cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconstitution and Topological Analysis of Caveolin-1 in Bicelles

Caveolae are 50-100 nm invaginations in the plasma membrane of many cell types that play a critical role in signal transduction. Caveolin-1 is a 21 kD integral membrane protein that is required for the formation of caveolae. Caveolin-1 is thought to adopt an unusual horseshoe topology in the membrane where the N- and C- termini are cytoplasmic. Caveolin-1 has 4 native tryptophan residues in this region (W85, W98, W115, and W128) that can be used as reporters of the micro-environment of the polypeptide chain. Caveolin-1 single tryptophan mutants were successfully reconstituted into CHAPSO/DMPC bicelles. Fluorescence emission measurements were performed on each mutant and analysis of these spectra indicated that tryptophan residues 85 and 128 are in the head group region of the lipid bilayer with λmax values of 344.4 ± 2.4 nm and 338.2 ± 0.6 nm respectively, and tryptophan residues 98 and 115 are inserted into the hydrophobic core with λmax values of 334.4 ± 0.2 nm and 330.2 ± 1.0 nm, respectively. The information gleaned from these studies was supported by MD simulations performed on caveolin-1 in a DMPC bilayer. These data together support the postulation that caveolin-1 contains a membrane embedded turn.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Endoscopic Procedures

Two cases are presented to demonstrate the acceptability of the percutaneous route for performing endoscopic procedures in the biliary tree. They involved debridement of an atypical villoglandular polyp and ultrasonic lithotripsy of intrahepatic stones. Both cases serve to introduce percutaneous biliary endoscopy as a viable alternative for diagnosis and therapy in selected cases.
IMPROVED AND EXTENDED END-OF-SAMPLE INSTABILITY TESTS USING A FEASIBLE QUASI-GENERALIZED LEAST SQUARES PROCEDURE

This paper extends the Andrews (2002, Econometrica 71, 1661–1694) and Andrews and Kim (2006, Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 24, 379–394) ordinary least squares–based end-of-sample instability tests for linear regression models. The author proposes to quasi-difference the data first using a consistent estimate of the sum of the autoregressive coefficients of the error process and then test for the end-of-sample instability. For the cointegration model, the feasible quasi-generalized least squares (FQGLS) version of the Andrews and Kim (2006) P test is considered and is shown, by simulations, to be more robust to serial correlation in the error process and to have power no less than Andrews and Kim’s original test. For the linear time trend model, the FQGLS version of the Andrews (2002) S test is considered with the error process allowed to be nonstationary up to one unit root, and the new test is shown to be robust to potentially nonstationary serial correlation. A simulation study also shows that the finite-sample properties of the proposed test can be further improved when the Andrews (1993, Econometrica 61,139–165) or Andrews and Chen (1994, Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 12, 187–204) median unbiased estimate of the sum of the autoregressive coefficients is used.
VizDeck: a card game metaphor for fast visual data exploration

Scientists in all fields are acquiring data at a rate that is challenging the limits of human cognitive capacity. At the same time, researchers' attention is increasingly claimed by ever more diverse demands on their time. Visual perception is the highest bandwidth channel into the human brain, yet many existing visualization tools require a period of training rendering them inaccessible from a practical standpoint for many users. In addition, appropriate visualizations for cognitively overloaded users may differ from those optimized for analysis. We present VizDeck, a web-based visualization system for relational data that uses a card game metaphor and automatic visualization techniques to assist scientists and researchers in creating interactive visual dashboard applications in seconds with no programming necessary.
Interspecific differences of parental polychlorinated biphenyl exposure on nutrient availability, egg production and brooding in two Syngnathus species

Parental nutrient contribution of two closely related, sympatric pipefish species was investigated following exposure to mid-range environmental concentrations of the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture Aroclor 1254 (mean ±s.e. = 52·89 ± 2·12 μg l−1). This study tested the hypothesis that differential nutrient supplementation during development predicts interspecific sensitivity to environmental stressors. Specifically, paternal PCB exposure was predicted to affect Syngnathus fuscus development because embryos depend on paternally derived nutrient sources in the brood pouch. Conversely, changes in Syngnathus floridae egg production were expected following maternal PCB treatment as a nurse-egg system generates the nutrient-rich pouch fluid. Lipid concentrations in adult blood plasma were significantly elevated following Aroclor 1254 treatment in S. floridae gravid females and post-brooding S. fuscus males (P < 0·001) which suggested mobilization from body tissues in response to metabolic demands. Aroclor 1254 treatment also resulted in decreased protein concentrations in S. fuscus pouch fluid (P < 0·05). These changes were not translated into significant exposure-related effects in the nutrient reserves of eggs and fry or fry size. Overall S. fuscus demonstrated a general sensitivity to disturbances from laboratory exposure conditions. Whereas a previous investigation of field-collected pipefishes showed comparable interspecific pouch fluid and fry nutrient concentrations and egg size, here, nutrient levels and egg diameter decreased in both laboratory-mated control and PCB-exposed S. fuscus. This study demonstrates the potential physiological effects of PCB exposure on parental nutrient allocation in syngnathids and the general sensitivity of S. fuscus to environmental disturbances.
Predation risk, food deprivation and non-random mating by size in the stream water strider, Aquarius remigis

Non-random mating by size (NRMS) plays a central role in the study of sexual selection and the evolution of mating systems. Theory suggests that NRMS should be influenced by conflicting demands (e.g., predation risk, hunger); few experimental studies, however, have addressed these effects. We used a factorial experiment to examine the influence of predatory green sunfish and food deprivation on NRMS in male and female stream water striders, Aquarius remigis. As predicted by theory, food deprivation decreased the large-male mating advantage. The influence of predation risk, however, went against existing theory; that is, risk increased the large male mating advantage. The degree of large-male mating advantage was negatively related to a measure of the rate of male harassment of females. A behavioral mechanism that can explain these patterns emphasizes the contrasting effects of different competing demands on male harassment rates, female resistance and the role of male size in overcoming female resistance. Females usually resist male mating attempts. Successful mating occurs when males overcome female resistance. If harassment rates (of females by males) are low, larger males have a mating advantage over smaller males perhaps because females resist heavily and thus only larger males can overcome female resistance. If, however, male harassment rates are very high, female resistance might be swamped; mating should then be more random with respect to male size. Food deprivation increases gerrid activity and thus increases harassment rates which should then reduce NRMS. In contrast, risk decreases gerrid activity, thus decreasing harassment rates and increasing NRMS. Females did not show significant NRMS. Females did, however, show a pattern of change in NRMS that is consistent with male choice for larger females.
Pilot study of ‘Feiji recipe’ in conjunction with chemotherapy on QoL in non‐small cell lung cancer patients. Larger controlled clinical trials are necessary to determine whether the Feiji recipe benefits overall non‐small cell lung cancer

Jian-Hui Tian, Ling-Shuang Liu, Zhi-Ming Shi and Zhi-Yi Zhou. A randomized controlled pilot trial of ‘Feiji recipe’ on quality of life on non-small cell lung cancer patients. Am J Chin Med 2010; 38: 15–25.
Growth factors and myelin regeneration in multiple sclerosis

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) are multifunctional growth factors which are found in the CNS. Oligodendroglia are the cells that form and maintain myelin sheaths and many in vitro experiments have shown that these growth factors promote the proliferation, differentiation and survival of cells in the oligodendroglial lineage. Since myelin breakdown is often severe in multiple sclerosis (MS), the possibility of growth factor use in the treatment of MS has been considered and recently, IGF-I treatment has been shown to reduce lesion severity and promote myelin regeneration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. This review briefly summarizes the structural characteristics of these growth factors and the actions which might help reduce oligodendrocyte-myelin sheath injury in MS and promote myelin regeneration.
Enzymatic determination of ethanol by flow injection analysis using a Kel-F wax carbon paste electrode

Surface passivation during oxidation of NADH at a fluorocarbon polymer-carbon paste electrode (CPE) was about 25% less than that of the glassy carbon or Nujol-oil CPE. After repeated injections of 1.5 mM NADH for 12 h, the Kel-F wax CPE maintained about 85% of its initial response. The determination of ethanol in wine samples using soluble alcohol dehydrogenase stabilized by polyethyleneglycol was demonstrated. Linearity of response extended from the detection limit of 0.44 mM to 33 mM.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for benign adrenal neoplasms

Background: Since first reported in 1992, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been used to remove a wide variety of adrenal neoplasms. Indications for use of this technique have not been clearly defined, nor has it been demonstrated to be more cost effective than open adrenalectomy.
A typology of kinship foster families: Latent class and exploratory analyses of kinship family structure and household composition

Abstract Using a combination of survey and administrative data describing 458 public kinship foster family placements in Illinois, this study uses latent class analysis to develop a typology of kinship foster families based on indicators of family structure and household composition. Kinship family types are then compared on other kinship family characteristics. Results of the latent class analysis suggest that the kinship family population in Illinois consists of at least 4 distinct subpopulations, whose defining attributes include the number and age of co-resident, non-foster children and the way in which kinship parents are related to the foster children in their care. Comparisons of these subpopulations suggest statistically significant differences with respect to several kinship family characteristics, including perceived fostering competence. Implications for kinship family scholarship, policy, and practice are discussed.
The Evolution of Vagueness

Vague predicates, those that exhibit borderline cases, pose a persistent problem for philosophers and logicians. Although they are ubiquitous in natural language, when used in a logical context, vague predicates lead to contradiction. This paper will address a question that is intimately related to this problem. Given their inherent imprecision, why do vague predicates arise in the first place? I discuss a variation of the signaling game where the state space is treated as contiguous, i.e., endowed with a metric that captures a similarity relation over states. This added structure is manifested in payoffs that reward approximate coordination between sender and receiver as well as perfect coordination. I evolve these games using a variation of Herrnstein reinforcement learning that better reflects the generalizing learning strategies real-world actors use in situations where states of the world are similar. In these simulations, signaling can develop very quickly, and the signals are vague in much the way ordinary language predicates are vague --- they each exclusively apply to certain items, but for some transition period both signals apply to varying degrees. Moreover, I show that under certain parameter values, in particular when state spaces are large and time is limited, learning generalization of this sort yield strategies with higher payoffs than standard Herrnstein reinforcement learning. These models may then help explain why the phenomenon of vagueness arises in natural language: the learning strategies that allow actors to quickly and effectively develop signaling conventions in contiguous state spaces make it unavoidable.
Prognostic Nutrition Factors in Lung Cancer Patients

To examine the effect of nutritional support via intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) on tolerance, response, and survival, a prospective study of patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung receiving chemotherapy with or without IVH was undertaken. Results indicated a more favorable survival in patients with a greater than 74% initial triceps skinfold and a less than 4% initial weight loss. The effect of IVH was reflected by greater weight gain in those patients receiving nutritional support 10 days prior to chemotherapy or simultaneous with chemotherapy; however, IVH had no significant advantage to improved survival or response.
The reactivity of M2(μ-Cl)2(μ-SMe2)Cl4(SMe2)2: formation of Ta2(μ-SEt)2(μ-Cl)Cl4(SMe2)2 and NbCl3(S2CNEt2)2

Abstract The reaction of Ta2Cl6(SMe2)3 with diethyl disulfide and Nb2Cl6(SMe2)3 with tetraethylthiuram disulfide has produced two distinct products. In the former case, oxidative addition of the disulfide across the TaTa bond and loss of one chlorine and one dimethyl sulfide ligand, produces the complex of mixed Ta(III)-Ta(IV) oxidation state, Ta2(μ-SEt)2- (μ-Cl)Cl4(SMe2)2 (1). In the latter case, use of tetraethylthiuram disulfide affords complete oxidation of the NbNb bond, forming a monomeric Nb(V) seven-coordinate complex, NbCl3(S2CNEt2)2 (2). Crystallographic data for the new compounds are as follows: 1, P21/n, a = 10.696(4), b = 13.730(2), c = 14.927(4) A, β = 103.28(2)°, Z = 4, TaTa = 2.758(1) A; 2, Pnam, a = 14.921(4), b = 8.385(2), c = 15.585(3) A, Z = 4. Compound 2 has a pentagonal bipyramidal structure, with the equatorial plane defined by four S atoms and one Cl atom.
Dramatic Left Atrial and Ventricular Hypertrophy in an Adult With Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

A 29-year-old man with history of atrial tachyarrhythmias and a remote Potts anastomosis for treatment of tricuspid atresia presented with palpitations and chest pain. His medications included digoxin, furosemide, prednisone, methimazole, and amiodarone. He was afebrile. His pulse was 176 beats per minute with a blood pressure of 160/80 mm Hg. He was cyanotic with clubbed fingers and toes. The apical impulse was displaced to the 6th intercostal space in the mid-axillary line. Auscultation revealed normal S1, single S2, and a short systolic murmur arising from the Potts shunt that was heard over the left precordium and back. No diastolic component was appreciated. Chest radiography revealed cardiomegaly …
Selective inhibition of streptokinase activation of plasminogen by aldehydes.

Summary 1. Euglobulin plasminogen lost proactivator activity and underwent changes in electrophoretic mobility when incubated in glycerol phosphate. However, spontaneous plasmin (EC 3.4.4.14) activity was not affected. 2. Formaldehyde or glyceraldehyde added to this plasminogen—glycerol phosphate solution accelerated the selective loss of proactivator activity. We found that commercial glycerol contained a sufficient amount of aldehyde to account for this effect. 3. Addition of lysine to this system inhibited the loss of proactivator activity, and plasminogen extracted according to method of Kline also did not lose proactivator activity unless more aldehyde was added to the system. We concluded that the selective loss of proactivator activity during incubation in glycerol phosphate solution was due to the reaction of aldehyde contaminants with free amino groups of euglobulin plasminogen. 4. We concluded that this loss of free amino groups prevented streptokinase activation of plasminogen by specifically inhibiting plasminogen—activator interaction
Backlash: From Nine To Five to The Devil Wears Prada

Susan Faludi's 1991 bestselling book Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women described the position of women in the United States that year. Faludi pointed out the media pundits who dec...
Segmentation correlates for small grocery chain preference

Abstract Five benefit segments are identified for grocery patrons. They include: (1) “Customer Service Seeker,” (2) “Specials' Seeker,” (3) “Take-Home Foods and Modern Store Seeker,” (4) “Low Price Seeker,” and (5) “Small Store Seeker.” The key findings are: (1) large grocery chain patrons compared to small chain patrons stress more the importance of low prices while (2) the small chain patrons compared to large chain patrons stress more the importance of service quality attributes and other non-price criteria. Managerial recommendations are also presented for small grocery chain owners.
5Effects of numeral component design on total shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract The last decade has brought exciting new ideas into the field of shoulder arthroplasty. This is particularly true withrespect to our understanding of humeral anatomy and how this relates to component design. Anatomic studies have informed the implant industry and surgeons alike leading to new implants and surgical techniques that better conform to normal anatomy. Proximal humeral anatomy is extremely variable. Radius of curvature varies from 20 to 30 mm, head shaft angle from 30° to 50°, offset is variable in 3 dimensions, and retroversion ranges from 0° to 50°. Equally variable are the prosthetic systems available for humeral replacement and the surgical techniques with which they are implanted. A modern approach to shoulder arthroplasty must incorporate an understanding of this variability to effectively reconstruct the anatomy of any particular patient. Available biomechanical information shows that displacing the position of the humeral articular surface by as little as 4 to 5 mm has significant consequences. Increasing the thickness by this amount tensions the overlying soft tissues and rotator cuff decreasing glenohumeral range of motion and introducing aberrant translations of the head on the glenoid. Shifting the articular surface similarly tensions corresponding aspects of the rotator cuff and may result in impingement ox the tuberosities on the glenoid rim, Exact replication of the patient's anatomy is probably not necessary, but staying within the stated limits is highly desirable. Cemented components facilitate this goal by allowing some adjustment of the prosthetic position within the cement mantle. Press-fit components that allow anatomic reconstruction have a significantly greater challenge.
Protection against Parkinson's disease progression: clinical experience.

Treatments with potential neuroprotective capability for Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been investigated in randomized, controlled, clinical trials and other studies since the mid-1980s. Although promising leads have arisen, no therapy has been proven to halt or slow disease progression. Several large-scale studies have highlighted progress in methodology, as well as the frustrations of translating laboratory science to practical applications. This review summarizes findings from clinical trials with several classes of compounds, including monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors (selegiline, lazabemide, rasagiline), dopaminergic drugs (ropinirole, pramipexole, levodopa), antioxidant strategies (α-tocopherol), mitochondrial energy enhancers (coenzyme Q10, creatine), antiapoptotic agents (TCH346, minocycline, CEP-1347), and antiglutamatergic compounds (riluzole). Beyond small-molecule pharmacology, gene therapy approaches, such as delivering neurotrophic substances (e.g., neurturin) by viral vector, are the next generation of treatment options.
Oligomeric Structure of the Human Reduced Folate Carrier IDENTIFICATION OF HOMO-OLIGOMERS AND DOMINANT-NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON CARRIER EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION

The ubiquitously expressed reduced folate carrier (RFC) is the major transport system for folate cofactors in mammalian cells and tissues. Previous considerations of RFC structure and mechanism were based on the notion that RFC monomers were sufficient to mediate transport of folate and antifolate substrates. The present study examines the possibility that human RFC (hRFC) exists as higher order homo-oligomers. By chemical cross-linking, transiently expressed hRFC in hRFC-null HeLa (R5) cells with the homobifunctional cross-linker 1,3-propanediyl bis-methanethiosulfonate and Western blotting, hRFC species with molecular masses of hRFC homo-oligomers were identified. Hemagglutinin- and Myc epitope-tagged hRFC proteins expressed in R5 cells were co-immunoprecipitated from both membrane particulate and surface-enriched membrane fractions, indicating that oligomeric hRFC is expressed at the cell surface. By co-expression of wild type and inactive mutant S138C hRFCs, combined with surface biotinylation and confocal microscopy, a dominant-negative phenotype was demonstrated involving greatly decreased cell surface expression of both mutant and wild type carrier caused by impaired intracellular trafficking. For another hRFC mutant (R373A), expression of oligomeric wild type-mutant hRFC was accompanied by a significant and disproportionate loss of wild type activity unrelated to the level of surface carrier. Collectively, our results demonstrate the existence of hRFC homo-oligomers. They also establish the likely importance of these higher order hRFC structures to intracellular trafficking and carrier function.
Marshall sklare: In memory

The work of Marshall Sklare, founding father of American Jewish sociology, teaches us three lessons: to value the importance of studying history; to value the power of creative insights more than mere number crunching; and to value taking intellectual risks.
Behavioral effects of vasopressin and oxytocin within the medial preoptic area of the golden hamster.

Abstract Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) microinjected into the medial preoptic area (MPOA) induces flank marking behavior, a form of olfactory communication, in the golden hamster. When exposed to the odors of conspecifics flank marking behavior occurs naturally in association wth grooming of the flank gland region. The present study examined whether microinjection of AVP, oxytocin (OXY) and other biologically active peptides into the medial preoptic area (MPOA), lateral cerebroventricle (LV) or the ventromedial or lateral hypothalamus (VMH-LH) would elicit flank gland grooming. Microinjection of AVP and OXY produced 2–3 times more flank gland grooming when microinjected into the MPOA than saline, neurotensin or angiotensin II. Injection of AVP into the LV and VMH-LH produced significantly less flank gland grooming than when injected into the MPOA.
An ethical decision-making framework for competitor intelligence gathering

Competitor intelligence gathering involves the aggregation of competitive information to facilitate strategic development and a competitive advantage. Unfortunately, companies are sometimes willing to carry out questionable gathering practices to collect such information. An ethical decision making framework for competitor intelligence gathering is presented in this paper that outlines the impact of several strengthening and weakening factors on individual ethical reasoning. Dialogue is provided about the management of intelligence gathering from various viewpoints, and the implications of these managerial suggestions are discussed.
Perceived quality and bandwidth characterization of layered MPEG-2 video encoding*

The current Internet is not well suited for the transmission of high quality video such as MPEG-2 because of severe quality degradation during network congestion episodes. One possible solution is the combination of layered video coding with the Differentiated Services (DiffServ) architecture; different video layers are mapped into different priority levels, and packets with different priorities receive a different dropping treatment in the network. It is expected that with layering and priority dropping, graceful degradation of video quality will be experienced during congestion episodes. We consider various layering mechanisms defined in the MPEG-2 standards; namely, temporal scalability, data partitioning (DP) and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) scalability. The main issue in this paper is how layers should be created to maximize perceived video quality over a given range of network conditions. Key to our study is the use of real life video sequences and a video quality measure consisting of a perceptual distortion metric based on the Human Visual System (VHS). Our results show that video quality is sensitive to how layering is accomplished, and that there is an optimum layering that maximizes the quality for a given network condition. Our results also show that layering can achieve higher network loading for a given minimum quality target than non-layered video, and can achieve graceful degradation over a wider range of network conditions. We have also seen that the wider the range of network conditions is, the higher is the number of layers required in order to remain at the highest possible quality level for each network condition. In particular, we demonstrate how three or four layers achieve better results than two layers; however, additional layers beyond four provide marginal improvement. Therefore, from a practical point of view, three or four layers are sufficient to attain most of the benefits of layering. We compare the various scalability techniques in terms of complexity and video quality. Temporal scalability, which restricts the layering to be done at frame boundaries, is the simplest to implement and introduces no overhead, but performs poorly compared to data partitioning, which allows the grouping of coefficients into layers independent of the frames they belong to. This shows that, contrary to customary belief, dropping data in B frames prior to dropping data in P or I frames is a poor layering technique. DP is much simpler to implement and introduces significantly lower overhead than SNR scalability. However, SNR scalability provides higher quality than DP when network conditions are particularly poor.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rare-Earth Hexaboride Reflector Layers To Enhance Kerr Rotation In Magneto-Optical Storage Media

Kerr rotation enhancement is important for improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in magneto-optical recording media. Multilayer designs have been studied as a means of increasing the SNR through interference effects. Here, for the first time, we discuss, with illustrations, the effectiveness of rare-earth hexaboride films as reflector layers to enhance the polar Kerr rotation. The plasma reflection edge of these materials, which is near 800 nm, interacts favorably, producing a larger Kerr rotation around this wavelength.
Regulation of prephenate dehydratase in Coryneform species of bacteria by L-phenylalanine and by remote effectors.

Abstract Corynebacterium glutamicum, Brevibacterium flavum , and B. ammoniagenes utilize the phenylpyruvate branchlet as the sole means of l -phenylalanine biosynthesis. Enzymological aspects of l -phenylalanine biosynthesis were generally similar in the three microbial species selected to represent the coryneform grouping. Thus, the general picture of aromatic biosynthesis in coryneform bacteria is very similar to that found in species of bluegreen algae, i.e., phenylpyruvate branchlet for l -phenylalanine biosynthesis and pretyrosine branchlet for l -tyrosine biosynthesis ( A. Fazel and R. A. Jensen, 1979 , J. Bacteriol. 138 , 805–815). Prephenate dehydratase is subject to repression control and to feedback inhibition by l -phenylalanine ( K i value range: 35–95 μ m ). Extrapathway effectors activated ( l -tyrosine) or inhibited ( l -tryptophan) prephenate dehydratase, reminiscent of the action of remote effectors with Bacillus subtilis prephenate dehydratase. A labile activation of prephenate dehydratase by l -methionine was also found in C. glutamicum . Prephenate dehydratase copurifies with an aromatic aminotransferase which is capable of transaminating phenylpyruvate, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate, or prephenate in vitro . The possibility of a multifunctional protein was ruled out, however, by results obtained with l -phenylalanine auxotrophs lacking prephenate dehydratase and a regulatory mutant constitutive for prephenate dehydratase. Other classes of regulatory mutants altered in prephenate dehydratase lost sensitivity to inhibition by l -phenylalanine (and l -tryptophan), or produced an enzyme that was hypersensitive to l -tyrosine activation. Molecular weight estimates of the prephenate dehydratase enzymes isolated from the three species studied ranged from 200,000–260,000. Unlike the B. subtilis enzyme, neither allosteric (positive or negative) effectors nor regulatory mutations altered the molecular weight of prephenate dehydratase. However, the intrinsic activity of prephenate dehydratase and its sensitivity to allosteric effectors was altered substantially following the initial step of partial purification.
Digital Fringe Reduction Techniques Applied To The Measurement Of Three-Dimensional Transonic Flow Fields

A system for digital inteferogram evaluation based on an image-processing system connected to a host computer has been implemented. The system supports one- and two-dimensional interferogram evaluations. Interferograms are digitized, enhanced, and segmented. The fringe coordinates are extracted, and the fringes are represented as polygon data structures. Fringe numbering and fringe interpolation modules are implemented. The system supports editing and interactive features as well as graphic visualization. An application of the system to the evaluation of double exposure interferograms from the transonic flow field around a helicopter blade and the reconstruction of the 3-D flow field are given.
Consecutive chemical reactions in a turbular reactor with turbulent flow

Homogeneous consecutive chemical reactions in turbulent flow system is analyzed in this paper. Arbitrary chemical reaction order is considered. The governing nonlinear material balance equations are solved numerically on a digital computer. It is seen from the preliminary numerical results that high Reynolds and Schmidt numbers significantly increase both reaction velocities.
Confirmatory identification of group D streptococci by slide co-agglutination

Group D streptococci were identified by slide co-agglutination and the results obtained were compared with conventional methods for the presumptive (bile esculin medium, salt tolerance) and confirmatory (Lancefield precipitin test, latex agglutination) identification of these bacteria. Of 137 clinical specimens examined, the co-agglutination procedure showed a 100% specificity and a 96.5–100% sensitivity (depending on the method of testing) in the identification of group D streptococci. The slide co-agglutination test was easy to perform and interpret and offers a valuable alternative to other less rapid techniques for the confirmatory identification of group D streptococci.
Pancuronium, vecuronium, and d-tubocurarine inhibit and succinylcholine stimulates choline acetyltransferase activity.

The effects of the nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (NDMR), pancuronium, vecuronium, and d-tubocurarine and a depolarizing muscle relaxant, succinylcholine, were studied on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity. A radiochemical assay was used in the determination of ChAT activity using purified placental enzyme. Pancuronium at concentrations of 10−7 M, 10−6 M, 10−5 M, 10−4 M, and 10−3 M inhibited CliAT activity by 3, 10, 15, 40 and 85 per cent, respectively; vecuronium at concentrations of 10−6 M, 10−5 M, 10−4 M, and 10−3 M inhibited ChAT activity by 5, 10, 26 and 57 per cent, respectively; d-tubocurarine at concentrations of 10−6 M, 10−3 M, 10−4 M, and 10−3 M inhibited ChAT activity by 0, 4, 12.5 and 29 per cent, respectively; whereas succinylcholine at concentrations of 10−7 M, 10−6 M, 10−5 M, and 10−4 M activated ChAT activity by 8, 10, 1, and 2 percent, respectively.
Effects of bareroot nursery practices on tree seedling root development: an evolution of cultural practices at J. Herbert Stone nursery

Bareroot nursery practices that maximize root development and growth have been studied and documented over a number of years. Each nursery, however, has its own unique combination of climate, soils, species, and stocktypes for which site specific cultural practices are necessary. J. Herbert Stone Nursery, a USDA Forest Service nursery, located in Central Point, OR, has completed a variety of production trials to adapt general cultural practices to its site. These trials resulted in changes which include: developing a strategy to maintain a high soil porosity through the application of organic matter and tillage measures; sowing seed earlier in the winter for 1 + 0 stocktypes; lowering seedbed densities from 267 seedlings/m2 (25 seedlings/ft2) to between 161 and 195 seedlings/m2 (15 and 18 seedlings/ft2); transplanting seedlings in early fall instead of spring; and developing a miniplug + 1 stocktype.
A Hierarchy of Industrial Selling Competencies

This study compiles, arranges by order of importance, and compares specific competencies considered essential to the successful performance of industrial sales persons in three traditionally recogn...
Lattice boltzmann and discrete ordinates methods for phonon transport modeling: A comparative study

The description of heat transport at small length scales is very important in understanding a wide range of micro and nanoscale systems. In systems where coherent phonon transport effects are negligible, the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) is often employed to describe the distribution and propagation of thermal energy in the lattice. The phonon distribution function depends not only on the temporal and spatial coordinates, but also on polarization and wave vector, making fully-resolved simulations very expensive. Therefore, there is a need to develop accurate and efficient numerical techniques for the solution of the BTE. The discrete ordinates method (DOM) and more recently, the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) have been used for this purpose. In this work, a comparison between the numerical solution of the phonon BTE by the LBM and DOM is made in order to delineate the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches. Test cases are chosen with Knudsen (Kn) numbers varying between 0.01–100 to cover the full range of diffusive to ballistic phonon transport. The results show that solutions obtained from both methods converge to analytical results for the 1 dimensional phonon transport in a slab. Solutions obtained by two methods converge to analytical solutions of 2 dimensional problems at low Kn. However, solution accuracy is strongly determined by angular resolution for moderate to high Kn. Since the number of propagation directions in LBM are limited, significant errors are engendered in multi-dimensional acoustically-thin problems. DOM also suffers errors at low angular resolutions for high Kn, but yields accurate solutions when sufficient angular resolution is employed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Evolution and market behavior

Abstract In a conventional asset market model we study the evolutionary process generated by wealth flows between investors. Asymptotic behavior of our model is completely determined by the investors' expected growth rates of wealth share. Investment rules are more or less “fit” depending upon the value of this expectation, and more fit rules survive in the market at the expense of the less fit. Using this criterion we examine the long run behavior of asset prices and the common belief that the market selects for rational investors. We find that fit rules need not be rational, and rational rules not be fit. Finally, we investigate how the market selects over various adaptive decision rules.
Complexes of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Crk-associated substrate (p130(Cas)) are elevated in cytoskeleton-associated fractions following adhesion and Src transformation. Requirements for Src kinase activity and FAK proline-rich motifs.

The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Crk-associated substrate, p130(Cas) (Cas), have been implicated in diverse signaling pathways including those mediated by integrins, G-protein-coupled receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, and the v-src and v-crk oncogenes. The recent identification of a direct interaction between FAK and Cas prompted the examination of potential regulation of FAK.Cas complexes by factors that result in concomitant increase in their phosphotyrosine content, namely cell adhesion and transformation by Src. Both conditions resulted in elevated FAK.Cas complex levels in nonionic detergent-insoluble fractions, indicating increased association with the cytoskeleton. For activated Src, this effect requires an active Src catalytic domain but not its Src homology 2 (SH2) or Src homology 3 (SH3) domains. FAK kinase domain tyrosines 576 and 577 are also required, suggesting that direct phosphorylation of these sites by Src may influence the solubility and/or stability of the complex. FAK-Cas association was only observed in the context of Cas binding to at least one of two distinct proline-rich sites on FAK. These findings firmly establish a direct interaction between FAK and Cas and demonstrate that Src can influence the subcellular localization of the complex by a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent mechanism.
Outcomes of Lumbar Discectomy in Elite Athletes: The Need for High-level Evidence

Background Although lumbar discectomy for treatment of lumbar disc herniation in the general population generally improves patients’ pain, function, and validated outcomes scores, results of treatment in elite athletes may differ because of the unique performance demands required of competitive athletes.
Occupation and Community As Determinants of Fishing Behaviors

Community, as a territorial unit, persists as a major determinant of cultural behavior, despite all the integrating technologies of the electronic age. Two approaches toward the study of fishing, community study and an occupational focus, suggest alternative methods for analyzing and managing fisheries. Community studies lead to suggestions about including the community of fishing interest in management planning. Occupational analyses indicate how fishing differs from other activities, and how there is variability even among fishing activities. This research shows that within one fishery, community factors differentiate behaviors of fishermen. The reason community factors persist is in the pattern of information transfer. The more face-to-face interaction characteristic of community facilitates the transfer of ideas.
Cutaneous lipid synthesis during late fetal development in the rat.

Lipid synthesis in fetal skin may be important both for the development of a mature epidermal permeability barrier and for growth. In these studies, we measured cutaneous cholesterol, sphingolipid and fatty acid synthesis during the critical period of epidermal barrier development in fetal rats to determine whether barrier function influences synthetic rates. In addition, the activities of HMG CoA reductase, serine palmitoyl transferase and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase were evaluated. In whole skin, synthesis of cholesterol, ceramide, sphingomyelin and fatty acid decreased from day 17 to day 21 of gestation, as did the activity of HMG CoA reductase, serine palmitoyl transferase and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase. In both the epidermis and dermis, a decrease in cholesterol, ceramide, sphingomyelin and fatty acid synthesis was measured over days 19–21 of gestation. Epidermal HMG CoA reductase activity also decreased over this same time period. In summary, epidermal and dermal synthetic rates and enzyme activity were highest early in gestation when the barrier was least competent and decreased as competence was achieved. Since other studies with mature animals have revealed that epidermal synthetic rates and enzyme activity are highest when barrier disruption is maximal, enhanced epidermal lipid synthesis precedes the estabilishment of a competent barrier in both fetal and mature rodents.
Availability of emergency contraception in Massachusetts emergency departments.

Objectives: To determine the availability of emergency contraception (EC) in Massachusetts emergency departments (EDs) and to identify patient, hospital, and system factors that could affect access to EC. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of all Massachusetts EDs using two structured scenarios: one, a patient asking for EC for condom failure (patient scenario); and the other, a social worker asking about EC for a client who was sexually assaulted the night before (social worker scenario). Calls were made during day and night shifts requesting information from a nurse or doctor. The data collected included EC availability, whether pills or prescription would be given, cost, services available to rape victims, and other institutions where EC could be obtained. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used for comparisons. Results: Responses were made by 248 of 288 nurses, ten of 288 physicians, and 30 of 288 clerks. Overall, EC was reported to be available in 80% of calls, not available in 15%, and up to the physician in 5%. In the patient scenario day shift, 53 of 72 (73%) responded that EC was available, 15 of 72 (20%) stated it was not available, and four of 72 (5%) said it was up to prescribing physician. In the social worker scenario day shift, 62 of 72 (86%) reported that EC was available, six of 72 (8%) reported it was not available, and four of 72 (5%) stated it was up to the prescribing physician. Availability did not vary comparing day vs. night shift for either scenario. Of the nine Catholic hospitals, for the patient scenario, one of nine (11%) reported that EC was available, seven of nine (78%) reported that EC was not available, and in one of nine (11%), it was up to the physician. In the social worker scenario, five of nine (56%) reported EC was available, three of nine (33%) reported it was not available, and in one of nine (11%), it was up to the physician. Conclusions: There was significant variability in access to EC in Massachusetts EDs and in services for sexual assault survivors. Hospital type and provider preference affected availability. This study suggests that access to EC is limited, and that there are not consistent services for women seeking EC, including for victims of sexual assault.
Implementation of weight-based antimicrobial dosing for surgical site infection prophylaxis

Surgical site infections (SSIs) increase morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Morbid obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor; it has been demonstrated that higher doses of antimicrobials are warranted to achieve adequate tissue concentrations. In 2008, the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) implemented weight-based dosing such that patients with a documented weight of ≥80 kg would receive a larger initial dose of antibiotic for surgical prophylaxis. This process included a pharmacy dose optimization program provided by an operating room pharmacy where pharmacists could automatically increase the dose based on weight if the initial order was noncompliant with institutional guidelines. The objectives of the study were to assess rates of compliance with the guidelines prior to and after implementation. This study was a retrospective evaluation of SSI prophylaxis dosing in obese patients prior to (April through June 2008) and after (September through November 2008) implement...
Evaluation of an enzymatic homocysteine assay for the Hitachi series chemistry analyzer

Abstract Background Homocysteine is an essential amino acid, whose clinical utilization includes detection of homocystinuria, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies and cardiovascular disease management. We report assay performance of the Catch reagents on the Hitachi 917 chemistry analyzer. Methods Linearity, recovery, imprecision and interference from lipids, bilirubin, hemoglobin and ascorbic acid were determined on a Hitachi 917 chemistry analyzer. Split sample aliquots were assayed using the described method, by HPLC and fluorescence polarization immunoassay for method comparisons. Results The assay was linear to at least 45 μmol/l. Intra- and interassay variation ranged from 1.7% to 3.4% and 3.3% to 6.7%, respectively. Interference was observed when hemoglobin concentrations was >7 g/l and intralipid >5 g/l. No interference was observed from bilirubin or ascorbic acid. The assay was in good agreement with values obtained by HPLC and fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Conclusions The performance of the Catch homocysteine assay was acceptable on the Hitachi 917 chemistry analyzer.
Conditions for thrust faulting in a glacier

[1] Dipping, arcuate bands of debris-rich ice outcropping near the margins of glaciers are often interpreted as thrust faults, assumed to originate in zones of longitudinal compression. Identification of thrusts is typically based either on the geometry and sedimentology of the debris bands or on the crystal fabric of surrounding ice, but the physical processes necessary to generate thrusts are rarely evaluated. Herein, we combine a numerical model of compressive ice flow near a glacier margin with theoretical stress and strain rate criteria for ice fracture and stress criteria for frictional slip to determine the conditions necessary for thrust faulting in glaciers. This model is applied to two different glaciological settings where longitudinal compression has been documented: (1) the transition between warm-based and cold-based ice near the terminus of Storglaciaren, Sweden, and (2) the downglacier extent of the 1983 surge front of Variegated Glacier where surging ice encountered stagnant ice. Simulations representing the margin of Storglaciaren indicate that peak compressive strain rates are six orders of magnitude too small to induce fracture, whereas at Variegated Glacier, strain rates were an order of magnitude too small for compressive fracture. In both groups of simulations, preexisting fractures governed by Coulomb friction are susceptible to slip if they span the ice thickness, are oriented close to the optimal fracture angle, and, in the case of Storglaciaren, are subject to water pressures that are a large fraction of ice overburden pressure. Variations about the optimal fracture orientation, low or zero water pressure, high sliding friction coefficient, and limited vertical or lateral fracture extent each tend to suppress thrusting.
The effects of two treatment procedures on stuttering

Abstract One group of stutterers was exposed to eight, individual “information-attitude” therapy sessions. Another group of stutterers was exposed to eight “time-out from speaking” conditioning sessions. Counts of stuttering frequency and performance on attitude scales were obtained before and after the eight treatment sessions. In general, for neither information-attitude group nor conditioning group subjects were there significant differences between pre- and post-attitude scale scores. Information-attitude subjects' stuttering frequencies changed very little during the course of the eight treatment sessions. By contrast, all 10 conditioning group subjects experienced a marked reduction in stuttering frequency during the eight conditioning sessions. However, this reduction in stuttering frequency observed during the conditioning sessions extinguished during the post-treatment speaking task.