cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tryptophan-containing -Subunits of the Escherichia coli Tryptophan Synthase ENZYMATIC AND UREA STABILITY PROPERTIES

Abstract Early studies suggested that the Escherichia coli tryptophan synthase α-subunit unfolded in a two-step process in which there was a stable intermediate composed of a native α-1 folding unit (residues 1-188) and a completely unfolded α-2 folding unit (residues 189-268). More recent evidence has indicated that such a structure for the intermediate seems unlikely. In this report, single Trp residues (absent in the wild-type α-subunit) are substituted separately for Phe residues at positions 139 (in α-1) and 258 (in α-2) to produce the F139W, F258W, and F139W/F258W mutant α-subunits. The UV absorbance and fluorescence properties of the F139W/F258W double mutant are identical with those of equimolar mixtures of the single mutants, suggesting that the Trp residue at each position can independently report the behavior of its respective folding unit. Each mutant α-subunit is wild-type enzymatically, and when UV absorbance is monitored, the urea-induced unfolding of the three tryptophan-containing α-subunits is virtually identical to the wild-type protein. These wild-type properties make these proteins attractive candidates for a fluorescence examination of the behavior of the individual folding units and the structure of potential intermediate(s) and as host proteins for the insertion of our existing destabilizing and/or stabilizing mutational alterations.
On the incremental addition of regression classes for speaker adaptation

We previously proposed the all-pass transform (APT) as the basis of a speaker adaptation scheme intended for use with a large vocabulary speech recognition system. It was shown that APT-based adaptation reduces to a linear transformation of cepstral means, much like the better known maximum likelihood linear regression (MLLR). Due to this linearity, APT-based adaptation can be used in conjunction with speaker-adapted training (SAT), an algorithm for performing maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of a hidden Markov model when speaker adaptation is to be employed during both training and test. In other work, we proposed a refinement of SAT dubbed single-pass adapted training (SPAT) specifically-tailored for use with the APT. Here we introduce an incremental training procedure intended for use with the APT and multiple regression classes. In a set of speech recognition experiments conducted on the Switchboard Corpus, we obtained a word error rate of 37.9% using APT adaptation, a significant improvement over the 39.5% word error rate achieved with MLLR.
Segmentation and scene modeling for MIL-based target localization

Existing techniques for object tracking with Multiple Instance Learning take the approach of extracting low-level patches of fixed size and aspect ratios within each image, and employ many simplistic assumptions. In this work, we propose an approach that automatically utilizes image segments as input primitives to develop a multi-level segmentation-based system, and build a target model refinement procedure that learns the optimal model corresponding to the target object. To go beyond existing restrictive assumptions, we further develop automatic scene environmental models to assign prior probabilities to segment instances of belonging to the target vs scene. We demonstrate impressive qualitative and quantitative results with tracking sequences in typical outdoor surveillance settings.
Crossing-Symmetric, Regge-Behaved Amplitudes with Cuts

A model is presented which incorporates the features of Regge asymptotic behavior and the particle spectrum, as well as having cuts in the energy plane from threshold. In addition, the amplitude incorporates some external-mass dependence and can accommodate nonlinear trajectorieswithout introducing spurious ancestors at the particle poles. A soft-meson amplitude is derived and automatically satisfies the Adler consisteney condition provided only the Regge trajectory is nonnegative at the Adler point. In the low-energy regime the model predicts the scattering lengths as a function of trajectory intercept. For values of the intercept comparable to those determined by the Adler condition in the Veneziano model, the current algebra results are essentially reproduced. The ππ phase shifts are also calculated.
Action versus inaction: Anticipated affect in the theory of planned behavior.

Theory of planned behavior (TPB) variables and anticipated affect were assessed in relation to drinking and avoiding alcohol and in relation to eating and avoiding fast food. It was shown that previously reported residual effects of anticipated affect in the prediction of intentions are obtained only when the TPB variables are assessed with respect to one behavior (action or inaction) and anticipated affect is measured in relation to the alternative behavior.When all variables were assessed with respect to the same behavior, anticipated affect made no independent contribution to the prediction of intentions, nor did anticipated affect retain a residual effect when the TPB constructs in relation to the alternative action were included in the prediction equation.
Total Synthesis of Piericidin A1 and B1 and Key Analogues

Full details of the total synthesis of piericidin A1 and B1 and its extension to the preparation of a series of key analogues are described including ent-piericidin A1 (ent-1), 4'-deshydroxypiericidin A1 (58), 5'-desmethylpiericidin A1 (73), 4'-deshydroxy-5'-desmethylpiericidin A1 (75), and the corresponding analogues 51, 59, 76, and 77 bearing a simplified farnesyl side chain. The evaluation of these key analogues, along with those derived from their further functionalizations, permitted a scan of the key structural features providing new insights into the role of the substituents found in both the pyridyl core as well as the side chain. A strategic late stage heterobenzylic Stille cross-coupling reaction of the pyridyl core with the fully elaborated side chain permitted ready access to the analogues in which each half of the molecule could be systematically and divergently modified. The pyridyl cores were assembled enlisting inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reactions of N-sulfonyl-1-azabutadienes, while key elements of side chain syntheses include an anti selective asymmetric aldol to install the C9 and C10 relative and absolute stereochemistry (for natural and ent-1) and a modified Julia olefination for formation of the C5-C6 trans double bond with convergent assemblage of the side chains.
Activity of Certain Liver Enzymes in Fast- and Slow-Growing Lines of Chickens

Abstract The relationship between growth rate and the metabolic activity of certain liver enzymes was studied using two strains of White Plymouth Rock chickens which had been selected in divergent directions for eight-week body weight. The activities of hexokinase, glucokinase, phosphofructokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, glycogen synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase and aspartate transaminase were measured at 4, 8 and 20 weeks of age. The mean percentage rate of growth of the birds selected for high eight-week body weight exceeded that of the birds selected for low eight-week body weight only during the early growth period. Thereafter, and until sexual maturity, the low-line birds grew at a faster rate, relative to body size. The mature body weight of the high-line birds exceeded that of the low-line birds by a factor of approximately 1.5. A close similarity was noted between the metabolic activity of certain liver enzymes and the growth rate (relative to body size) of the birds studied. At four and eight weeks of age, the faster-growing birds (whether high- or low-line) generally exhibited a greater capacity for glucose phosphorylation and glycolysis, but a poorer capacity for glycogen synthesis, than the slower-growing birds. At twenty weeks, growth rate and metabolic activity were similar in both strains.
The relationship between long bone growth rate and duodenal calcium transport in female rats.

Studies were carried out to determine the relationship between long bone growth rate and duodenal calcium (Ca) transport in female rats and the regulation of these two parameters by ovarian hormones. Female rats were ovariectomized (ovx) at 6 weeks of age. Some animals were implanted with silastic implants containing either estradiol or progesterone at the time of ovx. Studies were carried out 3 weeks later when the rats were 9 weeks old. Ovx resulted in an increase in long bone growth rate and duodenal Ca transport without any alteration in circulating levels of parathyroid hormone or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D]. Animals receiving estradiol exhibited decreased long bone growth rate and duodenal Ca transport relative to ovx animals. These animals were mildly hypercalcemic and had lower levels of 1,25-(OH)2D than ovx or intact animals. The results of these studies suggest that the effects of ovarian hormone status on duodenal Ca transport are more closely related to long bone growth rate than to circulating levels of 1,25-(OH)2D. Further studies are required to determine whether the two parameters are coregulated by some as-yet-unidentified factor or whether bone growth is able to emit some signal, directly or indirectly, to increase duodenal Ca transport.
On Methodology in the Study of Cognitive Abilities.

From experiences in reanalyzing some 480 datasets in the factor-analytic literature of cognitive abilities (Carroll, 1993a), 1 report and defend opinions 1 have formed about methodological problems in this field - in particular with regard to: (a) study design in relation to the structure of cognitive abilities, (b) test design in relation to IRT procedures, factorial complexity, and cognitive processes;
A generic sandwich-type biosensor with nanomolar detection limits

A quantitative and highly sensitive, yet simple and rapid, biosensor system was developed for the detection of nucleic acid sequences that can also be adapted to the detection of antigens. A dipstick-type biosensor with liposome amplification, based on a sandwich assay format with optical detection, was combined with a simple coupling reaction that allows the transformation of the generic biosensor components to target specific ones by a mere incubation step. This biosensor platform system was developed and optimized, and its principle was proven using DNA oligonucleotides that provided a nucleic acid biosensor for the specific detection of RNA and DNA sequences. However, the coupling reaction principle chosen can also be used for the immobilization of antibodies or receptor molecules, and therefore for the development of immunosensors and receptor-based biosensors. The generic biosensor consists of liposomes entrapping sulforhodamine B that are coated with streptavidin on the outside, and polyethersulfone membranes with anti-fluorescein antibodies immobilized in the detection zone. In order to transform the generic biosensor into a specific DNA/RNA biosensor, two oligonucleotides that are able to hybridize to the target sequence were labeled with a biotin and a fluorescein molecule, respectively. By simultaneously incubating the liposomes, both oligonucleotides, and the target sequence in a hybridization buffer for 20-30 min at 42 degrees C, a sandwich complex was formed. The mixture was applied to the polyethersulfone membrane. The complex was captured in the detection zone and quantified using a hand-held reflectometer. The system was tested using RNA sequences from B. anthracis, C. parvum and E. coli. Quantitation of concentrations between 10 fmol and 1000 fmol (10-1000 nM) was possible without altering any biosensor assay conditions. In addition, no changes to hybridization conditions were required when using authentic nucleic acid sequence-based amplified RNA sequences, and the generic biosensor compared favorably with those previously developed specifically for the RNA sequences. Therefore, the universal biosensor described is an excellent tool, for use in laboratories or at test sites, for rapidly investigating and quantifying any nucleic acid sequence of interest, as well as potentially any antigen of interest that can be bound by two antibodies simultaneously.
Evidence for two subclasses of methylamine dehydrogenases with distinct large subunits and conserved PQQ‐bearing small subunits

Abstract Antibodies, which were raised to the isolated subunits of the methylamine dehydrogenases of Paracoccus denitrificans and bacterium W3A1, were used to demonstrate immunological cross-reactivity between the small pyrrolo-quinoline quinone bearing subunits of these two enzymes. The small subunits of these enzymes also exhibited nearly identical p I values. Conversely, the large subunits of the P. denitrificans and bacterium W3A1 enzymes did not cross-react immunologically and exhibited, respectively, very acidic and very basic p I values which reflected the electrostatic properties of their respective holoenzymes. Antibodies specific for the large subunit of the P. denitrificans enzyme, but not the bacterium W3A1 enzyme, cross-reacted with the analogous proteins in cell extracts of Thiobacillus versutus and Methylobacterium sp strain AM1.
The ignition studies project at Princeton

During the past year the Ignition Studies Project (ISP) at Princeton has been investigating design options and performing systems studies on science oriented DT ignition experiments. The goal has been to identify promising approaches leading to a device that could test the basic viability of the burning-plasma regime at a relatively early time and moderate cost. This is a substantial departure from the Tokamak Fusion Core Experiment (TFCX) which had both a physics and an engineering mission. This paper describes some of the approaches under consideration and highlights some of the tradeoffs that need to be understood for the development of an ignition experiment.
Nonlinear frequency responses of quarter vehicle models with amplitude-sensitive engine mounts

Although the amplitude dependence of engine mounts has been widely studied via experimental and analytical studies, its effect on the vehicle system response is still unclear. Therefore, the chief goal of this paper is to develop a method that will incorporate measured dynamic stiffness properties of the isolator and predict the resulting amplitude-dependent nonlinear behavior of the governing system in the frequency domain. Experimental data on two hydraulic engine mount concepts, namely the inertia track and free decoupler mounts, are incorporated to illustrate realistic amplitude dependence. Then, nonlinear frequency responses of two quarter vehicle models, up to 50 Hz, are analytically calculated using the one-term harmonic balance method. Our analysis shows that the proposed semi-analytical scheme should be employed, instead of ad hoc methods, when the mount parameters are amplitude-sensitive. In particular, the inclusion of inertia track mount leads to the softening effect. A comparison with Duffing's oscillator is made to qualitatively assess its nature. A system with the free decoupler mount looks more like a linear time-invariant system, at least from the frequency response perspective, due to high decoupler damping that negates the amplitude sensitivity. Finally, some numerical convergence issues are briefly discussed.
Select Topics in Neurocritical Care

Neurocritical care aims to improve outcomes in patients with life-threatening neurologic illness. The scope of neurocritical care extends beyond the more commonly encountered and important field of cerebrovascular disease, as described previously. This article focuses on neuromuscular, neuroinfectious, and neuroimmunologic conditions that are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in the acutely neurologically ill patient. As understanding continues to increase regarding the physiology of these conditions and the best treatment, rapid identification, triage, and treatment of these patients in the emergency department is paramount.
A Minimum Vocabulary in Modern Chinese

THE learning of the Chinese language is complicated, to an extent unknown in the case of most languages, by the nature of its written form. Its ideographs present in themselves no correlation between sound and form, such as is made by the phonetic symbols in the alphabet-possessing languages. At the same time they have almost entirely lost what might have been a compensatory advantage, namely, the correlation between form and concept that would characterize a more primitive system of pictorial writing. Hence the student of Chinese is called upon to make three distinct and unrelated efforts in the learning of a Chinese "word." He must memorize and be able to recognize as a unit the sign that represents the word. To this sign he must attach in quite arbitrary fashion a monosyllabic sound. Lastly, he must link with the sign or the sound, or both, the mental concept for which all this is merely a conveyance. The learning of the ideographs is thus the fundamental problem in the study of written Chinese. This is not to imply that it is the whole problem. Ability to recognize, pronounce, and give a meaning to a certain number of ideographs does not necessarily mean ability to read connected prose. "Words" in modern Chinese are more often than not represented by combinations of two or more ideographs in which the meaning of the whole is not always deducible from the sum of its parts. The significance of particular ideographs in connected discourse is often governed by arbitrary convention, by historical or literary allusion, or by the vagaries of indiscriminate borrowing. These problems of syntax require no small amount of mental application. The ideographs remain, nevertheless, the indivisible units out of which the language is built, and until a sufficient number of them has been mastered no progress along other lines is possible. It is thus a pertinent question to ask how many of these ideographs a student must master in order to make any headway in the language. To this question various answers have been given. An account appeared in a metropolitan daily early last year describing the studies of a group of Americans on the West Coast who, in order to be prepared for business life in the Orient, were making a courageous start to acquire some of the "hundreds of thousands" of Chinese ideographs. The popular view does not err on the side of minimizing the difficulties associated with Chinese. Probably the largest collection of ideographs ever made is that given in the socalled K'ang-hsi Dictionary, completed in A.D. 1716. It contains about 40,000 different signs, of which a large number are archaic variants. We may reasonably doubt that any one person ever knew them all. A dictionary published in Japan in 1917 under the title Great Dictionary of Ideographs (Dai jiten), and intended to meet all the needs of the scholar, contains 14,924 different signs. Another Japanese work, the Great Dictionary of
Calcium Accumulation by Corn Mitochondria

Corn mitochondria carry out energy-linked Ca2+ accumulation when energized in KC1, and Ca2+ release occurs when respiration ceases. Stoichiometric H+ ejection occurs giving a H+:Ca2+ ratio of 0-9 but insensitivity to holmium suggests lack of a Ca2+-specific carrier. Non-energized corn mitochondria contain 168 nmol endogenous inorganic phosphate per mg protein, about 70 per cent of which is labile to Millipore filtration but stable to centrifugal filtration. Energized mitochondria, collected by Millipore filtration, show an apparent in crease in endogenous inorganic phosphate content concurrent with Ca2+ accumulation, both of which are inhibited by mersalyl. Accumulation of Ca2+ also occurs in a potassium acetate medium but without involvement of endogenous Pi. Subsequent Ca2+ release occurs despite continuing substrate oxidation and is associated with a reduced ability to synthesize adenosine
First simulations with a whole atmosphere data assimilation and forecast system: The January 2009 major sudden stratospheric warming

[1] A Whole atmosphere Data Assimilation System (WDAS) is used to simulate the January 2009 sudden stratospheric warming (SSW). WDAS consists of the Whole Atmosphere Model (WAM) and the 3-dimensional variational (3DVar) analysis system GSI (Grid point Statistical Interpolation), modified to be compatible with the WAM model. An incremental analysis update (IAU) scheme was implemented in the data assimilation cycle to overcome the problem of excessive damping by digital filter in WAM of the important tidal waves in the upper atmosphere. IAU updates analysis incrementally into the model, thus avoids the initialization procedure (i.e., digital filter) during the WAM forecast stage. The WDAS simulation of the January 2009 SSW shows a significant increase in TW3 (terdiurnal, westward propagating, zonal wave number 3) and a decrease in SW2 (semidiurnal, westward propagating, zonal wave number 2) wave amplitudes in the E region during the warming, which can be attributed likely to the nonlinear wave-wave interactions between SW2, TW3 and DW1 (diurnal, westward propagating, zonal wave number 1). There is a delayed increase in SW2 in the E region after the warming, indicating a modulation by the changing large-scale planetary waves in the loweratmosphere during the SSW. These tidal wave responses during SSW appeared to be global in scale. An extended WAM forecast initialized from WDAS analysis shows remarkably consistent tidal wave responses to SSW, indicating a potential forecasting capability of several days in advance of the effects of the large-scale tropospheric and stratospheric dynamics on the thermospheric and ionospheric variability.
Introduction: The contribution of William Julius Wilson

This article introduces the essays in this symposium on the impact of William Julius Wilson’s scholarship on the work produced by a cohort of his former students. These former students, all scholars of colour, have positioned race and racism as centrally in their research as they have urban poverty and social inequality. Consequently, these essays reflect an initial attempt to respond to a critical question that has endured throughout the twenty-year advance in scholarly inquiry into American urban poverty; that is, why has this research not yielded more attention to race or racism as explanatory variables for social outcomes rather than to human capital attributes or to the creation of policy initiatives that assume a liberal disposition on race in the United States. Among other objectives, these essays represent a collective attempt to begin comenting the bridge between the fields of race and race relations research and urban poverty research.
A Fully Implicit Domain Decomposition Algorithm for Discrete-velocity BGK Equation

Abstract Popular approaches for solving discrete-velocity BGK equation are explicit and semiimplicit methods, and both have certain constraints on the time step size. In this work, a fully implicit ﬁnite difference scheme is developed for the discrete-velocity BGK equation. We focus on a parallel, fully coupled, Newton-Krylov-RAS algorithm which imposes no limit on the time step size but requires the solution of a large sparse nonlinear system of equations at every time step. Here, RAS is a restricted additive Schwarz method. We show numerically that with such a preconditioned, nonlinearly implicit method the time step size is no longer constrained by the CFL condition, and scalable in terms of both strong and weak scalabilities on a supercomputer with thousands of processors.
Assessing an author's influence using time series historiographic mapping: The oeuvre of conrad hal waddington (1905–1975)

A modified approach to algorithmic historiography is used to investigate the changing influence of the work of Conrad Hal Waddington over the period 1945–2004. Overall, Waddington's publications were cited by almost 5,500 source items in the Web of Science (Thomson Scientific, formerly Thomson ISI, Philadelphia, PA). Rather than simply analyzing the data set as a whole, older works by Waddington are incorporated into a series of historiographic maps (networks of highly cited documents), which show long-term and short-term research themes grounded in Waddington's work. Analysis by 10–20-year periods and the use of social network analysis soft- ware reveals structures—thematic networks and subnetworks—that are hidden in a mapping of the entire 60-year period. Two major Waddington-related themes emerge—canalization-genetic assimilation and embryonic induction. The first persists over the 60 years studied while active, visible research in the second appears to have declined markedly between 1965 and 1984, only to reappear in conjunction with the emergence of a new research field—Evolutionary Developmental Biology. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glomus Tumors in the Foot Case Series

Glomus tumors are painful, benign neoplasms that frequently are associated with delayed diagnosis. Commonly in the hand, they rarely present in the foot. The purpose of this case series is to characterize the clinical presentation, radiology, pathology, and surgical outcomes associated with foot glomus tumors. We reviewed our pathology database for patients with foot glomus tumors diagnosed between 1995 and 2013. Medical records including physician notes, pathology, and radiology were reviewed. Eleven patients had foot glomus tumors excised at our institution during the study period. The mean age was 45.4 (range = 28-60) years. One patient was lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up for the remaining 10 patients was 44.7 (range = 3-142) months. Ten tumors were located in the subungual region, while 1 was located in the plantar pulp of the distal phalanx. All patients presented with pain. Point tenderness, cold hypersensitivity, and nail abnormalities were variably documented but frequently present. Four patient...
STOCHASTIC INPUT DELIVERIES

The subject of this paper is the theory of the firm confronted with uncertain deliveries of its inputs. Examples of this form of uncertainty may be found in interruptible natural gas or electricity supply contracts, labor absenteeism and allocations of gasoline. Analyses of the firm's order quantity expansion path and order intensities are conducted. Comparisons are made between the optimal values of inputs selected under certainty and uncertainty, as well as comparisons between expected out-put and certainty output.
A new method for analyzing the cell kinetics of human brain tumors by double labeling with bromodeoxyuridine in situ and with iododeoxyuridine in vitro.

BACKGROUND Cell kinetics studies performed with immunohistochemical techniques to estimate the S-phase fraction have elucidated the proliferative potential of individual brain tumors. METHODS The authors developed a new double-labeling method that enables other cell kinetics variables, including the duration of the S-phase (Ts) and the potential doubling time (Tp), to be measured from a single biopsy specimen. Using this method, 100 brain tumors were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR) in situ and with iododeoxyuridine in vitro; labeled cells were identified by double staining with immunogold-silver and alkaline phosphatase techniques. RESULTS Ts was fairly uniform (mean, 9.2 +/- 2.1 hour [+/- standard deviation]); range, 6.0-13.7 hours), but Tp varied from 1 day to more than 2 months. The Tp values correlated closely with the BUdR labeling index (LI), or S-phase fraction, and can be calculated from the equation: Tp = 26.9/LI1.02 (r = 0.98, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS This new method facilitates the quantitation of the proliferative potential of individual brain tumors. The S-phase fraction, Ts, and Tp can be calculated from analysis of a single biopsy specimen. This method can be used to estimate the prognosis of individual patients with brain tumors and to select treatment modalities more directly than is possible with single-labeling studies with BUdR.
Multimodal behavior therapy: treating the "basic id".

This paper examines the necessary and sufficient conditions for achieving long-lasting therapeutic change. The rationale for recommending direct intervention across seven distinct but inter-related modalities is outlined in some detail. Other systems of psychotherapy are briefly compared to the mult
Using dispersivity values to quantify the effects of pore-scale flow focusing on enhanced reaction along a transverse mixing zone

Abstract A key challenge for predictive modeling of transverse mixing and reaction of solutes in groundwater is to determine values of transverse dispersivity ( α T ) in heterogeneous flow fields that accurately describe mixing and reaction at the pore scale. We evaluated the effects of flow focusing in high permeability zones on mixing enhancement using experimental micromodel flow cells and pore-scale lattice-Boltzmann-finite-volume model (LB-FVM) simulations. Micromodel results were directly compared to LB-FVM simulations using two different pore structures, and excellent agreement was obtained. Six different flow focusing pore structures were then systematically tested using LB-FVM, and both analytical solutions and a two-dimensional (2D) continuum-scale model were used to fit α T values to pore-scale results. Pore-scale results indicate that the overall rate of mixing-limited reaction increased by up to 40% when flow focusing occurred, and it was greater in pore structures with longer flow focusing regions and greater porosity contrast. For each pore structure, α T values from analytical solutions of transverse concentration profiles or total product at a given longitudinal location showed good agreement for nonreactive and reactive solutes, and values determined in flow focusing zones were always smaller than those downgradient after the flow focusing zone. Transverse dispersivity values from the 2D continuum model were between values within and downgradient from the flow focusing zone determined from analytical solutions. Also, total product and transverse concentration profiles along the entire pore structure from the 2D continuum model matched pore scale results. These results indicate that accurate quantification of pore-scale flow focusing with transverse dispersion coefficients is possible only when the entire flow and concentration fields are considered.
On the Relationship between Memory and Perception: Sequential Dependencies in Recognition Memory Testing.

Many models of recognition are derived from models originally applied to perception tasks, which assume that decisions from trial to trial are independent. While the independence assumption is violated for many perception tasks, we present the results of several experiments intended to relate memory and perception by exploring sequential dependencies in recognition. The findings from these experiments disconfirm the independence assumption for recognition memory. In addition, the pattern of sequential dependencies observed in recognition differs from that observed for many perception tasks. This suggests that sequential dependencies arise from mnemonic or perceptual processes and not from decision processes that should be common to memory and perception tasks.
Diastolic filling in acute left ventricular dysfunction: Role of the pericardium☆

Patients with congestive heart failure and elevated left ventricular filling pressures demonstrate an abnormal pattern of diastolic filling that is characterized by a redistribution of diastolic filling to early diastole with reduced reliance on late diastolic filling. The diastolic filling pattern superficially resembles that which is seen with constrictive pericarditis. To examine potential mechanisms for these clinical findings, a model of ischemic left ventricular dysfunction was produced in seven dogs by repeated coronary microsphere embolization, producing a dilated left ventricle with reduced systolic function. Measurements of left ventricular systolic and end-diastolic pressures, rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt) and echocardiographic end-diastolic and end-systolic areas were obtained at baseline, during intermediate embolization (moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilation and mild increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure), postembolization (further embolization resulting in severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilation and marked increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure), after thoracotomy and after pericardiectomy. The filling fraction at 1/3 and 1/2 of diastole and the time constant of left ventricular pressure decline were also determined. Repetitive coronary microembolization caused progressive left ventricular dilation and decreasing systolic function, which did not change after opening the chest or pericardium. The filling fraction at 1/3 and 1/2 of diastole declined with intermediate embolization (12.0 +/- 5.6% and 23.1 +/- 10.8%, respectively) as compared with baseline values (29.0 +/- 11.9%, 42.9 +/- 15.6%, p less than 0.05). After embolization, there was an increase in the 1/3 and the 1/2 filling fraction (47.5 +/- 8.9%, 72.0 +/- 6.0%, respectively, p less than 0.01) as compared with baseline values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ER-to-Golgi transport by COPII vesicles in Arabidopsis involves a ribosome-excluding scaffold that is transferred with the vesicles to the Golgi matrix

Plant Golgi stacks are mobile organelles that can travel along actin filaments. How COPII (coat complex II) vesicles are transferred from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export sites to the moving Golgi stacks is not understood. We have examined COPII vesicle transfer in high-pressure frozen/freeze-substituted plant cells by electron tomography. Formation of each COPII vesicle is accompanied by the assembly of a ribosome-excluding scaffold layer that extends approximately 40 nm beyond the COPII coat. These COPII scaffolds can attach to the cis-side of the Golgi matrix, and the COPII vesicles are then transferred to the Golgi together with their scaffolds. When Atp115-GFP, a green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein of an Arabidopsis thaliana homolog of the COPII vesicle-tethering factor p115, was expressed, the GFP localized to the COPII scaffold and to the cis-side of the Golgi matrix. Time-lapse imaging of Golgi stacks in live root meristem cells demonstrated that the Golgi stacks alternate between phases of fast, linear, saltatory movements (0.9–1.25 μm/s) and slower, wiggling motions (<0.4 μm/s). In root meristem cells, approximately 70% of the Golgi stacks were connected to an ER export site via a COPII scaffold, and these stacks possessed threefold more COPII vesicles than the Golgi not associated with the ER; in columella cells, only 15% of Golgi stacks were located in the vicinity of the ER. We postulate that the COPII scaffold first binds to and then fuses with the cis-side of the Golgi matrix, transferring its enclosed COPII vesicle to the cis-Golgi.
COUNTERPOINT:CQI in Health Care: Some Comments on “Can it Really Work?”

In his article on CQI in health care, Dr. Stern makes a number of observations about difficulties in implementing and sustaining Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in health care settings. Based on those observations, he raises a number of important questions about the ultimate prospects for CQI beyond some possible success in time-limited, small-scale programs. I will argue in this commentary that, although Dr. Stern may ultimately be proven right about the difficulty of sustaining CQI, his concerns are based on some misapprehensions about both the CQI philosophy and the current state of CQI in health care. He has been led to a more gloomy outlook than I believe is appropriate. Only time will tell, of course, but I believe that there is reason to be optimistic about both the impact and the staying power of CQI in health care. In making this argument, I will highlight two significant aspects of CQI that relate to both current status and future prospects. One is its status as an "organizational philosophy" or "organizational culture" rather than a discrete program. The other is its applicability to clinical process as opposed to only the administrative or support processes of "support" departments.
Assessing linguistic and cultural equivalency of two Chinese-version sexual health instruments among Chinese immigrant youth.

This study aimed to evaluate the linguistic and cultural equivalency of two Chinese-version instruments measuring sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among 10 bilingual and 2 monolingual Chinese immigrant youth aged 13–19 years. We used a rigorous design to translate, back-translate, and pilot test the instruments. Kappa coefficient, percentage agreement, and qualitative feedback from participants were used to examine reliability and validity of the instruments. Telephone interviews revealed that answer discrepancies in different language versions were due to external factors rather than lack of linguistic and cultural equivalency. This study offers preliminary evidence supporting the cultural and linguistic equivalence of two Chinese-version sexual scales.
Relationships among gender, age, time, and temperature in methamphetamine-induced striatal dopaminergic neurotoxicity.

A neurotoxic regimen of methamphetamine (MA—40 mg/kg ip) administered at 0 (control—MA vehicle), 0.5 and 72 h prior to determinations of striatal dopamine (DA) and DOPAC (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid)/DA ratios were compared among juvenile and adult female and male mice. Adult females and males showed similar depletions in striatal DA at 0.5 h post-MA, but males showed greater DA depletions and DOPAC/DA ratios at 72 h post-MA. Juvenile mice showed neither sex differences, nor any MA neurotoxicity upon striatal DA or DOPAC/DA ratios. Following MA, body temperatures increased in all mice, but increases in adult males were greater than adult females; juveniles showed no sex differences and body temperature increases were similar to that of adult males. MA-evoked DA output was greater in adult compared to juvenile males and a biologically effective regimen of testosterone to juvenile males neither increased MA-evoked DA output nor decreased MA-induced striatal DA like that observed in adult males. These results demonstrate: (1) Unlike adults, juvenile mice show neither a sex difference for MA-induced neurotoxicity or body temperature increases, nor MA neurotoxicity, (2) Initial effects of MA (0.5 h) in adult females and males are similar, but at 72 h post-MA females show no further striatal DA depletion, (3) Increased striatal DA depletion within adult versus juvenile males may be related to initially higher MA-evoked DA responses, and (4) Testosterone fails to convert juvenile males into adults with regard to MA effects.
Gold clusters as Spatial Probes of Residue Position on Protein in Small Angle X-ray Scattering

We are developing a new method for using proteins labeled with one or two gold clusters in small angle X-ray scattering. Gold cluster labeling provides strong cluster-cluster (for double-label) and cluster-protein (for single and double-labels) interference. Analysis of the former provides the distance between gold clusters, while the analysis of the latter provides the distance and relative orientation between gold cluster and protein.Here, we have investigated what structural information can be extracted from labeled protein. Simulated scattering curves of single or double-cluster labeled hypothetical template structures (PDB models modified with monomaleimido undecagold) were generated by the Debye formula using effective-atomic-scattering factors in solution. The template scattering curve is compared to the simulated scattering curves of trial structures generated by exhaustive rigid body searches for a fixed protein with rotated and translated gold cluster(s). For both single and double-labeled rigid body modeling (RBM), inter-body distance information was predicted within 1-2 A error. However, the prediction of gold cluster position(s) was inaccurate (20-40 A error for double-label, 5-50 A error for single-label) presumably because inter-body distance information dominates over the relative orientation of gold cluster and protein. To predict accurate gold cluster position(s), we corrected inter-body distance(s) of trial structure by moving gold cluster(s) along the vector from protein to cluster during RBM. Gold cluster position(s) were improved significantly by correcting to the simulated template distance (2-7 A for double-label, 2-5 A for single-label), although the accuracy was reduced when using distance(s) determined by RBM (5-70 A double-label, 2-12 A single-label). Combining single and double-labeled data is being pursued.This technique is being developed for two main applications: (1) discrimination of threading structures, (2) protein-protein docking model prediction.
Spectral analysis of weekday–weekend differences in ambient ozone, nitrogen oxide, and non-methane hydrocarbon time series in California

Abstract We describe the history and spatial distribution of day-of-week differences in ambient ozone, NO x , and VOC concentrations through the analysis of two decades of measurements from sites located throughout California. Spectral analysis of the concentration time series shows that weekly patterns in ozone concentrations, typically with higher values of ozone on weekends, have become more widespread in California between 1980 and 1999. In contrast, a strong weekly pattern in NO x concentrations has been present throughout the entire period, and weekly patterns in VOC concentrations, though not as evident, have also been present during the entire 20-yr period. We examine 8-h average ozone concentrations, which appear to be a more sensitive measure of day-of-week differences in ozone than are 1-h averages. At sites with significant weekly cycles, fluctuations in pollutant concentrations that occur on a weekly time scale account for 6.6±3.5%, 3.0±1.7%, and 2.1±0.9% of the total variance in NO x , NMHC, and ozone concentrations, respectively. Concentrations of all three pollutants have been declining in most locations over the past 20 yr. Our results support the hypothesis that the weekend ozone effect is due to a combination of VOC-sensitivity and reduced NO x emissions on weekends. The spread of the weekend ozone effect may be due to a shift in ozone formation towards VOC-sensitivity, as control programs have reduced emissions of VOC more than NO x .
In vitro skin permeation techniques

Abstract This paper reviews various techniques used to assess permeation of drugs into and through skin under in vitro conditions. There have been a wide variety of diffusion cells designed for in vitro measurement of skin permeation. These cells have generally been designed in one of two ways: side-by-side (bichambers) and vertical in vivo mimic diffusion cells. A primary goal of in vitro permeation studies is the prediction of skin permeation in vivo, in this regard, side-by-side diffusional cells are useful in delineating mechanisms of permeation under controlled conditions, but are of more limited usefulness in predicting skin permeation in vivo. Vertical cells are more versatile because a wide variety of experimental conditions can be used to gain information useful in the evaluation of formulations ultimately destined for clinical use. A number of diffusion cell designs are reviewed and some of their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In addition to diffusion cells used to assess passive diffusion, iontophoretic- and phonophoretic-enhanced skin permeation in vitro is also considered. Until the use of differentiated keratinocytes in culture becomes inexpensive and the relationships between skin permeation in vitro and in vivo are established, skin permeability will be measured using excised animal or human skin in diffusion cells.
Chemical reactivity of brome mosaic virus capsid protein.

Abstract Viral particles are biological machines that have evolved to package, protect, and deliver the viral genome into the host via regulated conformational changes of virions. We have developed a procedure to modify lysine residues with S -methylthioacetimidate across the pH range from 5.5 to 8.5. Lysine residues that are not completely modified are involved in tertiary or quaternary structural interactions, and their extent of modification can be quantified as a function of pH. This procedure was applied to the pH-dependent structural transitions of brome mosaic virus (BMV). As the reaction pH increases from 5.5 to 8.5, the average number of modified lysine residues in the BMV capsid protein increases from 6 to 12, correlating well with the known pH‐dependent swelling behavior of BMV virions. The extent of reaction of each of the capsid protein's lysine residues has been quantified at eight pH values using coupled liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Each lysine can be assigned to one of three structural classes identified by inspection of the BMV virion crystal structure. Several lysine residues display reactivity that indicates their involvement in dynamic interactions that are not obvious in the crystal structure. The influence of several capsid protein mutants on the pH-dependent structural transition of BMV has also been investigated. Mutant H75Q exhibits an altered swelling transition accompanying solution pH increases. The H75Q capsids show increased reactivity at lysine residues 64 and 130, residues distal from the dimer interface occupied by H75, across the entire pH range.
Democracy, Islam, and Secularism in Turkey

Ahmet T. Kuru and Alfred Stepan (eds), New York, Columbia University Press, 2012, 224 pp. The interplay and the issue of compatibility between Islam, liberal democracy and the secular state has bee...
Nearshore Carbonate Dissolution in the Hawaiian Archipelago

Inorganic carbon measurements made in the late 1980s suggest that alkalinity in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Archipelago is elevated relative to the oligotrophic waters of the North Pacific. These observations have been interpreted as evidence for a “halo” of elevated carbonate saturation state produced by the dissolution of highly soluble magnesium calcites and aragonite on the island platform or in the water column surrounding the islands. If present, this “halo” has implications for air–sea carbon dioxide exchange in Hawaiian waters and may impact the response of coral reef communities to the acidification of the surface waters of the global ocean. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude and extent of the elevated calcium carbonate saturation state observed on previous expeditions to this region. Transects were conducted near several atolls in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from shallow water adjacent to the forereef to the open ocean 15 km from the island. Hydrographic profiles were collected at each station, and discrete water samples were collected for the measurement of carbon system parameters necessary to compute calcium carbonate saturation state. Our data were compared with observations made at the Hawaii Ocean Time-series site at Station ALOHA and with hydrographic data collected on the WOCE lines in the North Pacific around the archipelago. We did not detect a carbonate dissolution halo around the islands. We conclude that the previously observed halo was probably an analytical artifact, or possibly a result of extreme variability in carbon chemistry surrounding the islands.
Not all foreign bodies are created equal

Abstract Foreign body ingestions in children and adolescents can pose significant challenge both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The pediatric scientific literature is relatively scarce and consists mostly of case reports and small case series, therefore making firm guidelines and management recommendations rather difficult. The type of ingestions seen may vary in different countries and it changes over time depending on implementation of safety measures, or introduction of new products. Lately, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of high-powered multiple magnet, and large disc battery ingestions. Both of these are associated with potentially serious complications including fatal outcomes. This paper briefly discusses some of the important aspects of critical foreign body ingestions, proposed management algorithms, and efforts necessary to increase public awareness in order to minimize complications and improve prevention.