cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newly Discovered Antiterminator RNAs in Bacteriophage

Antiterminator RNA directly modifies the transcription elongation complex so that it terminates less efficiently at intrinsic and factor-dependent terminators. These unusual RNAs were first discovered in bacteriophage HK022, where the nascent transcripts of the phage put sites promote full expression of phage genes during lytic infection. The activity of antiterminator RNA depends on specific structural elements that form as the transcript exits RNA polymerase. To further our understanding of the critical sequence features that permit RNA to serve as a transcriptional antiterminator, we have identified eight antiterminator RNA sequences in bacteriophages or prophages. There is strong sequence conservation among most of the put sequences, but sequence divergence is tolerated if critical structural elements are preserved. The most diverged antiterminator RNA is found in bacteriophage HK639. The HK639 putL transcript is an efficient antiterminator, and it has a novel structural feature that is critical for its activity. HK639 also displays a unique pattern of sensitivity to amino acid substitutions in the β' subunit zinc binding domain of RNA polymerase, adding to existing evidence that this domain interacts specifically with antiterminator RNA.
Can Formal Rules of Order be Used as an Accurate Proxy for Behaviour Internal to a Legislature? Evidence from Costa Rica

Scholars rely heavily on formal rules to classify legislatures, but parchment institutions may only tell part of the story about how the chamber works. Behind-the-scenes behaviour may counter-balance or temper the power distribution created by formal rules. To begin examining if formal rules are an accurate predictor of actual behaviour, we analyse standing committees in Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly. We find that despite the formal institutions that favour a majoritarian bonus, the opposition party is a full participant in the legislative process in committee sessions. Opposition deputies participate equally or more so than majority party deputies, and deputies of all parties work together to investigate bills and kill legislation evaluated to be flawed, which indicates that formal rules are only one component to understanding legislative behaviour.
Nuclear fusion-defective phenocopies in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: mating-type functions for meiosis can act through the cytoplasm.

Abstract Nuclear fusion in newly formed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii zygotes can be inhibited by drugs that affect microtubule stability, which include colchicine, amiprophosmethyl, oryzalin, and taxol. This inhibition can be monitored genetically by the production of haploid meiotic products from conjugations between haploid and diploid parents. Such zygotes would normally produce aneuploid progeny. Inhibition of nuclear fusion by colchicine requires treatment of gametic cells both before conjugation and after formation of the zygotes. These results suggest that nuclear fusion requires dynamic microtubules. Treated zygotes formed from a haploid-diploid mating can produce six spores, but only four spores germinate to form viable haploid colonies. No contribution from the nuclear genome of the haploid parent is recovered, whereas all loci from the diploid parent are recovered. The four viable products from the diploid parent of inhibited zygotes show normal segregation of loci located on linkage groups segregating according to Mendelian laws. Levels of meiotic recombination were tested for pairs of loci on linkage groups XVIII and XIX and found to be unchanged by inhibition of nuclear fusion. Thus, similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, C. reinhardtii mating-type functions necessary for nuclear fusion are not nuclear limited and can act through the cytoplasm. Inhibition of nuclear fusion can be used to analyze diploid Chlamydomonas that cannot enter meiosis. This technique permits direct analysis of dominant mutations, dominant suppressors and enhancers, and new alleles of identified loci that have been isolated in diploid strains.
Ventilatory and Heart Rate Responses to Exercise Better Predictors of Heart Failure Mortality Than Peak Oxygen Consumption

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article by Robbins et al1 describing how exercise-related ventilatory and heart rate responses better predict heart failure mortality than peak exercise oxygen consumption.2 Although Robbins et al1 correctly state that other investigators have shown that exercise-related ventilatory abnormalities can be useful in predicting mortality,3 they fail to acknowledge the fact that our group4 previously published similar findings, which demonstrated that ventilatory abnormalities were related to outcome in congestive heart failure. Importantly, we demonstrated that by combining ventilatory abnormalities and peak exercise oxygen consumption, patients at a particularly high …
A generalized volatility bound for dynamic economies

We develop a generalization of the Hansen-Jagannathan (1991) volatility bound that (i) incorporates the serial correlation properties of return data and (ii) allows us to calculate a spectral version of the bound. This generalization enables us to judge whether models match important aspects of the data in the long run, at business cycle frequencies, seasonal frequencies, etc. Our generalization is related to the space onto which the model IMRS is projected. Instead of specifying the projection to be a linear combination of contemporaneous returns, we let the projection live in a linear space of current, past and future returns. We show that the spectrum of the model IMRS must exceed the spectrum of our bounding IMRS. Our bound permits evaluation of models without requiring their explicit solution in a way that respects the dynamic implications of the fundamental component of the models, namely, the Euler equation that links asset returns to the IMRS.
The Spectrum of Nonepileptic Events in Children

Nonepileptic events (NEE) are common in children, and can be difficult to distinguish from epileptic events. Several strategies can assist in differentiation. The first is an age-based approach to the differential of commonly presenting EEs in neonates, infants, and adolescents. The next strategy is to identify key elements of the patient's history to narrow the possibilities, and third is a rational approach to ancillary testing. There are additional challenges to the diagnosis and evaluation of NEEs in patients with cognitive impairments or mental retardation (MR). Twenty to 25% of neurologically normal patients (34), and up to 60% of children with MR (35) referred for an evaluation of seizures, have NEE. In most instances, the clinical history leads to the diagnosis, and ancillary testing serves as confirmation. But in certain populations, neonates, children with concurrent epilepsy, children in whom pseudoseizures are suspected, and children with MR, early use of video-EEG telemetry is indicated to establish the diagnosis and avoid overtreatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).
Molecular Dissociation Produced by Fast Heavy Ion Bombardment

A technique has been developed to study the dissociative ionization of molecules by fast, heavy ions. A pulsed beam of projectiles is focused into a differentially-pumped chamber containing a gaseous, molecular target. The fragment ions from the molecular target are investigated by measuring their kinetic energy and their time-of-flight (TOF) from the collision region to a detector. The simultaneous measurement of kinetic energy and TOF separates the fragments according to their mass-to-charge ratios and yields the kinetic energy spectrum of each. This time-energy spectroscopy method has been applied to several diatomic molecules and methane. Dissociative states of molecules and ionizing collisions by different projectiles have been investigated.
The Growth Of Selected Desmid (Desmidiales, Chlorophyta) Taxa At Different Calcium And Ph Levels

A B S T RA CT The growth of clonal isolates of Closterium moniliferum and Cosmarium granatum from hard waters and Triploceras gracile from an acid bog was examined at two different levels of calcium and pH. Low pH and low calcium favored the growth of Triploceras, whereas Closterium grew equally well at both calcium levels but preferred the higher pH. Cosmarium favored both high pH and a high calcium concentration. Each taxon was affected by an interaction of the parameters on the growth rates. The results from studies on these taxa do not completely support the generalizations generated by previous investigations on the chemical factors affecting the growth and distribution of desmids; the controlling influences may, therefore, involve a complex interaction of factors which are unique for individual taxa or groups of taxa.
Sex-specific dissociations in autonomic and HPA responses to stress and cues in alcohol-dependent patients with cocaine abuse.

Aims: Chronic alcohol and drug dependence leads to neuroadaptations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic adrenal medullary (SAM) stress systems, which impact response sensitivity to stress and alcohol cue and facilitates risk of relapse. To date, gender variations in these systems have not been fully assessed in abstinent alcohol-dependent individuals who also met criteria for cocaine abuse. Methods: Forty-two (21 M/21 F) early abstinent treatment-seeking substance-abusing (SA) men and women and 42 (21 M/21 F) healthy control (HC) volunteers were exposed to three 5-min guided imagery conditions (stress, alcohol/drug cue, neutral relaxing), presented randomly, one per day across three consecutive days. Alcohol craving and anxiety ratings were obtained as well as measures of heart rate (HR), blood pressure, plasma ACTH, cortisol, norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI). Results: SA males showed increased ACTH and EPI basal tone compared with HC males and SA females. However, they demonstrated no increase in ACTH and cortisol levels following stress and alcohol cue imagery exposure compared to the neutral condition. SA females demonstrated a typically increased stress response in both measures. In addition, SA males showed no increase in cardiovascular response to either stress or cue, and no increase in catecholamine response to cue compared with their response to neutral imagery. Again, this dampening was not observed in HC males who produced significantly higher levels of cue-related HR and EPI, and significantly higher stress-related DBP. In contrast, SA females showed an enhanced ACTH and cortisol response to stress and cue compared with neutral imagery and this was not observed in the HC females. They also demonstrated a reduced increase in NE and EPI compared with both SA males and HC females as well as reduced HR compared with HC females. Conclusions: While SA males showed a generalized suppression of HPA, SAM system and cardiovascular markers following both stress and cue, SA women demonstrated a selective sympatho-adrenal suppression to stress only and an enhanced HPA response to both stress and cue. These gender variations are discussed in terms of their potential impact on relapse vulnerability and treatment outcome.
Spatial evolution of a sting clientele

Abstract Storefront stings have been a popular police tactic for over fifteen years. This article is concerned with the development of a storefront sting clientele, with a particular focus on changes in the spatial distribution of sting clients during the life of a project. Data used in the analysis are from a 1985 Birmingham, Alabama sting project. Through the use of centrographic methods the study revealed a tendency for the sting clientele to remain closely tied to the sting site. The conclusion is that the sting location decision raises equity concerns that must be considered in future sting project efforts.
Detecting fabrication of data in a multicenter collaborative animal study.

Abstract In 1980–1981 the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsored a multicenter study of animal models for protection of ischemic myocardium (AMPIM). After data collection for the study was complete, problems were identified with data from one of the labs. This article deals with the issue of statistical evidence versus hard evidence as well as the process of crossing the boundary from suspicion to certainty regarding the nature and extent of the problem.
Deuterium exchange in sesamol

Trifluoroacetic acid-catalyzed exchange of sesamol in 2H2O results in rapid exchange of H-6 and slower exchange of H-2. The deuterium atoms introduced are retained during conversion to the methyl and allyl ethers.
Strain is the name of the game

Abstract Following up our first report last issue, Mike Davies of the Institute for Microstructural Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, presents his personal over-view of IPRM-V held at the Maison de la Chimie, Paris, in April.
MOLECULAR EVIDENCE FOR THE ORIGIN OF THE S‐DERIVED GENOMES OF POLYPLOID TRITICUM SPECIES

The genus Triticum includes several polyploid species that arose due to hybridization between two or more diploid species. Section Sitopsis is comprised of five diploid species given the genome designation S. Four polyploid species are recognized that contain an S or S-derived genome. We have used two repetitive DNA sequences found primarily in the S genomes of Triticum to determine the likely diploid progenitors of the polyploid species. Comparison of restriction fragments that hybridize to probes for these sequences suggests that T. speltoides is distinct from other members of section Sitopsis (i.e., T. longissimum, T. bicorne, T. searsii, and T. sharonense). The S-derived genome of T. aestivum is more closely related to T. speltoides than to the other Sitopsis diploids. The restriction fragment pattern of T. timopheevii is 98% identical to that of T. speltoides, while those of T. kotschyi and T. syriacum are identical to the group of diploids represented by T. longissimum, T. bicorne, T. searsii, and T. sharonense. Our results are compatible with previous molecular and biochemical data regarding relationships among Triticum species containing an S or S-derived genome.
Amyloid imaging of alzheimer’s disease using pittsburgh compound B

The advent of human amyloid imaging represents a research breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is now possible to detect the early stages of cerebral amyloidosis, a major pathologic component of AD, in living humans using positron emission tomography (PET). This technology will likely enable earlier AD diagnosis, but further research is required to determine whether a positive amyloid PET scan predicts imminent decline in questionably or mildly impaired individuals, and whether amyloid PET can be used to track the efficacy of emerging antiamyloid therapeutic agents. Initial human data are encouraging but suggest that individual amyloid PET findings should be interpreted cautiously, because cerebral amyloidosis precedes and does not equate with either clinical AD or pathologic criteria that define AD.
A comparative study of the influence of oxygen on lactate dehydrogenase.

Abstract 1. 1. Homogenates of retina, liver and brain tissue from trout, frogs and dogs were exposed to hyperbaric tensions of oxygen and nitrogen for 24 hr and then assayed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. 2. 2. With the exception of trout retina all tissue preparations exhibited a lower LDH activity when exposed to hyperbaric oxygen. In general, the electrophoretic obilities of the various LDH isozymes were not altered by exposure to high oxygen thus the decrease in enzyme activity could not be associated with changes in tertiary structure or intermolecular disulfide bridge formation. 3. 3. It is hypothesized that the observed decreased LDH activity is caused by oxygen affecting the active and/or allosteric site on the enzyme. 4. 4. Apparently there is some protective mechanism which prevents inactivation of teleost retinal LDH upon exposure to hyperbaric oxygen tensions. 5. 5. Mammalian hepatic, retinal and brain tissue demonstrated altered LDH kinetics after oxygen treatment. Increased Km values signified a decreased affinity of the enzyme for substrate resulting in a decreased rate of product formation after oxygen exposure. 6. 6. Analyses of data for LDH activity in the teleost retina according to the “Michaelis-Menten constant” indicated that the enhanced enzyme activity in the oxygen exposed tissue was related to an increase in the affinity of the enzyme for substrate (i.e. decrease in Km value).
Elastic lidar measurements of summer nocturnal low level jet events over Baltimore, Maryland

Elastic lidar (532 nm) measurements were carried out by the Atmospheric Lidar Group at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC, 39.25° N, 76.70° W) during meteorological conditions that favored the formation of the nocturnal low level jet (NLLJ) over the United States Mid-Atlantic region. The lidar timeseries from three case studies showed the intrusion of the NLLJ air mass into the nocturnal boundary layer (NBL) and the subsequent displacement of aerosols that were used for tracing atmospheric motion. Three distinctive regions were identified in the timeseries: 1) a wedging zone within the residual layer, that was heavily laden with aerosols, at the onset of the NLLJ, 2) a lofted layer of particulates above the “clean” jet core, and 3) a region where the lofted layer collapsed that was conterminous with the diminishing NLLJ below, and characterized by downward mixing analogous to turbulent wake regions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Rapid Update Cycle (RUC, grid 252) model was used to analyze the horizontal extent and vertical structure of the NLLJ and to compare with observations acquired during these events. A conceptual model is proposed to highlight the role of the NLLJ, during similar weather patterns, in the regional transport of pollutants and their impact on poor air quality episodes in the Mid-Atlantic United States.
Iodination of zeta protein by lactoperoxidase. Chloroperoxidase and chloramine T.

Abstract Normal and Rous sarcoma virus transformed chicken embryo fibroblasts cultured on petri dishes were labeled with 125I by two enzymic methods and one chemical method. The enzymic labeling systems employed chloroperoxidase and lactoperoxidase. Hydrogen peroxide was generated by glucose oxidase and glucose. The chemical method used chloramine T as the oxidant for iodide ion. After solubilization of cells, SDS disc gel electrophoresis and gamma counting, it was found that only one cell protein was predominantly labeled in all three reactions. This protein, a major cell surface protein, has been previously identified and termed Zeta protein. Zeta protein disappears from transformed cells and is susceptible to trypsin digestion.
Synthesis of [17,18-3H]trans-13-azaprostanoic acid. A labeled probe for the PGH2/TXA2 receptor

Because of its highly unstable nature, TXA2, produced by platelet metabolism of arachidonic acid, does not lend itself to use as a receptor probe for its own receptor. As such, the stable TXA2/PGH2 antagonist, trans-13-azaprostanoic acid (trans-13-APA, 12b), was prepared as the [17, 18 3H] derivative [( 3H] trans-13-APA, 12c) to study this receptor and to better evaluate the mechanism of action of these azaprostanoids. Tritiated trans-13-APA, 12c, was prepared in nearly theoretical specific activity (57 Ci/mmole) from (17Z)-trans-13-azaprost-17-enoic acid (11b) by catalytic tritiation. The unsaturated 11b was prepared by condensation of cis-7-amino-3-heptene (8) with 2-(6-carboxyhexyl) cyclopentanone (9), NaBH4 reduction, chromatography, and hydrolysis of the trans isomer so isolated. The olefins 11a and b were also of biochemical interest because of the unsaturation in the lower side chain. The presence of similar unsaturation in PGH3(4) and TXA3 (3) renders these prostaglandins inactive as proaggregatory agents. Evaluation of the antiaggregatory activity of 11a and b indicated it to be about the same potency in inhibiting human platelet aggregation as the parent cis and trans-13-APAs, suggesting that introduction of a double bond at the 17 position in platelet prostaglandin antagonists is unlikely to result in enhanced antiplatelet activity.
The influence of CuOBaO mixture addition on the grain growth and dielectric characteristics of BaTiO3 ceramics

Abstract Densification, grain growth, and dielectric characteristics of BaTiO3 during liquid-phase sintering of BaTiO3 ceramics was investigated for CuOBaO (molar ratio, CuO BaO = 1, 2, and 2.5 ) mixture addition. Sintering in air for 1 to 16 h at 950 to 1250 °C was studied. The grain growth for CuO-BaO mixtures fluxed BaTiO3 was analysed from the kinetic growth equation: Gn = kot∗exp(− Q/ RT). The average grain growth exponents are about 5.3, 5, and 4.3 and grain growth activation energy are 290 ± 60, 314 ± 40, and 348 ± 19 kJ mol−1 for BaTiO3 fluxed with CuO BaO = 1, 2, and 2.5 , respectively. For the same sintering condition as the CuO BaO ratio increases, the maximum dielectric constant (revealed at Tc) increases, the tetragonal-cubic phase transition (Tc) is shifted to lower temperature, and the orthorhomic-tetragonal phase transition is moved to higher temperature.
An examination of long-rod penetration

Abstract The one-dimensional modified Bernoulli theory of Tate [J. Mech. Phys. Solids15, 287–399 (1967)] is often used to examine long-rod penetration into semi-infinite targets. The theory is summarized and the origins of the target resistance term examined. Numerical simulations were performed of a tungsten-alloy, long-rod projectile into a semi-infinite hardened steel target at three impact velocities sufficiently high to result in projectile erosion. The constitutive responses of the target and projectile were varied parametrically to assess the effects of strain hardening, strain-rate hardening, and thermal softening on penetration response. The results of one of the numerical simulations were selected to compare and contrast in detail with the predictions of the Tate model.
Age-related parenting stress differences in mothers of children with spina bifida.

Summary.-This study examined whether ages of child and parent were risk factors for general parenting stress and disability-specific stress in families of children with spina bifida. Parents of 64 children with spina bifida completed the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, Parents of Children with Disabilities Inventory, and measures of family support and resources. Scores of families with children under 6 years (preschool) versus 6- to 12-yr.-old children (school age) were compared, as were scores of mothers above or below Age 35. Parents of school-aged children reported significantly higher stress on the Concerns for the Child domain of the Parents of Children with Disabilities Inventory. Mothers over 35 tended to report higher stress in the Concerns for the Child and MedicaVLegal Concerns domains of the Parents of Children with Disabilities Inventory. No associations with medical severity, socioeconomic status, family resources, or family support were detected. As the children age and disability-related differences become more apparent, the same level of functioning and severity of disability may be associated with additional parenting stress. Older mothers and those with school-age children may need more resources than current social support systems typically provide.
What Reality-Based Policing Television Series Don’t Show You

in the Hood provides the reader with an insiders view of the operation of a large, urban American police department. The author, Peter Moskos, follows in the research methodology of John van Maanen (1972) by subscribing to the belief that some things simply cannot be learned through books or surveys. He thus becomes an active participant in his research by enrolling as a police recruit with the Baltimore Police Department and subsequently spending a year working the street in Baltimore s eastern district. The eastern district of
Pilonidal cysts: Excision and primary suture in ambulatory patients

Abstract 1. 1. A review of the etiology and pathology of pilonidal cysts and sinuses has been presented. 2. 2. A method of treatment has been given, of which the essential details are: 2.1. a. Primary control of the infection and inflammatory reaction; 2.2. b. Excision of the cyst and sinus, when free of infection and inflammation, under local anesthesia; 2.3. c. Primary suture of the wound with care to obliterate dead space; 2.4. d. The patient is ambulatory throughout his period of treatment. 3. 3. This method has given good permanent results (92 per cent cures) with few (3) recurrences. The patients had an average healing period of 17.4 days and an average of two days lost from work. The economic advantages to be derived from this form of treatment are pointed out.
Relational barriers to depression help-seeking in primary care.

Abstract Objective To identify attitudinal and interpersonal barriers to depression care-seeking and disclosure in primary care and in so doing, evaluate the primary care paradigm for depression care in the United States. Methods Fifteen qualitative focus group interviews in three cities. Study participants were English-speaking men and women aged 25–64 with first-hand knowledge of depression. Transcripts were analyzed iteratively for recurring themes. Results Participants expressed reservations about the ability of primary care physicians (PCPs) to meet their mental health needs. Specific barriers included problems with PCP competence and openness as well as patient–physician trust. While many reflected positively on their primary care experiences, some doubted PCPs’ knowledge of mental health disorders and believed mental health concerns fell outside the bounds of primary care. Low-income participants in particular shared stories about the essentiality, and ultimate fragility, of patient-PCP trust. Conclusion Patients with depression may be deterred from care-seeking or disclosure by relational barriers including perceptions of PCPs’ mental health-related capabilities and interests. Practice implications PCPs should continue to develop their depression management skills while supporting vigorous efforts to inform the public that primary care is a safe and appropriate venue for treatment of common mental health conditions.
The aortic valve dynamics role in the recovery treatments of patients with left ventricular assist devices

This paper intends to define an optimal range for the pump speed of Rotary Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) that are used in bridge-to-recovery treatments. If the pump is operating within that optimal range, the aortic valve will be working properly (i.e. opening and closing) in each cardiac cycle. The proper operation of the aortic valve is a very important factor in helping the heart muscle recovers. The optimal range varies depending on the severity of the Heart Failure (HF) and the level of activity of the patient. A comparison is shown between the total flow produced as a result of operating the pump within the optimal range and the physiological demand of the patient. The comparison suggests that for cases of mild to moderate HF the flow produced is close to the physiological demand, but in severe cases the flow is significantly less than what the patient requires. Furthermore, our results suggest that data from the pump flow and the left ventricle volume signals can be used to test whether or not the aortic valve is experiencing permanent closure. Also an investigation of the aortic valve opening duration is presented for two cases: first, for mild HF case with varying Heart Rate (HR) and then for fixed HR and mild to severe HF cases. These Simulation results are obtained using a 6th order mathematical model of the cardiovascular-LVAD system.
Independent predictors of survival in primary systemic (Al) amyloidosis, including cardiac biomarkers and left ventricular strain imaging: an observational cohort study

Background The prognostic value of Doppler myocardial imaging, including myocardial velocity imaging, strain, and strain rate imaging, in patients with primary (AL) amyloidosis is uncertain. The aim of this longitudinal study was to identify independent predictors of survival, comparing clinical data, hematologic and cardiac biomarkers, and standard echocardiographic and Doppler myocardial imaging measures in a cohort of patients with AL amyloidosis. Methods A total of 249 consecutive patients with AL amyloidosis were prospectively enrolled. The primary end point was all-cause mortality, and during a median follow-up period of 18 months, 75 patients (30%) died. Clinical and electrocardiographic data, biomarkers (brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin T) and standard echocardiographic and longitudinal systolic and diastolic Doppler myocardial imaging measurements for 16 left ventricular segments were tested as potential independent predictors of survival. Results Age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; P = .03), New York Heart Association class III or IV (HR, 2.47; P = .01), the presence of pleural effusion (HR, 1.79; P = .08), brain natriuretic peptide level (HR, 1.29; P = .01), ejection time (HR, 0.99; P = .13), and peak longitudinal systolic strain of the basal anteroseptal segment (HR, 1.05; P = .02) were independent predictors in the final model. Conclusions Multivariate survival analysis identified independent predictors of clinical outcome in patients with AL amyloidosis: New York Heart Association class III or IV, presence of pleural effusion, brain natriuretic peptide level > 493 pg/mL, ejection time
An optimal algorithm for the maximum three-chain problem

Given a two-dimensional point set $\rho $, a chain C is a subset of $\rho $ in which for every two points one is dominated by the other. A k-chain is a subset of $\rho $ that can be partitioned into k-chains. The size of a k-chain is the total number of its points. A k-chain with maximum size, among all possible k-chains, is called a maximumk-chain. First geometric properties of k-chains are studied for an arbitrary k. Then a $\Theta (n\log n)$-time algorithm is presented for finding a maximum three-chain in a point set $\rho $, where $n = |\rho |$.
THE FUTURE OF POSTMORTEM RESEARCH

up such an online publically available database, the Stanley Neuropathology Consortium Integrative Database (SNCID; http:// sncid.stanleyresearch.org). The database currently integrates 1,747 datasets from neuropathology studies using 12 different brain regions and genome-wide expression microarray datasets from three independent studies using frontal cortex and cerebellum. All data are derived from the same 60 cases, 15 each with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and unaffected controls. Additional SNP-array data, microRNA array data, and methylation array data from the same cohort will eventually be included as will similar data on another cohort of 105 brains, 35 each with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and unaffected controls. User-friendly statistical tools such as descriptive analysis, variance analysis, and correlation analysis are included. An interface links the SNCID to a functional annotation database, DAVID (http://david. abcc.ncifcrf.gov), that enables users to efficiently explore genes and pathways that underlie the mental disorders. Our initial genomewide correlation study using the integrated database demonstrated that several previously identified candidate genes for schizophrenia were significantly correlated with abnormalities of cytorchitectural traits in the frontal cortex. We also explored the possible genetic causalities that may underlie the cytoarchitectural abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia by converging results from genome-wide SNP scans for the traits and expression SNP associations. The integrative analysis yielded novel candidate genes for the abnormalities including a glutamine transporter. Thus, such applications of the database could also potentially lead to the identification of molecular targets for drug development.
Use of Nitrocellulose Membranes for Protein Characterization by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

We present an improved method for MALDI-MS analysis of proteins that have been electroblotted onto a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane. With this approach, electroblotted proteins can be analyzed directly for intact molecular weight determination or after on-membrane digestion by dissolution of the nitrocellulose in MALDI matrix solution containing 70% acetonitrile and 30% methanol. This solution helps maintain solubility of proteins and peptides while dissolving the NC membrane, which is dissolved by 100% acetone in other protocols. On-membrane tryptic digestion using this method requires half the time of in-gel digestion and results in fewer missed cleavages and better protein coverage. For the membrane proteins studied, bovine uroplakins II and III, the protein coverage was almost twice that provided by conventional in-gel digestion, and the transmembrane domains of both uroplakins were detected only after on-membrane digestion. We also demonstrated the compatibility with MALDI-MS of a new dye, MemCode, which is specifically designed for staining NC membrane-immobilized proteins and is faster and more sensitive than Ponceau-S. Our improved on-membrane digestion protocol greatly improves the study of soluble and, particularly strikingly, integral membrane proteins by mass spectrometry.
Effect of Interfacial Sulfur on Oxidation Behavior and Oxide Adhesion to Fe(111)

We report the first STM observations of the thermally induced dewetting of an iron oxide scale from an Fe(111) surface. In addition, we report the influence of the presence of S at the metal/oxide interface on substrate topography. Room-temperature oxidation of S-free and (1 × 1)-S-covered Fe(111) surfaces at oxygen partial pressures of 1 × 10-7 to 5 × 10-7 Torr resulted in the growth of oxide islands, with the only difference being the formation of larger islands in the latter case. Line shape analyses of the Fe(MVV) peak indicated a similar growth mechanism in both cases, with the formation of Fe3O4 initially and Fe2O3 at higher exposures of O2. Flash annealing of the oxide formed on the S-free and (1 × 1)-S-covered surfaces in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) resulted in oxide dewetting, leaving larger oxide islands separated by S-free or S-covered Fe regions, respectively. The presence of S at the metal/oxide interface causes oxide dewetting to occur at lower temperatures than those on a S-free surface. In the ...
Providence and Divine Action

In the preface to his book God the Problem, Gordon Kaufman writes ‘Although the notion of God as agent seems presupposed by most contemporary theologians … Austin Farrer has been almost alone in trying to specify carefully and consistently just what this might be understood to mean.’
Asymmetric reverting behavior of short-horizon stock returns: An evidence of stock market overreaction

Abstract This paper investigates the uneven mean reverting pattern of monthly return indexes of the NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ, using asymmetric non-linear smooth-transition (ANST) GARCH models. It also evaluates the extent to which time-varying volatility in the index returns support the stock market overreaction hypothesis. The models illuminate patterns of asymmetric mean reversion and risk decimation. Between 1926:01 and l997:12, not only did negative returns reverse to positive returns quicker than positive returns reverted to negative ones, but negative returns, in fact, reduced risk premiums from predictable high volatility. The findings support the market overreaction hypotheses. The asymmetry is due to the mispricing behavior on the part of investors who overreact to certain market news. The findings also corroborate arguments for the “contrarian” portfolio strategy.
Cationic Polymerization and Insertion Chemistry in the Reactions of Vinyl Ethers with (α-Diimine)PdMe+ Species

The reactions of (alpha-diimine)PdMe(+) species (1, alpha-diimine = (2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3))N=CMeCMe=N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3))) with vinyl ethers CH(2)=CHOR (2a-g: R = (t)Bu (a), Et (b), SiMe(3) (c), SiMe(2)Ph (d), SiMePh(2) (e), SiPh(3) (f), Ph (g); 2a-g: R = (t)Bu (a), Et (b), SiMe(3) (c), SiMe(2)Ph (d), SiMePh(2) (e), SiPh(3) (f), Ph (g)) were investigated. Two pathways were observed. First, 1 initiates the cationic polymerization of 2a-c with concomitant decomposition of 1 to Pd(0). This reaction proceeds by formation of (alpha-diimine)PdR'(CH(2)=CHOR)(+) pi complexes (R' = Me or CH(2)CHMeOR from insertion), in which the vinyl ether C=C bond is polarized with carbocation character at the substituted carbon (C(int)). Electrophilic attack of C(int) on monomer initiates polymerization. Second, 1 reacts with stoichiometric quantities of 2a-g by formation of (alpha-diimine)PdMe(CH(2)=CHOR)(+) (3a-g), insertion to form (alpha-diimine)Pd(CH(2)CHMeOR)(+) (4a-g), reversible isomerization to (alpha-diimine)Pd(CMe(2)OR)(+) (5a-g), beta-OR elimination of 4a-g to generate (alpha-diimine)Pd(OR)(CH(2)=CHMe)(+) (not observed), and allylic C-H activation to yield (alpha-diimine)Pd(eta(3)-C(3)H(5))(+) (6) and ROH. Binding strengths vary in the order 2a > 2b approximately 2c > 2d approximately 2g > 2e > 2f. Strongly electron-donating OR groups increase the binding strength, while steric crowding has the opposite effect. The insertion rates vary in the order 3a < 3b < 3c < 3d < 3e < 3f < 3g; this trend is determined primarily by the relative ground-state energies of 3a-g. The beta-OR elimination rates vary in the order O(t)Bu < OSiR(3) < OPh. For 2d-g, the insertion chemistry out-competes cationic polymerization even at high vinyl ether concentrations. beta-OR elimination of 4/5 mixtures is faster for SbF(6)(-) salts than B(C(6)F(5))(4)(-) salts. The implications of these results for olefin/vinyl ether copolymerization are discussed.
Stretch reflexes from the main pulmonary artery to the systemic circulation.

In open-chest dogs, the greater and lesser circulations were perfused by a system of pumps and oxygenator. All blood was drained from the right heart and from the left atrium. in most experiments, there was no dissection around the pulmonary hila, the aorta, or the pulmonary artery. A 30-ml. balloon (Foley catheter) was inserted into the pulmonary artery through a stab wound in the wall of the right ventricle. Pressures were recorded in the pulmonary-artery balloon and in a femoral artery. In other experiments, the main pulmonary artery was distended with blood at known pressures after hydraulic isolation with ligatures and snares. When the main pulmonary artery was distended proximal to its bifurcation, constriction of the systemic arteries occurred. This phenomenon was abolished by local anesthesia of the wall of the main pulmonary artery, by interrupting conduction in the vagi, by a sympatholytic drug, and by reflex systemic hypotension elicited by multiple small pulmonary emboli. The pressor reflex from the pulmonary artery to the systemic circulation was not influenced by changes of pulmonary blood flow or by inflation of other balloons in various chambers of the heart. Limitations inherent in the experimental procedure did not permit us to assign physiological significance to the phenomenon.
Polyaniline‐coated nanoelectrospray emitters treated with hydrophobic polymers at the tip

In nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) techniques, the hydrophilic character of the emitters generally produces large bases for the Taylor cones, thereby generating relatively large droplet sizes and consequently reduced sensitivity. In order to minimize this ‘wetting’ effect in nanoESI, a model hydrophobic polymer (an acrylic paint) was coated at the tip of commercial polyaniline (PANI)-coated emitters, and their performance was compared with that of unmodified PANI emitters using oxytocin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) solutions. In experiments with oxytocin, the hydrophobic emitter produced higher signal intensities (up to 3.6 times) as well as higher signal-to-noise ratios (33% increase) than those from the unmodified PANI emitter. In addition, the hydrophobic emitter showed reusability and a slightly wider linear dynamic range (10 nM to 50 µM, r2 = 0.9938) than that from the unmodified PANI emitter (10 nM to 10 µM, r2 = 0.9904). In the case of NPY, the hydrophobic emitter also enabled an approximately 350-fold overall increase in sensitivity than the unmodified PANI emitter (70 zmol vs. 25 amol). The enhanced performance of the hydrophobic emitter clearly indicates potential for further increases in nanoESI sensitivity using emitters with tailored hydrophobic overcoatings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal loss, transitional space and the uncanny in Alison Marchant's Kingsland Road, London—East

In Alison Marchant's Kingsland Road, London—East, the artist hung her mother's petticoat on an old washing line in a basement of a derelict house in London's East End. The work existed as a temporary site-specific artwork and as a photographic work exhibited in the Photographer's Gallery, London, as part of the Exhibition Invisible Cities. Drawing from Michel de Certeau's concept of the walker as an enunciator of meaning and from Walter Benjamin's concept of the dialectical and fragmentary, this paper investigates the possible meanings of the work. It investigates meditations on the maternal loss that it evokes and draws on Winnicott's theory of transitional space and Bracha Lichtenberg Ettinger's concept of matrixial space and her redefinition of the uncanny. As a metaphor for the female body/ prostitute/hysteric, the petticoat can also be considered as a female flâneur and a disrupter of space—an anarchic figure, eroding the constructed "natural" association between women and the home. The petticoat as an object a, a residue and sign for the uncanny, becomes a figure of lack signifying the repression of the maternal and evoking a sense of unease where the viewer uncannily experiences a sense of his or her own disappearance.
Thermoregulation and water loss in the Inca dove.

Abstract 1. 1. The small Inca doves (weight 42 g) of the southern Arizona deserts live an urban existence where water in continually available but where temperature fluctuations are extreme. 2. 2. Nocturnal body temperatures are significantly lower than in daytime, but pulmocutaneous water loss rates are reduce at night primarily by metabolic reductions and extreme quiescence. 3. 3. The standard daytime metabolic rate is 1·11 cm3 O2/g/hr in thermal neutrality at TA=35°C; this is 21 per cent below that predicted from the King-Farner equation for non-passerine birds, thereby effectively reducing metabolic heat production. 4. 4. Under conditions of high TA(>35°C) hyperthermia is pronouced. But gular flutter commences at TA=42°C, increasing evaporative cooling and decreasing the TB−TA gradient. At TA=44°C metabolic heat is dissipated as fast as it is produced and equality of TB and TA is maintained.
Industry and the university.

Although less than 12% of current research funding in the life sciences derives from industry, we are witnessing the growth of a multimillion dollar academic-industrial alliance, a venture that brings significant benefit—and misgivings.
International comparison of cost for the construction sector: towards a conceptual model

Purchasing power parity (PPP) is often used by global organizations to perform international comparison of gross domestic product and other important economic indicators. Gross level comparisons include comparison of the output of the construction sector. Calculation of a construction sector PPP is a challenging endeavor incorporating aspects of construction finance, management, and estimating. The existing method in use by the World Bank relies upon a detailed estimate for a set of standard projects. The drawbacks of this method have been noted. Exploring the use of baskets of goods and services, the article finds that the inherent incorporation of labor and equipment charges is an important advantage of the standard projects method (SPM). However, the SPM is difficult and expensive to conduct. Therefore, a reduced scope of construction cost estimating is proposed, through the use of a basket-of-construction-components (BOCC). This article describes the BOCC approach that can be utilized to calculate con...
An Empirical Study on the Performance of Java/.Net Cryptographic APIs

The unprecedented growing demands on security and privacy protection ushered the proliferation of cryptographic tools. This article presents a study on the performance comparison of cryptographic Application Program Interfaces (APIs) that are implemented for the Java and the.Net frameworks. The results of the study clearly indicate the superiority of a set of commercial cryptographic APIs over its open-source counterpart.
Simple Calculus for All-Dielectric Interference Filters of the Fabry-Perot Type

Chebychev polynomials are introduced into the theory of all-dielectric first-order interference filters consisting of 2m or (2m+1) alternating high- and low-index films of equal optical thickness β on each side of a low-index spacer of thickness 2β. For the amplitude and energy transmitted by such filters, simple closed expressions are derived that will render numerical results with greater facility than any other calculus known.
Comparative evaluation of Vitek Gram-positive identification system and API Rapid Strep system for identification of Streptococcu species of bovine origin

The Vitek Gram-positive identification system (GPI, Vitek Systems, Inc., Hazelwood, MO) and the API Rapid Strep system (Analytab Products, Plainview, NY) were evaluated for species identification of streptococci isolated from bovine mammary glands and compared to conventional biochemical methods. A total of 144 strains including Streptococcus uberis (60), S. dysgalactiae (32), S. agalactiae (15), S. bovis (15), Enterococcus faecium (10) and Ent. faecalis (12) were evaluated. All reference strains were identified correctly by both systems. Vitek GPI card system identified 94.4% of strains, including 95% of S. uberis, 93.8% of S. dygalactiae, 93.3% of S. agalactiae and S. bovis II, 90% of Ent. faecium and 100% of Ent. faecalis. Majority of strains were identified with a 90-99% level of confidence, with an average of 8 h needed for identification. The API Rapid Strep system identified 96.5% of strains correctly, including 95% of S. 96.9% of S. dysgalactiae, 93.3% of S. agalactiae, and 100% of S. bovis II, Ent. faecium, and Ent. faecalis. Majority of strains were identified with excellent level of identification. With the exception of S. uberis, most strains were identified at 4 h of incubation.