cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in the thermal acclimation of critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and minima (CTMin) in the salamander Eurycea bislineata

Abstract 1. 1.|The time courses of CTMax and CTmin acclimation were determined in spring (April) and summer (August) collected Eurycea bislineata. 2. 2.|Spring collected salamanders showed a very rapid overshoot pattern of CTMax acclimation. The response pattern of summer animals was slower and hyperbolic, but with a somewhat greater magnitude of change. 3. 3.|Both CTMin time courses were hyperbolic, but summer animals showed a greater rate and lesser magnitude of acclimation. 4. 4.|Acclimation of CTMax and CTMin thus varies seasonally, and these separate responses have a degree of physiological independence. This may have adaptive value for salamanders exposed to seasonal vacillations of temperature.
A model of relative national price levels under pricing to market

Abstract This paper proposes an alternative to the Balassa–Samuelson theory of how relative price levels between countries are determined. The theory is a general equilibrium formulation of a model where pricing to market arises endogenously from firm decisions. It differs from Balassa–Samuelson in that it centers on the distinction between segmented national goods markets rather than the distinction between traded and nontraded goods. The paper also explores how Balassa–Samuelson might be updated by combining it together with pricing to market elements. Applied to the case of a monetary union, the theory offers an alternative explanation for the inflation differentials observed in EMU. It implies that such differentials may be a natural and enduring feature of a monetary union in which markets for goods and labor are less than fully integrated.
Autoimmunity in methylcholanthrene-induced and spontaneous thyroiditis in Buffalo strain rats.

SummarySpontaneous, 3-methylcholanthrene-induced, and immunologically induced thyroiditis have been investigated in the Buffalo strain of inbred rat. Circulating autoantibodies to thyroid antigen are present in each form of the disease. Antibodies to other organs, or mononuclear cell infiltrations in them were not found. The major stimulus appears to be thyroglobulin. The evidence indicates that these 3 different forms of disease have an autoimmune basis.
Stereoselectivity in Polyphenol Biosynthesis

Stereoselectivity plays an important role in the late stages of phenyl-propanoid metabolism, affording lignins, lignans, and neolignans. Stereoselectivity is manifested during monolignol (glucoside) synthesis, e.g., where the geometry (E or Z) of the pendant double bond affects the specificity of UDPG:xoniferyl alcohol glucosyltransferases in different species. Such findings are viewed to have important ramifications in monolignol transport and storage processes, with roles for both E- and Z-monolignols and their glucosides in lignin/lignan biosynthesis being envisaged. Stereoselectivity is also of great importance in enantioselective enzymatic processes affording optically active lignans. Thus, cell-free extracts from Forsythia species were demonstrated to synthesize the enantiomerically pure lignans, (−)-secoisolariciresinol, and (−)-pinoresinol, when NAD(P)H, H2O2 and E-coniferyl alcohol were added. Progress toward elucidating the enzymatic steps involved in such highly stereoselective processes is discussed. Also described are preliminary studies aimed at developing methodologies to determine the sub cellular location of late-stage phenylpropanoid metabolites (e.g., coniferyl alcohol) and key enzymes thereof, in intact tissue or cells. This knowledge is essential if questions regarding lignin and lignan tissue specificity and regulation of these processes are to be deciphered.
The Trident Seal—A Rapid and Accurate Expansion Differential Test

A simple glass-to-glass seal is used to measure expansion differential by residual stress measurement using optical bench techniques. Since only uniaxial stresses are produced, Poisson strain corrections are not required, thus overcoming a shortcoming in conventional seals. Sensitivity and reproducibility are greater than with direct dilatometry. Glass-to-ceramic and glass-to-metal differentials can also be measured.
Surgery for Intractable Epilepsy Due to Unilateral Brain Disease: A Retrospective Study Comparing Hemispherectomy Techniques

Abstract Background Hemispherectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat medically intractable epilepsy in children with severe unilateral cortical disease secondary to acquired brain or congenital lesions. The major surgical approaches for hemispherectomy are anatomic hemispherectomy, traditional functional hemispherectomy, and peri-insular hemispherotomy. We describe the epilepsy outcome, including the need for reoperation, after hemispherectomy in patients with brain malformations or acquired brain lesions who underwent hemispherectomy for refractory epilepsy. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study at Children's Hospital Boston. Cases were ascertained from a research database of patients who underwent epilepsy surgery from 1997 to 2011. Data were obtained from electronic medical records and office charts. Outcome after surgery was defined as improvement in seizures (quantity and severity) represented by the Engel classification score measured at last follow-up, with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. The need for reoperation for completion of hemispheric disconnection. We also examined whether placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunt was required after hemispherectomy was a secondary outcome. Results We identified 36 patients who underwent hemispherectomy for severe, medically intractable epilepsy. Group 1 (n = 14) had static acquired lesions, and group 2 (n = 22) had malformations of cortical development. Mean age at surgery for group 1 was 9 years (S.D. 5.5) and 2.77 years for group 2 (S.D. 4.01; P Conclusion Seizure outcome after hemispherectomy is good in patients with acquired lesions and with developmental malformations. Although the seizure outcome was similar in the three procedures, the complication rate was higher with anatomic hemispherectomy than with the more recent functional hemispherectomy and peri-insular hemispherotomy. The group with cortical malformations generally had surgery at a younger age; two patients with malformations of cortical development who underwent functional hemispherectomy required second surgeries. The need for reoperation in these cases may reflect the anatomic complexity of developmental hemispheric malformations, which may lead to incomplete disconnection.
Amino acid pharmacology of mammalian central neurones grown in tissue culture.

1. Spinal and cerebellar-brainstem areas of fetal mouse were dissociated and grown in tissue culture until large enough to permit stable intracellular recording. 2. The tissue-cultured neurones, growing as a monolayer and accessible under direct vision using phase contrast optics, allowed precise placement of intracellular recording and extracellular ionophoretic pipettes. 3. Ionophoresis of GABA and glutamate revealed a non-uniform distribution of responses over the cell surface, with a lack of spatial coincidence in sensitivity between the two. GABA inhibited and glutamate excited all cells tested. 4. GABA responses evoked at the cell body and on nearby process membrane were almost uniformly hyperpolarizing, while those at some peripheral process membrane were either hyperpolarizing, depolarizing or a combination of both events. All responses were associated with an increase in membrane slope conductance. 5. Membrane polarization showed that all hyperpolarizing events extrapolated to about the same inversion potential, which averaged about 9 mV more negative than resting potential (n = 95 cells). The depolarizing phases of responses evoked at peripheral membranes extrapolated to about 0 mV (n = 5 cells). 6. The hyperpolarization and increase in membrane conductance of GABA responses at the cell body were dependent on Cl- ions and the inversion potential of the response was dependent on the Cl- ion concentration gradient. The inversion potentials of GABA, glycine and beta-alanine responses were identical. 7. When matched in magnitude for evoked conductance increase, glycine responses decayed more rapidly than GABA. Glycine and beta-alanine voltage responses both decayed faster than GABA responses of comparable size. 8. In about half the cells tested sustained or rapidly repeated application of GABA and glycine transformed hyperpolarizing responses into depolarizations which were associated with a maintained conductance increase. Results from conditioning-test experiments with pairs of GABA and glycine responses suggest that the reversal of response polarity is due to a rapid redistribution of Cl- ions. 9. The limiting slope of log-log dose-response curves for GABA-induced conductance averaged about 2, while those for glutamate-induced depolarizations averaged about 1. The results suggest that two molecules of GABA and one molecule of glutamate participate in the respective post-synaptic responses. 10. The observation indicate that mammalian C.N.S. tissue grown in culture is a suitable model to study C.N.S. membrane pharmacology with increasing precision.
Retinoic acid up-regulates ciliary neurotrophic factor receptors in cultured chick neurons and cardiomyocytes.

Abstract Retinoic acid is an important developmental factor in the heart and nervous system and regulates the expression of trophic factor receptors in neural cell lines. Here we show the effects of retinoic acid on cytokine responsiveness in embryonic chick neurons and myocytes. Treatment of cultured cardiomyocytes and retinal and ciliary ganglion neurons with retinoic acid resulted in increased expression of receptors for the neuropoietic cytokine, CNTF. All- trans -retinoic acid induced as much as a 3-fold increase in CNTF receptor α subunit mRNA in a time and concentration dependent manner and resulted in an enhanced CNTF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the transcription factor, STAT3. These results indicate that neurons and myocytes expressing CNTF receptors are responsive to retinoic acid and suggest that retinoids may regulate cell sensitivity to cytokines during development.
Vertex-magic total labelings of even complete graphs

It is shown that if p>=6 is any even integer such that p=2mod(4) then the complete graph K"p has a vertex-magic total labeling (VMTL) with magic constant h for each integer h satisfying p^3+6p@?4h@?p^3+2p^2-2p. If in addition, p=2mod(8), then K"p has a VMTL with magic constant h for each integer h satisfying p^3+4p@?4h@?p^3+2p^2. If p=2@?3^t and t>=2, then it is shown that the complete graph K"p has a VMTL with magic constant h if and only if h is an integer satisfying p^3+3p@?4h@?p^3+2p^2+p. These results provide significant new evidence supporting a conjecture of MacDougall, Miller, Slamin and Wallis regarding the spectrum of complete graphs. It is also shown that for each odd integer n>=5, the disjoint union of two copies of K"n, denoted 2K"n, has a VMTL with magic constant h for each integer h such that n^3+5n@?2h@?n^3+2n^2-3n. If in addition, n=1mod4, then 2K"n has a VMTL with magic constant h for each integer h such that n^3+3n@?2h@?n^3+2n^2-n.
Frenolicins C-G, pyranonaphthoquinones from Streptomyces sp. RM-4-15.

Appalachian active coal fire sites were selected for the isolation of bacterial strains belonging to the class actinobacteria. A comparison of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and ultraviolet (UV) absorption profiles from isolate extracts to natural product databases suggested Streptomyces sp. RM-4-15 to produce unique metabolites. Four new pyranonaphthoquinones, frenolicins C–F (1–4), along with three known analogues, frenolicin (6), frenolicin B (7), and UCF76-A (8), were isolated from the fermentation of this strain. An additional new analogue, frenolicin G (5), along with two known compounds, deoxyfrenolicin (9) and UCF 13 (10), were isolated from the fermentation supplied with 18 mg/L of scandium chloride, the first example, to the best of our knowledge, wherein scandium chloride supplementation led to the confirmed production of new bacterial secondary metabolites. Structures 1–5 were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical modification. While fre...
Corticofugal modulation of multi-parametric auditory selectivity in the midbrain of the big brown bat.

Corticofugal modulation of sub-cortical auditory selectivity has been shown previously in mammals for frequency, amplitude, time, and direction domains in separate studies. As such, these studies d...
Acquisitions Fund Accounting on a Word Processor.

The application of a specific word processor to one library's acquisitions fund accounting and reporting functions is described. The fund structure, report formats, and mangagement data reports have been designed locally for the specific needs of a specific library. The system provides flexibility for accommodating different requirements at other institutions.
A new approach to the kinematics of relativistic scattering and to the constraints among partial waves

Abstract We study and further develop a new set of relativistic invariant amplitudes, recently introduced by de Alfaro, Fubini, Furlan, and Rossetti, for the description of a scattering of particles with spin. The main feature of these amplitudes is that their expansion into partial waves is always simply an expansion into a series of Legendre polynomials. We also show how some of the constraints among partial waves, which are known to hold for t = 0, immediately follow when the new amplitudes are used to describe the scattering.
Association of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) with the nuclear matrix

Nuclear matrices from uninfected Spodoptera frugiperda cells and those infected with Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) were isolated and their protein constituents were compared. Proteins were characterized according to size and several different antibodies to Drosophila nuclear proteins were employed in an attempt to identify the proteins comprising this nuclear substructure. Three species of lamins were identified as major constituents of the nuclear matrix of Spodoptera cells. Two DNA-binding proteins having molecular weights of 54 and 36 kDa were also identified as components of the nuclear matrix of uninfected cells. Infection resulted in a superimposition of viral proteins upon the nuclear matrix of the host cell. Polyhedrin, the basic viral DNA-binding protein (p6.9), and the major capsid protein of AcMNPV were identified immunologically as components of the nuclear matrix fraction of infected cells. Infection also resulted in the increased association of cellular histones with the nuclear matrix. DNA-binding assays demonstrated histones and p6.9 were the predominant DNA-binding proteins associated with the nuclear matrix of infected cells. Nuclear matrices from uninfected cells and cells infected with AcMNPV for 10 and 24 hr were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Morphologically, the nuclear matrix of the uninfected cell consists of the outer nuclear lamina (including nuclear pore complexes), an internal fibrogranular protein constituent, and a residual nucleolar structure. Numerous viral capsids were observed associated with the nuclear matrix in cells infected with either wild-type AcMNPV or a polyhedrin-deletion mutant by 10 hr p.i. The capsids appeared to be attached in an end-on association with the internal fibrogranular protein network of the nuclear matrix. The matrix-associated capsids were similar in width and length to those packaged within the polyhedra. In addition to the capsids, polyhedra in various stages of maturation were seen at 24 hr following infection of the cells with the wild-type virus. The nuclear matrix of the infected cell appears to play an important role in baculovirus assembly.
Fluorescence properties of the light-harvesting bacteriochlorophyll protein from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides R-26

Abstract The light-harvesting bacteriochlorophyll-protein (BChl-protein) from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides , R-26 mutant, exhibits a strong optical absorption peak near 850 nm ( Q y band) and a weaker peak at 590 nm ( Q x band). This pigment-protein appears to contain two BChl molecules per subunit, and previous circular dichroism studies indicated the presence of excitonic interactions between the BChl molecules. The complex exhibits a fluorescence maximum near 870 nm at room temperature. Excitation in the Q y region results in polarization p values that vary only from +0.12 at 820 nm to +0.14 near 900 nm. These values are appreciably smaller than that for monomeric BChl in viscous solvents ( p > 0.4). By contrast, using Q x excitation the p value is −0.25 for the BChl-protein complex, which is close to that observed for the BChl monomer. For the BChl-protein these polarization values do not change greatly at a temperature of 90 K; however, the Stokes' shift of the fluorescence emission increases significantly over that at room temperature.
The Five Manifestations of Rheumatoid Lung

SUMMARY 1.Five cases, representing the five varieties of rheumatoid pulmonary disease, have been presented. These include chronic pneumonitis, diffuse interstitial fibrosis, discrete pulmonary nodules with or without cavitation, rheumatoid pneumoconiosis (Caplan's syndrome), and rheumatoid pleurisy with effusion. 2.The diagnosis of rheumatoid lung is suggested in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on roentgenographic grounds. Other diseases which give a similar x-ray picture must be excluded. 3.The diagnosis is confirmed by lung biopsy.
Effect of Thermal Expansion on the Stability of Plane, Freely Propagating Flames,

Abstract Abstract–Much of the previous effort on the stability of plane, freely propagating flames to short-wave perturbations is based on the constant-density approximation (CDA). Such a treatment achieves analytical simplicity at the expense of ignoring thermal expansion. It is valid only when the heat release is small, either due to weak exothermicity or scarcity of reactants, hardly the state of affairs in real flames. This paper treats the stability question without invoking the CDA, and finds that when thermal expansion is taken into account, the Lewis-number stability band disappears. In the limit of long-wave perturbations, the present results agree with those obtained recently by several authors by means of the Slowly-Varying-Flame approach.
The interaction of mammalian cells with antibodies. I.

The single cell plating technique has been applied to quantitation of the reproductive killing of mammalian cells by specific antibodies. This method confirms previous demonstrations by other workers of localization of all the killing activity in the γ-globulin fraction of specific cell antisera but not of normal sera; the need for complement for the killing action in low doses of antibody and the leakage of cell constituents attending cell killing under these conditions. In concentrations of 4 per cent or higher of heated antiserum cell killing occurs without added complement. The cell plating technique permits highly reproducible quantitation of antibody action and demonstrates antibody activity in sera diluted 1:3000. It permits demonstration of very high degrees of species specificity as shown by virtually complete absence of cross-reaction between antisera to Chinese hamster and S3 HeLa cells, respectively. Somatic cells which have been sensitized by absorption of specific antibody lose their sensitization when incubated at 37° unless complement is added within 1 hour.
Online social support networks

Peer support groups have a long history and have been shown to improve health outcomes. With the increasing familiarity with online social networks like Facebook and ubiquitous access to the Internet, online social support networks are becoming popular. While studies have shown the benefit of these networks in providing emotional support or meeting informational needs, robust data on improving outcomes such as a decrease in health services utilization or reduction in adverse outcomes is lacking. These networks also pose unique challenges in the areas of patient privacy, funding models, quality of content, and research agendas. Addressing these concerns while creating patient-centred, patient-powered online support networks will help leverage these platforms to complement traditional healthcare delivery models in the current environment of value-based care.
Design and Experimental Testing of a 1.9MWth Calcium Looping Pilot Plant

Abstract Calcium looping (CaL) CO2 capture process using calcium oxide as a regenerable solid sorbent has been under development at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of Taiwan for several years. At 2013, the 1.9MWth pilot plant has been fully constructed, and the trial runs have been progressed for almost one year. The CO2 was captured by CaO from the flue gas of the cement plant in a bubbling fluidized-bed carbonator while diesel oil oxy-combustion in the rotary kiln provides the heat required to regenerate the sorbent. The start-up progress of carbonator does not use pre-heating system, but take advantage of heat dissipated by the hot sorbent form the calciner. The flow rate of the flue gas from the stack of the cement plant was 3400 Nm3/h with the CO2 concentration higher than 15 vol%. The test results showed the CO2 capture efficiency higher than 85% for 7 hours and the CO2 concentration of the outlet gas was under 2%. The accumulated time of unit operation test in this pilot plant is more than 600 hours, and that for the fully-continuous looping test is more than 300 hours, respectively. The CO2 capture rate higher than 1 t/h was obtained, which reached the design point of this pilot plant. It is considered as an important milestone for the future construction of a 30 MWth demonstration plant.
TGF-β1 and IL-10 modulate IL-1β-induced membrane and soluble ICAM-1 in human myoblasts

We have previously shown that interleukin (IL)-1β and other inflammatory cytokines are able to induce the expression of membrane and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 on human myoblasts. In this paper we found that IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 are able to prevent IL-1β-induced membrane and soluble ICAM-1 protein expression on human myoblasts, with different time courses. The effect of both cytokines is associated to a reduction in ICAM-1 mRNA. Our findings suggest that IL-10 and TGF-β1 are able to influence the inflammatory process in muscle tissue at least in part by means of control of membrane and soluble ICAM-1.
N1...N3 hydrogen bonds of A:U base pairs of RNA are stronger than those of A:T base pairs of DNA.

Trans-hydrogen-bond deuterium isotope effects of Watson−Crick A:U and A:T base pairs of 10 homologous RNA and DNA duplexes are compared. The isotope effect at 13C2 of adenosine residues due to deuterium/protium substitution at the imino H3 site, 2hΔ13C2, is larger in RNA than in DNA. The virtually consistent larger isotope effects in RNA suggest that the N1···N3 hydrogen bonds of A:U base pairs of RNA are stronger than those of the A:T base pairs of DNA.
Effects of fluorophore-to-silver distance on the emission of cyanine-dye-labeled oligonucleotides.

We examined the fluorescence spectral properties of Cy3- and Cy5-labeled oligonucleotides at various distances from the surface of silver island films. The distance to the surface was controlled by alternating layers of biotinylated bovine serum albumin (BSA) and avidin, followed by binding of a biotinylated oligonucleotide. The maximum enhancement of fluorescence near a factor of 12 was observed for the first BSA-avidin layer, with the enhancement decreasing to 2-fold for six layers. The minimum lifetimes were observed for the first BSA-avidin layer, and were about 25-fold shorter than on quartz slides without silver, with the lifetimes being about 2-fold shorter for six BSA-avidin layers. These results suggest that maximum fluorescence enhancements occur about 90 A from the silver surface, a distance readily obtained by one or two layers of proteins.
Robust Sensorless Sliding Mode Flux Observer with Speed Estimate for Induction Motor Drives

Abstract This article discusses the problem of state and rotor flux angle estimation for the induction motor drive and presents a sensorless sliding-mode observer that is developed based on the induction motor model in the stationary reference frame. The observer is realized using the measured motor voltages and currents; it can be used to provide field orientation in a sensorless control scheme. The observer estimates the stationary frame fluxes of the induction motor and is developed using switching (sliding-mode) terms based on the current mismatches. The novelty is the design method used: first, a sensored observer is constructed; second, the observer is made sensorless by replacing the speed with a speed estimate; last, a gain design is found that allows accurate estimation of the rotor flux angle. The observer is analyzed with Lyapunov-based methods. It is found that with the proposed design, when an inaccurate speed signal is used, the resulting flux estimates are in phase with the real fluxes—this...
Diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis in adolescent females: ‘Inpouch TV’ culture versus wet mount microscopy

Purpose: This study compared the InPouch TV® culture to wet-mount, Diamond's culture medium, and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear for the diagnosis of trichomonas infection in sexually active adolescents. Methods: A total of 467 subjects were recruited among 12–18-year-old girls who received pelvic examinations at two urban adolescent clinics. All girls were tested by wet-mount and InPouch TV®. In addition 339 of 467 had cultures in Diamond's medium and 366 of 467 had Pap smears. Specimens were collected for InPouch TV® and Diamond's cultures and read at 24–48 h and 5 days, and in the case of Diamond's cultures, also at 7 days. In a subset of subjects (268 of 467) who had all four tests done, sensitivities and specificities were calculated using Diamond's culture as the "gold standard." Results: In the 467 subjects, 73 (15.6%) tested positive for trichomonas by at least one method. In the subset with all four tests done, sensitivities of the wet-mount and InPouch TV® were 36% and 81%, respectively; while that of the Pap smear was 56%. The culture media were equally efficient in identifying Trichomonas vaginalis . There were no differences found between subjects with or without trichomonas infections in gynecological symptoms, previous history of sexually transmitted diseases, or use of a condom at last intercourse. Conclusions: InPouch TV® culture is a good diagnostic method for T. vaginalis because of its long shelf-life, relatively low expense, and high sensitivity (over twice as sensitive as wet-mount).
Receptors for Insulin and Insulin Related Peptides in the CNS: Studies of Localization in Rat Brain

The central nervous system (CNS) has traditionally been excluded as an insulin target tissue because glucose metabolism in the CNS seems to be unaffected by insulin. We have found that insulin and specific receptors for insulin are present in rodent brain although their physiologic role is unknown. Recent work in rats has shown that receptors for IGF-I and IGF-II are also present in the CNS.
IL-9 and Th9 cells: progress and challenges

T(h)9 cells are a new subset of helper T cells, and the signature cytokine for T(h)9 cells is IL-9. Both T(h)9 cells and T(h)9 products are implicated in multiple disease settings. Thus, a clear understanding of how T(h)9 cells are induced and controlled is an important and clinically relevant issue. There are different molecular pathways identified thus far in the induction of T(h)9 cells, and activation of such diverse pathways requires integration of signals from TGF-β and IL-4 cytokine receptors as well as costimulatory molecules. These signals converge on the induction of multiple transcription factors that collectively drive the development of T(h)9 cells.
First-principle studies of intermolecular and intramolecular catalysis of protonated cocaine.

We have performed a series of first-principles electronic structure calculations to examine the reaction pathways and the corresponding free energy barriers for the ester hydrolysis of protonated cocaine in its chair and boat conformations. The calculated free energy barriers for the benzoyl ester hydrolysis of protonated chair cocaine are close to the corresponding barriers calculated for the benzoyl ester hydrolysis of neutral cocaine. However, the free energy barrier calculated for the methyl ester hydrolysis of protonated cocaine in its chair conformation is significantly lower than for the methyl ester hydrolysis of neutral cocaine and for the dominant pathway of the benzoyl ester hydrolysis of protonated cocaine. The significant decrease of the free energy barrier, 4 kcal/mol, is attributed to the intramolecular acid catalysis of the methyl ester hydrolysis of protonated cocaine, because the transition state structure is stabilized by the strong hydrogen bond between the carbonyl oxygen of the methyl ester moiety and the protonated tropane N. The relative magnitudes of the free energy barriers calculated for different pathways of the ester hydrolysis of protonated chair cocaine are consistent with the experimental kinetic data for cocaine hydrolysis under physiologic conditions. Similar intramolecular acid catalysis also occurs for the benzoyl ester hydrolysis of (protonated) boat cocaine in the physiologic condition, although the contribution of the intramolecular hydrogen bonding to transition state stabilization is negligible. Nonetheless, the predictability of the intramo- lecular hydrogen bonding could be useful in generating antibody-based catalysts that recruit cocaine to the boat conformation and an analog that elicited antibodies to approximate the protonated tropane N and the benzoyl O more closely than the natural boat conformer might increase the contribution from hydrogen bonding. Such a stable analog of the transition state for intramolecular catalysis of cocaine benzoyl-ester hydrolysis was synthesized and used to successfully elicit a number of anticocaine catalytic antibodies.
Single-phase inverter design for V2G reactive power compensation

Vehicle to grid (V2G) power transfer has been under research for more than a decade because of the large energy reserve of an electric vehicle battery and the potential of thousands of these connected to the grid. In this study a complete analysis of the front end inverter of a non-isolated bidirectional EV/PHEV charger capable of V2G reactive power compensation is presented.
THE REX GENE OF BACTERIOPHAGE λ IS REALLY TWO GENES

Complementation tests among previously isolated rex- mutants of bacteriophage lambda reveal that the mutants comprise two complementation groups, designated rexA and rexB. Because rexB- mutants complement prm- mutants, but rexA- mutants do not, it appears that the rexA gene is coordinately controlled with the cI (repressor) gene under the direction of PRM promoter, but that some other promoter is capable of directing the expression of rexB.
Identifying remote protein homologs by network propagation

Perhaps the most widely used applications of bioinformatics are tools such as psi-blast for searching sequence databases. We describe a recently developed protein database search algorithm called rankprop. rankprop relies upon a precomputed network of pairwise protein similarities. The algorithm performs a diffusion operation from a specified query protein across the protein similarity network. The resulting activation scores, assigned to each database protein, encode information about the global structure of the protein similarity network. This type of algorithm has a rich history in associationist psychology, artificial intelligence and web search. We describe the rankprop algorithm and its relatives, and we provide evidence that the algorithm successfully improves upon the rankings produced by psi-blast.
Predictors of compliance with the postpartum visit among women living in healthy start project areas.

Objectives: Few studies have examined factors associated with compliance with a postpartum visit (PPV). The identification of such factors is of particular importance in populations with high rates of unintended pregnancies and medical complications of pregnancy. This study seeks to determine factors associated with compliance with a PPV among low-income women in the population served by fourteen Healthy Start sites. Methods: Data from the Healthy Start Survey of Postpartum Women were reviewed to identify variables associated with compliance with a PPV at or beyond 6 weeks. Multiple logistic regression models were created, based on a sociobehavioral model of health services use, to examine which types of factors (demographic, social, enabling or need) are most strongly associated with the use of a PPV. Results: The study population consisted of survey respondents interviewed six weeks or more following delivery. Eighty-five percent of respondents had had a PPV at time of interview. In a multiple regression analysis, enabling factors such as multiple moves (OR (95% CI)=0.34 (0.18, 0.67)), trouble understanding the provider (OR (95% CI)=0.65 (0.43, 0.99)) and appointment reminders (OR (95% CI)=2.37 (1.40, 4.02)) were most strongly associated with a PPV. Conclusions: This work finds that women with unstable housing, transportation barriers, and difficulties communicating with providers are at risk for not receiving a PPV. This suggests that access to postpartum health services in the Healthy Start communities studied may not be entirely equitable. Policies aimed at improving interconception care will need to address these barriers to accessing health services.
Apoptosis and Autoimmune Diseases

Apoptosis plays critical roles in the initiation, progression and remission of autoimmune diseases. On the one hand, apotosis of resident tissue cells in diseased organs contributes to the pathology of autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, apoptosis of inflammatory cells is essential for disease recovery and is the major goal of therapeutic interventions for autoimmune diseases. In this review, I will discuss the roles of apoptosis in two common autoimmune diseases: multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. I will also examine the potential roles of transcription factor p53 and the tumor necrosis factor family of proteins in autoimmune diseases.
Parallel performance wizard: A performance analysis tool for partitioned global-address-space programming

Given the complexity of parallel programs, developers often must rely on performance analysis tools to help them improve the performance of their code. While many tools support the analysis of message-passing programs, no tool exists that fully supports programs written in programming models that present a partitioned global address space (PGAS) to the programmer, such as UPC and SHMEM. Existing tools with support for message-passing models cannot be easily extended to support PGAS programming models, due to the differences between these paradigms. Furthermore, the inclusion of implicit and one-sided communication in PGAS models renders many of the analyses performed by existing tools irrelevant. For these reasons, there exists a need for a new performance tool capable of handling the challenges associated with PGAS models. In this paper, we first present background research and the framework for Parallel Performance Wizard (PPW), a modularized, event-based performance analysis tool for PGAS programming models. We then discuss features of PPW and how they are used in the analysis of PGAS applications. Finally, we illustrate how one would use PPW in the analysis and optimization of PGAS applications by presenting a small case study using the PPW version 1.0 implementation.
Dynamics of the Translocation Step Measured in Individual DNA Polymerase Complexes

Complexes formed between the bacteriophage phi29 DNA polymerase (DNAP) and DNA fluctuate between the pre-translocation and post-translocation states on the millisecond time scale. These fluctuations can be directly observed with single-nucleotide precision in real-time ionic current traces when individual complexes are captured atop the α-hemolysin nanopore in an applied electric field. We recently quantified the equilibrium across the translocation step as a function of applied force (voltage), active-site proximal DNA sequences, and the binding of complementary dNTP. To gain insight into the mechanism of this step in the DNAP catalytic cycle, in this study, we have examined the stochastic dynamics of the translocation step. The survival probability of complexes in each of the two states decayed at a single exponential rate, indicating that the observed fluctuations are between two discrete states. We used a robust mathematical formulation based on the autocorrelation function to extract the forward and ...
Pure Random Search with exponential rate of convergency

We introduce a new random, non-gradient based, optimization scheme that is consistent for all measurable functions with essential supremum. Theorem 1 establishes the exponential rate of convergence for a large class of functions. Performance comparisons with Pure Random Search (PRS), three quasi-Newton-type optimization routines as well as numerous non-gradient based procedures are reported.
Sixth Order Multiple Coarse Grid Computation for Solving 1D Partial Differential Equation

We present a new method using multiple coarse grid computation technique to solve one dimensional (1D) partialdifferential equation (PDE). Our method is based on a fourth order discretization scheme on two scale grids andthe Richardson extrapolation. For a particular implementation, we use multiple coarse grid computation to computethe fourth order solutions on the fine grid and all the coarse grids. Since every fine grid point has a correspondingcoarse grid point with fourth order solution, the Richardson extrapolation procedure is applied for every fine gridpoint to increase the order of solution accuracy from fourth order to sixth order. We compare the maximum absoluteerror and the order of solution accuracy for our new method, the standard fourth order compact (FOC) scheme andWang-Zhang’s sixth order multiscale multigrid method. Two convection-diffusion problems are solved numericallyto validate our proposed method.
A Class of Logistic Regression Models for Multivariate Binary Time Series

Abstract A logistic model for multivariate binary time series is proposed. First, we establish the equivalence between a log-linear model for the marginal distribution of a multivariate binary random vector and logistic models for the conditional distributions of each component given the others. The logistic formulation is used to describe a Markov chain for each series, which implies a Markov model for the vector of time series. A pseudolikelihood estimation procedure is presented. The methods are illustrated with data on psychosomatic and psychological diagnoses for families in a health-maintenance plan.
Skin Cancer Surveillance and Malignancies of the Skin in a Community-Dwelling Cohort of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The authors documented a low compliance with guidelines to screen for skin malignancy in a community-dwelling cohort of patients with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Influence of Culture Results on Management and Outcome of Pediatric Osteomyelitis and/or Septic Arthritis

Children with uncomplicated osteomyelitis and/or septic arthritis were more likely (P < .01) to have positive focus than blood cultures. Those who grew a pathogen and/or started on a single antibiotic were more likely to be discharged on a single antibiotic, and those sent home on oral therapy had fewer adverse events.
A Test of the Cross-Sectional Robustness of the Arbitrage Pricing Model Using Foreign Exchange Rates*

This paper tests the cross-sectional robustness of the arbitrage pricing theory (APT) model using foreign exchange rate data to determine if the model is robust with respect to the various random samples and various factor analytic techniques. Factor scores are developed using various samples and factor analytic techniques to explain the returns for other samples and groupings. The APT model is found to be robust across samples and techniques.
Teaching Across Disciplines: The Christmas Bell

The primary focus of this teaching case is a demonstration of the interdisciplinary nature of business production decisions. The issues involved show students how to think outside the single function box of management and consider accounting, finance, and economics.
Augustine's Attack on Skepticism: The Contra Academicos

Augustine's attack on skepticism in the Contra Academicos is, it seems to me, both interesting and important. Its interest lies in the fact that the argument developed by Augustine is rather more sophisticated than most commentators seem willing to admit. It is important because it places the moral and epistemological features of skepticism in a new and revealing light, and in so doing offers, I think, a plausible refutation of skeptical doctrine. If I am correct, then the study of Augustine's reasoning is of more than purely historical interest: it is worth studying for its own timeless philosophical content.
EXCESS POST-EXERCISE OXYGEN CONSUMPTION (EPOC) FOLLOWING MULTIPLE EFFORT SPRINT AND MODERATE AEROBIC EXERCISE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 30-second all-out sprint interval exercise (SIE) vs. moderate aerobic exercise (MA) on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Six recreationallytrained males (age=23.3±1.4 yrs, weight=81.8±9.9 kg, height=180.8±6.3 cm) completed a sprint interval exercise session consisting of three repeated 30-second Wingate cycling tests separated by four minutes (duration ~11minutes) as well as a moderate aerobic exercise session consisting of 30-minute cycling at 60% heart rate reserve (HRR) in a random counterbalanced design. Baseline oxygen consumption (VO2) was determined by an average VO 2 from the final five minutes of a 30-minute supine rest period prior to each trial. Following each protocol, VO2 was measured for 30 minutes or until baseline measures were reached. EPOC was determined by subtracting baseline VO 2 from post-exercise VO 2 measurements. Energy expenditure (kJ) was determined by multiplying kJ per liter of oxygen by the average VO2 during recovery. EPOC values were significantly higher in SIE (7.5±1.3 L) than MA (1.8±0.7 L). SIE produced a higher recovery caloric expenditure (156.9 kJ) compared to MA (41.0 kJ) and remained significantly elevated (p=.024) over resting levels during the entire recovery period (30 minutes) compared to MA (6 minutes, p=.003). The energy required to recover from three repeated maximal effort 30-second Wingate cycling tests was greater than 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise. Future studies should examine the chronic effects of maximal effort sprint training protocol on cardiovascular fitness and body composition.
Bilateral Trans-Scaphoid Perilunate Fracture Dislocation

The wrist represents a complex anatomic region in the human extremity and a highly functional and intricate structural joint. Most perilunate injuries result from a staged disruption of the ligamentous structures. Forces may be directed through the carpal bones themselves resulting in a fracture. Early anatomic reduction of any carpal malalignment is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, even with optimal treatment, outcomes after perilunate injuries are frequently poor. Generalized wrist stiffness, diminished grip strength, and post-traumatic arthritis commonly develop. Scaphoid fractures are frequent in everyday practice. But associated fractures of the scaphoid and capitate with 90�180�rotation of the head of the capitate are rare wrist injuries. This carpal bone injury has been defined by Fenton and Rosen since 1950. The Fenton syndrome should be recognized especially in great external force. The diagnosis of simultaneous scaphoid and capitate fractures at the time of Bilateral Trans-Scaphoid Perilunate Fracture Dislocation
Single-Layer Resonant Leaky-Mode Polarizers at 1.55 μm

Resonant leaky modes in periodic photonic lattices are applied to design polarizers using a single patterned layer of silicon. Example designs show that a high degree of polarization is achievable over sizable spectral bands.
Development and Emergence of Telenomus chloropus and Trissolcus basalis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) at Various Temperatures and Relative Humidities

Effects of eight constant temperatures ranging from 15 to 36°C and eight constant relative humidities ranging from 64 to 100% RH on development and emergence of Telenomus chloropus Thomson and Trissolcus basalis (Wollaston) were determined using Nezara viridula (L.) eggs as hosts. Developmental time of T. chloropus was significantly greater than that of T. basalis at all study temperatures except 15°C. Average percent daily development of T. basalis became progressively larger than that of T. chloropus as temperature increased and was significantly greater at temperatures above 15°C. T. chloropus was unable to develop to the adult stage at temperatures exceeding 30°C; however, T. basalis completed development at all study temperatures. Percentage of parasitoids reaching the adult stage, percent emerging, and percent survival (egg to adult emergence) of T. basalis were significantly greater at both upper and lower extreme temperatures than those of T. chloropus . Average thermal requirement over the four intermediate temperatures (21–30°C), calculated using a base of 15°C, was 168 and 131 Celsius degree-days for T. chloropus and T. basalis , respectively. Both T. chloropus and T. basalis were able to develop successfully to the adult stage at all relative humidities studied. However, T. chloropus adults were able to emerge from host eggs only at 85% RH or higher. Survival from egg to adult emergence of T. basalis was significantly greater than for T. chloropus at all humidities studied.
Transformation of HepG2 nascent lipoproteins by LCAT: modulation by HepG2 d > 1.235 g/ml fraction.

We have previously shown that lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) can transform ultracentrifugally isolated HepG2 lipoproteins (d 1.235 g/ml fraction (lipid-poor apoA-I); hence we investigated whether inclusion of d > 1.235 g/ml fraction in LCAT incubations altered HDL subpopulations. After 18 h incubation of CM (containing lipoproteins and d > 1.235 g/ml fraction) with purified LCAT, the major transformation product on GGE was a large 9.7-nm particle (HDL2b pattern); a minor component appeared at 7.4 nm (HDL3c). Differences in particle size distribution between CM and isolated lipoprotein incubations were not the result of differences in LCAT activity; mass ratios of unesterified cholesterol:cholesteryl ester and phospholipid:cholesteryl ester were similar. Removal of apoA-I from the d > 1.235 g/ml fraction by immunoaffinity chromatography prior to incubation with the d 1.235 g/ml fraction; therefore, lipid-poor apoA-I does not influence nascent HDL transformation. Cholesteryl ester was transferred from HepG2 HDL to LDL in CM incubations; however, cholesteryl ester transfer protein was not immunochemically identified. Removal of HepG2 LDL from CM prior to incubation with LCAT still resulted in the HDL2b pattern. We conclude that HepG2 cells secrete a factor(s) that modifies nascent HDL transformation products into a predominantly HDL2b subpopulation.