cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineering optimization using interior search algorithm

A new global optimization algorithm, the interior search algorithm (ISA), is introduced for solving engineering optimization problems. The ISA has been recently proposed and has two new search operators, composition optimization and mirror search. In the current study, the optimization process starts with composition optimization and linearly switches to mirror search. For validation against engineering optimization problems, ISA is applied to several benchmark engineering problems reported in the literature. The optimal solutions obtained by ISA are better than the best solutions obtained by the other methods representative of the state-of-the-art in optimization algorithms.
Active wavelength selection for mixture analysis with tunable infrared detectors

Abstract This article presents an active wavelength selection algorithm for multicomponent analysis with tunable infrared sensors. Traditional techniques for wavelength selection operate off-line; as a result, the resulting feature subset is fixed and only optimal for the specific mixtures and noise levels in the training set. To address this limitation, the proposed algorithm interleaves the wavelength-selection and sensing steps so that the feature subset adapts to information from previous measurements. At each point in the process, the algorithm maintains a pool of candidate solutions (i.e., mixtures) consistent with all past measurements, then selects the wavelength that maximizes discrimination across the pool. The algorithm uses a weighting function based on Akaike information criterion to promote parsimonious solutions and balance exploration vs. exploitation strategies. The algorithm is validated experimentally on binary mixture problems with a tunable infrared detector (Fabry-Perot interferometer), and its performance on higher-order mixtures characterized in simulation with a large spectral library. Active wavelength selection outperforms passive strategies, particularly at low signal-to-noise and foreground-background ratios, and when mixture components are similar, in which case the problem becomes ill conditioned.
Synthesis of nanoscale titanium nitride-tungsten nitride alloy powders using a novel complexed precursor

Abstract Nanocrystalline titanium–tungsten nitride alloy powders containing 50 at.% each of titanium and tungsten were synthesized by a novel mixed-metal chloride complexation technique. Chloride salts of the two metal species were simultaneously dissolved in a common solvent such as acetonitrile, then reacted with triethylamine to form a semi-viscous, air stable solution which separated out from the acetonitrile phase. Evaporation of the solvent yielded a solid waxy precursor. When the precursor was heat treated in ammonia, a single phase nitride alloy formed. The main advantage of the present technique is in obtaining a molecularly mixed polynuclear complex which can be quickly converted, due to small diffusion distances, to the corresponding homogeneous nitride alloy. By controlling the ammonolysis conditions during the heating of the precursor, fine-scale powders can be prepared. As measured by X-ray diffraction peak broadening calculations and observed by transmission electron microscopy, the powder particles of this particular alloy nitride system are nanocrystalline in size.
One-year outcomes of panretinal photocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features and complications of diabetic retinopathy, visual acuity, and number of repeat treatments after panretinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy in a tertiary care center. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted with data collection from medical records of patients undergoing panretinal photocoagulation between 1985 and 1995 at the Scheie Eye Institute; 297 eyes of 186 patients were eligible for study. RESULTS: The presence of neovascularization of the disk at baseline, an earlier onset of diabetes, and a shorter duration of disease before panretinal photocoagulation were the strongest risk factors for needing an additional panretinal photocoagulation treatment. Sixty-two percent of eyes with poor visual acuity (≤20/200) at baseline still had poor visual acuity at 1 year, and 76% with good visual acuity (≥20/40) at baseline maintained good visual acuity at 1 year. Poor vision at baseline was the only risk factor for having poor vision at 1 year. Vitreous hemorrhage was present in 44% of eyes at baseline. New vitreous hemorrhage developed in 37% of eyes during the first year after panretinal photocoagulation. A traction retinal detachment was present in 4% of eyes at baseline and newly developed in 6% of eyes during follow-up. A repeat panretinal photocoagulation treatment was performed in 39% of eyes after initial treatment. A vitrectomy was performed in 10% of eyes from baseline through the 1-year follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study are useful for counseling patients with respect to likely visual outcome, possibility of major complications from proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and the chance of undergoing additional laser treatment after panretinal photocoagulation.
Incorporation of 14C-quercetin into an isopropyl alcohol- and acid-insoluble fraction of tobacco

Abstract In tobacco plants injected with randomly 14 C-labeled quercetin, approximately 20 per cent of the injected radioactivity was incorporated, within 15 min, into the isopropyl alcohol-insoluble fraction. “Lignin” prepared from the isopropyl alcohol-insoluble fraction with either 1 per cent HCl or by treatment with the standard 72 per cent H 2 SO 4 procedure was found to contain 4 per cent of the injected radioactivity in the 1 per cent HCl-insoluble fraction and 10 per cent in the 72 per cent H 2 SO 4 -insoluble fraction. No radioactivity was detected in the aldehyde fraction from these “lignin” preparations after an alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation. Acidification of the oxidized alkaline mixture results in a loss of radioactivity, which indicates that 14 C-quercetin may be incorporated into “lignin”.
Biochemical significance of serum glycoproteins. II. Effect of dietary protein on changes in rat serum following injury.

Abstract Changes in the distribution of α2- and β-globulins in response to injury were studied in rats on 20% and 0% protein diets. Under the experimental conditions described, dietary proteins were not essential to maintaining normal α2- and β-glycoprotein concentrations but were essential to the production of the elevated levels produced in response to injury.
Sodium-dependence of sustained force in potassium contracture of cat ventricle.

Following exposure to low-Na solution, the initial phase of K-contracture in cat ventricle is prominent while the second (sustained) phase is markedly attenuated. Monensin, a Na-specific ionophore, enhances the second phase of K-contracture following exposure to low-Na solution.
British Investment Overseas 1870-1913: A Modern Portfolio Theory Approach

Many scholars have asked whether British investors benefited from overseas investment investing in the 19th century and whether this export of capital had negative effects. We re-visit the issue using modern portfolio theory. We examine the set of investment opportunities available to British investors, the developments in information transmission technology, and advances in financial and investment theory at the time. We use meanvariance optimization techniques to take into account the risk and return characteristics of domestic and international investments available to a British investor, and to quantify the benefits from international diversification. Evidence suggests that capital export was a consequence of both the opportunity and the understanding of diversification. Foreign assets offered higher rates of return, but equally important, they offered significant diversification benefits. Even when - by setting expected return on each foreign asset class equal to that of the corresponding UK asset class - we put foreign assets at a disadvantage, we find that it was rational for a British investor to include foreign debt and equity in the portfolio.
S100 PROTEIN: A MARKER FOR HUMAN MALIGNANT MELANOMAS?

S100 protein is a nervous-system-specific cytoplasmic protein which is also present in human malignant melanoma cell lines. To test for its tumour specificity, biopsy specimens from normal tissue and a wide variety of tumours were tested for S100 by complement fixation and immunofluorescence tests. S100 was present in all of thirteen samples of malignant melanoma tissue and absent from nineteen samples of non-melanocytic tumours, and from normal skin and normal lymph nodes. S100 levels did not correlate with tyrosinase activity in the tissues examined. Detection and measurement of S100 protein may help distinguish poorly differentiated amelanotic malignant melanoma from tumours of obscure histological origin; they may also aid the detection of micrometastatic disease in the lymph nodes and other tissues of melanoma patients.
Hexa and pentacoordinate iron poryhyrins

Abstract A direct synthesis of hexa and pentacoordinate iron porphyrins is described. The bis-β-imidazolylethyl amides of meso- and deuterohemin IX and the corresponding mono (6 or 7) β-imidazolylethyl amides contain two and one imidazoles coordinated to iron(III). They are the prosthetic groups for the active sites of certain cytochrome and globin heme proteins, respectively. The behavior and reactivity of these units in dilute solution were charted by a quantitative comparison of their visible spectra with that of the corresponding iron complexes of mesoporphyrin IX and its dimethyl ester under identical conditions. Their general chemistry is summarized: (i) The porphyrin-attached axial ligands are not easily substituted from iron(III) by solvent or base but they are readily removed from iron by mineral acid. (ii) In contrast, the imidazoles are easily substituted by solvent from iron(II), although they are predominantly bonded to iron in dimethylformamide. (iii) The iron(II) active sites are quickly oxidized by oxygen, and there is no evidence for a stable oxygen complex at room temperature. (iv) Thiomethylethers do weakly coordinate to iron(II) porphyrins, but there is no spectral evidence for their association with iron(III), and there is no discreet absorption at 695 mμ in these solutions. Moreover, the 695 band in native ferricytochrome c can be abolished by the addition of N-acetylmethionine. In contrast, both the stability and spectra of the imidazole and amine adducts are congruent with the properties of cytochrome c. The results emphasize the dominant role of the protein in modulating iron porphyrin reactivity.
On-line determination of transport time of a helium-jet system

Abstract A rapid and accurate method for determining the recoil transport time of a helium-jet system by measuring the output activity ratio of two nuclides produced in a single charged particle bombardment with known cross-section is given. The minimum transport time of the Washington University helium-jet system, (149±29) ms, was determined using this method with the 0.21 and 78 s isomeric states of 109In. For a 25 MeV alpha- particle bombardment of natural silver the 109In cross-section ratio was found to be σ0.21sσ78s=0.41±0.04.
Sampling ecological information: choice of sample size, reconsidered

Abstract The choice of sample size is a fundamental decision in planning an environmental survey. Dale et al. (Ecol. Modelling, 57: 1–10) developed a model for sampling field plots and concluded that: (1) the sample size should be such that the sample skewness and kurtosis fall within certain ranges, (2) a larger sample size is required from a non-normal distribution than from a normal distribution, and (3) sample means from log-normal distributions are biased. We use statistical sampling theory to show that conclusions (2) and (3) are incorrect and that (1) is unnecessary and inefficient. The sample mean from a simple random sample of any population is an unbiased estimate of the population mean; its precision depends on the sample size and variance, but not the skewness or kurtosis. Non-normal populations do not require larger sample sizes, unless they have a greater variance. Dale et al. ignored sampling variation when they used the results of a small number of samples to make general conclusions about sampling methods. They also confounded the effects of distribution and variance when they generated random numbers with inappropriate variances.
Inorganic Single Wall Nanotubes of SbPS4-xSex (0 ≤ x ≤ 3) with Tunable Band Gap

A new ternary member, SbPS4, has been added to the growing inorganic nanotube family. This material naturally forms bundles of long, single wall nanotubes.
Diamond growth rates vs. acetylene concentrations

Abstract Previous measurements and analyses have pointed to either methyl CH 3 or acetylene C 2 H 2 as the primary growth species for diamond films grown from chemical vapor deposition. In this work we used a quartz microprobe and a mass spectrometer to measure how the concentration of C 2 H 2 varied with pressure and with the ratio of methane to hydrogen in the input gas. We compared these variation with variations in the growth rate, as measured with a microbalance. We found no consistent correlation between the growth rate and the C 2 H 2 concentration. This contrasts with a linear relationship that we found previously between the growth rate and the calculated concentration of the methyl radical CH 3 .
A model for the collection of minority carriers generated in the depletion region of a Schottky barrier solar cell

Abstract The continuity equation for minority carriers, in this case holes, is solved in the depletion region under the assumption that there is no increase in the recombination rate in the depletion region compared with the rate in the neutral region. The predicted short-circuit current density was found to be between that of the model whereby all the minority carriers generated within and diffusing towards the depletion region are collected and that of the model in which the depletion region is ignored. The current density is strongly dependent on the recombination velocity at the front surface for the back-wall Schottky barrier solar cell and nearly independent of the back-surface recombination velocity for the front-wall solar cell. As a consequence of this dependence, and that of the strong dependence on the semiconductor thickness for the back-wall cell, the front-wall cell appears to be preferable, even though more photon reflection is expected from the front-wall Schottky barrier solar cell. The numerical calculations are for air mass 0 conditions.
TRIPTYCHON, not CAPRICE, participates in feedback regulation of SCM expression in the Arabidopsis root epidermis

The Arabidopsis root epidermal cells decide their fates (root-hair cell and non-hair cell) according to their position. SCRAMBLED (SCM), an atypical leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase (LRR RLK) mediates the positional information to the epidermal cells enabling them to adopt the proper fate. Via feedback regulation, the SCM protein accumulates preferentially in cells adopting the root-hair cell fate. In this study, we determine that TRY, but not the related factor CPC, is responsible for this preferential SCM accumulation. We observed severe reduction of SCM::GUS expression in the try-82 mutant root, but not in the cpc-1 mutant. Furthermore, the overexpression of TRY by CaMV35S promoter caused an increase in the expression of SCM::GUS in the root epidermis. Intriguingly, the overexpression of CPC by CaMV35S promoter repressed the expression of SCM::GUS. Together, these results suggest that TRY plays a unique role in generating the appropriate spatial expression of SCM.
Interpretation of need in US ocean incineration policy

In early 1988, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was on the verge of issuing new regulations that would enable the commercial incineration at sea, based on need, of certain hazardous organic wastes. The special vessels that would be used would operate in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and in the Gulf of Mexico. The role such a program might play in relation to the overall hazardous waste problem depends upon the agency's interpretation of "need." This article considers the proposed interpretation and is severely critical of it, claiming that it excludes promising options and contravenes provisions of the London Dumping Convention.
Correlation Of Optical Properties And Surface Roughness Of Polycrystalline Diamond Films

It has been shown that the optical transmission of microwave-plasma CVD produced diamond films is a strong function of the surface roughness. Polycrystalline diamond films consisting of pm-size crystallites and deposited at relatively high substrate temperatures (~700-1000 °C) have significant surface roughness with values ranging from a few hundred Angstroms to a few thousand Angstroms. The discrepancy in the transmission spectra between single crystal type IIA natural diamond and polycrystalline diamond films can be fully accounted for by optical scattering and difference in the thicknesses of the two types of samples. For sufficiently long wavelengths in the infrared, the optical scattering is predominantly due to surface roughness. Our data show that for diamond films with surface roughness values of about 500 A or less, the infrared transmission of such films at wavelengths about 5μm and greater is comparable to that of single crystal type IIA natural diamond.
VastMM-Tag: a semantic tagging browser for unstructured videos

Quickly accessing the contents of a video is challenging for users, particularly for unstructured video, which contains no intentional shot boundaries, no chapters, and no apparent edited format. We approach this problem in the domain of lecture videos using machine learning and semantic display techniques. We extend an existing video browser, through a display of these machine-learned semantic labelings to provide the user with a multi-timeline semantic view. Each timeline corresponds to one semantic label and indicates the label's probable presence or absence in the associated frames. We also provide a full Boolean algebra over these labels, in order to accommodate more complex queries, such as 'text or code, but no instructor'. Finally, we quantify the effectiveness of our features and our browser through user studies on various tasks. We find that users follow a nearly fixed pattern of access, alternating between the use of these tags and keyframes, and also between the use of 'word bubbles' and the player. We show that the tag algebra is integral to the time efficient use of tag timelines, saving up to 27% of the time for various retrieval tasks.
Management of Leghorn hens and pullets with and without artificial lights.

Abstract IT is generally believed that pullets are more profitable than hens for the production of market eggs. The increased yield from pullets during the season of high egg prices probably accounts for this opinion. A common practice is to keep two-thirds pullets and one-third hens. The hens are kept principally to reproduce the flock during the spring. The rearing of chicks to a productive age is expensive, however, and the depreciation in market value the first year is large. If hens could be caused to produce profitably more fall eggs in their second and later laying years, a larger percentage could be kept and a material saving made. The use of artificial light, confinement of the laying flock, and the hopper feeding of both scratch grain and dry mash have been shown to have some value in stimulating fall production for both hens and pullets. Allen (1927), Atwood (1928), Brody, . . .
Energy transfer and trapping in the photosystem I core antenna. A temperature study.

The fluorescence decay kinetics of the photosystem I-only mutant strain of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, A4d, are used to study energy transfer and structural organization in photosystem I (PSI). Time-resolved measurements over a wide temperature range (36–295 K) have been made both on cells containing approximately 65 core chl a/P700 and an additional 60–70 chl a + b from LHC proteins and on PSI particles containing 40–50 chl a/P700. In each case, the fluorescence decay kinetics is dominated by a short component, tau 1 which is largely attributed to the lifetime of the excitations in the core complex. The results are discussed in terms of simulations of the temperature dependence of tau 1 in model systems. Spectral inhomogeneity and the temperature dependence of the spectral lineshapes are included explicitly in the simulations. Various kinds of antenna arrangements are modeled with and without the inclusion of pigments with lower absorption energies than the trap (red pigments). We conclude that funnel arrangements are not consistent with our measurements. A random model that includes one or two red pigments placed close to the trap shows temperature and wavelength dependence similar to that observed experimentally. A comparison of the temperature dependence of tau 1 for cells and PSI particles is included.
Women who kill: the impact of abuse

Only 12% of all homicides in the United States are committed by women (Browne & Williams, 1989; Jones, 1981), and the majority of these women are killing their abusive and violent partners. The woman who has killed her partner is now a criminal defendant, which adds a very complicated dimension to her plight. The battered woman who kills her assaulter is additionally handicapped by a legal system that lacks consensus concerning the proper legal response to her case. Maguigan (1991) estimates that there are about 750 men killed each year by wives, girlfriends, and lovers, and argues that the female homicide defendant is almost always a battered woman. When a battered woman becomes a defendant in a criminal case it becomes crucial for the introduction of psychological information about the dynamics of her circumstances to be presented in a court of law so that her actions can be understood by those judging her behavior. Nurses, particularly psychiatric nurses, may be in critical positions as expert witnesses, therapists, and crisis counselors to assist the battered woman and her legal representative in developing a comprehensive understanding of her response to her violent partner. Psychiatric nurses are well aware of violence against women, and this article provides another level of understanding of the effects of violence and trauma on a woman who kills in response to violence.
Valdecoxib: a review.

Abstract Background: Traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, and related agents are nonselective inhibitors of both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2, which catalyze prostaglandin synthesis. This inhibition accounts not only for the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects of these agents, but also for side effects such as gastric mucosal damage and renal toxicity. Substantial evidence suggests that sparing COX-1 is advantageous for gastric safety. Objective: This article reviews available information on the new COX-2-selective inhibitor valdecoxib, including its clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, potential drug interactions, and contraindications and warnings. Results of clinical trials of efficacy and tolerability are summarized. Methods: Articles for inclusion in this review were identified through searches of PubMed and MEDLINE (1966—December 2002) and International Pharmaceutic Abstracts (1970—December 2002). Search terms included valdecoxib, Bextra, COX-2-selective inhibitors, coxibs and selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors . The reference lists of identified articles were reviewed for additional publications. Product information was also obtained from the manufacturer of valdecoxib. Results: Fourteen clinical studies involving >4000 patients have been conducted. Valdecoxib was significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of adult rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea, and postoperative pain. Valdecoxib was comparable to naproxen for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in 1 study and equivalent to naproxen for the treatment of osteoarthritis in other studies. Three studies found valdecoxib comparable to naproxen sodium for the relief of moderate to severe pain due to primary dysmenorrhea, and others found valdecoxib comparable to oxycodone plus acetaminophen and significantly more effective than rofecoxib for the relief of pain associated with dental surgery ( P P P Conclusions: In clinical trials, valdecoxib was effective for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and moderate to severe pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea. As with the other COX-2-selective inhibitors (celecoxib and rofecoxib), valdecoxib appears to produce less gastrointestinal toxicity than conventional nonselective NSAIDs, although some of the relevant clinical studies have been published only as abstracts. Use of valdecoxib should be reserved for patients at risk for NSAID-induced gastrointestinal problems.
Metastatic lung cancer presenting as cholecystitis.

We report the case of a 69-yr-old patient with inoperable cancer of the lung who later developed acute cholecystitis related to metastasis to the gallbladder wall. Secondary malignancies of the gallbladder are discussed.
The Hormonal and Local Regulation of Bone Formation

Introduction DURING the past several years, a considerable amount of knowledge has been obtained about the control of bone formation by hormones, growth factors, and local regulatory factors. However, these agents have complex, direct and indirect effects on bone, and our understanding of the regulation of bone formation is still incomplete. This is also due to discrepancies between the in vitro or direct effects of hormones and their in vivo effects, which may be mediated by indirect mechanisms. Another problem in the study of bone formation has been related to a paucity in the development of appropriate in vitro models. Recently, methods have been developed to study the synthesis of DNA and collagen by cultured bones in order to examine effects on bone cell replication and matrix formation. These methods have allowed the study of the direct effects of hormones on these two important parameters of bone growth and this has been a large effort of several laboratories in recent years.
Asynchrony of mother–infant hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity following extinction of infant crying responses induced during the transition to sleep

This study examines change in the synchrony between mothers' and infants' physiology as 25 infants (11 males; 4 to 10 months of age) participate in a 5-day inpatient sleep training program in which they learn to self-settle through extinction of crying responses during the transition to sleep. The mothers' and infants' experience during the extinction protocol was "yoked" by the infants' behavioral signaling during the sleep transition period. Saliva was sampled for mothers and infants at initiation of infants' nighttime sleep and following infants' falling to sleep on two program days and later assayed for cortisol. As expected on the first day of the program, mothers' and infants' cortisol levels were positively associated at initiation of nighttime sleep following a day of shared activities. Also, when infants expressed distress in response to the sleep transition, mother and infant cortisol responses were again positively associated. On the third day of the program, however, results showed that infants' physiological and behavioral responses were dissociated. They no longer expressed behavioral distress during the sleep transition but their cortisol levels were elevated. Without the infants' distress cue, mothers' cortisol levels decreased. The dissociation between infants' behavioral and physiological responses resulted in asynchrony in mothers' and infants' cortisol levels. The findings are discussed in relation to understanding the determinants and implications of maternal-infant physiological synchrony in early childhood.
Tyramine excites rat subthalamic neurons in vitro by a dopamine-dependent mechanism.

Abstract Tyramine, an endogenous ligand for mammalian trace amine-associated receptors, may act as a neuromodulator that regulates neuronal activity in basal ganglia. Using whole-cell patch recordings of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons in rat brain slices, we found that bath application of tyramine evoked an inward current in voltage-clamp in over 60% of all STN neurons. The inward current induced by tyramine was mimicked by the D2-like dopamine receptor agonist quinpirole, but was only partially blocked by the D2-like receptor antagonist sulpiride. In contrast, the D1-like receptor agonist SKF38393 evoked no current in STN neurons. Inward current evoked by tyramine was significantly reduced by the catecholamine uptake inhibitor nomifensine, and by exhausting catecholamines in the brain via pretreatment with reserpine. Tyramine also reduced the amplitude of GABAA receptor-mediated IPSCs that were evoked by focal electrical stimulation of the slice. Inhibition of IPSCs by tyramine was mimicked by quinpirole and was blocked by sulpiride but not by SCH23390, a D1 receptor antagonist. Moreover, tyramine-induced inhibition of IPSCs was reduced in slices pretreated with reserpine, and this inhibition could be restored by briefly superfusing the slice with dopamine. These results suggest that tyramine acts as an indirect dopamine agonist in the STN. Although inhibition of IPSCs is mediated by D2-like receptors, the dopamine-dependent inward currents evoked by tyramine do not fit a typical dopamine receptor pharmacological profile.
Dynamical and geometrical effects on the physisorption of atoms

The physisorption of atoms moving uniformly parallel to a plane surface and of atoms situated near a metal sphere is analyzed. A local dielectric function is used to calculate the energy of interaction in each case. The dynamical case is shown to give significant effects for atomic energies well beyond the thermal domain. The energy for both instances is calculated using a frequency- and space-dependent quantum-mechanical self-energy function.
Regulation of H2O2 Stress-responsive Genes through a Novel Transcription Factor in the Protozoan Pathogen Entamoeba histolytica

Outcome of infection depends upon complex interactions between the invading pathogen and the host. As part of the host's innate immune response, the release of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by phagocytes represents a major obstacle to the establishment of infection. The ability of the human parasite Entamoeba histolytica to survive reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is central to its pathogenic potential and contributes to disease outcome. In order to define the transcriptional network associated with oxidative stress, we utilized the MEME and MAST programs to analyze the promoter regions of 57 amoebic genes that had increased expression specifically in response to H2O2 exposure. We functionally characterized an H2O2-regulatory motif (HRM) (1AAACCTCAATGAAGA15), which was enriched in these promoters and specifically bound amoebic nuclear protein(s). Assays with promoter-luciferase fusions established the importance of key residues and that the HRM motif directly impacted the ability of H2O2-responsive promoters to drive gene expression. DNA affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry identified EHI_108720 as an HRM DNA-binding protein. Overexpression and down-regulation of EHI_108720 demonstrated the specificity of EHI_108720 protein binding to the HRM, and overexpression increased basal expression from an H2O2-responsive wild-type promoter but not from its mutant counterpart. Thus, EHI_108720, or HRM-binding protein, represents a new stress-responsive transcription factor in E. histolytica that controls a transcriptional regulatory network associated with oxidative stress. Overexpression of EHI_108720 increased parasite virulence. Insight into how E. histolytica responds to oxidative stress increases our understanding of how this important human pathogen establishes invasive disease. Background: How gene expression is regulated in response to oxidative stress is unknown in Entamoeba histolytica. Results: Motif AAACCTCAATGAAGA, enriched in promoters of H2O2-responsive genes, specifically binds amoebic protein EHI_108720. Conclusion: EHI_108720 is a transcription factor that mediates up-regulation of gene expression in response to elevated H2O2 levels. Significance: Determining the molecular basis of H2O2 stress response is critical to understanding parasite virulence.
Stress singularities at interface corners in bonded dissimilar isotropic elastic materials

Abstract The plane problem is considered of two materially dissimilar isotropic, homogeneous, elastic wedges that are bonded together along both of their common faces so that the cross section forms a composite fullplane with a single corner in the otherwise straight interface boundary. The loading is due to a regular plane body force field with finite resultant applied to a bounded subregion of one of the wedge domains. Emphasis is placed on determining how the order of the singularity in the stress field at the corner depends on the material constants and corner angle. Numerical results are presented for several chosen angles and all physically relevant composites. In no instance is the stress singularity more severe than that associated with the traction and displacement problems for the reentrant wedge element.
The Thunderstorm Research International Program

Abstract The Thunderstorm Project of 1946–47 was the first large-scale investigation of thunderstorms; however, the electrical studies included in the project were quite limited. Scientists working in atmospheric electricity have long felt the need for a second project in which the electrical phenomena are thoroughly investigated. The opportunity for such a project was provided by Kennedy Space Center (KSC), NASA, when the center issued a generous invitation to the atmospheric electricians to join in cooperative studies of storms at KSC. This invitation-enthusiastically accepted-has led to the Thunderstorm Research International Program (TRIP). In the summer of 1976, some 20 principal investigators will participate in TRIP. Each investigator provides his own basic funding and equipment; however, each will also receive logistic support from KSC such as facilities at experimental sites and office space. The experiments include radar observations; electrical measurements at the ground and from aircraft and b...
A Preliminary Study of the Proton Rearrangement Energy Levels and Spectrum of CH+5

Abstract This theoretical paper is concerned with the proton rearrangement energy levels and spectrum of the CH + 5 molecular ion, and it is based on the ab initio results of P. R. Schreiner, S-J. Kim, H. F. Schaefer, and P. v. R. Schleyer [ J. Chem. Phys. 99, 3716–3720 (1993)]. The ab initio work predicts that the molecule should be considered as an H 2 molecule bound with a dissociation energy of about 15 000 cm −1 at the apex of a pyramidal CH + 3 group. At equilibrium the H 2 axis is nearly perpendicular to the C 3 axis of the CH + 3 group, eclipsing a CH bond. The internal rotation of the H 2 about the C 3 axis has a barrier height of 30 cm −1 . There is also an internal “flip” motion through a C 2 v structure, with a barrier of 300 cm −1 , that exchanges a CH + 3 and an H 2 proton in the molecule and that makes all 120 symmetrically equivalent minima accessible. Using the ab initio equilibrium structure and torsional barrier, the rotation–torsion energy levels and spectrum are calculated. The tilt of the C 3 axis of the CH + 3 group away from the internal rotation axis of the H 2 has a very significant effect on the energy levels. The tunneling resulting from the flip motion will produce splittings in the rotation–torsion energy levels and a spectrum that will have characteristic relative intensities because of the nuclear spin statistical weights. These weights are calculated using the complete nuclear permutation inversion group G 240 = S 5 × { E , E *}, all elements of which are feasible. There are many levels with zero nuclear spin statistical weight, and this will make the spectrum simpler than would otherwise be the case.
Electron diffraction of thin-film pentacene

The structure of pentacene thin films deposited on NaCl substrates have been studied by electron diffraction. The lattice parameters of a `thin film' phase [a = 6.1 (1), b = 7.6 (1), c = 15.3 (3) A, α = 81.0 (16), β = 85.0 (17), γ = 89.5 (9)°] were determined using a series of diffraction patterns obtained by tilting the crystal in the electron microscope. This phase has a (001) d spacing of 15.1 (3) A. The packing of molecules in the structure is discussed.
Protein quality of high and low saponin alfalfa protein concentrate.

The effects of saponin content, methionine content, and digestibility on the protein quality of alfalfa protein concentrates (APC) made from high and low saponin alfalfa were evaluated by chemical analyses and by rat bioassays. The protein quality of the APC both with and without added methionine were measured as protein efficiency ratios and as relative nutritive values (by a slope-ratio assay). The low saponin APC had a higher crude protein content, a higher protein digestibility, a higher relative nutritive value, and higher protein efficiency ratios at all levels of added methionine than the high saponin APC. With the addition of 0.3% methionine the protein quality of the low saponin APC was as good as casein.
Comparative sequence analysis of 634 kb of the mouse chromosome 16 region of conserved synteny with the human velocardiofacial syndrome region on chromosome 22q11.2.

Mouse genomic DNA sequence extending 634 kb on proximal mouse chromosome 16 was compared to the corresponding human sequence from chromosome 22q11.2. Haploinsufficiency for this region results in velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) in humans. The mouse region is rearranged into three conserved blocks relative to human, but gene content and position are highly conserved within these blocks. Examination of the boundaries of one of these blocks suggested that the evolutionary chromosomal rearrangement occurred in the mouse lineage, resulting in inactivation of the mouse orthologue of ZNF74. Sequence analysis identified 21 genes and 15 ESTs. These include 2 novel genes, Srec2 and Cals2, and previously undescribed splice variants of several other genes. Exon discovery was carried out using GRAIL2, MZEF, or comparative analysis across 491 kb of conserved mouse and human sequence. Sequence comparison was highly effective, identifying every gene and nearly every exon without the high frequency of false-positive predictions seen when algorithmic methods were used alone. In combination, these procedures identified every gene with no false-positive predictions. Comparative sequence analysis also revealed regions of extensive conservation among noncoding sequences, accounting for 6% of the sequence. A library of such sequences has been established to form a resource for generalized studies of regulatory and structural elements.
Collagen-bound von Willebrand Factor Has Reduced Affinity for Factor VIII

von Willebrand factor (vWf) is a multimeric adhesive glycoprotein that serves as a carrier for factor VIII in plasma. Although each vWf subunit displays a high affinity binding site for factor VIII in vitro, in plasma, only 2% of the vWf sites for factor VIII are occupied. We investigated whether interaction of plasma proteins with vWf or adhesion of vWf to collagen may alter the affinity or availability of factor VIII-binding sites on vWf. When vWf was immobilized on agarose-linked monoclonal antibody, factor VIII bound to vWf with high affinity, and neither the affinity nor binding site availability was influenced by the presence of 50% plasma. Therefore, plasma proteins do not alter the affinity or availability of factor VIII-binding sites. In contrast, when vWf was immobilized on agarose-linked collagen, its affinity for factor VIII was reduced 4-fold, with KD increasing from 0.9 to 3.8 nM. However, one factor VIII-binding site remained available on each vWf subunit. A comparable reduction in affinity for factor VIII was observed when vWf was a constituent of the subendothelial cell matrix and when it was bound to purified type VI collagen. In parallel with the decreased affinity for factor VIII, collagen-bound vWf displayed a 6-fold lower affinity for monoclonal antibody W5-6A, with an epitope composed of residues 78-96 within the factor VIII-binding motif of vWf. We conclude that collagen induces a conformational change within the factor VIII-binding motif of vWf that lowers the affinity for factor VIII.
Development of the fast sodium current in early embryonic chick heart cells.

Single ventricle cells were dissociated from the hearts of two-, theree-, four-, or seven-day-old chick embryos, and were maintained in vitro for an additional 6 to 28 hr. Rounded 13 to 18 μm cells with input capacitance of 5 to 10 pF were selected for analysis of fast sodium current (I Na). Voltage dependence, and kinetics ofI Na were applied with patch electrodes in the wholecell clamp configuration.I Na was present in over half of the 2d, and all 3d, 4d and 7d cells selected. The current showed no systematic differences in activation kinetics, voltage dependence, or tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitivity with age or culture condition, Between the 2d and 7d stages, the rate of current inactivation doubled an channel density increased about eighfold. At all stages tested,I Na was blocked by TTX at a half-effective concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 nM. We conclude that the lack of Na dependence of the action potential upstroke on the second day of development results from the relatively depolarized level of the diastolic potential, and failure to activate the small available excitatory na current. The change from Ca to Na dependence of the upstroke during the third to the seventh day of incubation results partly from the negative shift of the diastolic potential during this period, and in part from the increase in available Na conductance.
USING JUST NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCES TO INTERPRET TEST OF SPOKEN ENGLISH SCORES

This study explored the value of obtaining a Just Noticeable Difference (JND) — the difference in scores needed before observers discern a difference in examinees' English proficiency – for the current Test of Spoken English (TSE®) as a means of interpreting scores in practical terms, using college students' ratings of their international teaching assistants' English proficiency and adapting classical psychophysical methods. The test's concurrent validity against these ratings was also appraised. Three estimates of the JND were obtained. They varied considerably in size, but all were substantial when compared with the standard deviation of the TSE scores, the test's standard error of measurement, and guidelines for the effect size for mean differences. The TSE test correlated moderately with the rating criterion. The JND estimates appear to be meaningful and useful in interpreting the practical significance of TSE scores, and the test has some concurrent validity.
How do holidays influence relationship processes and outcomes? Examining the instigating and catalytic effects of Valentine's Day

Might Valentine’s Day, despite its marketing as a holiday to enhance romantic relationships, paradoxically facilitate their demise? Because Valentine’s Day provides a useful opportunity for exploring the potential influences of recurring culture-wide events on relationships, we asked college students in romantic relationships about relationship stability, quality, beliefs, and processes, both 1 week prior to and 1 week after Valentine’s Day. As predicted, those participating during the time period straddling Valentine’s Day were more likely to break up than were those participating in comparison time periods. This increase in relationship dissolution appeared attributable to the catalyzing effect that Valentine’s Day had on moderately strong and weak relationships already on a downward trajectory: These relationships were particularly likely to dissolve during the Valentine’s Day period. We view this research as a useful illustration of how to conceptualize and empirically investigate the effects of holidays and other cultural events on relationship dynamics and outcomes. In much of the world, Valentine’s Day provides a salient opportunity for couples to profess their love and commitment. This opportunity, with its poetic endearments, exchanges of roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, and even engagement rings, would seem to strengthen relationships. We suggest, however, that Valentine’s Day may be less beneficial to relationships than those who market greeting cards, flowers, candy, and jewelry would have one believe. Indeed, we propose that Valentine’s Day is harmful to many relationships, a contention we justify shortly.
Experimental study of surface waves in shoaling water

A series of experiments was performed to compare actual wave dimensions with those given by theory for waves moving over a sloping beach. The primary consideration was the change of the water surface elevation at a point with time. It was found that this “profile” corresponded with Rayleigh's extension of the theory of waves to shoal water conditions, except probably in the case of rapidly shoaling water (slopes steeper than 1:10) and near the breaker zone.
A homeodomain protein binds to. gamma. -globin gene regulatory sequences

Abstract Developmental regulation of gamma-globin gene expression probably occurs through developmental-stage-specific trans-acting factors able to promote the interaction of enhancer elements located in the far upstream locus control region with regulatory elements in the gamma gene promoters and 3' A gamma enhancer located in close proximity to the genes. We have detected a nuclear protein in K562 and baboon fetal bone marrow nuclear extracts capable of binding to A+T-rich sequences in the locus control region, gamma gene promoter, and 3' A gamma enhancer. SDS/polyacrylamide gel analysis of the purified K562 binding activity revealed a single protein of 87 kDa. A K562 cDNA clone was isolated encoding a beta-galactosidase fusion protein with a DNA binding specificity identical to that of the K562/fetal bone marrow nuclear protein. The cDNA clone encodes a homeodomain homologous to the Drosophila antennapedia protein.