cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An alternative to the computational Speech Intelligibility Index estimates: Direct measurement of Rectangular Passband Intelligibilities.

The need for determining the relative intelligibility of passbands spanning the speech spectrum has been addressed by publications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). When the Articulation Index (AI) standard (ANSI, S3.5, 1969, R1986) was developed, available filters confounded passband and slope contributions. The AI procedure and its updated successor, the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) standard (ANSI, S3.5, 1997, R2007), cancel slope contributions by using intelligibility scores for partially masked highpass and lowpass speech to calculate passband importance values; these values can be converted to passband intelligibility predictions using transfer functions. However, by using very high-order digital filtering, it is now possible to eliminate contributions from filter skirts and produce rectangular passbands. Employing the same commercial recording and the same one-octave passbands published in the SII standard (Table B.3), the present study compares Rectangular Passband Intelligibility (RPI) with SII estimates of intelligibility. The directly measured RPI differs from the computational SII predictions. Advantages resulting from direct measurement are discussed.
The interaction of chemically modified human plasma α1-antitrypsin with porcine pancreatic elastase☆

Abstract The elastase inhibitory capacity of human plasma α 1 -antitrypsin was determined following chemical modification of lysyl and arginyl residues. Modification of the guanidino group had no effect upon the inhibitory activity, while acetylation, citraconylation, and trinitrophenylation of the lysyl ϵ-amino group brought about a loss of elastase inhibitory capacity.
Rimcazole (BW234U) in the maintenance treatment of outpatients with schizophrenia

Rimcazole (BW234U), a substituted carbazole compound, has been reported to be effective in treating acutely ill schizophrenic patients without significant extrapyramidal side effects. A two-phase study was done to assess the efficacy and safety of rimcazole in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. Study I was a double-blind comparison of rimcazole (50–300 mg daily) with haloperidol (5–30 mg daily) with ten stable schizophrenic outpatients. Three of six patients relapsed on rimcazole, while there were no relapses on haloperidol. One patient dropped out of each group. Extrapyramidal side effects were minimal in the rimcazole group, and two patients with tardive dyskinesia showed marked improvement in AIMS Scores. Study II was an open label trial of rimcazole using a higher maximum dose of 450 mg daily in seven schizophrenic outpatients. Four of the seven patients relapsed, at a mean of 7 weeks, one dropped out, and two patients remained stable. While the drug was generally well tolerated, both of the nonrelapsing patients developed transient elevations in liver transaminases. The small sample size in these studies prevents definitive conclusions to be drawn. There may be subgroups of schizophrenic patients who can be successfully maintained on rimcazole with less morbidity than from standard neuroleptic drugs.
Change in the global economy: An interview with Rosabeth Moss Kanter

Abstract Rosabeth Moss Kanter's views on change and organizations have had great influence on corporate thinking in recent years. She has expressed her ideas directly to companies and in many journal articles and books, the best-known of which are The Change Masters, When Giants learn to Dance and more recently. The Challenge of Organizational Change. In an interview at Harvard Business School with European Management Journal's editor, Paul Stonham, she makes her next major statement since Challenge of Organizational Change. She holds that the nature of the global economy far transcends just the existence of the multinational or transnational corporation. Globalization, and the development of cross-border ties by companies can affect even local businesses. This argument leans on many fields of analysis, sociological, historical and political, among others. For example, one of the major challenges facing business people today is the tension between the globalizing power of business and the localizing power of politics. Kanter gives examples of successful companies which have paid greater heed to what used to be considered external forces, and have consequently managed change better. She also looks at the careers of CEOs and senior executives in companies introducing new strategies and change processes, as well as at new management styles, and makes prescriptions for managers to meet the pressures of stress and turmoil. She explains that her interest in globalization extends beyond its effects on organizational behavior to strategy and the new partnership networks and relationships that companies are engaging in as a result of globalization. These relationships are a key asset in companies' global operations. Supplier—customer relations and partnerships are growing especially rapidly in power and importance. Cultural factors should be treated very carefully as explanations of global competitive advantage — business itself is breaking down borders. Finally, Kanter predicts that businesses which are only locally focused and do not know how to build global partnerships and relationships will lose out. Business is in a phase of massive change — just restructuring is not sufficient. Walls are being torn down and bridges must be built.
BIOSYNTHESIS OF THIOPEPTIDE ANTIBIOTIC A10255 IN STIRRED REACTORS USING A CHEMICALLY DEFINED MEDIUM SUPPLEMENTED WITH CONTINUOUS NUTRIENT FEEDS

A10255 is a complex of new thiopeptide antibiotics produced by Streptomyces gardneri. When stirred reactors were operated in batch mode using a denned medium with a glucose feed, 250 μg/ml of A10255 were produced during a four-day fermentation cycle. The linear growth phase of S. gardneri was extended through seven days by supplementing the defined medium with continuous feeds of hydrolyzed casein and methyl caprate. With the supplementary feeds, antibiotic biosynthesis paralleled growth during the extended cycle and attained levels of 1, 750 μg/ml. Increasing the standard glucose feed rate increased titers principally by increasing cell mass. Supplementing the standard glucose feed with lipids such as caprylate or caprate, and decyl alcohol, affected cell mass minimally but produced higher titers by increasing the specific biosynthesis of A10255 per unit of biomass.
Between badness and sickness: Reconsidering medicalization for high risk children and youth

Abstract Most of the sociological literature about “troubling” children and youth focuses on how the scientific authority of medical experts, with a discourse of sickness, has come to displace the moral authority of justice enforcement officials and their rhetoric of badness as arbiters of childhood pathology. Yet my experience working with high-risk children and youth during a post-MSW fellowship strongly suggests that discourses of badness have not supplanted discourses of sickness. Indeed, these discourses remain deeply intertwined with implications for the way we conceptualize troubling children and youth, for the treatment we prescribe, and for how children and youth understand themselves. Discussing two composite cases to illustrate how negotiations of badness and sickness unfold, I argue that shifts in attributions of badness and sickness follow predictable patterns generally occurring in response to: (1) changes in the context (whether the child is at home, school, or in a treatment setting); (2) changes in an actor's interests or role (parents may attribute troubling behaviors as badness at home but frame them as sickness with people outside the family); and/or (3) changes in external structures of time (e.g. the end of the school year or the end of a Medicaid authorization). In conclusion, I consider the implications of partial medicalization and these patterns of narrative negotiations for future research and practice.
Diminished Nitric Oxide Production Following Administration of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Using a Noninflammatory Wound Repair Model

Abstract The effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on systemic nitric oxide (NO) production and wound repair were evaluated using a noninflammatory mouse perforated mesentery connective tissue repair model. Urinary nitrates were monitored as a measure of NO production. TGF-β1 [bovine serum albumin (BSA) carrier and TGF-β1 BSA carrier free] were administered on days 0 and 1 and were evaluated in mice over a 10-day period. A significant decrease in the average postwounding urinary nitrate levels compared to prewounding levels was observed within the TGF-β1 treatment group animals ( P ≤ 0.001) with an insignificant change for the phosphate-buffered saline control animals ( P ≤ 0.10). Additionally, TGF-β1-treated animals showed significant connective tissue repair compared to controls without a concurrent increase in postwounding urinary nitrate levels, supporting the noninflammatory nature of the perforated mesentery model. Our findings suggest that an unforseen consequence of TGF-β1 administration is diminished basal nitric oxide production. When using TGF-β1 in a wound repair or other therapeutic model, the administration of an exogenous NO donor compound may be necessary in order to ensure homeostasis, thereby avoiding undesired physiological consequences due to diminished basal NO production.
Effects of Delays in Pour Plating on Bacterial Counts

Abstract A delay in pouring plates for plate counting after the sample was measured into petri dishes resulted in a substantial reduction in the plate count. This reduction was due to adsorption of cells onto the petri dish surface with the formation of bottom spreaders and not to the lethal effect of the diluent.
A Simultaneous Dual-Channel Micro-Radio-Repeater for Ad-Hoc Wireless Communication

A dual-channel subwavelength low-power radio repeater system is presented in this communication. The repeater system is composed of a low-profile miniaturized receive antenna, an end-fire two-element miniaturized transmit antenna array, and a low-power high-gain amplifier chain. The isolation between the receive antenna and transmit antenna is achieved by a near-field cancellation method. To achieve a dual-channel response antennas are made wideband using parasitic elements and the open-loop transfer function is designed in a manner to present zero-crossing phase at two frequency points within the band. The closed-loop gain of the repeater system has a gain higher than that of the amplifier at the zero-crossing phase frequency points, which gives rise to repeater performance at two distinct channels. A prototype of the repeater system operating in $2.4 \sim 2.5~{\rm GHz}$ with dimensions of $39.67~{\rm mm} \times 85.39~{\rm mm} \times 3.18~{\rm mm}$ is designed and fabricated. Performance of this repeater is characterized experimentally by measuring its radar cross section (RCS). Using an amplifier chain with gain of 45 dB, it is shown that dual-channel repeater exhibits RCS values of 27.7 dBsm and 26.0 dBsm at 2.42 GHz and 2.44 GHz, respectively.
Determination of continuous system transfer functions from sampled pulse response data

A method for determining the transfer function of a continuous system from sampled responses to single and multiple pulse excitation is presented. The method is an extension of the sampled edge response method pioneered by the theoretical work of A. Papoulis in 1962 and the application of the theory to optical systems by B. Tatian in 1965. Occasions arise when pulse rather than step function stimuli are available for system excitations. In such cases, the method presented is practical for determining the system transfer function. The use of anti- aliasing filters and estimation of non-bandwidth limited transfer functions are also discussed.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in Spitz nevus

Abstract Background: Epithelioid and spindle cell nevus (ESN; Spitz nevus) is a histologically well-described entity. We hypothesized that the features of ESN may reflect activation by a proliferative stimulus. Objective: Nevocytes and keratinocytes in ESN and control specimens were examined for expression of the proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Methods: Standard immunohistochemical methods were used to examine the expression of PCNA in a series of ESN, other nevi, and malignant melanoma. Results: PCNA was detected in nevocytes in a significant percentage of ESN but not in other nevi. PCNA expression was increased in basilar keratinocytes in ESN when compared with staining of basilar keratinocytes in normal epidermis. In other melanocytic nevi and nonin-flamed melanoma, PCNA expression in keratinocytes was similar to that in normal control tissue. Conclusion: Increased PCNA labeling in nevocytes and keratinocytes in ESN suggests that a growth stimulus, present within some of these lesions, affects both keratinocytes and nevocytes.
P2P searching trends: 2002-2004

This paper presents the trends of searching queries by users from peer-to-peer (P2P) networks over an 18-month period from July 2002 to January 2004. Four data sets of search queries collected from Gnutella were studied to describe the searching trends. Major findings include (1) the percentage of duplicate queries ranging from 34% to 68% of total queries; (2) an increase in non-English queries; (3) an approximately half of searching queries specified for video or audio file types; (4) the stop word ''the'' accounting for one-third of total stop words; (5) the shift of queries from audio to video; and (6) P2P users demanding for timely entertainment and porn materials. Based on the findings, it is worthwhile for P2P developers to consider (1) system design that allows effective searching using multiple languages; and (2) techniques that eliminate stop words for faster searching.
Suppressive effect of seminal plasma on lymphocyte activation.

ALTHOUGH spermatozoa bear histocompatibility antigens (H-2 in mice1,2 and HL-A in man3,4) accelerated (immune) skin graft rejection is not known to occur in females previously multiply inseminated by a graft donor. The absence of detectable transplantation immunity in inseminated females correlates with the generally low immunogenicity of spermatozoa given by other routes. The decreased antigenicity of spermatozoa is not explained by a privileged immune status of the female reproductive tract as the vaginal route is adequate for immunisation against a variety of antigens5, especially if the tract is wounded6, and antibodies to spermatozoa decrease fertility in some situations7. Thus, it is probable that mechanisms have evolved to maintain a low immunogenicity of spermatozoa. What seems to be an exception to the low immunogenicity of spermatozoa—that antibody to a tissue-specific sperm antigen occurs naturally without deliberate immunisation8,9 and is readily elicited in a variety of species10—may represent a protective mechanism. Many substances present in seminal plasma may exert a suppressive effect by coating sperm membrane antigens or inducing immunosuppression by other means.
Biological Observations of Toxorhynchites Amboinensis (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Laboratory

Observations of the biology of a laboratory colony of Toxorhynchites ( Toxorhynchites ) amboinensis are reported and compared to published observations of the closely related species, Tx . ( Tox .) splendens Mating and oviposition behavior were similar to that of Tx. splendens . Fecundity decreased from 14.3 eggs/female/day (week 2) to 4.8 eggs/female (week 11) as the colony aged. Adult longevity was estimated to range from 13–107 days with gradual mortality throughout the life of the colony. Egg viability ranged from 25–100%, x ¯ = 49.5%, and after 7 weeks decreased steadily as the colony aged. Killing behavior was not observed; however, this may have been due to the low prey density provided. The mean development time from egg hatch to adult emergence was 34.8 days.
Acute coronary syndromes: the reperfusion era and beyond

The recent decade has enjoyed and provided major advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes. The use of reperfusion therapy and acute mechanical intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction has dramatically advanced our understanding of the mechanisms of acute coronary events. The disrupted unstable plaque is the proximate cause of acute coronary syndrome in the majority of patients, most experiencing the plaque rupture of a lipid-laden lesion. This results in a spectrum of clinical disease with clinical presentations ranging from unstable angina to ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Although a common aetiology exists, treatment is not uniform. The triage of patients and risk stratification are paramount to selecting the appropriate therapy at the right time for individual patients.
Deuterium-Gehalt in Alpenwässern

Gewasser der Alpen und des Alpenvorlandes wurden auf ihre Wasserstoff-Isotopenzusammensetzung untersucht. Der Deuterium-Gehalt dieser Wasser weist ihrer Herkunft nach eine deutliche Abhangigkeit von der Hohenlage auf. Dadurch ist es moglich, einzelne Wasser bezuglich der mittleren Seehohe ihrer Einzugsgebiete zu charakterisieren und u. U. den Anteil eines bestimmten Wassers am Gesamtvolumen eines Gewassers zu ermitteln.
Song development in the white-crowned sparrow: social factors and sex differences

Abstract Results of earlier studies indicated that hand-raised white-crowned sparrows exposed to taperecorded songs learned conspecific song between ages 10–50 days, but not before or after that age. These studies also indicated that allospecific songs were not learned. We describe song development in 41 male and 22 female hand-raised white-crowned sparrows. Thirty males and 15 females were exposed to a live adult singing male. It was found that most male students learned the song of their live tutor even though tutoring was begun at 50 days of age, an age by which young would have dispersed from the natal to the breeding area. Male students learned allospecific song as easily as they did conspecific song, even though conspecific song was present in the laboratory. Only three females copied any part of the song of either conspecific or allospecific live tutors. Six 50-day-old males and seven females were exposed to taperecorded song and none learned the tutor song. These results indicate that there are sex differences in song learning, and that, if live tutors are used, the sensitive phase for male song learning extends beyond 50 days of age. We conclude that social interaction can override any auditory gating mechanism that prevents inappropriate stimuli from influencing song learning centres.
Update on Genetic Testing and Warfarin

Warfarin therapy is complex and often requires careful consideration of multiple patient specific factors during initiation and chronic management. Identification of genetic variants that influence warfarin response via pharmacogenetic testing provides an opportunity to enhance the quality of therapy. Many studies have attempted to identify how genetic testing can improve warfarin management. Due to the variability in the study results and the lack of clinical outcome data, the true benefits of pharmacogenetic testing for warfarin remain unclear. If genetic testing has been obtained or is readily available prior to warfarin initiation, it is reasonable to incorporate genetic variants into the decision making process for the initial and suspected maintenance warfarin dose. If genetic testing is not readily available, initiating and managing warfarin using clinical characteristics alone compares similarly to pharmacogenetic based algorithm. The true impact of genetic testing on clinical outcomes requires further investigation.
Localization of Metastable Atom Beams with Optical Standing Waves: Nanolithography at the Heisenberg Limit

The spatially dependent de-excitation of a beam of metastable argon atoms, traveling through an optical standing wave, produced a periodic array of localized metastable atoms with position and momentum spreads approaching the limit stated by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Silicon and silicon dioxide substrates placed in the path of the atom beam were patterned by the metastable atoms. The de-excitation of metastable atoms upon collision with the surface promoted the deposition of a carbonaceous film from a vapor-phase hydrocarbon precursor. The resulting patterns were imaged both directly and after chemical etching. Thus, quantum-mechanical steady-state atom distributions can be used for sub-0.1-micrometer lithography.
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

In Caenorhabditis elegans patterns of cell division, differentiation, and morphogenesis can be observed with single-cell resolution in intact, living animals. Mechanisms that determine behaviors of individual cells during development are being dissected by means of genetic, cell biological, and molecular approaches.
Is hefting to perceive the affordance for throwing a smart perceptual mechanism

G. P. Bingham, R. C. Schmidt, and L. D. Rosenblum (1989) found that, by hefting objects of different sizes and weights, people could choose the optimal weight in each size for throwing to a maximum distance. In Experiment 1, the authors replicated this result. G. P. Bingham et al. hypothesized that hefting is a smart mechanism that allows objects to be perceived in the context of throwing dynamics. This hypothesis entails 2 assumptions. First, hefting by hand is required for information about throwing by hand. The authors tested and confirmed this in Experiments 2 and 3. Second, optimal objects are determined by the dynamics of throwing. In Experiment 4, the authors tested this by measuring throwing release angles and using them with mean thrown distances from Experiment 1 and object sizes and weights to simulate projectile motion and recover release velocities. The results showed that only weight, not size, affects throwing. This failed to provide evidence supporting the particular smart mechanism hypothesis of G. P. Bingham et al. Because the affordance relation is determined in part by the dynamics of projectile motion, the results imply that the affordance is learned from knowledge of results of throwing.
A defense of local miracle compatibilism

David Lewis has offered a reply to the standard argument for the claim that the truth of determinism is incompatible with anyone’s being able to do otherwise than she in fact does. Helen Beebee has argued that Lewis’s compatibilist strategy is untenable. In this paper I show that one recent attempt to defend Lewis’s view against this argument fails and then go on to offer my own defense of Lewis’s view.
The Comparative Approach to the Study of Business Administration

The article addresses the use of the comparative method in the study of business administration, spurred by international affairs which highlight the need for such study. This article begins the ef...
The medullosan pteridosperms

Among the members of the Pteridospermae (Cycadofilicales), the genus Medullosa is one that has figured prominently in the literature concerned with Paleozoic floras. That stem genus, assigned to the family Medullosaceae (which also includes the stem genera Sutcliffia and Colpoxylon) is typified by the presence of several stelar axes running through the stem (Fig. 1). This feature distinguishes the Medullosaceae from the Lyginopteridaceae and the Calamopityaceae, the other two families of Paleozoic pteridosperms. Each of the vascular axes (referred to subsequently as "steles ", with notes concerning their morphology reserved for a later page) consists of a central body of primary xylem, surrounded by secondary wood, a cambium and phloem. The primary xylem is rather constant in structure among all the representatives of the genus, consisting of large tracheids interspersed among parenchyma cells. As a rule, these tracheids extend vertically, but a variation is to be found among some of the stem types of the European Permian where the primary tracheids almost always assume a horizontal course (Rudolph, 1922). Secondary xylem is composed also of large tracheids, among which radiate tall rays. The extent of development of secondary tissues is not always the same in the various species of Medullosa, and often more secondary development is to be found extending toward the center of the stem than on the outer face of the stele. Such a condition was termed " endocentric" by Schopf (1939b) to differentiate it from an " exocentric " configuration where the reverse holds true. Phloem, when preserved, can be seen to
Leishmania parasites possess a platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase important for virulence

Leishmania parasites are intracellular protozoans capable of salvaging and remodeling lipids from the host. To understand the role of lipid metabolism in Leishmania virulence, it is necessary to characterize the enzymes involved in the uptake and turnover of phospholipids. This study focuses on a putative phospholipase A2 (PLA2)/platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in Leishmania major. In mammals, PAF-AH is a subgroup of PLA2 catalyzing the hydrolysis/inactivation of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent mediator of many leukocyte functions. By immunofluorescence microscopy, L. major PLA2/PAF-AH is predominantly localized in the ER. While wild type L. major parasites are able to hydrolyze PAF, this activity is completely absent in the PLA2/PAF-AH-null mutants. Meanwhile, deletion of PLA2/PAF-AH had no significant effect on the turnover of common glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylglycerol. PLA2/PAF-AH is not required for the growth of L. major parasites in culture, or the production of GPI-anchored virulence factors. Nonetheless, it does play a key role in the mammalian host as the PLA2/PAF-AH null mutants exhibit attenuated virulence in BALB/c mice. In conclusion, these data suggest that Leishmania parasites possess a functional PAF-AH and the degradation of PAF or PAF-like lipids is an important step in infection.
What businesses can learn from the movies

Abstract Now playing in Business Horizons! A look at the movie industry's epic struggle to cope with one technological challenge after another. Reeling from the advent and huge popularity of wireless television in the mid-20th century, the motion picture business slowly made a comeback, only to be buffeted by successive waves of revolutionary technologies—color TV, cable and pay TV, VCRs, PCs, the Internet, and DVD players. Time and again, this venerable institution that thrives on “make believe” has dealt with the harsh realities confronting it.
Modulation of virulence factors in Francisella tularensis determines human macrophage responses.

Abstract Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia and Category A biodefense agent, is known to replicate within host macrophages, though the pathogenesis of this organism is incompletely understood. We have isolated a variant of F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS) based on colony morphology and its effect on macrophages. Human monocyte-derived macrophages produced more tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 p40 following exposure to the variant, designated the activating variant (ACV). The immunoreactivity of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from both LVS and ACV was comparable to the previously described blue variant and was distinct from the gray variant of LVS. We found, however, the soluble protein fractions of LVS and ACV differed. Further investigation using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis demonstrated higher levels of several proteins in the parental LVS isolate. The differentially expressed proteins featured several associated with virulence in F. tularensis and other pathogens, including intracellular growth locus C (IglC), a σ54-modulation protein family member (YhbH), and aconitase. ACV reverted to the LVS phenotype, indicated by low cytokine induction and high IglC expression, after growth in a chemically defined medium. These data provide evidence that the levels of virulence factors in F. tularensis are modulated based on culture conditions and that this modulation impacts host responses. This work provides a basis for investigation of Francisella virulence factor regulation and the identification of additional factors, co-regulated with IglC, that affect macrophage responses.
Reversal of Infection with Mycobacterium avium intracellulare by Treatment with Alpha-Interferon in a Patient with Hairy Cell Leukemia

Abstract A patient with debilitating hairy cell leukemia and documentedMycobacterium avium intracellularinfection unresponsive to standard antituberculous therapy who was treated with alpha-interfe...
p21Cip1 protection against hyperoxia requires Bcl-XL and is uncoupled from its ability to suppress growth.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1/Waf1/Sdi1 protects the lung against hyperoxia, but the mechanism of protection remains unclear because loss of p21 does not lead to aberrant cell proliferation. Because some members of the Bcl-2 gene family have been implicated in hyperoxia-induced cell death, the current study investigated their expression as well as p21-dependent growth suppression and cytoprotection. Conditional overexpression of full-length p21, its amino-terminal cyclin-binding (p211–82NLS) domain or its carboxy-terminal PCNA-binding (p2176–164) domain inhibited growth of human lung adenocarcinoma H1299 cells, but only the full-length protein was cytoprotective. Low levels of p21 inhibited cell proliferation, whereas higher levels were required for protection. Expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-XL declined during hyperoxia but was maintained in cells expressing p21. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of Bcl-XL enhanced hyperoxic death of cells expressing p21, whereas overexpression of Bcl-XL increased cell survival. Consistent with growth suppression and cytoprotection requiring different levels of p21, hyperoxia inhibited PCNA expression in p21+/+ and p21+/− mice but not in p21−/− mice. In contrast, p21 was haplo-insufficient for maintaining expression of Bcl-XL and protection against hyperoxia. Taken together, these data show that p21-mediated cytoprotection against hyperoxia involves regulation of Bcl-XL and is uncoupled from its ability to inhibit proliferation.
Toughening mechanisms in core-shell rubber modified polycarbonate

Abstract We have conducted a study of toughening mechanisms in rubber modified polycarbonate systems in order to evaluate the sequence of deformation events which improve fracture toughness. We conclude that cavitation of the rubber particles occurs first, followed by massive shear yielding of the matrix material. The size and shape of the deformation zone created in front of the crack is governed by the mechanical properties of the rubber particles and the stress state at the crack tip. The importance of using a variety of analytical techniques to characterize deformation mechanism is also illustrated.
ADP-Ribosyl Cyclase in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Properties and Regulation

We investigated whether ADP-ribosyl cyclase (ADPR-cyclase) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has enzymatic properties that differ from the well-characterized CD38-antigen ADPR-cyclase, expressed in HL-60 cells. ADPR-cyclase from VSMCs, but not CD38 ADPR-cyclase from HL-60 cells, was inhibited by gangliosides (10 micromol/L) GT(1B), GD(1), and GM(3). Preincubation of membranes from CD38 HL-60 cells, but not from VSMCs, with anti-CD38 antibodies increased ADPR-cyclase activity; CD38 antigen was detected both in VSMCs and in HL-60 cells. ADPR-cyclase in VSMC membranes was more sensitive than CD38 HL-60 ADPR-cyclase to inactivation by N-endoglycosidase F and to thermal inactivation at 45 degrees C. The specific activity of ADPR-cyclase in membranes from VSMCs was >20-fold higher than in membranes from CD38 HL-60 cells. Most importantly, VSMC ADPR-cyclase was inhibited by Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) ions; the inhibition by Zn(2+) was dose dependent, noncompetitive, and reversible by EDTA. In contrast, Zn(2+) stimulated the activity of CD38 HL-60 ADPR-cyclase and other known types of ADPR-cyclases. Retinoids act either via the nuclear receptor retinoic acid receptor or retinoid X receptor, including all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), and panagonist 9-cis-retinoic acid-upregulated VSMC ADPR-cyclase; the stimulatory effect of atRA was blocked by actinomycin D and cycloheximide. 1,25(OH)(2)-Vitamin D(3) (calciferol) stimulated VSMC ADPR-cyclase dose dependently at subnanomolar concentrations (ED(50) congruent with 56 pmol/L). Oral administration of atRA to rats resulted in an increase of ADPR-cyclase activity in aorta ( congruent with+60%) and, to a lesser degree, in myocardium of left ventricle (+18%), but atRA had no effect on ADPR-cyclases in lungs, spleen, intestinal smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, liver, or testis. Administration of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T(3)) to rats resulted in an increase of ADPR-cyclase activity in aorta ( congruent with+89%), but not in liver or brain. We conclude the following: (1) ADPR-cyclase in VSMCs has enzymatic properties distinct from "classic" CD38 ADPR-cyclase, especially sensitivity to inhibition by Zn(2+) and Cu(2+); (2) ADPR-cyclase in VSMCs is upregulated by various retinoids, calcitriol, and T(3) in vitro; and (3) administration of atRA and T(3) increases ADPR-cyclase in aorta in vivo. We suggest that the cADPR signaling system plays an important role in the regulation of VSMC functions in response to steroid superfamily hormones.
CONSERVATION GENETICS OF SIX SPECIES OF GENUS DIONDA (CYPRINIDAE) IN THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES

We examined allelic variation at nuclear-encoded microsatellites and sequences of mitochondrial (mt)DNA in 10 geographic samples representing 6 nominal species of the cyprinid genus Dionda. Species of Dionda are found in springs and spring-fed headwaters in the southwestern United States and Mexico and are of particular interest to conservation and management, in part because of their limited distribution and habitat specificity, and in part as indicator species of habitat quality. All 10 samples examined appear to be discrete, demographically independent populations, with greater observed FST values between or among samples within species (0.123–0.280) than threshold values above which demographic independence is indicated. All 10 exhibited microsatellite and mtDNA variation comparable to or lower than that found in other cyprinids considered to be threatened or endangered; across microsatellites, average number of alleles across populations ranged from of 2.09 to 9.76, allelic richness from 2.24 to 8.45, and gene diversity from 0.0211 to 0.606; for mtDNA, the number of haplotypes across populations ranged from 1 to 14. Estimates of historical and present-day genetic demography indicated that all 10 populations have experienced order-of-magnitude declines in effective population size, with lower bounds of time intervals for the declines in 9 of the populations ranging from 6 to 65 years. Estimates of average long-term effective population size (536 in Dionda argentosa from San Felipe Creek to 2335 in D. texensis) and effective number of breeders (22 in D. flavipinnis from Fessenden Spring to 555 in D. diaboli from Devils River) also indicated recent declines in effective size, and at least 5 of the populations appear to have undergone recent, severe bottlenecks (mean Mc range 0.806–0.848, P value range 0.000–0.0350). The observation that all 10 populations are demographically independent indicates that local extirpations likely would not be replaced by new migrants and that loss of any of the populations would represent loss of a unique genetic entity. Conservation recommendations for each of the populations are briefly discussed.
The defect contribution to the excess enthalpy of uranium dioxide-calculation of the frenkel energy

Abstract An equation for the enthalpy of UO2 was derived from earlier data. It is comprised of a lattice parabolic segment to which was added an enthalpy exponential term. H t = −5601.5 + 17.78T + 1.02 × 10 −3 T 2 + 71300 2 exp 14.83 2R exp −71300 2RT . This equation agrees well with the experimental data up to the melting point of UO2. The formation energy and entropy of Frenkel pairs in UO2 were derived from the high temperature data to be 71,300 ± 2.200 cal mole−1 and 14.83 ±0.84 cal mole−1 deg−1, respectively. The model is based upon the assumption that disordering occurs on the oxygen sublattice only and that oxygen Frenkel defects predominate.
Inclusivity in the Classroom Understanding and Embracing Students With “Invisible Disabilities”

This case involves a high school principal dealing with increasing numbers of students with “invisible disabilities” in his school while faced with ever-present budgetary cuts, perennially substandard academic performance, and low teacher morale. This case seeks to investigate how a principal, faced with an unsupportive Board interested only in raising test scores as well as teachers complaining about students with disabilities disrupting their classes, can foster a climate of inclusivity while creating conditions aimed at the academic success of all students in this financially strapped, low-performing school serving children in poverty.
Flexibility, manageability, and performance in a Grid storage appliance

We present NeST a flexible software-only storage appliance designed to meet the storage needs of the Grid. NeST has three key features that make it well-suited for deployment in a Grid environment. First, NeST provides a generic data transfer architecture that supports multiple data transfer protocols (including GridFTP and NFS), and allows for the easy addition of new protocols. Second, NeST is dynamic, adapting itself on-the-fly so that it runs effectively on a wide range of hardware and software platforms. Third, NeST is Grid-aware, implying that features that are necessary for integration into the Grid, such as storage space guarantees, mechanisms for resource and data discovery, user authentication, and quality of service, are a part of the NeST infrastructure.
Optimal weights for autocorrelation sequences

Weighting functions for autocorrelation sequences are discussed in most signal processing textbooks. The standard design method is to convolve a classic window with itself. This method guarantees non-negative power spectral estimates, but it leads to suboptimal performance. In this paper we will present approaches to designing optimal autocorrelation windows. The optimization problems were formulated both in terms of quadratic programming and linear programming. >
Regulation of tau phosphorylation in microtubule fractions by apolipoprotein E.

In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a family of proteins collectively named tau are displaced from their normal association with microtubules and are found in in a hyperphosphorylated state deposited into paired helical filaments (PHFs). PHFs are the hallmark cytoskeletal pathology of the disease, and the degree of PHF pathology correlates with the clinical severity of AD. Certain apolipoprotein E (apoE) isoforms have been identified as either risk or protective factors for AD, and one of the proposed mechanisms involves an interaction and potentially modulatory effects on tau hyperphosphorylation by the different apoE isoforms. In these studies, we directly tested the effects of apoE, E2 ,E3, and E4 on AD-like phosphorylation of tau in brain microtubule fractions. We found that apoE attenuates tau hyperphosphorylation in the fractions, but the pattern was indistinguishable for the different isoforms. J. Neurosci. Res. 56:271‐274, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prescribed burning increased nitrogen availability in a mature loblolly pine stand

Schoch, P. and Binkley, D., 1986. Prescribed burning increased nitrogen availability in a mature loblolly pine stand. For. Ecol. Manage., 14: 13--22. Prescribed burning is a common management practice in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) ecosystems. Several studies have examined the volatilization losses of nitrogen (N), but little information is available on subsequent availability of N. We examined the effects of a low-intensity prescribed fire in a mature stand of loblolly pine and found no significant reduction in the N content of the forest floor. However, the decomposition rate of the forest floor more than doubled for the first growing season after burning. This decomposition released 60 kg N ha -I more than measured for an unburned portion of the same stand. Increased N availability was also indicated by analysis of foliage and soil incubations. This pulse of available nitrogen may have a fertilization effect on pine growth and might substitute for late-rotation applications of N fertilizer.
Sizing Up Information Societies: Toward a Better Metric for the Cultures of ICT Adoption

When researchers study technology diffusion in a global and comparative manner, they often find that economic productivity explains differences in the diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICTs). But when researchers study technology diffusion in a regional, national, or subnational context, they often find that politics and culture explains different diffusion rates. How do we make use of different kinds of conclusions drawn from different levels of analysis? Just knowing the ways in which wealth explains technology diffusion can obscure the ways in which politics and culture also explain patterns in technology diffusion. In this article, we offer a new perspective on weighting technology diffusion data by economic wealth to set into sharp relief the ways in which other factors—such as politics and culture—influence how well a country metabolizes new technologies. A simple but useful computation is offered, examples are assessed, and implications for public policy, industry, and research are discussed.
Psychopathology of Sex Offenders: A Comparison of Males and Females Using Latent Profile Analysis

Although male sex offenders have been the focus of numerous empirical investigations, there exists little data examining the characteristics of female sex offenders. This study examined personality profiles of incarcerated male and female sex offenders by utilizing Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to categorize offenders based on their responses on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). Building on previous research (see Turner, Miller, Henderson, 2008), the current sample of male and female sex offenders is best described using a 4-class model: Moderate Defensiveness, Elevated Alcohol and Drug Use, Moderate Psychopathology, and Elevated Psychopathology. Analyzing covariates and group membership, results indicated that male sex offenders were more likely to be included in the Elevated Drug and Alcohol group, whereas the female sex offenders were more likely to be included in the Moderate or Elevated Psychopathology group. Additional results of psychopathology and gender difference, as well as treatment implications are discussed.
The Preventive Use of Force: A Cosmopolitan Institutional Proposal

Preventive use of force may be defined as the initiation of military action in anticipation of harmful actions that are neither presently occurring nor imminent. This essay explores the permissibility of preventive war from a cosmopolitan normative perspective, one that recognizes the basic human rights of all persons, not just citizens of a particular country or countries. It argues that preventive war can only be justified if it is undertaken within an appropriate rule-governed, institutional framework that is designed to help protect vulnerable countries against unjustified interventions while also avoiding unacceptable risks of the costs of inaction. The key to ensuring the fairness of rules governing the preventive use of force is accountability. This essay proposes a scheme that would make those promoting and those rejecting the preventive use of force more accountable. The proposal contains the following crucial features: States proposing preventive war are required to enter into a contract with a diverse body of states as a condition for authorization of their actions; Prior to taking preventive action, states must make an evidence-based case to the UN Security Council, and agree in advance to submit themselves to an evaluation by an impartial body after the preventive action occurred; Both proponents of action and those opposing it will be held accountable ex post for the accuracy of their prior statements and the proportionality of their actions; Sanctions will be imposed against intervening states or states that opposed preventive action, respectively, depending on the findings of the ex post evaluation. If preventive action were blocked in the Security Council, states seeking to engage in preventive action could then present their case in a different body-a coalition of democratic states-with its own ex post and ex ante accountability procedures.
Reengineering work processes

In this era of company downsizing, fierce market competition, and company and department mergers, all facets of pharmaceutical development are underpressure to work more efficiently—to do actually ...
Structural basis for the MukB-topoisomerase IV interaction and its functional implications in vivo

Chromosome partitioning in Escherichia coli is assisted by two interacting proteins, topoisomerase (topo) IV and MukB. MukB stimulates the relaxation of negative supercoils by topo IV; to understand the mechanism of their action and to define this functional interplay, we determined the crystal structure of a minimal MukB–topo IV complex to 2.3 A resolution. The structure shows that the so‐called ‘hinge’ region of MukB forms a heterotetrameric assembly with a C‐terminal DNA binding domain (CTD) on topo IV9s ParC subunit. Biochemical studies show that the hinge stimulates topo IV by competing for a site on the CTD that normally represses activity on negatively supercoiled DNA, while complementation tests using mutants implicated in the interaction reveal that the cellular dependency on topo IV derives from a joint need for both strand passage and MukB binding. Interestingly, the configuration of the MukB·topo IV complex sterically disfavours intradimeric interactions, indicating that the proteins may form oligomeric arrays with one another, and suggesting a framework by which MukB and topo IV may collaborate during daughter chromosome disentanglement.
Interparental conflict and family cohesion: Predictors of loneliness, social anxiety, and social avoidance in late adolescence.

Family environment is related to characteristics of adolescents’ personal development and social interactions. Although potentially different for males and females, decreased family cohesion and increased interparental conflict can inadvertently provide family environments that are associated with increased feelings of loneliness, which may be associated with problems in adolescents’ social interactions (i.e., social anxiety and social avoidance). Analyses of responses from 124 late adolescents revealed that feelings of loneliness were related to perceived levels of interparental conflict for males and females and decreased family cohesion for females. Furthermore, late adolescents’ feelings of social anxiety and social avoidance were related to their feelings of loneliness. The findings in this study show how deteriorated family systems may provide contexts that are associated with adolescents’ feelings of loneliness as well as their ability to engage in social interactions outside of the family system.