cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intermolecular Complementation between Two Varicella-Zoster Virus pORF30 Terminase Domains Essential for DNA Encapsidation

ABSTRACT The herpesviral terminase complex is part of the intricate machinery that delivers a single viral genome into empty preformed capsids (encapsidation). The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) terminase components (pORF25, pORF30, and pORF45/42) have not been studied as extensively as those of herpes simplex virus 1 and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In this study, VZV bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) were generated with small (Δ30S), medium (Δ30M), and large (Δ30L) ORF30 internal deletions. In addition, we isolated recombinant viruses with specific alanine substitutions in the putative zinc finger motif (30-ZF3A) or in a conserved region (region IX) with predicted structural similarity to the human topoisomerase I core subdomains I and II (30-IXAla, 30-620A, and 30-622A). Recombinant viruses replicated in an ORF30-complementing cell line (ARPE30) but failed to replicate in noncomplementing ARPE19 and MeWo cells. Transmission electron microscopy of 30-IXAla-, 30-620A-, and 30-622A-infected ARPE19 cells revealed only empty VZV capsids. Southern analysis showed that cells infected with parental VZV (VZV LUC ) or a repaired virus (30R) contained DNA termini, whereas cells infected with Δ30L, 30-IXAla, 30-620A, or 30-622A contained little or no processed viral DNA. These results demonstrated that pORF30, specifically amino acids 619 to 624 (region IX), was required for DNA encapsidation. A luciferase-based assay was employed to assess potential intermolecular complementation between the zinc finger domain and conserved region IX. Complementation between 30-ZF3A and 30-IXAla provided evidence that distinct pORF30 domains can function independently. The results suggest that pORF30 may exist as a multimer or participate in higher-order assemblies during viral DNA encapsidation. IMPORTANCE Antivirals with novel mechanisms of action are sought as additional therapeutic options to treat human herpesvirus infections. Proteins involved in the viral DNA encapsidation process have become promising antiviral targets. For example, letermovir is a small-molecule drug targeting HCMV terminase that is currently in phase III clinical trials. It is important to define the structural and functional characteristics of proteins that make up viral terminase complexes to identify or design additional terminase-specific compounds. The VZV ORF30 mutants described in this study represent the first VZV terminase mutants reported to date. Targeted mutations confirmed the importance of a conserved zinc finger domain found in all herpesvirus ORF30 terminase homologs but also identified a novel, highly conserved region (region IX) essential for terminase function. Homology modeling suggested that the structure of region IX is present in all human herpesviruses and thus represents a potential structurally conserved antiviral target.
Emerging antibiotic resistance in urinary tract pathogens

In vitro antimicrobial resistance is an evolving and growing problem in UTI. Much of the increase is occurring in acute uncomplicated cystitis, an infection that has traditionally been simple to treat. The current trend of rising TMP-SMX and beta-lactam resistance rates is worrisome. Of more concern, however, are the emerging issues of fluoroquinolone resistance and MDR among community-acquired urinary isolates. Judicious use of antibiotics and development of novel nonantimicrobial-based methods of prevention of UTI are important strategies to help slow the progression of resistance. In the meantime, ongoing surveillance of resistance trends and enhanced understanding of the determinants of resistance are crucial for optimal management of UTIs.
Transvaginal repair of postcystectomy peritoneovaginal fistulae

To our knowledge, peritoneovaginal fistula is a complication of cystectomy that has not been reported before. We describe 2 patients in whom a transvaginal approach using a Martius flap was utilized to repair persistent vaginal leakage after cystectomy. At a mean follow-up of 20 months, both patients are free from vaginal leakage and have no evidence of recurrent fistula. This approach offers a safe and effective way to repair a peritoneovaginal fistula in a cystectomy patient.
Swap curve dynamics across markets: Case of US dollar versus HK dollar

Abstract This paper investigates the extent of swap curve dynamics across USD and HKD markets. We find that US Treasury curve invokes significant positive responses on HKD swap curve due to the existence of the currency peg system. Our work also indicates that Hong Kong swap curve itself contains rich information over and above that provided by the sovereign yield curve and the standard measure of market liquidity, Libor-type interest rates. Hence, using sovereign yield curves and concentrating only on the risk premium associated with the breakdown of the currency peg is not sufficient for policy making. Swap spreads and swap curves should be carefully monitored to evaluate economy wide risks and to conduct macroeconomic policy, especially in a private sector dominated economy, such as Hong Kong.
Partial rescue of neonatal lethality of Dhcr7 null mice by a nestin promoter-driven DHCR7 transgene expression.

Abstract In humans, genetic disorders affecting post-squalene cholesterol biosynthesis result in a variety of dysmorphology syndromes. One key feature of all of these is the presence of mental retardation and another is the lack of a robust genotype–phenotype correlation. Knockout mice defective in the 3β hydroxysterol Δ7 reductase (Dhcr7), a model for the most common of such disorders in humans, the Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome, all die within 24 h of birth. The cause of this postnatal mortality in these mice has not been fully established. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that CNS dysfunction was a major cause of this lethality and investigated whether transgenic expression of normal human DHCR7 in neuronal tissues could rescue this neonatal lethality. Transgenic mice, expressing DHCR7 driven by murine nestin promoter, were bred onto Dhcr7 knock-out (Dhcr7−1−) background and resulted in a partial rescue of neonatal lethality in 11 of 91 (12%) of transgene-positive Dhcr7−1− pups. Despite biochemical analyses that showed continued profound cholesterol deficiency in brain, rescued animals survived between 3 and 17 days. Thus, one important conclusion to be drawn is that defects in CNS in Dhcr7 knockout mice may contribute to the early lethality. Another conclusion is that even small and subtle changes in the brain sterol metabolism were sufficient to enable rescue. These data also provide important clues as to the cause of the variable expressivity seen in SLOS.
Emergency department management of nerve agent exposure

Nerve agents are toxic chemicals developed for use by the military, but used by terrorists against civilian populations. As threats of terrorism increase, it is possible that health care providers will be confronted with multiple victims of nerve agent exposure. Nerve agents are highly toxic forms of organophosphate poisons that potentially could cause harm to anyone who comes in contact. Emergency personnel need to be familiar with the agents, know how to prepare for encountering and treating victims, and know how to protect all people involved from further poisoning.
Medical education and the embodied physician.

Between 1965 and 2005, over forty books about medical education were published. This essay uses the stories contained in these accounts to study individuals' perspectives on the emotional experience of becoming a physician. In particular, it examines the ways in which experiences has registered themselves on—and in—the very bodies of these men and women. It examines the authors' uses of metaphor, sensory imagery, and physical descriptions in ways that underscore their own feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability. Finally, it demonstrates how physicians in training must often struggle alone to understand and incorporate their physical and emotional vulnerability into their sense of themselves as physicians.
On Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Metallization and their Relationship to Reliability Problems

The mechanical properties of thin film aluminum metallization have been determined by applying a biaxial tension stress to the films. The mechanical properties were found to-vary as a function of deposition conditions. No correlation was found between the mechanical properties of the metallization and thermocompression wire bonding; however, a linear relationship was found between yield strength of the metallization and the temperature change required to cause surface reconstruction during cyclic operation.
Quasi-stationary non-Kerr law optical solitons

Abstract This paper studies optical solitons and its perturbations that is governed by the generalized nonlinear Schrodinger's equation with non-Kerr law nonlinearities. The quasi-stationarity is applied, for the first time, to the non-Kerr law nonlinearity and an approximate solution is obtained. A few special cases of the non-Kerr law nonlinearities are considered. The study is conducted with nonlinear damping and saturable amplifiers which are treated as perturbation terms. Finally, the paper concludes with some numerical results.
High sensitivity optical receivers for 1.0-1.4 &#181;m fiber-optic systems

The performance of high-speed, high-quantum-efficiency GaAlAsSb avalanche photodetectors suitable for a 1.0-1.4 \mu m high-performance fiber-optical communication system is described. The incorporation of these APD's with state-of-the-art GaAs FET electronics can lead to hybrid integrated optical receivers with 10-20 times better sensitivity at a 100-MHz bandwidth than is available with germanium APD's.
A simple 13 C NMR method for determination of the relative stereochemistry of 2,3-dialkylpentenoic acids and related compounds

Abstract The relative stereochemistry of 2,3-dialkylpentenoic acids and derivatives thereof can be easily determined by comparison of 13C NMR spectra of the syn and anti isomers. The chemical shifts of several of the resonances of the anti isomer lie downfield relative to the syn isomer.
Leakage current in high-purity germanium detectors with amorphous semiconductor contacts

Abstract Amorphous semiconductor electrical contacts on high-purity Ge radiation detectors have become a valuable technology because they are simple to fabricate, result in thin dead layers, block both electron and hole injection, and can readily be finely segmented as needed for applications requiring imaging or particle tracking. Though significant numbers of detectors have been successfully produced for a variety of applications using the amorphous semiconductor contact technology, there remains a need to better understand the dependence of performance characteristics, particularly leakage current, on the fabrication process parameters so that the performance can be better optimized. To this end, we have performed a systematic study of leakage current on RF-sputter-deposited amorphous-Ge (a-Ge) and amorphous-Si (a-Si) contacts as a function of process and operational parameters including sputter gas pressure and composition, number of detector temperature cycles, and time spent at room temperature. The study focused primarily on the current resulting from electron injection at the contact. Significant findings from the study include that a-Si produces lower electron injection than a-Ge, the time the detector spends at room temperature rather than the number of temperature cycles experienced by the detector is the primary factor associated with leakage current change when the detector is warmed, and the time stability of the a-Ge contact depends on the sputter gas pressure with a higher pressure producing more stable characteristics.
The Sculpture and the Electron: Hermeneutics of the Experimental Object.

Martin Eger establishes a role for hermeneutics in science by observing that student and researcher face different “books” of science but that the boundaries between these two books are blurred. Another important dimension of hermeneutics in science has to do with the production of the experimental object, or with act rather than text hermeneutics. In experimentation, a back-and-forth takes place between anticipations of what one produces and what emerges — in classroom training, the production and recognition of new phenomena, and in the preparation of an already familiar phenomenon to be measured or further manipulated. Further development of the hermeneutics of the experimental object is essential to eludicate the meaning of technique.
The Use of Fixed-rate and Floating-rate Debt for Hotels

A time-series simulation that compares hotel-industry revenue per available room (RevPAR) with London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) indicates that hotel investors would fare more favorably with floa...
Dynamic adsorption of asphaltenes on quartz and calcite packs in the presence of brine films

Abstract The adsorption of asphaltenes on mineral surfaces in the absence of brine has been extensively studied in the past. However, brine is often present in reservoir formations and remains in porous media after drainage by oil as a continuous film of various thicknesses. The presence of a thick brine layer on the mineral surface can act as a mechanical barrier between asphaltenes and the mineral and therefore hinders the adsorption. On the other hand, a thin brine film (less than 100 nm thickness) can rupture under favorable conditions and allow asphaltenes to directly adsorb on the mineral surface. The stability of thin brine films and hence the amount of asphaltene adsorption depends on the nature of asphaltenes, the type of minerals in the rock, and the brine chemistry. This study investigates the dynamic adsorption of asphaltene-in-toluene solutions on packs of wet quartz and calcite. Unlike quartz, calcite is very reactive in aqueous media and can dissolve or precipitate under certain conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of asphaltene adsorption on calcite packs in the presence of brine and under flow conditions. All experiments were performed on mineral packs with comparable mesh sizes and porosities and containing an irreducible brine saturation of about 15%. A UV–vis spectrophotometer was used to monitor the outlet concentration of asphaltenes. The effect of brine chemistry (ion concentration, type, and valency) on the dynamic adsorption of asphaltenes on quartz and calcite was systematically studied. Different adsorption trends were observed with quartz and calcite and explained on the basis of the surface forces involved in the stability of thin brine films. The results of this study can help to understand the complex wettability behavior of carbonate reservoirs.
Immunological complications in multiple sclerosis patients receiving interferon.

In a prospective, placebo-controlled study designed to test the efficacy of human alpha interferon (1FN) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, we monitored several immunological functions. Interferon was shown to have many effects on the immune system, including activation of natural killer cells in vivo and elevation of serum immunoglobulin and cerebrospinal fluid IgG ratios. Furthermore, all patients who received IFN developed antibody titers to a protein contaminant (molecular weight, 27 kilodaltons) in the IFN preparation. This antibody was associated with an elevation in serum concentrations of Clq- and Raji-binding immune complexes in 6 of 12 patients. Some of these 12 patients developed symptoms suggestive of immune complex disease. IFN had pronounced effects on the immune system of these patients.
Wikis and Constructivism in Secondary Social Studies: Fostering a Deeper Understanding

ABSTRACT Web 2.0 software, in particular wikis, have the potential to allow students to become active contributors to the Internet and, as a result, restructure traditional learning environments. In this study, the effects of student-created wikis were evaluated through measures of student engagement, cognitive benefits, and student learning in both the short and long term. Data suggest that the use of wikis facilitated a pedagogical shift from traditional teacher-centered instructional approaches to student-oriented, constructivist learning, which resulted in increased student self-efficacy and motivation. Additionally, in interviews eight months following the project implementation, students who had created wikis demonstrated greater content retention and understanding than peers who had learned the same content through teacher-directed instruction. The long-term cognitive value of the wikis positively impacted student understanding by helping students to link content, both literally and figuratively, a...
INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE ACTIVITY DURING THE STANCE PHASE OF GAIT

Purpose: Differences in muscle activity have been observed between men and women in numerous lower extremity muscles in a variety of activities. These differences may be related to observed differences in the incidence of injuries between men and women. The purpose of this work is to determine if gender had an effect on the activity of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during the early part of the stance phase of gait. Method: An observational cohort study was set up using sixteen volunteers (9 men and 7 women, mean age = 27 years) with less than 5° of passive ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion. Maximum dorsiflexion, maximum knee flexion, stance time and EMG magnitude were measured for both men and women during early stance (heel strike to heel off). Results: EMG amplitude of the LG muscle in women was significantly higher than that of men. No significant differences were observed between men and women for maximum dorsiflexion, maximum knee flexion or stance time. Conclusions: A gender difference in gastrocnemius muscle EMG magnitude exists that is independent of knee and ankle kinematics and walking speed.
Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor and c-erbB-2 by neuroendocrine cells in normal prostatic tissue.

Objective. It has been suggested that prostatic neuroendocrine (NE) cells play an important role in the growth and differentiation of the prostate by secreting various neuropeptides and serotonin. However, the mechanism by which NE cells themselves are regulated is virtually unknown. In the present study we evaluated the expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family (HER) in prostatic NE cells. Methods. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections from twenty radical prostatectomy specimens were immunostained with validated rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against human EGFR and c-erbB-2, using the streptavidin-peroxidase enzyme conjugate method. Results. A strong immunoreactivity was observed with both antibodies in the cytosol of a few epithelial cells. These cells frequently had a dendritic appearance and were located in the acini and ducts. The EGFR-positive cells were predominant in most cases. Double immunostaining revealed the colocalization of both antigens with chromogranin A, a polypeptide that is expressed by most NE cells. Moreover, EGFR and c-erbB-2 appeared to be colocalized as well as independently expressed by different subpopulations of NE cells. Conclusions. The results suggest that prostatic NE cells might be regulated by the HER protein family, probably, in a ligand-specific fashion. This is the first report identifying a potential pathway regulating prostatic NE cells.
PρT Behavior of a Lean Synthetic Natural Gas Mixture Using Magnetic Suspension Densimeters and an Isochoric Apparatus: Part I

Work shown in this paper reports measurements of fluid behavior and its dependence upon concentration in natural gas-like mixtures. These systematic experiments covering phase equilibrium and densities of selected mixtures use a state-of-the art apparatus. This work presents phase envelopes and density data for a synthetic natural gas-like mixture measured with an isochoric apparatus and a magnetic suspension densimeter. The isochoric apparatus permits precise, fast measurements using an automated procedure over wide ranges of pressure and temperature encompassing the cricondentherm and the cricondenbar. A comparison of the measured phase envelopes to predictions from cubic and molecular-based equation of states (EOS’s) indicate serious deviations in both cricondentherm and cricondenbar regions. Although most design software use these models, the results obtained here indicate the EOS predictions are unacceptable. Current density measurements deviate from both the AGA8-DC92 and the GERG-2004 models.
Chronic therapy with metoprolol attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis in dogs with heart failure.

Abstract OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine if therapy with beta-blockade is associated with reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. BACKGROUND Chronic treatment with beta-adrenergic blocking agents has been shown to improve left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and attenuate progressive LV remodeling in heart failure (HF). Cardiomyocyte apoptosis has also been shown to occur in the failing heart. METHODS Moderate HF was produced in 14 dogs by intracoronary microembolizations. Dogs were randomized to three months therapy with metoprolol (MET, 25 mg twice daily, n = 7) or to no therapy at all (n = 7). At the end of three months, dogs were sacrificed, and nuclear DNA fragmentation (nDNAf), a marker of apoptosis, was assessed in LV tissue using the TUNEL assay. The number of cardiomyocytes with positive nDNAf labeling per 1,000 was quantified in LV regions bordering old infarcts and in regions remote from infarcts. Endonuclease activity and expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the proapoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 were also evaluated in LV tissue. RESULTS The number of nDNAf events per 1,000 cardiomyocytes was lower in dogs treated with MET compared with untreated dogs with HF in the border regions (0.35 ± 0.07 vs. 5.32 ± 0.77, p CONCLUSIONS Chronic therapy with MET attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis in dogs with moderate HF. Attenuation of ongoing cardiomyocyte loss through apoptosis may be one mechanism through which beta-blockers elicit their benefits in HF.
Leaf photosynthesis, stomatal resistance, and growth of wine grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) after exposure to simulated chlorsulfuron drift

Abstract The lower Yakima Valley of Washington is a highly diversified irrigated agricultural region bordered by dryland wheat fields. Residues of herbicides sprayed in wheat can be atmospherically transported to susceptible nontarget crops in the valley. Nontarget crops may be exposed repeatedly to low levels of herbicide residues. The effects on grapes exposed to phenoxyacetate herbicide drift has been well documented, but the effects of comparatively newer wheat herbicides like sulfonylureas (SUs) are less known. Potential effects of repeated exposures of grapes to an SU herbicide were assessed in a simulated drift study. Grape vines of the cultivar “Lemberger”; were sprayed up to three times at a weekly interval with 1/100 (0.01X) of a field application rate of chlorsulfuron, which is a postemergence wheat herbicide. Thirty‐five days after the first application, photosynthesis and stomatal resistance of randomly tagged, fully expanded leaves were measured. Total leaf area and chlorotic leaf area were ...
Selection from Multivariate Normal Populations

Selection probability from multivariable normal populations in terms of noncentrality parameters
Cyberaide JavaScript: A JavaScript Commodity Grid Kit

In this paper, we describe a service oriented architecture and Grid abstraction framework that allows us to access Grids through JavaScript. Obviously, such a framework integrates well with other Web 2.0 technologies. The framework consists of two parts. A client Application Programming Interface (API) to access the Grid via JavaScript and a mediator service and API through which the Grid access is channeled. The framework uses commodity Web service standards and provides extended functionality such as asynchronous task management, file transfer, and workflow management based on our previous work. The availability of our framework simplifies not only the development of new services, but also the development of advanced client side Grid applications that can be accessed through Web browsers. We demonstrate this ability by providing an example that integrates a variety of useful services to be accessed through a JavaScript enabled client desktop via a Web browser. Overall, Grid developers will have another tool at their disposal that projects a simpler way to distribute and maintain cyberinfrastructure related software, while simultaneously delivering advanced interfaces and integrating social services for the scientific community.
Biological and biophysical characterization of SV 40 cytoplasmic T-antigen-inducing mutants of PARA-adenovirus 7

Mutants of PARA-adenovirus 7 which induce the synthesis of SV 40 T antigen in the cytoplasm of cells were characterized biologically and biophysically. The following properties were found to be similar to those of the parental virus which induces nuclear SV 40 T antigen: kinetics of replication in monkey kidney cells, intracellular site of particle morphogenesis, relative kinetics of inactivation by ultraviolet light, and buoyant densities of the virions and viral DNA. Transcapsidation of the mutant PARA particles to heterologous adenovirus serotypes resulted in populations which retained the ability to induce SV 40 T antigen in the cytoplasm of cells, indicating that the localization of the SV 40 T antigen was under the control of the defective SV 40 genome. It was also concluded that the cytoplasmic localization of SV 40 T antigen did not influence the enhancement of adenovirus replication in simian cells by SV 40 information. Attempts to detect an altered localization of cytoplasmic or nuclear SV 40 T antigen after coinfection of cells with different virus mixtures, by sequential harvests of infected cells, or after treatment with cycloheximide were not successful.
Presence of a Ca2+-sensitive CDPdiglyceride-inositol transferase in canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and plasma membranes from canine left ventricle were used to evaluate the presence of the enzyme CDPdiglyceride-inositol transferase in these membranes. (K/sup +/,-Ca/sup 2 +/)-ATPase activity, a marker for SR, was 79.2 +/- 5.0 (SE) and 11.2 +/- 2.0 ..mu..mol x mg/sup -1/ x h/sup -1/ in SR and plasma membrane preparations, respectively, and (Na/sup +/, K/sup +/)-ATPase activity, a marker for plasma membranes, was 5.6 +/- 1.2 and 99.2 +/- 8.0 ..mu..mol x mg/sup -1/ x h/sup -1/, respectively. Contamination of SR and plasma membrane preparations by mitochondria was estimated to be 2% and 8%, respectively, and by Golgi membranes, 0.9% and 1.8%, respectively. The transferase activity detected in the plasma membrane preparation could be accounted for largely, but not entirely, by contaminating SR membranes. The pH optimum for the SR transferase activity was between 8.0 and 9.0. Ca/sup 2 +/ inhibited the enzyme, half-maximal inhibition occurring at about 10 ..mu..M Ca/sup 2 +/. No loss of (/sup 3/H)PtdIns could be detected when membranes were incubated in the presence or absence of Ca/sup 2 +/. The Ca/sup 2 +/ inhibition of the transferase was noncompetitive with respect to CDP-dipalmitin while that with respect to myo-inositol wasmore » slightly noncompetitive at low (Ca/sup 2 +/) and became uncompetitive at higher (Ca/sup 2 +/). It is concluded that CDPdiglyceride-inositol transferase is present on SR membranes and is sensitive to micromolar Ca/sup 2 +/. The data are consistent with a putative role for the inhibition of the SR transferase by Ca/sup 2 +/ and acidic pH in the protection of the SR against calcium overload in ischemic myocardium.« less
Microdetermination of carbon in compounds containing alkali metals

Wenn organische Verbindungen auser Alkalimetallen auch noch eine zumindest aquivalente Menge Schwefel enthalten, so besteht der Verbrennungsruckstand aus Alkalisulfat. Auf Grund dieser Beobachtung wird darauf hingewiesen, das sich auser Kaliumdichromat und Vanadiumpentoxyd auch Kaliumpersulfat als oxydierender Zusatz zur organischen Substanz fur die Verdrangung des Kohlendioxyds aus der Asche eignet.
Two Decades of Research on Dying: What Do We Know About the Patient?.

The systematic study of dying is an important endeavor that deserves attention from sophisticated researchers in many disciplines. It would be especially useful to bring dying into the mainstream of stress research. Although much information is available regarding the demographic aspects of death, it is remarkable that there is so little generalizable empirical data about the process of dying and the experiences of dying persons. Most of the available data are either methodologically flawed, limited in scope, or based on small and non-representative samples. This article reviews the literature on terminal patients and the nature of their experiences during the time before their death. The discussion is divided into four parts. First, we examine the magnitude of the problem by identifying the number of individuals each year who must confront their own death. Second, we discuss the emotional responses of dying patients to their impending death. The third section deals with interventions for the dying patien...
Feminine Desire in the Age of Satellite Television

Television texts around the world increasingly feature female characters who resist or reformulate conventional gender roles. This trend seems to defy expectations that the concentration of media ownership leads to a conservative, homogeneous flow of popular imagery. Such an apparent contradiction can be explained by close analysis of the strategies, operations, and discourse of culture industries in the neo-network era of satellite and cable media. This era is paradoxically characterized by corporate conglomeration and by strategies of flexibility and decentralization. Consequently, media firms actually benefit from the transnational circulation of multiple and alternative representations of feminine desire. Although this does not necessarily democratize media, in most societies it significantly expands the range of feminine imagery available in popular culture.
ON PLANES OF PRIME ORDER WITH TRANSLATIONS AND HOMOLOGIES

An orthomorphism of Z , p an odd prime, is a bijection @:Z -~Z o ~(0)=0, such P P p that the mapping 9:Zp-~ZD defined by U(x)=@(x)-x is also a bijection. The orthomorphism graph of Zp, denoted Orth(Zp), has as its vertex set the orthomorphisms of Zp, two orthomorphisms #,# of Zp being adjacent if the mapping 6:Z -.Z defined by 6(x)=~(x) #(x) is a bijection. For the P P definition of and known results on orthomorphisms of groups in general see Johnson, Dulmage and Mendelsohn [9] or D~nes and Keedwell [4,chapter 7]. Assuming Z to be the additive group of GF(p) enables us to use P multiplication in GF(p) to define classes of orthomorphisms and to study adjacencies within these classes. As an example, if we use I to denote the a mapping x-~ax, then clearly IaeOrth(Z p) if and only if a#O, i and !a is adjacent to I b if and only if a#bo We use S 1 to denote the set {I~; a#O,l}. Another class of mappings that give rise to orthomorphisms can be defined as follows:
Characterization of prion-like conformational changes of the neuronal isoform of Aplysia CPEB

The neuronal isoform of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein (CPEB) is a regulator of local protein synthesis at synapses and is critical in maintaining learning-related synaptic plasticity in Aplysia. Previous studies indicate that the function of Aplysia CPEB can be modulated by conversion to a stable prion-like state, thus contributing to the stabilization of long-term memory on a molecular level. Here, we used biophysical methods to demonstrate that Aplysia CPEB, like other prions, undergoes a conformational switch from soluble α-helix-rich oligomer to β-sheet-rich fiber in vitro. Solid-state NMR analyses of the fibers indicated a relatively rigid N-terminal prion domain. The fiber form of Aplysia CPEB showed enhanced binding to target mRNAs as compared to the soluble form. Consequently, we propose a model for the Aplysia CPEB fibers that may have relevance for functional prions in general.
The effects of monensin on membrane lipids of cultured human skin fibroblasts

Abstract We have investigated the effects of monensin, a monovalent cationophore, on the metabolism of neutral lipids, fatty acids, ceramide and phospholipids in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Treatment with 1 μM monensin for 18 h reduced the cellular cholesterol ester content to less than one-third of untreated cells, and incorporation of [3H]acetate into cholesterol ester was also reduced, to less than one-fifth. Concomitantly, a greater conversion of [3H]acetate into free cholesterol occurred. There was a moderate increase in free fatty acids, but no change in triacylglycerol content, although the content of the latter appeared to increase in the presence of fetal calf serum in the culture medium. Phosphatidylcholine decreased in content and phosphatidylserine increased among the phosphatides, but ceramide remained unchanged after monensin treatment. These findings suggest that monensin influences the metabolic interrelationships of structural lipids in fibroblasts.
Circadian variation in ischemic threshold. A mechanism underlying the circadian variation in ischemic events.

BACKGROUNDThere is a circadian pattern in the occurrence of cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease. Whether changes in coronary vascular tone contribute to these phenomena is unknown. We measured the ischemic threshold, defined as either the heart rate or rate-pressure product at 1-mm ST segment depression during treadmill exercise and used it as an index of the lowest coronary vascular resistance; the premise was that when ischemic threshold became lower, coronary vascular resistance was higher, and vice versa.METHODS AND RESULTSFifteen patients (group A) with stable coronary artery disease underwent four identical treadmill exercise tests in 24 hours, and ischemic threshold was measured as the heart rate at the onset of 1-mm ST depression. Before each treadmill test, postischemic forearm vascular resistance was measured after 5 minutes of forearm occlusion, using strain-gauge plethysmography. Sixteen additional patients (group B) underwent two treadmill tests at 8 AM and 1 PM, and ische...
A posteriori probability source localization with uncertain mesoscale eddy currents

Long-range source localization is shown to be affected by a mesoscale eddy whose realization is solely a cyclonic current (no thermal manifestation). The sensitivity of a matched-field type processor (known ocean) to an eddy is demonstrated, as well as its sensitivity to a mismatch between the parameters of the eddy and the processor assumptions. Optimum uncertain field processing techniques are used to overcome these sensitivities by incorporating uncertainties about the environment into the processor. These processors operate on data produced by a special 3-D ray tracer using actual sound speed data and two different models for eddy current structure. >
Librarianship and Information Science in Nigeria 1966–1999, Authors: A–M, Subject Headings: Academic Libraries to Multimedia; An Annotated Bibliography

Abstract This work is an annotated bibliography that consists of articles, books, conference papers, dissertations, reports, etc., published in various library and information science forums on the subject of librarianship in Nigeria. The goal of preparing this work is to provide a list of citations with abstracts that librarians, library students, and library scholars can use to perform research within this subject area and further the body of knowledge. The research methodology that was used to find these citations involved searching the database versions of ERIC, Dissertations Abstracts Online, and Library Literature within the online public access catalogue of the Auburn University library system. It also involved searching the online databases of Library and Information Science Abstracts(LISA), British Education Index, andEducation Abstracts within the DIALOG database as well as the respective print copies of these resources. While this work is by no means an exhaustive analysis of the entire Nigerian library literature, it does strive to be comprehensive in terms of its treatment of this nation. All works cited in this text are alphabetically arranged based on the author's last name from the letter A to the letter M and divided among a set of broad subject headings ranging from Academic Libraries to Multimedia. The subject headings that are used are the Broad Subject Headings that are presently in use by LISA. In providing a citation for a non-English language work, the English equivalent of the title of that work will be given next to the non-English title.
The evidence from Canadian firms on multinational diversification and performance

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to identify the effects of multinational diversification on corporate financial performance. This issue is examined for Canadian firms by using four years of individual as well as pooled time-series-cross-sectional data for the years 1992–1994 and 1997. Using three distinct measures of financial performance and two measures of multinational diversification and controlling for size, leverage, growth, and efficiency, we replicate the procedures in prior studies to show that, in general, lower performance is associated with multinationality. However, when a nonlinear specification is used, a hurdle level for foreign assets deployment is identified. Prior to this threshold level, financial performance is inversely related to degree of multinational diversification, but beyond this level, the relationship is positive. We provide an explanation for this U-shaped relationship.
Fluorescence demonstration of a cathepsin H-like protease in cardiac, skeletal and vascular smooth muscles.

A cathepsin H-like enzyme was localized by histochemical techniques in cardiac muscle, extensor digitorum longus and soleus skeletal muscles, and vascular smooth muscle. Using the specific exopeptidase activity of this enzyme against the substrate arg-4-methoxy-β-naphthylamide, valid histochemical assay conditions were developed. More fluorescent granules were observed in cardiac muscle than in the soleus and about equal amounts in vascular smooth muscle and the extensor digitorum longus. The reaction rate was enhanced by chloride ions and inhibited by 1mmp-chloromercuribenzoate. The maximal activity was observed between pH 5.5 and 6.0. Chemical fixation with periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde preserved a small amount of enzymatic activity.
SUMMARY OF SEVERAL RECENT CHONDRITE FINDS FROM THE TEXAS PANHANDLE

Eleven recent chondrite finds from the Texas Panhandle have been examined and classified according to mineralogical and petrological criteria: five H's, five L's, and one LL chondrite. Five are distinct from nearby finds, while three remain ambiguous and three are related to previously reported chondrites. In addition, data are provided to classify the Muleshoe, Silverton, and Vigo Park chondrites, all of which were previously undescribed in the literature.
Intralist categorization in paired-associate learning

Paired-associate learning was retarded significantly when groups of pairs in the list appeared with a common label. The decrement was due largely to increased interference (response competition) among pairs sharing the same label. It is concluded that labels serve to categorize the pairs in the list.
An effective and more convenient drug regimen for prophylaxis against paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reactions.

“Standard” prophylaxis for paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reactions has included the systemic administration of H1 and H2 histamine antagonists, along with oral dexamethasone taken both the night prior to, and the morning of, each paclitaxel treatment. To improve patient convenience and compliance with steroid delivery, the Gynecologic Cancer Program of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation has treated patients with an all-intravenous prophylaxis regimen (diphenhydramine 50 mg, famotidine 20 mg, dexamethasone 20 mg) given 30 min prior to paclitaxel (without any earlier oral steroid dosing). To date, we have treated more than 200 patients who received all courses of paclitaxel with this simplified prophylactic regimen, of whom approximately 9% developed hypersensitivity reactions (major or minor). This incidence is comparable to our previously reported experience with hypersensitivity reactions in a similar number of patients receiving the standard prophylaxis (including oral dexamethasone) with their initial course of paclitaxel, and subsequent cycles employing this all-intravenous program. We conclude that this “modified” regimen for paclitaxel-associated hypersensitivity reactions (with all drugs administered approximately 30 min prior to the delivery of paclitaxel) is as effective as, and more convenient than, the standard regimen, and avoids delaying chemotherapy as a result of a patient failing to remember to take one or both oral steroid doses.
Structural comparisons of mouse histones 2A.X and 2A.Z with 2A.1 and 2A.2.

The tryptic peptide patterns of the recently described H2A species H2A.X and H2A.Z from mouse were compared with the tryptic peptide patterns of the major mouse H2A's, H2A.1 and H2A.2. The identities of the H2A.1 peptides were determined by comparing their in vivo labeling with various 14C-labeled amino acids with the expected labeling determined from the known sequence. All the H2A.1 tryptic peptides larger than dipeptides were accounted for. The procedure was repeated for H2A.2, H2A.X and H2A.Z. H2A.X was found to have large regions of sequence identical to that of H2A.1 with the variability occurring mainly near the N and C termini. Mouse H2A.X had some sequence characteristics found in the sequenced H2A's of trout and sea urchin. In contrast, H2A.Z was found to have only two peptides in common with H2A.1; in addition, the labeling patterns of the non-identical peptides were too different to suggest analogous peptides. We conclude from these studies that H2A.Z differs considerably from H2A.1 in major portions of its sequence.
The effects of light quality and intensity on photosynthesis and growth of marine eukaryotic and prokaryotic phytoplankton clones

Abstract The aim of this work was to assess the relative efficiency of different phytoplankton groups growing under various spectral light fields commonly found in the marine environment. Using neritic and oceanic clones of cyanobacteria (prokaryotic) of the genus Synechococcus and various sized eukaryotic algae representing diverse pigment groups, we compared absorption and fluorescence excitation/emission spectra. Colored filters and neutral density screens were used to simulate oceanic and coastal water-types and rates of photosynthesis and growth were measured under variable conditions of light intensity and quality. Relative photosynthetic efficiencies were determined by comparing light-limited slopes of photosynthesis-irradiance curves in green, blue, and blue-violet light with those in white light. The relative quantum efficiency for photosynthesis was related to both size and pigment composition of the phytoplankter. Independent of light color, smaller algal species were photosynthetically more efficient than larger algae from the same pigment group. In general, the ratio of in vivo cholorophyll intensity fluorescence at the red emission maximum induced by 530 nm excitation to that produced by 470 nm excitation was better than absorption spectra in predicting the ability of organisms from different pigment groups in using various light qualities. Within the ultraplankton size range, algae photosynthesized and grew most efficiently in low intensity blue-violet and blue light, while phycoerythrin-rich Synechococcus clones were most efficient in dim green light. Even though some ultraplankton algal clones, such as the diatom 13−1 and the cryptomonad ID2, contained large quantities of fucoxanthin and phycoerythrin, respectively, their photosynthetic and growth efficiencies in green light were much lower than those of phycoerythrin-rich Synechococcus clones. Moreover, the presence of phycourobilin chromophores in the phycoerythrin of some Synechococcus clones, apparently increased the ability of these cyanobacteria to photosynthesize in low intensity blue light. We conclude that Synechococcus clones containing phycourobilin chromophores could out-compete other Synechococcus clones at depth. However, oceanic ultraplanktonic algae may have a competitive advantage over larger algae and Synechococcus spp. at the base of the photic zone, because these small algae would be more efficient in using the available dim blue-violet light.
Extracting gene expression patterns and identifying co-expressed genes from microarray data reveals biologically responsive processes

A common observation in the analysis of gene expression data is that many genes display similarity in their expression patterns and therefore appear to be co-regulated. However, the variation associated with microarray data and the complexity of the experimental designs make the acquisition of co-expressed genes a challenge. We developed a novel method for Extracting microarray gene expression Patterns and Identifying co-expressed Genes, designated as EPIG. The approach utilizes the underlying structure of gene expression data to extract patterns and identify co-expressed genes that are responsive to experimental conditions. Through evaluation of the correlations among profiles, the magnitude of variation in gene expression profiles, and profile signal-to-noise ratio's, EPIG extracts a set of patterns representing co-expressed genes. The method is shown to work well with a simulated data set and microarray data obtained from time-series studies of dauer recovery and L1 starvation in C. elegans and after ultraviolet (UV) or ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA damage in diploid human fibroblasts. With the simulated data set, EPIG extracted the appropriate number of patterns which were more stable and homogeneous than the set of patterns that were determined using the CLICK or CAST clustering algorithms. However, CLICK performed better than EPIG and CAST with respect to the average correlation between clusters/patterns of the simulated data. With real biological data, EPIG extracted more dauer-specific patterns than CLICK. Furthermore, analysis of the IR/UV data revealed 18 unique patterns and 2661 genes out of approximately 17,000 that were identified as significantly expressed and categorized to the patterns by EPIG. The time-dependent patterns displayed similar and dissimilar responses between IR and UV treatments. Gene Ontology analysis applied to each pattern-related subset of co-expressed genes revealed underlying biological processes affected by IR- and/or UV- induced DNA damage. EPIG competed with CLICK and performed better than CAST in extracting patterns from simulated data. EPIG extracted more biological informative patterns and co-expressed genes from both C. elegans and IR/UV-treated human fibroblasts. Using Gene Ontology analysis of the genes in the patterns extracted by EPIG, several key biological categories related to p53-dependent cell cycle control were revealed from the IR/UV data. Among them were mitotic cell cycle, DNA replication, DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoint, and G0-like status transition. EPIG can be applied to data sets from a variety of experimental designs.