cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BiCMOS bus interface logic for advanced system applications

Abstract A brief account of the state and development trends of TTL-level bus circuits is given and a way to overcome existing design obstacles by using BiCMOS process technology is discussed. When reviewing advanced bus concepts and looking at the semiconductor devices required to support them, one still finds a strong emphasis on improving the speed/power performance of existing functions. This appears to be a long-term trend over more than two decades. Unfortunately, product features progress towards ranges where certain technology-inherent physical phenomena start to become major design problems. These are excessive power consumption (with accordingly high heat generation) with bipolar circuits, and induced noise voltages during output switching with fast CMOS logic, just to mention some of the severe effects. Texas Instruments has introduced a BiCMOS family of bus functions that is based on a combined bipolar/CMOS process technology. It is explained how the unique product features given here enable highly sophisticated bus systems to be developed without any increased design effort requirements or further application restrictions. In addition, an outlook on the future development of this technology is given.
Catalytic transformations of olefins on HZSM5 observed by radiolysis/EPR

A new method for elucidating elementary reaction steps in zeolite catalysis was demonstrated for reactions of isobutene and other monoolefins on HZSM5. Radiolysis was used to `spin label` reaction products, and EPR was used for product analysis. The evolution of products was revealed by quenching the reactions cryogenically in a series of equilibrium experiments. Isobutene dimerization and isomerization occur on HZSM5 even at 77 K, and cracking occurs below room temperature. The radiolysis/EPR results allow a consistent interpretation of the literature on EPR signals that arise spontaneously upon interaction of acyclic olefins with air-activated H-Mordenite and HZSM5. 55 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.
Interpreting Relationships between L1 and L2 Reading: Consolidating the Linguistic Threshold and the Linguistic Interdependence Hypotheses

L'A. tente de determiner si la lecture en L2 est une question de langue (seuil linguistique) ou une question de lecture (interdependance linguistique). Il examine plusieurs hypotheses concernant cette question et analyse des donnees provenant de l'etude de locuteurs natifs anglais lisant en anglais et en espagnol
Impacts of historic climate variability on seasonal soil frost in the midwestern United States.

Abstract The present study examines the effects of historic climate variability on cold-season processes, including soil temperature, frost depth, and the number of frost days and freeze–thaw cycles. Considering the importance of spatial and temporal variability in cold-season processes, the study was conducted in the midwestern United States using both observations and model simulations. Model simulations used the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface model (LSM) to reconstruct and to analyze changes in the long-term (i.e., 1917–2006) means of soil frost variables. The VIC model was calibrated using observed streamflow records and near-surface soil temperatures and then evaluated for streamflow, soil temperature, frost depth, and soil moisture before its application at the regional scale. Soil frost indicators—such as the number of frost days and freeze–thaw cycles—were determined from observed records and were tested for the presence of significant trends. Overall trends in extreme and mean ...
Idiopathic Sclerochoroidal Calcification

To the Editor. —Previous reports of sclerochoroidal calcifications have included patients with renal disease, hyperparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, sarcoidosis, vitamin D intoxication, or primary hypercalcemia.1We report a case of idiopathic sclerochoroidal calcifications. Report of a Case. —A 70-year-old white man was referred to us for evaluation of possible choroidal metastases from a prostatic carcinoma. The lesions were diagnosed during a routine ophthalmoscopic examination. Visual acuity was 20/20 OD and 20/ 30 OS. Anterior segment examination revealed only 1+ nuclear sclerosis bilaterally. Applanation pressures were 16 mm Hg OD and 17 mm Hg OS. The vitreous was clear. The ophthalmoscopic examination revealed normal discs, maculae, and vessels. However, numerous scattered yellowish solid choroidal plaques and nodules elevated the overlying retina in both eyes. The lesions had irregular geographic outlines and ranged from one half to several disc diameters in size. The retina appeared normal, without subretinal fluid, pigmentation, or neovascularization. The
A comparison of fatal occupational injury event characteristics from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the Vital Statistics Mortality System.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to examine utility of appending International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes from Vital Statistics Mortality (VSM) data to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), and compare occupational event characteristics based on ICD external cause and BLS Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS) event codes. Methods We linked VSM records with CFOI records for 2003 and 2004. Results Ninety-five percent of approximately 11,000 CFOI cases were linked to VSM cases. Linked data suggest that CFOI OIICS event and VSM ICD codes identified similar leading events. However, VSM data were generally less specific. Conclusion Lack of detail inherent in ICD codes and death narratives limits specificity of injury characteristics in VSM data. Appending ICD codes to CFOI appears to offer little value. Research comparing work- and non-work-related events may be better served by having a defined framework to crosswalk both coding schemes to facilitate comparisons. Impact on industry Over the last two decades, both ICD and OIICS have been used to characterize occupational injury circumstances; however, this is the first study to use linked case comparisons of the OIICS and ICD codes at a detailed level. This study confirmed that multiple source data systems provide more detail surrounding an incident than a single source data system does. Our results suggest that OIICS-coded CFOI data are a better source for occupational injury research and prevention purposes. For future comparison studies requiring ICD, it would be advantageous to have a defined framework that could easily be used to map both coding schemes (OIICS and ICD).
Hemodynamic and hepatic pH responses to sodium bicarbonate and carbicarb during systemic acidosis

Rats subjected to ammonium chloride-induced metabolic acidosis were given alkalinization therapy with either sodium bicarbonate or Carbicarb. Ammonium chloride-induced severe metabolic acidosis had minimal effect on mean arterial blood pressure and cardiac output. This acidosis resulted in a small but statistically significant fall in intracellular liver pH (pHi) as measured with 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (7.01 +/- 0.05 vs 7.08 +/- 0.04, p less than 0.05). Sodium bicarbonate treatment resulted in systemic alkalinization and increases in arterial pCO2 as well as transient but extreme decreases in cardiac output and mean arterial pressure. Alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate also resulted in a transient but significant decrease in intracellular liver pH (7.02 +/- 0.06 at 5 min vs 7.09 +/- 0.06 at baseline, p less than 0.05). Carbicarb therapy resulted in systemic alkalinization without major changes in arterial pCO2, cardiac output, or mean arterial blood pressure. Moreover, Carbicarb effected a sustained intracellular alkalinization of the liver (phi = 7.12 +/- 0.07 at 5 min, p less than 0.05, pHi = 7.19 +/- 0.07 at 10 min, p less than 0.01, pHi = 7.16 +/- 0.06 at 15 min, p less than 0.01, vs baseline pHi = 7.05 +/- 0.06). These data suggest that Carbicarb may be a more effective buffer than sodium bicarbonate during conditions where ventilation is limited and hemodynamic instability is present.
Opioid-induced inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels parallels expression of ω-conotoxin-sensitive channel subtype during differentiation of NG108-15 cells

Depolarization-induced increases in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured in single NG108-15 cells using indo-1 based microfluorimetry. In cells differentiated for 6 days in serum-free forskolin (5 microM) supplemented media, application of micromolar concentrations of [D-Ala2-D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) inhibited Ca2+ influx mediated by voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Inhibition of 50 mM K(+)-induced Ca2+ influx by DADLE was concentration-dependent over the range of 0.1 to 10 microM and blocked by 100 microM naloxone. Differentiation increased the amplitude of depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i transients from 78 +/- 21 nM in undifferentiated cells to 1,282 +/- 318 nM after 6 days. One microM nitrendipine inhibited Ca2+ influx by at least 65% at all stages of differentiation, while sensitivity to omega-conotoxin GVIa (omega-CgTx) did not appear until day 3. omega-CgTx inhibited a dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel. DADLE inhibition of Ca2+ channels did not appear until 3 days of differentiation. Thus, opioid inhibition of depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx paralleled the expression of omega-CgTx sensitive voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.
NMR detection of living intermediates prepared from activated [NON]ZrMe2 ([NON]2−=[(t-Bu-d6-N-o-C6H4)2O]2−) and olefins

Abstract The 13C-NMR spectrum of {[NON]Zr(13CH3)(S)}+ (S=bromobenzene-d5) after addition of one equivalent of 1-hexene reveals resonances at 30.8 ppm for the terminal 13CH3 group in the first insertion product, at 24.0 ppm for the terminal 13CH3 group in the second insertion product and near 20 ppm for the terminal 13CH3 group in higher insertion products. The latter are consistent with ‘insertion’ of the 1-hexene into the Zr–CH3 bond in a 1,2 manner. Addition of ten equivalents of 1-nonene to {[NON]Zr(CH3)(S)}+ followed by one equivalent of 13CH2CHC7H15 led to a 13C-NMR spectrum consistent with formation of {[NON]Zr[13CH2CH(C7H15)(Polymer)](S)}+, which confirms that 1-nonene ‘inserts’ into the Zr–C bond primarily in a 1,2 fashion. A discussion as to why β elimination is relatively slow in {[NON]Zr(R)(S)}+ systems that have been examined so far focuses on reversible addition of a terminal olefin only to the CNN face of the pseudo-tetrahedral cation, {[NON]Zr(R)}+, to yield a trigonal bipyramidal transition state. After the equatorial alkyl group migrates to the substituted carbon of the incoming olefin, the new bulky alkyl in {[NON]Zr(CH2CHPR′)}+ cannot ‘back up’ toward the two t-butyl groups in preparation for β elimination relative to the rate at which {[NON]Zr(CH2CHPR′)}+ reacts with either base or more olefin.
Laser light-scattering spectroscopy: preliminary results on bioassay of cystic fibrosis factor(s).

Summary: The effect of 7 cystic fibrosis sera and 4 normal sera was investigated in 37 cultures of ciliated epithelium of the rabbit trachea. Serum was introduced in the Rose culture chambers in a concentration of 10% by volume. The frequency of ciliary beat was monitored by laser light-scattering spectroscopy. The results show that the response of cilia to sera can be well characterized by laser light scattering. Our preliminary evidence suggests that an early increase in the frequency of ciliary beat, followed by rapid arrest of ciliary activity, is a sensitive and characteristic response produced by cystic fibrosis serum, and not by normal serum. Speculation: The present work was aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of implementing an objective and quantifiable bioassay for cystic fibrosis factor(s). Laser light-scattering spectroscopy is applicable to detection and quantification of ciliary activity. The method may lead to improved bioassays for cystic fibrosis factor(s).
Optimized packet interleaving for streaming applications on burst-lossy channels

Burst packet loss imposes significant quality degradation for streaming applications. Interleaving, which helps reduce the probability of losing adjacent packets, is considered an effective method to mitigate burst errors. Most current research on wavelet image/video streaming is focused on how to maximize the interleaving effect in the spatial or spatial-frequency domain. However, in order to achieve the best video quality, optimizing temporal interleaving is very important, especially when error concealment is present in the streaming system because an inappropriate interleaving method may have an adverse effect on error concealment. Optimization of temporal interleaving on wavelet-compressed image/video streaming has not been previously studied. In this paper a novel optimal packet interleaving method is proposed for streaming applications on burst-loss channels. The objective is to achieve the best video quality at the receiver given an error-concealment algorithm and the channel traffic conditions. The proposed method consists of two steps: 1) spatial interleaving is conducted during packetization to disperse damage resulting from packet loss; 2) temporal interleaving is applied during transmission maximize the effect of error concealment at the receiver. In addition, a new concept that addresses the needs of error concealment, namely "temporal neighbor packet distance" is defined in order to facilitate the optimization. A low computational complexity algorithm is developed to satisfy the requirement of real-time transmission. Experimental results show that our proposed method can consistently improve the effects of error concealment.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Geography of Goodness: Proximity’s Dilemma and the Difficulties of Moral Response to the Distant Sufferer

The work of the French Lithuanian Jewish philosopher, Emmanuel L?vinas, describes a perceptive rethinking of the possibility of concrete acts of goodness in the world, a rethinking never more necessary than now, in the wake of the cruel realities of the twentieth century?ten million dead in the First World War, forty million dead in the Second World War, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, the Soviet gulags, the grand slaughter of Mao's "Great Leap Forward," the pointless and gory Vietnam War, the Cambodian self-genocide and many an attempted extermination from the face of the earth of entire nations of indigenous peoples. The list of horrors goes on and on?daily holocausts that do not distinguish between the civilian and the soldier, the guilty and the innocent, those deserving of life and those less deserving. The events that compose the recent history of the world leave humankind little justification for its species' continued existence, never mind its predominance, on earth. Despite all the wondrous inventions of the ever-curious and inventive human mind, the effect of our species upon the planet, and upon other beings with which it cohabits that homely space, positions humankind?Socrates' and Christianity's "shepherds" of the earth?as more of a blight upon the planet than its benevolent guardians. One could argue that the historical realities of the past century alone configure the continued sovereignty of the human species over earth
Development and ciliation of the palate in two frogs, Bombina and Xenopus; a comparative study

The morphological changes that occur during metamorphosis in the palates of two types of anuran larvae (a discoglossid, Bombina orientalis, and a pipid, Xenopus laevis) are compared. In B. orientalis the structural changes are accompanied by the ciliation of the palate epithelium. Ciliation begins in the anterior region of the palate and continues in a posterior direction throughout metamorphosis. By contrast, the palate of X. laevis never becomes ciliated during its development. Instead, two ciliated grooves develop between the choanae (nasal openings) and the esophageal opening. The grooves transport mucus and trapped objects out of the internal nares and toward the esophagus. These grooves are compared to similar structures on the palate of adult B. orientalis. The timing and pattern of ciliogenesis during metamorphosis in each of these anurans is also described relative to well-established staging series for external frog development. We show that the onset and location of ciliogenesis are consistent and predictable in these anurans and, therefore, make the frog palate an excellent system for the study of ciliogenesis.
Enhanced Cardiomyocyte DNA Synthesis During Myocardial Hypertrophy in Mice Expressing a Modified TSC2 Transgene

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the appearance of benign tumors in multiple organs, including the heart. Disease progression is accompanied by homozygous mutation at 1 of 2 loci (designated TSC1 or TSC2), leading to the suggestion that these genes function as tumor suppressors. In this study, we generated a series of TSC2 cDNAs in which one or more structural motifs were deleted, with the hope that expression of the modified gene product would override the growth-inhibitory activity of the endogenous TSC2 gene product. Several of the modified cDNAs enhanced growth rate, increased endocytosis, and promoted aberrant protein trafficking when expressed in NIH-3T3 cells, thereby mimicking phenotypes typical of TSC2-deficient cells. Surprisingly, targeted expression of the most potent TSC2 cDNA to the heart did not perturb cardiac development. However, the level of cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis in adult transgenic mice was elevated >35-fold during isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy compared with their nontransgenic siblings. These results suggest that alteration of TSC2 gene activity in combination with beta-adrenergic stimulation can reactivate the cell cycle in a limited number of terminally differentiated adult cardiomyocytes.
Effective masses of wurtzite GaN calculated from an empirical tight binding model

Abstract The energy band structure of wurtzite GaN is calculated using an sp 3 d 5 - sp 3 empirical tight-binding method (ETBM) that includes the spin-orbit interaction. The model incorporates all nearest-neighbor and some second-nearest neighbor interactions within the two-center approximation. The second-nearest neighbor interactions excluded are the cation-cation interactions involving the Ga 3 d orbital. The effective masses of the conduction and A , B , and C valence bands have been calculated and found to be in good agreement with published experimental data.
Rate parameters for coupled vibration-dissociation in a generalized SSH approximation

A theoretical study of vibrational excitations and dissociations of nitrogen undergoing a nonequilibrium relaxation process upon heating and cooling is reported. The rate coefficients for collisional induced vibrational transitions and transitions from a bound vibrational state into a dissociative state have been calculated using an extension of the theory originally proposed by Schwarz (SSH) et al. (1952). High-lying vibrational states and dissociative states were explicitly included but rotational energy transfer was neglected. The transition probabilities calculated from the SSH theory were fed into the master equation, which was integrated numerically to determine the population distribution of the vibrational states as well as bulk thermodynamic properties. The results show that: (1) the transition rates have a minimum near the middle of the bound vibrational levels, causing a bottleneck in the vibrational relaxation and dissociation rates; (2) high vibrational states are always in equilibrium with the dissociative state; (3) for the heating case, only the low vibrational states relax according to the Landau-Teller theory; (4) for the cooling case, vibrational relaxation cannot be described by a rate equation; (5) Park's (1985, 1988) two-temperature model is approximately valid; and (6) the average vibrational energy removed in dissociation is about 30 percent of the dissociation energy.
Declarative event-oriented programming

Events play an important role in the construction of most software that involves interaction or simulation. Typically, programmers make use of a fixed set of low level events supplied by a window system, possibly augmented with timers and UI components. Event handling generally involves some interpretation of these event occurrences, followed by external actions or modifications to program state. It is possible to extend the event paradigm by using event interpretation to synthesize new kinds of events tailored specifically for a domain or application. In turn, these new events may be used to synthesize yet others, and so on, to an arbitrarily sophisticated degree. This programming paradigm, which we call event-oriented programming , aids in the factoring of programs into understandable and reusable pieces. We propose a declarative approach to event-oriented programming, based on a powerfully expressive event language with a lightweight notation. We illustrate this new approach through the design of an interactive curve editor.
Motives for purchase decision‐making: combining attribution and functional approaches

The motivations which lead to consumer decisions have been given relatively little research attention, since motivations are difficult to quantify. The four part typology developed by Katz,1 when combined with self-perceived attributions, provides a useful method of examining the motivational underpinnings of consumer-purchase decisions. This study involved an experimental design to evaluate self perceptions of the four functional motives—ego defensive, value expressive, knowledge and utilitarian. A sample of 105 undergraduate students attributed their use or purchase for each of 52 items to one of the four functional motives. Using these responses as self-perception attributions, two research questions were examined: (i) would the four part typology be useful in explaining self-perceptions of past behaviour? and (ii) would one function of the typology dominate these reports for each item? An across-subject analysis suggested the four part typology could be meaningfully employed within a self-perception context. However, one functional motive dominated attributions for only six of 52 items. Since motivations and consumer behaviour are clearly linked, this research offers a method of providing additional insight into that linkage. The paper concludes with further research possibilities that integrate the functional motive approach and self-perception attributions.
Nutcracker Syndrome: When Should It Be Treated and How?

Nutcracker syndrome refers to compression of the left renal vein by the superior mesenteric artery and aorta. Patients typically present with left flank pain and associated symptoms of pelvic congestion. Hematuria is frequently present, and vulvar or lower extremity varices are seen in a subset of patients. Clinical suspicion of the syndrome is confirmed by duplex scanning, computerized tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Documentation of a hemodynamically significant pressure gradient across the point of compression during venographic assessment in patients with appropriate symptom severity is important prior to undertaking treatment. A variety of surgical procedures have been described to achieve venous decompression, the most popular being that of transposition of the left renal vein to the more distal inferior vena cava. Long-term data on the success of surgical treatment is scarce. More recently, endovascular stenting of the left renal vein has been used.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in metastatic uveal melanoma and implications for potential autocrine and paracrine tumor cell growth

We investigated the importance of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma. The expression pattern of IGF-1R in archival tissue samples of hepatic metastasis from 24 patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. All the samples of hepatic metastases stained positive for IGF-1R. To investigate the biological role of IGF-1R on the growth of metastatic uveal melanoma, a long-term cell line obtained from a hepatic metastasis (TJU-UM001) was evaluated. TJU-UM001 expressed cell surface IGF-1R (>90%) and proliferated in response to exogenous and endogenous insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Correlatively, anti-IGF-1R antibody completely blocked IGF-1-induced growth of TJU-UM001 cells. IGF-1 preferentially induced phosphorylation of Akt (S473) in quiescent TJU-UM001 cells, and this was blocked by anti-IGF-1R antibody. This study suggests that autocrine and paracrine mechanisms underlie IGF-1-induced growth of metastatic uveal melanoma and underscore the potential benefit of IGF-1 or IGF-1R antagonism in treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma.
Transient analysis of a voltage regulated aircraft D-C system: Voltage-regulated D-C systems

THE FACTORS affecting transient operation of a voltage-regulated d-c system have been studied empirically in the past, but a need has been felt to have a greater analytical understanding of the problem in aircraft system work. A step in this direction is to draw upon linear servomechanism and closed-loop control theory. An analysis of the carbon-pile regulator has been published with this purpose in mind.1
Tumor Control Outcomes After Hypofractionated and Single-Dose Stereotactic Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Extracranial Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose To report tumor local progression-free outcomes after treatment with single-dose, image-guided, intensity-modulated radiotherapy and hypofractionated regimens for extracranial metastases from renal cell primary tumors. Patients and Methods Between 2004 and 2010, 105 lesions from renal cell carcinoma were treated with either single-dose, image-guided, intensity-modulated radiotherapy to a prescription dose of 18–24 Gy (median, 24) or hypofractionation (three or five fractions) with a prescription dose of 20–30 Gy. The median follow-up was 12 months (range, 1–48). Results The overall 3-year actuarial local progression-free survival for all lesions was 44%. The 3-year local progression-free survival for those who received a high single-dose (24 Gy; n = 45), a low single-dose ( n = 14), or hypofractionation regimens ( n = 46) was 88%, 21%, and 17%, respectively (high single dose vs. low single dose, p = .001; high single dose vs. hypofractionation, p p = .009) and a single dose vs. hypofractionation ( p = .008). Conclusion High single-dose, image-guided, intensity-modulated radiotherapy is a noninvasive procedure resulting in high probability of local tumor control for metastatic renal cell cancer generally considered radioresistant according to the classic radiobiologic ranking.
Feasibility and Reliability of Rapid Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction

ABSTRACT Background Prevailing hospital practice dictates a protracted phase of observation for patients with chest pain to establish or exclude the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction may improve patient care and reduce both complications and hospital costs. A study was performed to investigate the feasibility of early diagnosis of myocardial infarction within the first 9 hours of the hospital stay. Methods The records of all patients admitted with chest pain within one calendar year were analyzed. The timing of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) quantification was determined with reference to the initial phlebotomy (time 0). An enzymatic diagnosis of myocardial infarction was assigned if any determination of CK-MB exceeded the upper limit of normal, and the diagnosis of each patient at or before 9 hours (early diagnosis) was compared to the ultimate diagnosis at 14 to 24 hours (final diagnosis) beyond initial assessment. Results Of the 528 included patients, 523 patients (99.1%) had identical early and final diagnostic outcomes; 5 patients (0.9%) had conflicting results. An early diagnosis of myocardial infarction was assigned to 195 of the 528 patients (36.9%). Of these, 190 achieved the diagnosis within 9 hours (sensitivity 97.4%). The negative predictive value was 98.5%. Conclusion Standard CK-MB mass measurements within 9 hours of arrival provided an accurate clinical assessment in > 99% of the cases. The high sensitivity and negative predictive values suggest that early diagnosis of myocardial infarction is feasible and reliable.
THE IMPACT OF WORKPLACE ON RESIDENTIAL RELOCATION

ABSTRACT There is a significantly higher probability that people move closer to their workplace with increasing separation between home and work. The journey to work is significant in the relocations of households. The effect of workplace can be modeled with the exponential and von Mises distribution. The evidence shows that attractiveness of the workplace is a function of distance to work.
The Crystal Structure of BamB Suggests Interactions with BamA and Its Role within the BAM Complex.

Abstract Escherichia coli BamB is the largest of four lipoproteins in the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex. It interacts with the periplasmic domain of BamA, an integral outer membrane protein (OMP) essential for OMP biogenesis. Although BamB is not essential, it serves an important function in the BAM complex, significantly increasing the folding efficiency of some OMPs in vivo and in vitro. To learn more about the BAM complex, we solved structures of BamB in three different crystal forms. BamB crystallized in space groups P213, I222, and P212121, with one molecule per asymmetric unit in each case. Crystals from the space group I222 diffracted to 1. 65-A resolution. BamB forms an eight-bladed β-propeller with a central pore and is shaped like a doughnut. A DALI search revealed that BamB shares structural homology to several eukaryotic proteins containing WD40 repeat domains, which commonly have β-propeller folds and often serve as scaffolding proteins within larger multi-protein complexes that carry out signal transduction, cell division, and chemotaxis. Using mutagenesis data from previous studies, we docked BamB onto a BamA structural model and assessed known and possible interactions between these two proteins. Our data suggest that BamB serves as a scaffolding protein within the BAM complex by optimally orienting the flexible periplasmic domain of BamA for interaction with other BAM components and chaperones. This may facilitate integration of newly synthesized OMPs into the outer membrane.
Inhibiting Effect of Increasing Body-weight on the Lethal Response of DBA /I Mice to Vaccinia Virus Infection

IN a previous publication1 I considered the response of mice of different ages to experimental vaccinia infection: the high degree of resistance of adult mice to this virus, as well as the fact that vaccinia is highly lethal for new-born mice. It was also demonstrated that the young mice (non-inbred albino) became resistant to increasingly higher doses of virus as they aged.
Clinical Effectiveness of Platelet Concentrates Prepared with or without Acidification of the Plasma

Fresh platelet concentrates prepared with or without acidification of the platelet-rich plasma were administered to 32 thrombocytopenic patients. A total of 122 transfusions were given including 60 of platelet concentrates from unmodified plasma and 62 of platelets prepared from acidified plasma. In vivo retrieval was calculated by two different and previously used formulas and found to be equivalent for acidified or nonacidified platelet concentrates by either method. Strict adherence to the details of the platelet separation technic is stressed and the possible significance of refrigeration during centrifugation is considered. Non-modified platelet concentrates are therapeutically effective. They are also economically preferable since they can be obtained as by-products of ordinary blood banking and do not prejudice the use of the plasma for separation of AHF cryoprecipitates.
Development and psychometric assessment of a multidimensional measure of internalized HIV stigma in a sample of HIV-positive adults

There is a need for a psychometrically sound measure of the stigma experienced by diverse persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate a multidimentional measure of internalized HIV stigma that captures stigma related to treatment and other aspects of the disease among sociodemographically diverse PLHA. We developed a 28-item measure of internalized HIV stigma composed of four scales based on previous qualitative work. Internal consistency reliability estimates in a sample of 202 PLHA was 0.93 for the overall measure, and exceeded 0.85 for three of the four stigma scales. Items discriminated well across scales, and correlations of the scales with shame, social support, and mental health supported construct validity. This measure should prove useful to investigators examining in the role of stigma in HIV treatment and health outcomes, and evaluating interventions designed to mitigate the impacts of stigma on PLHA.
A world wide web gateway to the radiologic learning file

Rationale and Objectives. Computer networks in general, and the Internet specifically, are changing the way information is manipulated in the world at large and in radiology. The goal of this project was to develop a computer system in which images from the Radiologic Learning File, available previously only via a single-user laser disc, are made available over a generic, high-availability computer network to many potential users simultaneously. Methods. Using a networked workstation in our laboratory and freely available distributed hypertext software, we established a World Wide Web (WWW) information server for radiology. Images from the Radiotogic Learning File are requested through the WWW client software, digitized from a single laser disc containing the entire teaching file and then transmitted over the network to the client. The text accompanying each image is incorporated into the transmitted document. Results. The Radiologic Learning File is now on-line, and requests to view the cases result in the delivery of the text and images. Image digitization via a frame grabber takes 1/30th of a second. Conversion of the image to a standard computer graphic format takes 45–60 sec. Text and image transmission speed on a local area network varies between 200 and 400 kilobytes (KB) per second depending on the network load. Conclusion. We have made images from a laser disc of the Radiologic Learning File available through an Internet-based hypertext server. The images previously available through a single-user system located in a remote section of our department are now ubiquitously available throughout our department via the department's computer network. We have thus converted a single-user, limited functionality system into a multiuser, widely available resource.
Pear Bud Metabolism: Seasonal Changes in Glucose Utilization

Utilization of glucose, uracil and valine by flower and leaf buds of seedling pear trees (Pyrus calleryana Decne.) from the time of flower bud initiation to flowering was investigated. A very high rate of glucose utilization through the pentose phosphate pathway was observed throughout the development of buds. There was no difference in the type of glucose metabolism between flower and leaf buds except immediately before flowering, when the metabolism in flower buds was shifted toward the glycolytic pathway. Such a shift did not occur in leaf buds. The incorporation of uracil and valine into the nucleic acid and protein fraction of buds, respectively, was high throughout bud development, perhaps indicating a high rate of turnover in the resting buds. Incorporation of both compounds decreased when buds started to expand prior to flowering.
An ź-active barrier-function method for solving minimax problems

A modification of an existing barrier-function method is presented. The modified algorithm may be used to solve semi-infinite minimax problems arising in engineering design. The modification preserves the global convergence properties, simple structure, and numerical robustness of the original algorithm, while substantially reducing the computational cost.
Growth and processing conditions affecting acid tolerance inEscherichia coli O157:H7

Abstract The impact of growth conditions (anaerobiosis, growth phase, NaCl, pH, and temperature) on the development of acid tolerance in Escherichia coli O157:H7 was investigated directly (DpH1.15) and indirectly by monitoring the specific activity of acid phosphatase. Anaerobic growth of O157:H7 strain 43895 in synthetic rumen fluid resulted in earlier development of acid tolerance than aerobic growth. However, stationary-phase cells of both aerobic and anaerobic cultures had an equivalent degree of acid tolerance that was greater than that achieved in log-phase cultures grown anaerobically. These results are consistent with the growth-phase regulation of acid tolerance by the stationary-phase sigma factors38. The addition of NaCl (1%) also enhanced acid tolerance of log-phase but not stationary-phase cells of strain 43895. Growth temperature influenced the acid tolerance with progressively greater DpH1.15values obtained at 15, 25, and 37°1C, in both log and stationary phase. Therefore, the influence of temperature on the subsequent survival and acid tolerance of E. coli O157:H7 strain 43895 in ground beef was evaluated. Numbers of strain 43895 decreased c. 1.14 log10cfu g-1in inoculated ground beef stored at 4°1C, whereas numbers remained essentially unchanged during storage at -20°C. While pre-incubation at 15°1C for 4 h prior to storage at 4 or -20°C did not influence survival, the acid tolerance of E. coli O157:H7 survivors was significantly decreased (P
The group of homotopy equivalences of products of spheres and of Lie groups

We investigate the group \({\cal E}_\#(X)\) of self homotopy equivalences of a space X which induce the identity homomorphism on all homotopy groups. We obtain results on the structure of \({\cal E}_\#(X)\) provided the p-localization \(X_{(p)}\) of X has the homotopy type of a p-local product of odd-dimensional spheres. In particular, we show that \({\cal E}_\#(X)_{(p)}\) is a semidirect product of certain homotopy groups \(\pi_n(X_{(p)})\). We also show that \({\cal E}_\#(X)_{(p)}\) has a central series whose successive quotients are \(\pi_n(X_{(p)})\), which are direct sums of homotopy groups of p-local spheres. This leads to a determination of the order of the p-torsion subgroup of \({\cal E}_\#(X)\) and an upper bound for its p-exponent. These results apply to any Lie group G at a regular prime p. We derive some general properties of \({\cal E}_\#(G)\) and give numerous explicit calculations.
Design and synthesis of redox stable analogues of sunflower trypsin inhibitors (SFTI-1) on solid support, potent inhibitors of matriptase.

Matriptase is a member of the emerging class of type II transmembrane serine proteases. It was found that the sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI-1), isolated from sunflower seeds, inhibits matriptase with a subnanomolar Ki of 0.92 nM. On the basis of this result, we designed and synthesized its proteolytically stable analogues, SFTI-2 and SFTI-3. SFTI-3 exhibited very good binding affinity to matriptase, and it was metabolically stable.
Self-reported physical stress reactions: first- and second-order factors

Stress Inventory-6, a 72-item self-report questionnaire designed to tap 18 factors of physical stress reactions, was subjected to factor analysis. The instrument was given to 474 students (254 females, 206 males, and 14 who failed to indicate their gender). The final factor solution identified 16 first-order and 4 second-order factors. The first-order solution replicated most of the factors identified in a previous study and defined factors in terms of organ system, muscle group, and simple content. In the second-order solution, Factors I, III, and IV include symptoms that are immediate and direct, appear to be related to arousal of the somatic and sympathetic nervous system, and are marked prominently by cardiorespiratory activity. In contrast, Factor II includes symptoms that are indirect and often delayed consequences of sustained arousal (Fatigue and Lack of Energy, Headaches, Backaches, etc.). A major distinction can be made between stress arousal Factors I and III. Factor III appears to be a simple “fight or flight” arousal pattern characterized by fairly direct manifestations of striated muscle tension as well as cardiorespiratory activity. In contrast, Factor I is a complex arousal pattern characterized by diffuse autonomic arousal, self-directed attention, and possibly low self-esteem. The results of this study draw into question the extent to which popular stress inventories tap a representative sample of stress symptoms. Clinical implications are discussed.
Scheduling multirate sessions in time division multiplexed wavelength-routing networks

We consider multiwavelength wavelength-routing networks operating in circuit-switched mode. Wavelength utilization is poor in such networks if sessions require only a fraction of a wavelength's capacity. An all-optical approach to improve wavelength utilization is to use time division multiplexing (TDM) on each wavelength, and switch time slots and wavelengths. In this paper, we address the off-line multirate session scheduling problem, i.e., the problem of assigning time slots and wavelengths to a given static set of multirate sessions, in ring topologies. Given a set of sessions and their relative rates, our objective is to maximize network throughput. This objective translates to the problem of minimizing the maximum length of a TDM frame over all wavelengths. We first show that the off-line single-rate session scheduling problem is equivalent to the off-line wavelength assignment problem, and hence obtain bounds on frame length. We then present scheduling algorithms with provable worst-case bounds on frame length for multirate session scheduling.
Antagonistic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus at varying temperatures

Abstract A pour-plate dilution method was employed to assess the antagonistic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth of both Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus at 22°C, 25°C, and 32°C. Dilutions of S. cerevisiae were pour plated, and upon solidification, the plates were inoculated with a lawn of either A. flavus or A. parasiticus. Results of this experiment suggest that higher concentrations of S. cerevisiae are effective in inhibiting the growth of both Aspergillus species investigated at all temperatures, but its effects are most pronounced at 22°C. Broader implications of this study include the possibility that S. cerevisiae may be used as a biocontrol agent to protect agricultural products commonly consumed by humans from the toxigenic metabolites produced by A. flavus and A. parasiticus.
Oxybutynin topical gel in the treatment of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB), often accompanied by urinary incontinence, is most prevalent among the elderly, but also affects many middle-aged men and women in the US. OAB may severely impair quality of life, and its overall economic costs to society are substantial. Although antimuscarinic agents relieve OAB symptoms effectively, treatment persistence generally is low. This has been attributed in part to the occurrence of dry mouth and other anticholinergic adverse events. High plasma concentrations of N-desethyloxybutynin (DEO), an active metabolite of oxybutynin, have been identified as the major cause of anticholinergic adverse effects associated with oral oxybutynin. Transdermal formulations of oxybutynin generate much lower DEO plasma concentrations compared with oral formulations. In a placebo-controlled US Phase III study in patients with OAB, the recently approved oxybutynin topical gel (OTG) was efficacious and well tolerated. Dry mouth occurred in 6.9% of patients treated with OTG and 2.8% of patients on placebo. Incidences of other anticholinergic events were low and similar for OTG and placebo. OTG rarely caused application site skin reactions. OTG provides significant benefits to patients with OAB, particularly those who are sensitive to anticholinergic adverse effects.
Reversion of the glycopeptide resistance phenotype in Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates

The recent identification of glycopeptide intermediate-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (GISA) clinical isolates has provided an opportunity to assess the stability of the glycopeptide resistance phenotype by nonselective serial passage and to evaluate reversion-associated cell surface changes. Three GISA isolates from the United States (MIC of vancomycin = 8 microg/ml) and two from Japan (MICs of vancomycin = 8 and 2 microg/ml) were passaged daily on nutrient agar with or without vancomycin supplementation. After 15 days of passage on nonselective medium, vancomycin- and teicoplanin-susceptible revertants were obtained from each GISA isolate as determined by broth dilution MIC. Revertant isolates were compared with parent isolates for changes in vancomycin heteroresistance, capsule production, hemolysis phenotype, coagulase activity, and lysostaphin susceptibility. Several revertants lost the subpopulations with intermediate vancomycin resistance, whereas two revertants maintained them. Furthermore, although all of the parent GISA isolates produced capsule type 5 (CP5), all but one revertant tested no longer produced CP5. In contrast, passage on medium containing vancomycin yielded isolates that were still intermediately resistant to vancomycin, had no decrease in the MIC of teicoplanin, and produced detectable CP5. No consistent changes in the revertants in hemolysis phenotype, lysostaphin susceptibility, or coagulase activities were discerned. These data indicate that the vancomycin resistance phenotype is unstable in clinical GISA isolates. Reversion of the vancomycin resistance phenotype might explain the difficulty in isolating vancomycin-resistant clinical isolates from the blood of patients who fail vancomycin therapy and, possibly, may account for some of the difficulties in identifying GISA isolates in the clinical laboratory.
The Cost of Slowing the Spread of the Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Beginning in 1992, the Slow The Spread (STS) pilot project was initiated to target gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) spread rate reduction by controlling populations in the transition zone. The project uses intensive monitoring techniques, with pheromone-baited sticky moth traps, to detect low-level populations and target them for eradication. The primary objective of the pilot project was to evaluate the feasibility of using integrated pest management techniques to slow the spread of gypsy moths over a large geographical area. In this study, the cost of STS pilot project activities in 1993-1995 was investigated. A cost accounting system was developed and used as a framework to collect the cost data and to investigate cost patterns and characteristics. Total expenditures of STS activities for 1993-1995 were 7,685.2 million dollars. Per unit cost was 49.67 dollars per trap with the direct cost component being 35.03 dollars per trap. Trapper labor and vehicle expense accounted for approximately 90% of this direct cost. Per unit cost for treatment activities was found to average 27.86 dollars per treated acre. In general, the STS pilot project is labor intensive, specifically the trapping component. From 1993-1995, 59% of total project expenditures were spent on trapping activities, 28% on pesticide treatments, and 13% on data management. A trapper productivity rate regression model is described.