cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic and extrinsic approaches for detecting genes in a bacterial genome

The unannotated regions of the Escherichia coli genome DNA sequence from the EcoSeq6 database, totaling 1,278 'intergenic' sequences of the combined length of 359,279 basepairs, were analyzed using computer-assisted methods with the aim of identifying putative unknown genes. The proposed strategy for finding new genes includes two key elements: i) prediction of expressed open reading frames (ORFs) using the GeneMark method based on Markov chain models for coding and non-coding regions of Escherichia coli DNA, and ii) search for protein sequence similarities using programs based on the BLAST algorithm and programs for motif identification. A total of 354 putative expressed ORFs were predicted by GeneMark. Using the BLASTX and TBLASTN programs, it was shown that 208 ORFs located in the unannotated regions of the E. coli chromosome are significantly similar to other protein sequences. Identification of 182 ORFs as probable genes was supported by GeneMark and BLAST, comprising 51.4% of the GeneMark 'hits' and 87.5% of the BLAST 'hits'. 73 putative new genes, comprising 20.6% of the GeneMark predictions, belong to ancient conserved protein families that include both eubacterial and eukaryotic members. This value is close to the overall proportion of highly conserved sequences among eubacterial proteins, indicating that the majority of the putative expressed ORFs that are predicted by GeneMark, but have no significant BLAST hits, nevertheless are likely to be real genes. The majority of the putative genes identified by BLAST search have been described since the release of the EcoSeq6 database, but about 70 genes have not been detected so far. Among these new identifications are genes encoding proteins with a variety of predicted functions including dehydrogenases, kinases, several other metabolic enzymes, ATPases, rRNA methyltransferases, membrane proteins, and different types of regulatory proteins.
Enhanced anaerobic digestion of biomass waste for optimized production of renewable energy and solids for compost

Abstract Anaerobic digestion of animal manure produces methane that can be cleaned and used as natural gas. This process can be accomplished in a simple tank at minimum cost. Other organic materials can also be added to minimize the organic waste that normally goes into landfills.
Immobilization of lipase in composites of gelatin and polystyrene via an emulsion-gel pathway

A new method for the immobilization of lipase within composites of polystyrene and gelatin is suggested. First, an emulsion of styrene (containing an initiator) in an aqueous solution of gelatin (containing a dispersant) is prepared with mechanical stirring at 50°C. An aqueous solution of lipase is added (at room temperature) under stirring to the gel-like emulsion previously prepared. The polymerization of the gel containing lipase was carried out at room temperature for four days. The activity of the immobilized lipase in the hydrolysis reaction of triacetin was investigated. The activity depends on the content of gelatin within the composite.
A TESTABLE MODEL OF GLOBAL CORTICAL ORGANIZATION

This report advances a testable model of cortical organization which is tied to γ band (20-150 Hz) neuroelectric oscillations. The elements of the model function as pattern recognizers and are assumed to be composed of a few cm2 of cortical tissue. Presumed modes of instability in the activity of this network of large units are proposed as the underlying neurophysiological basis of a variety of psychopathologies. The model is used to predict macroscopic neuroelectric measureables which will be present in patients who display these psychopathologies. Two techniques are described for identifying γ band oscillations in neurophysiological recordings.
Relative multiplicities of graded algebras

Abstract Without any finiteness assumption we define a sequence of relative multiplicities for a pair A ⊂ B of standard graded Noetherian algebras that extends the notion of relative multiplicities of Simis, Ulrich and Vasconcelos and unifies them with the j -multiplicity of ideals introduced by Achilles and Manaresi as well as the j -multiplicity of modules defined by Ulrich and Validashti. Using our relative multiplicities, we give numerical criteria for integrality and birationality of the extension A ⊂ B .
Evaluation of modifications to a basic thermal summation model for predicting the time of emergence of the adult western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Dipt., Tephritidae)1

Two thermal summation models were constructed for predicting the mean time of emergence of the adult western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens. The first model uses the basic day-degree computation, where the daily thermal sum is computed as the difference between the average of the maximum and minimum daily temperatures and the lower developmental threshold temperature. The second model more accurately estimates the area under the daily temperature curve, bounded by both upper and lower developmental thresholds. Although the simple thermal summation model provides a less accurate estimation of the area under the temperature curve, it was found to be nearly as accurate in predicting the mean time of emergence of adult R. indifferens. Zusammenfassung Vergleichende Untersuchung uber die Brauchbarkeit zweier Temperatursummen-Modelle zur Vorhersage der Schlupfzeit der Westlichen Kirschfruchtfliege, Rhagoletis indifferens Curr. (Dipt., Tephritidae) Es wurden 2 Temperatursummen-Modelle zur Vorhersage der mittleren Schlupfzeit der Adulten der Kirschfruchtfliege Rh. indifferens konstruiert und verglichen. Das 1. Modell berechnet die tagliche Temperatursumme als Differenz zwischen den Mitteln der maximalen und minimalen Tagestemperatur und der unteren Entwicklungstemperatur. Das 2. Modell berechnet genauer das Areal unterhalb der taglichen Temperaturkurve und oberhalb der unteren Entwicklungsschwelle. Obgleich das einfache Temperatursummen-Modell eine weniger genaue Schatzung des Areals unterhalb der Temperaturkurve lieferte, ermoglichte es eine fast genaue Vorhersage der mittleren Schlupfzeit der adulten Rh. indifferens.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Mono(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) Tetraphenylborate Lanthanide Complexes of Ytterbium and Samarium: Tris(ring) Precursors to (C5Me5)Ln Moieties

The synthesis of unsolvated (C5Me5)Ln(BPh4) complexes (Ln = Sm, Yb) has been investigated to determine if the productive chemistry of the metallocene tetraphenylborate complexes, (C5Me5)2Ln(μ-Ph)2BPh2, can be expanded to mono(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) systems. Precursors (C5Me5)2Yb, 1, and (C5Me5)2Sm, 2, were both prepared by desolvation of (C5Me5)2Ln(THF)2 under high vacuum in near quantitative yields. Compounds 1 and 2 react with [Et3NH][BPh4] to form divalent (C5Me5)Ln(μ-η6:η1-Ph)2BPh2 (3, Yb; 4, Sm) complexes in which two of the phenyl rings of the tetraphenylborate counteranion coordinate η6 to the lanthanide to generate a three-ring coordination geometry involving cyclopentadienyl and arene coordination. In contrast to the expected trigonal plane defined by the three-ring centroids in 3, the structure of 4 is pyramidal with Sm 0.41 A out of the plane of the three-ring centroids. Complex 3 reacts with THF to make the polysolvated complex, [(C5Me5)Yb(THF)4][BPh4], 5, which can also be obtained from...
Seatbelt Injury Causing Small Bowel Devascularisation: Case Series and Review of the Literature

The use of seatbelts has increased significantly in the last twenty years, leading to a decrease in mortality from road traffic accidents (RTA). However, this increase in seatbelt use has also led to a change in the spectrum of injuries from RTA; abdominal injuries, particularly intestinal injuries have dramatically increased with the routine use of seatbelts. Such intestinal injuries frequently result from improper placement of the “lap belt”. We present 3 cases in which passengers wearing a seatbelt sustained significant devascularisation injuries to the small bowel requiring emergency surgical intervention. A high index of suspicion is crucial in such cases to prevent delays in diagnosis that can lead to severe complications and adverse outcomes. It is evident that while advocating seatbelt use, the importance of education in correct seatbelt placement should also be a focus of public health strategies to reduce RTA morbidity and mortality.
Speckle-Shearing Interferometric Camera -- A Tool For Measurement Of Derivatives Of Surface-Displacement

A camera having a lens with two apertures and equipped with a shearing mechanism is employed to image a specimen which is illuminated by coherent light. With this arrangement, the speckle from one point on the surface is allowed to interfere with the speckle from a neighboring point so that a speckle-grid pattern may be detected in the image plane. By double-exposure or real-time techniques, the speckle-grid pattern corresponding to the deformed state of the specimen is added to the speckle-grid pattern corresponding to the undeformed state of the specimen. The resulting mechanical interference produces a moire-fringe pattern which depicts derivatives of surface-displacements. The camera will be referred to as "Speckle-shearing Interferometric Camera". Three applications of the speckle-shearing interferometric camera are described: (1) mea-surement of slopes of structural deflections, (2) in-plane strain measurement, (3) vibration analy-sis. Experimental demonstrations for each case of the applications are presented. Although the speckle-shearing interferometric camera is based on interferometric principles, it overcomes several of the limitations associated with holographic and speckle interferometries, namely: (1) the setup is simple and does not re-quire laborous alignment of optical components, (2) it does not require stringent mechanical and ambient atmospheric stabilities, (3) coherent requirements of light are greatly relaxed, (4) the sensitivity is greatly reduced, and (5) it does not require differentiation to obtain strains.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Transmission Line Uprating 115-kV to 230-kV Electrical and Structural Design

The Otter Tail Power Company plans to convert a 90-mile section of 115-kV wood-pole transmission line to 230 kV. This paper describes the electrical and structural analysis upon which final selection of the uprated design was based.
Domain structure of neurofilament subunits as revealed by monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies have been prepared against purified neurofilament (NF) subunits (NF68, NF150, and NF200). From 25 fusions, several hundred strongly positive antibodies have been obtained. Among them are antibodies against the specific subunits as well as antibodies recognizing common antigenic determinants. These have all been characterized according to the following properties: ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay) testing against each subunit, immunoblots against enriched neurofilament preparation, immunoblots of cyanogen bromide or chymotrypsin-treated neurofilaments, immunofluorescence with PC12 cells, and immunohistochemistry of cerebellum. Whereas the antibodies against the NF68 and NF150 appear to react with single cyanogen bromide fragments, the antibodies against the NF200 react with multiple cyanogen bromide fragments. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the NF200 is partially composed of several repeated structural determinants. Furthermore, all of the antibodies that react with the NF200 recognize the solubilized "sidearm" domain from limited chymotryptic digestions. The locations of the common and variable domains of the three subunits are discussed in light of these results.
Evaluation of fungicides for the control of Peronospora belbahrii on sweet basil in New Jersey

Abstract Basil downy mildew (BDM), caused by the fungus-like oomycete pathogen Peronospora belbahrii, has become a destructive disease of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). Without proper management, BDM can cause complete crop loss. Currently, there are no commercially available sweet basil cultivars with genetic resistance to BDM. Because BDM is a relatively new disease of basil in the United States, there are few currently registered conventional or organic fungicides labeled for its control. Fungicide efficacy trials were conducted in 2010 and 2011 at Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Bridgeton, NJ. During both years, seven biological fungicide treatments were field evaluated, including hydrogen dioxide; extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis; Bacillus pumilus strain QST 2808; a mixture of rosemary oil, clove oil, and thyme oil; mono- and dipotassium salts of phosphorous acid; sesame oil; copper hydroxide; and a combination of sesame oil + cupric hydroxide. Six conventional fungicides ev...
Dominant lethal effects of triflupromazine in hybrid C3D2F1/J mice

Abstract In three separate experiments, triflupromazine (TFP), a phenothiazine tranquilizer, was active in a dominant lethal test using hybrid male mice. The effect for a single intraperitoneal injection was dose-related and the major effect was observed during the spermatocyte and spermatogonial stages of spermatogenesis.
Long-term particle clearance in man: normal and impaired.

The long-term lung retention of 3.6-..mu..m-diameter polystyrene particles tagged with Sr-85 was measured in 5 healthy nonsmokers, 6 healthy ex-smokers, 8 smokers, and 6 persons with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). Normal long-term clearance was in two phases with half-times of 30 +- 23 days and 296 +- 98 days, respectively, 27 +- 13% clearing via the fast phase. Half-times and relative amounts clearing via the two temporal phases were independent of particle penetration, implying that they are associated with two different mechanisms clearing particles from the same anatomical compartment. A repeat study in one person was consistent with the first, showing that long-term clearance is a well-defined physiological function characteristic of an individual. Cigarette smoking supressed the fast clearance phase and increased the half-time of the slow phase by 14.7 +- 3.0 days (95% confidence limit) per pack-year of smoking. Healthy ex-smokers had normal long-term clearance, but the individuals with COLD had a significantly increased slow phase half-times.
MULTI-ASPECT COMPONENT MODELS: A FRAMEWORK FOR MODEL REUSE IN SYSML

In this paper, a framework is defined for cost-effective reuse of engineering analysis models in the context of systems engineering. As systems engineering problems become increasingly complex and involve an increasing number of stakeholders, it is important that the knowledge required to solve these problems is formulated and communicated in a formal fashion. To allow such formal communication to occur in a cost-effective manner, a framework is introduced based on model reuse and composition. In this framework, engineering analysis models are associated with components and characterized by aspects. The resulting containers of related models are called Multi-Aspect Component Models (MAsCoMs). To allow the MAsCoMs to be incorporated seamlessly into systems engineering practice, the models are defined in the Systems Modeling Language (OMG SysML™). After introducing the basic modeling constructs, their implementation and composition is illustrated in the context of the design of a hydraulically actuated log splitter.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Field studies on zooplankton‐cyanobacteria interactions

Abstract Correlative field evidence suggests that large grazers such as Daphnia pulex promote the growth of colonial cyanobacteria by selectively eating competitive phytoplankton. This is supported by experimental evidence that (1) in eutrophic lakes dominated by cyanobacteria grazing by zooplankton on small particles is often > 100% day‐1, and (2) colonial cyanobacteria are generally not grazed as rapidly as smaller phytoplankton. Cyanobacteria generally have deleterious effects on grazing zooplankton. Filamentous cyanobacteria such as Anabaena and Oscillatoria can inhibit filtering by cladocerans, reducing growth and reproduction. Detrimental effects on zooplankton via nutritional deficiencies and toxins of cyanobacteria have been demonstrated in the laboratory but not in the field. Grazing on colonial cyanobacteria by zooplankton appears to be an important trophic link in tropical lakes. Generally, calanoid copepods seem best adapted to utilising large cyanobacteria. The generalisation that, with incre...
Characterization of a fluorescent substrate for the adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase

Abstract A synthetic tetradecapeptide derived from the phosphorylation site of the β-subunit of phosphorylase kinase (Arg-Thr-Lys-Arg-Ser-Gly-Ser-Val-Tyr-Glu-Pro-Leu-Lys-Ile) is a highly efficient substrate for the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, exhibiting a 36% decrease in the intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence on phosphorylation. The fluorescence changes in continuous assays were monitored to demonstrate the roles of protein kinase effectors (cAMP, the type II regulatory subunit, and the 8000-Da heat-stable inhibitor) in the regulation of the enzyme and to determine K m and V max . The phosphorylation reaction requires 1 mol ATP/mol peptide. Amino acid analysis demonstrates the presence of phosphoserine in the phosphorylated peptide. Auxiliary experiments show that tyrosine phosphorylation can also be detected fluorometrically and distinguished from serine or threonine phosphorylation.
Medicare Beneficiaries Less Likely To Experience Cost- And Access-Related Problems Than Adults With Private Coverage

The experiences of people covered by Medicare and those with private employer insurance can help inform policy debates over the federal budget deficit, Medicare’s affordability, and the expansion of private health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. This article provides evidence that people with employer-sponsored coverage were more likely than Medicare beneficiaries to forgo needed care, experience access problems due to cost, encounter medical bill problems, and be less satisfied with their coverage. Within the subset of beneficiaries who are age sixty-five or older, those enrolled in the private Medicare Advantage program were less likely than those in traditional Medicare to have premiums and out-of-pocket costs exceed 10 percent of their income. But they were also more likely than those in traditional Medicare to rate their insurance poorly and to report cost-related access problems. These results suggest that policy options to shift Medicare beneficiaries into private insurance would need to b...
How Do Adolescents Process Advertisements? The Influence of Ad Characteristics, Processing Objective, and Gender

Abstract This study investigates the influences of print advertisements on the affective and cognitive responses of adolescents. Junior and senior high school males ( n = 111) and females ( n = 84) were randomly assigned to either a low- or high-elaboration condition to process primarily visual and primarily verbal print advertisements. The students then responded to questions measuring three dependent variables—memory of specific facts, inference, and emotional response. Three-way ANOVA results indicated that predominantly visual advertisements elicited memory of more facts, more inferencing, and more intense emotional responses than predominantly verbal ads. In addition, females remembered more facts, made more inferences, reported stronger emotional responses, and detected the explicit claim of the ad more frequently than males. Finally, students in the high-elaboration condition remembered more details than students in the low-elaboration condition. The results are discussed in terms of implications for advertising media literacy.
Improving Ultrashallow Seismic Reflection Data by Reducing Source Energy

Summary Ultrashallow seismic reflection (USR) surveying—used to gather information within the upper few meters of the subsurface—is a critical resource when reflection-scale resolution is necessary but surface conditions limit the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR). However, acquiring highquality USR data requires specialized sources. To ascertain the important features of such sources, experiments were conducted using various impulsive seismic sources (4.5-kg hammer, 30.06 rifle, and .22-caliber rifle) to examine the effects of minimizing source energy on the frequency content of reflection data. Results indicate that the higher energy sources (e.g., sledgehammer, large-caliber projectiles) lack some of the high-frequency energy exhibited by smaller sources, precluding the detection of reflection signal from less than 3-m-depth at the sites tested. Additionally, the .22-caliber rifle yielded more energy above 250 Hz than either the sledgehammer or 30.06 rifle, and the .22-caliber rifle with subsonic ammunition yielded the largest amount of energy at frequencies above 300 Hz and produced the best USR data at both test sites.
Identification of an Alcohol with 13C NMR Spectroscopy

The identification of an unknown alcohol with 13C NMR is used to introduce students to NMR spectroscopy early in the second-year undergraduate organic chemistry course. Students learn basic concepts of NMR, including an introduction to magnetic resonance and chemical shifts due to electronegativity effects. This experiment also reinforces knowledge from the lecture on organic molecular structures, including functional groups, isomerization, hybridization, and electronegativity. To identify an unknown alcohol, students obtain the boiling point and perform hands-on 13C and DEPT 90 and 135 experiments with a high-field NMR instrument.
Effects of Neuromuscular Training on the Reaction Time and Electromechanical Delay of the Peroneus Longus Muscle

Abstract Linford CW, Hopkins JT, Schulthies SS, Freland B, Draper DO, Hunter I. Effects of neuromuscular training on the reaction time and electromechanical delay of the peroneus longus muscle. Objective To examine the influence of a 6-week neuromuscular training program on the electromechanical delay and reaction time of the peroneus longus muscle. Design A 2×2 pre-post factorial design. Setting Human performance research center biomechanics laboratory. Participants Thirty-six healthy, physically active, college-age subjects were recruited for this study and 26 completed it. There were 5 men and 8 women in the treatment group (mean age ± standard deviation, 21.9±2.1y; height, 173.7±11.1cm; weight, 67.4±17.8kg) and 6 men and 7 women in the control group (age, 21.8±2.3y; height, 173.7±11.9cm; weight, 70.8±19.4kg). Subjects were not currently experiencing any lower-extremity pathology and had no history of injuries requiring treatment to either lower extremity. Interventions Subjects in the treatment group completed a 6-week neuromuscular training program involving various therapeutic exercises. Subjects in the control group were asked to continue their normal physical activity during the 6-week period. Main Outcome Measures The electromechanical delay of the peroneus longus was determined by the onset of force contribution after artificial activation, as measured by electromyographic and forceplate data. Reaction time was measured after a perturbation during walking. Data were analyzed using two 2×2 analyses of covariance (covariate pretest score). Group (treatment, control) and sex (male, female) were between-subject factors. Results Neuromuscular training caused a decrease in reaction time to perturbation during walking compared with controls (F=4.030, P =.029), while there was a trend toward an increase in electromechanical delay (F=4.227, P =.052). There was no significant difference between sexes or the interaction of sex and treatment in either reaction time or electromechanical delay. Conclusions The 6-week training program significantly reduced reaction time of the peroneus longus muscle in healthy subjects. Neuromuscular training may have a beneficial effect on improving dynamic restraint during activity.
Conceptualizations of Female Empowerment and Enjoyment of Sexualized Characters in Reality Television

This study explores how young women's definitions of empowerment relate to their reception of The Girls Next Door, a popular reality show that documents the life and fun times of Hugh Hefner's three sexy, live-in girlfriends. Specifically, we examine whether young women's general attraction to reality television relates to their endorsement of different views of women and empowerment, how these endorsements relate to the women's own sexual permissiveness, and finally how these views relate to perceptions of The Girls Next Door. Results suggest that reality television preferences relate to greater endorsement of sexual empowerment and traditional feminine roles. However, sexual permissiveness is elevated only when sexual empowerment is endorsed, and perceptions of the show appear to be most positive only when sexual permissiveness is elevated.
A quantum dot memory cell based on spin polaron formation

A theoretical study that explores the feasibility of a new spin-based nonvolatile memory concept is presented. The active region of the memory cell is a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) sharing an interface with a dielectric ferromagnetic layer (FML). The operating principle of the device is based on the spontaneous magnetic symmetry breaking due to exchange interaction between the magnetic ions in the FML and the spins of the itinerant holes in the QD. As a result, the formation of bistable states is possible at some conditions. We find the parameters window that admits the bistability and consider its lifetime (bit retention time) as the QD is scaled down. The analysis is carried out for two different QD materials: a non-magnetic (NM) QD and a diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) QD. In addition, two different designs are considered: a QD sharing an interface with the FML and a QD embedded in the FML. The proposed device is ready for scalability, potentially down to a few hole level by reducing the size of the QD, and it promises high integration density since only two terminals are used for device operation.
The water footprint of biofuels: a drink or drive issue?

The water consumption and agrochemical use during biofuel production could adversely impact both availability and quality of a precious resource.
Group Combustion of Liquid Droplets

Abstract Quasi steady “external group combustion” of droplet cloud with non-uniform droplet size distributions has been developed to assess the group burning behavior of fuel sprays in industrial and jet engine combustors. The exact solutions for the perturbation equation for power law droplet size distributions are obtained. Numerical analysis pertaining to the initial phase of group combustion with mean droplet size approximation is also presented. The study reveals that current spray burners are operating at high group combustion number regime, wherein the burning mechanism coincides with external group burning mode as previously predicted by Suzuki and Chiu. A spray with a higher group combustion number is also featured by a “sheath vaporization” which is localized in a thin layer located in the outermost region of the cloud. Sprays at lower group combustion number regime cease to burn with external combustion modes when the group combustion number is less than the critical value which is determined b...
Metabolic scaling of antibiotics in reptiles: Basis and limitations

The allometric equation y = a xb has been used to scale many morphological and physiological attributes relative to body mass. For instance, in eutherian mammals, the equation P,,, = 10M2.75 has been used to describe the relationship between metabolic rate (Pmet) and body mass (Mb). Similar equations have been derived for squamate reptiles. Recently, this relationship between metabolic rate and body mass has been used in determining appropriate dosages and dosing intervals of antibiotics both intraspecifically for different sized reptiles and interspecifically for those reptiles in which antibiotic pharmacokinetic studies have not been performed. Although this is a simple mathematical process, a number of problems surface when this approach is examined closely. First, the mass constant (a) in reptiles varies from 1-5 for snakes and 6-10 for lizards. No such information is available for chelonians or crocodilians. Unless the mass constant for the unknown species approximates that of the known species, inappropriate dosages and intervals of administration will be calculated. Second, pharmacokinetic differences may exist between widely divergent species, independent of metabolic rate. Third, all available pharmacokinetic studies and metabolic allometric equations are derived from clinically healthy reptiles. Differences more than likely exist between healthy and ill reptiles in regard to uptake, distribution, and elimination of drugs and overall metabolism. While metabolic scaling of antibiotics is a potentially useful and practical tool in drug dosing, these limitations must be considered when dosing an ill reptile. Until more scientifically derived information is available for demonstrating the accuracy of metabolic scaling of antibiotics in reptiles, the clinician will need to understand the limitations of this approach. 0 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reinforcing Effects of Smoking: More Than a Feeling

In light of the available evidence, it is reasonable to conclude, as suggested by Perkins et al., that an important part of smoking’s reinforcing properties are attributable to reductions in negative affect due to abstinence, and less so to effects on negative affect arising from other environmental sources. This important study helps to blaze the trail for future studies to disentangle effects of smoking versus nicotine on abstinence-induced negative affect, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of such effects, and to parse out individual differences. An improved understanding of the when, how, and whom of smoking’s negative reinforcing effects will guide the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to address this major public health problem.
Erosion Behavior in a Simulated Jet Engine Environment

This paper presents erosion data relevant to gas turbine engines. Data were obtained in a material erosion facility for Ti 6-4 and INCO 718 alloys, for temperatures between ambient and 1300°F, particle velocities between 200 and 900 ft/s, and particle impingement angles between 20 and 90 deg. These data indicate that the erosion rate as a function of temperature is relatively constant for each material up to a temperature which is unique to the material, beyond which it increases rapidly. Further, the angle dependence of erosion rate remains relatively constant with increasing material temperature.
Targeting retroviral vector infection to cells that express heregulin receptors using a TVA-heregulin bridge protein.

Abstract Previously we have shown that it is possible to target retroviral vectors to cells using avian sarcoma and leukosis virus (ASLV) receptor–ligand and receptor–single-chain antibody bridge proteins (now designated as GATEs for g uided a daptors for t argeted e ntry). In this report we were interested in determining whether this approach can be used to deliver retroviral vectors specifically to cells that express heregulin receptors. Heregulin receptors are attractive targets for retroviral vector-based gene delivery protocols since they are often overexpressed on the surfaces of cancer cells. To explore this possibility, the TVA–herβ1 protein was generated, consisting of the extracellular domain of the TVA receptor for ASLV-A fused to the EGF-like region of heregulin β1. TVA–herβ1 bound specifically to cells that express heregulin receptors, rendering them susceptible to efficient and specific infection by subgroup A ASLV vectors. In addition, these activities of TVA–herβ1 were abrogated specifically in the presence of another bridge protein that contained the same ligand domain. These data confirm that the GATE protein TVA–herβ1 mediates targeted retroviral infection via cell surface heregulin receptors.
Banking sector reforms and corporate leverage in emerging markets

Abstract Using a large panel of non-financial firms in emerging markets, we study the relation between detailed measures of banking sector reforms and corporate leverage. We find that banking sector reforms are associated with lower corporate debt in emerging market firms, consistent with the notion that these reforms improve banks' risk management and result in tighter lending standards, leading firms to use less bank debt in their capital structure. These effects are less pronounced for financially constrained firms, suggesting a relative increase in the supply of bank credit to firms which were rationed prior to the banking sector reforms.
Relative stabilities of biomolecules at high temperatures and pressures

Abstract Determination of the thermodynamic properties of biomolecules at elevated temperatures and pressures is critical to understanding enzymatic activity and the role of hyperthermobarophilic microbes in both industrial and natural hydrothermal processes. Experimental data reported in the literature indicate that amino acids and other aqueous biomolecules become increasingly sensitive to their chemical environment with increasing temperature. If this environment is not conducive to metastable preservation of biomolecules, they become highly reactive at high temperatures and pressures. However, increasing temperature does not then simply result in decomposition of biomolecules to form H2O, CO2, H2, and/or other “inorganic” species, but instead they react to form additional “organic” and/or “inorganic” molecules, which may or may not achieve metastable equilibrium with one another under the conditions prevailing in the system. These conditions include the chemical potentials of H2 (and therefore O2) 1 , CO2, NH3, and H2S. If the chemical potentials of these components are favorable, amino acids and other bimolecules may persist at high temperatures for periods of time well in excess of those required for regeneration of the molecules, either abiotically or by hyperthermobarophilic microbes. Because irreversible reaction of biomolecules with other aqueous species, as well as metastable equilibrium states resulting from such reactions are highly sensitive to the activities of H2, CO2, NH3, H2S, and
A reusable diet support for rearing the melon fly on fluid larval medium.

A fluid, low-cost, low-residue medium was formulated for automated mass rearing of larval melon flies, Dacus cuenrbitae Coquillett. This formulation was modified from that developed by Tanaka et al. (1969) for production of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wicdemann), and the oriental fruit fly, D. dorsalis Hendel, and adapted by Tanaka for rearing the melon fly. Composition per 100 g of new larval medium was 4.0 g torula yeast type 200; 6.0 g granulated sugar; 1.0 g extracted cottonseed embryo (Proflo®); 0.84 g Gelgard M®; 0.1 g methyl- p -hydroxybenzoate; 0.1 g sodium benzoate; 0.2 g concentrated HCl; 87.7 g water.
Evidence of butchery and hominid activities at Torralba and Ambrona; an evaluation using microscopic techniques

Abstract Torralba and Ambrona have been interpreted as butchery sites for many years, a contention recently challenged; natural death or carnivore activities are invoked as an alternative explanation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of bone surface replicas distinguishes among hominid-produced cutmarks, carnivore tooth scratches, and other types of bone damage. A sample of 102 replicas, comprising the most likely cutmarks on a combined sample of roughly 3000 fossils from Torralba and Ambrona, were scanned to determine the major agent of damage. Microscopically verified cutmarks are present, but rare, occurring in less than 1% of the bones in the combined sample. Carnivore tooth scratches are comparably rare. In contrast, evidence of sedimentary abrasion, which obliterates the diagnostic features of cutmarks, is present on nearly every bone from Torralba and Ambrona. It remains unresolved whether cutmarks were initially more common on these bones and were subsequently obliterated by abrasion, or whether the incidence of cutmarks was always low. These data demonstrate clearly that hominids and carnivores each damaged some bones at Torralba and Ambrona, but the frequency of each type of mark is too low to confirm strongly the interpretation of these sites as either butchery or carnivore remains.
Catching the State Off Guard Electoral Courts, Campaign Finance, and Mexico’s Separation of State and Ruling Party

This article seeks to understand which model of electoral management body (EMB) best regulates campaign finance excesses in a hard case for EMB independence, Mexico’s one-party state during democratization (1977–2003). One would expect that the ombudsman model, where the electoral court is more autonomous from the party-state than EMB models in which the executive supervises elections directly or indirectly, would be the strongest regulatory body. However, I report that, contrarily, the indirect executive supervision EMB has rendered much more autonomous, anti-government decisions. The conclusion I draw is that the contexts in which formal institutions operate may be as important as the institutions themselves. Depoliticized electoral justice, even in the hard case of electoral courts in a fraud-marred one-party system, was largely attained, but under the ‘ombudsman’ institutional model which preceded the electoral courts’ formal incorporation into the judicial branch in the mid-1990s. It took informal po...
Using the molecular toolbox to compare harmful algal blooms in upwelling systems

Abstract Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are now generally recognized as occurring over a wide range of habitats from oligotrophic to hypernutrified, and appear to be expanding globally. Unlike many other ecosystems impacted by HABs, upwelling systems worldwide share a common set of physical parameters and are likely to respond similarly, regardless of locale. The Core Research Project on HABs in Upwelling Systems, a component of the scientific programme on the Global Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (GEOHAB), promotes a comparative approach to identify the similarities and differences in the manifestation of HAB events in these systems. As applied to the goals of this programme, molecular techniques are a powerful suite of tools for HAB species identification, for determining genetic similarity within morphologically indistinguishable species, and ultimately, for assessing spatial and temporal patterns in ecophysiological responses in these upwelling systems. Knowledge of HAB organisms will be enhanced by comparing and contrasting the responses of these organisms in similar upwelling regions. Here, we provide an update on the availability of molecular and genetic tools for comparative HAB programmes in upwelling systems, focusing on four broad applications: cell enumeration and identification, molecular phylogenetics, functional/comparative genomics, and applications of high throughput sequencing methods. We highlight the rapid evolution, the promise, and the potential pitfalls, of the molecular toolbox, focusing on specific examples of how scientists and resource managers currently apply these methods. Specific examples are developed using relevant case studies from the California, Benguela and Iberian systems. We summarise by providing a synthesis of future research directions and goals that would be particularly relevant to advancing the comparative method for HAB genetics with an emphasis on upwelling systems.
Molecular characterization of a flagellar (fla) operon in the oral spirochete Treponema denticola ATCC 35405

A Treponema denticola 9.6-kb motility locus containing 11 genes was identified, sequenced and analyzed. The genes were designated tap1, flgD, flgE, orf4, motA, motB, fliL, fliM, fliY, orf10 and fliP. The order of these genes is identical to that of the corresponding region of the Treponema pallidum fla operon. Seven of the deduced Fla proteins share significant homology with both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis proteins associated with flagellar structure and function. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis indicated that the T. denticola fla genes are transcribed as a single unit. A putative σ28-like promoter, virtually identical to the T. pallidum fla promoter, was identified upstream of tap1. These results showed that the T. denticola and T. pallidum fla operons are highly conserved, supporting the proposed phylogenetic relatedness of these spirochetes.
Locke on Personal Identity: Consciousness and Concernment

Galen Strawson: Locke on Personal Identity: Consciousness and Concernment. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2011, pp. 280. £27.95 (hb). ISBN 978-0-691-14757-4. Galen Strawson writes in the Po...
Phase I study of combined alpha Interferon, alpha difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), and doxorubicin in advanced malignancy

Interferon (IFN) and conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents have been successfully combined in various studies. Alpha difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) is a novel antitumor agent which is an inhibitor of polyamine metabolism. A phase I study of IFN 24 × 106 U/m2/day IM (days 3–7), DFMO 9 gm/m2 p.o. daily (days 1–7), and a variable dose of doxorubicin starting at 20 mg/m2 (day 6), of each 28 day cycle was performed. The aim of the study was to determine the maximally tolerable dose of doxorubicin in this combination. Three patients were treated with doxorubicin at 20 mg/m2 and six patients at 40 mg/m2. The dose limiting toxicities were neutropenia, fatigue and fever. All other toxicities were mild and there was no grade IV toxicity. A doxorubicin dose of 40 mg/m2 produced tolerable toxicity and is recommended for phase II studies. No major antitumor effects were seen.
Ototoxicity: an argument for evaluation of the cochlea in safety testing in animals.

The cochlea is one of the more common targets for toxic effects, yet current toxicologic screening in animals does not routinely evaluate the cochlea as a potential target organ. Although histopathologic sections are routinely taken from the eye and the optic nerve and tract and most studies include at least 1 section through the nasal cavity and olfactory mucosa, the cochlea is not histopathologically examined in routine toxicity studies. Unfortunately, routine clinical examinations frequently miss ototoxicity because rodents and other species can lose most of their high-frequency hearing and still respond to most ambient noises. Ototoxicity as a deficiency in toxicologic screening can be remedied by using well-established histopathologic and behavioral methods or electrophysiologic methods, such as brain stem auditory evoked responses (BAERs). Once the equipment is in place, BAERs can be obtained quickly and easily for ototoxicity screening (approximately 15 minutes for paired testing of 2 rats and 30 m...
Effect of Gentamicin on Growth of Viral, Chlamydial, and Rickettsial Agents in Mice and Embryonated Eggs

Gentamicin, at concentrations up to 500 μg/ml, showed no effect on the replication, yield, or infectivity of seven viruses or on the agents of psittacosis and meningopneumonitis when grown in mice or embryonated eggs. At the 500 μg/ml level, lymphogranuloma venereum cultures had a slight reduction in infectivity. Rickettsia akari demonstrated susceptibility at the 5 μg/ml level, whereas R. rickettsii, R. mooseri , and R. canada grown in embryonated eggs were susceptible in varying degrees to gentamicin at or above the 50 μg/ml concentration.
Psychological Separation, Attachment Security, Vocational Self-Concept Crystallization, and Career Indecision: A Structural Equation Analysis

Structural equation modeling was used to test theoretically based models in which psychological separation and attachment security variables were related to career indecision and those relations were mediated through vocational self-concept crystallization. In contrast to previous studies, which have found either weak or no support for a relation between separation or attachment security variables and career indecision, results based on a sample of 350 college students indicated that some components of separation and attachment security did relate to career indecision in a theoretically supportable direction. Results also revealed that regardless of whether global or component career indecision measures were used, separation and attachment security effects on indecision were at least partially mediated through vocational self-concept crystallization. The strongest mediated relations were observed for the effects of attachment anxiety and maternal separation.
Hemodynamic effects of pulmonary arterial infusion of vasodilators in newborn lambs.

Summary: Pulmonary arterial infusion of prostaglandin E1 (mean dose, 1 μg/kg/min) in term neonatal lambs ventilated with room air resulted in a slight fall hi pulmonary arterial pressure (P ≤0.05). Infusion during ventilation with low oxygen mixtures resulted in a parallel fall in pulmonary and arterial pressures and resistances. Intrapulmonary infusion of acetylcholine (mean dose, 3.9 μg/kg/min) in lambs during ventilation with room air caused a slight fall in mean systemic arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. When repeated with low oxygen ventilation, infusion of acetylcholine caused a parallel fall in both pulmonary and systemic arterial pressures and resistances. Infusion of tolazoline at a mean dose of 0.21 mg/kg/min did not change pulmonary or systemic arterial pressures or resistances when the lambs were ventilated with room air or with hypoxic gas mixtures although individual animals experienced marked falls in systemic arterial pressure. Pulmonary arterial infusion of each of the three vasodilators during hypoxic ventilation resulted hi potentially adverse hemodynamic effects. This occurred despite prior ductal ligation, implying that doses effective for pulmonary vasodilatation may exceed doses without systemic effects particularly hi the acute hypoxic state. Speculation: Vasodilators specific for pulmonary vascular smooth muscle have not been developed. Nonspecific vasodilators cause relaxation of pulmonary and systemic-vascular smooth muscle which is most marked during hypoxemia. Increased pulmonary blood flow will result from vasodilatation only if the ratio of pulmonary to systemic vascular resistance decreases or if cardiac output rises. Parallel changes in pulmonary and systemic resistance with vasodilators during hypoxic pulmonary hypertension with right to left shunting may prevent clinically useful improvement in oxygenation.