cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiosynthesis of O‐(1‐[18F]fluoropropan‐2‐yl)‐O‐(4‐nitrophenyl)methylphosphonate: A novel PET tracer surrogate of sarin

O-(1-Fluoropropan-2-yl)-O-(4-nitrophenyl) methylphosphonate is a reactive organophosphate ester (OP) developed as a surrogate of the chemical warfare agent sarin that forms a similar covalent adduct at the active site serine of acetylcholinesterase. The radiolabeled O-(1-[18 F]fluoropropan-2-yl)-O-(4-nitrophenyl) methylphosphonate ([18 F] fluorosarin surrogate) has not been previously prepared. In this paper, we report the first radiosynthesis of this tracer from the reaction of bis-(4-nitrophenyl) methylphosphonate with 1-[18 F]fluoro-2-propanol in the presence of DBU. The 1-[18 F]fluoro-2-propanol was prepared by reaction of propylene sulfite with Kryptofix 2.2.2 and [18 F] fluoride ion. The desired tracer O-(1-[18 F]fluoropropan-2-yl)-O-(4-nitrophenyl) methylphosphonate was obtained in a >98% radiochemical purity with a 2.4% ± 0.6% yield (n = 5, 65 minutes from start of synthesis) based on starting [18 F] fluoride ion and a molar activity of 49.9 GBq/μmol (1.349 ± 0.329 Ci/μmol, n = 3). This new facile radiosynthesis routinely affords sufficient quantities of [18 F] fluorosarin surrogate in high radiochemical purity, which will further enable the tracer development as a novel radiolabeled OP acetylcholinesterase inhibitor for assessment of OP modes of action with PET imaging in vivo.
The Practice of Listening to Children: The Challenges of Hearing Children Out in an Adult-Regulated World

In this research article, Haeny Yoon and Tran Nguyen Templeton explore the challenges of listening to children in both classrooms and research that purports to center young children. Through two st...
MEASUREMENTS OF HIGH X3 GLASSES

It has recently been recognized [1] that transparent glasses with large and fast (≤ 1 ps) nonresonant nonlinearites may be a viable alternative to semiconductor and organic materials for certain photo-optic switching applications, including multi-GHz demultiplexing and highly parallel 'pipeline' calculations. We report results of measurements of high-index glasses that exhibit large values of X3.
Games in Extensive Form

All the games that we consider in this book have certain things in common. These are: There is a finite set of players (who may be people, groups of people, or more abstract entities like computer programs or “nature” or “the house”). Each player has complete knowledge of the rules of the game. At different points in the game, each player has a range of choices or moves. This set of choices is finite. The game ends after a finite number of moves. After the game ends, each player receives a numerical payoff. This number may be negative, in which case it is interpreted as a loss of the absolute value of the number. For example, in a game like chess the payoff for winning might be +1, for losing −1, and for a draw 0.
Factors Impacting Outcomes and the Time to Recovery From Malignant Glaucoma.

Purpose To identify factors associated with the successful treatment of malignant glaucoma (MG). Design Retrospective case series. Methods Setting: single institution; study population: 64 eyes (55 subjects) with MG; observation procedure(s): chart review; main outcome measures: anatomy, intraocular pressure (IOP), best visual acuity (BVA). Results 87.5% (n=56/64) of eyes with MG required surgical intervention. Vitrectomy was more likely to be successful in eyes with a history of ≤ 30 mm Hg (P Conclusions Earlier vitrectomy may shorten recovery times for MG. Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may lead to greater IOP reduction. The time to maximal improvement in IOP and BVA may be longer than the time to anatomic resolution. Although trabeculectomy may impede time to recovery from MG, oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may shorten the time to anatomic recovery and anterior chamber reformation may hasten IOP recovery.
Progression in the severity of aortic stenosis according to race among those with advanced chronic kidney disease

Background: There is a higher prevalence of aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and European ancestry. However, studies comparing AS progression in white and black patients in an advanced CKD population do not exist. Methods: Advanced CKD (stage IV–V) patients who were referred to the UNC Cardiorenal Clinic for pre-operative kidney transplant evaluation, and diagnosed with either AS (mild, moderate, or severe) or a left ventricular outflow tract velocity ≥2 m/s at any point between 2006–2016 were eligible for inclusion. Serial transthoracic echocardiograms over the 10-year period determined AS progression. All echocardiograms acquired after renal transplantation or aortic valve replacement were excluded. The rates of change of three indices of AS severity [mean gradient, aortic valve area (AVA), and aortic valve velocity] were compared between white and black patients. Mixed effects linear models with repeated measures were used to estimate the overall and race-stratified yearly rate of progression for each index, adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, dialysis, and baseline cholesterol. Results: Of 1,283 patients, 140 (34% white, 66% black) developed or had baseline AS. Initially, 81% had no AS, 13% had mild, and 6% had moderate. White patients were more likely to be male and less likely to be on hemodialysis compared to black patients. No differences in AS severity (P=0.55) or age (60 vs . 58 years, P=0.34) were seen at baseline. In white vs . black patients, mean gradient increased at 1.90 (95% CI: 0.79, 3.01) mmHg/year vs . 1.46 (95% CI, 0.79, 2.14) mmHg/year, P=0.20, AVA decreased at −0.10 (95% CI: −0.15, −0.05) m 2 /year vs . −0.08 (95% CI: −0.11, −0.05) m 2 /year, P=0.13, and transvalvular velocity increased at 0.11 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.18) m/s/year vs . 0.07 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.11) m/s/year, P=0.09. Conclusions: Compared to black patients, white patients in an advanced CKD cohort may have exhibited more rapid progression of AS. Ours is the first study to analyze racial differences in such a population. A study with a larger sample size is needed to confirm our findings.
Gate-tunable strong spin-orbit interaction in two-dimensional tellurium probed by weak antilocalization

Tellurium (Te) has attracted great research interest due to its unique crystal structure since the 1970s. However, the conduction band of Te is rarely studied experimentally because of the $p$-type accumulation layer at the surface of Te. By the atomic layer deposited dielectric doping technique, we are able to access the conduction-band transport properties of Te in a controlled fashion. In this paper, we report on a systematic study of the weak-anti-localization (WAL) effect in $n$-type two-dimensional (2D) Te films. We find that WAL agrees well with Iordanskii, Lyanda-Geller, and Pikus theory. The gate and temperature-dependent WAL reveal that the D'yakonov-Perel mechanism, dominant for spin relaxation and phase relaxation, is governed by electron-electron interaction. A large phase-coherence length near 600 nm at $T=1\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ is obtained together with gate-tunable spin-orbit interaction (SOI). Transition from weak-localization to WAL depending on gate bias is also observed. These results demonstrate that newly developed solution-based synthesized Te films provide a new controllable strong SOI 2D semiconductor with high potential for spintronic applications.
Placental growth factor negatively regulates retinal endothelial cell barrier function through suppression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and antioxidant defense systems.

We report that placental growth factor (PlGF) negatively affects the endothelial cell (EC) barrier function through a novel regulatory mechanism. The PlGF mAb promotes (but recombinant protein disr...
Project ECHO and Opioid Education: a Systematic Review

The widespread incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use disorder (OUD) has resulted in a national crisis. One component of this public health epidemic includes a lack of an adequately trained healthcare workforce to provide opioid case management, prescribing, and dispensing. The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (Project ECHO) is a tele-mentoring, guided practice model, which provides knowledge exchange from specialists and subspecialists to enable primary care providers and clinicians to deliver best practice care for complex health conditions like OUD. Project ECHO is considered a promising strategy to address the trained healthcare workforce shortage, especially in remote and traditionally underserved areas. We conducted a systemic review of the literature to evaluate the impact of Opioid /Addiction Treatment Project ECHO programs on participant (healthcare provider) and patient outcomes. Overall, studies show increases in provider self-efficacy and knowledge gains after participation in Project ECHO. Benefits and barriers to participation in Project ECHO clinics are discussed. Project ECHO for OUD is an effective telehealth practitioner training and support model that promotes advances in provider knowledge and self-efficacy. Further research examining evidence on cost-effectiveness, practitioner, and patient outcomes is needed.
Massage manipulation in preventing form of deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs in elder patients after hip operation

Objective To explore the effect of massage manipulation on treatment to prevent the form of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the elder patients with hip operation.Methods 42 elder patients of hip operation admitted in our hospital from June 2010 to December 2011,were divided into control group (20 cases) and observation group (22 cases).The control group was given conventional drug anticoagulant therapy.While the observation group was added with massage manipulation based on the conventional treatment.The postoperative conditions of swelling and DVT forming were compared in two groups.Results Within 4 weeks,the color ultrasonic Doppler was conducted in lower limbs of patients.There was one case found with obvious swelling limb in the tenth day after operation in the control group,showing signs of DVT; but there was no DVT found in the observation group,showing statistical significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The massage manipulation can help prevent the form of DVT of the elder patients with hip operation,it has advantages of simple operation,low cost and more comfort for patients,which is worthy for promotion and application in clinic. Key words: Massage; Elder; Hip operation; Deep venous thrombosis
Linear regression and correlation

Abstract This chapter starts with regression concepts and assumptions and proceeds to simple regression methods, estimation, testing, prediction, and confidence intervals. Testing includes tests on R2, slope, and predictive ability. Types of more advanced regression methods to be met in ensuing chapters are explained. Next, correlation concepts, assumptions, and the coefficient estimates of Pearson and Spearman are examined. Correlation is related to regression. Confidence intervals on the coefficient and tests on one and two coefficients are addressed. The interpretation of a small but statistically significant correlation coefficient is discussed.
Airborne point counts: a method for estimating songbird abundance with drones

Using drones to conduct airborne bioacoustic surveys is a potentially useful new way to estimate the abundance of vocal bird species. Here we show that by using two recording devices suspended from a quadcopter drone it is possible to estimate distances to birds with precision. In an experimental test, the mean error of our estimated distances to a broadcast song across 11 points between 0 and 100 m away was just 3.47 m. In field tests we compared 1-minute airborne counts with 5-minute terrestrial counts at 34 count locations. We found that the airborne counts yielded similar data to the terrestrial point counts for most of the 10 the songbirds included in our analysis, and that the effective detection radii were also similar. However, airborne counts significantly under-detected the Northern Cardinal (χ29 = 22.8, post-hoc test P = 0.007), which we attribute to a behavioral response to the drone. Airborne counts work best for species that vocalize close to the ground and have high frequency-range songs. Under those circumstances, airborne bioacoustics could have several advantages over ground-based surveys, including increased precision, increased repeatability, and easier access in difficult terrain. Further, we show that it is possible to do rapid surveys using airborne techniques, which could lead to the development of much more efficient survey protocols than are possible using traditional survey techniques.
Cannabis and the Gut–Brain Axis Communication in HIV Infection

People living with HIV infection (PWH) disclose that cannabis is an effective strategy for alleviating symptoms associated with HIV disease. However, some medical providers feel ill-informed to eng...
Solar Concentrators Using Dielectric Total Internal Reflection with Tunable Profiles for Improvement of Direct and Diffuse Sunlight Capture

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) makes it possible to utilize building surfaces for power generation. However, BIPV is facing challenges of high material costs, difficulty of scaling, and inefficient collection of indirect solar radiation. Therefore, solar concentrators collecting non-normal-incidence sunlight while maintaining concentration factors are promising for economic non-active-tracking photovoltaic systems. Here, we demonstrate a new design for dielectric total internal reflection concentrators (DTIRCs) that increase both the acceptance angle and the concentration ratio with tunable side and top profiles, and calculate the annual collectible sun power to prove that our new design receives more power compared to traditional concentrator designs.
BRINGING COMMUNITIES AND THE UNIVERSITY TOGETHER: APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

California State University, Long Beach Applied Anthropology M.A. program actively engages in synergistic collaborations through applied faculty research, student MA projects, faculty–student collaborations, and classroom-community partnerships. We highlight some of these collaborations and make suggestions for the sustainability of applied work in the academy.
New method for analyzing heart vibrations. I. Low frequency vibrations.

Abstract 1. (1) A brief review of the history of low frequency heart sound recording is outlined. 2. (2) A new method of heart sound analysis for all frequencies is presented but with emphasis on low frequency components. 3. (3) Illustrations are given indicating the use which may be made of this technique in future study of low frequency sound.
A Model of Explicit Context Representation and Use for Intelligent Agents

Explicit representation of context and contextual knowledge is critical to intelligent agents. In this paper, we discuss our view of context and context-sensitive reasoning, based on several years of work on representing and using contextual knowledge. We describe our approach to context-sensitive reasoning, called context-mediated behavior (CMB), and discuss our experience related to reasoning in context in AI programs and our ongoing and future work in the area.
The Effect of Truck Dieselization on Fuel Usage

The effect of truck dieselization for three levels of diesel penetration into each of the eight classes of trucks is modeled. Diesel and total truck sales, population, mileage and yearly fuel usage data are aggregated by four truck classes representing light, medium, light-heavy and heavy-heavy classes. Four fuel economy scenario's for different technological improvements were studied.
Metal cluster topology: Part 8. Six-vertex polyhedral metal carbonyl clusters and their skeletal rearrangements

Abstract Among the seven topologically distinct six-vertex polyhedra only the regular octahedron has no degree three vertices and thus is the only six-vertex polyhedron forming globally delocalized metal carbonyl clusters. Five of the remaining six topologically distinct six-vertex polyhedra have been found in metal carbonyl clusters having numbers of skeletal electrons indicative of edge-localized bonding. Gale diagrams are used to depict the following experimentally observed skeletal rearrangements in six-vertex metal carbonyl clusters: (a) trigonal prism to octahedron; (b) pentagonal pyramid to Cs, 6,11,7-polyhedron; (c) C2 6,10,6 polyhedron to Cs, 6,11,7 polyhedron; and (d) bicapped tetrahedron to octahedron through a C2v 6,11,7 polyhedron (“diagonally deficient cube”). The inability to obtain a stable metal carbonyl cluster based on the C2v diagonally deficient cube may relate to the fact that this polyhedron can be converted to the regular octahedron by adding an edge without changing the skeletal electron count.
Two Views of a Star's Life

Carl Sagan A Life in the Cosmos. William Poundstone. Henry Holt, New York, 1999. 491 pp. $30, C$45. ISBN 0-8050-5766-8. Carl Sagan A Life. Keay Davidson. John Wiley, New York, 1999. 560 pp. $30, C$41.95. ISBN 0-471-25286-7. In their examination of the life and science of Carl Sagan, the biographies by Keay Davidson and William Poundstone pay particular attention to the causes and consequences of his celebrity status.
Fault tolerant control of five-phase permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor based on dynamic current phase advance

In this paper, fault tolerant control of a five-phase permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor (PMa-SynRM) has been discussed. Reliable control method under any fault conditions has been predominantly required in critical applications such as hybrid/electric vehicular applications and aerospace industries. The proposed method utilizes the advance vector control of multiphase machine to provide maximum amount of torque under different types of open phase fault conditions. To maximize the amount of torque, the current phase advance in the five-phase reluctance machine has been introduced which varies with saturation effects and load dynamic behavior. Under such condition, the phase advance has been calculated dynamically at different faults and load conditions. Considering that, the optimal set of currents has been injected to provide maximum amount of torque under different open phase fault conditions. Extensive theoretical analysis along with Finite element methods has been carried out to support the proposed method. The experimental results have been provided utilizing the 5hp dynamo system which consists of TI DSP control board and five-phase inverter system.
Small/Round Cell Lesions

Small, round cell lesions encompass a broad spectrum of entities, including reactive and inflammatory processes, benign neoplasms, and malignant tumors. Osteomyelitis is among the most common nonneoplastic conditions and denotes an inflammation of bone and bone marrow, commonly caused by bacteria (pyogenic osteomyelitis), although it may be produced by any type of organism. The incidence of small, round cell tumors of bone is tightly linked to the age at presentation, with Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) being the most common entities in young individuals. In contrast, hematologic neoplasms (myeloma and lymphoma) constitute approximately 40 % of all bone tumors but occur almost exclusively in adults, especially elderly patients. Most entities included in this chapter are those of traditional small, blue, round cell tumors that produce minimal extracellular matrix, such as Ewing sarcoma/PNET and hematologic neoplasms, whereas others, such as LCH and Rosai-Dorfman disease, tend to be composed of mixed-cell populations. Several other tumors with small, round cell histomorphology, either those that occur primarily in bone (e.g., small cell osteosarcoma and mesenchymal chondrosarcoma) or metastases from other organs (e.g., neuroblastoma and most rhabdomyosarcomas), are discussed in other chapters.
Nod-Like Receptor X-1 Is Required for Rhinovirus-Induced Barrier Dysfunction in Airway Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT Barrier dysfunction of airway epithelium may increase the risk for acquiring secondary infections or allergen sensitization. Both rhinovirus (RV) and polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid [poly(I·C)], a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mimetic, cause airway epithelial barrier dysfunction, which is reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent, implying that dsRNA generated during RV replication is sufficient for disrupting barrier function. We also demonstrated that RV or poly(I·C)-stimulated NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX-1) partially accounts for RV-induced ROS generation. In this study, we identified a dsRNA receptor(s) contributing to RV-induced maximal ROS generation and thus barrier disruption. We demonstrate that genetic silencing of the newly discovered dsRNA receptor Nod-like receptor X-1 (NLRX-1), but not other previously described dsRNA receptors, abrogated RV-induced ROS generation and reduction of transepithelial resistance (RT) in polarized airway epithelial cells. In addition, both RV and poly(I·C) stimulated mitochondrial ROS, the generation of which was dependent on NLRX-1. Treatment with Mito-Tempo, an antioxidant targeted to mitochondria, abolished RV-induced mitochondrial ROS generation, reduction in RT, and bacterial transmigration. Furthermore, RV infection increased NLRX-1 localization to the mitochondria. Additionally, NLRX-1 interacts with RV RNA and poly(I·C) in polarized airway epithelial cells. Finally, we show that NLRX-1 is also required for RV-stimulated NOX-1 expression. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which RV stimulates generation of ROS, which is required for disruption of airway epithelial barrier function. IMPORTANCE Rhinovirus (RV), a virus responsible for a majority of common colds, disrupts the barrier function of the airway epithelium by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Poly(I·C), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mimetic, also causes ROS-dependent barrier disruption, implying that the dsRNA intermediate generated during RV replication is sufficient for this process. Here, we demonstrate that both RV RNA and poly(I·C) interact with NLRX-1 (a newly discovered dsRNA receptor) and stimulate mitochondrial ROS. We show for the first time that NLRX-1 is primarily expressed in the cytoplasm and at the apical surface rather than in the mitochondria and that NLRX-1 translocates to mitochondria following RV infection. Together, our results suggest a novel mechanism for RV-induced barrier disruption involving NLRX-1 and mitochondrial ROS. Although ROS is necessary for optimal viral clearance, if not neutralized efficiently, it may increase susceptibility to secondary infections and alter innate immune responses to subsequently inhaled pathogens, allergens, and other environmental factors.
Developing Advanced GPS Navigational System Designs: Sufficient Simulations

Abstract Existing GPS navigational systems are used extensively but have substantial deficiencies. These deficiencies are summarized. We describe a new advanced system that has many advantages and eliminates or reduces current deficiencies. The design process is described. Importantly, it depended on human factors evaluations that were used to assess whether system interface components were compatible with human perceptual and cognitive capabilities. Secondly, multiple simulations of individual design components were used to assess compatibility of features with human cognitive abilities at each step in the design process. The final design provides drivers with easy to use turn-by-turn navigational guidance, but the same display also allows drivers to learn and make executive decisions about their environment.
Partial sum process to check regression models with multiple correlated response: With an application for testing a change-point in profile data

We consider regression models with multiple correlated responses for each design point. Under the null hypothesis, a linear regression is assumed. For the least-squares residuals of this linear regression, we establish the limit of the partial sums. This limit is a projection on a certain subspace of the reproducing Kernel Hilbert space of a multivariate Brownian motion. Based on this limit, we propose a significance test of Kolmogorov-Smirnov type to test the null hypothesis and show that this result can be used to study a change-point problem in the case of linear profile data (panel data). We compare our proposed method, which does not rely on any distributional assumptions, with the likelihood ratio test in a simulation study.
Discussion of the reptilian ear.

Evidence presented at this symposium lends support to the concept that the reptilian auditory apparatus shows major modifications which correlate with large taxonomic groups, and that lesser anatomical differences suggestive of adaptive change can be seen at subfamilial levels. Structures concerned with transmission, reception, and dampening of sonic vibratory energy are most frequently involved in modifications noted; thus, anatomical differences may account for diverse results of acoustic testing in reptiles. Preliminary investigation of the histology and cytology of certain features of the reptilian cochlear duct indicates considerable specialization at the cellular level and the need for continuing anatomical and physiological study.
Radioimmunoguided imaging of prostate cancer foci with histopathological correlation

Abstract Purpose: We have previously presented a technique that fuses ProstaScint and pelvic CT images for the purpose of designing brachytherapy that targets areas at high risk for treatment failure. We now correlate areas of increased intensity seen on ProstaScint-CT fusion images to biopsy results in a series of 7 patients to evaluate the accuracy of this technique in localizing intraprostatic disease. Methods and Materials: The 7 patients included in this study were evaluated between June 1998 and March 29, 1999 at Metrohealth Medical Center and University Hospitals of Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio. ProstaScint and CT scans of each patient were obtained before transperineal biopsy and seed implantation. Each patient’s prostate gland was biopsied at 12 separate sites determined independently of Prostascint-CT scan results. Results: When correlated with biopsy results, our method yielded an overall accuracy of 80%: with a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 68%, and a negative predictive value of 88%. Conclusion: The image fusion of the pelvic CT scan and ProstaScint scan helped identify foci of adenocarcinoma within the prostate that correlated well with biopsy results. These data may be useful to escalate doses in regions containing tumor by either high-dose rate or low-dose rate brachytherapy, as well as by external beam techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
Complex state found in the colossal magnetoresistance regime of models for manganites

The colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) effect of manganites is widely believed to be caused by the competition between a ferromagnetic (FM) metallic state induced by the double-exchange mechanism and an insulator with complex spin, charge, and orbital order. Recent computational studies in small clusters have indeed reported a CMR precisely near the frontier between those two states at a realistic hole density x = 1/4. However, the detailed characteristics of the competing insulator were not fully understood in those previous investigations. This insulator is expected to display special properties that lead to the CMR; otherwise any competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic states would induce such an effect, which is not the case experimentally. In this report, the competing insulator at electronic density x = 1/4 and in the CMR regime is studied in detail using the double-exchange two-orbital model with Jahn-Teller lattice distortions on two-dimensional clusters, employing a careful large-scale cooling down process in the Monte Carlo simulations to avoid being trapped in metastable states. Our investigations show that this competing insulator has an unexpected complex structure, involving diagonal stripes with alternating regions displaying FM and CE-like order. The level of complexity of this new state even surpasses that of themore » recently unveiled spin-orthogonal-stripe states and their associated high degeneracy. This new state complements the long-standing scenario of phase separation, since the alternating FM-CE pattern appears even in the clean limit. The present and recent investigations are also in agreement with the many glassy characteristics of the CMR state found experimentally, due to the high degeneracy of the insulating states involved in the process. Results for the spin-structure factor of the new states are also here provided to facilitate the analysis of neutron scattering experiments for these materials.« less
An analysis of the binding of repressor protein ModE to modABCD (molybdate transport) operator/promoter DNA of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Expression of the modABCDoperon in Escherichia coli, which codes for a molybdate-specific transporter, is repressed by ModE in vivo in a molybdate-dependent fashion. In vitro DNase I-footprinting experiments identified three distinct regions of protection by ModE-molybdate on the modAoperator/promoter DNA, GTTATATT (−15 to −8; region 1), GCCTACAT (−4 to +4; region 2), and GTTACAT (+8 to +14; region 3). Within the three regions of the protected DNA, a pentamer sequence, TAYAT (Y = C or T), can be identified. DNA-electrophoretic mobility experiments showed that the protected regions 1 and 2 are essential for binding of ModE-molybdate to DNA, whereas the protected region 3 increases the affinity of the DNA to the repressor. The stoichiometry of this interaction was found to be two ModE-molybdate per modA operator DNA. ModE-molybdate at 5 nm completely protected themodABCD operator/promoter DNA from DNase I-catalyzed hydrolysis, whereas ModE alone failed to protect the DNA even at 100 nm. The apparent K d for the interaction between the modA operator DNA and ModE-molybdate was 0.3 nm, and the K d increased to 8 nm in the absence of molybdate. Among the various oxyanions tested, only tungstate replaced molybdate in the repression ofmodA by ModE, but the affinity of ModE-tungstate formodABCD operator DNA was 6 times lower than with ModE-molybdate. A mutant ModE(T125I) protein, which repressedmodA-lac even in the absence of molybdate, protected the same region of modA operator DNA in the absence of molybdate. The apparent K d for the interaction between modA operator DNA and ModE(T125I) was 3 nm in the presence of molybdate and 4 nmwithout molybdate. The binding of molybdate to ModE resulted in a decrease in fluorescence emission, indicating a conformational change of the protein upon molybdate binding. The fluorescence emission spectra of mutant ModE proteins, ModE(T125I) and ModE(Q216*), were unaffected by molybdate. The molybdate-independent mutant ModE proteins apparently mimic in its conformation the native ModE-molybdate complex, which binds to a DNA sequence motif of TATAT-7bp-TAYAT.
Site-directed mutagenesis of alpha-tubulin. Reductive methylation studies of the Lys 394 region

Previous studies have implicated at least two regions in alpha-tubulin that are important for the regulation of microtubule assembly. These regions include a cluster of basic residues consisting of Arg 390, His 393, and Lys 394 and the highly acidic carboxyl terminus. Lys 394 is highly reactive to HCHO and NaCNBH3. The reductive methylation of Lys 394 by these reagents is thought to be responsible for the profound inhibitory effects of low concentrations of HCHO on microtubule assembly (cf. Szasz J., M. B. Yaffe, M. Elzinga, G. S. Blank, and H. Sternlicht. 1986. Biochemistry. 25:4572–4582). In this study we reexamined the basis for this inhibition. Lys 394 in a human keratinocyte alpha-tubulin (k alpha 1) was replaced by a glutamic acid residue using site-directed mutagenesis. The mutant K394E was synthesized in vitro using rabbit reticulocyte lysates, and its ability to coassemble with bovine brain microtubule protein (MTP) before and after reaction with HCHO and NaCNBH3 was compared with that of wild-type. No differences in the coassemblies of the unmethylated proteins were detected suggesting that Lys 394 is not essential for microtubule assembly. However, methylated K394E prepared at low HCHO concentrations (
Cytoprotective role of taurine in a renal epithelial cell culture model

Taurine (TAU) is a sulfur-containing amino acid that has been shown to decrease during aging and is believed to be important for cytoprotection. A decrease in TAU could exacerbate the accumulation of free radical-induced damage that may lead to cell death during the aging process. We have shown previously that TAU directly inhibits dopamine (DA) and (-)-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine (L-dopa) oxidation. Experiments were conducted to establish a cytoprotective role for TAU. Porcine renal epithelial cells were treated for 1 hr with iron and catecholamines (L-dopa and DA) to produce cytotoxicity by a free radical and quinone mechanism in the absence and presence of 10 or 20mM TAU. Viability assays, protein, and DNA measurements were performed after a 24hr recovery period. In some experiments, cells were extracted immediately after the insult for DA and TAU content measurements using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Catecholamine-induced cytotoxicity caused a 50% loss in cell viability, and 10 or 20mM TAU provided significant protection from cytotoxicity and maintained the functional integrity of the cells. Photomicrographs showed attenuation in cell loss and swelling in the presence of TAU. Pretreatment with 1mM TAU followed by exposure to iron and L-dopa in the presence of 1mM TAU caused a moderate but non-significant increase in cell survival. These data conclusively show that TAU can play a cytoprotective role in the LLC-PK(1) cell culture model.
Predetermining acceptable noise limits of EXAFS spectra in the limit of stochastic noise

The effect of stochastic noise on Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) data measurement, analysis, and fitting is discussed. Stochastic noise reduces the ability to uniquely fit a calculated model to measured EXAFS data. Such noise can be reduced by common methods that increase the signal-to-noise ratio; however, these methods are not always practical. Therefore, predetermined, quantitative knowledge of the level of acceptable stochastic noise when fitting for a particular model system is essential in maximizing the chances of a successful EXAFS experiment and minimizing wasted beamtime. This paper outlines a method to estimate, through simulation, the acceptable level of stochastic noise in EXAFS spectra that still allows a successful test of a proposed model compound.
An indirect method for maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic arrays

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays have inconsistent output voltages due to a dependence on insolation, wind, and cell temperature. This causes the output power to vary from the maximum power the PV arrays are capable of providing to a load. An indirect method for tracking the maximum power point (MPP) of a PV array is presented. In order to maximize the output power of the PV array, a PIC microcontroller will be used to track the MPP of the solar array using characteristic equations from a curve fitting method that predicts the power versus voltage (P-V) curve for varying cell temperatures. This method approximates the P-V characteristic curve with a fourth-order polynomial. The coefficients of the approximated P-V characteristic curve were determined to be strongly dependent on cell temperature. The strong dependence of the P-V curve on cell temperature allows the P-V characteristic curve of a given system to be written as a function of both panel voltage and cell temperature. The proposed curve fitting method was verified using experimental data collected in the laboratory. Simulation results of the proposed method are also presented.
“The Vocational Appraiser” in a University Veterans Guidance Center1

The Veterans Administration offers educational and vocational guidance to able-bodied and disabled veterans eligible to educational benefits and training under Public Law 346 and Public Law 16. In Occupations, March, 1945, p. 317, the Veterans Administration explained why colleges are chosen as counseling centers for veterans and outlined three plans for cooperation with the colleges. The following account, written by the Director of a university center under contract with the Veterans Administration, might be considered as a job analysis of the work of the “vocational appraiser” or counselor in such a center.—Editor.
Development of real-time stack-gas analysis methods☆

Abstract Modern analytical chemistry has provided the capability to identify and measure extremely small amounts (10−8 to 10−10 grams) of specific compounds in a variety of sample types. For organic compounds, these analyses involve primarily separation with high-resolution capillary gas-chromatographic columns and detection of the eluting substances with sensitive detectors such as the flame ionization, electron capture, or, photoionization detector. The analytical capabilities of these instruments are greatly enhanced when eluting compounds are detected and identified with a mass spectrometer. Virtually all of these trace organic analytical procedures involve collection of a sample, transportation of the sample to a suitably equipped laboratory, some sort of extraction of the analytes from the sample matrix and then instrumental analysis of the extract. This entire process provides highly reliable analytical data with appropriate quality control/quality assurance procedures but is quite time consuming and requires the use of a well equipped laboratory. Information on the contents of samples is not available for several days to several weeks. There is tremendous need for field deployable analytical instruments that can be used on-scene to provide rapid, reliable, cost effective, and timely analysis of organic compounds in a variety of environmental samples and for on-line real-time monitoring of industrial chemical processes. A set of system specifications is given for the optimal performance of such an instrument.
Alterations in target innervation and collateral sprouting in the aging sympathetic nervous system

The ability to sustain appropriate target innervation and to undergo collateral sprouting following losses of related neural inputs may favor the maintenance of normal function in adult and aged organisms. Young (4 month old) rats underwent a unilateral sympathetic denervation of the pineal gland and 1 day later exhibited an approximately 50% decrease in the area fraction represented by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive profiles in this target tissue. Ten days after this lesion, the density of TH immunoreactivity increased to over 80% of control values. In aged (25 month old) animals, endogenous fluorescence produced by the presence of lipofuscin was subtracted from the captured image, revealing a more than 50% decrease in innervation density to this target tissue with aging. The density of TH-immunoreactive profiles decreased by approximately one-half in aged animals lesioned 1 day earlier. However, 10 days after a unilateral denervation it was still approximately one-half of that obtained in control aged rats, providing morphologic support for a failure in collateral sprouting with aging in this system.
Does Emotional Non-Expressiveness or Avoidance Interfere with Writing about Stressful Life Events? An Analysis in Patients with Chronic Illness

Writing about traumatic events can produce health benefits, yet emotionally non-expressive or cognitively avoidant individuals may be unwilling or unable to express their emotions. This study examined non-expression, cognitive avoidance, response to writing, and subsequent health. As part of a larger study, participants ( N = 71) with asthma or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wrote about traumatic experiences for 20 min on three consecutive days. Alexithymia, denial, behavioral disengagement, mental disengagement, focus on/venting of emotions, avoidant thoughts, and health status were assessed at baseline, health status again 4 months after writing. Essays were coded for how personal and how emotional they were, and for narrative structure. Non-expression and cognitive avoidance were neither related to how personal or emotional essays were, nor to affective response to writing. High levels of denial or avoidant thoughts predicted less narrative structure. Avoidant thinking marginally predicted health improvemen...
Are fame and fortune the kiss of death

L'A. s'interesse aux reactions de la communaute savante vis-a-vis des scientifiques qui ont publie des ouvrages de vulgarisation et connu grâce a eux le succes. Un auteur doit-il redouter que ses efforts pour gagner un plus large public ne mettent fin a sa carriere et a sa respectabilite academiques ? Peut-il a la fois plaire a ses pairs et a un lectorat general ? Un ouvrage de vulgarisation bien fait a la capacite d'informer et d'inciter les lecteurs a reflechir, cela seul vaut bien la peine d'encourir les commentaires jaloux de quelques collegues.
The Growth of Structural Equation Modeling: 1994-2001.

This study examines the growth and development of structural equation modeling (SEM) from the years 1994 to 2001. The synchronous development and growth of the Structural Equation Modeling journal was also examined. Abstracts located on PsycINFO were used as the primary source of data. The major results of this investigation were clear: (a) The number of journal articles concerned with SEM increased; (b) the number of journals publishing these articles increased; (c) SEM acquired hegemony among multivariate techniques; and (d) Structural Equation Modeling became the primary source of publication for technical developments in SEM.
Surfactant and water migration in unsaturated sand

1 In unsaturated coarse disperse materials such as sand, the water on the surface is continous and ‘deep’ enough to be an adequate medium for the migration of surface active substances (SAS). 2 The influence of the tangential force on water migration in unsaturated coarse disperse material is studied by compensating the capillary pressure difference caused by the surface tension gradient. 3 The influence on water migration in unsaturated disperse materials exerted by the additional pressure difference, originating from SAS migration, is comparable to that exerted by capillary pressure difference. Bewegung von oberflachenaktiven Stoffen und Wasser in ungesattigtem Sand 1 In wasserungesattigten, grobkornig-dispersen Substraten, wie z.B. Sand, ist das die Oberflachen bedeckende Wasser kontinuierlich und ausreichend ‘tief’, um als adaquates Medium fur die Ausbreitung von oberflachenaktiven Stoffen (SAS) zu dienen. 2 Der Einflus tangentialer Krafte auf die Wasserbewegung in ungesattigtem, grobkornig-dispersem Material wird untersucht durch Ausgleich der kapillaren Druckdifferenz, die durch einen Gradienten der Oberflachenspannung hervorgerufen wird. 3 Der Einflus der durch die SAS-Ausbreitung hervorgerufenen zusatzlichen Druckdifferenz auf die Wasserbewegung in ungesattigtem, grobkornig-dispersem Material ist dem durch kapillare Druckdifferenz hervorgerufenen Einflus vergleichbar.
5-Amino-2-benzimidazolethiol as an analytical reagent—II: Spectrophotometric determination of rhodium and the simultaneous determination of rhodium and palladium

Abstract 5-Amino-2-benzimidazolethiol has been found to be a highly sensitive reagent for the colorimetric determination of rhodium III . The orange-yellow complex of rhodium III with the reagent, developed by heating in the pH range 2–5, shows maximum absorption at 370 mμ; it is practicable to use wavelength 390 mμ, where the reagent absorption is negligible. The colour system obeys Beer's law from 0.5 to 4.0 ppm of rhodium III , the optimum concentration range being 1.0–3.5 ppm where the percentage relative error per 1% absolute photometric error is 2.88. Sandell's spectrophotometric sensitivity of the reaction is 0.004 μg cm 2 . Most of the common ions and rare metal ions, including uranium VI , are without effect on the complex. Palladium II interferes, producing a colour, but a simultaneous colorimetric method for determining rhodium III and palladium II in a mixture has been developed by determining rhodium and palladium together in hot solution and then subtracting the palladium determined in the cold. Interferences from ruthenium III and larger amounts of iridium IV are avoided by using EDTA (disodium salt) as a masking agent. The continuous variation and the molar ratio methods, applied at pH 3.42, indicate that rhodium III forms with the reagent both 1:2 and 1:3 complexes, their dissociation constants being 2.7 × 10 −12 and 6 × 10 −17 , respectively.
Impact of Machinery Ownership Costs on Risk Efficiency and Farm Organization

Risk efficient crop enterprise combinations are developed on the basis of fixed machinery ownership costs (depreciation, interest, taxes, insurance, and housing) as well as variable operating costs in the optimizing process using a mixed-integer risk programming model. Selected solutions optimized with (versus without) machinery ownership costs tend to be less diversified with larger-sized crop acreage that capitalize on lower per unit fixed costs. In addition, they show lower income variability at comparable levels of income.
Simplified approach to cryoprecipitate coagulum pyelolithotomy

A simplified approach to coagulum pyelolithotomy, utilizing ureteral catheters for injection of the coagulum, is advantageous for small intrarenal pelves, or when it is difficult to mobilize the kidney because of a previous operation. The approach is technically easy and straight-forward. We highly recommend its use in selected cases.
Critical size for fracture during solid-solid phase transformations

The study of nanoscale materials with well-controlled size and shape can be used to learn more about critical length scales for numerous physical and chemical phenomena in solids and extended systems.1,2 Small nanocrystals (below 5-nm diameter) have been shown to exhibit fully reversible single-domain structural phase transformations with large volume changes over multiple cycles. The same transformations in extended solids are accompanied by irreversible domain formation.3-5 Here we investigate the crossover between these regimes by studying a pressure-induced structural transformation in 4-nm-diameter nanorods varying in aspect ratio from 1 to 10. We find that above a critical length the nanorods fracture at the moment of the structural transformation. This work demonstrates the use of simple, well-defined nanoscale systems to examine fundamental structural phenomena found in extended solids.