cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of arbitrarily-primed polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzyme analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for typing Clostridium difficile☆

Abstract Three methods of molecular typing of Clostridium difficile [arbitrarily-primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR), restriction enzyme analysis (REA) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)] were compared using 33 isolates collected during a prospective study of Clostridium difficile transmission. Sixteen isolates (from 13 patients and 3 environmental sites) represented a cluster of C. difficile diarrhea on 2 wards, whereas the other 17 isolates were from sporadic cases of C. difficile diarrhea or asymptomatically colonized patient contacts. Fourteen of the 16 clustered isolates were nontypable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis because of degradation. All 14 of these isolates were a single strain by REA and AP-PCR; 7 of 17 nonclustered isolates also represented the same strain. The other 12 isolates (2 clustered; 10 nonclustered) were subdivided into 9 subgroups by REA, 10 groups by AP-PCR and 7 subgroups by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. In one instance, AP-PCR resolved isolates indistinguishable by other methods into different groups. However, the interpretation of AP-PCR patterns was complicated by variable intensity of bands and lack of reproducibility of minor bands. In conclusion, these 3 methods of genotyping yielded comparable results, with AP-PCR showing somewhat greater discriminatory power but lower reproducibility.
Perceptions of the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of domestic violence services

This study examined the perceptions of the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of domestic violence services. It was predicted that there would be differences in the perceptions of domestic violence services between victims using services, victims not using services, and non-victims. In addition, it was expected that the degree of use of services will positively correlate with the perception of services, and past use of services will predict current use of services. Participants included 160 adults from an urban city in a mid-western area of the U.S.A. recruited by contacting individuals based on police reports, residence in shelters, and use of the local library. As predicted, results indicated that there are differences between victims using services, victims not using services, and non-victims; victims not using services had significantly lower perceptions of domestic violence services than the other two groups; and past usage of services predicted current usage. Directions for future research are discussed. Gender & Behaviour Vol.3 2005: 334-347
DNA Strand Cleavage near a CC Mismatch Directed by a Metalloinsertor

Reagents for recognition and efficient cleavage of mismatched DNA without photoactivation were designed. They contain a combination of a mismatch-directing metalloinsertor, [Rh(bpy)_2(chrysi)]^(3+) (bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridyl, chrysi = 5,6-chrysenequinone diimine), and an oxidative cleavage functionality, [Cu(phen)_2]^+ (Cu). Both unconjugated (Rh+Cu) and conjugated (Rh−Cu) frameworks of the Rh insertor and Cu were prepared. Compared to Cu, both constructs Rh+Cu and Rh−Cu exhibit efficient site-specific DNA scission only with mismatched DNA, confirmed by experiments with ^(32)P-labeled oligonucleotides. Furthermore, these studies indicate that DNA cleavage occurs near the mismatch in the minor groove and on both strands. Interestingly, the order of reactivity of the three systems with a CC mismatch is Rh+Cu > Rh−Cu ≫ Cu. Rh binding appears to direct Cu reactivity with or without tethering. These results illustrate advantages and disadvantages in bifunctional conjugation.
Nonlinear technique for the enhancement of extremely high contrast images

An adaptive technique for image enhancement based on a specifically designed nonlinear function is presented in this paper. The enhancement technique constitutes three main processes-adaptive intensity enhancement, contrast adjustment, and color restoration. A sine function with an image dependent parameter is used to tune the intensity of each pixel in the luminance image. This process provides dynamic range compression by boosting the luminance of darker pixels while reducing the intensity of brighter pixels and maintaining local contrast. The normalized reflectance image is added to the enhanced image to preserve the details. The quality of the enhanced image is improved by applying a local contrast enhancement followed by a contrast stretch process. A basic linear color restoration process based on the chromatic information of the original image is employed to convert the enhanced intensity image back to a color image. The performance of the algorithm is compared with other state of the art enhancement techniques and evaluated using a statistical image quality evaluation method.
Inhibition of Cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 Induces Cytokinesis without Chromosome Segregation in an ECT2 and MgcRacGAP-dependent Manner

Cleavage furrow formation marks the onset of cell division during early anaphase. The small GTPase RhoA and its regulators ECT2 and MgcRacGAP have been implicated in furrow ingression in mammalian cells, but the signaling upstream of these molecules remains unclear. We now show that the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk)1 is sufficient to initiate cytokinesis. When mitotically synchronized cells were treated with the Cdk-specific inhibitor BMI-1026, the initiation of cytokinesis was induced precociously before chromosomal separation. Cytokinesis was also induced by the Cdk1-specific inhibitor purvalanol A but not by Cdk2/Cdk5- or Cdk4-specific inhibitors. Consistent with initiation of precocious cytokinesis by Cdk1 inhibition, introduction of anti-Cdk1 monoclonal antibody resulted in cells with aberrant nuclei. Depolymerization of mitotic spindles by nocodazole inhibited BMI-1026-induced precocious cytokinesis. However, in the presence of a low concentration of nocodazole, BMI-1026 induced excessive membrane blebbing, which appeared to be caused by formation of ectopic cleavage furrows. Depletion of ECT2 or MgcRacGAP by RNA interference abolished both of the phenotypes (precocious furrowing after nocodazole release and excessive blebbing in the presence of nocodazole). RNA interference of RhoA or expression of dominant-negative RhoA efficiently reduced both phenotypes. RhoA was localized at the cleavage furrow or at the necks of blebs. We propose that Cdk1 inactivation is sufficient to activate a signaling pathway leading to cytokinesis, which emanates from mitotic spindles and is regulated by ECT2, MgcRacGAP, and RhoA. Chemical induction of cytokinesis will be a valuable tool to study the initiation mechanism of cytokinesis.
The Comparative Feeding Value of 44, 48.5 and 50% Protein Soybean Meal in Diets of Laying Hens

Abstract The data from these experiments involving 720 commercial incrossbred egg-type pullets showed that the 48.5% protein soybean meal is capable of supporting egg production and egg weight equal to, or exceeding, that obtained from 44 or 50% protein soybean meals.
Activation of water-responsive laryngeal afferents: role of epithelial ion transport.

Abstract The role of epithelial ion transport in the activation of water-responsive laryngeal afferent was investigated in anesthetized, spontaneously breathing cats. Single-fiber recordings from the peripheral cut-end of the superior laryngeal nerve were carried out to identify water-responsive laryngeal afferent. Substitution of chloride ions (Cl − ) of the Krebs solution with gluconate activated the water-responsive endings when the gluconate concentration was ≥ 50 mM. Amiloride (10 −4 , 10 −3 and 10 −2 M), an inhibitor of epithelial sodium channels, reduced the water-responsiveness of these afferents, whereas EIPA (5 × 10 −5 M), an amiloride analogue which inhibits Na + /H + exchange, had no effect. Both ouabain (10 −4 M), an inhibitor of Na + /K + ATPase, and bumetanide (10 −4 M), an inhibitor of Na + K + 2Cl − cotransport, reduced the water response, but no significant reduction in the response was observed with DIDS and DPC, two chloride channel inhibitors. These findings suggest that the epithelium modulates the water-responsiveness of laryngeal afferent but is not the primary determinant of the response.
Effect of Ergocornine on Prolactin Secretion by Hypophysial Homografts1

Hypophysial homografts equivalent to ½ or ½ of a pituitary gland were transplanted to the kidney of female rats 7 days after hypophysectomy. When examined 7 days after transplantation, the persistent nonfunctional corpora lutea (CL) had undergone structural luteolysis, presumably due to endogenous prolactin. Both ovarian weight and the weight of dissected CL were reduced by the secretions of the hypophysial homograft. Administration of ergocornine to hypophysectomized rats with sham homografts did not affect the nonfunctional CL, nor did the compound affect the ability of injected prolactin to cause structural luteolysis. Continuous ergocornine treatment (0.5 mg/day) of hypophysectomized rats bearing hypophysial homografts prevented the usual structural luteolysis, presumably by inhibiting prolactin release. These results indicate that ergocornine acts directly on pituitary cells to prevent prolactin release. This action is compatible with the proven ability of the compound to inhibit functional CL and pr...
A case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a lupus patient treated with belimumab

Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody against soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator, an essential growth factor for B-cell maturation and activation, which was approved by the US FDA in 2011 for patients with active autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have failed standard treatment. Here we present the case of a 40-year-old woman with SLE diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) on belimumab. After a total of 10 infusions of belimumab, from August 2012 through April 2013, in April 2013 she developed progressive neurologic decline with episodic dystonia and autonomic symptoms. Her imaging showed multifocal, confluent regions of T2 hyperintensity in the white matter bilaterally, and CSF JCV PCR returned positive. Based on the patient's clinically mild SLE and the timing of symptom onset, belimumab likely played a key role in the development of PML. Trials of belimumab for other autoimmune diseases are ongoing; as applications for this novel drug broaden, careful monitoring for this potentially fatal adverse effect is warranted.
Cost Effective Video: A Taxonomic Decision Model for Media Selection.

The increased growth rate of video or nonbroadcast television use in business and industry (e.g., Brush & Brush, 1973; Barwick & Kranz, 1975; Cathcart, 1976; Brush & Brush, 1977; and Cruebel, 1979) has occurred, for the most part, without systematic analysis of costs and benefits and cost-effectiveness in the decisionmaking process. Barwich & Kranz (1975), for example, suggest that not all video decisions can be explained by rational processes; that video has some of the earmarks of a fad and part of its popularity can be attributed to its being the "in" thing. Brush & Brush (1977) found a new category of respondents in their most recent survey, former users who could not cost-justify their video operation after several years of program production and distribution. Gruebel (1979) found that one insurance company is now a former user because they "bought some equipment· which was completely outof-date before we real;y found a use for it." Only 12.6 percent of the total user respondents to Gruebel's survey indicated they h",d a formalized cost-analysis/cost-justification system, but it was questionable whether any of these organizations were actually measuring cost-effectiveness. In view of a major investment of dollars in video, it would have been reasonable to assume that some kind of costs and benefits analysis would be performed prior to making the decision to purchase the video package. Lately, top management apparently has come to realize that communicationsnamely, television services-within an organization must, like every other aspect of the business, be a managed function (e.g., Brush & Brush, 1977). To provide guidance in this direction, we have developed a decision-model for the potential user of video. In addition, present users also can ascertain with this decision-model whether or not they are using video cost-effectively.
Activation Gate Region Influences Stoichiometry of Heteromeric Shaker Family Channels

Shaker family voltage-gated K+ channel subunits can typically form functional homotetrameric channels or heterotetrameric channels with closely related subunits. Assembly is governed by cytoplasmic T1 domain contacts that are compatible within, but not across, gene subfamilies (Shaker, Shab, Shal and Shaw). Shaker family regulatory subunits differ in that they can only function in heteromeric channels because of T1 self-incompatibility. Mammalian regulatory subunits (Kv6, Kv8, Kv9) are members of the Shab family and modify the functional properties of Kv2.1 and Kv2.2. Kv2.1 and Kv9.3 form functional channels in a 3:1 stoichiometry. Using a combination of TIRF microscopy and electrophysiology, we show here that Kv2.1subunits also exclusively form 3:1 heteromers with Kv6.4. These findings raise the question of how stoichiometry is determined: it is unclear how T1 domain compatibility rules alone could distinguish between formation of 3:1 and 2:2 heteromers. We hypothesized that the activation gate region of the inner pore may be important in refining the stoichiometry of regulatory subunit-containing heteromers because it forms a large contact interface between subunits. Additionally, the sequence of this region in the regulatory subunits has drifted from the highly conserved Shab family consensus. Reverting the gate sequence in Kv6.4 to the Shab family consensus allowed the formation of functional 2:2 heteromers between Kv6.4 and Kv2.1 that could be detected by electrophysiology and TIRF microscopy. Drift of the gate sequence consensus can be observed in all verified regulatory subunits, including these mammalian Shab channels and evolutionarily separate regulatory subunit expansions in the Shaker, Shal and Shaw subfamilies in cnidarians. We suggest that the evolution of T1 self-incompatibility is a key event in the evolution of the regulatory subunit phenotype, but that drift of the activation gate interface plays an important role in fixing heteromeric channel stoichiometry.
Screening for Chlamydia — A Key to the Prevention of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease and its severe, costly consequences are preventable. “Pelvic inflammatory disease” refers to infection of the endometrium, fallopian tubes, and contiguous structures. Al...
Pulsed radar return from a chaff cloud

A numerical technique for examining a random sample of the pulsed radar return from a chaff cloud is developed. This technique is used to assess the radar cross-section (RCS) range profile of the received return from a typical chaff clould for pulsed radars with different detectors. Monte-Carlo analyses of the effect of these signals on the range discriminant of a pulsed radar system with a linear detector using AGC, and one with a logarithmic detector, are then carried out. The statistical distribution of the early and late gates is also examined. In some instances the distribution was found to be non-Gaussian, owing to the nonlinear operations performed on the received signals.
Material Wear and Fatigue in Wind Turbine Systems

Abstract Renewable electricity generation from wind turbines presents unique challenges in reliability of their mechanical systems compared to utility-scale fossil fuelled generation. The number of turbines and their distribution make maintenance a difficult and infrequent task, and the peak loading events (caused by unsteady winds and grid faults) and harsh environmental conditions (temperature fluctuation and moisture) result in extreme operation. Consequently, wind turbine systems present one of the more challenging current practical tribological problems. Contact failures in gear and bearing components have been the source of costly repairs and downtime of the turbine's drivetrain and actuators. Gearboxes are commonly faced with abrasive wear, micropitting, scuffing, and macropitting issues, while the nacelle yaw and blade pitch mechanisms commonly suffer from false brinelling and fretting damage. This paper examines contact failures of bearings from wind turbine gearboxes. Scanning electron microscopy is used to observe the subsurface material microstructure. Areas of localized microstructural change, known as white etching area (WEA), are observed. Several theories as to the cause of the WEA are examined. Results of this analysis will help guide the development of lasting solutions to a pressing problem in wind turbines.
Facet formation in silicon single crystals grown by VMFZ method

Abstract We investigated the behavior of dopant impurity incorporation in silicon single crystals grown by float-zoning in vertical magnetic fields (VMFZ) up to 0.1 T. We grew several
Significance of styles of epicontinental shale sedimentation in the Belt basin, Mid-Proterozoic of Montana, U.S.A.

Abstract Within the strongly shale dominated sediment fill of the Mid-Proterozoic Belt basin a large variety of shale types can be distinguished. Sedimentological investigations of several formations have yielded valuable data about lateral associations of shale types as well as about the principal mechanisms of shale deposition. Depositional environments of shales in the Belt basin range from red bed mudstones of ancient flood plains to deep water mudstones in a turbidite setting. Graded silt/mud couplets are ubiquitous in most shales of the Belt basin. However, they differ in detail and can be related to a variety of depositional processes, such as low-density turbidity currents, sheet floods, storms, and wave reworking. In several formations there is evidence that microbial mats colonized the sediment surface and probably protected the sediment surface from erosion. Shales from comparable Phanerozoic settings generally lack the silt/mud couplets that are so commonly observed in shales from the Belt basin and other Proterozoic epicontinental basins. This difference probably reflects the proliferation of bioturbating organisms in the Phanerozoic. The absence of benthic microbial mats in Phanerozoic shales is probably due to the evolution of metazoan grazers towards the end of the Proterozoic.
On the in-plane vibrations of a rotating ring with equi-spaced spokes

Natural frequencies are obtained for a rotating ring with equi-spaced spokes by using a wave approach. Each spoke is idealized as a combination of tangential, rotational, and radial stiffnesses acting at the mid-plane of the ring. Results show the effect of rotational speed and spoke stiffness on the natural frequencies. The presence of a zero natural frequency at certain rotational speeds and also at certain spoke stiffnesses is discussed.
Testing the effectiveness of direct propagation techniques for coral restoration of Acropora spp.

Abstract Possible coral restoration through active rehabilitation remains a challenge due to costs, scale of work involved, and poorly understood factors involved in post-transplant survivorship. This latter part remains a technological limitation in all restoration practices to date. In this study, we compared the growth and survivorship of Acropora spp. transplants at two reefs with variable seawater flow rates to determine the success and performance of asexual and sexual propagules using a novel coral restoration device. After 18 months, we found that the mean fragment survivorship did not significantly differ at the two reef sites ( P > 0.05). In contrast, fragment growth was significantly greater at the reef site with faster rates of seawater flow ( P
Prelamin A Farnesylation and Progeroid Syndromes

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is caused by a LMNA mutation that leads to the synthesis of a mutant prelamin A that is farnesylated but cannot be further processed to mature lamin A. A more severe progeroid disorder, restrictive dermopathy (RD), is caused by the loss of the prelamin A-processing enzyme, ZMPSTE24. The absence of ZMPSTE24 prevents the endoproteolytic processing of farnesyl-prelamin A to mature lamin A and leads to the accumulation of farnesyl-prelamin A. In both HGPS and RD, the farnesyl-prelamin A is targeted to the nuclear envelope, where it interferes with the integrity of the nuclear envelope and causes misshapen cell nuclei. Recent studies have shown that the frequency of misshapen nuclei can be reduced by treating cells with a farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI). Also, administering an FTI to mouse models of HGPS and RD ameliorates the phenotypes of progeria. These studies have prompted interest in testing the efficacy of FTIs in children with HGPS.
Addressing the need for rapid treatment of agitation in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: focus on inhaled loxapine as an alternative to injectable agents

Agitation (excessive motor or verbal activity) can be associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania, and can further escalate into aggressive behavior and potentially lead to injuries in patients and staff. Medications used to treat agitation include antipsychotics and benzodiazepines, usually administered intramuscularly when rapid action is desired. Loxapine, a first-generation antipsychotic, has recently been reformulated into an inhaled powder that allows for direct administration to the lungs, resulting in rapid absorption into the systemic circulation. Administered via a single-use device, inhaled loxapine was tested in randomized controlled trials in agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania; doses of 5 mg and 10 mg were found to be efficacious, with an apparent dose response. In the Phase III studies, number needed to treat versus placebo for a ≥40% reduction from baseline on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale – Excited Component (PANSS-EC) at 2 hours was three for patients with bipolar disorder, and five for 5 mg and four for 10 mg for patients with schizophrenia, with effect sizes comparable to what has been observed in analogous studies of intramuscular injection of antipsychotics or lorazepam. Separation from placebo on the PANSS-EC was as early as 10 minutes postinhalation, the first time point where this was measured. Dysgeusia was the most commonly encountered spontaneously reported adverse event. Adverse events related to extrapyramidal symptoms and akathisia were relatively rare. Spirometry studies identified the potential for bronchospasm particularly in persons with asthma. Because of concerns over pulmonary safety, inhaled loxapine is restricted to use in hospitals and patients need to be prescreened for the presence of pulmonary disease, as well as monitored for signs and symptoms of bronchospasm for 1 hour postdose administration, as per a Food and Drug Administration-mandated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy.
Attitudes toward homosexuality: Feminist attitudes and sexual conservatism

Attitudes toward homosexuality, attitudes toward women, sexual conservatism, social desirability, masculinity, femininity, and psychological androgyny were measured in 104 male and female subjects. Both nonfeminist and conservative sexual attitudes independently correlated with antihomosexual attitudes. Antihomosexual individuals held more stereotyped attitudes regarding women and defined acceptable heterosexual behaviors more narrowly than prohomosexual individuals. Psychological androgyny, measured with Bem's Sex-Role Inventory, did not correlate with either attitudes toward homosexuality or attitudes toward women.
Interhemispheric communication between extraoccipital visual areas in the monkey.

Abstract Two experiments are reported that examined the ability of non-topographically organized visual areas in the extraoccipital cortex of rhesus monkeys to code the position of a stimulus within the visual field. Both experiments tested behaviorally for the transfer of visual information through the parts of the corpus callosum interconnecting these extraoccipital areas. The failure of go, no-go discriminations to transfer through these fibers in our first experiment contradicts an earlier suggestion that a lack of positional information prevented the interhemispheric transfer of two-choice discriminations while still permitting the comparison of patterned stimuli. In a second experiment we found that these fibers permitted the comparison of stimuli that differed by positional rather than figural cues, and thus we failed to support the hypothesis that the extraoccipital areas cannot code information about spatial localization within the visual field.
Structure of the solid D2 bilayer on graphite.

Low-energy electron-diffraction (LEED) measurements for a solid ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ bilayer physisorbed on graphite are used to investigate the bilayer structure and its azimuthal orientation relative to the substrate. The LEED spot positions are consistent with the mutually commensurate oblique unit cell inferred from neutron-diffraction measurement. Given the azimuthal orientation of the bilayer LEED spots, the possibility of a bilayer composed of two incommensurate layers with mutually modulated triangular lattices is ruled out.
Effect of Laboratory Practices on the Incidence Rate of Congenital Hypothyroidism

OBJECTIVE: Newborn screening (NBS) laboratories in the United States expanded their programs to include primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in the 1970s. An increase in the national CH-incidence rate since 1987 has been reported. Our goal was to analyze national data reported by state NBS programs and laboratories from 1991 to 2000 to determine the extent to which changing laboratory methods might have contributed to the reported rise in CH-incidence rate. METHODS: We used generalized estimating equations to analyze the association between the rate of confirmed cases of CH per 100000 live births and the initial screening method (thyroxine [T4] or thyrotropin [TSH] assay), the T4- and TSH-assay methods, the screening-test cutoff value used to report abnormal T4- or thyrotropin-assay results, and the performance of a second screen on ≥80% of newborns in the state. We then evaluated the association of CH rate with year after adjusting for any screening methodology or parameter that was significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: During 1991–2000, laboratories that used a TSH assay for initial screening reported a 24% higher incidence rate of CH than those that used a T4 assay. The assay type also affected the incidence rate. Screening for T4 by enzyme immunometric assay (EIA) or fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) methods resulted in 38% and 24% higher incidence rates of CH, respectively, compared with the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method, whereas screening for TSH by the FIA method resulted in a 20% higher incidence rate of CH than did screening with radiochemical methods. During the decade studied, many laboratories changed their T4-assay method from RIA to either FIA or EIA; this particular change seemed to have the greatest impact on the CH-incidence rate. CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of different laboratory methods and screening practices by NBS laboratories affected the incidence rate of CH, after adjusting for screening methodologies and parameters, an increasing incidence rate still persisted during the decade studied. Thus, there seem to be additional unknown factors that contributed to the reported increase in incidence rate.
M‐loyalty: winning strategies for mobile carriers

Purpose – This study aims to investigate determinants of satisfaction and loyalty decisions in the use of mobile services.Design/methodology/approach – A research model was designed to identify multi‐dimensions of mobile service quality and perceived value, and investigate their influences on satisfaction and loyalty. Structural equation modeling was employed to test hypotheses.Findings – Statistical analysis identified five distinct dimensions of mobile service quality, and their direct and indirect effects on economic value, emotional value on loyalty intention through satisfaction. Two dimensions of perceived value (i.e. economic value, emotional value) had significant influences on customer satisfaction, and then, on loyalty intention. Also, the results show interrelationship between economic and emotional value.Originality/value – In particular, each dimension of mobile service quality appeared to have different effects on perceived economic value, emotional value, and the level of satisfaction. Acco...
Osteosarcoma and acute myeloblastic leukemia after therapy for childhood Hodgkin disease - A case report

A child diagnosed with Stage IVB Hodgkin disease at nine and one-half years of age subsequently developed osteosarcoma and acute myelogenous leukemia ten years after her initial diagnosis. She received multiple courses of radiotherapy and several single chemotherapeutic agents for her Hodgkin disease. Theraphy-induced multiple malignancies and intrinsic predisposition to carcinogenesis in this case is discussed.
Convection in Normal Stars and Metal-Deficient Stars

The depths at which convection starts have been calculated for main sequence stars and giant stars of various effective temperature and hydrogen-to-metal ratios. It is found that for late-type stars ofTe≲4400 K convenction stars at τ≲0.1. In metal-deficient stars convection starts at shallower optical depths compared to normal stars of the same spectral type. The larger the metal deficiency, the shallower is the depth at which convection starts. The importance of convection in the study of metal-deficient stars and late type stars are also discussed.
Single-stranded DNA ligation and XLF-stimulated incompatible DNA end ligation by the XRCC4-DNA ligase IV complex: influence of terminal DNA sequence

The double-strand DNA break repair pathway, non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ), is distinctive for the flexibility of its nuclease, polymerase and ligase activities. Here we find that the joining of ends by XRCC4-ligase IV is markedly influenced by the terminal sequence, and a steric hindrance model can account for this. XLF (Cernunnos) stimulates the joining of both incompatible DNA ends and compatible DNA ends at physiologic concentrations of Mg2+, but only of incompatible DNA ends at higher concentrations of Mg2+, suggesting charge neutralization between the two DNA ends within the ligase complex. XRCC4-DNA ligase IV has the distinctive ability to ligate poly-dT single-stranded DNA and long dT overhangs in a Ku- and XLF-independent manner, but not other homopolymeric DNA. The dT preference of the ligase is interesting given the sequence bias of the NHEJ polymerase. These distinctive properties of the XRCC4-DNA ligase IV complex explain important aspects of its in vivo roles.
Natural disasters and Twitter: Thinking from both sides of the tweet

This paper is a reflection on the process of engaging with Twitter from the perspective of a researcher and a user. It includes the author’s experiences as a content producer on Twitter during wildfires in Colorado, followed by the experience of researching tweets produced during Hurricane Sandy. The goal is to outline the author’s subjective understanding of both experiences, and how those experiences play off each other to inform future social media use and future research.
An alternate design paradigm for low-power, low-cost, testable hybrid systems using scaled LTPS TFTs

This article presents a holistic hybrid design methodology for low-power, low-cost, testable digital designs using low-temperature polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistors (LTPS TFTs). An alternate scaling rule under low thermal budget (due to flexible substrate) is developed to improve the performance of TFTs in the presence of process variation. We demonstrate that LTPS TFTs can be further optimized for ultralow-power subthreshold operation with performances comparable to contemporary single-crystal silicon-on-insulator (c-Si SOI) devices after process optimization. The optimized LTPS TFTs with high current drivability and less variability can comprise a promising low-cost option to augment Si CMOS technology, opening up a plethora of new hybrid 3D applications. We illustrate one such application: IC testing. Testing of complex VLSI systems is a prime concern due to design cost of DFT circuits, area/delay overheads, and poor test confidence. To harness the benefits of TFT technology, a novel low-power, process-tolerant, generic, and reconfigurable test structure designed using LTPS TFTs is proposed to reduce the test cost, as well as to improve diagnosability and verifiability, of complex VLSI systems. Due to proper optimization of TFT devices, the proposed test structure consumes low power but operates with reasonable performance. Furthermore, the test circuits do not consume any silicon area because they can be integrated on-chip using 3D technology. Since the test architecture is reconfigurable, this eliminates the need to redesign built-in-self-test (BIST) components that may vary from one processor generation to another. We have developed test structures using 200nm TFT devices and evaluated them on designs implemented in 130nm bulk CMOS. For circuit simulations, we have developed a SPICE-compatible model for TFT devices. The BIST components designed using the test structures operate at 0.8--4.3 GHz (compared to 8.2 GHz in bulk CMOS) with low power consumption. The enhanced scan cells partially implemented in TFT (3D hybrid design) consume ∼24p less power and ∼15--20p less area of Si die compared to conventional bulk-Si design (2D planar design), with minimal delay overhead.
Partial Purification and Characterization of Fructokinase Activity from Barley Leaves

Summary Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) leaf extracts contained a nonspecific hexokinase that was almost exlusivelylocalized in the particulate fraction. In addition, three soluble isoforms of fructose-specific kinase activity were separable by ion exchange chromatography and these were designated fructokinase-Ia, -Ib and -II, based upon elution order. Final 6700-, 1500- and 800-fold purification resulted in specific activities of 233.8, 51.8 and 60.1 nkat mg-1 protein for the three fructokinase isoforms, respectively. None of the isoforms were homogeneous. Native enzyme molecular weights were 37, 37 and 73kg mol-1 for fructokinase-I a, -I b and -II, respectively. All three isoforms had broad pH optima with maxima near pH 8.0 and were activated by K+ (Ka = 0.6 to 1.3 molm-3). Apparent Km values for fructose and MgATP were between 100 and 200 mmolm-3. Substrate inhibition in the range of 5 to 25 mol m-3 fructose was severe for fructokinase-I a and -Ib but only slight with fructokinase-II. All three fructokinase isoforms utilized UTP, but with apparent Km values about 5- to 10-fold higher than for ATP. Therefore, it is likely that ATP is the natural substrate for barley leaf fructokinases in vivo.
CIGS-based solar cells prepared from electrodeposited stacked Cu/In/Ga layers

Abstract Previously, we reported 15.4%-efficient copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS)-based photovoltaic devices from electrodeposited precursor films in which the final film composition was adjusted using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. At present, we are fabricating CIGS-based solar cells directly from electrodeposited precursor films, eliminating the expensive PVD step. Electrodeposited CIGS absorber layers are fabricated from a stacked Cu/In/Ga layers. All films are electrodeposited from an aqueous-based solution at room temperature in a two-electrode cell configuration, with platinum gauze as the counter electrode and a glass substrate as the working electrode. The substrate is DC-sputtered with about 1 μm of Mo. The electrodeposited films are selenized at high temperature (∼550 °C) to obtain 11.7%-efficient device.
Diamond-Blackfan Syndrome in Adult Patients

Two adults with pure red cell aplasia are described. No extrinsic etiologic mechanisms were identified. Evidence of anemia was long-standing and varied in severity. Musculoskeletal abnormalities (webbed neck, Sprengel's and Klippel-Feil deformities, and hand abnormalities) were similar to those seen in the congenital form of red cell aplasia (Diamond-Blackfan syndrome). As in the congenital variety, adrenal cortical steroids resulted in hematologic repair. These observations suggest that congenital (Diamond-Blackfan) pure red cell aplasia may be first recognized in adulthood and that steroids provide a potential therapeutic modality.
Late results with autogenous tissue heart valves.

Abstract Five years of experience using unsupported and mounted fascia lata and pericardial heart valves in human beings is summarized. This experience as well as the experiences reported by others has led me to the conclusion that autogenous pericardium and fascia lata—because of the raw, exposed collagen surfaces—are not satisfactory tissues from which to construct heart valves.
Decontamination factor calculations for reverse osmosis

Abstract An equation is derived for calculating the overall system decontamination factor (DFS) for reverse osmosis and other membrane separation processes operated in a semibatch mode. The new equation is an improvement upon the equation given in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Gaseous and Liquid Effluents (GALE) Code, a computerized mathematical model used for calculating the releases of radioactive material in gaseous and liquid effluents from nuclear reactors. Employing data in the GALE Code for which a DFS of 30 was calculated previously, the new equation gives DFS values for a range of typical operating conditions of between 7.5 and 9.7.
A suboscine bird (eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe) develops normal song without auditory feedback

Imitative song development, its requisite auditory feedback, and the underlying neural control of learned song are becoming increasingly well known in songbirds, but the evolution of these characteristics from songbird ancestors is poorly understood. Suboscine flycatchers, which belong to the evolutionary sister group of the oscine songbirds (in the same order, Passeriformes), are thought not to imitate songs from other individuals. This study therefore examines the role of auditory feedback in song development and provides preliminary comments on neural control. Four eastern phoebes, Sayornis phoebe, were collected at 10–12 days of age and hand-reared in the laboratory; at approximately 35 days of age, before they began to sing, the birds were bilaterally deafened by removal of the cochlea. Songs of these phoebes, two males and two females, were judged to be normal when compared with songs of males recorded in nature and to songs of laboratory-reared, intact males and females. Like several non-passerines (representatives of Galliformes and Columbiformes), the eastern phoebe requires no auditory feedback for normal vocal development. Brain sections of phoebes contain no obvious cell clusters like the forebrain song nuclei of songbirds. If some of these nuclei mediate auditory feedback control of song development, the apparent absence of these nuclei in the phoebe is consistent with its ability to develop normal song without auditory feedback.
Utilization of reactor fast neutrons for activation analysis

Abstract The intense fast-neutron fluxes typically available in reactor cores have been largely ignored for use in neutron activation analysis. In a number of situations, thermal neutron activation analysis gives insufficient sensitivity or ambiguous results due to matrix interference. The use of reactor fast neutrons to overcome these difficulties has been studied for 35 elements. The reuction of interferences from thermal, epithermal and resonance neutrons has resulted in increased utility for analysis with reactor fast neutrons. Of the 35 elements studied, 6 have superior detection limits (sensitivities) for analysis with reactor fast neutrons compared to reactor thermal-neutron activation analysis. Fifteen elements have comparable sensitivities for fast and thermal neutrons, seven have poor sensitivities for fast neutrons and the remaining seven had negligible fast neutron product yields.
Characterization and changes of a chromosomal-scaffolding protein in human epithelia.

Chromosomal-scaffolding proteins exert DNA structural functions during mitosis, and gene regulatory functions such as RNA splicing/polymerization and DNA replication in interphase, allowing the progression of the cell cycle. Recently, it has been reported that topoisomerases play a key role in DNA repair, suggesting an additional regulatory mechanism of the chromosome structure on DNA metabolism and cell cycle checkpoints. Despite the progress made toward the understanding of the genome organization and expression, few changes have been reported in the chromosome scaffold of malignant cells associated with the cancer phenotype. In a previous work, we reported LFM-1 protein (Licensing Factor Model-1) as a chromosomal-scaffold component transiently associated with mitotic chromosomes in MDCK (Madin Darby canine kidney) epithelial cells (Vega-Salas and Salas 1996). In this work, we explore LFM-1 expression in human epithelia with contrasting tumorigenicity during the progression of the cell cycle. Although cell metabolic labeling shows synthesis of a common 87-kDa LFM-1 precursor during G2-phase in both non-tumorigenic and cancer cells, surprisingly, the post-translational LFM-1 chromosome-bound polypeptide displays a different apparent molecular weight and binding to chromosomes in the cancer phenotype. The finding of a highly phosphorylated LFM-1 60-kDa form with abnormal binding to chromosomes in human carcinoma cells suggests a structural/regulatory role(s) of the chromosome-scaffold/matrix in DNA metabolism in cancer-related events of cell proliferation.
Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation on Left Atrial Size, Volumes and Function in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

The effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) on left atrial (LA) size, volumes, and function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are not well understood. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of RFCA on LA size, volumes, and function in patients with AF. Medline, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the reference lists of retrieved reports were searched for relevant studies through April 2009. Studies conducted in patients with AF were included if their primary outcomes were changes in LA size or volumes and/or function before and after RFCA. Weighted mean differences for changes in LA diameter, LA maximum volume, LA minimum volume, LA ejection fraction, and LA active emptying fraction were estimated using fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses. Seventeen relevant studies (enrolling 869 patients) among 192 identified studies were included in the final analysis. Compared to preablation values, there were significant decreases in LA diameter and LA volumes at postablation follow-up. However, compared to preablation values, there were no significant differences in LA ejection fraction and LA active emptying fraction at postablation follow-up. Decreases in LA diameter and LA volumes remained significant in those without AF recurrence but not in those with AF recurrence. LA ejection fraction and LA active emptying fraction did not decrease in patients without AF recurrence, whereas they decreased in patients with AF recurrence. In conclusion, successful RFCA in patients with AF significantly decreases LA size and volumes and does not seem to adversely affect LA function.
Thermal Stability of ε-Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane in an Estane Formulation

A change in color and density during prolonged heating of a formulation containing e-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) and Estane 5702 was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. Starting materials, virgin and final colored formulation were studied. Analysis revealed polymorphic impurity at all stages of production and processing, the nature and concentration of which changed with treatment of the material. Thermally-induced polymorphic conversion was determined to be the cause of the decrease in density, whereas the color change was speculated to be the result of binder degradation. Sensitivity to impact, friction and electrostatic spark were unchanged.
Attitudinal and Behavioral Effects of Initial Integration of White Suburban Neighborhoods

Interviews were conducted in 18 white suburban neighborhoods into which a new family had recently moved — in 8 neighborhoods a new black family, in the other 10 a white. Prior interviews in some neighborhoods indicated a high degree of comparability between residents of the two sets of neighborhoods. Interviews conducted one month, three months, and one year after the families had moved in assessed a variety of attitudinal and behavioral indicators of residents' reactions to new neighbors. Results not only showed marked differences in how black and white families are received by white residents but also revealed patterns of change over time which reflect the processes inherent in the integration experience.
Development of botanical and fish oil standard reference materials for fatty acids

As part of a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements and the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed Standard Reference Material (SRM) 3274 Botanical Oils Containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids and SRM 3275 Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Fish Oil. SRM 3274 consists of one ampoule of each of four seed oils (3274-1 Borage (Borago officinalis), 3274-2 Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), 3274-3 Flax (Linium usitatissimum), and 3274-4 Perilla (Perilla frutescens)), and SRM 3275 consists of two ampoules of each of three fish oils (3275-1 a concentrate high in docosahexaenoic acid, 3275-2 an anchovy oil high in docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, and 3275-3 a concentrate containing 60 % long-chain omega-3 fatty acids). Each oil has certified and reference mass fraction values for up to 20 fatty acids. The fatty acid mass fraction values are based on results from analyses using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). These SRMs will complement other reference materials currently available with mass fractions for similar analytes and are part of a series of SRMs being developed for dietary supplements.
Synthesis of surface reactances using grounded pin bed structure

A thin grounded uniaxial anisotropic slab capable of guiding electromagnetic surface waves was built and its surface reactance was measured at 4.8 GHz for the lowest order TM mode. The structure consists of a lattice of closely spaced thin conducting cylinders embedded in a dielectric with their axes normal to a conducting plane. The theories of propagation in anisotropic media and of artificial dielectrics are used to design the structure and explain its properties.
What’s Wrong With Infinite Regresses?

It is almost universally believed that some infinite regresses are vicious, and also almost universally believed that some are benign. In this paper I argue that regresses can be vicious for several different sorts of reasons. Furthermore, I claim that some intuitively vicious regresses do not suffer from any of the particular aetiologies that guarantee viciousness to regresses, but are nevertheless so on the basis of considerations of parsimony. The difference between some apparently benign and some apparently vicious regresses, then, turns out to be a matter of a more general assessment of costs and benefits, making viciousness of regresses in some cases less of a local matter than is usually thought.