cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of human dUTPase gene expression and p53-mediated transcriptional repression in response to oxaliplatin-induced DNA damage

Deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP and PPi. Although dUTP is a normal intermediate in DNA synthesis, its accumulation and misincorporation into DNA is lethal. Importantly, uracil misincorporation is a mechanism of cytotoxicity induced by fluoropyrimidine chemotherapeutic agents including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and elevated expression of dUTPase is negatively correlated with clinical response to 5-FU-therapy. In this study we performed the first functional characterization of the dUTPase promoter and demonstrate a role for E2F-1 and Sp1 in driving dUTPase expression. We establish a direct role for both mutant and wild-type forms of p53 in modulating dUTPase promoter activity. Treatment of HCT116 p53+/+ cells with the DNA-damaging agent oxaliplatin induced a p53-dependent transcriptional downregulation of dUTPase not observed in the isogenic null cell line. Oxaliplatin treatment induced enrichment of p53 at the dUTPase promoter with a concomitant reduction in Sp1. The suppression of dUTPase by oxaliplatin promoted increased levels of dUTP that was enhanced by subsequent addition of fluoropyrimidines. The novel observation that oxaliplatin downregulates dUTPase expression may provide a mechanistic basis contributing to the synergy observed between 5-FU and oxaliplatin in the clinic. Furthermore, these studies provide the first evidence of a direct transcriptional link between the essential enzyme dUTPase and the tumor suppressor p53.
Modeling of NBS Mattress Tests with the Harvard Mark-V Fire Simulation

NBS burned eleven mattresses made up with bedding in two different rooms, typical of a residential bedroom and a nursing home patient room, respectively. Seven of the mattresses flamed and burned vigorously, the other four were of a construction or so heavily flame-inhibited that they only smoldered. The burning behavior of the seven that flamed was modeled with the Harvard Mark V fire simulation. The experimental burn behavior for tests conducted in one room was well reproduced using only total weight of combustible, surface area and heat of combustion. Smoke production values were found to have little effect on the predicted behavior except for the smoke production itself. Fires in a second room, whose ventilation was intentionally restricted by the configuration of the adjoining space, could not be as well reproduced by the present, single-room fire model. During this study several changes were made to the simulation. The most significant change was the inclusion of mixing of the hot exiting fire gases with the cold incoming air. As a part of this, the inter-layer radiation exchange was reformulated to include the effect of smoke contamination of the lower layer. The reformulation of the radiation model has a marked effect on the predicted upper layer gas temperatures, generally improving the quality of the simulation.
Effect of 6-benzyl-aminopurine and thidiazuron on in vitro shoot organogenesis of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f

Aloe (Aloe vera [L.] Burm. f.) is an important medicinal herb and is propagated vegetatively. However, its propagation rate is slow and cannot supply good quality planting material to large-scale growers. It is therefore necessary to use in vitro clonal propagation for commercial purposes. The aim of this study was to select a suitable medium for initial culture establishment and subsequent shoot multiplication of aloe. Shoot tips were excised from aloe plants and disinfected with 20% Clorox (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) for 30 min. Sterilized shoot tips were vertically dissected into quarters and then inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or thidiazuron (TDZ) (1, 2, and 3 mg L-1) combined with 0.5 mg L-1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Results revealed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between different hormone combinations in shoot bud formation. Explants placed in 3 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher numbers of microshoots than other tested treatments. The medium containing a low concentration of TDZ (1 mg L-1) with NAA produced multiple microshoots, whereas the highest TDZ concentration (3 mg L-1) with NAA produced high levels of abnormalities. Transferring microshoot buds from 1 mg L-1 TDZ to 3 mg L-1 BAP accelerated production of prominent and elongated shoots. The MS medium supplemented with 3 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA produced higher number of normal shoots per explant of aloe under in vitro conditions.
Evidence for Electron Excitation of Type III Radio Burst Emission

Type III radio bursts observed at kilometric wavelengths (less than or about equal to 0.35 MHz) by the Ogo-5 spacecraft are compared with greater than 45 keV solar electron events observed near 1 AU by the IMP-5 and Explorer 35 spacecraft for the period from March 1968 to November 1969. Fifty-six distinct type III bursts extending to less than or about equal to 0.35 MHz were observed above the threshold of the Ogo-5 detector; all but two were associated with solar flares. Twenty-six of the bursts were followed less than or about equal to 40 min later by greater than 45 keV solar electron events observed at 1 AU. All of these 26 bursts were identified with flares located west of W09 solar longitude. Of the bursts not associated with electron events only three were identified with flares west of W09, 18 were located east of W09, and seven occurred during times when electron events would be obscured by high background particle fluxes.
High performance nitrile copolymers for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract This paper reports the fuel cells (DMFC and PEMFC) performance using sulfonated poly(arylene ether ether nitrile) (SPAEEN) copolymers containing sulfonic acid group arranged in structurally different ways. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabricated from SPAEEN containing 60 mol% of angled naphthalenesulfonic acid group (m-SPAEEN-60) had superior performance over those derived from pendent naphthalenesulfonic acid group (p-SPAEEN) or sulfonated hydroquinone (HQ-SPAEEN) in H2/air and/or DMFC conditions. For example, the current density of the MEA using m-SPAEEN-60 at 0.5 V and 2.0 M methanol was 250 mA/cm2, whereas the current densities of the MEAs using p-SPAEEN-50 and HQ-SPAEEN-56 were 185 and 190 mA/cm2, respectively. In addition, compared with the sulfonated polysulfone (BPSH-35) and Nafion membranes, the copolymer containing nitrile group showed the improved cell performance. For example, the power density of the MEA using m-SPAEEN-60 at 250 mA/cm2 and 2.0 M methanol was 125 mW/cm2, whereas the power densities of the MEAs using sulfonated polysulfone (BPSH-35) and Nafion were 115 and 113 mW/cm2, respectively. m-SPAEEN-60 showed stable cell performance during extended operation (>100 h).
Compounds Formed in Silver Dental Amalgam

A high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction camera was used in the identification and crystallography of compounds in dental amalgam. The study included determination of the effects of the mercury-alloy ratio and of aging in clinical restorations. In all instances, γ silver-tin, y silver-mercury, and γ tin-mercury were found. Line positions, relative intensities, and calculated lattice parameters were tabulated for each compound.
For Distinguished Contribution to Psychophysiology: Albert F. Ax

At the Thirteenth Annual Meeting of The Society for Psychophysiological Research, the award for Distinguished Contribution to Psychophysiology was made to Albert F. Ax by his colleague, Robert Edelberg. Following is the text of the citation given at the meeting, October 27, 1973.
Comparison of numerous lap joint theories for adhesively bonded joints

Numerous authors have investigated the state of stress in the adhesive of adhesively bonded joints. They have made various assumptions concerning the behavior of the adhesive and adherends to yield tractable differential equations which remove the stress singularities which occur at the edges of the bi-material interfaces. By examining several test problems, this paper investigates the effect of these assumptions on predicted adhesive stress.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Eddy Lateral Vorticity Transport and the Equilibrium of the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre

Abstract Oceanic gyres defined by the mean zero wind-stress curl lines have been the focus of wind-driven ocean circulation theory since its beginnings. In the face of single-signed vorticity input from the curl of the wind stress over a gyre, a mechanism to balance the wind vorticity input is required if an equilibrium is to be established. Traditional models have tended to restrict their allowable physics so that a dissipation mechanism is required for equilibrium. However, dissipation is not necessary, in principle, for equilibrium for a general fluid system. In fact, it has recently been shown that lateral eddy vorticity transport between gyres can provide an important part of the vorticity tendency required for equilibration in model oceanic systems. This note examines the possibility that in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre this process also might be important. After a brief review of the equilibration mechanisms possible in a primitive equation fluid, attention is focussed on estimates of the ed...
Boghardt, Thomas. The Zimmerman Telegram: Intelligence, Diplomacy, and America's Entry into World War I. Annapolis, MD, Naval Institute Press, 2012. ISBN: 978 1 61251 148 1

In an effort to definitively understand what took place in the Zimmerman Telegram episode of World War I, Thomas Boghardt sets out in his research to compile the most exhaustive survey of sources o...
Character, mass, distribution, and origin of tephra-fall deposits of the 1989-1990 eruption of redoubt volcano, south-central Alaska

Abstract The 1989–1990 eruption of Redoubt Volcano spawned about 20 areally significant tephra-fall deposits between December 14, 1989 and April 26, 1990. Tephra plumes rose to altitudes of 7 to more than 10 km and were carried mainly northward and eastward by prevailing winds, where they substantially impacted air travel, commerce, and other activities. In comparison to notable eruptions of the recent past, the Redoubt events produced a modest amount of tephra-fall deposits − 6 × 10 7 to 5 × 10 10 kg for individual events and a total volume (dense-rock equivalent) of about 3–5 × 10 7 m 3 of andesite and dacite. Two contrasting tephra types were generated by these events. Pumiceous tephra-fall deposits of December 14 and 15 were followed on December 16 and all later events by fine-grained lithic-crystal tephra deposits, much of which fell as particle aggregates. The change in the character of the tephra-fall deposits reflects their fundamentally different modes of origin. The pumiceous deposits were produced by magmatically driven explosions. The finegrained lithic-crystal deposits were generated by two processes. Hydrovolcanic vent explosions generated tephrafall deposits of December 16 and 19. Such explosions continued as a tephra source, but apparently with diminishing importance, during events of January and February. Ash clouds of lithic pyroclastic flows generated by collapse of actively growing lava domes probably contributed to tephra-fall deposits of all events from January 2 to April 26, and were the sole source of tephra fall for at least the last 4 deposits.
OXIDATIVE TYROSYLATION OF HDL ENHANCES THE DEPLETION OF CELLULAR CHOLESTERYL ESTERS BY A MECHANISM INDEPENDENT OF PASSIVE STEROL DESORPTION

It is believed that HDL protects against atherosclerosis by removing excess cholesteryl esters from cells of the artery wall. Previous studies have suggested that HDL depletes cells of cholesteryl esters both by stimulating cholesterol efflux from the plasma membrane and by activating transport processes that divert cholesterol from the cholesteryl ester cycle, but it is unknown if these are independent processes. We previously found that HDL oxidized by tyrosyl radical has a markedly enhanced ability to promote the removal of cholesterol from cultured cells [Francis, G. A., et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90, 6631-6635]. Here we show that incubation of cholesterol-loaded human fibroblasts with low concentrations of tyrosylated HDL depleted cells of cholesteryl esters and increased cellular free cholesterol without increasing efflux of cholesterol into the medium as compared to incubation with untreated HDL. Cells preincubated with tyrosylated HDL and then exposed to a variety of cholesterol acceptors exhibited significantly higher rates of free cholesterol efflux than did cells preincubated with HDL. This effect was observed in the presence or absence of an inhibitor of acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) and was independent of cholesteryl ester hydrolysis, suggesting that alterations in cholesteryl ester cycle enzymes were not responsible for the loss of cholesteryl esters. In contrast to the reduction of cholesteryl esters, the rates of cholesterol and phospholipid efflux from the plasma membranes of cells exposed to tyrosylated HDL and HDL were identical. These results suggest for the first time that a mechanism exists to deplete cellular cholesteryl esters and the cholesterol substrate pool for esterification by ACAT prior to the removal of cholesterol from the plasma membrane. Identification of products in tyrosylated HDL responsible for this redistribution of cellular cholesterol may provide important insights into mechanisms of intracellular cholesterol trafficking and the ability of modified forms of HDL to protect the artery against wall pathological cholesterol accumulation.
Effects of rules and directed delays on components of children's inhibitory self-control

Abstract The relationship between multiple measures of response inhibition and variations in young (age 5–7 years) children's short-term learning history was examined in a laboratory setting. Exposure to experimenter-directed delay periods (of either increasing, decreasing, or fixed durations) and to various rules for behavior management during the delay intervals was manipulated. Subsequent measures of resistance to temptation, an index of conceptual tempo (the Matching Familiar Figures Test), children's preference for delay vs immediate reward, and a test of motor control was obtained. Results indicated: (a) that the effects of rule provision extended to all resistance measures and to MFFT latency, while delay experiences significantly influenced only the latency to first transgression in the resistance task; (b) that a general and positive rationale for response inhibition was superior to an arbitrary rule or no rule structure; (c) that experience with gradually increasing delay of reward assisted children in inhibiting their first transgression significantly longer than the other delay patterns or no treatment; and (d) that experimental effects showed temporal stability over one week.
On relaxation times in the Navier-Stokes-Voigt model

We study analytically and numerically the relaxation time of flow evolution governed by the Navier-Stokes-Voigt NSV model. We first show that for the Taylor–Green vortex decay problem, NSV admits an exact solution which evolves slower than true fluid flow. Secondly, we show numerically for a channel flow test problem using standard discretisation methods that although NSV provides more regular solutions compared to usual Navier-Stokes solutions, NSV approximations take significantly longer to reach the steady state.
Particle Tracks in Diverse Media

Abstract When energetic heavy ions pass into a medium, they create a trail of excitations, ionizations and secondary electrons whose effect is represented through their average radial “dose” distribution. The structure of the track depends on this and on the observed “end point”. Tracks may be observed microscopically or through the gross effect of a particle beam. We take the medium to be an assemblage of “targets” whose response to gamma rays is approximated by the cumulative Poisson distribution. While most detectors are 1-hit systems, we have discovered 2-hit and up to 8-hit response. Folding the gamma-ray response into the radial dose distribution we obtain the probability for activating the target as a function of radial distance which is integrated to yield the action cross section, through which the effect of a beam may be calculated.
Intensity of the withdrawal syndrome varies with duration of pentobarbital administration.

Abstract The effect of three dosage schedules on the expression of a withdrawal syndrome indicative of physical dependence on pentobarbital was determined in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were prepared with an intraperitoneal cannula and were continously infused with either saline (control) or pentobarbital sodium, using an escalating drug dosage schedule, for either 5 (PB-5), 13 (PB-13) or 20 (PB-20) days. Final doses reached were 500 mg/kg/day (PB-5) and 1000 mg/kg/day (PB-13). PB-20 rats reached 1000 mg/kg/day on day 13 and were maintained at this dose for an additional 7 days. Body weight, water consumption and assessment of CNS depression were obtained daily. Following the last day of pentobarbital infusion all rats were infused with saline for a 72-hour drug-free period. Water consumption, body weight and assessment of overt behavioral signs indicative of a drug withdrawal syndrome were obtained at specific times during the drug-free period. PB-5 rats showed little evidence of withdrawal while PB-20 rats demonstrated the greatest degree of withdrawal. Peak withdrawal scores were observed to be 1, 3.8 and 5 for PB-5, PB-13, and PB-20, respectively. Withdrawal scores for group PB-13 and PB-20 were found to be significantly greater than either control or PB-5 but were not significantly different from each other. Body weight for PB-13 and PB-20 mice declined slightly (nonsignificant) during the drug-free period while a significant decrease (40% decline) in water consumption was demonstrated by 24 hours of this period. Taken together, this data indicates an increased degree of severity of the withdrawal syndrome as a result of both an increased dose of pentobarbital as well as an increased duration of exposure to pentobarbital.
Electrophysiologic effects of diltiazem hydrochloride on supraventricular tachycardia

The effects of intravenous diltiazem hydrochloride (0.25 mg/kg body weight) were studied in eight patients with nine episodes of supraventricular tachycardia. Five episodes of tachycardia were due to atrioventricular (A-V) nodal reentry (group A), two were due to retrograde utilization of a concealed A-V accessory pathway (group B) and two were episodes of atrial fibrillation (group C). Intravenous administration of diltiazem slowed the ventricular rate in eight of nine episodes of tachycardias. Supraventricular tachycardia was terminated within 2 minutes after intravenous diltiazem in four of five patients in group A, and one of two in group B. Cycle length alternation was observed before termination of the arrhythmia in two patients from group A. In group C the ventricular reponse slowed but also became regular during atrial fibrillation. Although diltiazem depressed both anterograde and retrograde conduction as assessed by programmed stimulation, tachycardia termination or slowing or alternation of cycle length all occurred because of the effects of diltiazem predominantly on anterograde A-V nodal properties during supraventricular tachycardia. Although no statistical conclusions can be made from this limited study, it appears that diltiazem has significant depressant electrophysiologic effects on both anterograde and retrograde A-V nodal function as assessed by programmed stimulation during sinus rhythm. Further electrophysiologic studies are needed before determining the clinical efficacy of this agent for treatment or prophylaxis of recurrent supraventricular tachycardias.
The impact of HIV infection on medical services in drug abuse treatment programs

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a profound impact on the organization and delivery of clinical services in drug abuse treatment programs. The need for emphasis on HIV prevention vs. treatment services has varied with the geographic distribution of HIV infection among drug injectors. On-site primary medical care services have been developed in some treatment programs, whereas other programs have had to formalize arrangements for referral or contractual care with outside medical providers. No single model of care is necessarily appropriate for all drug treatment programs, and, along with the potential benefit, each may pose structural challenges that need to be addressed. The advent of the AIDS epidemic may have served, in an inadvertently positive way, to draw attention to the increasingly illogical separation between drug abuse treatment and the larger medical care system. This review will examine the epidemiologic, clinical, organizational, and policy issues generated by the increased medical needs of drug users with HIV infection in treatment program settings.
Novel Method of Thermal Epoxy Curing Based on Photogeneration of Polymeric Amines and Negative-Tone Image Formation

Polymeric amines generated by UV-induced electron transfer in polymeric quaternized tetraalkylammonium borate salts are found suitable for the thermal cross-linking of epoxides where nucleophilic attack on the epoxy ring is favorable. A cross-linked polymer network insoluble in organic solvent becomes the basis of a negative-tone photoimaging system. Sensitivity and resolution parameters have been evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Addition of reagents containing hydroxyl moieties to a film containing both the polymeric amine precursor and epoxide improves sensitivity more than 3-fold manifesting chemical amplification due to the catalytic nature of the cross-linking process.
The plate-like martensite transformation in Fe-Ni alloys

Abstract The martensite morphological and crystallographic characteristics in Fe, 28–35 wt. % Ni alloys have been investigated. Optical microscopy results indicate that as the nickel content increases the martensite plates become less fragmented, internal twinning increases, and the midrib plane normal swings toward the (011)γ–(111)γ line. Two types of internal twinning have been found in high Ni martensites. The Ms temperatures were determined for this series of alloys and in the range 30–32 wt. % Ni are generally about 20°C higher than previously thought. Results for the midrib variation with temperature and prestrain are also reported.
Processing effects on in-flight particle state and functional coating properties of plasma-sprayed manganese zinc ferrite

Magnetic properties of manganese zinc ferrite (MZF) coatings deposited by atmospheric dc plasma spraying largely depend on zinc and oxygen loss during particle flight. The temperature and velocity of in-flight MZF particles were widely varied by changing plasma spray conditions to examine these chemistry changes and resultant magnetic properties. Zn loss increases with increased particle temperature or decreased particle velocity. Meanwhile, wustite (FeO) formation, related to the oxygen loss, is more complicated, partly because oxygen, which is lost during flight in the high-temperature zone of the plasma jet, can be recovered at longer spray distances. As a result, the saturation magnetization of MZF coatings decreases and the coercivity increases with increased particle temperature or decreased particle velocity.
Biocontrol of Escherichia coli O157 with O157-Specific Bacteriophages

Escherichia coli O157 antigen-specific bacteriophages were isolated and tested to determine their ability to lyse laboratory cultures of Escherichia coli O157:H7. A total of 53 bovine or ovine fecal samples were enriched for phage, and 5 of these samples were found to contain lytic phages that grow on E. coli O157:H7. Three bacteriophages, designated KH1, KH4, and KH5, were evaluated. At 37 or 4°C, a mixture of these three O157-specific phages lysed all of the E. coli O157 cultures tested and none of the non-O157 E. coli or non-E. coli cultures tested. These results required culture aeration and a high multiplicity of infection. Without aeration, complete lysis of the bacterial cells occurred only after 5 days of incubation and only at 4°C. Phage infection and plaque formation were influenced by the nature of the host cell O157 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Strains that did not express the O157 antigen or expressed a truncated LPS were not susceptible to plaque formation or lysis by phage. In addition, strains that expressed abundant mid-range-molecular-weight LPS did not support plaque formation but were lysed in liquid culture. Virulent O157 antigen-specific phages could play a role in biocontrol of E. coli O157:H7 in animals and fresh foods without compromising the viability of other normal flora or food quality.
Cytokine-induced meningitis is dramatically attenuated in mice deficient in endothelial selectins.

Leukocyte accumulation in cerebrospinal fluid and disrup- tion of the blood-brain barrier are central components of meningitis and are associated with a poor prognosis. Genet- ically engineered deficiencies or functional inhibition of en- dothelial leukocyte adhesion receptors P-, or P- plus E-selec- tins, lead to deficits in leukocyte rolling and extravasation. However, their impact on meningeal inflammation has not been tested previously. An acute cytokine-induced meningi- tis model associated with significant cerebrospinal fluid leu- kocyte accumulation (averaging 14,000 leukocytes/ m l as early as 4 h) and blood-brain barrier permeability was developed in adult mice. This model was applied to mice deficient in P-selectin and mice doubly deficient in P- and E-selectins. Partial inhibition of cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte influx and permeability was noted in P-selectin-de ficient mice. Mice doubly deficient in P- and E-selectins displayed a near com- plete inhibition of these parameters. Our results suggest that P- and E-selectins cooperatively contribute to meningitis and that functional blocking of both endothelial selectins in conjunction with antibiotics may provide a therapeutic ap- proach for treatment of bacterial meningitis. ( J. Clin. In- vest. 1996. 97:2485-2490.) Key words: endotheliumleuko- cytesinflammationcerebrospinal fluidblood-brain barrier
Why Do Women Take Self-Defense Classes?:

Given the positive benefits of self-defense training for women, it is important to understand how women come to enroll in self-defense classes. Using data from a longitudinal study of university women, I explore the reasons women give for taking a self-defense class. I find that friends’ recommendations, visions of the “possible selves” they could become, and fear of violence were the most frequently reported reasons; having experienced a past assault was rarely cited as a reason for enrolling. In addition, many women who had never enrolled in a self-defense class reported having considered doing so. I explore barriers to learning self-defense and find that logistical issues such as time, money, and availability of classes were the most frequently reported reasons for not enrolling.
The Future of Integration

Why is integration necessary in the first place? In the context of B2B integration this question has two answers based on two cases that are addressed separately: back-end application systems that are integrated with each other without any external trading partner communication, and back-end application systems that are integrated with one or more external trading partners through B2B protocols. Integrating back-end application systems is necessary since there is no one single back-end application system that implements all (!) required functionality for an enterprise completely. Only in this case would one back-end application system be sufficient for all needs and requirements of an enterprise (and so no integration with any other back-end application system would be necessary). This is a philosophical answer to some extent, since there will be no back-end application system with this functionality really soon.
Investigation of viral DNA packaging using molecular mechanics models.

A simple molecular mechanics model has been used to investigate optimal spool-like packing conformations of double-stranded DNA molecules in viral capsids with icosahedral symmetry. The model represents an elastic segmented chain by using one pseudoatom for each ten basepairs (roughly one turn of the DNA double helix). Force constants for the various terms in the energy function were chosen to approximate known physical properties, and a radial restraint was used to confine the DNA into a sphere with a volume corresponding to that of a typical bacteriophage capsid. When the DNA fills 90% of the spherical volume, optimal packaging is obtained for coaxially spooled models, but this result does not hold when the void volume is larger. When only 60% of the spherical volume is filled with DNA, the lowest energy structure has two layers, with a coiled core packed at an angle to an outer coaxially spooled shell. This relieves bending strain associated with tight curvature near the poles in a model with 100% coaxial spooling. Interestingly, the supercoiling density of these models is very similar to typical values observed in plasmids in bacterial cells. Potential applications of the methodology are also discussed.
Introduction to Bioinformatics

Sequencing of biomolecules began in 1951 when Sanger and Tuppy deduced the thirty residue protein from the insulin B-chain. It was only after 25 years that real DNA sequencing methodologies were developed by Maxim & Gilbert and by Sanger et al. Today, we are sequencing tens of millions of bases of DNA sequences a year and undertaking the sequencing of genomes from whole organisms. During these times, the sequence databases have continued their exponential growth rate. The computational research in bioinformatics aims at enhancing the retrieval, analysis and interpretation of information that is embedded within the biological databases containing the DNA and protein sequences.
A Gigahertz Test Fixture for Two Port Passive Devices

Since it is not possible to obtain exact standards for many types of filters, resonators and discrete components, it is necessary to qualify procedures for extraction of device parameters. In addition, the package adds additional parasitics to equivalent circuit models which increases the difficulty of parameter extraction. A procedure has been developed using scattering parameters for extraction of equivalent circuit elements for bulk acoustic wave (BAW) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) crystal filters, and package equivalent circuits from a few megahertz to approximately 1 GHz. This has led to an extension of the EIA-512 standard. In addition, SAW filter parameters may also be extracted using similar S-parameter techniques. In order to accommodate the many differing BAW and SAW package types, a test fixture has been developed for measuring a broad range of packaged devices with varying pin configurations. The test fixture requires simple and easy hardware modifications to accommodate any pin spacings of 100 mils or greater. The test fixture is also able to be accurately calibrated via the twelve term S-parameter error correction model at the insertion point. Scattering parameter data is then taken on 2-port devices and computer programs accurately extract the device parameters. The test fixture will be described and the results of several applications of parameter extraction to various SAW and BAW devices will be shown. A comparison of theoretical and measured SAW filter performance will be presented.
Visualization of convection in a simulated gradient freeze cell during centrifugation

Abstract Experiments were performed in a simulated gradient freeze cell in order to reveal the effect of centrifugation on the convection in the cell. A laser light-cut technique was used for flow visualization. Flow patterns were observed in one vertical and two horizontal cross sections of the cell. Flow velocities were measured via particle displacement tracking velocimetry. Five centrifuge rotation rates ω were studied: 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 rpm. A flow mode transition was found at a ω of about 30 rpm, which is in agreement with the theoretical prediction of Arnold [9] . A flow pattern observed in the vertical plane agrees qualitatively with the one calculated by Friedrich et al. 6 , 11 . The mean flow velocity in the bottom part of the test cell decreased beyond a rotation rate of 20 rpm, suggesting that a minimum might occur at a rotation rate higher than 40 rpm.
An 81 MHz IF receiver in CMOS

An 81-MHz CMOS IF receiver for digital wireless applications is presented. The receiver consists of a continuous-time IF amplifier, a subsampling switched-capacitor gain stage, and a sixth-order bandpass /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ A/D converter. Incorporating 24 dB of programmable gain, the receiver achieves 92 dB of dynamic range in a 200 kHz bandwidth. Due to its IF sampling nature, the reciever is immune to de offset, flicker noise, and errors due to mismatches between I and Q signal paths. By utilizing a pseudo two-path resonator architecture in the bandpass /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ A/D converter, a stable passband center frequency which is immune to capacitor mismatch is achieved. Implemented in 0.8-/spl mu/m CMOS, this chip uses a single 3 V supply and consumes 14.4 mW of power.
Investigating Patterns of Social Support Use by Widowers during Bereavement

This study examined the patterns of social support available to widowers during early and late bereavement. It used a social integration framework to assess the levels of social support, social interactions, and sources of support available during bereavement. The analysis included 100 early bereaved widowers and 100 late bereaved widowers from a cross-sectional study on widowerhood among older men. Results indicated widowers from late bereavement received more instrumental and emotional support from family, friends, and neighbors than early bereaved widowers. Similarly, perceived support from friends during an emergency was greater for late bereaved widowers. While social participation in church activities was greater during early bereavement, a high percentage of these widowers indicated not having support when depressed (77%). These findings underscore the importance of emphasizing early intervention during widowerhood to prevent isolation and other negative effects of widowerhood.
Putting the ‘New Open Economy Macroeconomics’ to a test

Abstract This paper explores one way to extend the New Open Economy Macroeconomics in an empirical direction. Adapting maximum likelihood procedures, it estimates and tests an intertemporal small open economy model with monetary shocks and nominal rigidities. Results offer mixed support for a benchmark model where prices are assumed to be sticky in the currency of the buyer. Price stickiness seems to be an important element, as overall results are poorer for versions of the model in which prices either are flexible or are sticky in the currency of the producer. The benchmark model does a better job explaining some variables than others; in particular, it does a poor job explaining exchange rate movements.
The temporal sequence of synaptic initiation, crossing over and synaptic completion.

Questions are raised as to the validity of arguments that crossover positions have been demonstrated to be normally established only during pachytene (after synapsis is maximal). An alternative and testable hypothesis is that crossover commitment can occur at events of synaptic initiation.—Measurements are presented of extents of pachytene synapsis and failure in and around a region of maize chromosome heterozygous for a short paracentric inversion, and these are compared to conjectured expectations from observations of crossover frequencies within the inversion. Various hypotheses consistent with the results are considered. It is pointed out that the hypothesis that increases in crossover frequency in the synapsed region of the inversion are compensatory to crossover inhibitions elsewhere requires complex assumptions: that the adjustment must take place among, not within cells and that the enhancement is preferentially expressed within the inversion instead of elsewhere in the genome. The hypothesis that the fixing and squashing procedure forces apart non-crossover regions previously synapsed but lacking a crossover also requires complex assumptions. The simplest hypothesis proposes that crossover commitment may determine synaptic expression. A role of the synaptonemal complex in the establishment of crossover sites is questioned or minimized.—Evidence is also presented with respect to conceivable function of the telomere in synaptic initiation. Restrictions on such a function, if it exists, seem to be required to account for the observations.
RESONANT INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PROTONS AND OBLIQUE ALFVEN/ION-CYCLOTRON WAVES IN THE SOLAR CORONA AND SOLAR FLARES

We consider interactions between protons and Alfven/ion-cyclotron (A/IC) waves in collisionless low-{beta} plasmas in which the proton distribution function f is strongly modified by wave pitch-angle scattering. If the angle {theta} between the wave vector and background magnetic field is zero for all the waves, then strong scattering causes f to become approximately constant on surfaces of constant {eta}, where {eta} {approx_equal} v {sup 2}{sub perpendicular} + 1.5 v {sup 2/3}{sub A}|v{sub ||}|{sup 4/3}. Here, v{sub perpendicular} and v{sub ||} are the velocity components perpendicular and parallel to the background magnetic field, and v{sub A} is the Alfven speed. If f = f({eta}), then A/IC waves with {theta} = 0 are neither damped nor amplified by resonant interactions with protons. In this paper, we argue that if some mechanism generates high-frequency A/IC waves with a range of {theta} values, then wave-particle interactions initially cause the proton distribution function to become so anisotropic that the plasma becomes unstable to the growth of waves with {theta} = 0. The resulting amplification of {theta} = 0 waves leads to an angular distribution of A/IC waves that is sharply peaked around {theta} = 0 at the large wavenumbers at which A/IC waves resonate withmore » protons. Scattering by this angular distribution of A/IC waves subsequently causes f to become approximately constant along surfaces of constant {eta}, which in turn causes oblique A/IC waves to be damped by protons. We calculate the proton and electron contributions to the damping rate analytically, assuming Maxwellian electrons and f = f({eta}). Because the plasma does not relax to a state in which proton damping of oblique A/IC waves ceases, oblique A/IC waves can be significantly more effective at heating protons than A/IC waves with {theta} = 0.« less
Hydrogen-bond energetics drive helix formation in membrane interfaces

Abstract The free energy cost ΔG of partitioning many unfolded peptides into membrane interfaces is unfavorable due to the cost of partitioning backbone peptide bonds. The partitioning cost is dramatically reduced if the peptide bonds participate in hydrogen bonds. The reduced cost underlies secondary structure formation by amphiphilic peptides partitioned into membrane interfaces through a process referred to as partitioning–folding coupling. This coupling is characterized by the free energy reduction per residue, ∆Gres that drives folding. There is some debate about the correct value of ∆Gres and its dependence on the hydrophobic moment (μH) of amphiphilic α-helical peptides. We show how to compute ∆Gres correctly. Using published data for two families of peptides with different hydrophobic moments and charges, we find that ∆Gres does not depend upon μH. The best estimate of ∆Gres is − 0.37 ± 0.02 kcal mol− 1. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane protein structure and function.
Preceptors' Perceptions of the Preparation and Qualifications for the Preceptor Role

Context: The 2012 Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) standards include several changes that allow more institutional autonomy when determining the qualifications and...
Paul Bowles's Portrayal of Islam in His Moroccan Short Stories

There has been a veritable cult following for Paul Bowles's works since his novels and short stories were first brought to the attention of American readers in the 1940s and 1950s; even in recent years his short-story collections have alternately shocked, puzzled, and entertained devoted readers with their NorthAfrican subjects and themes. However, despite Bowles's long familiarity with the culture of the Moroccan Arabs amongst whom he has chosen to live for over forty years, his stories reveal his penchant for suggesting an inaccurate image of Islam. By briefly examining some Moroccan-based short stories from his two major collections, Collected Stories and Midnight Mass,1 intend to demonstrate that Paul Bowles consistently portrayed the most simplistic believers as Muslim representatives. These are characters who misunderstand or deviate from the basic principles and injunctions of Islam with the same lack of insight into Islam that Bowles had. To lend credibility to this examination, I will also explore some of Bowles's statements regarding his attitude toward Islam as a means of assessing his characterization of Muslims.
Vocal Responses in Heighted States of Arousal

Summary Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate electroglottography (EGG) contact quotient modulation with emotional state in the presence of increased arousal. Study Design A within-subject reversal paradigm using multiple experimental conditions. Methods A total of 11 healthy undergraduate students underwent emotion induction with intermittent startles to increase physiologic arousal. During emotion induction, they vocalized on the vowel /u/ while EGG was recorded. Results EGG contact quotient was significantly greater for negative emotions compared with positive emotions with increased arousal commensurate with past research. In addition, overall EGG contact quotient was greater with elevated arousal. However, the effect sizes were small. Conclusions EGG contact quotient appears to increase with elevated arousal and be greater for negative mood states than positive mood states confirming that emotion states directly influence vocal functioning.
A head-to-head pharmacodynamic comparison of prasugrel vs. ticagrelor after switching from clopidogrel in patients with coronary artery disease: results of a prospective randomized study

Aims Pharmacodynamic (PD) studies comparing prasugrel and ticagrelor have reached inconsistent findings. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation comparing the PD effects of prasugrel vs. ticagrelor after switching from clopidogrel therapy, exploring both loading dose (LD) and maintenance dose (MD) regimens represented the aim of this study. Methods and results Patients ( n = 110) with coronary artery disease were randomized to prasugrel (60 mg LD/10 mg MD q.d.) or ticagrelor (180 mg LD/90 mg MD b.i.d) therapy for 1 week. Pharmacodynamic assessments were conducted using three assays (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, VerifyNow P2Y12, and light transmittance aggregometry, LTA) at baseline, 30 min, 2, 24 h, and 1 week. The impact of initiating ticagrelor MD 12 vs. 24 h after LD administration was also assessed. Switching clopidogrel-treated patients to an LD of prasugrel or ticagrelor was associated with a reduction in platelet reactivity at 30 min and was sustained at all time points up to 1 week with the MD ( P 0.05 for all time points), with the exception of LTA at 30 min (lower with prasugrel; P = 0.003). At 24 h, platelet reactivity was lower among patients initiating ticagrelor MD after 12 vs. 24 h post-LD. Rates of high platelet reactivity (HPR) were markedly reduced and similar between groups. Conclusion Prasugrel and ticagrelor exert similar levels of P2Y12 inhibition achieving more potent PD effects and reduced HPR rates compared with clopidogrel which are reached promptly following LD and sustained with MD. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01852175.
Polyvore Pedagogy: Everybody Is an Artist, Critic, Collector, Curator, and (OH NO!) an Art Teacher

This is what visual culture has come to: We live in image-laden worlds where anyone who wishes can create digital collages and present them to worldwide audiences of millions of collectors. These c...
An Investigation of the Al/n-GaAs Diodes with High Schottky Barrier Heights

Thermally stable Al/n-GaAs Schottky contacts, up to annealing temperature at 500 °C for 20 seconds, have been realized by sputter deposition from an Al target to (100) n-GaAs at a base pressure ~2×10−7 Torr. The Schottky barrier height was 0.75 eV (0.9 eV) when using the I-V (C-V) method with an ideality factor of 1.09 for the as-deposited samples. The Schottky barrier height increased to 0.97 eV (1.06 eV) with an ideality factor of 1.07 after annealing at 400 °C for 20 seconds. This barrier height, 0.97 eV, is the highest value reported for Al/n-GaAs diodes. The interfacial stability between Al and GaAs has been examined by cross section transmission electron microscopy. A (200) dark field cross section transmission electron microscopy image of the contact after annealing at 600 °C showed that the (Ga,Al)As phase formed at the interface and the enhancement of the Schottky barrier height was due to the formation of this phase.
NI-39INITIAL EVALUATION OF AN ADENOSINE RECEPTOR AGONIST'S ABILITY TO TRANSIENTLY DISRUPT THE BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER (BBB) IN PATIENTS WITH IN NORMAL BRAINS

BACKGROUND: Regadenoson is an FDA approved adenosine receptor agonist which transiently disrupts the BBB in rodents allowing systemically administered high molecular weight dextran (MW 70kD) to enter brain parenchyma. This agent is used clinically for cardiac stress tests in patients unable to exercise in conjunction with 99mTc-sestamibi and cardiac SPECT imaging. 99mTc-sestamibi (MW 600) has been studied as an imaging agent in patients with brain tumors and demonstrates permeability only where there is BBB disruption. METHODS: Patients undergoing clinically indicated and standard pharmacologic cardiac stress tests (10mCi of 99mTc-sestamibi with cardiac imaging followed by 30mCi of 99mTc-sestamibi with regadenoson and cardiac imaging) were eligible. This IRB approved study only added brain SPECT imaging to the pre- and post-regadenoson imaging to determine if more isotope entered the brain following regadenoson administration. RESULTS: Six patients were accrued and pre- and post-regadenoson isotope quantitation in brain parenchyma and overlying scalp were compared to correct for the different 99mTc-sestamibi doses routinely administered in cardiac stress tests. The results were strikingly consistent between patients. Mean isotope counts in the brain were 3.1 times higher (range 2.6-3.4) and in the scalp were 4.2 times higher (range 3.4 to 4.5) post-regadenoson. CONCLUSION: Significantly higher isotope counts were seen in each of these patients with presumably normal brains in the post-regadenoson setting. However, brain imaging with this standard cardiac imaging protocol, which includes different doses of isotope in the pre and post-regadenoson settings, does not allow a definitive statement regarding the ability of this agent to temporarily disrupt the BBB and allow entry of previously impermeable systemically administered compounds into the brain. Further studies are underway to answer this question definitively as transient disruption of the BBB would be of major importance to the field of neuro-oncology.