cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The absence of ribothymidine in specific eukaryotic transfer RNAS: I. Glycine and threonine tRNAS of wheat embryo☆

Ribothymidine, generally considered a universal nucleotide in tRNA, is completely absent in five specific wheat embryo tRNAs. These consist of two species of glycine tRNA and three species of threonine tRNA. These tRNAs, all extensively purified, are acceptable substrates for E. coli - ribothymidine forming-uracil methylase, which produces one mole of ribothymidine per mole of tRNA. These five tRNAs account for about 90% of the wheat embryo tRNAs which are substrates for this methylase. Nucleotide sequence analysis of one of these tRNAs, tRNAGlyI, confirmed both the complete absence of ribothymidine at position 23 from the 3′end, and the presence of uridine at that site instead. In addition, it is shown that methylation with E. coli uracil methylase quantitatively converts uridine at position 23 to ribothymidine, while no other uridine in the molecule is affected. Using E. coli uracil methylase as an assay we have detected this class of ribothymidine lacking tRNA, in each case consisting of a few specific species, in other higher organisms, such as wheat seedling, fetal calf liver and beef liver, in addition to wheat embryo. We could not detect this class of tRNA in E. coli or yeast tRNA.
Microstructures and tribological characteristics of electron-beam co-deposited Ag/Mo thin film coatings

Abstract The tribological characteristics of surface coatings on a metal substrate are affected by several factors including the microstructure of the coatings, the interactions between the coating and metal substrate, and the mechanical properties of the substrate. Techniques are available to fabricate different types of metastable film structure to aid in unraveling their influences on tribological behavior. In this study, we investigated the friction and wear properties of thin film coatings consisting of Ag and Mo which were co-deposited by electron-beam evaporation in an ultra high vacuum. Ag and Mo were chosen because the metastable structures, such as extended solid solutions or nano-crystalline microstructures, can be formed by co-deposition, although alloys of the two metals cannot exist in thermodynamic equilibrium. Using a Cameron-Plint high frequency pin-on-plate friction machine, test results show that a co-deposited film having an optimum composition ratio of Ag:Mo = 69:31 (denoted by Ag69Mo31), and having a thickness of 150 nm, has the lowest friction (20%–25% reduction) and improved antiwear properties compared with coatings of other compositions. A bare steel plate after dry sliding of 30 h against a steel sphere shows substantial wear and plastic deformation. In contrast, the same plate with a thin film coating of Ag69Mo31 shows a much smoother surface. The improved tribological characteristics may be attributed to the greater wear-resistant and shearing capabilities of nano-crystalline binary mixtures on iron surfaces.
Landscape Genetics of Raccoons (Procyon lotor) Associated with Ridges and Valleys of Pennsylvania: Implications for Oral Rabies Vaccination Programs

Raccoons are the reservoir for the raccoon rabies virus variant in the United States. To combat this threat, oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programs are conducted in many eastern states. To aid in these efforts, the genetic structure of raccoons (Procyon lotor) was assessed in southwestern Pennsylvania to determine if select geographic features (i.e., ridges and valleys) serve as corridors or hindrances to raccoon gene flow (e.g., movement) and, therefore, rabies virus trafficking in this physiographic region. Raccoon DNA samples (n = 185) were collected from one ridge site and two adjacent valleys in southwestern Pennsylvania (Westmoreland, Cambria, Fayette, and Somerset counties). Raccoon genetic structure within and among these study sites was characterized at nine microsatellite loci. Results indicated that there was little population subdivision among any sites sampled. Furthermore, analyses using a model-based clustering approach indicated one essentially panmictic population was present among all th...
Fragmentation Chemistry of DMSO Complexes of Metal Dications

Recent developments in ion sources have enabled generation and mass-spectrometric investigation of multiply charged metal cations coordinated with various ligands. These ions exhibit rich dissociation chemistry, including electron transfer, proton transfer, and ligand cleavage. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is the preeminent aprotic solvent. While complexes of two dipositive metal ions with DMSO were observed previously, the fragmentation of these species has remained essentially unknown. Here we present an extensive MS/MS investigation of DMSO complexes of doubly charged divalent metal cations. We determined the minimum sizes at which dications were stable against charge reduction as well as critical sizes above which no electron or proton transfer occurs. For intermediate sizes, low-energy fragmentation pathways were elucidated in detail. Both proton and electron transfers were observed, depending on the metal. We found diverse ligand cleavage channels, the most intense being the sequential scission of one ...
Race in ovarian cancer treatment and survival: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objective There has long been recognition of racial disparities in cancer treatment and survival. In order to investigate the etiology of racial disparities in ovarian cancer, we undertook a systematic review of the published literature.
976 EVIDENCE FOR SECRETORY COMPONENT GENE EXPRESSION IN HUMAN LIVER

Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (secretory component, SC) is an intergral membrane protein synthesized by secretory epithelial cells and by hepatocytes of certain mammals. However, the synthesis, display and function of SC in human liver is not well characterized. We therefore sought evidence for SC synthesis by human liver using specific antibodies to SC to screen a library of phage expression vectors (λgtll) containing cDNA copies of human liver messenger RNA. In initial screening, 3×105 phage were plated on E. coli (Y1090) and cultured for 3 hours before transfer to nitrocellulose filters containing the inducer IPTG. After 1.5 hr, the filters were probed using polyclonal antibody to SC and I125 labeled protein-A. Clones positive by autoradiography were replated until all visible plaques gave positive signals for SC. Primary screening of the library produced 6–8 discrete signals each time. Secondary and tertiary screens yielded progressive enrichment of SC-positive plaques. A mixture of 5 monoclonal antibodies to SC confirmed that tertiary clones produced an SC-like protein. While further studies will be necessary to confirm the specificity of the gene, our studies provide the first evidence that mRNA for SC is present in human liver. Although the cell of origin is undefined, the availability of cloned genes should allow us to further define the role of SC in this and other tissues.
The collision of Jupiter and Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9

A simple description of the disruption and deceleration of 100-m- to 5-km-diameter comets striking Jupiter is combined with numerical simulations of the subsequent explosions to predict the fate of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9. Kilometer-size objects of density 1 g/cm3 explode at about the 10-bar level; a fragment of the same diameter but of density 0.3 g/cm3 explodes at about the 2-bar level. Detailed numerical simulations of the first 3 min of the explosion were performed using the astrophysical hydrodynamics program ZEUS-3D. Our numerical simulations begin either with hot cylinders with dimensions suggested by the disruption and deceleration model or with an initial wake constructed from a moving line charge. In all cases, extensive plumes of hot gas are expelled from the atmosphere. The models with wakes evolve about twice as fast as the initially confined models. Models of both types generate similar pressure waves into the planet. Temperatures and negative hydrogen ion opacities were computed by solving a battery of Saha equations. For atmospheric entry, light curves were computed assuming thermal radiation by clean jovian air with a surface area consistent with the (changing) cross-sectional area of the impactor. On entry the largest bolides could be very bright, possibly as bright as Jupiter for observers placed to see them, although for kilometer-size impactors the luminosity peak is obscured by clouds. The timescale is about 10 sec. For the fireball, light curves were computed from the numerical simulations assuming a grey atmosphere. Metals from the vaporized comet provide electrons that dramatically increase the opacity of Jovian air at low temperature; the resulting effective radiating temperature of the fireball is of order 3000 K. The fireball rises through and above the atmosphere, brightening at first as its surface area increases, but later fading to invisibility as its temperature drops and its opacity plummets. The timescale is about 100 sec.
Australia and Gondwanaland

Along the western margin of the Australian continent there exist four major sedimentary basins, filled with predominantly marine rocks from Cambrian to Tertiary in age, and up to 40,000 feet thick. Seaward these basins continue into depressions recognizable in the continental shelf and even the continental slope. Their very presence, the nature of their sediments and the composition and relationships of their fossil faunas indicate the existence of an open ocean to the west of Australia since early Paleozoic time. Composition of the Australian fossil land vertebrate faunas suggests isolation of the Australian continent since at least Permian time.
Mechanisms of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-dependent tumor microenvironmental adaptation

Since its activity was first reported in the mid-1960s, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has gone from a cytokine activity modulating monocyte motility to a pleiotropic regulator of a vast array of cellular and biological processes. Studies in recent years suggest that MIF contributes to malignant disease progression on several different levels. Both circulating and intracellular MIF protein levels are elevated in cancer patients and MIF expression reportedly correlates with stage, metastatic spread and disease-free survival. Additionally, MIF expression positively correlates with angiogenic growth factor expression, microvessel density and tumor-associated neovascularization. Not coincidentally, MIF has recently been shown to contribute to tumoral hypoxic adaptation by promoting hypoxia-induced HIF-1α stabilization. Intriguingly, hypoxia is a strong regulator of MIF expression and secretion, suggesting that hypoxia-induced MIF acts as an amplifying factor for both hypoxia and normoxia-associated angiogenic growth factor expression in human malignancies. Combined, these findings suggest that MIF overexpression contributes to tumoral hypoxic adaptation and, by extension, therapeutic responsiveness and disease prognosis. This review summarizes recent literature on the contributions of MIF to tumor-associated angiogenic growth factor expression, neovascularization and hypoxic adaptation. We also will review recent efforts aimed at identifying and employing small-molecule antagonists of MIF as a novel approach to cancer therapeutics.
Ion microprobe investigation of exsolved pyroxenes in cumulate encrites: Determination of selected trace-element partition coefficients

We have examined the partitioning of selected minor and trace elements in exsolved pyroxenes from cumulate eucrites by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Solid-solid partition coefficients (D's) for Al, Cr, Ti, seven REEs, Sr, Y, and Zr have been determined between low Ca- and high-Ca pyroxenes from Moore County, Binda, Serra de Mage, and Moama. Equilibrium temperatures of the co-existing pyroxenes were calculated to constrain the relevant temperatures for the partition coefficients. Trace-element abundance patterns are similar for pyroxenes from the four cumulate eucrites and thus indicate similar distribution behaviors of the trace-elements during exsolution. There is a significant HREE enrichment over LREEs in the low-Ca pyroxenes and abundances of the REEs in augite are greater than those found in the low-Ca pyroxene hosts. This REE behavior reflects the pyroxene crystal structures. The calculated solid-solid partition coefficients are found to vary systematically as expected from pyroxene crystal chemical arguments. Calculated subsolidus equilibration temperatures are within the expected range produced by pyroxene solvus temperature-composition relations, and consistent with petrographic observations of the cumulates. The trace-element patterns and abundances indicate that three of the four cumulates examined (Binda, Moama, Serra de Mage) were formed from the same melt or similar melts crystallizing under similar conditions in their parent body. Moore County has much higher trace-element concentrations and this suggests that it either formed from a more evolved melt than the other three cumulates and crystallized later in the fractionation sequence, or alternatively, it was derived from a different melt system.
Myocardial Infarction With Angiographically Normal Coronary Arteries

To determine the prevalence rate and clinical and hemodynamic profile of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) with angiographically normal coronary arteries, we analyzed 3,403 consecutive angiograms performed within a 4.5-year period. Of these studies, 1,124 were performed following an acute MI. Through a computerized search, 12 patients were identified who had documented MI with normal or insignificant (
Root age and phosphorus effects on colonization of Andropogon gerardii by mycorrhizal fungi

Abstract We examined the effects of plant age and root age on mycorrhizal colonization in the obligate mycotrophic grass Andropogon gerardii grown at high and low rates of soil phosphorus availability. There were significant interactions between soil P availability, plant age, root age and mycorrhizal colonization. Mycorrhizal colonization of 1-week-old roots increased with plant age, but was not significantly affected by soil P availability. Colonization of roots increased significantly with increasing root age only in the low-P treatment. Although the high-P treatment increased rates of root extension for some root age classes, there were not consistently lower rates of colonization in these roots. Studies of P acquisition by A. gerardii and other mycotrophic plants should take these interacting factors into account, especially when examining exploitation of nutrient-enriched patches.
Performance of the Wavelet Decomposition on Massively Parallel Architectures

Traditionally, Fourier Transforms have been utilized for performing signal analysis and representation. But although it is straightforward to reconstruct a signal from its Fourier transform, no local description of the signal is included in its Fourier representation. To alleviate this problem, Windowed Fourier transforms and then wavelet transforms have been introduced, and it has been proven that wavelets give a better localization than traditional Fourier transforms, as well as a better division of the time- or space-frequency plane than Windowed Fourier transforms. Because of these properties and after the development of several fast algorithms for computing the wavelet representation of any signal, in particular the Multi-Resolution Analysis (MRA) developed by Mallat, wavelet transforms have increasingly been applied to signal analysis problems, especially real-life problems, in which speed is critical. In this paper we present and compare efficient wavelet decomposition algorithms on different parallel architectures. We report and analyze experimental measurements, using NASA remotely sensed images. Results show that our algorithms achieve significant performance gains on current high performance parallel systems, and meet scientific applications and multimedia requirements. The extensive performance measurements collected over a number of high-performance computer systems have revealed important architectural characteristics of these systems, in relation to the processing demands of the wavelet decomposition of digital images.
Demodulation of Extrinsic Fabry-Pérot Interferometric Sensors for Vibration Testing Using Neural Networks

Strain level measurement on a periodically actuated and instrumented structure can provide information about the health of that structure. A simple demodulation system employing artificial neural networks (ANNs) is analyzed for an extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) strain sensor. The harmonic content of the nonlinear sensor output for the sinusoidal strain case is used to predict the maximum strain level. Implementations of the demodulation system are demonstrated for both simulated and experimental data using back-propagation neural networks. The simulation uses the theoretical response of the EFPI sensor and the experiment uses an EFPI-instrumented smart composite beam to obtain training and testing data. Excitation is provided by a piezoelectric actuator operating from 50 Hz to 1 kHz. System performance is compared for two-stage and single-stage networks and for differing types of data preprocessing. The ANN systems successfully extract the signal harmonics and predict the peak strain levels. Data preprocessing using principal component analysis produces the best accuracy. The architecture of an EFPI-based health monitoring system is proposed.
Experimental studies of collective ion acceleration

This paper briefly treats the history of linear collective acceleration experiments, describes several configurations in which collective ion acceleration has been observed at Sandia Laboratories, and outlines experimental techniques used and results obtained to date. Short explanations of the acceleration process are included, so that similarities in results of ions accelerated in diodes and in drift tubes can be appreciated. (MOW)
Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 vaccine elicits multifunctional CD4 cytokine-producing and memory T cells.

Abstract The Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is a leading vaccine candidate and was tested for safety and immunogenicity in human Phase I Clinical Trials. PBMC from vaccine recipients were analyzed by flow cytometric methods to determine the nature of T-cell responses and AMA1-reactive memory T cells. Both CD4 and CD8 T cells produced a number of cytokines following AMA1 re-stimulation, with IL-5-producing cells at the highest frequency, consistent with a Th2 bias. The relative frequency of multifunctional cells synthesizing Th1 cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α changed after each vaccination. Interestingly, median fluorescence intensity measurements revealed that cells producing more than one cytokine contributed greater quantities of each cytokine than cell populations that produced each of the cytokines alone. AMA1 vaccination also elicited the development of memory cell populations, and both central and effector memory T cells were identified concurrently after the AMA1 vaccination. The detailed profile of multifunctional T-cell responses to AMA1 presented here will advance our ability to assess the immunogenicity of human malarial vaccines.
SIR 2005 Annual Meeting Film Panel Case: mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

A 23-year-old male college student presented to the emergency department with severe wheezing and dyspnea. On physical examination of the chest, the right lung was clear but breath sounds were absent on the left. A chest radiograph was performed (Fig 1). Computed tomography (CT); (Fig 2) was performed for further evaluation, followed by bronchoscopy with biopsy. Significant hemoptysis developed during the biopsy procedure. The patient was referred for urgent arteriography (Fig 3). Medical history was significant for 1 year of intermittent mild wheezing (minimally responsive to bronchodilator medication) and occasional bloodstreaked sputum. He had no recent fever, weight loss, or adenopathy. He had no allergies. He had not smoked for several years and had not traveled outside the United States. Family history was not contributory.
In vitro modulation of human, autoreactive MBP-specific CD4 + T-cell clones by cyclosporin A.

Abstract Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressant affecting many components of cellular and humoral immunity. Its main action probably results from inhibition of T-lymphocyte activation and interference with secretion of cytokines like IL-2, IL-4, IFN- γ and TNF- α . Correspondingly, CsA has beneficial effects on the course of several autoimmune diseases thought to be mediated by T-lymphocytes, including a mild effect on multiple sclerosis. We exposed CD4+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes specific for myelin basic protein, a putative target autoantigen in MS, to CsA in vitro, and determined the drug's effects on proliferation, expression of high affinity IL-2R, secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN- γ and TNF- α as well as on the secretion of the chemokines MIP-1 α and MIP-1 β . In all instances, we observed a partial to complete inhibition. In contrast, the response of activated cells to IL-2 was resistant to CsA. Our observations are in line with results obtained in different experimental systems. The discrepancy between the profound inhibition of T-cells and the modest therapeutic effects on MS is discussed.
Non-Linear Interactions between Consumers and Flow Determine the Probability of Plant Community Dominance on Maine Rocky Shores

Although consumers can strongly influence community recovery from disturbance, few studies have explored the effects of consumer identity and density and how they may vary across abiotic gradients. On rocky shores in Maine, recent experiments suggest that recovery of plant- or animal- dominated community states is governed by rates of water movement and consumer pressure. To further elucidate the mechanisms of consumer control, we examined the species-specific and density-dependent effects of rocky shore consumers (crabs and snails) on community recovery under both high (mussel dominated) and low flow (plant dominated) conditions. By partitioning the direct impacts of predators (crabs) and grazers (snails) on community recovery across a flow gradient, we found that grazers, but not predators, are likely the primary agent of consumer control and that their impact is highly non-linear. Manipulating snail densities revealed that herbivorous and bull-dozing snails (Littorina littorea) alone can control recovery of high and low flow communities. After ∼1.5 years of recovery, snail density explained a significant amount of the variation in macroalgal coverage at low flow sites and also mussel recovery at high flow sites. These density-dependent grazer effects were were both non-linear and flow-dependent, with low abundance thresholds needed to suppress plant community recovery, and much higher levels needed to control mussel bed development. Our study suggests that consumer density and identity are key in regulating both plant and animal community recovery and that physical conditions can determine the functional forms of these consumer effects.
Erectile dysfunction as a predictor of cardiovascular disease

Although it has been recognized that erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease share many of the same risk factors—smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension—just in the past few years several new studies now suggest that ED is an important early marker of the presence of coronary artery disease. Recent analyses suggest that ED symptoms occur prior to coronary artery disease symptoms and may be a predictor of future major cardiovascular events. Some of these new studies also suggest that ED is an independent risk factor for predicting cardiovascular events—that is independent of other well-established risk factors. Taken together, these new studies suggest that when a patient presents with ED, the patient should be questioned about cardiac health and cardiovascular risk factors. If cardiovascular risk factors are identified, they should be worked up and aggressively treated—as treatment of these risk factors may be life-saving.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme N-Terminal Inactivation Alleviates Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury

Bleomycin has potent anti-oncogenic properties for several neoplasms, but drug administration is limited by bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system has been suggested to decrease bleomycin toxicity, but the efficacy of such strategies remains uncertain and somewhat contradictory. Our hypothesis is that, besides angiotensin II, other substrates of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), such as the tetrapeptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), play a significant role in controlling fibrosis. We studied bleomycin-induced lung injury in normotensive mice, termed N-KO and C-KO, which have point mutations inactivating either the N- or C-terminal catalytic sites of ACE, respectively. N-KO, but not C-KO mice, have a marked resistance to bleomycin lung injury as assessed by lung histology and hydroxyproline content. To determine the importance of the ACE N-terminal peptide substrate AcSDKP in the resistance to bleomycin injury, N-KO mice were treated with S-17092, a prolyl-oligopeptidase inhibitor that inhibits the formation of AcSDKP. In response to bleomycin injection, S-17092-treated N-KO mice developed lung fibrosis similar to wild-type mice. In contrast, the administration of AcSDKP to wild-type mice reduced lung fibrosis due to bleomycin administration. This study shows that the inactivation of the N-terminal catalytic site of ACE significantly reduced bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and implicates AcSDKP in the mechanism of protection. These data suggest a possible means to increase tolerance to bleomycin and to treat fibrosing lung diseases.
Immunoglobulins in the Human Cornea

We examined 20 corneas of ten subjects to determine the amounts and distribution of immunoglobulins and albumin. Immunoglobulins IgG and IgA were found in all corneas, were at the same level centrally and peripherally, and were at one-half and one-fifth the serum levels respectively. The amount of cornea IgG correlated with serum IgG, but not with IgA. Immunoglobulin IgM was present in five of the ten sets of eyes. No IgM was detected in the central buttons of four of the five sets where IgM occurred in the corneal periphery. Albumin was present in all corneas, but less centrally than peripherally. The cornea contains high levels of antibody proteins.
Long‐term results of therapy for stage C neuroblastoma

Background The appropriate therapy for Stage C neuroblastoma (NB) is uncertain. Because of the need for information applicable to the development of new randomized trials, we deemed it appropriate to investigate the patient characteristics, survival, patterns of failure, and complications of therapy in these children. Methods Search of the medical records of Duke University Medical Center from 1/1/60 to 3/1/95 disclosed 146 patients with NB, which included 13 Stage C patients. Results Mean age at diagnosis was 3.6 years. Twelve patients had primary abdominal tumors (92%) and one had a thoracic primary (8%). Twelve (92%) of the patients received chemotherapy including cyclophosphamide, 11 (85%), Adriamycin, 6 (46%), cisplatinum, 4 (30%), and VP 16, 4 (30%). All patients received radiotherapy (RT, mean dose administered 22.6 ± 8 Gy). With a mean follow-up of 8 years, the 10-year overall survival was 54% and the relapse-free survival was 46%. Four patients relapsed in the primary operative tumor bed and primary RT field, two relapsed in mediastinal or left supraclavicular lymph nodes as well as distantly following treatment of upper abdominal primaries, and in one the site of relapse is unknown. Long-term complications of therapy included two children who developed secondary malignancies associated with RT, two girls who developed primary ovarian failure, five children with clinically significant kyphosis and scoliosis, and one who suffered postoperative wound dehiscence following RT. Conclusions Although this study did not include modern techniques of staging with n-myc amplification and DNA index, the occurrence of next echelon nodal failures gives credence to the continuation of the dialogue concerning the appropriate role of “prophylactic” irradiation to mediastinal and left supraclavicular nodes in locally advanced upper abdominal NB. Documentation of significant long-term ill effects reinforces the need to critically evaluate the indications for RT. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polarized dynamic light scattering from wormlike chains with hydrodynamic interaction

A theory for the dynamics of semi-rigid polymers, based on the wormlike chain, has been extended to include hydrodynamic interactions. The hydrodynamic interactions are treated in the preaveraged form using the kernel of Yamakawa and Fujii [Macromolecules 6:407(1973)]. The dynamic equation is solved by perturbation theory to second order for the eigenvalues and to first order for the eigenfunctions. The solutions to a Fokker-Planck equation are used to compute the polarized dynamic light scattering correlation function for a dilute system of wormlike chains. The electric field correlation function decays with dynamics due to translational diffusion, end-over-end tumbling of an elongation axis, and flexing degrees of freedom.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Providing a laboratory for instruction set design

Computer architecture classes do not provide students with laboratory experience in the design of instruction set architectures. Projects that compare designs have not been possible due to a lack of support software. The design and evaluation of a new instruction set requires an assembler, a symbolic debugger, and a statistics gatherer. Every new instruction set requires changes to all three programs. It would be unrealistic to expect that either students or instructor would (re)write such software in order to evaluate each new design.A new, flexible software package called the Instruction Set Testbed (IST) provides for the comparison of instruction set architectures without writing any of the support software. IST's table-driven assembler uses a student-supplied architecture definition to assemble programs. IST's interactive debugger and a statistics gatherer also have access to the architecture definition. This allows symbolic debugging of the assembly language programs and automatic histogramming of instruction usage in the student-defined architecture.IST has been used in both undergraduate and graduate architecture classes to investigate such topics as orthogonality, choice and number of operands, addressing modes, and RISC philosophy.
Lanthanides: new metallic cathode materials for organic photovoltaic cells

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are compliant with inexpensive, scalable, and environmentally benign manufacturing technologies. While substantial attention has been focused on optimization of active layer chemistry, morphology, and processing, far less research has been directed to understanding charge transport at the interfaces between the electrodes and the active layer. Electrical properties of these interfaces not only impact efficiency, but also play a central role in stability of organic solar cells. Low work function metals are the most widely used materials for the electron transport layer with Ca being the most common material. In bulk heterojunction OPV devices, low work function metals are believed to mirror the role they play in OLEDs, where such metals are used to control carrier selectivity, transport, extraction, and blocking, as well as interface band bending. Despite their advantages, low work function materials are generally prone to reactions with water, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide from air leading to rapid device degradation. Here we discuss the search for a new metallic cathode interlayer material that increases device stability and still provides device efficiency similar to that achieved with a Ca interlayer.
Censorship and Its Changing Taboos on the Egyptian Stage—From Politics and Religion to Sexual Frustration

Young Man: You are always looking at the empty half of the glass. Young Woman: Seven years have passed during which we have loved each other passionately. Young Man: Yes... nothing has managed to spoil our joy. Young Woman: I admit, during this time you've been nothing but loyal, as a dog is to its master Young Man: You've also been a model of commitment and steadiness. Young Woman: And yet I blame you for some minor things. Young Man: I am a liberal person, criticism doesn't distress me. Young Woman: I mean your constant attempts at kissing and touching
Endorepellin causes endothelial cell disassembly of actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesions through α2β1 integrin

Endorepellin, the COOH-terminal domain of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan perlecan, inhibits several aspects of angiogenesis. We provide evidence for a novel biological axis that links a soluble fragment of perlecan protein core to the major cell surface receptor for collagen I, α2β1 integrin, and provide an initial investigation of the intracellular signaling events that lead to endorepellin antiangiogenic activity. The interaction between endorepellin and α2β1 integrin triggers a unique signaling pathway that causes an increase in the second messenger cAMP; activation of two proximal kinases, protein kinase A and focal adhesion kinase; transient activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and heat shock protein 27, followed by a rapid down-regulation of the latter two proteins; and ultimately disassembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions. The end result is a profound block of endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. Because perlecan is present in both endothelial and smooth muscle cell basement membranes, proteolytic activity during the initial stages of angiogenesis could liberate antiangiogenic fragments from blood vessels' walls, including endorepellin.
Signal transduction pathways for leptin: an embarrassment of riches.

Leptin is a critical regulator of energy balance in mammals and has served as a launch point for innumerable studies examining the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure (1). At high physiological concentrations, leptin causes a decrease in food intake, an increase in energy expenditure, and a shift to increased fatty acid oxidation. These physiological shifts lead to a decrease in body weight and body fat content. Conversely, a lack of leptin leads to obesity due to hyperphagia and increased lipogenesis. In leptin signaling deficiencies, brown adipose tissue, a major thermogenic organ in small rodents, loses its thermogenic capacity due to diminished sympathetic nervous system activity. In this issue of Diabetes , Rahmouni et al. (2) present a new molecular mechanism by which leptin stimulates anorectic and thermogenic responses in rodents. Given that most of leptin's actions with regard to energy balance occur within the central nervous system, it is currently accepted that a distributed network of leptin receptor–bearing neurons within the hypothalamus are responsible for mediating a concerted response to fluctuations of energy stores within adipose tissue (3). Leptin receptor–bearing neurons are …
Modeling of absorption data complicated by Fabry–Perot interference in germanosilicate thin-film waveguides

Complex absorption spectra obtained from thin films at normal incidence can be difficult to interpret owing to the appearance of Fabry–Perot interference fringes in the data. We describe a technique for modeling such spectra so that true absorption features can be identified and evaluated separately from the overlying fringes. The technique is used to interpret data obtained from photosensitive germanosilicate solgel films on fused-silica substrates but may be easily extended to analysis in other material systems.
Keeping PASE with WEFT: SHWEFT–PASE pulse sequences for 1H NMR spectra of highly paramagnetic molecules

Metalloproteins are a category of biomolecules in which the metal site is usually the locus of activity or function. In many cases, the metal ions are paramagnetic or have accessible paramagnetic states, many of which can be studied using NMR spectroscopy. Extracting useful information from 1H NMR spectra of highly paramagnetic proteins can be difficult because the paramagnetism leads to large resonance shifts (~400 ppm), extremely broad lines, extreme baseline nonlinearity, and peak shape distortion. It is demonstrated that employing polychromatic and adiabatic shaped pulses in simple pulse sequences, then combining existing sequences, leads to significant spectral improvement for highly paramagnetic proteins. These sequences employ existing technology, with available hardware, and are of short duration to accommodate short nuclear T1 and T2. They are shown to display uniform excitation over large spectral widths (~75 kHz), accommodate high repetition rates, produce flat baselines over 75 kHz while maintaining peak shape fidelity, and can be used to reduce spectral dynamic range. High-spin (S = 5/2) metmyoglobin, a prototypical highly paramagnetic protein, was used as the test molecule. The resulting one-dimensional (1D) pulse sequences combine shaped pulses with super-water elimination Fourier transform, which can be further combined with paramagnetic spectroscopy to give shaped pulses with super-water elimination Fourier transform–paramagnetic spectroscopy. These sequences require, at most, direct current offset correction and minimal phasing. The performance of these sequences in simple 1H 1D, 1D NOE, and two-dimensional NOESY experiments is demonstrated for metmyoglobin and Paracoccus denitrificans Co2+-amicyanin (S = 3/2), and employed to make new heme hyperfine resonance assignments for high-spin metBjFixLH151–256, the heme sensing domain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum FixL. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
G protein-coupled receptor kinases

G protein‐coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) constitute a family of six mammalian serine/threonine protein kinases that phosphorylate agonist-bound, or activated, G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) as their primary substrates. GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation rapidly initiates profound impairment of receptor signaling, or desensitization. This review focuses on the regulation of GRK activity by a variety of allosteric and other factors: agonist-stimulated GPCRs, fl∞ subunits of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins, phospholipid cofactors, the calcium-binding proteins calmodulin and recoverin, posttranslational isoprenylation and palmitoylation, autophosphorylation, and protein kinase C‐mediated GRK phosphorylation. Studies employing recombinant, purified proteins, cell culture, and transgenic animal models attest to the general importance of GRKs in regulating a vast array of GPCRs both in vitro and in vivo.
Current distribution control for parallel connected converters. II

For pt.I, see ibid., vol.28, no.3, p.829-840 (1992). In the central-limit control (CLC), the multiloop controls are employed to regulate the output voltage and track the central weighted current, thus equalizing the output current of each converter module (CM). The current distribution error (CDE) between the output current of each CM is used as a criterion in judging system performance. The prediction and simulation results of this control scheme are illustrated. When incorporated with the maximum current limit, the proposed control method can determine the number of required converters in the active state for each load condition. As a result, the efficiency of a system can be increased significantly. A comparison between the performances of the system under master-slave control (MSC) and CLC is given. >
Palliative care research: lessons learned by our team over the last 25 years.

Background:In the last 25 years, palliative care has made major progress as an interdisciplinary specialty that addresses quality-of-life issues for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Research by numerous investigators has contributed to our increasing body of knowledge to support an evidence-based practice.Aim:We highlight some lessons learned by our group in the process of conducting palliative care research, focusing in particular on symptom assessment; the management of pain, fatigue, cachexia, dyspnea, delirium, and opioid-induced neurotoxicity; and outcomes of our palliative care program.Design:Narrative review of selected literature, focusing on studies conducted by our group.Data sources:This article is based on the Second Vittorio Ventafridda Memorial Lecture by Dr Eduardo Bruera, delivered at the European Association for Palliative Care, Trondheim, Norway on 8 June 2012.Results:For each topic, we review some of the pivotal studies in palliative care, discuss the challenges...
Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Brooklyn, NY: molecular epidemiology and in vitro activity of polymyxin B and other agents

Objectives To describe the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Brooklyn, NY and assess the in vitro activity of various antibiotic combinations. Methods Clinical isolates with suspected carbapenem resistance were referred to the central research laboratory from August 2003 to June 2004. Isolates underwent MIC testing, ribotyping, and were analysed for the presence of KPC carbapenemases. Time-kill studies using various antibiotic(s) were performed on selected isolates. Results Ninety-six isolates were referred from 10 Brooklyn hospitals. All isolates were resistant to the carbapenems with most having MICs >32 mg/L. Few were susceptible to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins; approximately half were susceptible to aminoglycosides, and 90% to polymyxin B. Two-thirds were susceptible to doxycycline, and all were considered susceptible to the investigational glycylcycline antibiotic tigecycline. Virtually all possessed bla(KPC), and over 80% belonged to one ribotype. In time-kill studies involving 16 isolates, tigecycline demonstrated bacteriostatic activity and polymyxin B concentration-dependent bactericidal activity. The combination of polymyxin B at 0.5 x MIC plus rifampicin had synergic activity against 15/16 isolates, including two polymyxin-resistant strains. The combination of polymyxin B plus imipenem had synergic bactericidal activity against 10/16 isolates, but was antagonistic for three isolates. Conclusions Multiresistant K. pneumoniae with bla(KPC) are present in multiple hospitals in New York City. The most consistently active agents in vitro were tigecycline and polymyxin B, particularly when the latter was combined with rifampicin. The clinical efficacy of these agents remains to be determined.
Facility Sustainment and Firm Value: A Case Study Based on Target Corporation

This paper argues that increasing the level of facility sustainment (maintenance and repair) funding can increase firm value. Higher levels of facility sustainment funding reduce the list of maintenance and repair projects and maintain the liquidation value of the firm's facilities. A condition is derived that establishes the minimum probability of financial distress required for firm value to increase as sustainment funding increases. This condition is tested with a case study based on the annual reports of a major retailer, Target Corporation. The results support the hypothesis. This holds even though adverse externalities that might occur from underfunding sustainment have not been considered.
CdSe−ZnS Quantum Dots as Resonance Energy Transfer Donors in a Model Protein−Protein Binding Assay

Specific binding of biotinilated bovine serum albumin (bBSA) and tetramethylrhodamine-labeled streptavidin (SAv−TMR) was observed by conjugating bBSA to CdSe−ZnS core−shell quantum dots (QDs) and observing enhanced TMR fluorescence caused by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the QD donors to the TMR acceptors. Because of the broad absorption spectrum of the QDs, efficient donor excitation could occur at a wavelength that was well resolved from the absorption spectrum of the acceptor, thereby minimizing direct acceptor excitation. Appreciable overlap of the donor emission and acceptor absorption spectra was achieved by size-tuning the QD emission spectrum into resonance with the acceptor absorption spectrum, and cross-talk between the donor and acceptor emission was minimized because of the narrow, symmetrically shaped QD emission spectrum. Evidence for an additional, nonspecific QD−TMR energy transfer mechanism that caused quenching of the QD emission without a corresponding TMR fluoresce...
Sequence Analysis of Recent H7 Avian Influenza Viruses Associated with Three Different Outbreaks in Commercial Poultry in the United States

The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of H7 avian influenza virus (AIV) isolated between 1994 and 2002 from live-bird markets (LBMs) in the northeastern United States and from three outbreaks in commercial poultry have been characterized. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA genes demonstrates that the isolates from commercial poultry were closely related to the viruses circulating in the LBMs. Also, since 1994, two distinguishing genetic features have appeared in this AIV lineage: a deletion of 17 amino acids in the NA protein stalk region and a deletion of 8 amino acids in the HA1 protein which is putatively in part of the receptor binding site. Furthermore, analysis of the HA cleavage site amino acid sequence, a marker for pathogenicity in chickens and turkeys, shows a progression toward a cleavage site sequence that fulfills the molecular criteria for highly pathogenic AIV.
A Remark on Singular Perturbations of Strongly Monotone Systems

This paper extends to singular perturbations of strongly monotone systems a result of Hirsch's on generic convergence to equilibria.
Investigation of sidelobe level performance in phased arrays with pattern reconfigurable elements

The present work focuses on the effects of reconfigurability between broadside and tilted patterns at each array element on the sidelobe performance of linear phased arrays.
The Relationship Between Group Identity and Intergroup Prejudice Is Moderated by Sociostructural Variation1

A theoretical model is developed that predicts a stronger relationship between group identity and intergroup prejudice for majority-group members compared to minority-group members. This model takes into consideration the sociostructural characteristics of the groups, the differential functions of group identity for majority versus minority-group members, and the role of perceived intergroup conflict. The model is tested by examining the magnitude of group identity, perceived conflict, and ethnic prejudice expressed by White Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Predictions derived from the model were largely supported. Theoretical implications are discussed and directions for future research are offered.
Physician vaccinate thyself: why influenza vaccination rates are higher among clinicians than among nonclinicians.

Background: National vaccination guidelines recommend influenza vaccination for clinical employees with patient contact. For many other healthy working adults, influenza vaccination is optional.Purpose: We examined acceptance of a free influenza vaccine among clinical university employees who had patient contact and nonclinical university employees who did not have patient contact. We asked whether and why job role had an influence on the decision to be vaccinated.Method: Clinical (n = 103) and nonclinical (n = 339) employees of two universities completed a mailed questionnaire.Results: Vaccination rates were higher among clinical employees (62%) than among their nonclinical counterparts (47%). This effect of job role on vaccine acceptance was statistically mediated by perceived riskiness of getting vaccinated, knowledge about the vaccine, easy access to the vaccine, pro-Western medicine beliefs, and social influence. It was not vaccinated by perceived likelihood of getting infected or concern about infecting others.Conclusion: Clinical employees have higher vaccination rates than nonclinical employees, but not for the reasons that form the basis of national vaccination guidelines.