectos de mentoring en estudiantes mexicanos de la high school en aspiraciones de carrera se examinaron. Los resultados indicaron la mayoria de los estudiantes tuvieron un mentor, y mentores eran muy utiles por el papel que modela, el animo verbal, apoyo personal, y proporcionar la guia vocacional. Las diferencias del genero se encontraron en varias variables del resultado pero no fueron discernidas basado en la presencia de y del sexo o el igual etnico con un mentor.
Laboratory Simulation of Multipath Propagation Effects on FM Systems

A laboratory multipath simulator was developed to provide a controlled environment for the study of the nature of long delay multipath propagation interference effects on low-channel capacity FM systems, and for the evaluation of design changes on an existing system to improve its tolerance to a multipath environment. The associated laboratory program provided a valuable collection of information both in terms of multipath effects and in providing the field engineering force with a tool to confirm their findings.
Development of aluminum nitride-based acoustic wave sensors

One of the most important applications of acoustic wave sensor systems is to detect chemical or biological agents because of their great potential for realtime and highly sensitive detection at low cost. We report preliminary experimental results on developing novel acoustic wave sensors for biomedical applications using aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films. Compared to conventional piezoelectric materials such as quartz, AlN is advantageous in terms of higher acoustic velocity, higher electromechanical coupling coefficient, and higher stability in harsh environment, translating to better sensor performance. We have designed, prototyped, and tested an AlN-based. sensor. The center frequency is measured 174 MHz for its surface acoustic wave mode and 206 MHz for its surface transverse wave mode. The phase velocities are 5569 m/s and 6608 m/s, respectively. As expected, the frequency response of the surface transverse wave mode changed little when under water load. Immobilization was investigated using chemical compounds or magnetic microbeads. The result showed good affinity to AlN film. Finally, we found an almost linear relationship between the resonant frequency of the sensor and temperature, with the temperature coefficient being about 90 PPM//spl deg/C.
Weld decay failure of a UNS S31603 stainless steel storage tank

Abstract A brine storage tank was reported to have visible and severe localized corrosion 1 year after installation. The material used for this tank was UNS S31603 stainless steel. The corrosion was mainly noticeable at various points/areas along the welded joint, and there was also some pitting on the base metal at the bottom of the tank. Corrosion was also found at the welded joint at the hatch wall. Indications of severe corrosion that resulted in deep metal loss were found at some points along the welded joint. The results of an oxalic acid etch test in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) showed the interdendritic ditches, which are considered to be prone to intergranular corrosion/weld decay. The results of a double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) test and 3D multiscale images were in agreement with the results of an oxalic acid etch test that indicated the intergranular corrosion susceptibility of the HAZ. The base metal, in contrast, did not show any intergranular corrosion.
Milk consumption during pregnancy is associated with increased infant size at birth: prospective cohort study.

Background: Cow milk contains many potentially growth-promoting factors. Objective: The objective was to examine whether milk consumption during pregnancy is associated with greater infant size at birth. Design: During 1996-2002, the Danish National Birth Cohort collected data on midpregnancy diet through questionnaires and on covariates through telephone interviews and ascertained birth outcomes through registry linkages. Findings were adjusted for mother's parity, age, height, prepregnant BMI, gestational weight gain, smoking status, and total energy intake; father's height; and family's socioeconomic status The analyses included data from 50 117 mother-infant pairs. Results: Mean (±SD) consumption of milk was 3.1 ± 2.0 glasses/d. Milk consumption was inversely associated with the risk of small-for gestational age (SGA) birth and directly with both large-forgestational age (LGA) birth and mean birth weight (P for trend < 0.001). In a comparison of women drinking ≥6 glasses/d with those drinking 0 glasses/d, the odds ratio for SGA was 0.51 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.65) and for LGA was 1.59 (1.16,2.16); the increment in mean birth weight was 108 g (74, 143 g). We also found graded relations (P < 0.001) for abdominal circumference (0.52 cm; 0.35, 0.69 cm), placental weight (26 g; 15,38 g), birth length (increment: 0.31 cm; 0.15, 0.46 cm), and head circumference (0.13 cm; 0.04, 0.25 cm). Birth weight was related to intake of protein, but not of fat, derived from milk. Conclusion: Milk intake in pregnancy was associated with higher birth weight for gestational age, lower risk of SGA, and higher risk of LGA.
Transport Capabilities of Eleven Gram-positive Bacteria: Comparative Genomic Analyses

The genomes of eleven Gram-positive bacteria that are important for human health and the food industry, nine low G+C lactic acid bacteria and two high G+C Gram-positive organisms, were analyzed for their complement of genes encoding transport proteins. Thirteen to 18% of their genes encode transport proteins, larger percentages than observed for most other bacteria. All of these bacteria possess channel proteins, some of which probably function to relieve osmotic stress. Amino acid uptake systems predominate over sugar and peptide cation symporters, and of the sugar uptake porters, those specific for oligosaccharides and glycosides often outnumber those for free sugars. About 10% of the total transport proteins are constituents of putative multidrug efflux pumps with Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS)-type pumps (55%) being more prevalent than ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-type pumps (33%), which, however, usually greatly outnumber all other types. An exception to this generalization is Streptococcus thermophilus with 54% of its drug efflux pumps belonging to the ABC superfamily and 23% belonging each to the Multidrug/Oligosaccharide/Polysaccharide (MOP) superfamily and the MFS. These bacteria also display peptide efflux pumps that may function in intercellular signalling, and macromolecular efflux pumps, many of predictable specificities. Most of the bacteria analyzed have no pmf-coupled or transmembrane flow electron carriers. The one exception is Brevibacterium linens, which in addition to these carriers, also has transporters of several families not represented in the other ten bacteria examined. Comparisons with the genomes of organisms from other bacterial kingdoms revealed that lactic acid bacteria possess distinctive proportions of recognized transporter types (e.g., more porters specific for glycosides than reducing sugars). Some homologues of transporters identified had previously been identified only in Gram-negative bacteria or in eukaryotes. Our studies reveal unique characteristics of the lactic acid bacteria such as the universal presence of genes encoding mechanosensitive channels, competence systems and large numbers of sugar transporters of the phosphotransferase system. The analyses lead to important physiological predictions regarding the preferred signalling and metabolic activities of these industrially important bacteria.
Serum concentrations of canine alpha1-proteinase inhibitor in cobalamin-deficient Yorkshire Terrier dogs

Fecal canine alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (cα1-PI) concentration has been reported to be increased in dogs with protein-losing enteropathy due to the loss of cα1-PI into the gastrointestinal tract. A chronic loss of cα1-PI may theoretically deplete serum cα1-PI, potentially altering the proteinase-to-proteinase inhibitor balance. Protein-losing enteropathy has been reported to occur frequently in certain dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and to be associated with hypocobalaminemia. The objective was to compare serum cα1-PI concentrations in Yorkshire Terriers with and without cobalamin (COB) deficiency. Serum samples from 52 COB-deficient and 69 normocobalaminemic Yorkshire Terriers, which had been submitted to the Gastrointestinal Laboratory (2008-2011; College Station, TX), were included retrospectively. Serum cα1-PI concentrations were measured using an in-house radioimmunoassay and compared between Yorkshire Terriers with and without COB deficiency using a Mann-Whitney U test. A Fisher exact test was used to evaluate whether a decreased serum cα1-PI concentration is associated with COB deficiency in Yorkshire Terriers. Serum cα1-PI concentrations were significantly lower in COB-deficient Yorkshire Terriers (median: 1,016 mg/l, range: 315-3,945 mg/l) than in normocobalaminemic Yorkshire Terriers (median: 1,665 mg/l, range: 900-2,970 mg/l; P < 0.0001). One-fourth (n = 13) of the COB-deficient Yorkshire Terriers had a serum cα1-PI concentration below the lower limit of the reference interval (<732 mg/l), and COB deficiency was associated with decreased serum cα1-PI concentrations (P < 0.0001). In the current study, serum cα1-PI concentrations are significantly lower in COB-deficient Yorkshire Terriers when compared to normocobalaminemic Yorkshire Terriers. Further studies are needed to determine the functional and potential prognostic implications of serum cα1-PI concentrations in dogs with gastrointestinal disease.
Review: Anticholinergics, but not β2-agonists, reduce exacerbations requiring hospitalization and respiratory deaths in COPD

Source Citation Salpeter SR, Buckley NS, Salpeter EE. Meta-analysis: anticholinergics, but not beta-agonists, reduce severe exacerbations and respiratory mortality in COPD. J Gen Intern Med. 2006;2...
Peripheral contrast-enhanced MR angiography at 3.0T, improved spatial resolution and low dose contrast: initial clinical experience

To investigate a high spatial resolution peripheral contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) protocol, applying a dedicated multi-channel array coil and accelerated parallel acquisition at 3.0T in evaluation of patients with peripheral vascular disease. Twenty patients with peripheral vascular disease underwent multi-station high spatial resolution peripheral CE-MRA at 3T. The image quality, presence of venous contamination, image noise, and artifact were evaluated by 2 radiologists independently. Assessment of arterial disease for 540 arterial segments was performed, and findings were correlated with conventional catheter angiography in 10 patients. All studies were yielded high diagnostic image quality. Venous contamination and artifact were minimal and never interfered with diagnosis. Sixty seven arterial segments with significant stenoses (>0%) were detected by observers with excellent interobserver agreement (κ = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.88). There was a significant correlation between CE-MRA and conventional angiography (Rs = 0.91 and 0.94 for reader 1 and 2, respectively) for the assessment of the degree of stenosis. Higher available SNR at 3T in combination with multi-coil technology and accelerated parallel acquisition, result in acquisition of nearly isotropic submillimeter 3D voxels throughout the entire peripheral arterial tree with diagnostic image quality and favorable comparative analysis with catheter angiography.
IDENTIFYING PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS WHO ARE AT RISK FOR LOWER-EXTREMITY COMPLICATIONS : USE OF SEMMES-WEINSTEIN MONOFILAMENTS

Research indicates that the SW monofilament is an inexpensive, reliable, valid, and easy-to-use clinical indicator for identifying patients who are at risk for developing foot ulcers and subsequent amputations. Those patients unable to sense the 5.07 SW monofilament on any part of their foot should be provided preventive care, including patient education and prescription of appropriate therapeutic footwear.
Lunar laser ranging and laboratory Eötvös-type experiments.

In order to fully utilize 1-cm-accuracy lunar laser ranging observations to test metric gravitational theory, laboratory Eoetvoes-type experiments which test the equality of free-fall for different materials, iron and silicate type, at the level chemically bonddeltaa/achemically bondless than or equal to5 x 10/sup -13/ are required.
Complex Systems---A New Paradigm for the Integrative Study of Management, Physical, and Technological Systems

In this introductory note, we describe the motivation for this special issue on complex systems. We begin by noting the potential management opportunities offered by recent advances in complexity science. After defining the nature of complex systems and the many ways they are expressed in organizations and markets, we briefly describe the main tools and concepts of complexity theory. We close with a brief review of the articles in this issue and their relevance to the interests and concerns of managers.
The constitution, social rights, and liberal political justification

Proposals to put positive social and economic guarantees into constitutional law typically meet an objection linked to judicial review (the “institutional objection”). It seems that a related objection would hold even assuming away judicial “enforcement.” The constitutionalized rights would, after all, be no less intended to curb and constrain the choices of current majorities (the “majoritarian objection”). Constitutionalization of social rights may, moreover, be thought to render the constitution nontransparent in a way disallowed by leading liberal accounts of political legitimacy (the “contractarian objection”).
Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2 Rep78 Induces Apoptosis through Caspase Activation Independently of p53

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) type 2 Rep78 is a multifunctional protein required for AAV DNA replication, integration, and gene regulation. The biochemical activities of Rep78 have been described, but the effects of Rep proteins on the cell have not been characterized. We have analyzed Rep-mediated cytotoxicity. We demonstrated that Rep78 expression is sufficient to induce cell death and disruption of the cell cycle. Cell death was found to be mediated by apoptosis. Rep78 expression resulted in the activation of caspase-3, a terminal caspase directly involved in the execution of cell death. A peptidic inhibitor of caspase-3, Z-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK), abrogated Rep78-induced apoptosis, indicating that Rep78-mediated apoptosis is caspase-3 dependent. Rep78 induced apoptosis in wild-type p53-containing human embryonal carcinoma NT-2 cells and in p53-null promyelocytic human HL-60 cells, indicating that at least one pathway of Rep78-induced apoptosis is p53 independent. Apoptosis was shown to occur during the G(1) and early S phases of the cell cycle. By analyzing the effects of Rep78 mutations on cell viability, the cause of cell death was attributed in part to two biochemical activities of Rep78, DNA binding and ATPase/helicase activity. The endonuclease activity of Rep78 did not contribute to apoptosis induction.
Residues in the Apical Domain of the Feline and Canine Transferrin Receptors Control Host-Specific Binding and Cell Infection of Canine and Feline Parvoviruses

Canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) capsids bind to the transferrin receptors (TfRs) of their hosts and use these receptors to infect cells. The binding is partially host specific, as FPV binds only to the feline TfR, while CPV binds to both the canine and feline TfRs. The host-specific binding is controlled by a combination of residues within a raised region of the capsid. To define the TfR structures that interact with the virus, we altered the apical domain of the feline or canine TfR or prepared chimeras of these receptors and tested the altered receptors for binding to FPV or CPV capsids. Most changes in the apical domain of the feline TfR did not affect binding, but replacing Leu221 with Ser or Asp prevented receptor binding to either FPV or CPV capsids, while replacing Leu221 with Lys resulted in a receptor that bound only to CPV but not to FPV. Analysis of recombinants of the feline and canine TfRs showed that sequences controlling CPV-specific binding were within the apical domain and that more than one difference between these receptors determined the CPV-specific binding of the canine TfR. Single changes within the canine TfR which removed a single amino acid insertion or which eliminated a glycosylation site gave that receptor the expanded ability to bind to FPV and CPV. In some cases, binding of capsids to mutant receptors did not result in infection, suggesting a structural role for the receptor in cell infection by the viruses.
Design of photonic band gap nanocavities for stimulated Raman amplification and lasing in monolithic silicon

The concept and design of L5 photonic band gap nanocavities in two-dimensional photonic crystal slabs for enhancement of stimulated Raman amplification and lasing in monolithic silicon is suggested for the first time. Specific high quality factor and small modal volume nanocavities are designed which supports the required pump-Stokes modal spacing in silicon, with ultralow lasing thresholds.