cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tape Tracking and Handling for Magnetic Tape Recorders

One of the critical performance and life limiting elements of a spacecraft tape recorder instrumentation system which has received little attention in technical literature is magnetic tape tracking and handling technology. This technology is required to understand how to gently transfer tape from one reel to another with proper alignment and a desirable uniform velocity at the read and write transducer heads. The increased demand for high data rate (i.e., multi-track spacecraft recording instrumentation systems), coupled with performance under extreme environmental conditions, requires a thorough knowledge of the various parameters which establish an optimum designed tape tracking and handling system. Stress analysis techniques are required to evaluate these parameters substantiated with test tape tracking data, to show the effect of each parameter on a tape recorder instrumentation tracking system. The technology is applicable to ground type tape recorders where the detrimental effects of edge guidance can be eliminated.
Light effects in asymmetric vertically coupled InAs/GaAs quantum dots

Abstract In this paper, the dependence of circular light polarization on the size asymmetry of self-assembled coupled quantum dots (SACQDs) has been studied. The heterostructure consists of ellipsoidal shaped QDs made with InAs which are embedded in a wetting layer and are surrounded by GaAs. By considering fully spin-polarized carriers within the QD structure, the light polarization has been estimated along the plane of spin polarized electrons (or holes). Circularly polarized light strongly depends on the ratio related to the different QD volumes. In the case of elongated QDs, small interdot distance and large volume ratio, the light polarization observed along the plane (110) receives the largest value (∼90%). On the other hand, the polarization efficiency of the emitted light decreases as the QD elongation decreases and finally vanishes for axially symmetric QD caps.
Importance of MHV-CoV A59 nucleocapsid protein COOH-terminal negative charges.

approximately 26–30 kb in length, the largest of all the RNA viruses. All coronoviruses contain at least four structural proteins: three envelope proteins, the membrane (M), spike (S), and envelope (E) proteins, and a 50–60 kDa phosphorylated nucleocapsid (N) protein. The N proteins of all coronaviruses range between 375 and 455 amino acids and are phosphorylated. N protein is a multifunctional viral gene product. In virus-infected cells, N protein binds to the genomic RNA to form a helical ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. The N protein also plays a yet undetermined role(s) in transcription and/or replication, and possibly in translational control. N is a highly basic protein that contains a large number of potential phosphorylation sites. The protein has a high concentration of serine residues (7–11%). N consists of three conserved structural domains, two are basic and one, the carboxy terminal domain, is acidic. 3 A number of conserved negatively charged amino acids are located in the carboxy-terminal domain III of the protein. These residues were previously hypothesized to play a role in N-M protein interactions during assembly. The residues could alternatively serve as contributors to the general overall functional structure of the protein. Conceivably, the residues could be important for any of the functions that the protein provides during the virus life cycle. As part of our goal to understand the functional importance of the charged residues in domain III, a series of N mutants were made and studied in the context of the viral genome using a mouse hepatitis coronavirus (MHV-CoV A59) infectious clone. We found that aspartic acids (D) 440 and 441 are functionally important. Viable viruses were recovered when either residue was changed singly to positively charged arginine (R) but not when both residues were changed to alanine (A). Analysis of a large number of plaque purified viruses from the panel of charged single and neutral double mutants revealed that, in addition to the introduced mutations at positions 440 and/or 441, nearly all had new amino acid changes within the N gene. All of these compensating changes were concentrated primarily in one region further toward the amino end of domain III. A Coronaviruses are enveloped and have a single-stranded, positive-sense genome
Ultrastructure and sulfur cytochemistry of nematocyst development in catch tentacles of the sea anemone haliplanella luciae cnidaria anthozoa

Nematocysts in catch tentacles of the sea anemone Haliplanella luciae are formed by a Golgi-microtubule complex in which the microtubules appear to support the developing nematocyst during its formation. The newly formed capsule becomes wrinkled with the discontinuation of microtubule support, but becomes straight again as the nematocyst wall thickens (possibly from the addition of new material onto the wall surface). Final wall maturation is characterized by a decrease in wall thickness by a factor of two. Wall thinning is apparently caused by disulfide bond formation among wall molecules, because it can be reversed in the mature nematocyst by performic acid oxidation. The mature thread wall stains with Alcian blue both prior to and after performic acid treatment, whereas the mature capsule wall is stained only after such treatment. It is proposed that the thread wall has “free” sulfur groups that are absent in the capsule wall.
Biodegradation of BTEX vapors in a silicone membrane bioreactor system.

The biotreatment of complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX) has been investigated by many workers. However, the majority of the work has dealt with the treatment of aqueous or soil phase contamination. The biological treatment of gas and vapor phase sources of VOC wastes has recently received attention with increased usage of biofilters and bioscrubbers. Although these systems are relatively inexpensive, performance problems associated with biomass plugging, gas channeling, and support media acidification have limited their adoption. In this report we describe the development and evaluation of an alternative biotreatment system that allows rapid diffusion of both BTEX and oxygen through a silicone membrane to an active biofilm. The bioreactor system has a rapid liquid recycle, which facilitates nutrient medium mixing over the biofilm and allows for removal of sloughing cell mass. The system removed BTEX at rates up to 30 μg h−1 cm−2 of membrane area. BTEX removal efficiencies ranged from 75% to 99% depending on the BTEX concentration and vapor flowrate. Consequently, the system can be used for continuous removal and destruction of BTEX and other potential target VOCs in vapor phase streams. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 26, 316–325.
Lunar near‐surface structure

Seismic refraction data obtained at the Apollo 14, 16, and 17 landing sites permit a compressional wave velocity profile of the lunar near surface to be derived. Beneath the regolith at the Apollo 14 Fra Mauro site and the Apollo 16 Descartes site is material with a seismic velocity of about 300 m/sec, believed to be brecciated material or impact-derived debris. Considerable detail is known about the velocity structure at the Apollo 17 Taurus-Littrow site. Seismic velocities of 100, 327, 495, 960, and 4700 m/sec are observed. The depth to the top of the 4700-m/sec material is 1385 m, compatible with gravity estimates for the thickness of mare basaltic flows, which fill the Taurus-Littrow valley. The observed magnitude of the velocity change with depth and the implied steep velocity-depth gradient of more than 2 km/sec/km are much larger than have been observed on compaction experiments on granular materials and preclude simple cold compaction of a fine-grained rock powder to thicknesses of the order of kilometers.
Phylogeny of the Venezuelan arenaviruses.

Guanarito virus (the etiologic agent of Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever, VHF) and Pirital virus coexist in the region of Venezuela in which Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever is endemic. The purpose of this study was to extend our knowledge of the evolutionary relationship between these two arenaviruses. We determined that the large genomic segments of Guanarito virus and Pirital virus are similar in size and identical in structural organization to the large genomic segments of other South American arenaviruses. For example, the Z proteins and RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of Guanarito virus and Pirital virus are encoded in nonoverlapping open reading frames of opposite polarities. Phylogenetic analyses of Z protein gene nucleotide sequences and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene nucleotide sequences grouped Pirital virus with Pichinde virus (a South American arenavirus which, like Pirital virus, does not appear to be pathogenic for humans) and placed the Pirital-Pichinde lineage in a sister relationship to a lineage represented by Guanarito virus and the three other arenaviruses known to cause hemorrhagic fever in South America. These results are concordant with the results of studies on the phylogeny of the arenavirus small genomic segment. Thus, the exchange of genomic elements between Guanarito virus and Pirital virus via recombination or reassortment likely did not contribute to the emergence of Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE APPEARANCE OF INVERTASE IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE.

Abstract With appropriate conditions of growth the level of invertase activity in yeast is virtually zero. When such cells are washed and resuspended in water or buffer with low concentrations of glucose (0.005 – 0.01 M), invertase activity rapidly appears. Concentrations of glucose higher than 0.01 M are inhibitory to the appearance of invertase, as are several intermediates of glucose metabolism: acetaldehyde, ethanol, acetate, succinate, fumarate, and malate; however, lactate stimulates invertase appearance, as does potassium and a medium of high osmolarity. The stimulation is accompanied in each case by an increased release of acid from the cells. The appearance of invertase activity is stimulated by ammonia or by amino acid mixtures, and is inhibited by certain amino acid analogues. Neither the individual purine or pyrimidine bases nor their analogues have any significant effect on invertase appearance. However, azaserine, an antagonist of purine biosynthesis, markedly inhibits invertase appearance.
Vitamin D intoxication with severe hypercalcemia due to manufacturing and labeling errors of two dietary supplements made in the United States.

Context: More than 50% of Americans use dietary supplements, and 60–70% fail to report this use to their physicians. Intoxication from vitamin D supplements has been rarely reported but may now occur more frequently. This may be attributable to an increase in vitamin D supplement intake due to the findings that deficiency is common and has been associated with a number of disease states. Objective: We report two cases of vitamin D intoxication with dietary supplements made in the United States caused by manufacturing and labeling errors. Methods: Case histories were obtained, and serial laboratory data (calcium and vitamin D metabolites) were measured. Each dietary supplement was analyzed by UV spectrophotometry followed by HPLC. Results: In both cases, repetitive inquiries were required to elicit the use of dietary supplements. Because of significant manufacturer errors and a labeling error, patients had been consuming more than 1000 times the recommended daily dose of vitamin D3. Hypercalcemia is direct...
Geology of Oscar Range (Devonian) Reef Complex, Canning Basin, Western Australia: ABSTRACT

The Oscar Range is a Late Devonian reef complex that formed at the margin between the Precambrian Kimberley craton and the Canning basin. The range covers an area of 80 × 10 km (50 × 6 mi), and resembles a large atoll in that Frasnian and Famennian reef, marginal-slope, and back-reef subfacies grew around an exposed Precambrian core. Frasnian reefs are dominated by stromatoporoids and Renalcis, and the reefs show periods of upbuilding, drowning, backstepping, and basinward progradation. Fault-controlled reef growth is developed locally. Marginal-slope deposits contain stromatoporoid debris, sponge boundstone, and crinoids. Back-reef deposits are generally Amphipora-rich biostromes, although fenestral oolite-intraclast-peloid beds are widespread in the southern Oscar Range. Dolomite is best developed in Frasnian back reef and, to a lesser extent, in reef-margin and reef-flat subfacies. In the area of the Precambrian core, conglomerates of Precambrian debris are interbedded with Frasnian limestones that are in depositional contact with basement. Hills of Precambrian rocks rise tens of meters above these peritidal ba k-reef deposits, indicating perhaps several hundred meters relief during the Frasnian. The exposed Frasnian-Famennian contact is a disconformity. Famennian reefs are dominated by Renalcis and associated algal stromatolites; the equivalent marginal-slope is characterized by allochthonous reef blocks, sponge bioherms, and crinoidal debris. Steeply dipping (40°) basinward-prograding reef and marginal-slope tongues make up the shelf margin. The Famennian back reef is composed of fenestral oolite-peloid lithologic units with common teepee structures, flat-pebble conglomerates, and cryptalgal fabrics. End_of_Article - Last_Page 490------------
The Significance of a Positive Bladder Neck Margin After Radical Prostatectomy: The American Joint Committee on Cancer Pathological Stage T4 Designation is Not Warranted

Purpose: The American Joint Committee on Cancer currently designates invasion of the bladder neck as a pT4 lesion. However, retrospective analyses have not demonstrated biochemical recurrence-free survival after radical prostatectomy to be consistent with other T4 lesions. We examined biochemical recurrence-free survival and cancer specific survival in men with a positive bladder neck margin.Materials and Methods: Of nearly 17,000 patients in the Johns Hopkins Institutional radical prostatectomy database (1982 to 2008) 198 (1.2%) were identified with a positive bladder neck margin. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to evaluate biochemical recurrence-free survival and cancer specific survival. A multivariate proportional hazards model predicting biochemical recurrence-free survival and cancer specific survival was fit with prostate specific antigen, Gleason sum and pathological stage to determine the significance of a positive bladder neck margin.Results: Of the 198 men with a positive bladder neck margin 79...
Monocarbollide complexes of molybdenum and tungsten: functionalization through reactions at a cage boron centre

Reactions of the salts [N(PPh3)2][2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-closo-2,1-MCB10H11] (M = Mo or W) with CF3SO3Me or H2SO4 in the presence of donor molecules L afford zwitterionic molecules [2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-L-closo-2,1-MCB10H10] [L = OEt2, O(CH2)4, cyclo-1,4-O(CH2)4O, SMe2, S(CH2)4, cyclo-1,4,7-S3(CH2)6, NCBut or CNC6H3Me2-2,6]. The exopolyhedral group L is attached to a β-boron atom in the CBBBB ring coordinated to the metal, a feature confirmed by an X-ray crystallographic study of [2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-(CNC6H3Me2-2,6)-closo-2,1-MoCB10H10]. The molecules [2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-L-closo-2,1-WCB10H10] [L = OEt2 or O(CH2)4] in THF (tetrahydrofuran) react with Me3NO, with addition of [PPh4]Br, to give the salts [PPh4][2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-R-closo-2,1-WCB10H10] [R = OEt or O(CH2)3CHO]. These products on treatment with CF3SO3Me in CH2Cl2 give the zwitterionic molecules [2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-{O(Me)R}-closo-2,1-WCB10H10] (R = Et or Bun). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies established the structures of [PPh4][2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-OEt-closo-2,1-WCB10H10] and [2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-{O(Me)Bun}-closo-2,1-WCB10H10]. In NCMe the reagents [N(PPh3)2][2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-closo-2,1-MCB10H11] react with CF3SO3Me to yield [2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-{N(Me)C(H)Me}-closo-2,1-MCB10H10] (M = Mo or W), compounds in which an imine substituent is bonded to the cage system, a feature confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study of the tungsten species. Similarly, the compounds [N(PPh3)2][2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-closo-2,1-MCB10H11] react with CNBut and CF3SO3Me to give a mixture of isomers of [2,2,2-(CO)3-2-PPh3-7-{N(But)C(H)Me}-closo-2,1-MCB10H10] (M = Mo or W) with E and Z configurations for the BN(But)C(H)Me group.
Endoscopy: developments in optical instrumentation

Optical fibers transmit high-intensity illumination for viewing internal organs and tissue. Remote viewing is obtained by relays of lenses or graded-index-of-refraction rods in rigid endoscopes and by precisely aligned fiber-optic bundles in flexible fiberscopes. Endoscopy is considered for routine examinations, such as in colonoscopy. Lasers are used as surgical tools through endoscopes for cutting and coagulation. They may also be used to provide illumination for the efficient transmission of light through thin optical fibers.
Instabilities of longitudinal convection rolls in couette flow

An investigation has been made of the instabilities of longitudinal convection rolls in a Couette flow which is heated from below. The instabilities occur either as stationary waves or as waves which propagate along the convection rolls. Neutral stability curves are presented as a function of Rayleigh and Reynolds numbers for a Prandtl number of 0.7. The disturbance energy budget is given for selected values of the Rayleigh and Reynolds numbers.
ATTENUATED HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 27 (HSP27) AT THE SITE OF CORONARY OCCLUSION IN PATIENTS WITH ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Low Heat Shock Protein 27 (HSP 27) titers had been prognostically associated with the coronary artery disease, although in ACS its titer in systemic circulation is increased. However, what happens to HSP 27 level locally at site of plaque rupture during ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is
Spatially resolved optical emission studies of fluorocarbon RF plasma through the use of UV-transmitting optical fibers

A technique for collecting spatially resolved optical emission from large rf plasma reactors is described. To demonstrate the sensitivity and versatility of this technique, emission within the quartz ultraviolet, 225–253 nm, was studied with particular emphasis on the “plasma dark space.” Spatial variations of CF2, AlF, and C atom emission were monitored. These results have been used for discussion and evaluation of various plasma excitation and reaction mechanisms involving atomic carbon in fluorocarbon plasmas.
Integrative Genomic Data Mining for Discovery of Potential Blood-Borne Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Cancer

Background: With the arrival of the postgenomic era, there is increasing interest in the discovery of biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and early detection of cancer. Blood-borne cancer markers are favored by clinicians, because blood samples can be obtained and analyzed with relative ease. We have used a combined mining strategy based on an integrated cancer microarray platform, Oncomine, and the biomarker module of the Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) program to identify potential blood-based markers for six common human cancer types. Methodology/Principal Findings: In the Oncomine platform, the genes overexpressed in cancer tissues relative to their corresponding normal tissues were filtered by Gene Ontology keywords, with the extracellular environment stipulated and a corrected Q value (false discovery rate) cut-off implemented. The identified genes were imported to the IPA biomarker module to separate out those genes encoding putative secreted or cell-surface proteins as blood-borne (blood/serum/ plasma) cancer markers. The filtered potential indicators were ranked and prioritized according to normalized absolute Student t values. The retrieval of numerous marker genes that are already clinically useful or under active investigation confirmed the effectiveness of our mining strategy. To identify the biomarkers that are unique for each cancer type, the upregulated marker genes that are in common between each two tumor types across the six human tumors were also analyzed by the IPA biomarker comparison function. Conclusion/Significance: The upregulated marker genes shared among the six cancer types may serve as a molecular tool to complement histopathologic examination, and the combination of the commonly upregulated and unique biomarkers may serve as differentiating markers for a specific cancer. This approach will be increasingly useful to discover diagnostic signatures as the mass of microarray data continues to grow in the ‘omics’ era.
The alpha 3 chain of type IV collagen induces autoimmune Goodpasture syndrome

Abstract Human Goodpasture syndrome is a lethal form of autoimmune disease that is characterized by pulmonary hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis. The tissue injury is mediated by autoantibodies that bind to glomerular and alveolar basement membrane. The target autoantigen is alpha 3(IV) collagen, one of six genetically distinct chains that comprise type IV collagen, and the epitope is sublocalized to the noncollagenous domain (NC1) of the alpha 3 chain. The present study reports the unique capacity of alpha 3(IV)NC1 dimer from bovine kidney to aberrantly engage the immune system of rabbits to respond to self, mimicking the organ-specific form of the human disease, whereas the other chains of type IV collagen are nonpathogenic. However, alpha 3(IV)NC1 hexamer was nonpathogenic, suggesting the exposure of a pathogenic epitope upon dissociation of hexamer into dimers. Exposure of the pathogenic epitope by infection or organic solvents, events which are thought to precede Goodpasture syndrome, may be the principal factor in the etiology of the disease. The pathogenicity of alpha 3(IV) collagen brings full circle a decade of research that has identified four novel chains (alpha 3-alpha 6) of type IV collagen.
Important drug interactions in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: what every physician should know.

Morbidity is increased in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation when drug–drug interactions lead to unexpected outcomes. These interactions occur as a result of exposure to complicated medical regimens with drugs with narrow therapeutic windows and high toxicity profiles. In this report, we review the available evidence and possible mechanisms of the most clinically relevant drug interactions, including those involving inhibitors and inducers of the P450 isoenzyme system. We identify key interactions that should be familiar to any physician caring for patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We discuss drug metabolism in children and in the elderly and examine how age-related differences in metabolism make complicate drug regimens in these populations. A better understanding of these interactions and the responsible mechanisms will promote efficient delivery of the safest medical regimens to patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Effect of filler waviness and orientation on the damping behavior of CNF-reinforced epoxy composites

An ever increasing demand for material performance coupled with recent advances in the production and availability of nanoscale materials has led to a significant interest in the use of nanoscale fillers to augment and tailor material performance in nanocomposites. Specifically, the use of high aspect ratio fillers, such as carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers (CNF) to augment the viscoelastic performance of nanocomposites has been the focus of many studies. Previous study has shown the use of high aspect ratio fillers to significantly enhance the damping capacity at low frequencies by more than 100 %, relative to the neat epoxy. In light of the promise, this technology holds for use in engineered applications, requiring specific damping performance, there remains a fundamental lack in understanding of the precise mechanisms and thereby a lack of ability to accurately predict material performance, which is limiting application of the technology. This study looks at both the effect of the random filler orientation and the effect of filler waviness in examining the viscoelastic response of CNF-reinforced nanocomposites. Using a fundamental approach, this study employs experimental, analytical, and numerical modeling techniques to characterize the amount of strain energy transferred to the filler and the matrix, and to indirectly estimate the effective loss factor of the filler. Utilizing experimental investigation coupled with parametric inquiries using strain energy methods relative to both filler orientation and waviness, this study provides fundamental insight into the effect of imperfect geometries and random filler distributions seen in nanocomposites utilizing high aspect ratio fillers, such as CNF.
A comparison of the surface activities of rat plasma apolipoproteins C-II, C-III-0, C-III-3.

Abstract Rat apolipoproteins C-II, C-III-0 and C-III-3 give similar surface pressure (π)— molecular area isotherms when spread at the air/water interface. When allowed to adsorb to the clean air/water interface, the intrinsic surface activity of apolipoprotein C-II is somewhat higher than that of apolipoprotein C-III. All three apolipoprotein C molecules can penetrate an egg phosphatidylcholine monolayer spread at the air/water interface causing an increase (Δπ) in surface pressure. Increasing the initial surface pressure (πi) of the lipid monolayer decreases Δπ, and Δπ = 0 when πi ⩽ 32 ± 2 mN·m−1 for all three apolipoprotein C proteins. This implies that apolipoproteins C-II, C-III-0 and C-III-3 would adsorb and desorb similarly from the surfaces of lipoprotein particles during metabolism.
Intrahemispheric, interhemispheric, and distal EEG coherence in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Objectives This paper presents a comprehensive EEG study for interhemispheric, intrahemispheric, and distal coherence in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. The objective is to glean new insights into the brain of AD patients. Methods EEGs are obtained from 20 AD-probable patients and 7 healthy (control) subjects. Pair-wise electrode coherence is calculated over each frequency band (delta, theta, alpha, and beta). Results One-way ANOVA test shows a set of statistically significant differences in electrode coherence between AD and controls. In general, AD patients present a significant pattern of increase in the left intrahemispheric frontal coherence in the delta, theta, and alpha bands, an increase in the left intrahemispheric temporo-parietal coherence in all bands, and a decrease in the right temporo-parieto-central coherence in all bands. The increase in left temporo-parietal, temporo-central, and frontal coherence of AD patients in specific bands, being most pronounced in the theta band, could be attributed to compensatory mechanisms that attempt to make up for the decrease in memory and cognitive functions caused by the progression of AD. Conclusions The coherence study presented in this paper shows a pattern of decrease in AD coherence, indicating a decline in cortical connectivity. Exceptions are seen in specific bands where an increase in coherence can be attributed to compensatory mechanisms. Significance The research shows that coherence studies have potentials in differentiating between healthy elderly and probable AD patients.
Poly)Combing the Pediatric Cancer Genome for Answers

The rapid expansion of high-through-put DNA sequencing now enables the genetic analysis of human diseases at an unprecedented rate and resolution. In particular, whole-genome sequencing of rare childhood diseases promises fundamental insight into basic developmental processes and biochemical pathways ( 1 ). Indeed, this approach has identified the first mutations in histones—proteins that package DNA—in human disease ( 2 , 3 ). About 80% of cases of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), an aggressive, incurable childhood tumor of the brain stem, harbor these histone mutations. On page 857 of this issue, Lewis et al. ( 4 ) extend this story by showing that altered activity of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a key developmental regulator of gene expression, is involved in the pathogenesis of gliomas carrying these mutant histones.
Work Social Agency as a Function of Self-Esteem and Machiavellianism:

Using a national sample of 127 legal, accounting, and human resource professionals, from 1,500 solicited, this study identified two dispositions related to social agency at work. After controlling for several individual factors, the analysis indicated that work social agency was associated with increased self-esteem and decreased Machiavellianism.
BIHARMONIC CAPACITY AND THE STABILITY OF MINIMAL LAGRANGIAN SUBMANIFOLDS

We study the eigenvalues of the biharmonic operators and the buckling eigenvalue on complete, open Riemannian manifolds. We show that the first eigenvalue of the biharmonic operator on a complete, parabolic Riemannian manifold is zero. We give a generalization of the buckling eigenvalue and give applications to studying the stability of minimal Lagrangian submanifolds in Kahler manifolds. MSC 1991: 58G25, 53A10, 35P15 key words biharmonic, buckling eigenvalue, minimal Lagrangian submanifold
Human Autoantibodies Reveal Titin as a Chromosomal Protein

Assembly of the higher-order structure of mitotic chromosomes is a prerequisite for proper chromosome condensation, segregation and integrity. Understanding the details of this process has been limited because very few proteins involved in the assembly of chromosome structure have been discovered. Using a human autoimmune scleroderma serum that identifies a chromosomal protein in human cells and Drosophila embryos, we cloned the corresponding Drosophila gene that encodes the homologue of vertebrate titin based on protein size, sequence similarity, developmental expression and subcellular localization. Titin is a giant sarcomeric protein responsible for the elasticity of striated muscle that may also function as a molecular scaffold for myofibrillar assembly. Molecular analysis and immunostaining with antibodies to multiple titin epitopes indicates that the chromosomal and muscle forms of titin may vary in their NH2 termini. The identification of titin as a chromosomal component provides a molecular basis for chromosome structure and elasticity.
Geomorphology in context: Dispatches from the field

Abstract Field research enables a researcher to view geomorphic systems in broader contexts than those envisioned while at a desk and can yield unanticipated insights that change the course of an investigation or affect the interpretation of results. Geomorphological field research often produces ‘aha!’ moments, epiphanies that enhance understanding and lead toward more complete explanation of the processes and landforms under study. This paper uses examples from ‘aha!’ moments in the field to demonstrate the importance of field observation as a way of gaining information about the broader contexts of research sites, especially in process geomorphology. Spatial contexts include the scales of processes and features, linkages between a study site and its surroundings, and information observed in the field about other processes, anthropogenic activities, or unexpected factors that might affect a study. Temporal contexts, not as evident in the field, place a research site in a longer term history of changes and adjustments. Finally, exploring an abstract set of mental contexts reveals reasons that expectations differ from the realities encountered in the field—constraints and biases that a researcher may not have noted—and the possibility that the unexpected can potentially advance geomorphic research. Time spent in the field complements scientific reductionism and provides opportunities to appreciate the richness and complexity of Earth surface systems.
Effect of recombinant hybrid human interferon on replication and morphogenesis of HSV-1 in monkey cells

Human recombinant alpha interferon, A/D, significantly reduced the replication and cell fusion induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 in monkey cells. Thin-section electron microscopy of interferon-treated monkey cells showed distinct assembly of nucleocapsids within the nucleus. Analysis of virus-specific proteins by the immunoblot technique confirmed that A/D interferon had no significant effect on the expression of major nucleocapsid proteins, although the expression of glycoproteins B and D was reduced in interferon-treated cells. The possibility of an interferon-induced block at a late stage in virus morphogenesis is discussed.
Exchange of gamma-globulin between blood, cerebrospinal fluid and brain in the cat.

Abstract The exchange of γ-globulin between blood, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid was studied in cats during steady-state ventriculocisternal perfusion. The clearance of I 131 -labeled cat γ-globulin was dependent on bulk absorption of cerebrospinal fluid, and was independent of protein concentration (3 μg to 5 mg/ml). Less than 0.1% of the radioactivity could be recovered from the brain when I 131 -γ-globulin was added to the perfusion fluid. When I 131 -γ-globulin was injected intravenously the total amount of this protein entering the ventricular system was 0.7 μg/min. The ratio of specific activities of perfusate/serum approached unity between 4 and 24 hours after injection. The addition of acetazolamide resulted in a reduction of CSF formation, and decrease in influx and specific activity of γ-globulin in the perfusate. The transfer of γ-globulin from blood to cerebrospinal fluid is only partially dependent on bulk fluid formation by the choroid plexus; a portion of this protein probably enters from the surrounding nervous tissue. The results of these experiments and others on the exchange of albumin are compared, and the mechanism determining the total protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid are discussed.
Chemical kinetic simulations behind reflected shock waves

Chemical kinetic simulations that more accurately consider reaction conditions behind reflected shock waves in a high pressure shock tube have been conducted by accounting for (1) time-dependent temperature and pressure variations in contrast to assuming constant temperature and pressure, (2) the inclusion of reactions during quenching by cooling in contrast to the assumption of zero kinetic contributions, and (3) real gas behaviors in contrast to assuming ideal gas conditions. The primary objective of the current work is to assess the degree of uncertainty associated with assuming constant temperature and pressure and that no reactions occur during the finite time of quenching and prefect gas behavior. The assessment of the subsequent effect of the uncertainty on chemical kinetic modeling is evaluated by conducting extensive comparative studies. In order to achieve this purpose, available CHEMKIN II and CHEMKIN Real Gas codes were utilized and modified to adopt the proposed approaches. From our computational experiments, it is found: (1) For shock tube experiment with less than a 15% endwall pressure increase, the conventional assumptions lead to reasonable accuracy in predicting stable species; (2) during reaction quenching, the consumption of radical species occurs efficiently and is nearly complete once the pressure drops to 50% of its highest value, but concentrations of stable species are insignificantly perturbed by reactions occurring during quenching; and (3) at elevated pressures, the real gas effects, which are a combination of nonideal P–V–T (state variables), thermodynamic, and kinetic behaviors, affect kinetics by speeding the reaction progress up slightly and do not significantly influence the development or validation of a detailed kinetic model from shock tube data that are obtained in a wide temperature range. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 75–97, 2006
Src protein tyrosine kinases in stress responses

A role of Src family protein tyrosine kinases (SFK) as mediators of receptor‐ligand initiated responses is well established. Well documented, but less well understood is the role of SFK in cellular reaction to stresses. Evidence from the wide variety of experimental systems indicates that SFK mediate responses to all major classes of stress, including oxidation, DNA damage, mechanical impacts, and protein denaturing. SFK may be activated by stresses directly or via regulatory circuits whose identity is not yet fully understood. Depending on the cell type and the nature of activating stimulus, SFK may activate known downstream signaling cascades leading to cell survival, proliferation, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and apoptosis; the identity of these cascades is discussed. As in the case of receptor‐initiated signaling, roles of individual SFK in various stress responses may be redundant or non‐redundant. Although signals generated by different stresses are generally transduced via distinct SFK pathways, th...
A Complete System for Automatic Extraction of Left Ventricular Myocardium From CT Images Using Shape Segmentation and Contour Evolution

The left ventricular myocardium plays a key role in the entire circulation system and an automatic delineation of the myocardium is a prerequisite for most of the subsequent functional analysis. In this paper, we present a complete system for an automatic segmentation of the left ventricular myocardium from cardiac computed tomography (CT) images using the shape information from images to be segmented. The system follows a coarse-to-fine strategy by first localizing the left ventricle and then deforming the myocardial surfaces of the left ventricle to refine the segmentation. In particular, the blood pool of a CT image is extracted and represented as a triangulated surface. Then, the left ventricle is localized as a salient component on this surface using geometric and anatomical characteristics. After that, the myocardial surfaces are initialized from the localization result and evolved by applying forces from the image intensities with a constraint based on the initial myocardial surface locations. The proposed framework has been validated on 34-human and 12-pig CT images, and the robustness and accuracy are demonstrated.
The Role Of Museums In Society: Education And Social Action

The museum community has long debated whether museums are primarily educational or aesthetic institutions. I propose two interrelated propositions. First, the raison d’etre of the museum is education broadly defined. It’s possible to have collections of objects, even collections carefully classified, organized and preserved, that are not primarily educational—the world includes many fine private collections and archives—but as soon as these are open to the public, the museum becomes an educational institution. Second, I argue that there are moral, social, and political consequences to accepting the view that museums are educational by nature. If we conceptualize museum education as more than particular tasks assigned to specific personnel, then we must acknowledge our worldview of the role of education in society as relevant to all museum functions. We must accept the responsibilities inherent in the kind of education we value and in our convictions about the purpose of education—and therefore the purpose of museums. I believe that the significance of the educative task in museums is greater than can be circumscribed by any list of specific tasks. Museum education is at the center of museum activities. Museums are primarily educational institutions; what makes them public institutions for the preservation of culture is their educational work.
Role of the Fibrous Capsule in Carcinogenesis by Plastic Film

THE ability of materials in the form of a film to induce sarcomas at the site of implantation was first shown by Turner in 19411 when he implanted disks of ‘Bakelite’ subcutaneously in rats. Oppenheimer and his associates re-discovered this phenomenon in 19482. Later, they extended their work to show that the same applied to mice and that many different kinds of plastic film, metal foils, and glass cover slips were capable of inducing sarcomas3,4. Few tumours developed when the same materials were implanted in the form of powders, granules, or sponges3.
cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (DDP)-induced crosslinking and crosslink removal in L1210 cells in vitro after theophylline CO-treatment

The present study investigated the mechanism by which theophylline decreases cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (DDP)-induced DNA crosslinking in L1210 cells. Alkaline elution of DNA from L1210 cells treated with DDP in the presence and absence of 1 mM theophylline showed that theophylline decreased interstrand crosslinking by 20%. DNA-protein crosslinking (PXL) immediately following platinum removal (used as a measure of active drug delivered to the cell nucleus) was not altered by theophylline nor were the kinetics of either DNA interstrand (ISC) or DNA-protein crosslink formation after DDP treatment changed by the presence of theophylline. Peak protein crosslinking occurred 6 hr and peak interstrand crosslinking occurred 12 hr after DDP removal. We measured crosslink removal by using thiourea to block the conversion of platinum monoadducts to crosslinks. DNA-protein crosslinks were removed more rapidly in the presence of theophylline. There was no change in interstrand crosslink removal rate when theophylline was present. We conclude that the addition of theophylline to DDP treatment results in decreased amounts of DNA interstrand crosslinking most likely by increasing the removal of DPP-DNA monoadducts. This latter process may be reflected by the increased removal rates for DNA-protein crosslinks.
Whitman, Emerson, and "The Ballad of the Abolition Blunder-buss"

Contrasts Whitman's and Emerson's attitudes towards abolition and details the attitudes toward African-Americans that Whitman encountered in Boston; concludes by presenting a "scurrilous satirical work called 'Ballad of the Abolition Blunder-buss.'"
Iron acquisition in Vibrio cholerae

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, has an absolute requirement for iron and must obtain this element in the human host as well as in its varied environmental niches. It has multiple systems for iron acquisition, including the TonB-dependent transport of heme, the endogenous siderophore vibriobactin and several siderophores that are produced by other microorganisms. There is also a Feo system for the transport of ferrous iron and an ABC transporter, Fbp, which transports ferric iron. There appears to be at least one additional high affinity iron transport system that has not yet been identified. In iron replete conditions, iron acquisition genes are repressed by Fur. Fur also represses the synthesis of a small, regulatory RNA, RyhB, which negatively regulates genes for iron-containing proteins involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and respiration as well as genes for motility and chemotaxis. The redundancy in iron transport systems has made it more difficult to determine the role of individual systems in vivo and in vitro, but it may reflect the overall importance of iron in the growth and survival of V. cholerae.
Enhanced field ionization current enabled by gold induced surface states to silicon nanowires

The employment of nanosized materials has gained much interest for the fabrication of field ionization gas sensors (FIGS) since they have many advantageous properties such as low cost, high sensitivity and high selectivity. In this work, we introduce a physical gas sensor using Si Nanowires (NW) configured as anode. These NWs are synthesized by using electroless etching (EE) technique, a cost effective and scaleable process for vertically aligned Si NWs. A thin layer of gold (Au) coating is subsequently applied to improve the field ionization current by introducing unoccupied local states. Characterization of pristine Si NWs and Au doped Si NWs in terms of current and voltage is done under NH 3 and O 2 gases. Our structures show more than five orders of magnitude enhanced field ionization current due to unoccupied local states formed by Au doping.
Alcohol self-administration by elephants

The anecdotal and historical literature describing intoxication in elephants from fermented fruit or alcoholic beverages is reviewed. Seven African elephants readily self-administered 7% unflavored alcohol solutions; the results included separation from herd groupings and changes in the frequency and/or duration of several behaviors as scored according to a quantitative observational system. Alcohol decreased feeding, drinking, bathing, and exploration for most animals. Inappropriate behaviors such as lethargy and ataxia increased for all elephants. Results are discussed in terms of stress-induced drinking and intoxication.
Successful penetration into the e-business: an empirical study

The purpose of this research is to better understand reseller/integrator organizations in the IT distribution channel and some of the factors that may impact their ability to move into and successfully operate within the e-business marketspace. Reseller organizations have had a strong motivation for moving into the e-business space due to dramatically declining margins. In this study, a survey was conducted for 25 reseller/integrator organizations, yielding a response rate of 70%, assessing viability for moving into the e-business space. A survey instrument was created, tested, modified, and administered with 22 quantitative and 15 qualitative items. The mean annual revenue for the organizations surveyed was $346 million with an average of 437 employees with an average e-business sale of 1/4 million dollars. Likert scales were employed to assess customer orientation, relationship management, and technical staff concerns. End-user organizations' e-business capabilities appeared to be considerably lower than expected contributing to the perceived opportunities to penetrate the e-business market. Reseller organizations are at the initial phases of being able to provide value-added services to their customer base. While developing relationships with firms that have needed expertise in order to successfully deliver e-business projects, reseller firms were hesitant to create acquisition strategies but rather focused on building partnerships and alliances for e-business projects. Respondent organizations had difficulty focusing on how to acquire and retain technical e-business resources to accomplish projects. Outsourcing and prime contract were considered to be critical in the overall success equation for reseller organizations. Managerial implications from this study included focusing on a unique set of differentiated e-business service offerings, selling e-business projects to the executive level of the organization, and creating a methodology to manage projects as the prime contractor.
Diisopropylsilyl ditriflate and di--butysilyl ditriflate: new reagents for the protection of diols

Abstract Diisopropylsilyl ditriflate and di- tert -butylsilyl ditriflate, each available from the appropriate dialkylchlorosilane and triflic acid, react with 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-diols usually at 25°C in the presence of 2,6-lutidine to provide the corresponding dialkylsilylene derivatives in high yield. There derivatives, which are readily deprotected under mild conditions, can be utilized for selective reactions of polyhydroxy compounds.