cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separating Fluid Shear Stress from Acceleration during Vibrations in Vitro: Identification of Mechanical Signals Modulating the Cellular Response

The identification of the physical mechanism(s) by which cells can sense vibrations requires the determination of the cellular mechanical environment. Here, we quantified vibration-induced fluid shear stresses in vitro and tested whether this system allows for the separation of two mechanical parameters previously proposed to drive the cellular response to vibration—fluid shear and peak accelerations. When peak accelerations of the oscillatory horizontal motions were set at 1 g and 60 Hz, peak fluid shear stresses acting on the cell layer reached 0.5 Pa. A 3.5-fold increase in fluid viscosity increased peak fluid shear stresses 2.6-fold while doubling fluid volume in the well caused a 2-fold decrease in fluid shear. Fluid shear was positively related to peak acceleration magnitude and inversely related to vibration frequency. These data demonstrated that peak shear stress can be effectively separated from peak acceleration by controlling specific levels of vibration frequency, acceleration, and/or fluid viscosity. As an example for exploiting these relations, we tested the relevance of shear stress in promoting COX-2 expression in osteoblast like cells. Across different vibration frequencies and fluid viscosities, neither the level of generated fluid shear nor the frequency of the signal were able to consistently account for differences in the relative increase in COX-2 expression between groups, emphasizing that other variables including out-of-phase accelerations of the nucleus may play a role in the cellular response to vibrations.
Biosynthesis of Teichuronic Acid in the Bacterial Cell Wall PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE GLUCOSYLTRANSFERASE OF MICROCOCCUS LUTEUS

This report describes what is, to our knowledge, the first purification to near homogeneity of an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the teichuronic acid of Micrococcus luteus cell walls. The glucosyltransferase of M. luteus, which participates in the biosynthesis of teichuronic acid, was solubilized from cytoplasmic membrane fragments by extraction with buffer solutions containing the detergents Thesit (dodecyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether; 1 mg/ml) and 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (0.5 mg/ml). The detergent-solubilized enzyme was purified 150-fold, with a recovery of 13% by adsorbent column chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and preparative nondenaturing gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. On the basis of its mobility on native gradient gel, the glucosyltransferase was estimated to have a molecular mass of 440 kDa. The purified native enzyme was a multisubunit protein consisting of subunits of two sizes; their molecular masses were determined to be 52.5 and 54 kDa, respectively, by observation of the mobility of the protein bands in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isoelectric point of the enzyme was ∼5.
Identification of mRNA in the Slime Mold Physarum polycephalum

Using a differential extraction procedure which had previously been shown to yield one nucleic acid fraction enriched in cytoplasmic RNA and another enriched in nuclear RNA, we have been able to isolate two polyadenylated RNA populations from microplasmodia of Physarum polycephalum. The poly(A)-containing RNA from the cytoplasmic-enriched fraction accounts for approximately 1.2% of the cytoplasmic nucleic acid, has a number-average nucleotide size of 1339 ± 39 nucleotides, and has been shown, in a protein-synthesizing system in vitro, to be capable of directing the synthesis of peptides which have also been shown to be synthesized in vivo by microplasmodia. The poly(A)-containing RNA from the nuclear-enriched fraction has a number-average nucleotide size of 1533 ± 104 nucleotides and represents a mixture of cytoplasmic and nuclear adenylated RNA molecules. Based upon these observations, we have identified the polyadenylated RNA isolated from the fraction enriched in cytoplasmic nucleic acid as Physarum poly(A)-containing messenger RNA.
Educating for Dissent as a Civic Responsibility

A democracy needs an informed citizenry with citizens who are actively engaged in civic life. Fortunately, colleges have shown increased interest in leadership and in civic engagement. Educating students as informed followers and dissenters needs to be included as part of those endeavors. This paper presents a typology of followers to assist educators in helping students critically examine the roles they might take in an organization or in society.
Growth and Characterization of Pulsed-Laser-Deposited Ilmenite–Hematite Thin Films

The ilmenite–hematite (1 − x) FeTiO3 · xFe2O3 solid solution system is considered to be a novel material for spin-electronics, microelectronics, high-temperature electronics, and radhard electronics. This paper focuses on thin films of composition x = 0.33 grown on (100) MgO single-crystal substrates using pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) under different argon–oxygen mixtures. The surface of the MgO was found to possess MgO2 crystals, yielding an orientation relationship, [001] MgO ∥ [011] MgO2 and (\( \overline{1} \)00)MgO ∥ (\( \overline{1} \)10) MgO2. The structural characterizations show that the films are crystalline and homogeneous without any secondary phase. The films show a weak and inclined (11\( \overline{2} \)0) growth epitaxy. A bandgap of 3.4–3.7 eV was obtained for these films from optical measurements carried out in the UV–visible region. Electrical measurements confirmed the semiconducting behavior. However, the resistivity was found to increase substantially on the slightest addition of oxygen into the chamber.
Excitation dependence of the subpicosecond dynamics of excitons and polarons in the MX chain solid PtCl

Abstract We have measured the subpicosecond photoinduced absorption for the MX chain solid PtCl. For excitation into the tail of the exciton absorption a state is generated with a lifetime of 100–200 ps, and is associated with the lowest even parity exciton. For lower energy pump, our results are consistent with excitation of intrinsic polarons, which decay to the ground state in about 1 ps. Excitation well above the exciton band edge may result in the formation of polarons and excitons.
Coherent neutrino scattering as a probe of oscillations

Coherent neutrino-nucleus scaterring is an as-yet-unobserved but well predicted standard model process in which a neutrino scatters off of an entire nucleus. Despite the challenge of detecting the resulting keV-scale neclear recoil, the process provides an interesting opportunity for studying neutrino interactions in general and oscillations with the neutral current.
Near-perfect runs as a learning criterion

Abstract A new analysis is presented of a special type of learning criterion: a sequence of correct responses marred by the inclusion of at most one incorrect response. The new technique allows a significant extension of existing tables for the use of this criterion.
Stacking defects in the 9R phase at an incoherent twin boundary in copper

Abstract In situ HRTEM observations of the growth of 9R stacked material at a Σ=3 incoherent twin boundary in copper are presented. Stacking defects, which break the normal ABC BCA CAB… sequence of the 9R stacking, are observed in the growing 9R layer. These faults are shown to arise from the presence of secondary grain boundary dislocations with Burgers vectors of type a/6〈 2 11〉 . It is shown that both the sense (positive or negative) and character (90° or 30°) of the grain boundary dislocation determine the characteristics of the 9R fault.
Two-dimensional Ising physics in quantum Hall ferromagnets

Abstract The close analogy between two-dimensional electron system states and conventional itinerant ferromagnets is used to analyze ordered many-body states in the integer quantum Hall regime. The possibility of in situ tuning between easy-plane and easy-axis quantum Hall ferromagnets is discussed for biased bilayer systems with total filling factor ν =3. Recent experiments on Ising quantum Hall systems are explained in terms of their unique domain wall physics. Issues including Ising critical temperatures, hysteresis loops and transport anisotropies are addressed using a combination of the self-consistent field technique, Hartree–Fock/RPA approximation, and exact diagonalization of the many-body Hamiltonian.
Incorporating Argumentation through Forensic Science

ABSTRACTThis article outlines how to incorporate argumentation into a forensic science unit using a mock trial. Practical details of the mock trial include: (1) a method of scaffolding students’ development of their argument for the trial, (2) a clearly outlined set of expectations for students during the planning and implementation of the mock trial, and (3) an example of how to use questioning to guide students through the planning of the mock trial. While a general forensic science unit is provided in the article, a teacher can use the details of the mock trial with any forensic science unit for either middle school or secondary science students.
A solvent effect in reactions of singlet methylene

Abstract The effect of several solvents on the selectivity of singlet methylene (1:CH2) was investigated. It was found that product ratios from reactions in pentane, ethyl ether and cyclohexene solutions were identical; however, product ratios from reactions carried out in benzene were slightly different.
Patriarchy? Paternalism? Motherhood Discourses in Trials of Crimes against Children

This article analyzes two recent trials of women accused of killing their infants. The legal strategies that employ gender of the defendant as a resource for constructing narratives of the offense ...
Impact controllability of an air hockey puck

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the controllability of an air hockey puck sliding on a frictionless table and subject to impacts from a mallet. This problem is a special case of the more general problem of impulsive manipulation. We first characterize the set of velocities reachable with arbitrary impulsive inputs. In reality, one cannot specify impulsive forces as inputs but rather only the velocity of a mallet impacting the puck. Therefore, we refine the characterization to the case that the impulsive forces arise through impacts with a mallet whose velocity can be arbitrarily controlled. The characterization of the reachable puck velocities then depends on the material properties of the impacting objects. We use the two-dimensional Routh impact model to determine these reachable velocities in terms of the coefficients of friction and restitution. We show that the system satisfies an accessibility-like property as long as the coefficient of friction is nonzero.
Deposition of bituminous coal ash on an isolated heat exchanger tube: Effects of coal properties on deposit growth

Abstract Fouling deposits were collected on a steam-cooled tube at the exit of a pilot scale furnace during combustion of bituminous coal. The objective of the work is to identify the coal properties and combustion conditions with which one may anticipate fouling and slagging of superheaters in electric utility boilers. Because of the high fusion temperatures of the ashes investigated, deposition on a time scale practical for the pilot scale experiments was observed only at furnace exit gas temperatures above 1700 K (2600°F), higher than the temperatures expected in the convective section of a boiler. A method is proposed for analyzing such measurements to obtain quantitative descriptions of deposit growth under less severe conditions. The model utilizes ash melting temperatures and slag viscosities to account for the variation of particle sticking probabilities with gas and surface temperatures. These parameters are sufficient to reproduce the strong influence of iron during the early stages of deposit growth. As deposit thickness increases, the correlation of deposit loading with iron content disappears. An empirical shedding frequency was introduced to simulate the average loading at long times. The model provides a quantitative description of deposit growth on tubes, and a means for comparison of fouling propensities of different ashes under various conditions. Comparisons with field data are needed to determine whether the proposed model and parameters derived from pilot scale measurements at high temperatures can provide useful estimates of deposit growth on heat exchangers in boilers.
Aprotinin improves functional outcome but not cerebral infarct size in an experimental model of stroke during cardiopulmonary bypass

BACKGROUND Aprotinin, a nonspecific serine protease inhibitor, has been used to decrease bleeding and reduce the systemic inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Studies have variably linked aprotinin administration with both improved as well as adverse cerebral consequences after cardiac surgery. We designed this study to determine whether an antiinflammatory dose of aprotinin could improve the histologic and functional neurologic outcome in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia during CPB. METHODS After surgical preparation, the animals were randomized into 2 groups: an aprotinin group (60,000 kIU/kg IV) and a control group (0.9% NaCl IV). Normothermic CPB was performed for 60 minutes during which time a partial overlapping 60 minutes of right middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced. Cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10) were measured at baseline, the end of CPB, then 2 and 24 hours after CPB. On postoperative day 3, the animals underwent functional neurologic testing and histologic assessment of cerebral infarct volume. RESULTS There was a reduction in systemic inflammation in the aprotinin group compared with the control group, demonstrated by lower levels of IL-1beta (P = 0.035) and IL-6 (P = 0.047). The aprotinin group also had a better functional neurologic performance (median [interquartile range]: aprotinin 27 [8] vs control 32 [6]; P = 0.042). However, there was no difference in cerebral infarct volume (aprotinin 306 [27] mm(3) vs control 297 [52] mm(3); P = 0.599). CONCLUSIONS In this experimental model of stroke occurring during CPB, aprotinin decreased the systemic inflammatory response to CPB. Although there was no difference in the cerebral infarct volume, there was a small improvement in the short-term functional neurologic outcome in the aprotinin group.
Tigecycline: an investigational glycylcycline antimicrobial with activity against resistant gram-positive organisms.

Abstract Background: Bacterial resistance to currently availableantimicrobials is an increasing concern, particularly among various gram-positive organisms such as drug-resistant pneumococci, methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and drug-resistant enterococci. Tigecycline is an investigational glycylcycline antibiotic that shows promising activity against these resistant gram-positive organisms. Objective: This paper reviews the pharmacology,pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, in vitro and in vivo activity, safety profile, and potential role of tigecycline in the management of gram-positive infections involving resistant microbes. Methods: Articles included in this review were identified through a search of MEDLINE from 1998 through 2004 using the terms tigecycline and GAR-936. Abstracts from the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy from 1998 to 2003 were searched using the same terms. The reference lists of identified articles were also reviewed for pertinent publications. Results: Whereas resistance has developed with many of the earlier tetracycline derivatives, tigecycline appears to have a reduced potential for resistance. Several reports have evaluated the in vitro activity of this agent against a number of organisms. It has exhibited pronounced activity against most gram-positive microbes, including resistant strains (eg, drug-resistant pneumococci, methicillin-resistant staphylococci, resistant enterococci). Tigecycline has also shown useful activity against many clinically important gram-negative microbes. In vivo studies of tigecycline are limited. Only 2 clinical trials have been reported to date, one in patients with complicated skin and skin-structure infections and the other in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections. In these studies, tigecycline therapy resulted in clinical cures in more than two thirds of evaluable patients. Tigecycline was well tolerated in both studies; nausea and vomiting were the most common adverse events. Conclusions: Although published clinical trialsinvolving tigecycline are limited and additional trials are needed, preliminary reports on its use in the treatment of gram-positive infections are encouraging. Tigecycline has favorable pharmacokinetic properties and, apart from gastrointestinal adverse events, appears to be well tolerated.
Interactive effects of grazing system variables on simulated cattle production and stocking rate of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)

Abstract Previously described forage and beef models were used to investigate the biological productivity of continuous (CG) and rotational grazing (RG) systems on common bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) in the southern USA. Simulated factorial experiments allowed examination of the interacting effects of agronomic practices and grazing system variables on cattle (yearling steer) production per area and average daily gains. Cattle production-stocking rate curves were compared to determine (1) the stocking rate (S max ) at which peak cattle production (G max ) occurred and (2) which grazing system class was potentially more productive. Results indicated that RG permitted greater S max , particularly at low fertilization levels. However, the grazing system class which yielded greater G max was a function of the number of paddocks used in the RG system. RG systems with less than 8 paddocks generally produced less beef per area than CG; those with more than 8 paddocks were more productive. High fertilization levels favored RG systems with large numbers of paddocks and rapid rotation. The paddock number effect resulted from increasing production efficiency (ratio of animal production to herbage production) with increasing numbers of paddocks. The exercise corroborated a hypothesized stocking rate by grazing system class interaction but also indicated that biological productivity of grazing systems may be influenced by multiple interacting effects of input variables.
Influence of daylight surface aggregation behavior on nutrient cycling during a Karenia brevis (Davis) G. Hansen & Ø. Moestrup bloom: migration to the surface as a nutrient acquisition strategy.

Abstract The toxic HAB dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (Davis) G. Hansen & O. Moestrup (formerly Gymnodinium breve) exhibits a migratory pattern atypical of dinoflagellates: cells concentrate in a narrow (∼0–5 cm) band at the water surface during daylight hours due to phototactic and negative geotactic responses, then disperse downward at night via non-tactic, random swimming. The hypothesis that this daylight surface aggregation behavior significantly influences bacterial and algal productivity and nutrient cycling within blooms was tested during a large, high biomass (chlorophyll a >19 μg L−1) K. brevis bloom in October of 2001 by examining the effects of this surface layer aggregation on inorganic and organic nutrient concentrations, cellular nitrogen uptake, primary and bacterial productivity and the stable isotopic signature (δ15N, δ13C) of particulate material. During daylight hours, concentrations of K. brevis and chlorophyll a in the 0–5 cm surface layer were enhanced by 131% (±241%) and 32.1% (±86.1%) respectively compared with an integrated water sample collection over a 0–1 m depth. Inorganic (NH4, NO3+2, PO4, SiO4) and organic (DOP, DON) nutrient concentrations were also elevated within the surface layer as was both bacterial and primary productivity. Uptake of nitrogen (NH4+, NO3−, urea, dissolved primary amines, glutamine and alanine) compounds by K. brevis was greatest in the surface layer for all compounds tested, with the greatest enhancement evident in urea uptake rates, from 0.08 × 10−5 ng N K. brevis cell−1 h−1 to 3.1 × 10−5 ng N K. brevis cell−1 h−1. These data suggests that this surface aggregation layer is not only an area of concentrated cells within K. brevis blooms, but also an area of increased biological activity and nutrient cycling, especially of nitrogen. Additionally, the classic dinoflagellate migration paradigm of a downward migration for access to elevated NO3− concentrations during the dark period may not apply to certain dinoflagellates such as K. brevis in oligotrophic nearshore areas with no significant nitricline. For these dinoflagellates, concentration within a narrow surface layer in blooms during daylight hours may enhance nutrient supply through biological cycling and photochemical nutrient regeneration.
Variability in Starch Acetylation Efficiency from Commercial Waxy Corn Hybrids

ABSTRACT Raw material variability is common for starch processors and is responsible for increased processing costs. In this study, variability of starch acetylation due to hybrid influence was quantified. Six waxy corn (maize) hybrids from 1998 and five waxy corn hybrids from 1999 were wet-milled in the laboratory. Starch obtained from each hybrid was modified according to a laboratory-scale acetylation procedure. To evaluate reaction efficiency, reaction rate, acetyl content, pH, and amount of NaOH used were recorded for each reaction. After modification, a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) was used to characterize modified starches and determine differences in modified starches from different hybrids. Using the same acetylation protocol, reaction efficiencies were observed at 47–73%. Reaction efficiencies were significantly lower for 1998 hybrids (50.0%) compared with the efficiency observed for the same hybrids grown in 1999 (62.7%). Acetylated starch from 1999 had increased peak, trough and final viscositie...
Studies in P wave synchronization.

Abstract The results of P wave synchronization in man employing a bipolar atrial and a bipolar ventricular catheter have been presented. As the P-ventricular stimulus interval is increased, a ventricular rhythm with retrograde P waves and a re-entry mechanism was found. The characteristics of the rhythm are discussed together with the possible significance thereof.
The insulator-metal transition in heavily-doped Si and Ge

Abstract The nature of the transition from insulator to metal induced by increasing donor impurity concentration in Si and Ge is investigated. Only the low temperature regime, in which thermal excitation of carriers is unimportant, is considered. A review is given of present theoretical models of the effect of electron correlations on the transition, and a summary of current experimental information is given. Effects of the random spatial distribution of the impurity atoms is discussed. A percolation model is developed, cluster size distributions as a function of impurity concentration calculated by Monte Carlo techniques are described, and the model is used to interpret the DC transport properties of Si and Ge. The model also clearly maps out the observed development of ESR line shapes through the transition region and shows that the ESR delocalization transition occurs at lower concentration than the transition in DC transport properties. The percolation model is related to other recent attempts to allo...
Pigment abnormalities in flatfish

Abstract Pigment abnormalities have been reported to occur on both sides of flatfish. Hypomelanosis or pseudo-albinism, characterized by white patches or areas devoid of normal pigmentation on the ocular surface of the skin, is common in both wild and hatchery reared flatfish. The blind side may display hypermelanosis in the form of dark spots, known as ambicoloration of the skin. The etiology of these abnormalities is not well understood. Environmental, nutritional and neurological aspects which may be involved are reviewed and approaches for future research are identified.
Perceived risk, moral philosophy and marketing ethics: mediating influences on sales managers' ethical decision-making

Abstract This study extends previous research in ethical decision-making in marketing. Using Hunt and Vitell's [J Macromark 6 (1986) 5] model, perceived risk is operationalized as the result of insufficient time and information for decision-making where substantial magnitude and probability for loss is present. Results from a national study of sales managers indicate that risk perceptions affect the relative balance of nonconsequential and consequential evaluations in forming ethical judgments and intentions. For all subjects, nonconsequential evaluations contribute more to ethical judgments than consequential evaluations. However, structural analyses of the Hunt and Vitell model reveal that under higher risk, managers attach greater importance to nonconsequential evaluations than managers who felt less risk. Lower risk is related to greater use of consequential evaluations in the formation of ethical judgments and intentions. Finally, subjects in the high-risk treatment group exhibited significantly harsher ethical judgments and less intention to perform the ethically questionable behavior.
SU-FF-I-125: Accuracy and Reliability of Manual Vessel Sizing Measurements Among Different Users and Systems

Purpose: Vessel sizing is an essential component of each vascular intervention. While the focus in the literature has been on sizing the stenosis, we have found that the critical interventional data are the proximal and distal vessel sizes and length of the interventional device, e.g., balloon or stent. We investigated the accuracy and reliability of these data for three clinical systems. Method and Materials: X‐ray images were obtained of cylindrical aluminum rod phantoms with different diameters and of patient angiograms of cardiac arteries with stenoses. The systems were manually calibrated using a wire mesh phantom (phantoms) or marker wire (patient) each having 1 cm spacing. Vessel sizes were measured using the same manual interactions on all three systems, indicating points at the edge of the vessel, proximal and distal to the lesion. The length for the device was measured as the distance from the proximal to distal measurement points. Three users performed calibrations and measurements with and without digital zoom. Measurements were repeated three times. Results: Accuracy of manual measurements is high ( average absolute error = 0.23 ± 0.14 mm ) . Using zoomed images improves accuracy and reliability (0.15 ± 0.10 mm ) . The variations across users and systems are comparable for clinical images (∼ 0.1 mm (sizes), ∼ 0.35 mm (lengths)). Conclusion: These results indicate that manual measurements of vessel sizes and lengths are accurate and reliable in the clinical arena, although there are variations between users and systems. Conflict of Interest: This study was supported by NIH Grant ♯ HL052567 and Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation.
The effect of antisera to thymosin α1 on the course of autoimmune ovarian dysgenesis in neonatally thymectomized mice

Abstract Thymectomy at 3 days of age (Tx-3) in B6A female mice results in an autoimmune oophoritis that has only been successfully overcome by the transplant of an intact thymus or an injection of T cells. In Tx-3 mice levels of thymosin α1 (TSN α1), a potent thymic hormone involved in the development of helper T cells, was previously shown to be high after 7 days. By 60 days levels of TSN α1 returned to levels found in intact mice. By this age ovarian dysgenesis was also complete and accompanied by high circulating levels of auto-oocyte antibody (AOA), estradiol-17β (E 2 ) and testosterone (T). In the present study injections of antisera to TSN α1 were given to Tx-3 mice in an attempt to decrease circulating TSN α1 levels. We reasoned that this treatment should inhibit lymphocyte differentiation, and possibly in turn aid in overcoming the ovarian dysgenesis. After treatment of the Tx-3 mice, dysgenic ovaries persisted and high levels of AOA remained similar to the untreated Tx-3 mice. Levels of E 2 and T, however, were returned to those found in intact mice. These results suggest that there is a sensitive balance between the thymus and the ovary that may not be related to changes in only a single thymic hormone.
Application of Direct Poisson Solvers to Time-Dependent Numerical Cloud Models

Abstract Direct methods for solving the discrete Poisson equation on various types of regions are generally computationally faster than popular iterative techniques, but this depends somewhat on the initial solution provided the iterative method. If the region is non-rectangular, the direct Poisson solver requires at least twice the computation time for a corresponding rectangular region, and in time-dependent simulations the time required for an iterative method may not exceed that for the direct, since solution values from a previous time step may be good initial solution for the next. In this paper we briefly describe the direct methods and we apply them and an iterative method to several time-dependent cloud models to solve Poisson's equation for the streamfunction or electrical potential. For rectangular regions the direct method was clearly more efficient. For a mountain cumuli model an iterative method was faster in two or three cases. However, this was due in part to the fact that the iterative me...
Trafficking and Gating Mechanisms of HERG1A C-Terminus (LQTS-2) Truncation Mutations on HERG1A-HERG1B Hetero-Multimeric Channel

In heart, HERG1A-HERG1B subunits generate the rapid component of delayed rectifier potassium current, IKr, critical for normal repolarization. Congenital mutations in HERG1A lead to long QT syndrome-2 (LQTS-2), a condition that increases susceptibility to fatal arrhythmias. Many LQTS-2 mutations that are localized to HERG1A C-terminus generate truncated variants and their behavior when co-expressed with HERG1B and their (patho)physiological effects in heart are largely unknown. Therefore, we compared the physiological impact and mechanistic bases of two HERG1A C-terminus truncation mutations (G965X, R1014X). Bungarotoxin-binding optical assays for channel cell-surface expression and electrophysiological recordings were carried out in Human Embryonic Kidney cells. R1014X displayed normal surface density whereas, the G965X mutant, displayed a significant decrease in channel surface density, which was fully rescued by wild-type HERG1A-HERG1B subunits. Homo-multimeric (mutant+HERG1B), G965X and R1014X channel subunits yielded currents with severely reduced current amplitude. When co-expressed with wild-type HERG1A, both mutants exerted a dominant negative effect but to different extents: G965X current amplitude was partially rescued while R1014X current remained unchanged. Homo-multimeric mutant channels displayed a significant rightward shift in the activation curve which was partially (G965X), or not (R1014X) rescued with wild-type HERG1A. The data reveal these mutants exert a purely biophysical effect on hetero-multimeric (mutant HERG1A + wild-type HERG1A + HERG1B) channels. These mechanistic insights may enhance therapies for LQTS-2 mutations. Furthermore, we show for the first time that the R1014X shows normal surface expression, but is non-functional and exerts a strong dominant-negative effect on wild-type HERG1A channels which is in contrast to existing data that demonstrates that R1014X causes HERG1A channel dysfunction by defective trafficking. Finally, studies that explore the functional impact of these mutations in heart will provide novel information that will be more predictive of disease penetrance.
GLAISHER-TYPE PRODUCTS OVER THE PRIMES

In this short paper, we demonstrate the computation of certain Glaisher-type products over the primes by differentiation of the Euler product identity. We are able to give a formula for the logarithmic derivative of ζ(x) in terms of this product, in addition to some other interesting identities.
Crystal Structure of Thrombin-Ecotin Reveals Conformational Changes and Extended Interactions

The protease inhibitor ecotin fails to inhibit thrombin despite its broad specificity against serine proteases. A point mutation (M84R) in ecotin results in a 1.5 nM affinity for thrombin, 104 times stronger than that of wild-type ecotin. The crystal structure of bovine thrombin is determined in complex with ecotin M84R mutant at 2.5 A resolution. Surface loops surrounding the active site cleft of thrombin have undergone significant structural changes to permit inhibitor binding. Particularly, the insertion loops at residues 60 and 148 in thrombin, which likely mediate the interactions with macromolecules, are displaced when the complex forms. Thrombin and ecotin M84R interact in two distinct surfaces. The loop at residue 99 and the C-terminus of thrombin contact ecotin through mixed polar and nonpolar interactions. The active site of thrombin is filled with eight consecutive amino acids of ecotin and demonstrates thrombin's preference for specific features that are compatible with the thrombin cleavage s...
Three numerical puzzles and the top quark's chiral weak moment

Versus the standard model's $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{t}{W}^{+}b$ decay helicity amplitudes, three numerical puzzles occur at the $0.1%$ level when one considers the amplitudes in the case of an additional $``{(f}_{M}{+f}_{E})''$ coupling of relative strength ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{+}\ensuremath{\sim}53 \mathrm{GeV}.$ The puzzles are theoretical ones which involve the $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{t}{W}^{+}b$ decay helicity amplitudes in the two cases, the relative strength of the additional ${(f}_{M}{+f}_{E})$ coupling, and the observed masses of these three particles. A deeper analytic realization is obtained for two of the puzzles. Equivalent analytic realizations are given for the remaining one. An empirical consequence of these analytic realizations is that it is important to search for effects of a large chiral weak moment of the top quark, ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{+}\ensuremath{\sim}53 \mathrm{GeV}.$ A full theoretical resolution would include relating the origin of such a chiral weak-moment and the mass generation of the top quark, the W boson, and probably the b quark.
Group structure of an isospin-invariant fermion dynamical symmetry model

Abstract The monopole and quadrupole pairing model (fermion dynamical symmetry model) is generalised by the addition of isospin to allow applications to nuclei with valence protons and neutrons in the same shells, and the corresponding group chains are determined. Two distinct rotational limits are found.
Teaching for critical thinking in high school biology

Does training in critical thinking in the study of science enable the student to improve in his ability to think critically? This study represents an attempt to answer the question for students of high school biology.
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE FEDERAL FUNDS CASH AND FUTURES MARKETS

The introduction of futures contracts did not alter the regularity in the cash market that results from the Federal Reserve regulation of the bank-settlement process. Although we find a positive preholiday effect in the Fed funds futures returns, we do not find evidence that Federal Reserve regulations cause that effect. Contrary to previous observations for other futures contracts, we find Fridays and preholidays have the largest net volume. We suggest this finding of high volume is consistent with hedging activity by financial institutions before market closings.
Lesbian Body Image and Eating Issues

SUMMARY Research on body-image dissatisfaction and eating issues has emphasized the impact of culture's obsession on women's appearance. This paper reviews a study that examined body image issues, eating behavior, and identification with sexual identity in a sexually diverse sample that included lesbians (n = 47), heterosexual women (n = 47), and gay men (n = 51). The degree to which women identified as lesbian did not influence their body satisfaction or eating issues. However, lesbians were less invested in their appearance and less involved in maintaining it than heterosexual women or gay men. Further, lesbians were less concerned with dieting and thinness than the two other groups. The lesbian community may be less concerned with dieting and thinness than heterosexual women. Implications of findings are discussed.
Stochastic optimisation with inequality constraints using simultaneous perturbations and penalty functions

We present a stochastic approximation algorithm based on penalty function method and a simultaneous perturbation gradient estimate for solving stochastic optimisation problems with general inequality constraints. We present a general convergence result that applies to a class of penalty functions including the quadratic penalty function, the augmented Lagrangian, and the absolute penalty function. We also establish an asymptotic normality result for the algorithm with smooth penalty functions under minor assumptions. Numerical results are given to compare the performance of the proposed algorithm with different penalty functions.
Molecular constants for the (3, 0, 1) band of NO2☆

Abstract High resolution spectra of the (3, 0, 1) band of 14 N 16 O 2 and 15 N 16 O 2 have been analyzed. Initial rotational constants were predicted on the basis of previously determined vibration-rotation interaction terms. Improved values of the upper state rotational constants of the (3, 0, 1) band were obtained as well as centrifugal distortion and empirical P 6 constants. Spin splitting was not observed. The (1, 0, 1), (2, 0, 1), (0, 0, 3), and (1, 0, 3) bands previously analyzed in this laboratory combined with the (3, 0, 1) band have been used to calculate vibrational and vibration-rotation interaction constants.
Improvised Open Boundary Conditions for Magnetic Finite Elements

Although sparse exact open boundary methods exist, the implementation of these methods requires capabilities that are not present in all finite-element solvers. This work describes methods for the implementation of accurate higher order asymptotic boundary conditions for 2D planar, axisymmetric, and 3D magnetostatic problems that can be improvised in virtually any finite-element program.
Relationships between advance oak regeneration and biotic and abiotic factors

Relationships between advance regeneration of four tree species (red maple (Acer rubrum L.), white oak (Quercus alba L.), chestnut oak (Q. montana Willd.) and northern red oak (Q. rubra L.)) and biotic (non-tree vegetation and canopy composition) and abiotic (soil series and topographic variables) factors were investigated in 52, mature mixed-oak stands in the central Appalachians. Aggregate height was used as a composite measure of regeneration abundance. Analyses were carried out separately for two physiographic provinces. Associations with tree regeneration were found for all biotic and abiotic factors both in partial models and full models. Red maple was abundant on most of the sites, but high red maple abundance was commonly associated with wet north-facing slopes with little or no cover of mountain-laurel (Kalmia latifolia L.) and hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Michx.) Moore). Regeneration of the three oak species was greatly favored by the abundance of overstory trees of their own kind. White oak regeneration was most abundant on south-facing, gentle, lower slopes with soils in the Buchanan series. Chestnut oak regeneration was more common on south-facing, steep upper slopes with stony soils. There was a positive association between chestnut oak and huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata (Wangh.) Koch) cover classes. Northern red oak was more abundant on north-facing wet sites with Hazleton soil, and was associated with low occurrence of mountain-laurel and hay-scented fern.
Evaluation of propylene oxide for mutagenic activity in 3 in vivo test systems

Propylene oxide (CAS No. 75-56-9) was tested for mutagenic activity following vapor exposure using 3 in vivo test systems. Rat dominant lethal and mouse sperm-head morphology assays were conducted using males exposed to propylene oxide at 300 ppm in a dynamic exposure chamber for 7 h per day on 5 consecutive days. A sex-linked recessive lethal test in Drosophila melanogaster employed a 24-h static exposure to propylene oxide at 645 ppm. Male mice were killed 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 weeks post-exposure for evaluation of sperm-head morphology. Propylene oxide exposure did not result in an increase in abnormal forms. Male rats were mated with 2 virgin females per week for 6 weeks following exposure. A statistically significant increase in preimplantation losses and a statistically significant reduction in the number of living implants in the first post-exposure week did not appear to be treatment related. A highly significant increase in sex-linked recessive lethal mutations was observed in two germ cell stages (mature sperm and developing spermatocytes). These results warrant continued caution in potential human exposure to propylene oxide.
Prospect for searches for gluinos and squarks at the Tevatron Tripler

Abstract We examine the discovery potential for SUSY new physics at a p p collider upgrade of Tevatron with s = 5.4 TeV and luminosity L ≃4×10 32 cm −2 s −1 (the Tripler). We consider the reach for gluinos ( g ) and squarks ( q ) using the experimental signatures with large missing transverse energy ( E / T ) of jets + E / T and 1l+ jets + E / T (where l is an electron or muon) within the framework of minimal supergravity. The Tripler's strongest reach for the gluino is 1060 GeV for the jets + E / T channel and 1140 GeV for the 1l+ jets + E / T channel for 30 fb−1 of integrated luminosity (approximately two years running time). This is to be compared with the Tevatron where the reach is 440 (460) GeV in the jets + E / T channel for 15 (30) fb−1 of integrated luminosity.
The Parasitic Eyeworm Oxyspirura petrowi as a Possible Cause of Decline in the Threatened Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus)

Lesser prairie-chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) have been declining range wide since the early 1900's despite efforts to establish conservation and improve their habitat. In early 2014, the lesser prairie-chicken was listed as a threatened species under the U.S Endangered Species Act and the need to find out why they are declining is more important than ever. Nine hunter shot lesser prairie-chickens were donated and sampled for the presence or absence of the eyeworm Oxyspirura petrowi, a known parasite that can cause damage to the eye of its host, and common environmental contaminants. Eyeworm infection was found in 7 of 9 birds (78% infection rate) with an infection range between 0–16 O. petrowi per bird. Breast, liver, and fat tissue samples from the lesser prairie-chickens were analyzed for the frequency of 20 organochlorine pesticides. Femurs and livers were also tested on these birds for metal contaminants. Pesticides were found in several samples above the detection limits but were still in the low ng/g range. Notable was the ubiquitous presence of endrin aldehyde across all tissues. One femur showed 5.66 µg/g of lead (Pb) but this is still relatively low. No liver samples had elevated mercury (Hg) above detection limits. The presence of these organochlorines is consistent with the historic use of pesticides in this region. With pesticide and metals found in such low levels and parasitic nematode infections at rather high levels, it is recommended that these parasites be further evaluated as a contributing factor to the decline of the lesser prairie-chicken.
Coordinated agency versus autonomous consumers in health services markets.

Despite widespread acceptance of the competitive market model in the U.S. health care system, debate continues regarding the optimal form of competition and the patient-professional relationship. The managed care model envisions organizations that act as the consumer’s agent, addressing the challenges that consumers face in the market for health care services. The consumer-directed health plan model envisions autonomous, well-informed, price-conscious consumers shopping among providers unconstrained by organizational affiliations. Although advocates of these two approaches stress their philosophical differences, the realities of the market suggest that both models, as well as hybrids, might be valued by consumers.
Male Circumcision, Religious Preferences, and the Question of Harm

(2003). Male Circumcision, Religious Preferences, and the Question of Harm. The American Journal of Bioethics: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 61-62.
Diversity of marine microbes in a changing Mediterranean Sea

Unicellular microbes are fundamental players in the ecosystem functioning and biogeochemistry of the Mediterranean Sea. Due to the unique hydrological, geological and geomorphological features, the basin is a biodiversity hot-spot of multicellular organisms, and likewise can harbor peculiar assemblages of microbes if compared to other oceans. However, we still know little about the diversity of Mediterranean microbes, due to past methodological constraints only recently conquerable with next generation sequencing of DNA and metagenomics. This review aims at summarizing the knowledge on microbial diversity in the basin, by focusing on prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) in pelagic and benthic habitats. Richness of bacterioplankton and archaeoplankton assemblages is high in surface and deep waters, and shows consistent horizontal and vertical patterns. Members of the SAR11 clade of Alphaproteobacteria dominate surface bacterial assemblages, followed by other Alphaproteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes and uncultured Gammaproteobacteria, with a different contribution according to distance from land and human impact. Meso- and bathypelagic bacterial assemblages are conversely dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, the most representative being the Mediterranean Alteromonas macleodii “deep-ecotype”, followed by other taxa such as Delta- and Betaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes and Chloroflexi. Archaeoplankton richness is lower, and assemblages differ between water layers, with higher abundance and diversity of Euryarchaeota in the surface, and of Crenarchaeota Marine Group (MG) I, among which specific Mediterranean ecotypes, in deeper layers. In the sediments, abundance and richness of bacteria are always higher than archaea. Surface benthic bacterial assemblages are dominated by Gamma- and Deltaproteobacteria, followed by Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes, and display community composition changes between coastal and deep-sea settings. Benthic archaea show dominance of Crenarchaeota MGI in deep-sea sediments, but their phylogenetic diversity is still poorly known. Pelagic and benthic assemblages include a large proportion of rare taxa, the contribution of which to the ecosystem functioning is unknown. Continuing the exploration of Mediterranean microbes will provide a “next generation” body of knowledge, which needs to be put into the context of climate change and the anthropogenic pressure affecting this highly vulnerable basin.
The pituitary-adrenal response to ether stress in the spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rat

Abstract The pituitary-adrenal response to ether stress in the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive (WKYN) rat was investigated at three time intervals: 0, 30, and 60 min after exposure to ether vapor. Plasma corticosterone concentrations were significantly higher in the WKYN than SHR rat before stress (0 min), and 30 min after stress. However, 60 min following ether stress the magnitude of increase in plasma and adrenal concentration of corticosterone over basal values was greater in the SHR line than in the WKYN line. The adrenal response to IV administration of 100 μU of ACTH was equivalent in the two lines. The data suggest that the prolonged adrenal response to ether stress in the SHR line is the result of a greater or more prolonged secretion of ACTH in that line than in the WKYN animals.