cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin labeling and kinetic studies of a membrane-immobilized proteolytic enzyme.

Membrane-based bioreactors can greatly influence the rate and extent of chemical reactions and consequently lower the costs associated with the corresponding engineering processes. However, in order to progress in this area, greater understanding of the relationship of the structure and function of bioreactor systems is required. In this study, a proteolytic enzyme, papain (EC 3.4.22.2), was covalently coupled onto the surface of a vinyl alcohol/vinyl butyral copolymer (PVB) membrane employing either glutaraldehyde (GA) or l,l'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI). Various kinetic and performance properties of the immobilized papain were studied. It was found that these characteristics of the membrane-bound papain depended on the immobilization method. The CDI-immobilized papain bioreactor was used, although the apparent Michaelis constant, Km, of the CDI-immobilized papain was larger than that of the GA-immobilized enzyme. In separate experiments, a six-carbon spacer was also used between the membrane support and the covalently-linked enzyme. It was found that the insertion of the spacer reduced the disturbance of the enzyme system, resulting in a decreased Km, which was now closer to the value for the free enzyme. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques of spin labeling were used for the first time to examine the conformational change and the active site structure of an enzyme covalently immobilized to a membrane. The structural changes of the active site of papain upon immobilization with and without a spacer were in agreement with the functional properties of the enzyme.
The applicability of PRISM to electric heating and cooling

Abstract To explore the applicability of the scorekeeping method to electrically heated houses, variations of the basic PRISM model are tested on a New Jersey utility data base. Samples of houses with and without electric cooling are selected. The results indicate that the heating model applied to electrically heated houses without cooling performs as well as it has previously for gas-heated and oil-heated houses. The heating-plus-cooling model works well on houses with relatively strong cooling, while houses with erratic or weak cooling will require an alternative approach. The average cooling reference temperature estimated by the model is found to be well above the average heating reference temperature. Overall, the NAC index as the basis for savings estimates appears highly reliable of electrically heated houses.
Synthesis and characterization of isolable thiolatocobalamin complexes relevant to coenzyme B12-dependent ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase.

The syntheses, isolation and characterization of cyclohexylthiolatocobalamin (C6H11SCbl), glutathionylcobalamin (GluSCbl), and cysteinylcobalamin (CysSCbl) are reported in 75, 55, and 65% yield, respectively. Characterization was achieved using elemental analyses, L-SIMS (liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry), UV-visible spectroscopy and, for the more stable C6H11SCbl and GluSCbl, our recently established 1H NMR method (which emphasizes the readily interpreted aromatic region of the cobalamin's 1H NMR spectrum). Preliminary evidence is presented for clean homolysis of the RS-Co bond in C6H11SCbl, GluSCbl, and CysSCbl to give RS. and .Co(II)Cbl radical pairs analogous to those that are intermediates in ribonucleoside triphosphate reductase (RTPR). A summary is provided which emphasizes the seven variables identified to date, underlying the successful syntheses and isolation of thiolatocobalamins, variables which make the one-step syntheses of RSCbls considerably more complex than they initially appear. Also briefly discussed are the analogous protein-S-Cbl complexes that are seen as side-products in RTPR, and the probability that such side-products are formed when HOCbl.HX is used as a possible 'active-site inhibitor' complex with B12-dependent enzymes.
Thermal structure of active thrust belts

In order to study the thermal structure of active thrust belts, we have developed a numerical model of conductive heat transfer between thrust sheets during deformation. Our finite difference approach alternates small, instantaneous increments of displacement and isotherm translation with conductive relaxation of perturbed isotherms. In each step, conduction occurs for a length of time equal to the displacement increment divided by the thrust velocity. Computer simulations demonstrate that conductive heat transfer is significant during deformation and that temperatures in hanging-wall rocks decrease while temperatures in foot-wall rocks increase over distances of up to 10 km from the thrust surface. When the effects of internal heat production are also calculated, heating of foot-wall rocks exceeds cooling of hanging-wall rocks. Rocks located between two thrusts may experience a complicated temperature–time path of early heating followed by cooling. These models help to explain the rapid metamorphism of rocks in the Taconian thrust belt in the northern Appalachians of New England soon after deposition of the youngest sediments.
Fostering engagement and dealing with stress in projects that effect change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the factors that can contribute to successful management of these issues by project managers. Frequently, projects involve significant change efforts. To achieve project success, project managers must have the skills and understanding to manage the personnel issues related to change and stress related to change. Design/methodology/approach – By reviewing the definitive literature related to change management, the author provides some criteria for project managers to consider as they foster engagement and manage stress related to change in projects. Findings – There are three primary strategies project managers can use to successfully manage both engagement and stress in projects that involve significant change efforts. Originality/value – While the issues related to change management have been discussed generally, the application of these theories and practices to project management has not been extensively explored in the literature. This article provides...
Psychological stress and emetine cardiotoxicity.

L'autore riporta i risultati di alcune ricerche sulle interferenze fra cardiotossicita dell'emetina, condizionamento e conflitto nella cavia. Il conditionamento esercita un lieve e non significativo potenziamento sulla cardiotossicita emetinica, mentre tale potenziamento e risultato evidente ed altamente significativo con il conflitto. I risultati vengono discussi e l'associazione di metodiche farmacologica e psicologica, usata nelle presenti ricerche, viene proposta come base di lavoro sperimentale per lo studio delle interferenze fra stress emotivi e cardiopatie.
Adolescent tampon usage: Incidence and initiation of usage

Abstract Study Objective: Although tampons first became commercially available in 1936, there have been few studies concerning tampon usage in general and less so in the adolescent population. As this product became more popular with women, the issue of safety did not seem pertinent until tampons became associated with the toxic shock syndrome in the late 1970s. In addition, toxic shock syndrome was a disease that affected adolescents disproportionately. Although the incidence of menstrual toxic shock syndrome has decreased, the use of tampons are still associated with an increased risk of this particular entity. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of tampon usage in an adolescent population in a private practice setting, as well as who influenced initiation of usage. Design: One hundred adolescent females between 11 and 18 years of age anonymously filled out a questionnaire regarding the usage of tampons and pads. Participants: Subjects presented to Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation for either health maintenance examination or minor illness. Main Outcome Measures: The percentage of subjects who used tampons was measured. In addition, the individual or individuals who influenced initial usage were listed. Results: Twenty-six percent of these young women used tampons exclusively during their menses. Pads were exclusively used by another 30%. A combination of pads and tampons were used by the remaining 44%. Tampons were first recommended or suggested by mothers in 49% of these females. A girlfriend first suggested their usage in another 36%, and a female sibling in 11%. In an additional 11%, the girl herself decided to start using tampons without consultation from anyone specifically. Conclusions: We observed that 70% of the adolescent females surveyed used either tampons alone or in combination with pads. The most influential individual to promote tampon usage in teenagers is the adolescent's mother. Although most family practitioners, obstetricians, gynecologists and pediatricians state that they discuss feminine hygiene products with their patients at least on some occasion, no one in this particular study initially started using tampons on a physician's recommendation. As more younger women use tampons, it is even more likely that there will be a higher percentage of adolescent females in the next generation using them. As physicians dealing with adolescents, we should become knowledgeable about tampons, both their beneficial aspects as well as any health risks. It is likely that a significant number of our adolescent patients are using these products without any physician input.
The future of interconnection technology

Continuing advances in interconnection technology are seen as essential to continued improvements in integrated circuit performance. The recent introduction of copper metallization, dual-damascene processing, and fully articulated hierarchical wiring structures, along with the imminent introduction of low-dielectric-constant insulating materials, indicates an accelerating pace of innovation. Nevertheless, some authors have argued that such innovations will sustain chip-level performance improvements for only another generation or two. In light of this pessimism, current trends and probable paths in the future evolution of interconnection technology are reviewed. A simple model is developed and used to estimate future wiring requirements and to examine the value of further innovations in materials and architecture. As long as current trends continue, with memory arrays filling an increasing fraction of the total area of high-performance microprocessor chips, wiring need not be a performance limiter for at least another decade. Alternative approaches, such as optical interconnections on chip, have little to offer while the incremental elaboration of the traditional wiring systems is still rapidly advancing.
Leader Narcissism and Ethical Context: Effects on Ethical Leadership and Leader Effectiveness

The link between leader narcissism and follower perceptions of ethical leadership and leader effectiveness, including the potential moderating role of ethical context was investigated. Associations...
Nonautonomous regulation of Drosophila midgut stem cell proliferation by the insulin-signaling pathway

Drosophila adult midgut intestinal stem cells (ISCs) maintain tissue homeostasis by producing progeny that replace dying enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. ISCs adjust their rates of proliferation in response to enterocyte turnover through a positive feedback loop initiated by secreted enterocyte-derived ligands. However, less is known about whether ISC proliferation is affected by growth of the progeny as they differentiate. Here we show that nutrient deprivation and reduced insulin signaling results in production of growth-delayed enterocytes and prolonged contact between ISCs and newly formed daughters. Premature disruption of cell contact between ISCs and their progeny leads to increased ISC proliferation and rescues proliferation defects in insulin receptor mutants and nutrient-deprived animals. These results suggest that ISCs can indirectly sense changes in nutrient and insulin levels through contact with their daughters and reveal a mechanism that could link physiological changes in tissue growth to stem cell proliferation.
Neuronal glutamate transporter EAAT4 is expressed in astrocytes

High-affinity excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are essential to terminate glutamatergic neurotransmission and to prevent excitotoxicity. To date, five distinct EAATs have been cloned from animal and human tissues: GLAST (EAAT1), GLT-1 (EAAT2), EAAC1 (EAAT3), EAAT4, and EAAT5. EAAT1 and EAAT2 are commonly known as glial glutamate transporters, whereas EAAT3, EAAT4, and EAAT5 are neuronal. EAAT4 is largely expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. In this study, using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, we found that EAAT4-like immunoreactivity (ir) is enriched in the spinal cord and forebrain. Double-labeled fluorescent immunostaining and confocal image analysis indicated that EAAT4-like ir colocalizes with an astrocytic marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The astrocytic localization of EAAT4 was further confirmed in astrocyte cultures by double-labeled fluorescent immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated mRNA expression of EAAT4 in astrocyte cultures. Sequencing confirmed the specificity of the amplified fragment. These results demonstrate that EAAT4 is expressed in astrocytes. This astrocytic localization of neuronal EAAT4 may reveal a new function of EAAT4 in the central nervous system.
The phenomenal determination of retroaction and proaction: II. Evidence for interference during the simultaneous acquisition of two lists

In the first study, subjects learned two lists simultaneously by alternating between them from trial to trial. They would reach criterion on one list before the other, but the task ended only when criterion was achieved on both. The recall of the two lists was assessed 10 min and 24 h after the completion of original learning. It was found that the short-term recall of the first list learned (the <prior= one) was inferior to the second list learned (the <recent= one), but the two equalized by 24 h. The equalization occurred as the recall of recent list deteriorated. A second experiment showed that this effect occurred only when the two lists were similar. We concluded that retroaction and proaction are produced when two similar tasks are organized sequentially, even though acquired simultaneously.
Making Pointers Safe in System Programming Languages

System programming languages usually provide pointers so as to permit efficient and understandable programs to be written. Some higher level languages either avoid pointers altogether or greatly circumscribe pointers to guarantee safety, i.e., so that programs cannot gain access to storage in an inappropriate way. By combining the ideas of 1) pointer scope front Algol 68, 2) tombstones for invalidating dangling references, and 3) freezing which permits freeable objects to have scoped pointers, we solVe the problem of providing convenient and efficient pointers while simultaneously guaranteeing safety.
Detection of cytokine-induced protein γ-immune protein-10 (γ-IP10) in atypical melanocytic proliferations

γ-Immune protein-10 (γ-IP10) is a cytoldne whose expression has been shown to be induced by interferon-γ. It is a member of a group of closely related cytoldnes (e.g., interleukin 8 and platelet factor 4) with chemotactic properties. γ-IPIO has been detected in keratinocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and endothelial cells in immunologically mediated processes, such as positive tuberculin skin tests, and in growth-activated keratinocytes, such as in psoriasis. Keratinocytes in normal epidermis do not produce γ-IP10. We tested the hypothesis that keratinocytes adjacent to dysplastic nevi and melanomas would produce γ-IP10, perhaps as part of an immune response to a tumor, and that this response would not be seen in ordinary melanocytic nevi. We used an affinity-purified, polyclonal rabbit anti-γ-IP10 antibody to examine 10 nevi with moderate to severe histologic dysplasia, one superficial spreading melanoma, and 10 compound melanocytic nevi with no features of dysplasia. As predicted, keratinocytes surrounding all of the cytologically atypical melanocytic lesions displayed strong staining with γ-IPI0. There was no staining of keratinocytes adjacent to ordinary melanocytic nevi. The observed keratinocyte staining with γ-IP10 may be related to a host immune response to antigenically abnormal cells.
The variation of cosmogenic Kr and Xe in a core from Estherville mesosiderite: direct evidence that the lunar131Xe anomaly is a depth effect

Abstract Kr and Xe were measured by a stepwise heating technique in three samples of a drill core in the “Minnesota” fragment of the Estherville mesosiderite. The cosmogenic78Kr/83Kr decreased from the “top” sample to the “bottom” sample(“top” = 0.163 ± 0.005, “bottom” = 0.151 ± 0.005) while the cosmogenic131Xe/126Xe ratio increased(“top” = 5.58 ± 0.35, “bottom” = 6.92 ± 0.17). Cosmic-ray track studies have shown that the “top” sample was indeed closer to the preatmospheric surface than the “bottom” sample by ∼ 10 cm. This is the first direct evidence, in a sample of known geometry, that the cosmogenic131Xe/126Xe ratio increases as a function of depth, and as such, confirms the hypothesis that the lunar131Xe anomaly is a bona fide depth effect due to resonance neutron capture in130Ba.
First evidence for low lying s-wave strength in 13 Be

The particle-unbound nucleus ${}^{13}\mathrm{Be}$ was populated in fragmentation reactions using the method of sequential-neutron-decay-spectroscopy at $0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}.$ The observed central peak in the relative velocity spectrum is most likely first evidence for low lying s-wave strength with a scattering length of ${a}_{s}l\ensuremath{-}10 \mathrm{fm}.$ This virtual state as the ground state of ${}^{13}\mathrm{Be}$ would make it unbound with respect to ${}^{12}\mathrm{Be}$ and a neutron by $l200 \mathrm{keV}.$
Estimated Holocene soil carbon-soil degradation in Nevada and Western Utah, USA

Abstract There is much interest in predicting future carbon-soil degradation and that occurring today. We have National Soil Survey Laboratory data to assess some of the soil carbon degradation in the Great Basin and western Utah. For this we included data on 32 Nevada and Utah soils on Pleistocene geomorphic surfaces at elevations of 973 to 3172 m. Their mean annual precipitation (MAP) ranges from 20 to 55 cm and mean annual soil temperatures (MAST) from 5 to 12 °C. The MAP and MAST closely correlate with elevation (E) (r = 0.96 and − 0.97 respectively). Mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle) dominates vegetation at the higher, colder elevations. Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young) and juniper (Juniperus L.) dominate at intermediate elevations. Little sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula Nutt.) and related desert species dominate at the lower, warmer elevations. We used acid dichromate digestion and FeSO4 titration to analyze for soil organic carbon (SOC) and bulk density and coarse fragments in the soils to put the data on a volume basis. The soils are well drained and uncultivated. Accumulation of organic carbon in each pedon (OCp) is correlated to MAP and MAST (r = 0.81, and − 0.78 respectively). We predicted OCp from the relationship, (1) OCp = − 0.942 + 2.546 ⁎ ( MAP / MAST ) , r2 = 0.64, S.E. = 1.30, n = 32. The soil OC degradation that may have occurred through the Holocene ranges from 35% at sites of the present Aridisols and Vertisols to 22% for the sites of the Mollisols and Alfisols. Eq. (1) shows that today, MAST rises of 1 to 3 °C would produce further OCp degradation from today's levels of 1% to 13% in Aridisols and Vertisols and 12% to 25% in the Mollisols and Alfisols respectively. It also shows that if the MAST drop of 6 °C predicted for the Pleistocene occurred, many of the Aridisols and Vertisols likely would have been Mollisols or Alfisols during the Pleistocene. A temperature rise of 1 °C in a century would likely move the Mollisol–Aridisol boundary from its present 2300 m elevation to an elevation of about 2900 m. A temperature rise of 3 °C in a century would likely move the Mollisol–Aridisol boundary from its present 2300 m elevation to elevations of the highest elevations in Nevada and to the middle of Idaho. Increasing the temperature by 3 °C will likely also increase the area affected by severe desertification in the southern Great Basin north by about 20%.
Does the minimum wage help the poor

Conventional economics frequently employs abstract analysis, including questionable assumptions regarding human behavior, together with highly quantitative methodology. While these techniques do not provide a full picture of economic life, conventional economic analysis has provided important insights and predictive power, at least during certain historical periods. The effects of minimum wage laws have been analyzed extensively by conventional economists over the past quarter century. That analysis, much of it empirical, has produced important insights into the effects of the minimum wage on the poor. In this article, I survey that vast body of research and address whether the poor are better off due to the minimum wage. I conclude the minimum wage does not unambiguously help the poor, and may do more harm than good to this segment of the nation's population.
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) using 70 Gy in 10 fractions for non-small cell lung cancer: exploration of clinical indications.

Abstract Background and purpose We report our outcomes for patients with NSCLC treated with SABR to 70Gy in 10 fractions and propose indications for this regimen as well as new dose–volume constraints. Materials and methods Volumetric image-guided SABR was used to treat 82 patients with clinical challenging NSCLC, not suitable for 50Gy in 4 fractions, to a final dose of 70Gy in 10 fractions. Endpoints included overall survival (OS), toxicity, and disease control. Results At a median follow-up time of 21.1months, 2-year OS and local control rates were 66.9% and 96.2%, respectively. The most common side effects were radiation pneumonitis (14.6% grade 2, 2.4% grade 3), followed by chest wall pain (4.9% grade 2, 1.2% grade 3). Multivariate analysis revealed chest wall V50>60cm 3 to be associated with chest wall pain. No patient developed brachial plexopathy. One patient with bronchial tree tumor invasion died of hemoptysis. Conclusions SABR with 70Gy in 10 fractions appears to achieve excellent local control and acceptable toxicity for clinically challenging cases with improved tolerance of the chest wall and brachial plexus as compared with 50Gy in 4 fractions. This regimen may not be suitable in patients with tumor invading critical central structures. More studies are needed to validate our conclusions.
PREDICTION OF THERAPEUTIC RESPONSE IN ACUTE LEUKÆMIA

Abstract The degree to which anticancer drugs suppressed incorporation of tritiated thymidine into leukaemic cells was measured in 26 patients with acute leukaemia. Subsequent achievement of remission correlated best with suppression by cytosine arabinoside (ara-C). 6 of 7 patients with acute myelocytic and myelomonocytic leukaemia whose cells demonstrated suppression by ara-C of 3 H-thymidine incorporation to 15% or less of control counts subsequently achieved remission, while 4 of 6 patients whose cells showed smaller degrees of inhibition did not achieve remission. Patients with acute lymphocytic leukaemia showed a similar pattern.
Ventricular assist device support in pediatric patients as a bridge to heart transplantation

survival. Survival was significantly improved (p .02) in patients with a diagnosis of CM (59%) versus those with CHD (25%). Patients with CM underwent 8 transplants with 7 survivors (88%), while in the CHD group, there were 8 transplants with only 2 survivors (25%), (p .05). Subanalysis of the CM group revealed that patients with acute cardiomyopathy in association with a documented viral illness had a 75% chance of being weaned off ECMO without transplant. Complications on ECMO occurred in 45% of survivors and were more frequent in nonsurvivors. Infectious complications were most frequent, followed by neurological, technical ECMO problems and renal insufficiency. In conclusion, CM has a better prognosis than CHD when using ECMO as a bridge to transplant or survival. Complications are not insignificant and increase with the duration of support. ECMO for salvage and subsequent transplant in this high-risk group of patients needs critical review. Alternative support options need to be developed in the pediatric population that will allow improved outcomes comparable to those achieved by our adult support colleagues.
Guidance Of A Mobile Robot Using An Omnidirectional Vision Navigation System

Navigation and visual guidance are key topics in the design of a mobile robot. Omnidirectional vision using a very wide angle or fisheye lens provides a hemispherical view at a single instant that permits target location without mechanical scanning. The inherent image distortion with this view and the numerical errors accumulated from vision components can be corrected to provide accurate position determination for navigation and path control. The purpose of this paper is to present the experimental results and analyses of the imaging characteristics of the omnivision system including the design of robot-oriented experiments and the calibration of raw results. Errors less than one picture element on each axis were observed by testing the accuracy and repeatability of the experimental setup and the alignment between the robot and the sensor. Similar results were obtained for four different locations using corrected results of the linearity test between zenith angle and image location. Angular error of less than one degree and radial error of less than one Y picture element were observed at moderate relative speed. The significance of this work is that the experimental information and the test of coordinated operation of the equipment provide a greater understanding of the dynamic omnivision system characteristics, as well as insight into the evaluation and improvement of the prototype sensor for a mobile robot. Also, the calibration of the sensor is important, since the results provide a cornerstone for future developments. This sensor system is currently being developed for a robot lawn mower.
Gravity-gradient stabilization for a spinning satellite with despun line of sight

A spin-stabilized cylindrical satellite is suspended either magnetically or electrostatically from a gravity-gradient-stabilized reflector that directs a pencil beam of radiation emanating axially from the satellite toward the earth. Solutions for the motion of a gravity-gradient boom with reference to the local vertical are obtained. The dynamics of the satellite combining spin stabilization with gravity-gradient stabilization result in a stable system with a fixed nutation frequency that can be made high by design. Vibrations in the roll and yaw axes are easily damped by a nutation damper in the spinning cylinder. Damping of the pitch vibration of the reflector can be obtained with a single, cold-gas, pulsed jet that also can be used to prevent angular velocity decay of the spinning cylinder and to control the orbital period for station-keeping. The system described is basically passive as far as the control torques are concerned; however, active means are used to damp pitch vibrations of the nonspinning reflector. Thus, this system can achieve high accuracy of stabilization, in addition to the advantages of high reliability.
Wave propagation in a random medium: a complete set of the moment equations with different wavenumbers

Propagation of waves in a random medium is studied under the "quasioptics" and the "Markov random process" approximations. Under these assumptions, a Fokker‐Planck equation satisfied by the characteristic functional of the random wave field is derived. A complete set of the moment equations with different transverse coordinates and different wavenumbers is then obtained from the Fokker‐Planck equation of the characteristic functional. The applications of our results to the pulse smearing of the pulsar signal and the frequency correlation function of the wave intensity in interstellar scintillation are briefly discussed.
Assessment of otolith chemistry for identifying source environment of fishes in the lower Illinois River, Illinois

Knowledge of habitats used by fish throughout their life history is important for the management and conservation of riverine fish populations and habitats. Naturally occurring chemical markers in otoliths have recently been used to determine natal origins and environmental history of fishes in a variety of marine and freshwater environments. However, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the applicability of this technique in large floodplain rivers in the USA. We evaluated otolith microchemistry and stable isotopic composition as tools for determining origins of fishes in the lower Illinois River, its tributaries, and floodplain lakes. Fishes were collected from eight sites during summer 2006 and two additional sites in spring 2007. Water samples were obtained from these 10 sites plus one additional tributary during summer and fall 2006 and spring 2007. Otolith and water samples were analyzed for δ18O and a suite of trace elements; otoliths were also analyzed for δ13C. Tributaries, floodplain lakes, and the Illinois River possessed distinct isotopic and elemental signatures, principally driven by differences in δ18O and δ13C among floodplain lakes, the Illinois River, and tributary streams. Otoliths reflected the differences in water chemistry among habitats. Relationships between water and otolith δ18O and Sr:Ca were not significantly different among species, but some differences in relationships between water and otolith Ba:Ca among species were detected. Linear discriminant function analysis with a leave-one-out jackknife procedure on otolith δ18O and δ13C indicated that fish may be classified back to environment (Illinois River, tributary, or floodplain lake) of capture with 80–98% accuracy. Otolith microchemistry and stable isotope analyses provide a potentially effective means for determining recruitment sources and environmental history of fishes in the Illinois River. The ability to reconstruct environmental history of individual fish using naturally occurring isotopic markers in otoliths may also facilitate efforts to quantify nutrient and energy subsidies to the Illinois River provided by fishes that emigrate from floodplain lakes or tributaries.
Ndj1p, a Meiotic Telomere Protein Required for Normal Chromosome Synapsis and Segregation in Yeast

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene NDJ1(nondisjunction) encodes a protein that accumulates at telomeres during meiotic prophase. Deletion of NDJ1 (ndj1Δ) caused nondisjunction, impaired distributive segregation of linear chromosomes, and disordered the distribution of telomeric Rap1p, but it did not affect distributive segregation of circular plasmids. Induction of meiotic recombination and the extent of crossing-over were largely normal in ndj1Δ cells, but formation of axial elements and synapsis were delayed. Thus, Ndj1p may stabilize homologous DNA interactions at telomeres, and possibly at other sites, and it is required for a telomere activity in distributive segregation.
Immune response of chimpanzee to purified melanoma 250 kilodalton tumor-associated antigen.

Melanoma high molecular weight tumor-associated antigen (TAA), having a molecular weight of 250 kilodaltons (Kd), was purified from a crude cell membrane extract through a combination of lectin affinity, immunoadsorption, and high performance liquid molecular filtration chromatography. Compared to the starting extract, purified TAA was 600-fold higher in TAA activity per microgram of protein. Purified TAA was used to immunize a chimpanzee and the resulting antiTAA immune response was evaluated. Postimmune chimpanzee serum reacted in solid phase radioimmunoassay against purified TAA with a titer in excess of 100,000. In contrast, preimmune serum had a titer of <100 in the same assay. By immunoprecipitation analysis, we were able to demonstrate reactivity of the chimpanzee immune serum with a 250 Kd TAA in spent culture medium from melanoma cells metabolically labeled with 35S-methionine and with iodinated purified 250 Kd TAA. Reactivity of the chimpanzee antiserum for the 250 Kd TAA was confirmed in blocking and reciprocal immunodepletion studies using murine monoclonal antibody 9.2.27. These studies suggest that the 250 Kd TAA defined by murine monoclonal antibodies may prove to be immunogenic in man and that manipulation of the immune response to this TAA might be used to the clinical benefit of the patient.
A Decade of Riboswitches

Riboswitches were discovered in 2002 in bacteria as RNA-based intracellular sensors of vitamin derivatives. During the last decade, naturally occurring RNA sensor elements have been found to bind a range of small metabolites and ions and to exert regulatory control of transcription, translation, splicing, and RNA stability. Extensive biochemical, structural, and genetic studies have established the basic principles underpinning riboswitch function in all three kingdoms of life with implications for developing antibiotics, designing new molecular sensors, and integrating riboswitches into synthetic circuits.
The planar radiosity equation and its numerical solution

This article gives properties of the planar radiosity equation and methods for its numerical solution. Regularity properties of the radiosity solution are examined, including both the effects of corners and the effects of the visibility function. These are taken into account in the design of collocation methods with piecewise polynomial approximating functions. Numerical examples conclude the paper.
Brutsaert receives 1999 Horton Medal

Wilfried H. Brutsaert was awarded the 1999 Horton Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, which was held on December 15, 1999, in San Francisco, California. The Horton Medal is given for outstanding contributions to geophysical aspects of hydrology.
Sixth-order electron g factor: Mass-operator approach. I

A magnetic-moment contribution, due to the sixth-order process in which the lowest-order radiative correction to the internal-electron propagator is twice iterated, is calculated analytically, using an improved mass-operator method developed by Schwinger. Our result confirms that of Levine and Roskies.
Push-pull partitioning tracer tests using radon-222 to quantify non-aqueous phase liquid contamination.

Naturally occurring radon in groundwater can be used as an in situ partitioning tracer for locating and quantifying non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contamination in the subsurface. When combined with the single-well, push–pull test, this methodology has the potential to provide a low-cost alternative to inter-well partitioning tracer tests. During a push–pull test, a known volume of test solution (radon-free water containing a conservative tracer) is first injected (‘‘pushed’’) into a well; flow is then reversed and the test solution/groundwater mixture is extracted (‘‘pulled’’) from the same well. In the presence of NAPL radon transport is retarded relative to the conservative tracer. Assuming linear equilibrium partitioning, retardation factors for radon can be used to estimate NAPL saturations. The utility of this methodology was evaluated in laboratory and field settings. Laboratory push–pull tests were conducted in both non-contaminated and trichloroethene NAPL (TCE)-contaminated sediment. The methodology was then applied in wells located in noncontaminated and light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL)-contaminated portions of an aquifer at a former petroleum refinery. The method of temporal moments and an approximate analytical solution to the governing transport equations were used to interpret breakthrough curves and estimate radon retardation factors; estimated retardation factors were then used to calculate TCE saturations. Numerical simulations were used to further investigate the behavior of the breakthrough curves. The laboratory and field push–pull tests demonstrated that radon retardation does occur in the presence of TCE and LNAPL and that radon retardation can be used to calculate TCE saturations. Laboratory injection-phase test results in TCE-contaminated sediment yielded radon retardation factors ranging from 1.1 to 1.5, resulting in calculated TCE saturations ranging from 0.2 to 0.9%. Laboratory extraction-phase test results in the same sediment yielded a radon retardation factor of 5.0, with a calculated TCE saturation of 6.5%. Numerical simulation breakthrough curves provided reasonably good matches to the approximate analytical solution breakthrough curves. However, non-equilibrium
Malicious pleasure evaluated: Is pleasure an unconditional good?

: I examine and criticize the thinking that leads people to deny malicious pleasure's goodness.
“Active faith” in Christian marriage: The challenge of family systems

The purpose of this paper is to examine the possibilities for creating an environment which nurtures “active faith” in marriage. I intend to do this by examining historical tradition on Christian marriage, and exploring behavioral science for its contribution to the subject. In particular, I will suggest some ways that family systems theory, with its understanding of healthy marriage and family life, can be a transforming element for the study of marriage today.
Antagonism of carbon monoxide-mediated brain lipid peroxidation by hyperbaric oxygen

The effects of oxygen at 1, 2, and 3, atmospheres absolute (ATA) were assessed on brain lipid peroxidation caused by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in a rat model. Oxygen at 3 ATA, but not 1 ATA, was found to prevent brain lipid peroxidation when administered to rats for 45 min, beginning 45 min subsequent to CO poisoning. Oxygen at 2 ATA had an intermediate effect. The action of hyperbaric oxygen could not be attributed to a more rapid diminution of carboxyhemoglobin, and appears to occur at the level of the brain tissue.
Weak antioxidant defenses make the heart a target for damage in copper-deficient rats

Abstract Copper deficiency causes more salient pathologic changes in the heart than in the liver of rats. Although oxidative stress has been implicated in copper deficiency-induced pathogenesis, little is known about the selective toxicity to the heart. Therefore, we examined the relationship between the severity of copper deficiency-induced oxidative damage and the capacity of antioxidant defense in heart and liver to investigate a possible mechanism for the selective cardiotoxicity. Weanling rats were fed a purified diet deficient in copper (0.4 μg/g diet) or one containing adequate copper (6.0 μg/g diet) for 4 weeks. Copper deficiency induced a 2-fold increase in lipid peroxidation in the heart (thiobarbituric assay) but did not alter peroxidation in the liver. The antioxidant enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were, respectively, 3-, 50- and 1.5-fold lower in the heart than in the liver, although these enzymatic activities were depressed in both organs by copper deficiency. In addition, the activity of glutathione reductase was 4 times lower in the heart than in the liver. The data suggest that a weak antioxidant defense system in the heart is responsible for the relatively high degree of oxidative damage in copper-deficient hearts.
An inelastic electron tunneling study of the insulator formed on aluminum in a low pressure discharge containing SO2

Vacuum deposited films of aluminum were exposed to a 400 V AC discharge plasma initially composed of SO2 and of either oxygen or water gas. 18O substituted water and SO2 were also used. The surfaces thus formed were studied by tunneling spectroscopy. From the observed peak positions and isotopic shifts it appears that, when SO2 is initially about half of the discharge gas, the principal species present in the insulating layer is AlSxOy, where x and y are of the order of 3 and 7, respectively. A thin layer of AlOz probably underlies the SO containing film. Initial concentrations of SO2 in excess of about 60% gave barriers having low reproducibility and showing large charge-trapping effects. The tunneling spectrum of the sulphate ion, doped from water solution, is also reported.
Major depression associated with earlier alcohol relapse in treated teens with AUD

Abstract This study evaluated whether the common comorbid diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with an earlier relapse to alcohol use among adolescents with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The study sample consisted of 116 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 with an AUD recruited from treatment facilities in the Pittsburgh area, 50 of whom demonstrated a current MDD. An extensive baseline interview was conducted, followed by monthly interviews of alcohol use conducted by telephone for the following year. Those with current comorbid MDD demonstrated a median survival time of only 19 days until the first drink, while those without MDD demonstrated a median survival time of 45 days, which was a significant difference (Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Breslow Test Statistic=4.27, df =1, P =.039). These results suggest that the comorbid presence of MDD is associated with an earlier relapse to alcohol use among adolescents with an AUD.
Concentration enrichment in confined, gradient energy systems

The enrichment or depletion of components near bounding surfaces in confined geometries was estimated using the generalized chemical potential for a molecule in a binary mixture. The chemical potential depends on concentration gradients and the local concentrations. Mean-field–based parameter estimates were combined with regular solution thermodynamics to calculate the enrichment of the favored component near an attractive bounding surface in confined geometries arising from weak van der Waals attractions. Partition coefficients from 2 to 3000 were calculated for pores of small but realistic diameter in contact with a reservoir of the binary mixture. Critical wetting transitions, like those reported for unconfined systems, occurred in confined pores. In such a transition, the material inside is near the upper binodal concentration when the reservoir concentration is below the lower binodal. The corresponding partition coefficient is then very large; appreciable concentration enrichment occurs even in pores that do not exhibit wetting transitions. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 1032–1041, 2005
Characterization of Membrane Steroid Binding Protein mRNA and Protein in Lens Epithelial Cells

Abstract Epithelial cells of the ocular lens contain a 28 kDa membrane protein which is proposed to mediate high affinity binding of steroid hormones and rapid non-genomic actions of steroid hormones. It has been named membrane steroid binding protein (MSBP). Our purpose was to further characterize this protein from cultured bovine lens epithelial cells (BLEC) and compare it to similar forms of the protein present in other species and tissues. The size of the protein’s mRNA was examined by Northern blot analysis using a digoxigenin-labelled antisense riboprobe. The sequence of the mRNA was obtained by RT-PCR amplification of poly A + RNA recovered from cultured BLEC. PCR amplification was conducted using three sets of nested sense and antisense primers, one set at a time. The amino acid sequence of the lens protein was deduced from the revealed cDNA sequence. The hydropathy of the protein was examined by Kyte–Doolittle plots. The sequence of the lens protein’s cDNA (about 1.7 kb total) described an open reading frame of 582 residues which coded for a protein of 194 amino acids. The presence of a C-terminal isoprenylation motif suggested by earlier work was not found in the coding region. The deduced amino acid sequence of the lens protein was extremely similar to those of other species and tissues, being 95–98% homologous with that of the other members. All of the MSBPs apparently contain a single membrane spanning domain in the amino terminal. The highly conserved nature of this protein implies a useful function to the cell. We speculate that the protein is a receptor which mediates rapid actions of steroids on lens epithelial cells, such as calcium mobilization, and that the protein plays a role in the mechanism of steroid induced cataracts.
A SOAP Web Service for accessing MODIS land product subsets

Remote sensing data from satellites have provided valuable information on the state of the earth for several decades. Since March 2000, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor on board NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites have been providing estimates of several land parameters useful in understanding earth system processes at global, continental, and regional scales. However, the HDF-EOS file format, specialized software needed to process the HDF-EOS files, data volume, and the high spatial and temporal resolution of MODIS data make it difficult for users wanting to extract small but valuable amounts of information from the MODIS record. To overcome this usability issue, the NASA-funded Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) for Biogeochemical Dynamics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed a Web service that provides subsets of MODIS land products using Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). The ORNL DAAC MODIS subsetting Web service is a standard based way of serving satellite data that exploits a fairly established and popular Internet protocol to allow users access to massive amounts of remote sensing data. The Web service provides MODIS land product subsets up to 201 × 201 km in a non-proprietary comma delimited text file format. Users can programmatically query the Web service to extract MODIS land parameters for real time data integration into models, decision support tools or connect to workflow software. Information regarding the MODIS SOAP subsetting Web service is available on the World Wide Web (WWW) at http://daac.ornl.gov/modiswebservice .
Hox Transcription Factor Ultrabithorax Ib Physically and Genetically Interacts with Disconnected Interacting Protein 1, a Double-stranded RNA-binding Protein

The Hox protein family consists of homeodomain-containing transcription factors that are primary determinants of cell fate during animal development. Specific Hox function appears to rely on protein-protein interactions; however, the partners involved in these interactions and their function are largely unknown. Disconnected Interacting Protein 1 (DIP1) was isolated in a yeast two-hybrid screen of a 0–12-h Drosophila embryo library designed to identify proteins that interact with Ultrabithorax (Ubx), a Drosophila Hox protein. The Ubx ·DIP1 physical interaction was confirmed using phage display, immunoprecipitation, pull-down assays, and gel retardation analysis. Ectopic expression of DIP1 in wing and haltere imaginal discs malforms the adult structures and enhances a decreased Ubx expression phenotype, establishing a genetic interaction. Ubx can generate a ternary complex by simultaneously binding its target DNA and DIP1. A large region of Ubx, including the repression domain, is required for interaction with DIP1. These more variable sequences may be key to the differential Hox function observed in vivo. The Ubx ·DIP1 interaction prevents transcriptional activation by Ubx in a modified yeast one-hybrid assay, suggesting that DIP1 may modulate transcriptional regulation by Ubx. The DIP1 sequence contains two dsRNA-binding domains, and DIP1 binds double-stranded RNA with a 1000-fold higher affinity than either single-stranded RNA or double-stranded DNA. The strong interaction of Ubx with an RNA-binding protein suggests a wider range of proteins may influence Ubx function than previously appreciated.