cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Force and Temperature Dependent Folding of a 2-Base-Pair RNA Kissing Complex

The stability and function of proteins from thermophilic species can vary with temperature in a complex manner. However, in considering nucleic acids, ΔH is typically assumed to be constant when interpreting thermal melting results. Here we use temperature controlled optical tweezers or “thermal tweezers” to mechanically characterize the folding thermodynamics of a 2-base-pair kissing complex from the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) at temperatures ranging from 22°C to 42°C. At each temperature the folding free energy is directly determined from the reversible mechanical work to unfold the kissing complex. Surprisingly, the folding free energy of this basic RNA tertiary interaction depends non-linearly on temperature, indicating that ΔH changes with temperature. Based on mutational perturbation and molecular dynamics simulations, this non-linearity is attributed to the presence of a multi-step, temperature-sensitive, unfolding pathway. Specifically, at elevated temperatures, the unpaired flanking adenine bases in the hairpin loops are flipped out of their respective stacking positions, exposing the underlying kissing base pairs to water, thus reducing their stability. Our study suggests that at mesophilic temperatures, single-stranded residues can be thermally influenced, which may provide profound insights into temperature-dependent RNA folding and conformational dynamics.
10-Methyl-10,9-Borazarophenanthrene

10-Methyl-10,9-borazarophenanthrene intermediate: 10-hydroxy-10,9-borazarophenanthrene intermediate: bis(10,9-borazarophenanthryl) ether product: 10-Methyl-10,9-borazarophenanthrene intermediate: 10-methyl-10,9-borazarophenanthrene, bis(10,9-borazarophenanthryl) ether solvent: 4 l. of petroleum ether reactant: Boron trichloride Keywords: annulation, heterocyclic-[6]; cyclization, miscellaneous; Grignard and related reactions; boron trichloride in xylene; 2-aminobiphenyl, also may be contaminated with carcinogenic 4-isomer; boron trichloride; apparatus, for continuous chromatography
Predicting Lawyer Effectiveness: A New Assessment for Use in Law School Admission Decisions

The problem of how to define merit and achieve equity in high stakes selection is deeply contested in the many arenas of our society where scarce resources and privileges are allocated. Law school admission is one such arena. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) dominates current admission decisions for law school, but it assesses only a few competencies and has a large adverse impact on minority applicants. Moreover, the LSAT and its associated Index Score focus on law school performance and are not strongly predictive of lawyer performance. Innovative exploratory research by two UC Berkeley faculty (Marjorie Shultz, Law and Sheldon Zedeck, Psychology) has demonstrated that on-the-job professional effectiveness of lawyers can be predicted. The new Shultz-Zedeck tests, developed based on models from employment selection and promotion and the field of industrial psychology, identify and assess many factors not measured by the LSAT that are vital to lawyer efficacy, such as problem solving, advocacy, practical judgment, and communication skills. Exploratory research conducted with participation of more than 5000 law grads suggests that tests can be developed and validated that will predict professional performance (as appraised by peers and supervisors). Equally important, performance on these new tests shows no significant race, ethnic or gender differences. This research has the potential to diversify the pool of students admitted to law schools and to do so on the basis of a principled definition of merit rather than on the basis of more politically and legally controversial methods of race-conscious affirmative action. The next step is a national validation study to ready this new approach to law school admission for adoption by the nation’s law schools.
Genetic Analysis in Six Telotrisomic Lines in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Twenty-one genetic markers in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) associated with chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were genetically analyzed with six telotrisomic lines, Triplo 1S, 1L, 3S, 5L, 6S, and 7S, in barley
Creating an islamic sense of place: Building conversion and the american mosque

As an anomaly within the religious and ethnic landscapes of the United States, the American mosque serves as an intriguing focus from which to understand the constructionof sacred spaces and religious identities. In this study, buildings converted into mosques were hypothesized to have a “vernacular intuitiveness” of the essential place attributes of the faith of Islam. These converted places of worship are common in Muslim communities in the United States, yet understudied. This study investigated eight of these mosques in Kansas and Missouri, relying on primary data gathered through site observations and interviews. Comparing and contrasting data from each mosque lead to an understanding towards intuitive and necessary elements to the creation of an Islamic sense of place. This was in large part defined by the accommodation of Islamic ritual and the fundamentals of faith. Differences between the mosques revealed diverse communities arriving at varying answers to these fundamentals as well as to conceptions of gender and the role of ethnic identity. Designing mosques in the American context must include an understanding of Muslim-Americans’ collective soul-searching and the intuitive ways identities are asserted through architecture.
Considerations for using the solvent selectivity triangle approach for stationary phase characterization

The use of solvent selectivity parameters (Xe, Xn, Xd) for stationary phase characterization is compromised by a failure to allow for interfacial adsorption of test solutes and n-alkane retention index markers in the recommended calculation method and by inadequate retention of the test solutes ethanol, nitromethane, and dioxane on phases of low polarity. There is also a lack of constancy in the relative position of phases in the selectivity triangle as the identity of the test solutes is changed. The low partitioning of n-alkanes on polar phases such as DEGS, OV-275, TCEP, EAN and PAN precludes calculation of solvent selectivity parameters using retention index differences. The partial molar Gibbs free energy of solution for the test solutes derived from the gas—liquid partition coefficients corrected for interfacial adsorption allows the universal calculation of solvent selectivity parameters for all phases. The position of individual phases in selectivity groups is similar for selectivity parameters calculated using either corrected retention indices or Gibbs free energy differences except that all phases are displaced to the right in the triangle constructed using free energy differences resulting from weak interactions for the tested phases with the proton acceptor probe dioxane. There is good agreement between the solvent strength calculated from the energy differences, the partial molar Gibbs free energy of solution for a methylene group, and Snyder's P′ values for non-polar and moderately polar phases. Polar phases show anomalous behaviour on the different scales. Recommendations for further improvements in the solvent selectivity parameter approach to stationary phase characterization are made.
Attitudes Toward Homosexuality: a Cross Cultural Analysis of Predictors

An accepting attitude toward homosexuality was studied in Spain, England, and Ger many using samples of 2160, 1167, and 1296 respectively rendering a total sample size of 4623. A multiple regressio...
Factors associated with high use of public mental health services by persons with borderline personality disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The research presented here was a pilot study to identify clinical factors associated with high use (as opposed to lower use) of inpatient psychiatric services by persons with borderline personality disorder. METHODS: The initial sample was a random sample of English- and Spanish-speaking persons aged 18 to 60 years who had received at least one outpatient mental health service in the previous 90-day period and were enrolled in one of the participating mental health centers in King County, Washington. A random sample of persons who met selection criteria was randomly drawn; persons with high levels of use were oversampled to ensure adequate representation. Twenty-nine participants met full criteria for borderline personality disorder on the Personality Disorders Examination structured interview and completed all measures. Fifteen (52 percent) of these had a high level of use of inpatient services, and 14 did not. RESULTS: High use of inpatient psychiatric services was predicted by a history of ...
Short stay carotid surgery for veterans: an emerging standard.

Abstract We have taken the short stay approach to carotid artery surgery to our VA setting over the past 5 to 6 years. Retrospectively, we reviewed the efficacy and safety of that approach in 201 consecutive carotid operations over the recent 4-year period (January 1, 1996–December 31, 1999). In 1996 we had already begun the transition to an algorithm to (1) utilize carotid color flow Doppler duplex exams for diagnosis, (2) same-day admission (SDA), (3) intensive care unit (ICU) only when deemed medically necessary, and (4) next-day discharge. Results of this approach have been a decrease in the utilization of diagnostic arteriograms and utilization of the ICU from 100% previous to the onset of this approach to 17 and 22%, respectively. SDA increased from 24 to 89%. Mean LOS decreased from 5.13 ± 0.9 to 1.97 ± 0.4 days. The percentage of patients completing the algorithm went from 15 to 72%. Stroke and/or death varied from 0 to 3.7% each year and was only 2.4% over the 4-year period. In conclusion, this approach to short stay carotid surgery in the veteran population has proven both efficacious and safe with results similar to those in university and community practices.
Investigation of crack formation during loading of brittle rock

The response of elastic/brittle targets to loading by conical-, wedge-and hemispherical-indenter shapes representing jackhammer bit tips was analyzed. Theoretical predictions of crack extent and direction are based on values of the maximum principal strains and the associated extension strain criterion in the target assuming a semi-infinite, homogeneous and isotropic solid. Corresponding static experiments using an MTS machine and dynamic percussive tests involving an encased circular target disk of Sierra granite have been conducted. The damage pattern consisting of a crater, a crushed zone, a region of multiple minor cracks as well a some longer fissures has been delineated. Comparison with theoretical predictions indicate that cracks are produced by maximum tensile strain, with their directions predicted well by the present theory. The upper bound predictions of the crack extent are also in reasonable accord. Deviations are due to the presence of inhomogeneities and anisotropies in the tests specimens.
Sparse matrix methods for wavefront reconstruction, revisited

This paper contains a review of sparse matrix methods for open-loop wavefront estimation in astronomical adaptive optics systems with a large number of degrees of freedom. We address shortcomings of existing sparse methods for multiconjugate adaptive optics and propose some alternative approaches. We also review certain closed-loop control schemes, dubbed pseudo open-loop control (POLC), that make use of open-loop linear algebra, and we propose an extension of POLC that makes use of knowledge of atmospheric dynamics to carry out predictive estimation in closed loop.
Hemichrome and hemochrome formation with anserine, carnosine and related compounds.

Imidazole compounds form hemichromes in borate buffer solution (pH 8.5) of hemin in the following order of increasing affinity: histidine, carnosine, 1-methylhistidine, anserine, histidylhistidine, imidazole. Hemochromes are formed, with increasing affinity, by histidine, carnosine, histamine, imidazole, anserine, 1-methylhistidine, histidylhistidine. Under the conditions used, nicotinamide did not form a hemichrome but formed a hemochrome at lower concentrations than did any of the imidazole compounds. No evidence was obtained of hemichrome or hemochrome formation with myoglobin and any of the imidazole amino acids or peptides, but imidazole formed a hemichrome, and nicotinamide a hemochrome after denaturation.
Electrocortical reactions associated with conditioned flexion reflexes.

Abstract Cats with permanently implanted cortical electrodes were drugged with bulbocapnine and the EEG recorded continuously during the formation of flexion conditioned reflexes (CR). The drug has no readily detectable effect on rate of conditioning and usually produces such slow EEG patterns that electrocortical arousal reactions are well demarcated. Arousal reactions to a tonal conditional stimulus (CS) given alone soon cease to occur, but become more frequent as the CS is paired with an unavoidable shock to the leg 25–50 times a day over several days. In all cases the EEG reactions attain a high level of consistency before the first respiratory or flexion CRs appear, almost invariably accompany them, and can survive for some time after these somatic CRs are fully extinguished. There is a tendency, however, for the EEG arousal response to diminish with overtraining despite continuation of somatic CRs and shock reinforcement, and in certain instances somatic CRs can occur during relatively slow electrocortical activity. There was no evidence that the somatic CRs correlated with any localization of electrocortical reactions or alterations of cortical evoked potentials.
Inelastic scattering and trapping of an atom on a cold, simple-cubic lattice

Abstract We report numerical calculations on the inelastic scattering of an incident atom with a simple-cubic harmonic lattice with the collision restricted to the head-on orientation. These calculations represent the first systematic investigation of the behavior of the energy accommodation coefficient and critical trapping energy as the interaction well depth, interaction range, incident energy, and incident mass are varied over significant ranges. These exact results provide a new, substantial “data base” for interpreting experimental results and for testing approximate theories. The incident atom is assumed to collide head-on with only one lattice surface atom. A Morse interaction is used, so that the dynamical effects of both an attractive and a repulsive interaction are included. The lattice is initially cold and classical mechanics is used throughout; the lattice dynamics are treated exactly by means of the response function for the Rosenstock-Newell lattice. We find that long range, soft interactions characteristic of physisorbed species display a broad minimum in energy accommodation at an incident energy near the dissociation energy of the adatom-surface interaction for adatom to lattice atom mass ratios of order one and greater. Stiffer interactions characteristic of chemisorbed species display a pronounced maximum in energy accommodation for mass ratios near 0.7. This is associated with a maximum in the critical trapping energy at the same mass ratio. The results are analyzed to confirm the validity of approximations based on both fast and slow collisions. In the high energy limit, the energy accommodation depends essentially only on the mass ratio, reflecting the pairwise binary collisions. In the slow collision limit, the collision dynamics are described by a newly derived adiabatic approximation for the lattice response.
Copper sensing based on the far-red fluorescent protein, HcRed, from Heteractis crispa.

Abstract In this article, we report for the first time on the copper (Cu 2+ ) binding characteristics of the far-red fluorescent protein, HcRed, and its application in the development of a reagentless sensing system for copper. The far-red emission of HcRed (λ max = 645 nm) where background cellular fluorescence is low should prove to be advantageous in the development of the sensing system. In the studies performed in our laboratory, we found that the fluorescence of HcRed is quenched in the presence of copper ions (Cu 2+ ). The results obtained through UV-visible and circular dichroism spectra generated in the presence and absence of copper, as well as Stern–Volmer plots at different temperatures, indicate static quenching of HcRed fluorescence in the presence of copper, possibly through the formation of a copper–protein complex. On the basis of this observation, we developed a reagentless sensing system for the detection of copper(II) based on HcRed as the biosensing element. A detection limit for Cu 2+ in the nanomolar range was obtained. HcRed was found to bind copper ions selectively when compared with other divalent ions. A dissociation constant of 3.6 μM was observed for copper binding. Histidine and cysteine residues are commonly involved in copper binding within proteins; therefore, to investigate the role of these amino acids present in HcRed, we chemically modified Cys and His residues using iodoacetamide and diethyl pyrocarbonate, respectively. The effect of copper addition on the fluorescence of the chemically modified HcRed was investigated. The His modification of HcRed substantially affected copper ion binding, pointing to histidine as the possible amino acid residue involved in the binding of copper ions in HcRed. A purification strategy for HcRed was also developed based on a copper immobilized affinity column without the addition of any affinity tag on the protein. The HcRed-based copper sensing system can potentially be employed to perform intracellular copper detection by genetically encoding the biosensing element or can be employed in environmental sensing.
The connected hub number and the connected domination number

The connected hub number hc(G) of a connected graph G is the smallest order of a connected subgraph H of G such that any two nonadjacent vertices of G − H are joined in G by a path with all internal vertices in H. Letting γc(G) denote the connected domination number of G, it is easy to see that hc(G) ≤ γc(G) ≤ hc(G) + 1 for every connected graph G. Here we characterize the graphs G for which γc(G) = hc(G) + 1. Our result contributes to the search for the solution of an extremal problem of (Newman-Wolfe et al., Congressus Numerantium 67 (1988), 67–76). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trilobite biofacies and sequence stratigraphy: an example from the Upper Ordovician of Oklahoma

There have been surprisingly few empirical investigations of the fundamental principle that the architecture of depositional sequences exerts considerable control on observed patterns of faunal distribution and replacement. In this paper, we examine trilobite associations in two sequences of the Upper Ordovician (Sandbian) Bromide Formation of southern Oklahoma. Cluster analysis and ordination of genus abundance data identified five lithofacies-related biofacies that are also differentiated by diversity patterns. Biofacies of the transgressive system tract (TST) of successive sequences are more similar to each other than they are to biofacies in the highstand systems tract (HST) of the same sequence. This similarity likely records dominance of large, robust convex sclerites in taphonomically degraded samples from condensed, strongly winnowed grainstone and rudstone. Horizons with articulated exoskeletons of isoteline trilobites preserved by obrution deposits occur most commonly in the early HST and record behavioural aggregations. Grainstone and rudstone of the later HST are less winnowed than those of the TST and show less fragmentation and sorting of sclerites. These changes in taphonomic conditions preserve ecological patterns more clearly. In most biofacies, rarefied alpha diversity (samples) and gamma diversity (biofacies) of middle- and outer-ramp HST deposits are greater than in the TSTs, and biofacies replace each other down ramp. Diversity patterns do not agree with model predictions and other data sets that indicate low beta and high alpha diversity in the TST, likely because of taphonomic degradation. Vertical replacement of biofacies is expressed by the appearance of peritidal facies in which trilobites are rare. Biofacies shifts also characterize sequence boundaries and are most profound in the inner-ramp successions characterized by sharp facies offsets. Comparison with bathymetrically similar deposits in the Taconic foreland basin showed similar diversity trends along environmental gradients, with some differences in shallow-water settings attributed to taphonomic differences. □ Biofacies, Bromide Formation, Ordovician, palaeoecology, sequence stratigraphy, trilobites.
The Mechanism of Electropolishing of Niobium in Hydrofluoric-Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte

Niobium surfaces are commonly electropolished in an effort to obtain optimal smoothness for high-field superconducting radio-frequency cavity applications. We report the use of controlled electrochemical analysis techniques to characterize electropolishing of Nb in a sulfuric and hydrofluoric acid electrolyte. Through the use of a reference electrode, we are able to clearly distinguish the anode and cathode polarization potentials as well as the electrolyte voltage drop, which together sum to the applied power supply voltage. We then identify the temperature and HF concentration dependence of each potential. We also report the use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on this system. EIS results are consistent with the compact salt film mechanism for niobium electropolishing (EP) in this electrolyte and are not consistent with either the porous salt film or the absorbate-acceptor mechanism. Microscopic understanding of the basic Nb EP mechanism is expected to provide an appropriate foundation with which to optimize the preparation of high-field niobium cavity surfaces.
Eighth graders’ vocabulary learning from inconsiderate and considerate text

Abstract This study examined differences in eighth graders’ vocabulary learning from two versions of contextual information in two history text passages. One version left the original passages intact; a second form of each passage was revised according to four considerate definitional features: proximity, clarity of connection, explicitness, and completeness. Subjects were tested prior to and following text readings as to their knowledge of target words on self‐report and definition measures. Results showed that the subjects scored higher on the revised versions for definitions but not for self‐reports, indicating a discrepancy between their assumed awareness and actual knowledge.
Implementation style and use of implementation approaches

Abstract Managers are called on to select among implementation approaches according to situational demands. This paper examines factors that influence this selection. To conduct such a study, managers' views of the pragmatics (prospects of success and resistance), potential use, and ethics of several implementation approaches were systematically collected. Explanatory variables included the participating managers' characteristics (level, gender, and experience) and the situation (participative or control-oriented climates). ‘Implementation style’, which measures a manager's preferences for a given implementation approach, was also included as an explanatory factor. The study found that managers had a repertoire of implementation approaches and used some of the approaches contingently. However, managers preferred to use implementation approaches that did not match the demands of the situation. Also, the managers' implementation style influenced their selection and use of implementation approaches. The implications of these findings for managers and management are discussed.
Stimulation of anterior pituitary and cerebral cortical glucose oxidation by neurohumoral agents.

Epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin stimulate in vitro glucose-1-C14 oxidation to C14O2 by anterior and posterior pituitary slices, and cerebral cortical fragments. The effect was demonstrable with 15-minute incubations. It was not observed with testis or liver. Glucose-6-C14 and pyruvate-2-C14 oxidation were not influenced by these agents. No stimulation of glucose uptake by epinephrine or serotonin could be demonstrated. Ergotamine, dibenzyline and DCI did not block the epinephrine effect in the concentrations employed, nor did preincubation with reserpine block the serotonin effect. Acetylcholine, pitressin, posterior pituitarjr powder and extracts of posterior pituitary and hypothalamus did not enhance glucose oxidation by the anterior pituitary.
Reaction of Cyanomethylene with Nitric Oxide and Oxygen at 298 K: HCCN + NO, O2

The reactions of the cyanomethylene (HCCN) radical with nitric oxide (NO) and with molecular oxygen (O2) have been investigated using infrared kinetic spectroscopy. The overall second-order rate constant for each reaction has been determined using pseudo-first-order methods yielding (3.5 ± 0.6) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 for the reaction with NO and (1.8 ± 0.4) × 10-12 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 for the reaction with O2. For each reaction, several products were observed, but none were quantified. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and fulminic acid (HCNO) were observed as products of the reaction with NO. For the reaction with O2, HCN, hydrogen isocyanide (HNC), and carbon dioxide (CO2) were observed. Species searched for but not detected from either reaction include isocyanic acid (HNCO), cyanic acid (HOCN), formyl (HCO) radical, isofulminic acid (HONC), hydroxyl radical (OH), and ethynyl radical (C2H). In addition, NO was searched for, but not observed, as a product of the O2 reaction. On the time scale of our experiments,...
Adaptive changes in the responsiveness of adenylate cyclase to catecholamines

Abstract Exposure of the intact astrocytoma cell to isoproterenol not only causes the activation of adenylate cyclase and the accumulation of cyclic AMP but sets in motion a complicated series of events designed to down-regulate the system if exposure to the agonist is extended in time. We have identified at least three of these processes: (1) a rapid uncoupling of the beta-receptor-adenylate cyclase system with subsequent loss of beta-receptors; (2) a slower, nonspecific desensitization of adenylate cyclase to the effects of all classes of receptor agonists by a process that may be mediated by cyclic AMP; and (3) a slow induction of phosphodiesterase activity that is probably mediated by cyclic AMP.
Proximate linear programming: A variable extreme point method

The method of proximate linear programming is relevant for problems in which exact solutions are not required. The method is an edge following algorithm which allows for larger than usual steps by examining basic rather than basic feasible solutions. The algorithm is presented along with computational comparisons with the ordinary simplex method. The relative performance of the new method is most dramatic for problems with dense positive matrices. An extension is proposed for large scale problems with sparse matrices.
Immunotherapeutic approaches to sarcoma.

In the last decade, the most important factor in the rekindled interest in immune therapy for cancer is the development of new methods to identify tumor antigens that can be recognized by T-cells and other immune effectors. In addition, greater knowledge about tolerance and mechanisms of tumor cell evasion from immune effectors has made the prospect of developing clinically effective immune therapies for cancer seem promising. Research in immune therapies for sarcoma has been limited, mainly because of the previous lack of defined tumor antigens in this disease and the low prevalence of sarcoma in the general population. We will review the fundamental concepts of tumor immunobiology, both cellular and humoral, and highlight the new, powerful methods for identifying novel tumor antigens. Further, we will focus on the unique situation presented by sarcoma as the only solid tumor in which many cytogenetic abnormalities have been characterized which encode for unique, tumor-specific fusion proteins that are ideal targets for immune-based therapy. We will review the specifics of vaccine therapy approach to this disease, with emphasis on strategies to improve the immunogenicity of newly defined tumor antigens in sarcoma. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 17:72–77, 1999.© 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fast-neutron-induced cross sections on 20Ne

Abstract An evaluation is presented of neutron-induced reaction cross sections on 20Ne in the energy range 1–30 MeV. The theoretical nuclear model and the
Fine structure of cultured glioblasts before and after stimulation by a Glia Maturation Factor

Abstract The effect of Glia Maturation Factor on glioblasts in a monolayer culture is studied at the ultrastructural level. The most important finding consists of a change from cells with a predominance of sheath microfilaments (50 A) and desmosome junctions to cells with a predominance of 100 A-filaments (gliofilaments) and the puncta adhaerentia type of junctions. The restructuring of the cellular fine components, taken together with our earlier studies on chemistry and cytodynamics, is consistent with the maturation of glial cells in vitro. Although the microtubules do not alter in number, they change from a random orientiation to a parallel alignment with respect to the long axis of the cell processes. Glioblasts in aggregate cultures undergo morphological maturation without the help of the exogenous maturation factor. Glycogen granules characteristic of glia are also observed in these cells. The results suggest that the maturation factor is synthesized by the glial cells during the course of development and that cytodifferentiation is triggered by a local accumulation of the factor above a threshold level.
Loss of acrosin from bovine spermatozoa following cold shock: Protective effects of seminal plasma

Abstract Loss of the alkaline proteinase acrosin and other proteins from the acrosome of bovine spermatozoa was investigated following cold shock and/or incubation of the spermatozoa at either 5, 21, or 37 °C for 4 hr. As detected by electrophoretic analyses of the acrosomal material two bands of acrosin activity and 10 proteins were lost from the acrosome after cold shock and incubation for 4 hr at 5 or 21 °C, whereas one acrosin band and 10 protein bands were lost after cold shock and incubation at 37 °C. Only 45% of the total acrosin activity remained in the acrosome after both cold shock and 4-hr incubation at 37 °C. Egg yolk, present at levels above 15%, and seminal plasma prevented much of the loss of acrosin from the cells.
Synthesis of 4-Diphosphocytidyl-2-C-Methyl-D-Erythritol 2-Phosphate and Kinetic Studies of Mycobacterium tuberculosis IspF

Many pathogenic bacteria utilize the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway for the biosynthesis of isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate, two major building blocks of isoprenoid compounds. The fifth enzyme in the MEP pathway, 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate (ME-CPP) synthase (IspF), catalyzes the conversion of 4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 2-phosphate (CDP-ME2P) to ME-CPP with a corresponding release of cytidine 5-monophosphate (CMP). Because there is no ortholog of IspF in human cells, IspF is of interest as a potential drug target. However, study of IspF has been hindered by a lack of enantiopure CDP-ME2P. Herein, we report the first, to our knowledge, synthesis of enantiomerically pure CDP-ME2P from commercially available D-arabinose. Cloned, expressed, and purified M. tuberculosis IspF was able to utilize the synthetic CDP-ME2P as a substrate, a result confirmed by mass spectrometry. A convenient, sensitive, in vitro IspF assay was developed by coupling the CMP released during production of ME-CPP to mononucleotide kinase, which can be used for high throughput screening.
Energy, water and global climate change as a regional agenda of the Americas

This paper is the result of a US National Science Foundation funded conference, titled “PASI 2010: Energy, Water, and Global Climate Change as a Regional Agenda of the Americas”, which took place in the summer of 2010. Distinguished faculty and scientists from a diverse range of backgrounds came together to discuss the importance of linking energy, water and climate change on a number of social, political and scientific platforms. The topics covered in this paper highlight the importance in bringing together researchers from different areas to collaborate and agree on solution strategies for such a large scale problem such as the impending energy and water crisis, and its effect on climate change.
Final Data and Summary Comments

AbstractComments on the distribution of mica recovered by the Ohio Historical Society 1971–1977 excavations of seven wooden structures introduce the summary comments. The interpretation of these seven structures as craft houses has been engrained into the “common wisdom” of North American archaeology for a generation. We have re-studied the artifacts and extant records and concluded that the data does not support this interpretation. The original analysis by the excavators treated the materials in the mound that had been placed over a decommissioned structure as directly associated with the activities that took place within that structure. Our review of the records and the physical materials recovered shows that such an assumption is not consistent with the data. These structures and their immediate environs were clearly special places, as seen by the care taken to dismantle each structure then deliberately cover the remains. It is easy to point out evidence for a variety of ritual/ceremonial activities a...
MAPK signaling pathways modulate IL-1β expression in human keratinocytes

The signaling pathways that modulate IL-1beta expression in human keratinocytes have not been well defined. We have previously shown that TCDD-stimulated AhR-dependent IL-1beta expression in human keratinocytes is due to posttranscriptional regulation involving mRNA stabilization. Since TCDD activates a variety of cellular signaling pathways such as PKC, JNK, and ERK, we investigated these pathways to determine their roles in TCDD-stimulated IL-1beta expression in the human keratinocyte cell line SCC-12F. In this study, we used specific signaling inhibitors to show that ERK and JNK, but not transglutaminase, PKC, or p38, signaling modulate IL-1beta expression. In addition, we show that ERK is constitutively active and unaffected by TCDD treatment and differentiation, while the JNK signaling pathway is modulated by TCDD in an AhR-dependent manner. Thus, both the ERK and JNK MAPK pathways are necessary for IL-1beta expression in TCDD-stimulated human keratinocytes, however, they act at different levels to modulate IL-1beta expression.
Meeting the demand for affordable housing: State intervention in Massachusetts

Abstract This paper examines the response of Massachusetts to problems of housing affordability during the 1980s. State and local government historically has not played a major role in housing provision within the United States of America, constrained by fiscal dependence upon the federal government and by a lack of control over the more significant determinants of housing market performance. In the face of intensified problems of housing affordability and cutbacks in federal expenditures on low income housing programmes, the majority of US states increased their intervention in housing markets during the 1980s. Massachusetts more than doubled in real terms expenditures on housing and community development over the decade, initiating a variety of innovative programmes aimed at alleviating housing stress and stimulating the construction of affordable housing. The paper examines the impacts of these housing programmes upon problems of housing affordability, and assesses their likely durability in the contex...
A software architecture and framework for Web-based distributed Decision Support Systems

This paper presents an integrated method to help design and implement a Web-based Decision Support Systems (DSS) in a distributed environment. First, a layered software architecture is presented to assist in the design of a Web-based DSS. The layered software architecture can provide a formal and hierarchical view of the Web-based DSS at the design stage. Next, a component-based framework is presented to implement the Web-based DSS in a distributed environment. Finally, an instance of the layered software architecture and 3CoFramework applied to the Web-based National Agricultural Decision Support System (NADSS) is presented.
Dilemmas in surgery: medical ethics education in surgery rotation.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NYMount Sinai School of Medicine provides its studentswith a 4-year curriculum in medical ethics that ishorizontally and vertically integrated into the educa-tional program. In the ﬁrst 2 years, as part of the Artsand Science of Medicine (ASM) course (ASM 1 andASM 2), students participate in 6 ethics modules, theﬁrst 5 of which are designed to provide them withan understanding of the basic concepts of medicalethics. Sessions focus on professionalism, ﬁduciaryresponsibility, truth telling and informed consent,autonomy, surrogate decision making, justice, andresearch ethics. Through readings, minilectures, pan-els, sample cases, and small group discussions, thesessions provide students with the vocabulary andunderstanding to enable them to navigate the ethicalissues of clinical practice. The ﬁnal module of thesecond year presents students with a model of clin-ical moral reasoning to be used in the resolution ofethical dilemmas.
The collagenous nature of problematical ligaments in crinoids (Echinodermata)

A major adaptive problem among comatulid crinoids is the need for a system of articulation and muscularization of the skeleton which provides rigidity in the cirri, arms, and pinnules for maintaining position and feeding in moving water masses, and also the ability to undergo occasional rapid flexions. Most skeletal ossicles of comatulids are united by so-called ligament fibers, while arm articulations possess masses of muscle as well as ligament. Light and electron microscopic work shows that the ligament consists primarily of collagen fibers. Similarity of this dual system of crinoid arm musculature to the muscles and collagenous catch apparatus of echinoid spines suggests that the crinoid ligaments may provide the needed rigidity to the crinoid skeleton, in a manner similar to that by which the echinoid catch apparatus can hold the spine tightly to the test in one position.
Primary care, specialty care, and life chances

The relationship between the availability of primary care and specialty care and certain life chance indicators such as mortality rates and life expectancy is analyzed using the multiple regression procedure. Dependent variables are life chance indicators; independent variables were selected based on Starfield's and Blum's health determinant models and include socioeconomic environment, lifestyles, demographics, and medical care. The author also examines the rankings of states in terms of these indicators, using Spearman's rho coefficient. Among the medical care variables, primary care is by far the most significant variable related to better health status, correlating with lower overall mortality, lower death rates due to diseases of the heart and cancer, longer life expectancy, lower neonatal death rate, and lower low birth weight. In contrast, the number of specialty physicians is positively and significantly related to total mortality, deaths due to heart diseases and cancer, shorter life expectancy, higher neonatal mortality, and higher low birth weight. From a policy perspective, a likely implication is to reorient the medical profession from its current expensive, clinically based, treatment-focused practice to a more cost-effective, prevention-oriented primary care system.
MAGNETISM AND ARCHAEOLOGY: MAGNETIC OXIDES IN THE FIRST AMERICAN CIVILIZATION

Abstract Archaeological excavations at sites of the Olmec civilization (1500 to 500 B.C. in present-day Mexico) have unearthed artifacts formed from massive iron oxide ores. Iron oxide ores were ground and shaped into highly polished circular artifacts, called “mirrors”, with flat and concave surfaces. These mirrors were employed as body adornments by societal elites and were involved in trade and commodity exchange over large distances. By means of 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy, the ore deposits from which material was obtained and the probable dissemination routes of the artifacts have been determined. An unusual bar-shaped artifact with a strong remanent magnetization suggests the existence of a device similar to a compass that predates the Chinese discovery by 103 years.
A comparison of two models for the characteristic X‐ray fluorescence correction in thin foil analysis

SUMMARY It is shown that Philibert & Tixier's calculation for the contribution of characteristic fluorescence in thin foil X-ray microanalysis is in error. The calculation of Nockolds et al. for this contribution is shown to be correct.
Exposure to thrombus diminishes endothelial derived relaxation in the rabbit carotid artery.

Abstract Purpose. Thrombus is believed to be deleterious to intimal function. However, few studies have directly examined this effect. This study examines the effect of thrombus on endothelial-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation in the rabbit carotid artery. Methods. Twelve male New Zealand white rabbits (3.5–4.5 kg) were divided into two groups of six. Thrombosis was induced in group I by segmental right carotid artery ligation. Group II underwent segmental right carotid ligation immediately followed by removal of thrombus with normal saline flush through an arteriotomy. The left carotid arteries were exposed in both groups and served as internal controls. After 4 h, left and right carotid arteries were harvested, sectioned into 6-mm rings, and mounted on isometric force transducers in a physiologic bath. Thrombus was removed from the arteries in group I during the ring preparation process. Neither group I nor group II had thrombus in contact with endothelium during ex vivo testing. The arterial rings were constricted with norepinephrine (1 × 10 −4 M). Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine (Ach) and s -nitrosoacetylpenicillamine, respectively, were measured in a dose–response manner. Results were expressed as a percentage of vasorelaxation. Statistical analysis was performed using an analysis of variance. Results. Endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation, which tests for endothelial cell function, was decreased in the thrombus and endothelial ischemia group (I) compared to control as noted by vasorelaxations of 22% vs 34% at 1 × 10 −4 molar concentration Ach, and 33% vs 48% at 1 × 10 −3 molar concentration Ach, respectively ( P = 0.05). By comparison, there was no difference in the endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation of the endothelial ischemia group (II) versus control. Endothelial-independent vasorelaxation, which tests for smooth muscle function, was not affected by either the thrombus and endothelial ischemia group (I) or the endothelial ischemia group (II) compared to the control group. The controls in group I and group II were slightly different. When this difference was removed, the resulting comparison of treatments in group I and group II approached significance at molar concentrations of 1 × 10 −4 , 1 × 10 −5 , and 1 × 10 −6 ( P = 0.07, 0.06, 0.06). Conclusions. The presence of thrombus within the rabbit carotid artery for a period of 4 h decreases endothelial-dependent relaxation. Four hours of endothelial ischemia without thrombus did not change endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation. Neither thrombus nor ischemia alone had any effect on the endothelium-independent vasorelaxation. We conclude that thrombus is deleterious to endothelial function independent of smooth muscle function in the acute setting as measured by endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation.
A Temporal Constraint Theory to Explain Opportunity-Based Spatial Offending Patterns:

This article will examine the evidence supporting the notion that a proportion of offending is driven by the availability of opportunities presented in the routine activities of offenders’ lives. It then proceeds to summarize Miller’s time measurement theory in order to describe a basic language with which to discuss the movement of people through time and space. Armed with a notation for space-time interactions, the article explores the criminological implications of temporal constraints as a mechanism to explain a number of key concepts from environmental criminology. It is hypothesized here that the temporal constraints of daily life are the main cause of unfamiliarity with areas beyond the offender’s immediate least-distance path. As a result, temporal constraints, in conjunction with the locations of offender nodes, are a major determinant in spatio-temporal patterns of property crime.
Use of Imaging Spectrometer Data and Multispectral Imagery for Improved Earthquake Response

Multispectral imagery and imaging spectrometer data are used to develop prototype map products for improved earthquake response. A tiered approach keyed to post-event communications infrastructure is directed at providing critical information to emergency services personnel.
Momentum spectra, charge ratio, and zenith-angle dependence of cosmic-ray muons

A large rotatable magnetic spectrometer was used to measure the sea-level energy spectra of cosmic-ray muons arriving at 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 75\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} zenith angle in the energy range 50-1700 GeV. The measured muon charge ratios and the ratio of the intensities at the two angles imply that the fraction of neutrons in the primary flux at energies above 1 TeV/nucleon is much larger than observed at lower energies and possibly as high as 25%.
Occurrence of endotoxins in groundwater during the land application of wastewater

Abstract Since sewage may contain high concentrations of bacterial endotoxin, the occurrence of endotoxin in groundwater underlying five sewage land application sites was studied. Endotoxin concentrations were found to range from 0.3 to 480 ng/ml in wells 3 to 37 m beneath these sites. Although these concentrations were higher than the native groundwater, a 90% to 99.9% reduction in endotoxin occurred during percolation of this sewage water through the soil.
Modeling Creep Behavior of Fiber Composites

A micromechanical model for the creep behavior of fiber composites is developed based on a typical cell consisting of a fiber and the surrounding matrix. The fiber is assumed to be linearly elastic and the matrix nonlinearly viscous. The creep strain rate in the matrix is assumed to be a function of stress. The nominal stress-strain relations are derived in the form of differential equations which are solved numerically for off-axis specimens under uniaxial loading. A potential function and the associated effective stress and effective creep strain rates are introduced to simplify the orthotropic relations.