cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are Police Officers Cynical

The cynicism scale devised by Arthur Neiderhoffer was examinedfor its reliability and validity in order to see whether criticisms of the scale should be taken seriously'. The test-retest reliability of the scale was satisfactory and the item-total correlations were all statistically significant. However, the scale does appear to be heterogeneous, and a factor analysis identified seven factors. The cynicism scale appeared to have a good degree of concurrent and construct validity since the more cynicalpolice officers saw humans as less trustworthy and less altruistic on Wrightsman's Philosophy of Human Nature Inventory. They were less satisfied with their jobs and more anomic on Srole's anomie scale. It was concluded that Neiderhoffer's cynicism scale meets acceptable criteria for reliability and validity and thus is appropriatefor use as a measure of police cynicism.
Discrete analysis of stochastic NMR. II

Abstract Stochastic NMR is an efficient technique for high-field in vivo imaging and spectroscopic studies where the peak RF power required may be prohibitively high for conventional pulsed NMR techniques. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of a stochastic NMR spectroscopy experiment that consists of exciting the spin system with RE pulses where the flip angles or the phases of the pulses are samples of a discrete stochastic process. The experiment is formulated as a stochastic difference equation which is then converted to ordinary deterministic difference equations describing the input-output cross-correlation, average signal power, and signal-power spectrum. The solutions of these equations are used to study spectral distortions as the spin system is saturated with a highpower excitation, to obtain an optimum excitation power level that gives the maximum signal-to-noise ratio and to evaluate the contribution of systematic noise to the overall signal-to-noise ratio of the experiment. The specific case of random-flip-angle excitation is analyzed. Results show that high-power excitation may cause line broadening, a notch artifact, and nonuniform response across the spectrum. Experimental results are also presented to show that the discrete analysis provides an accurate description of practical experiments.
Comparative studies on methionine, selenomethionine, and their ethyl analogues as substrates for methionine adenosyltransferase from rat liver.

Abstract The properties of Selenomethionine and selenoethionine as substrates for rat liver methionine adenosyltransferase have been studied in vitro in comparison with those of methionine and ethionine. l - and d -selenomethionines were prepared from the enzymically resolved Se-benzyl- dl -selenohomocysteine. Purification of methionine adenosyltransferase from rat liver resulted in preparations with an activity of 4.5–6.2 units/mg protein. l -Selenomethionine, although more active than other compounds studied, was found to be less effective than l -methionine as substrate for the rat liver enzyme. However, l -selenomethionine has the lowest Km value. The Km for dl -selenoethionine was also found to be lower than that for l -ethionine. The competitive nature of methionine activation by other substrates was demonstrated by an assay procedure using l -[14CH3-]methionine as well as by several less direct methods. The Ki values for l -selenomethionine and l -ethionine with respect to l -methionine were found to be the same as their Km values. We conclude that a common site on a single enzyme is responsible for the activation of these substrates in rat liver.
Area-Rated Rational Coefficients for Portland Cement Pervious Concrete Pavement

Surface area specific runoff coefficients were measured for nonclogged Portland cement pervious concrete systems according to the rational method. The systems were simulated with pervious concrete blocks with porosities ranging from 16 to 27% placed over sand subbases. Rainfall was simulated in a flume setup with surface slopes ranging from 2 to 10%. There was negligible runoff for typical rainfall events under 100 years frequency in South Carolina. Runoff rates were also simulated for a combination of direct rainfall and additional stormwater runoff from adjacent areas. The results obtained are important for the design of pervious concrete runoff management systems.
In vitro Removal of Stain with Dentifrices

An in vitro model has been developed for the purpose of evaluating the cleaning ability of dentifrices. A stained film is slowly deposited on enamel sections and subsequently removed using a mechanical brushing procedure. Results from this test procedure compare favorably with the results of controlled, clinical cleaning studies.
Identifying Pedestrian High-Crash Locations as Part of Florida's Highway Safety Improvement Program: A Systematic Approach

From 1997 to 2001, pedestrian fatalities represented 25.9% (2,065 fatalities) of all traffic fatalities in Florida. The latest available statewide crash data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reveals 8,487 pedestrian crashes, resulting in 510 deaths and 7,894 injuries, in 2001. However, a methodology is not currently available to identify pedestrian high-crash locations in Florida as part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). A study was conducted to provide the framework for the systematic identification of pedestrian high-crash locations on the state highway system as part of the HSIP. The study methodology uses the Poisson distribution to determine abnormally high pedestrian crash frequencies in a year for 1-mi roadway segments. Four-lane and six-lane divided roadways with continuous sidewalks on both sides of the road in Miami-Dade County were included. The crash data, the latest available from the crash database of the Florida Department of Transportation, c...
Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetic Utility of the Polyubiquitin Locus in Mammals and Higher Vertebrates

The product of ubiquitin genes is a small protein involved in intracellular sorting of other proteins. The locus consists of tandemly arrayed, uninterrupted copies of the gene. As several studies have noted, the Polyubiquitin locus is a model system for studying concerted evolution. While the protein is among the most conserved known, individual copies within an organism show variation in nucleotide sequence despite clear evidence of concerted evolution. When treated as individuals, repeats from a given locus form a monophyletic group. Furthermore adjacent copies often cluster, suggestive of the mechanism of concerted evolution. Due to this concerted evolution of repeats (and loci in organisms with multiple polyubiquitins), sequencing of heterogeneous PCR products consisting of all the repeats in a given organism may yield phylogenetic signal, as with other multicopy genes. We test this possibility through 22 original sequences using primers designed so that only tandem copies are amplified. Using these and previously published data, we further explore these phenomena in higher vertebrates and mammals in particular. We suggest that multiple locus duplications have occurred within mammals. Positional codon bias is strongly evident. We also find substitutional bias with regard to codon type. GC content of the locus appears to be generally high across vertebrates. Intraorganismal variation is tallied as an indication of frequency of change in codon position and transition/transversion ratios to further elucidate the tempo and mode of molecular evolution. Using these data, a weighting scheme for ubiquitin is also presented. Despite the gene's high GC content, transitional changes still appear more frequent. While the phylogenetic utility of ubiquitin does not appear great, its mechanistic insights seem far from exhausted.
Tofu feminism: can feminist theory absorb evolutionary psychology?

Despite feminist critiques, evolutionary psychology (EP) has continued to grow and garner mainstream legitimacy. Adding to its advancement are those evolutionary psychologists (EPs) who push to disrupt such critiques by attempting to join EP to the work of feminism (Buss, Fisher, Fehr, Geher, Vandermassen). Supple and dynamic, feminism has a demonstrated history of integrating outlying theories and approaches, and expanding and remapping its margins through fierce and lively debate. But feminism is not theoretical tofu—there are limits to what it can absorb. This article will make the case for those limits by arguing against the compatibility of mainstream (or narrow) EP approaches with the goals of feminism, while also calling for a renewed feminist criticism of EP.
A window fourier domain search system

A search system is presented that utilizes Fourier domain data. This system removes dominating features from the infrared absorbance data, transforms the data into the Fourier domain and performs a complete library search. The actual matching algorithm is very simple and excellent search results were attained using 16 cm−1 resolution infrared absorbance spectra before transformation. This method can be used to distinguish very similar spectra that cannot be distinguished by many other search methods.
Nuclear spin-lattice relaxation of 3He gas in the presence of oxygen

Abstract Nuclear spin lattice relaxation time of 3 He gas was measured as a function of oxygen between 0.25 and 15 at.% at room temperature and at 25 atm pressure using spin-echo.
Partitioning the Components of Sexual Selection: Attractiveness and Agonistic Behaviour in Male Wax Moths, Achroia grisella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Two components of sexual selection in the lesser wax moth, Achroia grisella, are clearly defined: females choose males based on characters of their ultrasonic advertisement signals, and males display agonistic behaviour patterns in contests over signalling stations. We conducted a series of laboratory trials to determine whether successes in these two sexual selection arenas were related. Our trials showed that winners in contests over signalling stations were characterized by earlier initiation of both signalling and aggression. These characteristics may indicate higher levels of ‘motivation,’ but it is unclear whether this level is a fixed trait. There was no relationship, however, between any measure of a male's attractiveness to females and his success in winning competition trials. Thus, inter- and intra-sexual selection may be acting on different, uncorrelated traits in A. grisella.
Frequency-dependent inhibition to tones in neurons of cat insular cortex (AIV).

Auditory evoked responses were obtained in the insular-temporal cortex of the cat 1 which was referred to as auditory area AIV and later proposed to be a cortical region with descending projections which may modify activity in the ascending auditory system s. The finding that AIV receives auditory input was further substantiated by gross evoked recording techniques3, a4. More recently, the existence of auditory as well as visual responses in single units of the AIV and AIII was established with the use of extracellular recording techniquesl0,16. In the present study, the responses of single units in the A1V and adjacent Al l ! of the cat were recorded with intracellular techniques in order to describe more precisely the response characteristics of neurons in this component of the auditory cortex. Experiments were carried out on 13 adult cats as described previously4,6,1°. Monaural and binaural stimuli (1-5 sec duration) were delivered through matched earphones from an audiogenerator (Heathkit). The hunting stimulus was a burst of clicks. The sound level of the tones was set at 70 dB above human threshold for each tone used in the experiment (100 Hz-I 5 KHz). The units were also tested for responses to visual stimuli which included large field flashes (60 ° visual angle) of white light projected through an oscillating grid pattern of 100 ~ contrast onto a tangent screen placed 1 m in front of the soundproof recording room. The extraand intracellular recordings were made with glass micropipettes filled with K citrate (impedence at I KHz = 20-80 M ~ ) and coupled to a unity gain high impedence probe and preamplifier (Mentor). The DC potentials (band pass -0-3 KHz) and AC potentials (band pass : 1-30 KHz) were amplified, displayed on dual beam oscilloscopes (Tektronix), monitored on an audiomonitor (Grass AMS), recorded on magnetic tape (Hewlett-Packard FM Recorder) and on-line and off-line analyses (poststimulus time histograms and slow wave averages) were analyzed by the use of a PDP-8 computer (Digital Equipment). Depolarizing membrane potentials and
84 LEFT VENTRICULAR (LV) AORTIC (Ao) RATIO: AN ADDITIONAL INDEX OF LEFT-RIGHT DUCTAL SHUNTING IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (PDA)

84 LEFT VENTRICULAR (LV) AORTIC (Ao) RATIO: AN ADDITIONAL INDEX OF LEFT-RIGHT DUCTAL SHUNTING IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (PDA)
Effect of tranquilizers and other agents on sexual cycle of mice.

SummaryFive tranquilizing drugs (reserpine, chlorpromazine, promethazine, phenaglycodol and meprobamate), 2 sedative drugs (phenobarbital and ethyl alcohol), an adrenolytic agent (SKF 401) and an anticholinergic drug (atropine) have been shown to cause persistent diestrus in mice when administered in food or water.
Inorganic click (iClick) synthesis of heterotrinuclear PtII/AuI2 complexes

Metal-azide–metal-acetylide cycloaddition (iClick) reactions to synthesize heterotrimetallics and an unexpected novel tetranuclear gold(I) complex, are described. In addition, a discussion regarding the connection between traditional azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions and iClick is presented focusing on applications towards linking multiple metal ions.
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY: AN INTRODUCTORY SYNTHESIS

This discussion touches three questions fundamental to current national policy discourse: (a) the efficacy of infrastructure investment as a Keynesian stimulus; (b) the importance of increased infrastructure investment to future economic growth; and (c) the sources and causes of a purported U.S. productivity gap relative to other industrialized nations.
Continuous Monitoring of Nitric Oxide at 5.33 μm with an EC-QCL based Faraday Rotation Spectrometer: Laboratory and Field System Performance

Abstract (100 words): Nitric oxide detection with Faraday rotation spectroscopy offers excellent sensitivity and high specificity together with outstan ding long term system performance. Development of a transportable, cryogen-free, prototype field instrument based on mode-hop-free external cavity quantum cascade laser targeting the optimu m NO Q(3/2) transition at 1875.8 cm -1 is reported . The system shows a minimum detection limit of 5.4 ppb with a 1sec. lock-in time constant. Continuous, unattended NO monitoring with >1 hour white noise limited averag ing times is reported. Keywords : nitric oxide, quantum cascade laser; laser spectroscopy, Faraday effect, trace-gas detection, 1. INTRODUCTION Detection of nitric oxide (NO) is of importance in a number of applications including environmental pollution monitoring, or medical diagnostics (e.g. in exhaled breath by asthma patients). By targeting fundamental ro-vibrational transitions of NO at 5.3m sensitive concentration measurements can be performed using spectroscopic methods [1, 2]. Faraday rotation spectroscopy (FRS) is an extremely sensitive technique for the detection of paramagnetic species [3-5]. Under influence of a magnetic field the NO transitions undergo Zeeman splitting, which causes a rotation of the polarization of linearly polarized light interacting with the molecules. The best sensitivity for FRS NO detection can be obtained using the Q(3/2) transition at 1875.8cm
A comparative analysis of the CO2 and water vapor responses of two Spartina species from Georgia coastal marshes

CO 2 and water vapor exchange of intact plants of Spartina cynosuroides and Spartina alterniflora were monitored in marshes on the Georgia coast during early spring. The CO 2 response under 21% and low oxygen conditions suggest that S. cynosuroides has the C 4 metabolic pathway. S. alterniflora which dominates the Georgia salt marshes, is also a C 4 plant. Characteristics of the CO 2 response of photosynthesis and the temperature response of leaf conductance to water vapor indicate that photosynthesis of S. cynosuroides is controlled more by stomatal activity than by internal components of the CO 2 movement pathway. In contrast, photosynthetic response of S. alterniflora is controlled by internal factors. Maximum rates of photosynthesis, temperature optima and photosynthetic light response suggest that both species efficiently utilize the high light and high temperature regimes of south-eastern U.S. marshes. These physiological characteristics provide a basis for the high annual biomass production of these species.
The Artinian conjecture for I⊗2

This paper proves that the injective object IV2 in the category F of functors between F2-vector spaces is Artinian. This is the first non-trivial case to be established of the Artinian conjecture due to Kuhn, Lannes and Schwartz. The method of proof exploits the polynomial filtration of the difference functor Δ:F → F and the study of co-Weyl objects in the category F
Holographic storage: will the material and component technology meet the new challenges

This paper will review the requirements and status of the component and material technologies required to bring holographic storage successfully to the marketplace. Emphasis will be placed on satisfying the demanding system requirements, such as bit error rate and design margins, for an integrated, fully functional storage device.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Development of Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Corn: Geographic Variations in Host-plant Range of Biotype E

Progeny production and developmental periods of biotype E greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), collected from grain sorghum in Texas and wheat in Arkansas were similar on wheat and sorghum, but dissimilar on corn. Means of 2.3, 2.4, and 2.7 Texas greenbug nymphs were produced per day when reared in the laboratory on ‘Warner 2188’ corn, ‘Scout 66’ wheat, and ‘Warner 839Dr’ sorghum leaves, respectively. Arkansas greenbug collections produced an average of 0.7, 2.3, and 3.1 nymphs per day on the same respective host plants. Developmental periods for populations from both geographic areas were nearly the same on wheat and sorghum. The Arkansas population had a shorter fourth stadium when compared with the Texas population and did not complete development on corn.
Development and Use of a Writing Attitude Survey in Grades 4 to 8

The purpose of these studies was to develop and use a writing attitude survey for students in Grades 4 to 8. The instruments designed for use with older students are inappropriate for younger ones ...
A Novel Member of the Tob Family of Proteins Controls Sexual Fate in Caenorhabditis elegans Germ Cells

Although many cell fates differ between males and females, probably the most ancient type of sexual dimorphism is the decision of germ cells to develop as sperm or as oocytes. Genetic analyses of Caenorhabditis elegans suggest that fog-3 might directly control this decision. We used transformation rescue to clone the fog-3 gene and show that it produces a single major transcript of approximately 1150 nucleotides. This transcript is predicted to encode a protein of 263 amino acids. One mutation causes a frame shift at the sixth codon and is thus likely to define the null phenotype of fog-3. Although the carboxyl-terminus of FOG-3 is novel, the amino-terminal domain is similar to that of the Tob, BTG1, and BTG2 proteins from vertebrates, which might suppress proliferation or promote differentiation. This domain is essential for FOG-3 activity, since six of eight missense mutations map to this region. Furthermore, this domain of BTG1 and BTG2 interacts with a transcriptional regulatory complex that has been conserved in all eukaryotes. Thus, one possibility is that FOG-3 controls transcription of genes required for germ cells to initiate spermatogenesis rather than oogenesis. This model implies that FOG-3 is required throughout an animal's life for germ cells to initiate spermatogenesis. We used RNA-mediated interference to demonstrate that fog-3 is indeed required continuously, which is consistent with this model.
The International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group Thymic Initiative: A State-of-the-Art Study of Thymic Malignancies

Thymic malignancies are relatively rare tumors. A general lack of knowledge, misconceptions about benignancy, confusion about the definition of terms, and variability in reporting of outcomes have further hampered progress in these diseases. The International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group has emerged to counter these challenges and has brought together a worldwide multidisciplinary community determined to improve outcomes for these patients. Although the organization is young (initiated in 2010), major early accomplishments have created a foundation and infrastructure for scientific research. These include consensus definitions of terms, an unprecedented global database, development of practical clinical resources and, together with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, development of proposals for the first formal stage classification of these malignant tumors. Many articles have been published or are under way, and a second phase of projects building on the early success is proceeding. The greatest accomplishment of the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group lies in the establishment of an open culture of collaboration and the engagement of a broad group of individuals united by a common mission. It is a testament to what can be achieved, despite ongoing and inherent challenges, by determination and a collective effort.
An Agenda for EFT Research

Electronic funds transfer (EFT) systems have generated increasing publicity and debate in the United States in the past few years. On the one hand, EFT has been heralded as a promising innovation. Humes,(1) for example, notes that the early advocates of EFT, mainly technologists and financial experts, described a time when all stores, homes, banks, and businesses would be hooked into a massive computer network and money would be transferred electronically from account to account at the push of a button. The home-television screen and the Touch-Tone phone would make armchair shopping and financial dealing a common occurrence. Consumers would be freed from a host of bothersome tasks, the financial system would be more efficient, and when the computers weren’t busy transferring all that money, they would be available for inventory control, cash management, personnel administration, and many other management chores. Mundane tasks would be performed by computer, freeing clerical, retail, and even professional employees for bigger and better things. Jobs would become more satisfying to employees and organizations would become more profitable.
3-D Wave Propagation in Cylindrical Single Crystal Solid-Liquid Bodies

The large difference in the ultrasonic velocity between the solid and the liquid phases of most semiconducting materials results in reflection/refraction of ultrasound at solid-liquid interfaces and an interest in using laser ultrasonics for sensing solid-liquid interfaces during single crystal growth. Using a ray tracing analysis, a set of measured ultrasonic time of flight (TOF) projection data can yield the ray paths connecting the source to the receiver, which can subsequently be used to reconstruct the solid-liquid interface. In previous work [1] 2-D wave propagation in cylindrical single crystal solid-liquid bodies was used to explore the feasibility of using ultrasound to characterize solid-liquid interfaces during vertical Bridgman growth of semiconductor materials. Detailed study of ray paths, wavefronts and TOF for ultrasound propagating in both transverse and diametral planes of liquid-solid single crystal (Ge) bodies was reported. Numerical simulations indicated that the magnitude and direction of the group velocity, the solid:liquid velocity ratio and the curvature of the interface together controlled the ray bending behavior and thus determined the ultrasonic data across the interface. Knowledge of ray paths at the interface enabled reconstruction of the interface using a small set of ultrasonic TOF’s.
Effects of NaCl, pH, and Potential on the Static Creep Behavior of AA1100

The creep rates of AA1100 are measured during exposure to a variety of aggressive environments. NaCl solutions of various concentrations have no influence on the steady-state creep behavior, producing creep rates comparable to those measured in lab air at room temperature. However, after an initial incubation period of steady strain rate, a dramatic increase of strain rate is observed on exposure to HCl solutions and NaOH solutions, as well as during cathodic polarization of specimens in NaCl solutions. Creep strain produces a continuous deformation and elongation of the sample surface that is comparable to slow strain rates at crack tips thought to control the kinetics of crack growth during stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In this experiment, we separate the strain and surface deformation from the complex geometry of the crack tip to better understand the processes at work. Based on this concept, two possible explanations for the environmental influences on creep strain rates are discussed relating to the anodic dissolution of the free surface and hydrogen influences on deformation mechanisms. Consistencies of pH dependence between corrosion creep and SCC at low pH prove a creep-involved SCC mechanism, while the discrepancies between corrosion creep behavior and previous SCC results at high pH indicate a rate-limit step change in the crack propagation of the SCC process.
Tracking Amylolytic Enzyme Activities During Congress Mashing with North American Barley Cultivars: Comparisons of Patterns of Activity and beta-Amylases with Differing Bmy1 Intron III Alleles and Correlations of Amylolytic Enzyme Activities

This study was conducted to test three hypotheses: 1) that α-amylase will have less consistent patterns of activity during mashing than will β-amylase and limit dextrinase; 2) that differing β-amyl...
An integrated microfluidic device for DNA purification and PCR amplification of STR fragments

This work presents the integration of DNA extraction from complex samples and PCR amplification of STR fragments in a valveless, glass microdevice, using commercially available kits and instrumentation. DNA extraction was performed using a microchannel packed with a silica solid phase and a standard syringe pump as a single pressure source driving the extraction process, followed by integrated, online microchip amplification of STR fragments in a total volume of 1.2 microL. Reported characteristics important to this work include the capacity of the device for purification of DNA from a complex biological sample (whole blood) and the timing of DNA elution from the silica solid phase for successful downstream PCR amplification by placement the microdevice into a conventional thermocycler. Potential application of this microdevice to forensic genetic analysis was demonstrated through the preliminary extraction of DNA from semen, followed by an integrated, multiplexed, on-chip amplification that yielded detectable STR amplicons. By utilizing conventional laboratory equipment, the device presented exploits the benefits of microfluidic systems without complex control systems.
If a Radical Screams in the Forest, Will She be Heard?: The Hegemony of Instrumental Rationality in News

This article analyzes the San Francisco Chronicle’s coverage of the controversy over logging Headwaters, an ancient redwood forest in northern California. It contends that the Chronicle’s fundamental way of representing reality and judging the legitimacy of claims is through favoring an instrumental over ethical rationality. It concludes that this logic ends up limiting the ways that the main actors (Earth First! and Pacific Lumber) and the controversy itself are framed. This impacts the discursive landscape that the Chronicle creates because those in what Habermas (1984) calls the ‘systems world’ are favored over those in the ‘lifeworld’. The Chronicle’s coverage ends up setting up a set of unwritten criteria that embrace particular values and practices as necessary in order to be taken seriously as a political actor or speaker in relation to this environmental issue. This results from various journalistic routines and frameworks employed for constructing knowledge and legitimating actors and voices.
Relations between prosodic variables and communicative functions

Three children were observed interacting with their mothers at three different times: before the onset of single words, when vocabulary consisted of 10 words, and when vocabulary consisted of 50 words. Relations between communicative functions and acoustic analyses of prosodie variables (i.e. rise vs. nonrise of terminal contours) were studied. Considerable variability was found among the children in the number of rises produced overall and those produced for any function. Each child's use of rise was fairly constant over time and rises were produced RELATIVELY more frequently than nonrises with functions requiring a response from the listener. Factors affecting similarities and differences are discussed.
The mechanism and regulation of deadenylation: identification and characterization of Xenopus PARN.

In Xenopus oocytes, the deadenylation of a specific class of maternal mRNAs results in their translational repression. Here we report the purification, characterization, and molecular cloning of the Xenopus poly(A) ribonuclease (xPARN). xPARN copurifies with two polypeptides of 62 kDa and 74 kDa, and we provide evidence that the 62-kDa protein is a proteolytic product of the 74-kDa protein. We have isolated the full-length xPARN cDNA, which contains the tripartite exonuclease domain conserved among RNase D family members, a putative RNA recognition motif, and a domain found in minichromosome maintenance proteins. Characterization of the xPARN enzyme shows that it is a poly(A)specific 39 exonuclease but does not require an A residue at the 39 end. However, the addition of 25 nonadenylate residues at the 39 terminus, or a 39 terminal phosphate is inhibitory. Western analysis shows that xPARN is expressed throughout early development, suggesting that it may participate in the translational silencing and destabilization of maternal mRNAs during both oocyte maturation and embryogenesis. In addition, microinjection experiments demonstrate that xPARN can be activated in the oocyte nucleus in the absence of cytoplasmic components and that nuclear export of deadenylated RNA is impeded. Based on the poly(A) binding activity of xPARN in the absence of catalysis, a model for substrate specificity is proposed.
Infinite Subscripts from Infinite Exponents

DEFINITION. For ordinals a < K, [X]' = {P c X j ot(p) = ac}. For a < K, K a cardinal, K -+ (K)A holds if for every partition F: [K] -+ A, there is an X E [K] C with F constant on [X] . X is called homogeneous for F. When A = 2 the subscript is omitted. It has been known since the sixties that for finite exponents all such properties are equivalent, i.e., K -+ (K)2 iff K -+ (K)2fo for all n < W, ft < K. The infinite case is much more difficult, though it is not actually known to be different. The usual methods for dealing with partitions fail, and as the weakest of these properties violates the Axiom of Choice, many techniques are unavailable. It is extremely unlikely that an infinite exponent can be increased, but infinite subscripts are generally possible. THEOREM. If || a || 2 < a, then K -+ (K)" implies K -+ (K)'A for all A < K. In ?1, we show the subscript can be any A < K. In ?2 we extend this to 2A. In ?3 we discuss the possibilities with limited amounts of well-ordered choice, and apply the theorem to the problem of obliging ordinals. Except in ?3, we assume no choice. For the story of finite exponents, see [1]. For the relationship between infinite-exponent partition relations and choice, see [4].
The Cardiac-specific Nuclear δB Isoform of Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II Induces Hypertrophy and Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated with Increased Protein Phosphatase 2A Activity *

The δ isoform of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) predominates in the heart. To investigate the role of CaMKII in cardiac function, we made transgenic (TG) mice that express the nuclear δB isoform of CaMKII. The expressed CaMKIIδB transgene was restricted to the myocardium and highly concentrated in the nucleus. Cardiac hypertrophy was evidenced by an increased left ventricle to body weight ratio and up-regulation of embryonic and contractile protein genes including atrial natriuretic factor, β-myosin heavy chain, and α-skeletal actin. Echocardiography revealed ventricular dilation and decreased cardiac function, which was also observed in hemodynamic measurements from CaMKIIδB TG mice. Surprisingly, phosphorylation of phospholamban at both Thr17 and Ser16 was significantly decreased in the basal state as well as upon adrenergic stimulation. This was associated with diminished sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake in vitro and altered relaxation properties in vivo. The activity and expression of protein phosphatase 2A were both found to be increased in CaMKII TG mice, and immunoprecipitation studies indicated that protein phosphatase 2A directly associates with CaMKII. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that CaMKII can induce hypertrophy and dilation in vivo and indicate that compensatory increases in phosphatase activity contribute to the resultant phenotype.
Gene expression profiles associated with the transition to parasitism in Ancylostoma caninum larvae

Ancylostoma caninumis a common canine parasite responsible for anemia and death in infected dogs. Gene expression profiling was used to investigate molecular differences between two different forms of the third larval stage (L3s): infective free-living larvae and in vitro serum-stimulated larvae that mimic the initial stages of parasitism of a host. We developed an A. caninumcDNA microarray consisting of 4191 EST clones, and used it to identify a set of 113 genes that are differentially regulated between infective and parasitic larval stages. Real-time RT-PCR was used to confirm the expression differences of a subset of the genes. Of the genes repressed upon serum stimulation, seven encode members of the ‘Ancylostoma secreted protein’ ASP family, while another transcript encoding a 24 kDa excretory protein with similarity to ASP was up-regulated in serum-stimulated L3s. This suggests that different members of a protein family that has important implications for the hookworm’s parasitic lifestyle are regulated in a complementary manner in response to serum stimulation. Comparison of two strains of A. caninum from North Carolina and Maryland only identified a single gene, one of the members of the ASP family, that was differentially repressed upon serum stimulation. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Feeding Jejunostomy Tubes Placed During Esophagectomy: Are They Necessary?

Background Jejunostomy tubes (JT) are routinely placed at the time of esophagectomy and can be associated with low—but not insignificant—morbidity. Increased emphasis on evidence-based medicine prompted this critical review of JT use during esophagectomy and factors that predict the absolute need for JT. Methods All esophagectomies performed at one tertiary care institution from 1995 through 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed to determine preoperative variables that would assist in selecting patients who should receive a JT. Results A total of 143 JTs were placed in 151 patients undergoing esophagectomy for carcinoma (83.4%), high-grade dysplasia (13.2%), and perforation (2.6%). Of these, 110 patients (76.9%) had returned to oral intake before discharge (median, 7 days), whereas 33 patients (23.1%) still required tube feedings. Of 8 patients who did not undergo intraoperative JT placement, 6 had resumed oral intake at discharge. Two patients were discharged on total parenteral nutrition. Logistic regression analysis of preoperative variables showed a body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m 2 conferred a likelihood of requiring a JT at discharge (odds ratio, 7.56; p Conclusions The only absolute indication for JT placement after esophagectomy was a body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m 2 . Other patients may have selective JT placement based on the surgeon's judgment.
A hierarchical constraint-based approach to modeling construction and manufacturing processes

Modeling construction processes is an essential part of project planning and control. Most modeling exercises use the Critical Path Method (CPM) since it is simple to use and versatile. Almost all other modeling techniques are aimed at specialized types of construction work, such as linear scheduling which is used for modeling work that progresses along a line. Discrete-event simulation has also been used for construction modeling, and while it is extremely versatile, it lacks the simplicity in use of CPM and so has not been widely adopted within the industry. This paper goes back to first principles, identifying the needs of construction project planning and how existing tools meet (or fail to meet) these requirements. Based on this, a new modeling paradigm is proposed that is better suited to the needs of contemporary construction project planning. The principles of the method are demonstrated in application to three example construction projects.
Food and water security in a changing arctic climate

In the Arctic, permafrost extends up to 500 m below the ground surface, and it is generally just the top metre that thaws in summer. Lakes, rivers, and wetlands on the arctic landscape are normally not connected with groundwater in the same way that they are in temperate regions. When the surface is frozen in winter, only lakes deeper than 2 m and rivers with significant flow retain liquid water. Surface water is largely abundant in summer, when it serves as a breeding ground for fish, birds, and mammals. In winter, many mammals and birds are forced to migrate out of the Arctic. Fish must seek out lakes or rivers deep enough to provide good overwintering habitat. Humans in the Arctic rely on surface water in many ways. Surface water meets domestic needs such as drinking, cooking, and cleaning as well as subsistence and industrial demands. Indigenous communities depend on sea ice and waterways for transportation across the landscape and access to traditional country foods. The minerals, mining, and oil and gas industries also use large quantities of surface water during winter to build ice roads and maintain infrastructure. As demand for this limited, but heavily-relied-upon resource continues to increase, it is now more critical than ever to understand the impacts of climate change on food and water security in the Arctic.
Highly multiplexed assays for measuring polymorphisms on the Y-chromosome

Abstract A multiplex PCR assay capable of amplifying 20 Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (STR) markers simultaneously has been developed. These markers include all of the Y STRs that make up the “extended haplotype” used in Europe (DYS19, DYS385, DYS389I/II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, and YCAII) plus additional polymorphic Y STRs (DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS447, DYS448, DYS388, DYS426, GATA A7.1, and GATA H4). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays that may be rapidly analyzed with time-of-flight mass spectrometry have also been developed using Y-chromosome bi-allelic markers. With improved multiplexes and techniques for more rapid data collection such as mass spectrometry, Y-chromosome haplotypes may be more quickly generated for DNA databases and population studies and forensic cases may be solved more efficiently.
The use of continous renal replacement therapy in sepsis, liver disease, acute neurological injuries and decompensated heart failure

Abstract Acute kidney injury is associated with various clinical conditions, especially sepsis, liver disease, stroke and acute decompensated heart failure. Continuous renal replacement therapy is useful in the treatment of these conditions because of its effects on volume management and the control of distinct acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities through diffusion and convection. The present review attempts to comprehensively describe the effects and benefits of distinct extracorporeal techniques in sepsis, liver failure, acute neurological injury, and decompensated heart failure.
Deconvolution of gene expression from cell populations across the C. elegans lineage

Background Knowledge of when and in which cells each gene is expressed across multicellular organisms is critical in understanding both gene function and regulation of cell type diversity. However, methods for measuring expression typically involve a trade-off between imaging-based methods, which give the precise location of a limited number of genes, and higher throughput methods such as RNA-seq, which include all genes, but are more limited in their resolution to apply to many tissues. We propose an intermediate method, which estimates expression in individual cells, based on high-throughput measurements of expression from multiple overlapping groups of cells. This approach has particular benefits in organisms such as C. elegans where invariant developmental patterns make it possible to define these overlapping populations of cells at single-cell resolution.
Caspase-mediated calcineurin activation contributes to IL-2 release during T cell activation.

Abstract Calcineurin, a Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent Ser/Thr phosphatase (protein phosphatase 2B), plays a critical role in IL-2 production during T cell activation. It has been previously reported that IL-2 release in activated Jurkat T requires caspase-like activity (Posmantur et al. (1998) Exp. Cell. Res. 244, 302–309). We report here that the 60-kDa catalytic subunit of calcineurin A (Cn A) was partially cleaved to a 45-kDa form in phytohemagglutinin A (PHA) or phorbol ester + ionomycin (P + I)-activated Jurkat cells. In parallel, proteolytic activation of upstream caspases (caspase-8 and -9) as well as effector caspase-3 was also observed. Cn A cleavage was caspase mediated, since it was inhibitable by pan-caspase inhibitor Cbz-Asp-CH 2 OC(O)-2,6-dichlorobenzene (Z-D-DCB). Cn A cleavage was also observed when purified calcineurin was digested in vitro with caspase-3. Truncated Cn A was associated with enhanced phosphatase activity and reduced calmodulin sensitivity. Furthermore, in PHA or P + I-activated Jurkat cells, dephosphorylation of calcineurin substrate NFATc (a transcription factor known to be involved in transactivation of the IL-2 gene), was also suppressed by Z-D-DCB. Taken together, our results suggest that caspase-mediated cleavage of Cn A contributes to IL-2 production during T cell activation.
Flow of axisymmetric red blood cells in narrow capillaries

Flow of red blood cells along narrow cylindrical vessels, with inside diameters up to 8 μm, is modelled theoretically. Axisymmetric cell shapes are assumed, and lubrication theory is used to describe the flow of the suspending fluid in the gaps between the cells and the vessel wall. The models take into account the elastic properties of the red blood cell membrane, including its responses to shear and bending. At moderate or high cell velocities, about 1 mm/s or more, the membrane stress may be approximated by an isotropic tension which is maximal at the nose of the cell and falls to zero at the rear. Cell shape and apparent viscosity are then independent of flow rate. At lower flow velocities, membrane shear and bending stresses become increasingly important, and models are developed to take these into account. Apparent viscosity is shown to increase with decreasing flow rate, in agreement with previous experimental and theoretical studies.
A comparison of revision and rerupture rates of ACL reconstruction between autografts and allografts in the skeletally immature

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs) in skeletally immature patients are increasing. The purpose of this study is to describe the demographics, graft usage, revision, and re-operation rates in skeletally immature ACLRs in the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system. Skeletally immature patients (<17.0 years old with open physes) were identified using the Kaiser Permanente ACLR registry. Multi-ligament reconstructions and physeal-sparing ACLRs were excluded. Aseptic revision and same-knee re-operation were the outcomes of interest. Exposure of interest was graft type; bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft, hamstring autograft, and any type of allograft. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and race were evaluated as confounders. Cox proportional hazard models stratified by surgeon were used to analyse the risk of revision and re-operation. A total of 534 primary ACLR cases were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 2.9 years. The majority were hamstring autografts (n = 388, 72.7 %), male (n = 339, 63.9 %), and White (n = 232, 43.4 %). Median age was 14.9 years, and median BMI was 21.9 kg/m2. There were 44 (8.2 %) aseptic revisions and 48 (9.0 %) same-knee re-operations. The incidence rate for revision was BPTB autograft 5.5 %, hamstring autograft 7.5 %, and allograft 13.2 %. After adjusting for confounders and surgeon clustering effect, the risk of aseptic revision and revision between allograft and hamstring autograft did not reach statistical significance. Graft selection differs in skeletally immature patients with a preponderance of surgeries being performed with hamstring tendon autografts. High revision rates were identified for all graft types used, though differences in revision rates across different graft types did not reach statistical significance. Surgeons should be aware of high rates of revision in this skeletally immature young population, although type of graft used did not appear to make a difference. III.
Characteristics of a population volunteering for human immunodeficiency virus immunization. NIAID AIDS Clinical Trials Network.

Abstract A total of 166 volunteers for an AIDS vaccine study (Vaxsyn, baculovirus produced recombinant GP160; MicroGeneSys Inc, West Haven, Connecticut, USA) were interviewed and examined. Blood was collected for routine laboratory testing as well as T-cell counts, HIV ELISA (EIA), Western blot (WB) and p24 Ag. Eighty-five men (mean age 22.2 years, range 18-42) and 81 women (mean age 23.9 years, range 17-50) volunteered; 130/166 (78%) were university students. Most had learned of the study from news media (55%), friends or workplace (37%). The most common causes for exclusion were the presence of indeterminate WB (26.5%) or a change of mind after the initial interview (24%). Other causes were abnormal cell count and differential (7.2%), elevated alanine aminotransferase (3.6%), positive hepatitis B antibody (3.6%), abnormal urinalysis (3.4%), recent venereal disease (3.0%), T4 cell count less than 400 (1.9%), abnormal chest X-ray (1.7%), recognized high-risk behaviour (1.7%), multiple sex partners (1.2%), positive rapid plasma reagin test (1.2%), failure to meet age criteria (1.2%), unable to be available for entire study (1.2%), abnormal physical examination (0.6%) and positive p24 Ag (0.6%). No volunteers had positive EIA, but 14.5% had more than one reason for exclusion. Even in a community with low prevalence for HIV, a large majority of healthy heterosexual volunteers can be expected to be ineligible for enrollment in HIV vaccine trials. An average of 4.8 volunteers were screened for each of 12 vaccinees chosen.
A New Mechanism for Lubrication in Liquid Crystals

Recent synchrotron X-ray scattering studies on the thermotropic liquid crystal lubricant 8CB under shear flow have shown that for high shear rates the smectic layers are oriented perpendicular to the orientation assumed by conventional solid layered lubricants. This result invalidates existing theories of the lubrication mechanism of these materials. We show that the new orientation is the result of flow deformation of thermal fluctuations. This same mechanism is found to create a “normal stress” lift-force which we propose as the new lubrication mechanism.