cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Work-in-Progress–—Extracting, Describing and Representing Spatial Features of a Chemical Reaction inside a Virtual Reality Learning Environment

This pilot study provides the preliminary results of a Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE) aimed to increase the two aforementioned skills for chemistry graduate students at NC State. For this purpose, a VRLE was built upon four interconnected frameworks: (1) cognitive apprenticeship, (2) familiar shapes recognition, (3) multimedia design principles, and (4) virtual reality learning affordances. The resource's ultimate goal is to reduce the cognitive load associated with mastering the two target skills. The pilot version of the VRLE was tested by 10 graduate students from the Chemistry Department at NC State University. The students tested the VRLE remotely due to Covid-19. Results are presented for one of the students. This work-in-progress project is the first step towards a student-centered, self-paced, immersive virtual resource complementary to traditional lecture for studying and communicating visually demanding organic reactions.
The evaluation of the swallow tail sign in patients with parkinsonism and gait disorders.

Abstract Background Swallow tail sign (STS), which represents nigrosome-1 in the substantia nigra on 3 Tesla (T) susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), has attracted attention as a promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker for idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD). Some reports have shown high sensitivity and specificity—both above 94%—for distinguishing iPD from healthy controls. However, abnormal STS has been observed in many neurodegenerative parkinsonisms and even in multiple sclerosis. Methods All patients with parkinsonism who had 3 T MRI were included in a retrospective chart review from a single movement disorders clinic. All subjects were evaluated by a single movement disorder specialist, using Movement Disorders Society diagnostic criteria and American Academy of Neurology consensus guidelines for diagnoses. All MRIs were interpreted by a single neuroradiologist who was blinded to the diagnosis. Results Twenty patients were included in the study. Twelve had abnormal STS: iPD (n = 2), probable multiple system atrophy (n = 3), vascular parkinsonism (n = 1), psychogenic gait disorder (n = 1), neuroleptic parkinsonism (n = 2), cervical dystonia (n = 1), static encephalopathy (n = 1) and gait disorder of unknown etiology (n = 1). Eight had normal STS: iPD (n = 1), probable progressive supranuclear palsy (n = 1), vascular parkinsonism (n = 2), transient parkinsonism of unknown etiology (n = 2), valproic acid induced parkinsonism (n = 1), and essential tremor with parkinsonism (n = 1). 123I-Ioflupane SPECT dopamine transporter (DaT) scan results were available on seven subjects; four subjects had incongruency between DaT and MRI. Conclusion Our results suggest that the abnormal STS is not, in isolation, a reliable biomarker of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Between-subject and within-subject variability in measures of biochemical markers of bone turnover in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques.

Abstract Development of optimal bone mass during early adulthood is determined by the balance between bone formation and resorption. The utility of minimally invasive biomarkers for monitoring bone turnover balance in maturing non-human primates has received limited attention. This study evaluated the biological variation of osteocalcin (a marker of bone formation), carboxyterminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX, a marker of bone resorption), and the ratio of osteocalcin to CTX (reflecting bone turnover balance), in 136 rhesus and cynomolgus macaques aged 3.8–11.6 years. In a subsample of the animals (n = 28), blood samples were collected at monthly intervals over 4 months. Between-subject analysis revealed that there were no sex or species differences for CTX. Osteocalcin and the ratio of osteocalcin to CTX were higher in males than in females, and in rhesus macaques than in cynomolgus macaques. There were no changes in osteocalcin, CTX, or the ratio of osteocalcin to CTX across 4 months for any of the groups. In contrast, there was considerable within-subject variation in osteocalcin and CTX concentrations. However, differences in values exhibited no discernible pattern, suggesting that within-subject variation can be reduced by averaging repeat measurements. In summary, the data provide reference values for male and female rhesus and cynomolgus macaques and support the utility of osteocalcin and CTX as biomarkers to monitor bone turnover at the population level.
Alternative designs and analyses for destructive and non-replicable gauge R & R studies

This article presents new designs and their analyses for destructive and non-replicable gauge R & R studies. Less restrictive assumptions about destructive measurements on “similar” parts and non-r...
- Axl: Axl protein-tyrosine kinase (vertebrates) [UFO (human, mouse), Ark (mouse)]

Axl is a receptor PTK of a unique subclass characterized by the consensus sequence KWIAIE within the kinase domain and the presence of both Ig like and fibronectin III repeats in the extracellular domain. Transfection experiments show that Axl is transforming in NIH3T3 cells, and that the mode of activation is by overexpression. Its normal cellular function is unknown, but expression data suggest a role for Axl in myeloid hematopoiesis, ovarian function, and organ development. Two isoforms are reported in Axl, differing by a single substitution of nine amino acids, are predicted by identification of splice variants. In domain structure of protein, the configuration of Ig-like repeats and fibronectin-HI repeats is seen in cell adhesion molecules, and protein tyrosine phosphatases, but not in other subclasses of receptor PTKs. By homology Axl is best categorized as a member of the InsR family. However, the kinase specific sequence KWIAIE seen in Axl differs from the consensus (K/R)W(T/M)APE, previously found in most other kinases. Several receptor PTKs share this Axl consensus: v-Ryk, which is the oncogene transduced in the avian retrovirus RPL30; Tyro-12, which is the rat homologue of Eyk; Tyro-3, which is a kinase expressed in the rat central nervous system; and Tyro-7, which is very similar to Axl and may be the rat Axl homologue.
Demographic implications of reproductive technologies

Medical advances in the infertility field are coming at a rapid pace. This paper examines four areas of demography that are being affected by the delivery of infertility services in the United States, or have the potential to be affected. The greatest effects are currently seen in the rapid increase in the rate of multiple deliveries, with smaller effects evident in delayed childbearing. To date the sex ratio at birth in the United States has not been affected by reproductive technologies. The experience from Asian countries such as Korea and China indicates that massive societal change coupled with reproductive technologies could bring about changes in the sex ratio at birth in the United States. The last area examined is the intergenerational transmission of infertility which to date has not been largely affected by reproductive technologies, but has the potential to affect a larger proportion of the population.
Characterization of organics in leachates from low-level radioactive waste disposal sites

Several trench leachate samples collected from commercially operated low-level radioactive waste disposal sites at Maxey Flats, Kentucky and at West Valley, New York, were analyzed for organic constituents. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the organic compounds present in high concentrations in trench leachates at the disposal sites in order to begin to evaluate their effect on radionuclide mobilization and contamination of the environment. 13 refs.
Composite Construction Methods

Composite construction provides a method of using two materials together so as to utilize each material to its best advantage. Some of the construction problems associated with the normal steel-concrete composite beams are examined, including the placing sequence of deck concrete and the monitoring of deflections to insure proper slab thickness. New approaches to steel-concrete composite construction include a beam and column system and a box girder utilizing the void space as an air conditioning duct. Other types of composite construction are mentioned, including the timber-concrete slab bridge, a timber-steel composite truss utilizing high-strength bridge strand as the lower chord, a wood-steel open web joist which provides nailable chords, and light gage metal decking with a concrete slab. Experimental composite members, using an adhesive as the shear connector are illustrated. A brief history of composite construction is included.
Improving discriminant neural network (DNN) design by the use of principal component analysis

Investigations of the design of a discriminant neural network (DNN) have shown the advantages of sequential design of hidden nodes and pruning of the training data for improved classification and fast training time. The performance can be further improved by adding the capability of a nonlinear, principal component discriminant node. This type of hidden node is useful for separating classes which have common mean vectors and are overlapped on one other.
Digital subcarrier optical networks and cross-connects

This paper describes a rate flexible network transport solution to achieve sub-wavelength circuit provisioning between edge node pairs. Sub-wavelength circuits are obtained by concatenating spectrally efficient digital subcarrier channels along the network path, with each subcarrier frequency carrying only a fraction of the wavelength bandwidth. By reserving one or more such subcarrier frequencies along a path connecting two edge nodes, a dedicated end-to-end sub-wavelength circuit is provisioned. At an intermediate node, incoming frequencies are switched to outgoing frequencies via a cross-bar electronic circuit switch or cross-connect. By performing digital subcarrier multiplexing DSCM using CMOS based advanced digital signal processing DSP algorithms, spectral guard-bands between adjacent channels are not necessary, thus yielding good bandwidth efficiency when multiplexing multiple subcarrier channels onto the same wavelength.Compared to current TDM based transport network solutions, e.g., OTN/SONET/SDH, the described solution offers the unique advantage of implementing two key transport functionalities in the same DSP system, which is capable of 1 performing compensation of fiber transmission impairments in the electronic domain to ensure good signal integrity, and 2 multiplexing demultiplexing subcarrier channels after before add/drop and switching circuit operations. Because of this design advantage, system complexity and fabrication of the network equipment are ameliorated, possibly leading to tangible cost and electric power consumption reductions.
Global competitiveness with an engineering and technology management focus

The broad relationship between management systems and business systems is described, and a framework is proposed to represent their interaction with the global environment. Within the framework, innovation moves from improving mainstream business performance to entering new streams; either action is the beginning of the commercialization process. Commercialization capability is measured in four dimensions: time to market; range of markets; number of products; and breadth of technologies. It is concluded that engineering managers must be able to sustain a continuing modification and improvement of current practice to ensure its continual effectiveness and efficiency in the face of new customer/user or vendor/supplier requirements and emerging environmental and business threats. >
In Retrospect: Calvino's Cosmicomics

The soaring imagination of the Italian author abounds in a new compilation of his cosmic fables. Mostly written in the age of the space race, they are heavily informed by science, finds Alan Lightman.
Genetic analysis of Triticeae shikimate dehydrogenase.

Starch gel electrophoresis and polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (IEF) were used to investigate the genetic control of Triticeae shikimate dehydrogenase-1 (SKDH-1). Studies of wheat-alien species chromosome addition lines established thatSkdh-1 ofHordeum vulgare cv. Betzes is located in chromosome 5H,Skdh-V1 ofDasypyrum villosum in 5V,Skdh-R1 ofSecale cereale cvs. Dakold and King II in 5R, andSkdh-S11 ofTriticum longissimum in 5S1S. Also, the chromosomal locations of the genes that encode SKDH-1 inT. aestivum cv. Chinese Spring,T. umbellulatum, andS. cereale cv. Imperial, determined earlier using zone electrophoresis, were reconfirmed using IEF. Zone electrophoresis and IEF do not differ markedly in their ability to detect the expression of alienSkdh-1 genes in wheat-alien species chromosome addition lines. However, IEF may be superior to zone electrophoresis as a technique for detecting and analyzing SKDH-1 genetic variants within Triticeae species; among the species studied, IEF generally resolved two or more isozymes perSkdh-1 allele present, while zone electrophoresis resolved only one.
Candida infection associated with a solitary mycotic common iliac artery aneurysm

We report on a case of an isolated common iliac artery aneurysm infected by Candida albicans. To our knowledge, only one other case of this condition has been reported. The patient, a 49-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and a history of fungal urinary tract infections, had recurrent right knee pain and swelling. The knee effusion grew C albicans. Mild right hydronephrosis and a 4.6-cm aneurysm of the right common iliac artery without involvement of the aorta or iliac bifurcation was revealed by means of a computed tomography scan. The aneurysm wall was inflammatory, and there was associated purulence at the time of operation. The right ureter was densely adherent to the anterior aspect of the aneurysm, but could be palpated and dissected free because of a ureteral stent that was placed before the surgical incision. The aneurysm was resected, and the proximal and distal margins were oversewn without graft placement. C albicans was found in the resected aneurysm. The patient recovered without limb-threatening ischemia or claudication, but the distance he could walk remained limited because of right knee symptoms. The aneurysm may have formed by direct extension of infection from the right ureter or by hematogenous or lymphatic spread. This case raises interesting issues about operative strategies and etiology.
Ground state of 3 He-A in a sphere

We compare the free energies and currents of four trial states of3He-A in spherical geometries. The spherical boojum texture is found to be energetically stable for all container radii down to R ∼46ξ, where ξ is the superfluid coherence length. Textures with line defects in the bulk will become energetically favorable below this radius.
Distinct pathways of Gi- and Gq-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase activation

Receptors that couple to the heterotrimeric G proteins, Gi or Gq, can stimulate phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. PI hydrolysis produces inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, leading to activation of protein kinase C (PKC), which can stimulate increased MAPK activity. However, the relationship between PI hydrolysis and MAPK activation in Gi and Gq signaling has not been clearly defined and is the subject of this study. The effects of several signaling inhibitors are assessed including expression of a peptide derived from the carboxyl terminus of the β adrenergic receptor kinase 1 (βARKct), which specifically blocks signaling mediated by the βγ subunits of G proteins (Gβγ), expression of dominant negative mutants of p21ras (RasN17) and p74raf-1 (NΔRaf), protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors and cellular depletion of PKC. The Gi-coupled α2A adrenergic receptor (AR) stimulates MAPK activation which is blocked by expression of βARKct, RasN17, or NΔRaf, or by PTK inhibitors, but unaffected by cellular depletion of PKC. In contrast, MAPK activation stimulated by the Gq-coupled α1B AR or M1 muscarinic cholinergic receptor is unaffected by expression of βARKct or RasN17 expression or by PTK inhibitors, but is blocked by expression of NΔRaf or by PKC depletion. These data demonstrate that Gi- and Gq-coupled receptors stimulate MAPK activation via distinct signaling pathways. Gβγ is responsible for mediating Gi-coupled receptor-stimulated MAPK activation through a mechanism utilizing p21ras and p74raf independent of PKC. In contrast, Gα mediates Gq-coupled receptor-stimulated MAPK activation using a p21ras-independent mechanism employing PKC and p74raf. To define the role of Gβγ in Gi-coupled receptor-mediated PI hydrolysis and MAPK activation, direct stimulation with Gβγ was used. Expression of Gβγ resulted in MAPK activation that was sensitive to inhibition by expression of βARKct, RasN17, or NΔRaf or by PTK inhibitors, but insensitive to PKC depletion. By comparison, Gβγ-mediated PI hydrolysis was not affected by βARKct, RasN17, or NΔRaf expression or by PTK inhibitors. Together, these results demonstrate that Gβγ mediates MAPK activation and PI hydrolysis via independent signaling pathways.
A novel vitronectin receptor integrin (αvβx) is responsible for distinct adhesive properties of carcinoma cells

Abstract Carcinoma cells express a novel integrin involved in cell adhesion to vitronectin, but not to fibrinogen or von Willebrand factor, whereas melanoma and endothelial cells express a vitronectin receptor ( α v β 3 ) that promotes cell attachment to all of these matrix components. The integrin responsible for this adhesive phenotype of carcinoma cells is composed of an α subunit that is indistinguishable from the α v of the vitronectin receptor and a β subunit ( β x ) that is distinct from any known integrin β subunit. Accordingly, Northern blot analysis identifies an mRNA for α v , but not for β 3 in carcinoma cells. This receptor appears to mediate cell adhesion to vitronectin as well as fibronectin since an antibody directed to its α subunit blocked carcinoma cell adhesion to both of these matrix proteins. These results suggest that homologous integrins with identical α subunits and structurally distinct β subunits can account for the functional recognition of different matrixes by two cell types.
Interleukin-1 induces the expression of μ opioid receptors in endothelial cells

Immunocytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), have been shown to be involved in the activation and/or induction of a variety of transcription factors which may modulate the expression of genes possessing DNA binding sites on which these transcription factors act. The promoter DNA sequence of the μ opioid receptor gene contains IL-1 response elements such as NF-IL6, and, therefore, the receptor gene may be responsive to IL-1. To investigate the effect of IL-1 on the opioid receptor gene, the in vitro expression of μ opioid receptor mRNA in neural microvascular endothelial cells (NMVEC) was determined before and after IL-1 treatment. PCR analysis revealed that there was virtually no μ opioid receptor expression at basal levels and no increase after either IL-1α or IL-1β treatment. However, simultaneous treatment with both IL-1α and IL-1β increased μ opioid receptor expression. This upregulation of μ opioid receptor expression provides direct evidence of a relationship between opioid and cytokine actions, and suggests that opioid-dependent pathways may be modulated in the disease state.
Capillary blood gas: a novel means of assessing free flap perfusion in an animal model.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that in comparison to implantable O2 microelectrodes, capillary blood gas measurements represent a reliable, accessible, and easy method of identifying failing free flaps....
A MODFET dc model with improved pinchoff and saturation characteristics

We present an analytical dc model for the MODFET that offers several improvements over existing models. An enhanced version of the model makes use of a new approximation of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) concentration versus gate-to-channel voltage, which models both the subthreshold region and the gradual saturation of carriers due to the onset of AlGaAs charge modulation. Even in this more accurate model there are no complicated numerical calculations involved; at most what is required is finding a single root of a function of one variable. We propose an electron velocity-field curve that combines the observed field-dependent mobility in the 2DEG, and the sharp velocity saturation in GaAs. We use a two-region Grebene-Ghandhi model with floating boundary for the channel. The quasi-linear region on the source side is treated by the gradual channel approximation and extends toward the drain up to a point where the field reaches its threshold for velocity saturation. Between this point and the drain-side end of the channel, the potential is determined by the two-dimensional Poisson equation in the AlGaAs region. The resuiting I-V characteristics and their slopes are continuous. The model predicts a maximum transconductance and a finite intrinsic output conductance in the saturated region, two features experimentally observed but not predicted by previous models. In the limit of very short gate lengths the model approaches the saturated velocity model, while in the limit of very long gate lengths it approaches the classical gradual channel model.
Gravitational Form Factors of Pseudoscalar Mesons, Stress-Tensor-Current Commutation Relations, and Deviations from Tensor- and Scalar-Meson Dominance

The low-momentum-transfer behavior of the gravitational form factors of the pseudoscalar mesons is derived, starting with the model-independent equal-time commutation relations between the stress tensor and the axial-vector current. The results indicate significant deviations from tensor-meson pole dominance and scalar-meson pole dominance of the matrix elements of the traceless part and the trace, respectively, of the stress tensor. An expression is derived for the stress-tensor-$\ensuremath{\epsilon}$-meson coupling in terms of ${g}_{{A}_{1}\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\pi}}$. With additional assumptions, a phenomenological result is obtained for the scale dimension of the pion field. Possible mechanisms are discussed which may give rise to large values of the rms radii of the form factors. As an example of additional phenomenological results obtainable from the scheme discussed here, a result is derived for the $f{A}_{1}\ensuremath{\pi}$ coupling.
Plant targets for Pseudomonas syringae type III effectors: Virulence targets or guarded decoys?

The phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae can suppress both pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) by the injection of type III effector (T3E) proteins into host cells. T3Es achieve immune suppression using a variety of strategies including interference with immune receptor signaling, blocking RNA pathways and vesicle trafficking, and altering organelle function. T3Es can be recognized indirectly by resistance proteins monitoring specific T3E targets resulting in ETI. It is presently unclear whether the monitored targets represent bona fide virulence targets or guarded decoys. Extensive overlap between PTI and ETI signaling suggests that T3Es may suppress both pathways through common targets and by possessing multiple activities.
Plural Scattering of 20-kev Electrons in Aluminum

The angular and energy distribution of 20-kev electrons, scattered at very small angles (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ rad) by transmission through aluminum foils, are compared with the theory of plural inelastic scattering, under the following assumptions: (a) The probability of elastic scattering at very small angles is negligibly small in comparison with the probability of inelastic scattering. (b) Inelastic scattering occurs predominantly through sharply defined "characteristic" energy losses, whose number follows a Poisson statistical distribution. (c) The angular distribution in each loss follows a simple law: $\ensuremath{\Phi}(\ensuremath{\theta})\ensuremath{\propto}{({{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{E}}^{2}+{\ensuremath{\theta}}^{2})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. (d) The cumulative angular distribution from plural inelastic scattering is obtained by repeated "folding" of $\ensuremath{\Phi}(\ensuremath{\theta})$ with the angular spread of the incident beam. The angular distribution of zero-loss electrons is found to be substantially independent of the foil thickness; the normalized angular distributions of the first- and second-loss peaks are accurately fitted by the "folding" calculation; Poisson statistics gives a good approximation to the observed numbers of energy losses. The value of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ for five observations on foils of thicknesses 650-2580 A is approximately 810 A, independent of thickness; systematic errors in the method of observation may render this value up to 20% higher than the mean free path corresponding to the total cross section.
The Cox regression model, random censoring and locally optimal rank tests

Abstract Conditions on the hazard functions under the usual log-rank test remains locally optimal for the Cox regression model under random censoring (withdrawal) are examined. In the light of these, the asymptotic efficiency results pertaining to the Cox partial likelihood statistic and the log-rank statistic are studied.
Modulation of effector affinity by hinge region mutations also modulates switching activity in an engineered allosteric TEM1 β-lactamase switch

Abstract RG13 is an engineered allosteric β-lactamase (BLA) for which maltose is a positive effector. RG13 is a hybrid protein between TEM1 BLA and maltose-binding protein (MBP). Maltose binding to MBP is known to convert the open form of the protein to the closed form through conformational changes about the hinge region. We have constructed and genetically selected several variants of RG13 modified in the hinge region of the MBP domain and explored their effect on β-lactam hydrolysis, maltose affinity and maltose-induced switching. Hinge mutations that increased maltose affinity the most (and thus presumably close the apo-MBP domain the most) also abrogated switching the most. We provide evidence for a model of RG13 switching in which there exists a threshold conformation between the open to closed form of the MBP domain that divides states that catalyze β-lactam hydrolysis with different relative rates of acylation and deacylation.
Comparison of integrated numerical experiments with accelerator and FEL experiments

Even at the conceptual level, the strong coupling between the laser subsystem elements, such as the accelerator, wiggler, optics, and control, greatly complicates the understanding and design of a free-electron laser (FEL). Given the requirements for a high-performance FEL, the coupling between the laser subsystems must be included in the design approach. To address the subsystem coupling, we implemented the concept of an integrated numerical experiment (INEX). Unique features of the INEX approach are consistency and numerical equivalence of experimental diagnostics. The equivalent numerical diagnostics mitigate the major problem of misinterpretation that often occurs when theoretical and experimental data are compared. A complete INEX model has been applied to the 10-micrometers high-extraction-efficiency experiment at Los Alamos and the 0.6-micrometers Burst Mode experiment at Boeing Aerospace. In addition, the agreement between INEX and the experiments is very good. With the INEX approach, it now appears possible to design high-performance FELs for numerous applications. The first full-scale test of the INEX approach is the Los Alamos High-Brightness Accelerator FEL (HIBAF) experiment. Implementation and experimental validation of the INEX concept are discussed.
Canadian prisoners’ perceptions of correctional ofﬁcer orientations to their occupational responsibilities

AbstractCorrectional ofﬁcers (COs) play a fundamental role in shaping prisoners’ experiences of incarceration. Yet, little is known about how prisoners perceive the orientations of COs (e.g. punitive vs. rehabilitation; liberal –humanitarian vs. neo-liberal) in light of their lived experiences, and how such orientations affect their well-being. Semi- structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 56 Canadian former federal prisoners to lend insight into how prisoners’ experience, discern and interpret ofﬁcers. Shaped by the work of Crewe and Liebling [Crewe, Ben, and Alison Liebling. 2012. “Are Liberal Humanitarian Penal Values and Practices Exceptional.” In Penal Exceptionalism? Nordic Prison Policy and Practice, edited by T. Ugelvik and J. Dullum, 175 –198. Abingdon: Routledge], the data reveal that prisoners viewed ofﬁcer orientations as either dualists (e.g. taking both a security and a harmony- oriented approach in their occupational role), moral relativists (e.g. ambivalent in their position...
Increase in the intramolecular disulfide bonding of alpha-A crystallin during aging of the human lens.

Aging of the normal human lens is accompanied by oxidation of protein sulfhydryl groups to disulfide groups. Although this has been known for many years, very little is known about the exact amino acid residues involved. In addition, almost nothing is known concerning the temporal sequence of this oxidative process over the lifetime of the individual. To address these two concerns for alpha-A crystallin, the polypeptide was purified from total proteins of the human lens, followed by digestion with lys-C endoprotease. Mass spectral analysis of the resulting fragments demonstrated that the two cysteine residues (cysteine-131 and cysteine-142) are present as a mixture of an intramolecular disulfide bond and free sulfhydryl groups. Reverse phase chromatography was used to resolve and quantitate the relative amounts of the two forms present in alpha-A crystallin from normal lenses of different age. Even in very young lenses (4 months and 5 months of age) there is significant oxidation of the two cysteine residues. However, the oxidative state of these two residues does not significantly change during the next ∼27 years of age, after which there is an increase in the relative amount of intramolecular disulfide bonding. Together, these results have identified and quantitated the relative change in the oxidative state of two specific cysteine residues of alpha-A crystallin in human lenses of different age, and have established that age-dependent oxidation of these two residues occurs primarily during the later part of life.
Enzootic hepatitis A infection in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

During a toxicology study in cynomolgus (long-tailed or crab-eating) monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), a randomly distributed incidence of significantly increased hepatic enzyme activity was observed. Premedication hepatic enzyme activity in all monkeys of this study was normal, but increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was found in 4 of the 24 animals 2 weeks after initiation of the study and in 10 of 24 at 4 weeks. A drug-related effect was considered unlikely initially because the increases were not doserelated, and a 3-year review of 655 cynomolgus monkeys revealed a 15–20% incidence of increased hepatic enzyme activity. Good correlation was subsequently established between increased hepatic enzyme activity, active hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and histomorphologic confirmation of hepatitis (chronic periportal inflammation). Follow-up viral serodiagnostic screening of resident macaques revealed an overall incidence of anti-HAV IgG in 80% (155/193) of cynomolgus and in 70% (14/20) of rhesus monkeys. Serial screening demonstrated that several initially negative monkeys became seropositive for anti-HAV IgG, and a few acquired active infection (anti-HAV IgM). Among newly acquired cynomolgus monkeys, 2.5% (2/80) had an acute HAV infection, and 35% (28/80) eventually tested positive for anti-HAV IgG while quarantined in the primate facility. The characterization of an enzootic HAV infection in incoming monkeys posed a significant risk for the primate colony and handlers. Rigorous sanitation, isolation, and quarantine procedures, including personnel training and additional protective clothing for personnel working in the primate colony, reduced tho potential for transmission and arrested the outbreak. Experimenters should be cautious in ascribing toxicity to a test article based solely on increased hepatic enzyme activity associated with chronic periportal inflammation.
Analyst following, information asymmetry and debt-equity choice -empirical evidence from the emerging capital market of China

In china, many scholars have researched the financing strategy of the listed company from the perspective of financial characteristics such as profitability, size and so on. Fewer scholars have studied how the company's external factors affect the specific type of financing structure (the size of debt financing ratio, the size of equity financing, etc). Securities analysts are an important component of investor relations management in the listed companies. Many researches have suggested that securities analysts play a central role in the acquisition and dissemination of information in capital market. The goal of our paper is to study the influence of securities analysts on corporate decision-making behavior, especially on the arrangement of corporate financing structure. Our tests show that firms with more analysts following are more likely to issue equity compared with debt financing, and the phenomenon is more prominent for small firms. In addition, we also find that firms with fewer analysts following increase the probability of large amount of equity issues as opposed to small amount of equity issues. The result is consistent with market timing behavior associated with information asymmetry. Our research has confirmed that securities analysts of china have important influence on financing arrangement of the company which is followed.
Coulomb blockade in a quantum dot coupled strongly to a lead.

We study theoretically a quantum dot in the quantum Hall regime that is strongly coupled to a single lead via a point contact. We find that even when the transmission through the point contact is perfect, important features of the Coulomb blockade persist. In particular, the tunneling into the dot via a second weakly coupled lead is suppressed, and shows features that can be ascribed to elastic or inelastic cotunneling through the dot. When there is weak backscattering at the point contact, both the tunneling conductance and the differential capacitance are predicted to oscillate as a function of gate voltage. We point out that the dimensionless ratio \ensuremath{\xi} between the fractional oscillations in G and C is an intrinsic property of the dot, which, in principle, can be measured. We compute \ensuremath{\xi} within two models of electron-electron interactions. In addition, we discuss the role of additional channels. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
ULTRASONICALLY DETERMINED ELASTICITY AND CORTICAL DENSITY IN CANINE FEMORA AFTER HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Effects of canine hip replacement (with a porous-coated femoral component) on the material properties of surrounding cortical bone were evaluated. The hypotheses were: (1) after four months of implantation, mechanical properties of the cortex would change, and (2) a collared implant would be associated with smaller changes than a collarless design. Unilateral total hip arthroplasty was performed in 15 mixed-breed dogs. Nine received a collared and six received a collarless femoral component. Four months after implantation, longitudinal ultrasonic wave propagation velocities and bone mineral densities (from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) were measured in harvested femora and used to calculate the axial elastic constitutive coefficients for the cortex surrounding the implants. Results showed no difference in bone elasticity or bone density between collared and collarless designs. Significant velocity decreases from control values (p<0.0001) were noted in all implanted femora at four months. Bone mineral densities also displayed decreased values after four months of implantation (p<0.0145). Elastic coefficients were consistently less after four months of implantation when compared to control values (p<0.0001). This alteration in material properties would affect load transfer into the implanted femur via the increased disparity between implant and bone stiffnesses regardless of the component design. Significant differences in the elastic coefficients between implanted and control femora support hypothesis 1. However, no group differences were found between collared and collarless implantations; thus, the study does not support hypothesis 2.
Effect of Ethanol on Theophylline Absorption in Humans

This study was carried out to determine if ethanol, which enhances theophylline absorption from the rat small intestine, has a similar effect when administered orally to human subjects. Seven normal adults received 200 mg of theophylline/m2 of body surface area, in 50 ml of either aqueous solution or hydroalcholic solution containing 20% ethanol. There was no significant difference in the average plasma concentrations of theophylline produced by these two solutions, but three subjects (all female) experienced nausea after taking the aqueous solution while none became nausea after taking theophylline in the hydroalcoholic solution.
Alcohol treatment changes in coping skills, self-efficacy, and levels of alcohol use and related problems 1 year following treatment initiation.

The relationships among alcohol treatment, coping skills, and self-efficacy in predicting alcohol use and related consequences following treatment initiation were investigated. The participants were 77 men and 65 women who were entering either inpatient or outpatient alcohol treatment. The analyses confirmed predictions that treatment, coping skills, and self-efficacy each contributed significantly to the prediction of 12-month alcohol consumption beyond the variance accounted for by participant control variables. Only self-efficacy explained significant additional variance in the consequences outcome. Mediation analyses of the alcohol consumption variables suggested that treatment effects were not mediated by either coping skills or self-efficacy and that the effects of coping skills were not mediated by self-efficacy. The findings are interpreted as providing partial support for social learning theory approaches. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determinations of benzvalene

Abstract The vibrational frequencies and corresponding normal mode assignments of benzvalene are examined theoretically using the gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of the six types of motion predicted by a group theoretical analysis (C–H stretch, C–C stretch, CC stretch, CH wag, C–CC bend, and C–C–CC torsion) utilizing the C 2 v symmetry of the molecule. The molecular orbitals of benzvalene are also examined.
Differential partitioning of extended experiences

Abstract This article focuses on the effect of the perceived cohesiveness of experiences, whether composed of single or multiple parts, on their overall hedonic evaluations. Four experiments demonstrate the effects of partitioning on decision makers’ evaluation of extended experiences. First, patterns (i.e., improving vs. deteriorating trends) strongly influence how experiences are evaluated. Second, increased partitioning of an experience reduces the effect of the overall trend and results in more equal weighting of its parts. Third, breaking experiences at strategic points (i.e., local maxima and minima) influences the overall evaluation of experiences as well as the prediction of their future levels. These results suggest that components of sequences are evaluated similarly to the way whole sequences are evaluated and that experiences composed of multiple components are evaluated relatively more on the basis of their individual intensity and less based on their overall pattern.
Respirator Efficiency Measurement Using Quantitative DOP Man Tests

The efficiency of high-performance dust respirators has been measured while the wearer performed specific exercises in a quantitative DOP aerosol man test chamber. The atmosphere in the respirator facepieces was sampled continuously, and the facepiece leakage was measured with a light-scattering photometer. Leakages of less; than 0.01% were detectable. The results of over 1500 tests on 150 subjects indicate that this method provides an accurate and meaningful measurement of respirator efficiency. Size measurements were made on the five half-mask respirators, each available in one size, and they were classified as small, medium, or large. With these respirators, 97 to 100% of the subjects obtained an efficiency of 90% or greater. Wearing the six approved full-facepiece respirators, 76 to 97% of the subjects obtained an efficiency of 99% or greater. Other variables which affect respirator efficiency are discussed, such as face size and shape, the type and tightness of headbands, and facial hair.
A monthly model of housing prices: 1970–1976

(1979). A monthly model of housing prices: 1970–1976. Applied Economics: Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 341-350.
Effect of glyphosate on the castor plant Ricinus communis L.

The presence of ricin in castor seed has impeded the re-introduction of castor in the US. One concern is the potential of castor to contaminate nearby fields. Since most major crops in the US are resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, we evaluated the susceptibility of castor plants to 0.62% glyphosate, suited to that for corn plants resistant to glyphosate. Younger castor plants were more susceptible to the herbicide, with half of the plants and all the inflorescences dead after one treatment. The 9-week-old castor plants required two spray treatments resulting in significant defoliation with 15% of the plants being necrotic or entirely defoliated. Of 148 inflorescences, 5 bore apparently normal seed pods. However, many seeds in these pods were below normal in mass and oil content. Only 2% germinated vs. >90% for untreated castor seed. Thus, even on maturing castor plants, glyphosate treatment can be effective in preventing volunteer castor plants.
Enforced expression of EBF in hematopoietic stem cells restricts lymphopoiesis to the B cell lineage

Mice deficient in early B cell factor (EBF) are blocked at the progenitor B cell stage prior to immunoglobulin gene rearrangement. The EBF-dependent block in B cell development occurs near the onset of B-lineage commitment, which raises the possibility that EBF may act instructively to specify the B cell fate from uncommitted, multipotential progenitor cells. To test this hypothesis, we transduced enriched hematopoietic progenitor cells with a retroviral vector that coexpressed EBF and the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Mice reconstituted with EBF-expressing cells showed a near complete absence of T lymphocytes. Spleen and peripheral blood samples were >95 and 90% GFP+EBF+ mature B cells, respectively. Both NK and lymphoid-derived dendritic cells were also significantly reduced compared with control-transplanted mice. These data suggest that EBF can restrict lymphopoiesis to the B cell lineage by blocking development of other lymphoid-derived cell pathways.
Redistricting in the New Millenium and Gatekeepers to the Franchise: Shaping Election Administration in New York

Redistricting in the New Millenium. Edited by Peter F. Galderisi. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2005. 368p. $90.00 cloth.Gatekeepers to the Franchise: Shaping Election Administration in New York. By Ronald Hayduk. DeKalb: Northern Illinois University Press, 2005. 282p. $35.00.“The first instinct of power is the retention of power.” The words are Justice Antonin Scalia's, but the core insight is one long acknowledged by commentators and advocates across the ideological spectrum. These two books examine the manifestations of this instinct, one on the drawing of district lines and the other on the running of elections. If neither book furnishes a definitive answer to the question of how power's first instinct can be harnessed to promote a better democracy, that is mainly a function of the intransigence and complexity of the problems they so successfully illuminate.
Maternal–neonatal erythrocyte membrane Na + , K + -ATPase and Mg 2+ -ATPase activities in relation to the mode of delivery

Free radical production and high catecholamine levels are implicated in the modulation of Na+, K+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the mode of delivery on the above-mentioned enzyme activities in maternal–neonatal erythrocyte membrane. Women with normal pregnancy (N = 30) were divided into two groups: Group A (N = 16) with normal labor and vaginal delivery, and Group B (N = 14) with scheduled cesarean section; 20 non-pregnant women were the controls. Blood was obtained from controls and mothers, pre- versus post-delivery, and from the umbilical cord (CB). Total antioxidant status (TAS), membrane enzyme activities, and catecholamine blood levels were measured with a commercial kit, spectrophotometrically, and by HPLC methods, respectively. The results showed that: TAS levels, catecholamine, and the membrane enzyme activities were similar in the two groups of mothers pre-delivery, whereas both enzyme activities were lower than those of controls. TAS levels were reduced whereas Na+, K+-ATPase activities (0.35 ± 0.03 vs. 0.65 ± 0.06 μmol Pi/h × mg protein, P 0.05), at the same times of study. Mg2+-ATPase activities remained unaltered in both groups of mothers and newborns. Na+, K+-ATPase activity was similarly lower in the CB of neonates than those of their mothers, pre-delivery. Our results suggest that: (a) during a normal vaginal delivery process, the low TAS and the increased levels of catecholamines may increase Na+, K+-ATPase activity, post-delivery; (b) the low enzyme activities evaluated in mothers pre-delivery may be due to the high estrogen levels and those in newborns due to perinatal immaturity.