cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Basis of Substrate Recognition by Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 7A1

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 7A1 (ALDH7A1) is part of lysine catabolism and catalyzes the NAD(+)-dependent oxidation of α-aminoadipate semialdehyde to α-aminoadipate. Herein, we describe a structural study of human ALDH7A1 focused on substrate recognition. Five crystal structures and small-angle X-ray scattering data are reported, including the first crystal structure of any ALDH7 family member complexed with α-aminoadipate. The product binds with the e-carboxylate in the oxyanion hole, the aliphatic chain packed into an aromatic box, and the distal end of the product anchored by electrostatic interactions with five conserved residues. This binding mode resembles that of glutamate bound to the proline catabolic enzyme ALDH4A1. Analysis of ALDH7A1 and ALDH4A1 structures suggests key interactions that underlie substrate discrimination. Structures of apo ALDH7A1 reveal dramatic conformational differences from the product complex. Product binding is associated with a 16 A movement of the C-terminus into the active site, which stabilizes the active conformation of the aldehyde substrate anchor loop. The fact that the C-terminus is part of the active site was hitherto unknown. Interestingly, the C-terminus and aldehyde anchor loop are disordered in a new tetragonal crystal form of the apoenzyme, implying that these parts of the enzyme are highly flexible. Our results suggest that the active site of ALDH7A1 is disassembled when the aldehyde site is vacant, and the C-terminus is a mobile element that forms quaternary structural interactions that aid aldehyde binding. These results are relevant to the c.1512delG genetic deletion associated with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, which alters the C-terminus of ALDH7A1.
Characteristic dimensions of the step-pool bed configuration: An experimental study

[1] The dominant dimension of the step-pool bed form is its spacing, which is determined by the locations at which large, step-forming grains are deposited. We conducted laboratory experiments involving active transport of widely sorted sediment, including large grains whose deposition readily formed steps. Direct observation of step development indicates that deposition of step-forming grains was predominantly associated with bed roughness impeding transport or with earlier flow and transport conditions not contemporaneous with step development. Neither mechanism is likely to occur at regular locations on the bed. Measured step spacing was found to follow a Poisson distribution, supporting the conclusion that steps do not develop in preferred or regular locations. This contrasts with previous arguments that regular step spacing develops in response to deposition forced at regular locations beneath water surface waves. We observe neither the regular distribution nor the associated depositional mechanism, although the observed step distribution is well defined with a strong mode that could be interpreted as indicating regular spacing.
Desulfurization of model coal sulfur compounds by coal mineral matter and a cobalt molybdate catalyst—II: Benzothiophene

Abstract A continuous-flow reactor was used to obtain rate equations for the reaction of benzothiophene and hydrogen over mineral matter from Western Kentucky No. 11 coal and a commercial cobalt-molybdate catalyst (Nalcomo 471). In the former case differential analysis was used while in the latter high conversions necessitated integral analysis to obtain rate constants. Conversion was determined from the ethyl benzene produced and separated by gas chromatography. With no hydrogen sulfide in the feed gas, the rate of benzothiophene to thiophene HDS was always greater than one for the mineral matter but decreased sharply from 2.8 to 0.42 as the model sulfur compound partial pressure increased from 0 to 2 kPa for the commercial catalyst.
Disabilities and Development

This chapter first provides a brief historical perspective on disabilities, followed by a discussion of contemporary issues regarding definitions and classification schemes. We include an examination of cultural views on disabilities, as such perspectives provide a wide-ranging understanding of the etiology of disabilities and the use of the term “typical.” We next consider theoretical models and empirical evidence emerging from current research on children with developmental disabilities within the network of family relationships. Because parents of children with disabilities often face unique challenges, we consider the processes of resilience in parental adaptation and the role of positive emotions in parental well-being. We conclude with a section on future research in which we provide suggestions for expanding the perspective on families of children with disabilities. Finally, we propose that several of the scientific endeavors undertaken to understand development in those with disabilities are poised to inform critical issues in developmental science. Keywords: disabilities; family systems; siblings; parent-child relationship; resilience
Work-Time Measurement System (WTMS): The Front-End Tool for Redesigning the Work Process

Abstract Trying to understand the current work process in detail was the prelude to change for improvement. Since April 1990, AIRMICS has been using an internally developed work-time measurement system (WTMS Tool) to increase efficiency and to utilize the work force more effectively. Efficiency was realized by using more advanced computing technologies to improve or to automate certain work activities. Effective utilization was achieved by tracking and ensuring that the work force was spending time doing the correct tasks in the correct priority. The WTMS Tool described in this paper is an automated system successfully implemented at AIRMICS for providing the management with critical information on how work time is distributed among assigned tasks and what activities are associated in doing a specific task. Work-time data are collected from the work force by using a windows-based computer application. Data are statistically calculated at non-working hours, and the results are electronically mailed to management and interested members during the night on a monthly basis. Organizational cooperation and leadership were the two critical factors that led to successful implementation of the WTMS Tool at AIRMICS. Cooperation was secured because measured data were not used for evaluating the quality of work or setting performance standards. Another factor was that management used the information to improve the organization, its people's skills, and the work process.
Computation and intelligence : collected readings

Computation and Intelligence brings together 29 readings in Artificial Intelligence that are particularly relevant to today's student/practitioner. With its helpful critique of the selections, extensive bibliography, and clear presentation of the material, Computation and Intelligence will be a useful adjunct to any course in AI as well as a handy reference for professionals in the field. The book is divided into five parts, each reflecting the stages of development of AI. The first part, Foundations,, contains readings that present or discuss foundational ideas linking computation and intelligence, typified by A. M. Turing's "Computing Machinery and Intelligence." The second part, Knowledge Representation, presents a sampling of numerous representational schemes by Newell, Minsky, Collins & Quillian, Winograd, Schank, Hayes, Holland, McClelland, Rumelhart, Hinton, and Brooks. The third part, Weak Method Problem Solving, fouses on the research and design of syntax-based problem solvers, including the most famous of these, the Logic Theorist and GPS. The fourth part, Reasoning in Complex and Dynamic Environments, presents a broad spectrum of the AI community's research in knowledge-intensive problem solving, from McCarthy's early design of systems with "common sense" to model-based reasoning. The two concluding selections, by Marvin Minsky and by Herbert Simon, respectively, present the recent thoughts of two of AI's pioneers who revisit the concepts and controversies that have developed during the evolution of the tools and techniques that make up the current practice of Artificial Intelligence.
Sinc Methods for Quadrature and Differential Equations

1. Preliminary material 2. Numerical methods on the real line 3. Numerical methods on an arc 'Gamma' 4. The Sinc-Galerkin method 5. Steady problems 6. Time-dependent problems Appendix A. Linear algebra References.
Disinfectants and Antiseptics

Disinfectants and antiseptics are employed in the prevention of diseases of bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and viral origin. Hospital acquired infections, AIDS, Legionnaires disease, tuberculosis, and cholera are a few of the diseases controlled in part through the use of disinfectants and antiseptics. Disinfectants and antiseptics are antimicrobial agents used as preservatives, sporicides, sanitizers, etc. Chemical groups employed as disinfectants and antiseptics include halogens, acids, aldehydes, nitrogen heterocycles, peroxygen, phenolic, and sulfur metal compounds. Disinfectants also may be classified as either surface-active agents or gaseous sterilants. Numerous analytical tests exist for establishing the activity and application of disinfectants. Antiseptics, considered drugs, come under the jurisdiction of FDA testing guidelines.
Steroid Hormone Signaling Pathways and Sex Differences in Neuroendocrine and Behavioral Responses to Stress

The hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responds to stress by redirecting the physiology and behavior of an organism toward survival and maintenance of homeostasis using a coordinated and well-orchestrated activation of the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous systems. A plethora of studies have demonstrated the existence of sex differences in the components of the HPA axis and its response to stress, with the females reacting more rapidly and robustly compared with males. Gonadal steroid hormones mediate these sex differences, not only by organizing the HPA axis during development, but also by modulating HPA function in adulthood, with estrogens enhancing and androgens inhibiting HPA axis activity. Part of this involves interactions with circulating glucocorticoids, which exert negative feedback actions on HPA function. Cellular and molecular evidence indicates that androgens, estrogens, and glucocorticoids can interact to affect stress responses through intracellular, membrane-associated, or extranuclear receptors in the central nervous system.
Language Policy and Identity Conflict in Sudan

The Sudan, as it stands today, has clearly and definitely failed to form a united country. It has been involved in an internecine civil war. The war has not merely been a war of resistance against economic marginalization of the south, but one of racial or ethnic resistance to the dominant discourse in the north which lays claim to being racially and culturally superior. The violent political conflict that led to the secession of southern Sudan and the ongoing conflicts in some parts of the Sudan are legacies of the past. These legacies cannot be understood unless the tensions are placed in historical, political, and educational perspectives. This article attempts to describe Sudanese language policy and show its complexity, arbitrariness, and fluctuation. It aims to engage with issues of hegemony, language ideology, identity conflict, power asymmetries, and social inequality in language policy in the Sudan. The Arabic language has acquired dominant status while other languages have been marginalized in the process. This article also considers the historical diffusion of Arab identity and analyzes the relevance of the latter for civil conflicts and the cessation of the South. Finally, it closes with a discussion of the present day situation in Sudan and provides some critical reflections.
The Persona Problem: How Expectations Of Masculinity Shape Female Band Director Identity

The conductor is synonymous with a persona, an inherently masculine identity that is consistently represented as powerful and authoritative in popular culture. The culture of masculinity in band directing restricts access for women seeking secondary instrumental music positions and influences the way female conductors construct professional identities. The purpose of this study is to examine four female high school band directors’ perceptions of the “conductor persona” and to understand how these perceptions influence their teaching identities. Participants agreed that school administrators and colleagues expect high school band directors to perform traditionally masculine behaviors in their jobs. Each participant shaped her teaching identity by accepting, blending, or rejecting behaviors that signify traditional masculinity or femininity in the classroom and on the podium. The expectation of masculinity in secondary instrumental music education leaves little room for the creation of non-masculine teaching identities and is a likely reason for the continued rarity of women in the profession.
Students as Lab Animals

(2004). Students as Lab Animals. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 37-38.
Culturally Customizing Websites for Immigrant Communities in the United States

Recent research suggests that the customization of online marketing messages to meet the cultural preferences of immigrant communities increases preferences for those messages. Level of acculturation may be used as a segmentation variable that accounts for this effect, with lower levels of acculturation matching the preference for the home country's culture in marketing messages. Comparisons between Asian- and Hispanic-American preferences across levels of acculturation are made, and possible convergences in preferences through acculturation are examined. The results indicate that Taiwanese-Americans have culturally-rooted preferences for web content based on their acculturation levels. Furthermore, the study shows that the web content preferences of Taiwanese- and Hispanic-American consumers converge as members of these groups acculturate.
α1-noradrenergic receptor blockade decreases nuclear estrogen receptor binding in guinea pig hypothalamus and preoptic area

Abstract Prazosin, a putativeα1-noradrenergic antagonist, reduced nuclear estrogen receptor levels in the hypothalamus and preoptic area of the estrogen-primed guinea pig. Noradrenergic transmission may alter steroid-dependent processes and neuroendocrine function through actions on steroid-concentrating cells.
The modification of speech perception and production in second-language learning

Seventy-two native Spanish speaking children enrolled in programs to teach English as a second language and 24 monolingual English children were tested in speech perception and production tasks with the purpose of determining whether or not there is learning at the phonetic level during second-language acquisition. Performance with the phonetic feature voicing was studied by means of measuring changes in the perception and production of the acoustic property voice onset time. Variables of interest across Spanish-speaking subjects were degree of exposure to English and age. Age was the only group variable for the English-speaking subjects. Results with the Spanish-speaking children showed significant changes in both perception and production of voicing towards the English monolingual pattern. Age had a significant effect in production, but not in perception. It was concluded that learning at the phonetic level does occur during second-language acquisition.
Demonstration of a High Average Power Tabletop Soft X-Ray Laser

We report the first demonstration of a high average power tabletop soft x-ray laser. An average laser output power of $\ensuremath{\approx}1\mathrm{mW}$ $(g2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{14}\mathrm{photons}/\mathrm{s})$ was generated at 46.9 nm in Ne-like Ar using a very compact tabletop discharge. The spatially coherent average power emitted by this 26.5 eV laser is comparable to that generated at this photon energy in a similar bandwidth $(\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\lambda}/\ensuremath{\lambda}{\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}10}^{\ensuremath{-}4})$ by a third-generation synchrotron beam line. Lasing was obtained at a repetition rate of 7 Hz with an average output energy of $135\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{J}/\mathrm{pulse}$ by exciting a plasma column in a ceramic capillary with a fast current pulse. This very compact high-repetition-rate laser source makes intense short-wavelength coherent radiation accessible to a wide variety of new applications.
CK2 Controls the Recruitment of Wnt Regulators to Target Genes In Vivo

Nuclear beta-catenin is a transcriptional coactivator of LEF-1/TCF DNA-binding proteins in the Wnt/Wg signaling pathway. Casein Kinase 2 (CK2), a positive regulator of Wnt signaling, is present in beta-catenin complexes and activated in Wnt-signaling cells. We show here that CK2 enhances beta-catenin:LEF-1 transactivation in vivo and in vitro and that beta-catenin and CK2 cycle on and off the DNA in an alternating manner with the TLE1 corepressor at Wnt target genes. Interestingly, CK2 phosphorylates hLEF-1 directly and stimulates binding and transactivation of beta-catenin:LEF-1 complexes on chromatin templates in vitro. In vitro, CK2 phosphorylation of hLEF-1 strongly enhances its affinity for beta-catenin and reduces its affinity for TLE1. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) identified two CK2 phosphorylation sites (S42, S61) within the amino terminus of hLEF-1, and mutation of these sites reduced binding to beta-catenin in vitro and transactivation in vivo. Remarkably, treatment of cells with TBB, a pharmaceutical inhibitor of CK2, blocked the recruitment and cycling of beta-catenin and TLE1 at Wnt target genes in vivo. Taken together, these data indicate that CK2 is required for the assembly and cycling of Wnt-enhancer complexes in vivo.
Highly efficient palladium-catalyzed hydrostannation of ethyl ethynyl ether

Abstract The palladium-catalyzed hydrostannation of acetylenes is widely exploited in organic synthesis as a means of forming vinyl stannanes for use in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Application of this methodology to ethyl ethynyl ether results in an enol ether that is challenging to isolate from the crude reaction mixture because of incompatibility with typical silica gel chromatography. Reported here is a highly efficient procedure for the palladium-catalyzed hydrostannation of ethyl ethynyl ether using 0.1% palladium(0) catalyst and 1.0 equiv of tributyltin hydride. The product obtained is a mixture of regioisomers that can be carried forward with exclusive reaction of the β-isomer. This method is highly reproducible, relative to previously reported procedures, it is more economical and involves a more facile purification procedure.
Antithrombotic therapy for ischemic stroke: guidelines translated for the clinician

Acute ischemic stroke is the result of abrupt interruption of focal cerebral blood flow. The majority of ischemic strokes are caused by embolic or thrombotic arterial occlusions. Acute stroke management is complex, in part because of the varying etiologies of stroke and the very brief window of time for reperfusion therapy. Efforts to optimize stroke care have also encountered barriers including low public awareness of stroke symptoms. As initiatives move forward to improve stroke care worldwide, health care providers and institutions are being called onto deliver the most current evidence-based care. Updated versions of three major guidelines were published in 2008 by the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Heart Association, and the European Stroke Organization. This article presents a concise overview of current recommendations for the use of fibrinolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke and antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention. Future directions are also reviewed, with particular emphasis on improving therapeutic options early after stroke onset.
Maturation and Spawning of the Pink Shrimp, Penaeus duorarum Burkenroad

Abstract A description is given of the anatomy of the reproductive system of male and female pink shrimp, Penaeus duorarum. Four stages of female maturation (undeveloped, developing, nearly ripe, and ripe) were observed using ovum size frequency, gross observation, and ratio of gonad weight to tail weight. Size of female at first sexual maturity is estimated to be about 22 millimeters (carapace length). Months of higher spawning activity are April through July. Throughout the study five ripe females were observed; four of these were found during the months of highest spawning activity. It is probable that the female pink shrimp spawns more than once during a lifetime. There is positive correlation between size of shrimp and number of ova spawned. Although temperature is the only environmental factor measured, there is reason to believe that spawning is closely associated with the annual rise and fall of bottom temperatures.
High and low doses of ionizing radiation induce different secretome profiles in a human skin model

It is postulated that secreted soluble factors are important contributors of bystander effect and adaptive responses observed in low dose ionizing radiation. Using multidimensional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based proteomics, we quantified the changes of skin tissue secretome – the proteins secreted from a full thickness, reconstituted 3-dimensional skin tissue model 48 hr after exposure to 3, 10 and 200 cGy of X-rays. Overall, 135 proteins showed statistical significant difference between the sham (0 cGy) and any of the irradiated groups (3, 10 or 200 cGy) on the basis of Dunnett adjusted t-test; among these, 97 proteins showed a trend of downregulation and 9 proteins showed a trend of upregulation with increasing radiation dose. In addition, there were 21 and 8 proteins observed to have irregular trends with the 10 cGy irradiated group either having the highest or the lowest level among all three radiated doses. Moreover, two proteins, carboxypeptidase E and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 were sensitive to ionizing radiation, but relatively independent of radiation dose. Conversely, proteasome activator complex subunit 2 protein appeared to be sensitive to the dose of radiation, as rapid upregulation of this protein was observed when radiation doses were increased from 3, to 10 or 200 cGy. These results suggest that different mechanisms of action exist at the secretome level for low and high doses of ionizing radiation.
Dynamics of Electron Transfers between Electrodes and Monolayers of Nanoparticles

This paper describes measurements of the rate of electron transfers between electrodes and attached monolayers of gold nanoparticles (monolayer-protected clusters, MPCs). The Au cores have an average 1.6 nm diameter, and possess a mixed monolayer of hexanethiolate and mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) ligands. The nanoparticles are assembled onto Au surfaces coated with a self-assembled MUA monolayer using MUA−carboxylate−zinc ion−MUA−carboxylate bridges. The attached MPC monolayers exhibit well-defined single electron double layer charging voltammetry of the Au cores. The electron-transfer kinetics of the attached nanoparticles are estimated using cyclic voltammetric, alternating impedance, and potential step techniques. Results from these experiments are consistent with one another and yield heterogeneous electron-transfer rates in the range of 40 to 160 s-1.
Corrigendum to “Chemoradiation in locally advanced cervical carcinoma: An analysis of cisplatin dosing and other clinical prognostic factors” [Gynecol. Oncol. 116 (2010) 438–441]

Corrigendum to “Chemoradiation in locally advanced cervical carcinoma: An analysis of cisplatin dosing and other clinical prognostic factors” [Gynecol. Oncol. 116 (2010) 438–441] Elizabeth K. Nugent , Ashley S. Case , John T. Hoff , Israel Zighelboim , Lorri L. DeWitt , Kim Trinkhaus , David G. Mutch , Premal H. Thaker , L. Stewart Massad , Janet S. Rader a a Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4911 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza, 4th Floor Maternity, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA b Department of Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Siteman Cancer Center, St Louis, MO, USA c Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Siteman Cancer Center, St Louis, MO, USA
Effect of Differential Motive-Incentive Conditions on Physical Performance

Abstract Four matched subgroups were given a grip strength test under one of four motive-incentive conditions. There were no differences in performance between the groups that received threat of electric shock, knowledge of results, constant exhortation, or were simply asked to do as well as possible. Further, there were no differences in performance between groups at various levels of strength.
Gene Length Matters in Neurons

A recent study by Gabel et al. (2015) found that Mecp2, the gene mutated in Rett syndrome, represses long (> 100 kb) genes associated with neuronal physiology and connectivity by binding to methylated CA sites in DNA. This study adds to a growing body of literature implicating gene length and transcriptional mechanisms in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
Perceptual multimedia compression based on the predictive Kalman filter eye movement modeling

In this paper we propose an algorithm for predicting a person's perceptual attention focus (PAtF) through the use of a Kalman Filter design of the human visual system. The concept of the PAtF allows significant reduction of the bandwidth of a video stream and computational burden reduction in the case of 3D media creation and transmission. This is possible due to the fact that the human visual system has limited perception capabilities and only 2 degrees out of the total of 180 provide the highest quality of perception. The peripheral image quality can be decreased without a viewer noticing image quality reduction. Multimedia transmission through a network introduces a delay. This delay reduces the benefits of using a PAtF due to the fact that the person's attention area can change drastically during the delay period, thus increasing the probability of peripheral image quality reduction being detected. We have created a framework which uses a Kalman Filter to predict future PAtFs in order to compensate for the delay/lag and to reduce the bandwidth/creation burden of any visual multimedia.
Topotactic Transformation of Muscovite Under Mild Hydrothermal Conditions

Studies have been made on muscovite single crystals treated under dry and hydro-thermal conditions at temperatures above 800°C. The course of reaction is markedly affected by the amount of water present in the system. In the presence of a large excess of water, appreciable reaction commences at 800°C with the formation of kalsilite and corundum. The kalsilite may bear an epitaxial relationship to the muscovite, but the corundum is quite unoriented. Reaction appears to proceed by solution of part of the muscovite and reprecipitation on unreacted areas. In the presence of low pressures of water the reaction course appears to be similar to that under dry conditions. Above 900°C a new phase has been identified which is similar to the spinel phase reported by Eberhart at temperatures above 1050°C. The phase is monoclinic and probably represents an intermediate stage between dehydrated muscovite and the spinel phase. A tentative mechanism is proposed for the dehydration of muscovite based on an inhomogeneous mechanism.
Radiopharmaceutical quality control.

Kits are currently available for the preparation of technetium-labeled compounds for scanning the lungs, liver, kidneys, and skeleton. Prior to administration of these radiopharmaceuticals to the patient, adequate quality control should be performed. The phenomenal growth in the diagnostic use of radiopharmaceuticals has shifted much of the manufacture and quality control to the individual nuclear medicine laboratory. This quality control encompasses chemical, biological, and radioactivity analysis. Considerations and test methods are detailed within this review.
Properties of polylysogens containing derepressed λN− prophage: Interference with the replication of superinfecting λ

Abstract Lysogenic cultures with derepressed λN − prophages contain 20–25 λ genomes per bacterial genome. Such culture can be maintained indefinitely and the bacteria produce colonies with a distinctive phenotype. Wild-type imm λ and both imm 434 and imm λ vir generally fail to form plaques on these polylysogens. However, imm 21 and imm λ c 17 mutants form plaques with an efficiency of 40–50%. Three different factors contribute to low efficiency of plating of imm λ and related phages in λN − polylysogens. Superinfecting imm λ is subject to inhibition of expression of its N gene, mediated by Tof product produced by the prophages. In the case of imm 434, or the vir mutant of imm λ, plating efficiency is very low because the genome of a superinfecting phage has a low probability of appearing in the burst of progeny phage. Competition of prophage genomes for a transcription factor is postulated to account for the failure of about 50% of heteroimmune superinfecting genomes to express gene N . All these effects can be overcome by increasing the multiplicity of infection.
Effects of oil properties on spark-ignition gasoline engine friction

The effects of base oil, friction modifier (FM) and viscosity grade on firing engine friction are investigated in an automotive gasoline engine. Unique aspects of the study are (1) viscosity grade is maintained when synthetic and conventional base oils are compared, (2) the influence of engine operating condition on the effectiveness of base oil, FM and viscosity grade in reducing engine friction is considered, and (3) friction-relevant design details of the test engine are discussed. Results show that replacing conventional oil with synthetic oil of the same viscosity grade reduces friction, especially at high boundary friction conditions. Molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), and to a lesser extent organic FM, also reduce friction, especially at high boundary friction conditions. Furthermore, using 5W-20 oil causes less friction than 5W-30 and 10W-40 oil at both high and low boundary friction conditions. Results are expected to hold true for engines with similar friction-relevant designs.
The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright: A Global View

Abstract This paper considers a version of architectural globalization that gives voice to other than the dominant order or perspective. Analyzing the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright as global in this way and considering how he incorporated Eastern as well as Western philosophies of building in his work, provides deeper insight into his Organic architecture. In addition, such an analysis makes available an alternative understanding of what global architecture can be. The analytic paradigm in use here considers other architecture as well as other aspects of culture.
Low temperature decomposition of ethylene over Ni(100): Evidence for vinyl formation

Thermal programmed desorption (TPD), high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), and time-resolved laser-induced desorption (LID) have been used to study the chemisorption and decomposition of ethylene over Ni(100). Ethylene adsorbs molecularly on this surface at temperatures below 150 K. The molecule is π bonded in this state, showing very little rehybridization. At coverages below half saturation, decomposition to vinyl plus a hydrogen atom occurs unimolecularly with a rate constant of (8.0 ± 2.0) × 10−2 s−1 at 170 K. A strong kinetic isotope effect was observed; vinyl formation from C2D4 does not occur until about 200 K. The proposal of vinyl as the intermediate is supported by studies with C2H4, 1,1− and 1,2−C2D2H2, and C2D4. The reaction is slower at saturation coverages, where molecular desorption is still seen above 200 K. Vinyl decomposes further at 230 K to form an acetylenic fragment.
GridSAT: a system for solving satisfiability problems using a computational grid

In this paper, we present GridSAT - a distributed and high performance complete satisfiability solver - and its application to a set of complex and previously unsolved satisfiability problems. Based on the sequential Chaff [M. Moskewicz, C. Madigan, Y. Zhao, L. Zhang, S. Malik. Chaff: Engineering an Efficient SAT Solver. Proceedings of the 38th Design Automation Conference (DAC2001), Las Vegas, June 2001] algorithm, we combine new distributed clause "learning" techniques with an efficient and autonomous grid implementation both to speed the time to solution and to solve problems too complex for other general solvers. By automatically adapting to changes in the availability of machines and carefully distributing the clause database, we show how GridSAT has been able to use, continuously, a diverse and dynamically changing resource pool to solve previously unsolved problems from the SAT 2002 [SAT 2002 Competition. http:// www.satlive.org/SATCompetition/] and the SAT 2003 [SAT 2003 Competition. http://satlive.org/SATCompetition/ 2003/] competitions. We describe our enhancements to the Chaff learning algorithm that have enabled an efficient distributed implementation, and detail the technological approach we have taken to realizing this implementation.
On backtracking failure in newton-GMRES methods with a demonstration for the navier-stokes equations

In an earlier study of inexact Newton methods, we pointed out that certain counterintuitive behavior may occur when applying residual backtracking to the Navier-Stokes equations with heat and mass transport. Specifically, it was observed that a Newton-GMRES method globalized by backtracking (linesearch, damping) may be less robust when high accuracy is required of each linear solve in the Newton sequence than when less accuracy is required. In this brief discussion, we offer a possible explanation for this phenomenon, together with an illustrative numerical experiment involving the Navier-Stokes equations.
Environmental enrichment reduces methamphetamine cue-induced reinstatement but does not alter methamphetamine reward or VMAT2 function

Environmental factors influence a variety of health-related outcomes. In general, being raised in an environment possessing social, sensory, and motor enrichment reduces the rewarding effects of various drugs, thus protecting against abuse vulnerability. However, in the case of methamphetamine (METH), which acts at the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) to enhance dopamine release from the cytosol, previous evidence suggests that METH reward may not be altered by environmental enrichment. This study examined the influence of an enriched environment on measures of METH reward, METH seeking, and VMAT2 function. Rats were raised from weaning to adulthood in either an enriched environment (presence of social cohorts and novel objects) or an isolated environment (no cohorts or novel objects). Rats in these two conditions were subsequently tested for their acquisition of conditioned place preference (CPP), METH self-administration, maintenance of self-administration at various unit doses of METH (0.001–0.5 mg/kg/infusion), and cue-induced reinstatement. VMAT2 function in striatum from these two groups also was assessed. No significant environment effects were found in CPP or METH self-administration, which paralleled a lack of effect in VMAT2 function between groups. However, cue-induced reinstatement was reduced by environmental enrichment. Together, these results suggest that environmental enrichment does not alter VMAT2 function involved in METH reward. However, the enrichment-induced decrease in cue-induced reinstatement indicates that enrichment may have a beneficial effect against relapse following a period of extinction via a neural mechanism other than striatal VMAT2 function.
Experimental real-time phase synchronization of a paced chaotic plasma discharge.

Experimental phase synchronization of chaos in a plasma discharge is studied using a phase variable lift technique (i.e., phase points separated by 2pi are not considered as the same). Real-time observation of synchronized and unsynchronized states is made possible through a real-time sampling procedure. Parameter space regions of synchronization and unsynchronization are identified, and a set of equations is suggested to model the real plasma circuit.
Pseudoleukemia cutis Report of a case in association with molluscum contagiosum

Histologic sections from a solitary cystic cutaneous lesion that showed atypical mononuclear cells in the dermis and within blood vessels were diagnosed by several general pathologists and dermatopathologists as leukemia cutis. The patient, who had no other cutaneous lesions, was consequently submitted to an extensive investigation for leukemia, which proved negative. Additional and deeper sections from the original block revealed that the cellular infiltrate so suspicious of leukemia cutis was secondary to rupture of a lesion of molluscum contagiosum. The correct histopathologic diagnosis, therefore, was pseudoleukemia cutis. The lessons of the case are that 1) further study of the specimen, solitary as it was and asymptomatic as the patient was, would have obviated worry and the expense and inconvenience of an extensive systemic investigation, and that 2) the diagnosis of leukemia cutis should never be made solely on the basis of histologic sections of skin, but rather after examination of blood and bone marrow. Cancer 40:813–817, 1977.
Efficiency change, technological progress and productivity growth of private, public and foreign banks in India: evidence from the post-liberalization era

This study uses a nonparametric frontier approach to examine the effects of the ownership on the efficiency, efficiency change, technological progress and productivity growth of the Indian banking industry over the period 1998 to 2003. A host of best practice frontiers are constructed relative to which the performance of foreign-owned banks, private-owned banks and public-owned banks operating in India are assessed. The results indicate that foreign banks are significantly more efficient when compared to other banks, i.e. the privately-owned and publicly owned-banks. The findings also provide evidence to indicate that a large number of Indian banks operate below their optimal scale. Specifically, the Indian banking industry can be characterized by the existence of very few large, but inefficient publicly-owned banks along with many small size banks that would be able to improve their cost efficiency by expanding their scale of operations. Therefore, in order to assist the Indian banking system to function...
Prevalence of Secondary Sexual Characteristics in a Population of North Carolina Girls Ages 3 to 10

Abstract Little data on the prevalence of secondary sexual characteristics in young children exist despite common assumptions that longitudinal studies such as Marshall and Tanner's 1 provided this information. To have a basis on which to compare the development of sexually abused girls, we undertook a cross-sectional prevalence study of 525 girls ages 3–10 from five county health departments and two private practices who presented for a physical examination. Clinicians after training recorded pubertal stages according to Tanner. Although the literature states that less than 1% of girls have breast development or pubic hair prior to age 8, we found a much higher percent: at least 25% of the black girls and 9% of the white girls at age 6 had some breast development or pubic hair. Age-adjusted prevalences of breast and pubic hair development were significantly higher in blacks than in whites. This study suggests the need for a large scale survey beginning at an early age to develop racial norms by age and geographical area.
Effects of Coordination to Transition Metals on the Hydration and Electroactivity of the Chelating Ligand 1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione

The intrinsically electroactive ligand in the title was coordinated to Co2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu+, and the resulting hydration of the carbonyl groups of a portion of the coordinated ligand eli...
Radiometric studies on the oxidation of [1-14C]fatty acids and [U-14C]L-amino acids by mycobacteria

Abstract A radiometric assay system has been used to study oxidation patterns of [1- 14 C]fatty acids and [U- 14 C] l -amino acids by drug-susceptible and drug-resistant organisms of the genus Mycobacterium . Two strains of M. tuberculosis susceptible to all drugs, H 37 Rv TMC 102 and Erdman, were used. Drug-resistant organisms included in this investigation were M. tuberculosis H 37 Rv TMC 303, M. bovis , M. avium, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii and M. chelonei . The organisms were inoculated into a sterile system containing liquid 7H9 medium along with one of the [1- 14 C]fatty acids or [U- 14 C] l -amino acids. Although each individual organism displayed a different pattern of fatty acid oxidation, these patterns were not distinctive enough for identification of the organism. Susceptible and resistant mycobacteria did not display any preferential oxidation of long chain or of short chain fatty acids that might help to distinguish these organisms. As with the fatty acid series, differential oxidation patterns for amino acids could be recognized, but again these patterns were not distinctive enough to identify each organism. Complex amino acids such as proline, phenylalanine and tyrosine were of no use in identification of mycobacteria, since virtually all organisms failed to oxidize them. Identification of each individual organism was feasible using a combination of fatty acids and amino acids which included butyric, octanoic, oleic, glycine and alanine. There was no combination of substrates able to separate susceptible and resistant organisms.
Restraint stress inhibited healing in rats.

Abstract The healing rate, as measured by bursting strength in 5 days, of jejunal anastomoses in normal rats is reduced by restraint stress. The reduced healing rate is not mediated by a restraint-induced decrease in food and water intake.
Corporate surety: A lifeline to survival

Natural disasters, computer break‐ins, malevolent individuals, and terrorists threaten society at large and could destroy profitability or bankrupt a corporation. Less spectacular threats such as credit card fraud or defective products are a constant drain on profitability. Public interests and business interests often converge on surety issues. For example, national survival and corporate health depend upon delivery of communications and utilities and reducing injuries and other consequences of accidents, war, terrorism, or natural events. Surety technologies and strategies should be part of any modern corporate infrastructure and should complement insurance.
A Comparison of Quality Function Deployment and Conjoint Analysis in New Product Design

Abstract In this work, we compare two product design approaches, quality function deployment (QFD) and conjoint analysis, by applying each to the design of a new all-purpose climbing harness for the beginning/intermediate ability climber that would complement a leading manufacturer’s existing product line. While many of the optimal design features were the same under both approaches, the differences allow us to highlight the strengths of each approach. With conjoint analysis, it was easier to compare the most preferred features (i.e., ones that maximized sales) to profit maximizing features and also to develop designs that optimize product line sales or profits. On the other hand, QFD was able to highlight the fact that certain engineering characteristics or design features had both positive and negative aspects. This tradeoff could point the way to “out of the box” solutions. QFD also highlighted the importance of starting explicitly with customer needs, regardless of which method is used. Rather than competing, we view them as complementary approaches that should be conducted simultaneously; each providing feedback to the other. When the two approaches differed on the optimal level or importance of a feature, it appeared that conjoint analysis better captured customers’ current preferences for product features while QFD captured what product developers thought would best satisfy customer needs. Looking at the problem through these different lenses provides a useful dialogue that should not be missed. QFD’s ability to generate creative or novel solutions should be combined with conjoint analysis’ ability to forecast market reaction to design changes.
Anorectal functioning in fecal incontinence.

Manometric testing was performed on three groups of subjects: 14 patients complaining of fecal incontinence, 14 age- and sex-matched continent patients, and 14 sex-matched younger normal controls. The younger group displayed significantly stronger contractions of the external anal sphincter and puborectalis than the two patient groups, which did not differ. No differences were found in the relaxation of the internal anal sphincter. The incontinent group required a significantly larger stimulus in order to detect rectal distension compared to either the continent patients or the younger normals. An additional group of unmatched normals and incontinent patients demonstrated significant differences in their ability to retain rectally infused saline. The patients leaked sooner and retained less;however, the performance of the normals was considerably reduced from that reported in previous studies. The aging process seems to result in weakening of the striated muscles of the anal canal, although fecal incontinence need not occur. The afferent limb of the anorectal sensorimotor mechanism does not necessarily deteriorate with aging. A lower threshold for sensation of rectal distension among continent individuals apparently helps them to avoid incontinent episodes, even though maximum contractile pressures in their anal canal are no different from a comparable group of incontinent individuals.
Two New Rodents from the Early Pleistocene of Idaho

A new species of the heteromyid rodent, Prodipodomys , from Elmore County, Idaho; and a new species of the cricetine rodent, Peromyscus , from Twin Falls County, Idaho, are described. Both specimens were taken from the Hagerman formation, which outcrops along the valley walls of the Snake River.
The obese surgical patient: a susceptible host for infection.

Background: Obesity is common in the Western world, and obese persons constitute a growing population of surgical patients for both bariatric and non-bariatric operations. It is the traditional per...
Oxygen uptake kinetics in response to exercise in patients with pulmonary vascular disease.

The increase in muscular oxygen consumption that accompanies the onset of exercise is accomplished by increases in blood flow and arterial-venous O2 difference. These processes are reflected in a similar increase in pulmonary oxygen uptake (O2), which rises in a dynamic pattern having two components and with an overall time course that may be characterized as an exponential. Because the immediate determinants of O2 are the blood flow and respiratory gas composition in the pulmonary circulation, it was hypothesized that O2 kinetics at exercise onset would be abnormal in patients with pulmonary vascular disease. To test this, 10 patients with pulmonary hypertension and two with pulmonary hypoperfusion caused by congenital heart disease performed constant work rate (15 ± 16 SD watt) exercise on an upright cycle ergometer, with breath-by-breath measurement of respiratory gas exchange for determination of O2 kinetics. The phase I increasein O2, comprising approximately the first 30 s of exercise, was small (18...