cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucose 6-phosphate-solubilized hexokinase: Some electrophoretic properties

Abstract 1. 1.Electrophoresis of hexokinase (ATP: D-hexose-6-phosphate transferase, EC 2.7.1.1), solubilized from brain mitochondria by glucose 6-phosphate, (Glc-6-P) using conventional 7% polyacrylamide gels, after dialysis to remove Glc-6-P, resulted in aggregation and non-entry of hexokinase into the gels. If dialysis was omitted, hexokinase did enter the gel in the presence of Glc-6-P, however, once it had been removed from the soluble enzyme, aggregation could not be reversed. 2. 2. Hexokinase appears to be the only protein which is specifically solubilized from mitochondria by Glc-6-P, therefore the aggregate is not a multienzyme complex. 3. 3. The unpurified, Glc-6-P-solubilized enzyme has a mol. wt of 130 000 as judged by sodium dodecysulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, after treatment with 0.2% mercaptoethanol-1% sodium dodecylsulfate at 45°C for 1 h. However, the mol. wt drops to 100 000 when treated in a boiling-water bath or if the mercaptoethanol concentration is raised from 0.2 to 2%. 4. 4. Purification of hexakinase by DEAE-cellulose chromatography resulted in a loss of the aggregation phenomenon observed with the unpurified enzyme, using conventional 7% polyacrylamide gels. 5. 5. The DEAE-cellulose-purified enzyme had a mol. wt of 100 000, when treated at 45°C with 0.2% mercaptoethanol-1% sodium dodecylsulfate, with a minor component of mol. wt 130 000. Subunits of mol. wt 45 000 were obtained when the purified enzyme was pretreated with 2% mercaptoethanol in a boiling water bath before the addition of 1% sodium dodecylsulfate. 6. 6. Hexokinase, purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography did not rebind to the mitochondrial membrane under the influence of MgCl2, whereas the unpurified enzyme did rebind.
Effect of prostaglandin E1 on leukotriene C4-induced increases in vascular permeability of hamster cheek pouch

Our goal was to determine whether there is a synergistic effect of prostaglandin E1, (PGE1) on eukotriene C4 (LTC4)-induced increases in vascular permeability of the hamster cheek pouch in vivo. Changes in permeability were quantified by counting venular leaky sites (LS) and calculating clearance (CLR) of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran 70kDa, during suffusion of the cheek pouch with LTC4 in the absence or presence of PGE1,. LTC4 produced a dose-related increase in LS and CLR, and PGE1, (0.01μM) significantly potentiated the effect of LTC4. During suffusion with LTC4 (15.0 nM) in the absence of PGE1, LS increased from 0 to 19±3/0.11 cm2 and CLR increased from 0.3±0.1 to 1.0±0.2 × 10−6 ml/sec. During superfusion with LTC4 (15.0 nM) in the presence of PGE1, LS increased from 0 to 40±3/0.11 cm2, and CLR increased from 0.4±0.1 to 2.1±0.5×10−6 ml/sec. To determine whether the effect of PGE, on LTC4-induced increases in vascular permeability was related to the vasodilatory effect of PGE1, we examined the effect of isoproterenol (ISO). In contrast to that observed with PGE1, ISO decreased LTC4-induced increases in LS and CLR. Our data suggest that there is a synergistic effect of PGE1, on LTC4-induced increases in venular permeability that is not mediated by a vasodilatory action of PGE1.
Resonance solitons produced by azimuthal modulation in self-focusing and self-defocusing materials

We demonstrate azimuthally modulated resonance scalar and vector solitons in self-focusing and self-defocusing materials. They are constructed by selecting appropriately self-consistency and reso- nance conditions in a coupled system of multicompo- nent nonlinear Schrodinger equations. In the case with zero modulation depth, it was found that the larger the topological charge, the smaller the intensity of the soliton in the self-focusing material, while in the self- defocusing material the opposite holds. For the soli- tons with the same parameters, the ones in the self- focusing material possess larger optical intensity than the ones in the self-defocusing material. The stabil- ity of resonance solitons is examined by direct nu- merical simulation, which demonstrated that a new class of stable scalar fundamental soliton states with m = 0 and low-order vector vortex soliton states with m = 1 can be supported by self-focusing and self- defocusing materials. Higher-order solitons are found unstable, however, displaying quasi-stable propaga- tion over prolonged distances.
Evaluating programs in applied settings through behavioral consultation

Abstract A behavioral consultation school psychology service model is presented which provides a vehicle for services and communication of process and outcome measures in program evaluation research. Within the context of the problem-solving perspective of applied behavior analysis, the consultation model (a) promotes process and outcome evaluation across a wide variety of settings, situations, and time; (b) leads to use of an applied research technology with wide applicability in educational settings; and (c) provides a communication technology for the program evaluation process through a four-stage problem-solving strategy. It is argued that the professional behavioral school psychologist can provide technical expertise to function as a system change agent within this evaluation model.
ORACLS-A modern control theory design package

A digital computer program (ORACLS) for implementing the optimal regulator theory approach to the design of controllers for linear time-invariant systems is described. The user-oriented program employs the latest numerical techniques and is applicable to both the digital and continuous control problems.
Reduced flow routing: Leveraging residual capacity to reduce blocking in GMPLS networks

Traffic engineering has been extensively studied to maximize network resource utilization while minimizing call blocking [1]. As the the demand for high data rate services over wide area networks (WAN) continue to grow [2], and as traffic patterns become subject to more frequent changes, resource utilization and the ability to guarantee quality-of-service become more important. However, accurate, predictive traffic models are difficult to construct [3], implying that the routing mechanism will need to adapt to the difference between the anticipated and the observed loads. Online routing based on network residual capacity plays an important role in such settings, since optimal offline solutions require knowledge of future traffic, rendering long-term optimization nearly impossible. shortest path first (SPF) based routing is fast and is currently the most widely-used online algorithm for optical networks. Many variants of SPF, like CSPF (Constrained SPF), have been proposed to further reduce blocking and network congestion. This paper focuses on the problem of online open routing for connection-oriented optical networks. As part of the major contributions of this paper, we propose a novel online, link-state based routing algorithm called reduced flow routing (RFR), an oracular optimization model, and an efficient network provisioning algorithm. The RFR algorithm uses a fast analysis of each potential route’s impact on future requests to select amongst the available choices. The strategy of RFR leverages information about network topology and residual capacity to reduce blocking by rejecting 20% less connection requests relative to other online routing algorithms with little additional cost. The RFR algorithm can be integrated readily into current and future Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) networks as well as many other relevant networks.
Chinese Names in English

Chinese names in the original script present relatively litlle problems for those familiar with the written language. When those names are transliterated according to established standards, some intelligibility may be lost, but Uley are still recognizable in most cases. However, names transliterated from non-standard Chinese according to free-form transliteration schemes can be very difficult to identify for the purposes of bibliographic control. This essay discusses the nature of non-standard Chinese names in English, and offers suggestions for establishing such entities in library catalogs.
Effect of stimulation frequency on tremor suppression in essential tremor.

We sought to determine the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) frequency on tremor suppression in essential tremor (ET) patients with deep brain stimulators implanted in the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus. A uniaxial accelerometer was used to measure tremor in the right upper extremity of subjects with a diagnosis of ET who had DBS electrodes implanted in the left VIM. The root-mean-square acceleration was used as the index of tremor magnitude and normalized to the OFF DBS condition. There was a highly significant inverse sigmoidal relationship between stimulation frequency and normalized tremor acceleration (X2/DoF = 0.42, r2 = 0.997). Tremor acceleration had a nearly linear response to stimulation frequencies between 45 and 100 Hz with little additional benefit above 100 Hz. These findings have two important implications. Clinically, frequency of thalamic stimulation is an important variable for optimal tremor control with maximal benefit achieved with 100 to 130 Hz in most patients. Second, thalamic DBS provides tremor benefit in a graded manner and is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Computer-supported pest management systems in the USA1

The use of computers in pest management is discussed by task and the implementation of computer programs is outlined. Tasks discussed include information retrieval, record keeping, diagnostic applications, event prediction, strategic planning and studying spatially referenced data. Appropriate applications of data base management systems, management information systems, decision support systems, expert systems and geographical information systems are defined and examples are given from the USA with special emphasis on Texas projects. The audience for pest management software is defined and problems of delivery and evaluation are emphasized.
Structural Holes and Banner-Ad Click-Throughs

This paper examines the impact of social capital on advertising performance in an online social network. Specifically, we show that a widely-employed measure of social capital—network constraint—explains variation in the number of click-throughs received by 5986 banner advertisements appearing on 25 Twitter-related websites. As predicted, banner advertisements receive significantly more clicks when placed on websites that bridge structural holes, i.e. bridge otherwise disconnected segments of the network.
Isolation and identification of petromyzestrosterol, a polyhydroxysteroid from sexually mature male sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus L.)

Petromyzestrosterol (1), a novel polyhydroxylated steroid, was identified from water conditioned with sexually mature male sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), a jawless vertebrate animal. Along with this novel steroid, two known steroids, 7α,12α,24-trihydroxy-5α-cholan-3-one-24-sulfate (3k PZS) and 7α,12α,24-trihydroxy-5α-cholan-24-sulfate (PZS), were isolated. Structures of these compounds were unequivocally established by spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with spectra of known compounds. Electro-olfactogram recordings (EOG) showed that 1 at nanomolar concentrations was stimulatory for the olfactory epithelium of adult females. 3k PZS, known to function as a male sex pheromone, was more stimulatory than 1 for the female olfactory epithelia. The concentration-response curve of 3k PZS was exponential in shape with steep slopes between 10(-10) and 10(-6) mol L(-1). The concentration-response curve for 1 was shallower than that for 3k PZS.
PMMA/64° YX-LiNbO 3 guided SH-SAW based immunosensing system

In this study, a poly methylmethacrylate (PMMA)/64° YX-LiNbO 3 guided shear horizontal mode surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) sensor was designed and fabricated for the detection of biological antigen-antibody interactions. Various thicknesses of PMMA guiding layer were spin coated on SH-SAW sensor. A test setup utilizing a small-volume flow cell with inlet and outlet ports for the microfluidic cell and employing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microfluidic channels, was also designed and fabricated using an acrylic material with a reservoir volume of 3 µl. The interactions between protein G and immunoglobulin G (IgG) solutions were measured and analyzed using the PMMA coated SH-SAW devices. The frequency shift of 64° YX-LiNbO 3 device with 0.4 µm PMMA guiding layer was measured from 3 kHz to 68 kHz as the concentration of IgG was increased from 1 µg/ml to 10 µg/ml. The calculated sensitivity of the guided SH-SAW was found to be 7.3 KHz/(µg/ml).
Student-Created Curricular and Co-Curricular Pathways Toward Participation in a Diverse Democracy

This study explored the ways in which undergraduate students intentionally navigate complex curricular and co-curricular choices in preparation for engaging in a diverse democracy. Our study examined these choices among students at a university that lacks formal structures to facilitate these choices. Four curricular and co-curricular pathways that exemplify particular forms of the student experience across disciplines emerged and are discussed.
Differential regulation of hepatic carbonic anhydrase isozymes in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat.

Abstract Most work with the male rat liver carbonic anhydrase isozymes in the past decade has centered on the cytosolic CA III and the mitochondrial CA V. This paper reports that the relative activity of both isozymes is altered in streptozotocin-diabetes. Carbonic anhydrase activity of perfused liver homogenates and disrupted, isolated mitochondria was measured by the mass spectrometric 18 O decay technique at 37 °C. The contributions of the different isozymes were determined based on intracellular location and sensitivity to acetazolamide inhibition. Diabetes resulted in a twofold increase in the activity of CA V but a halving in the activity of CA III. This is the first time that liver CA V has been shown to be altered by physiological stress. The total carbonic anhydrase activity in the diabetic rat liver was unaltered compared with control rats; however, CA III never accounted for more than 50% of this activity. Since CA isozymes I, II, and IV together account for 30% of the CA activity in control rats and 70% in diabetic rats it is concluded that one or more of these isozymes is subject to regulation in the diabetic male rat. The increase in CA V during diabetes is in accord with this isozyme having an important function in provision of substrate for hepatic gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis.
Comprehensive evaluation of solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy sample preparation for helical integral membrane proteins.

The preparation of high quality samples is a critical challenge for the structural characterization of helical integral membrane proteins. Solving the structures of this diverse class of proteins by solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) requires that well-resolved 2D 1H/15N chemical shift correlation spectra be obtained. Acquiring these spectra demands the production of samples with high levels of purity and excellent homogeneity throughout the sample. In addition, high yields of isotopically enriched protein and efficient purification protocols are required. We describe two robust sample preparation methods for preparing high quality, homogeneous samples of helical integral membrane proteins. These sample preparation protocols have been combined with screens for detergents and sample conditions leading to the efficient production of samples suitable for solution NMR spectroscopy. We have examined 18 helical integral membrane proteins, ranging in size from approximately 9 kDa to 29 kDa with 1–4 transmembrane helices, originating from a number of bacterial and viral genomes. 2D 1H/15N chemical shift correlation spectra acquired for each protein demonstrate well-resolved resonances, and >90% detection of the predicted resonances. These results indicate that with proper sample preparation, high quality solution NMR spectra of helical integral membrane proteins can be obtained greatly enhancing the probability for structural characterization of these important proteins.
Anaerobic co-digestion of olive mill wastewater with olive mill solid waste in a tubular digester at mesophilic temperature

Abstract Anaerobic co-digestion is a well established process for treating many types of organic wastes, both solid and liquid. In this study we have investigated, on a laboratory scale, the anaerobic co-digestion of olive mill wastewater (OMW) with olive mill solid waste (OMSW) using semi-continuous, feeding, tubular digesters operated at mesophilic temperatures. Each digester was fed with an influent, composed of OMW and OMSW, at an organic loading rate (OLR) varying between 0.67 and 6.67 g COD/l/d. The hydraulic retention times (HRT) were 12, 24 and 36 days. The TCOD concentrations of OMW used as the main substrate were 24, 56 and 80 g COD/l; the amount of the dry OMSW used as a co-substrate was fixed to approximately 56 g/l of OMW. The results indicated that the best methane production was about 0.95 l/l/day obtained at an OLR = 4.67 g COD/l/d, corresponding to influent TCOD = 56 g COD/l at an HRT = 12 d. In contrast, the maximum TCOD removal efficiency (89%) was achieved at an OLR = 0.67 g COD/l/d, corresponding to influent TCOD = 24 g COD/l at an HRT = 36 d. Moreover, the inhibition of biogas production was observed at the highest OLR studied.
Differential Effect of Gamma Radiation on Fruit Flies and Fruit Fly Parasites

In conducting experiments in Hawaii to determine the use of gamma radiation as a quarantine treatment for destroying infestations of the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel, and the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in fresh fruits and vegetables, the author observed that parasitization was quite high in many of the wild fruits treated.
Cited2 modulates hypoxia-inducible factor-dependent expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in nucleus pulposus cells of the rat intervertebral disc.

Objective To determine whether nucleus pulposus cells of the intervertebral disc express hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α), and to assess the role of HIF-1 and HIF-2 in controlling cited2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Methods Rat cells were cultured under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (2% O2) conditions, and expression and promoter activity of HIF-2 target genes were evaluated. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments were performed to investigate the contribution of HIF isoforms to cited2 activity as well as the role of cited2 in regulating VEGF expression. Results We found that HIF-2α protein was expressed in vivo and that protein and messenger RNA expression were similar under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. However, there was a significant increase in HIF-2α transactivation under hypoxic conditions. With respect to functional activity, unlike the case in most other tissues, HIF-2 failed to increase the transcriptional activities of superoxide dismutase 2 and frataxin, 2 common target genes involved in radical dismutation. However, under hypoxic conditions, HIF-2 preferentially regulated the expression and promoter activity of cited2, a p300 binding protein. When HIF-2α or HIF-1α was suppressed, cited2 promoter activity was inhibited. Finally, we showed that forced expression or suppression of cited2 resulted in corresponding changes in expression of VEGF, a common target gene for HIF-1 and HIF-2 in the nucleus pulposus cells. Conclusion Results of this study indicate that in nucleus pulposus cells, HIF-2 and HIF-1 modulate their own transcriptional activity through cited2. We suggest that the 2 arms of the regulatory circuit serve to maintain survival activities and inhibit angiogenesis in the healthy disc.
Post-Soviet Contexts and Trauma Studies

AbstractThe goal of this article is to consider the agendas that shape the field of post-Soviet cultural studies through an examination of post-Soviet Russian appropriations of the traumatic memory of the Soviet past. Post-Soviet scholarship, in questioning collectivizing constructions of identity, has begun to question its own agendas and cohesion. Parallel with developments in Trauma Studies, post-Soviet scholarship considers the relationship between individual and collective experience while enabling a narrative of self-determination on the part of Soviet subjects and those who study them. By working around the poststructuralist emphasis upon partiality and contingency that has impaired the ability to assert 'an absolute foundation of shared experiences upon which to build an invincible moral stance' (Ball 2000), scholars, contemporary artists and online fora stage interventions that reveal the instability of institutional discourses and reveal the political stakes of discussions about post-Soviet trauma.
Computation of interprocedural control dependence

Program dependence information is useful for a variety of software testing and maintenance tasks. Properly defined, control and data dependencies can be used to identify semantic dependencies. To function effectively on whole programs, tools that utilize dependence information require information about interprocedural dependencies: dependencies that exist because of interactions among procedures. Many techniques for computing data and control dependencies exist; however, in our search of the literature we find only one attempt to define and compute interprocedural control dependencies. Unfortunately, that approach can omit important control dependencies, and incorrectly identifies control dependencies for a large class of programs. This paper presents a definition of interprocedural control dependence that supports the relationship of control and data dependence to semantic dependence, an efficient algorithm for calculating interprocedural control dependencies, and empirical results obtained by our implementation of the algorithm.
Air bubble-associated endothelial trauma in descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

Purpose To evaluate endothelial cell trauma by anterior chamber (AC) air bubbles in Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Design Laboratory investigation. Methods Twelve human donor corneas (6 pairs) were sectioned using an automated microkeratome system (Moria ALTK System, Antony, France). One cornea of each pair was mounted on a Moria artificial AC, and an air bubble was injected to fill 40% of the AC. The apparatus was rotated 180 degrees for a total of 50 times to simulate air bubble trauma. The fellow corneas were used as controls. Each endothelial graft was stained with 0.25% Trypan blue for 90 seconds followed by 0.2% alizarin red for 2 minutes, and digital photomicrographs were obtained. Abnormally staining areas indicative of graft injury were removed digitally from the total graft area. The proportion of uninjured corneal endothelium was calculated, and differences were analyzed. Results In this ex vivo model of air bubble trauma, the proportion of viable graft endothelium after air bubble injury was 79.8 ± 0.04% (n = 6). The proportion of viable endothelium in the control group was 89.9 ± 0.02% (n = 6). The statistically significant mean difference of 10.1% (P = .03) is indicative of greater endothelial injury after air bubble trauma. Conclusions Using this model, a moderate but significant amount of endothelial cell damage was associated with air bubble trauma compared with the control group. Air bubble trauma may account partially for the loss of endothelial cell density after DSAEK surgery and may impact graft survival.
Light scattering from particles of regular and irregular shape

Abstract We examine the angular scattering of light from a variety of aerosols including those composed of latex spheres, ammonium sulfate particles and soil dust. The latter two particle types are of particular interest in visibility studies since these naturally occurring scatterers may affect both contrast and color. We compare the experimental scattering data with constructed theoretical calculations in order to validate or determine the limits of the theory.
REVISION OF CRYSTALLINE PHASES IN THE SYSTEM ZRO2‐P2O5

Crystalline phases in the system ZrO2-P2Os were reexamined. Samples of varied composition were prepared by the sol-gel route and calcining, as well as by reacting mixtures ofZrO2 and NH4H2PO4, at temperatures from 200° to 1400°C. Confusion regarding compositions and structures was clarified, and the phase Zr3(PO4)4 was confirmed. The latter can be written Zro.2sZr2(PO4)3 and is iso-structural withNaZr2P3O12. The role of mineralizers and the influence of zirconium salts can now be understood.
The Relationship Between Visual Contrast Sensitivity and Neuropsychological Performance in a Healthy Elderly Sample

Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are two visual domains affected by normal aging; however, the potential impact of well-documented changes in these abilities on neuropsychological assessment is relatively unstudied. The current study examined the relationship between these abilities and neuropsychological performance in a healthy, community-based elderly sample. Fifty-one individuals (Age: M = 79.6) were assessed for visual acuity and visual contrast sensitivity, and received a brief neuropsychological battery. Results indicated contrast sensitivity was significantly related to neuropsychological performance on visually based measures, but not auditory measures. Visual acuity was only weakly related to neuropsychological performance. Clinical implications for assessment of elderly individuals are discussed.
Disseminated Toxoplasmosis and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: Diagnosis by Transmission Electron Microscopy

A 43-year-old, bisexual, black man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), detected by CD4 lymphocyte criteria alone, presented with low-grade fever, chills, malaise, and watery diarrhea of 2 days' duration. Over the next 5 days, he developed a fulminant septicemia-like illness with progressive hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and very high serum lactic acid dehydrogenase (2,150 U/L) and serum creatine phosphokinase (5,395 U/L) levels, and died. The cause of this illness was not clinically apparent. A bone marrow biopsy performed on the day of his death revealed intracytoplasmic clusters of 3 microns long, oval, basophilic organisms, the exact nature of which was not evident by light microscopy. The diagnosis of disseminated toxoplasmosis (DT) was made only after electron microscopic study of the bone marrow revealed organisms with features typical of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. These features included a multilayered pellicle, a pointed anterior end containing a conoid, up to nine rhoptries, sparse micronemes, and a posterior end containing a nucleus. Some of the organisms had divided by internal budding or endodyogeny. This case illustrates the value of transmission electron microscopy in making the diagnosis of DT.
Encapsulation and controlled release from core–shell nanoparticles fabricated by plasma polymerization

Core–shell nanostructures have been synthesized by plasma deposition in radio-frequency plasma reactor. Silica and KCl nanoparticles were encapsulated by deposition of isopropanol-based films of amorphous hydrogenated carbon. Through control of the deposition time, under constant deposition rate of 1 nm/min, particles are encapsulated in a layer of plasma polymer with thickness between 15 and 100 nm. Films are robust, chemically inert, thermally stable up to 250°C. The permeability of the shells is determined by depositing films of various thickness onto KCl nanoparticles and monitoring the dissolution of the core in aqueous solution. The dissolution profile is characterized by an initial rapid release, followed by a slow release that lasts up to 30 days for the thickest films. The profile is analyzed by Fickian diffusion through a spherical matrix. We find that this model captures very accurately the entire release profile except for the first 12 hours during which, the dissolution rate is higher than that predicted by the model. The overall diffusion coefficient for the dissolution of KCl is 3 × 10−21 m2/s.
CMOS process compatible directed block copolymer self-assembly for 20nm contact holes and beyond

Single FETs and CMOS inverters with 20 nm contact holes patterned using self-assembled diblock copolymer are demonstrated in this work. Alignment of the self-assembled contact holes to the MOSFET source and drain is achieved with a unique guiding layer and the self-assembly process is integrated with an existing CMOS process flow using conventional tools on a full 4" wafer level. Potential application for block copolymer patterning on SRAM circuit level is also discussed.
Postmenopausal Health and Disease from the Perspective of Evolutionary Medicine

Menopause normally occurs between 45-55 years of age, marks the end of a woman’s reproductive lifespan, and is accompanied by a reduction in estrogen that has substantial physiological effects. The standard medical view is that these changes underlie high postmenopausal disease rates, defining menopause as an estrogen deficiency condition needing treatment. This view stems from the idea that extended postmenopausal longevity is a consequence of recent technological developments, such that women now outlive their evolutionarily-programmed physiological functional lifespan. Increasingly, however, researchers employing an evolutionary medicine framework have used data from comparative demography, comparative biology, and human behavioral ecology to challenge the mainstream medical view. Instead, these data suggest that a two-decade human postmenopausal lifespan is an evolved, species-typical trait that distinguishes humans from other primates, and has deep roots in our evolutionary past. This view rejects the inevitability of high rates of postmenopausal disease and the concept of menopause as pathology. Rather, high postmenopausal disease risk likely stems from specific lifestyle differences between industrialized societies and foraging societies of the type that dominated human evolutionary history. Women in industrialized societies tend to have higher estrogen levels during premenopausal life, and experience a greater reduction in estrogen across menopause than do women living in foraging societies, with potentially important physiological consequences. The anthropological approach to understanding postmenopausal disease risk reframes the postmenopausal lifespan as an integral period in the human lifecycle, and offers alternative avenues for disease prevention by highlighting the importance of lifestyle effects on health.
Memory for directly and indirectly experienced events

Retention was examined for an event that was experienced either directly or indirectly. In the first experiment, subjects witnessed a staged event in their classroom involving an argument between two students concerning ownership of a textbook. Subjects in a second study indirectly experienced the event as they heard an account of the book dispute. Immediately following the episode and 2 weeks later both a free-recall test and recognition questionnaire were administered. In free-recall those who witnessed the event remembered nearly as much on the delayed test as they had on the immediate task. For the auditory modality, however, a greater decrement in recall over the retention interval was observed. A similar pattern of results was found in recognition. Additional analyses indicated that actions were retained better than conversation and physical description, and suggested that the type of experience influences how well these aspects of the event are remembered. Interpretations of the overall findings are offered within the context of dual-coding theory and in terms of modality differences in both encoding elaboration and selective attention.
Attitudes about entering a nursing home: Comparisons of older rural and urban African-American women

Abstract This research examines the attitudes of older (65+) rural and urban African-American women about the possibility of entering a nursing home. Personal, in-depth interviews consisting of structured and open-ended questions were conducted among community-dwelling elders (N = 98) and their responses subjected to content analysis. Approximately one-third of the sample, expressed positive attitudes about entering a nursing home. Positive attitudes reflected three themes: (1) nursing homes are a good option if the elder's physical condition demands them; (2) nursing homes are a good option if the care is good; and (3) an undifferentiated appreciation for or positive perspective on nursing homes. Slightly more than half of the respondents reported negative attitudes about nursing homes. Their responses fell into four categories: (1) they expressed the feeling that moving to a nursing home would require a big adjustment; (2) they perceived nursing homes as bad places to live; (3) they believed that nursing homes are places where you go to die; and (4) some elders described an undifferentiated but generalized resistance to entering a nursing home. The remainder of the sample (about one in seven elders) offered assessments of nursing homes (either positive or negative) that were dependent on their family's circumstances. Residential differences were observed in both positive and negative categories. These findings lend further evidence to the proposition that residential context shapes perceptions of long-term care choices and raises questions about the degree to which entering a nursing home is perceived as negative, particularly among African-Americans.
Ecological risks associated with oyster restoration options for Chesapeake Bay.

ABSTRACT Ecological risk assessments were conducted as part of the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement designed to evaluate costs and benefits of alternative approaches to oyster restoration in Chesapeake Bay, USA, including the intentional introduction of a non-native Asian oyster species. A relative risk model was used to evaluate alternatives involving both the native Eastern oyster and the non-native species. Effects of options were examined for a diverse set of ecological resources and conditions for the Bay including oysters, submerged aquatic vegetation, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, blue crabs, fish, wildlife receptors, dissolved oxygen, and total suspended solids. A weight-of-evidence method based on available scientific evidence was also used to answer a set of questions developed by a science advisory panel. There was low risk that the Asian oyster would not provide ecosystem services similar to those afforded by the Eastern oyster; however, there is moderate to hig...
iICAS: Intelligent intersection collision avoidance system

The number of vehicle collisions, especially at intersections, continues to rise despite recent advancements in vehicular technologies. Innovative design solutions for collision avoidance systems and transportation infrastructure are needed. In this paper we introduce iICAS, a novel Intelligent Intersection Collision Avoidance System that utilizes various components and advanced features to detect and identify vehicles, predict collisions, and issue appropriate warning signals. Inherent intelligent features such as self-calibration, power management, auto mesh forming, and Over-The-Air (OTA) upgrade increase system reliability and functionality at a price point much less than comparable systems.
Relationships between marine microorganisms and the wood-boring isopod Limnoria tripunctata

Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the boring activity of the marine wood-boring isopod Limnoria tripunctata Menzies, a common gribble. Results establish the distribution and density of microorganisms on the exoskeleton and within the digestive tract of L. tripunctata. Earlier reports on the absence of a bacterial flora within the gut were confirmed. Microbial colonization of the wood was most prominant in areas of the burrows furthest from the site of active boring.
Method of modelling intracellular transport in branching neurites: application to axons and dendrites of Drosophila sensory neurons.

This paper develops a method of calculating the transport of intracellular organelles in neurons with branching neurites which is based on the Smith–Simmons equations of motor-assisted transport. The method is aimed at understanding the effects of microtubule (MT) polarity orientation in branching neurites on transport of organelles at the fundamental level. The method is applied to calculating the organelle transport in axons and dendrites of Drosophila neurons, using the map of MT orientation in such neurons developed by Stone et al. (Mol Biol Cell 19:4122–4129, 2008). The proximal dendrite is assumed to branch and form two distal dendrites. Two different MT polarity arrangements in a proximal dendrite are considered, and implications of these MT arrangements on organelle transport are analysed. It is demonstrated that the MT arrangement found in Drosophila dendrites (MTs have their minus ends out in a proximal dendrite) results in much more efficient motor-driven transport than the structure with a mix...
Can antimicrobial activity be sustained? an appraisal of orally administered drugs used for respiratory tract infections

Abstract Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) represent a major cause of illness worldwide. Therefore, it is of great concern that common RTI pathogens have become increasingly resistant to many of the antimicrobial agents used for therapy. For example, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis have become resistant to beta-lactam drugs by producing efficient beta-lactamases (>35 and 90% of strains, respectively). More recently, pneumococci have become more resistant through the mechanism of altered penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). The rate of penicillin nonsusceptible isolates has risen to >25% in the United States (1994–1995). It is important to monitor the resistance characteristics of such pathogens and, if possible, to use regionally acquired data to guide empiric selection of therapeutic agents for RTIs. Currently, some antimicrobials remain effective against the majority of these three bacterial species, as exemplified by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Furthermore, amoxicillin alone seems to possess greater inhibition than other orally administered beta-lactams at clinically achievable concentrations against pneumococci with altered PBPs. It is critical that steps are taken to limit resistance problems, particularly through: 1) education of prescribers and the public; 2) initiation of the development of novel drugs with alternative modes of action or stability to existing resistance mechanisms; and 3) by continuing to generate quality susceptibility testing data to guide empiric chemotherapy against bacterial pathogens causing RTI.
Negotiating Murder: A Panzer Signal Company and the Destruction of the Jews of Peregruznoe, 1942

In September 1942, members of a Panzer signal company murdered thirty to forty Jews near the tiny Soviet town of Peregruznoe. A case study of the unit reveals that individual soldiers faced a twisted terrain of choices, pressures, and organizational cultural norms. The author argues that the "perpetrators" among these Wehrmacht soldiers can be placed along a continuum of response: the commander led the activist core, followers went along, and individual soldiers evaded participation. Investigation of the complexities of participation and non-participation in spontaneous acts of violence such as this helps us to understand why some men (and units) killed while others did not.
Chronic ethanol effects on cellular immune responses to hepatitis B virus envelope protein: An immunologic mechanism for induction of persistent viral infection in alcoholics

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in alcoholics and may result in chronic infection. Persistence of HBV infection could be partially caused by the effects of ethanol on the cellular and humoral immune response to viral structural proteins. The DNA-based immunization approach was used to experimentally assess the effects of chronic ethanol feeding on immune responses directed against the middle envelope protein (MHBs) of HBV. Mice were fed an ethanol or isocaloric, pair-fed control liquid diet for 8 weeks, followed by immunization with a plasmid construct containing the pre-S2/S gene that encodes for MHBs. Chronic ethanol consumption marginally reduced the levels of the antibody to hepatitis B surface proteins (anti-HBs) generated by the DNA-based immunization approach. Initially, cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) activity was higher in ethanol-fed mice but progressively declined following the second and third immunizations as compared with control mice. In addition, CTL and CD4+ T helper (TH) cells responded poorly to increasing concentrations of envelope protein and peptides in vitro with respect to generation of CTL activity and proliferative responses. Finally, proliferating CD4+ T cells derived from ethanol-fed animals had substantial changes in the levels of cytokines secreted into the culture supernatants as compared with control mice. These studies show that chronic ethanol consumption substantially alters the cellular immune responses to a human viral structural protein, and that these effects may contribute to the persistence of viral infection.
Polydactyly of the thumb: abnormal anatomy and treatment.

In nine years 26 duplicated thumbs were seen in the hand clinic of a hospital for crippled children. Using a classification based on the level and degree of duplication and a knowledge of the abnormal anatomy, reconstruction was done. This surgery was done with proper skin incisions, reconstruction of the collateral ligaments, centralization of the flexor and extensor tendons, and alignment of the bones and joints by corrective osteotomies. Simple ablation or incomplete correction produced complications such as skin contractures, increased angular deformities, unstable joints, and intrinsic weakness. In all of the patients, the appearance was improved, opposition was maintained, and postoperative function was not impaired.
An alternative view of the role of heterotrophic microbes in the cycling of organic matter in deep-sea sediments

Abstract The role of microbial heterotrophs in deep-ocean sediment communities is explored using a simplified model of the cycling of carbon within a generic, size-based food web. Measurements of potential rates of respiration and growth of bacteria appear to be low, given the high concentrations of both microbial biomass and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in pore waters. This enigma can be explained theoretically by assuming that much of the microbial biomass is restricted in function at high pressure and low temperature, that a large fraction of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is refractory, and that the small fraction of the DOM that is labile and thus available must be liberated from the particulate pool by extracellular enzyme activity, viral infection or through the feeding processes of the metazoans. Free-living heterotrophic microbes in the sediments thus play a minor role in metazoan food webs, providing only a small fraction of the nourishment of metazoans. On the other hand, microbial hetero...
Short communication: Automated, rapid classification of signals using locally linear embedding

This paper demonstrates the utility of the locally linear embedding (LLE) dimensionality reduction technique for automated, rapid classification of signals. Specifically, we focus on classifying RF signals as belonging to one of four different emitters. The classifier is trained on samples from each type, first using LLE to build a low-dimensional data manifold and using a support vector machine (SVM) to divide the manifold into sections corresponding to each signal type. New signals are then rapidly projected directly onto the data manifold where an SVM performs the classification.
Computing simulations on finite and infinite graphs

We present algorithms for computing similarity relations of labeled graphs. Similarity relations have applications for the refinement and verification of reactive systems. For finite graphs, we present an O(mn) algorithm for computing the similarity relation of a graph with n vertices and m edges (assuming m/spl ges/n). For effectively presented infinite graphs, we present a symbolic similarity-checking procedure that terminates if a finite similarity relation exists. We show that 2D rectangular automata, which model discrete reactive systems with continuous environments, define effectively presented infinite graphs with finite similarity relations. It follows that the refinement problem and the /spl forall/CTL* model-checking problem are decidable for 2D rectangular automata.
On the achievable throughput of CSMA under imperfect carrier sensing

Recently, it has been shown that a simple, distributed CSMA algorithm can achieve throughput-optimality. However, the optimality is established under the ideal carrier sensing assumption, i.e., each link can precisely sense the presence of other active links in its neighborhood. This paper, in contrast, investigates the achievable throughput of the CSMA algorithm under imperfect carrier sensing. The main result is that CSMA can achieve an arbitrary fraction of the capacity region if certain access probabilities are set appropriately. To establish this result, we use the perturbation theory of Markov chains.
The Rational Origin for Measuring Subjective Values

Abstract A method is proposed and empirically demonstrated for extending Thurstone's law of comparative judgment so as to transform psychological qualities into an additive measurement scale. Application of the method yields results supporting the contention that subjective values can be measured on an additive scale, an equal unit scale with a meaningful zero point. * This paper reports research partially supported by the Quartermaster Food and Container Institute for the Armed Forces.
Temperature and Growth Rate Effects on the hok/sok Killer Locus for Enhanced Plasmid Stability

The hoklsok locus, isolated from the multiple-resistance plasmid R1 of Escherichia coli, is very efficient at ensuring the stable maintenance of plasmids in Gram-negative systems by killing plasmid-free cells as they arise. To investigate independently the influence of temperature and growth rate on the effectiveness of hoklsok, continuous fermentations have been conducted with the pUC-based, IPTGinduced, #?-galactosidase expression vector pTKW106. At fixed temperature (37 "C), decreasing the dilution rate decreased plasmid stability, and at a fixed, low dilution rate (D = 0.15/h), decreasing the temperature resulted in an increase in plasmid stability. These trends are explained by the specific #?-galactosidase activity of each continuous fermentation: higher, specific, recombinant protein expression led to decreased plasmid stability (due to either segregational or structural instability, as determined by plasmid DNA isolation). A representative fed-batch medium produced more #?-galactosidase on a volumetric basis than M9C in the chemostat, and addition of the hoklsok locus increased segregational stability by 8-22-fold in continuous fermentations that lacked antibiotic selection pressure and in which ,&galactosidase was constantly expressed at 12% of total cell protein for 60 h (43-47 generations).