cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Roles of Factor Va and Phosphatidylserine-containing Membranes as Cofactors in Prothrombin Activation *

Activation of prothrombin, as catalyzed by the prothrombinase complex (factor X(a), enzyme; factor V(a) and phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing membranes, cofactors), involves production and subsequent proteolysis of two possible intermediates, meizothrombin (MzII(a)) and prethrombin 2 plus fragment 1.2 (Pre2 & F1.2). V(max), K(m), or V(max)/K(m) for all four proteolytic steps was determined as a function of membrane-phospholipid concentration. Proteolysis was monitored using a fluorescent thrombin inhibitor, a chromogenic substrate, and SDS-PAGE. The kinetic constants for the conversion of MzII(a) and Pre2 & F1.2 to thrombin were determined directly. Pre2 & F1.2 conversion was linear in substrate concentration up to 4 microm, whereas MzII(a) proteolysis was saturable. First order rate constants for formation of MzII(a) and Pre2 & F1.2 could not be determined directly and were determined from global fitting of the data to a parallel, sequential model, each step of which was treated by the Michaelis-Menten formalism. The rate of direct conversion to thrombin without release of intermediates from the membrane-V(a)-X(a) complex (i.e. "channeling") also was adjusted because both the membranes and factor V(a) have been shown to cause channeling. k(cat), K(m), or k(cat)/K(m) values were reported for one lipid concentration, for which all X(a) was likely incorporated into a X(a)-V(a) complex on a PS membrane. Comparing previous results, which were obtained either with factor V(a) (Boskovic, D. S., Bajzar, L. S., and Nesheim, M. E. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 28686-28693) or with membranes individually (Wu, J. R., Zhou, C., Majumder, R., Powers, D. D., Weinreb, G., and Lentz, B. R. (2002) Biochemistry 41, 935-949), with results presented here we conclude that both factor V(a) and PS-containing membranes induce similar rate increases and pathway changes. Moreover, we have determined: 1) factor V(a) has the greatest effect in enhancing rates of individual proteolytic events; 2) PS-containing membranes have the greatest role in increasing the preference for the MzII(a) versus Pre2 pathway; and 3) PS membranes cause approximately 50% of the substrate to be activated via channeling at 50 microm membrane concentration, but factor V(a) extends the range of efficient channeling to much lower or higher membrane concentrations.
Effects of Drechslera sorokiniana infection on the yield and quality of tall fescue forage

Abstract Kenhy tall fescue was inoculated with Drechslera sorokiniana to determine the effects of the fungus on yield and quality of forage. Plants were cultured under greenhouse conditions and were inoculated twice in two environments, using pure cultures of the pathogen. The first environment measured the immediate effect of disease infection, while the second measured the effect of a prolonged exposure to the pathogen. In the first environment, plants were rated for disease development, harvested and analysed for forage quality 1 week after inoculation. In the second environment, plants were maintained under similar conditions, but were maintained for 2 weeks following inoculation. Dry matter yields of infected tall fescue were approximately one-half that of the control treatment in the second harvest of both environments. Infection by D. sorokiniana appeared to reduce the ability of tall fescue to recover from defoliation following reinfection. Disease infection of tall fescue increased dry matter content and acid detergent fibre (ADF). Lignin and hemicellulose increased in the second harvest in both environments, while soluble cell content (SCC) and dry matter digestibility decreased. However, the most dramatic effects on most quality indices occurred when the forage was exposed to pathogen infection for extended periods. These results show that there is an immediate effect on the yield and quality of tall fescue forage infected with D. sorokiniana, but the effect is more pronounced in material that has been infected with the fungus for longer periods.
Estrogen Regulation of Cyclin D1 Gene Expression in ZR-75 Breast Cancer Cells Involves Multiple Enhancer Elements

Cyclin D1 gene expression is induced by 17β-estradiol (E2) in human breast cancer cells and is important for progression of cells through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The mechanism of activation of cyclin D1 is mitogen- and cell context-dependent, and this study describes the role of multiple promoter elements required for induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive ZR-75 breast cancer cells. Transcriptional activation of cyclin D1 by E2 was dependent, in part, on a proximal cAMP-response element at −66, and this was linked to induction of protein kinase A-dependent pathways. These results contrasted to a recent report showing that induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in ER-positive MCF-7 and HeLa cells was due to up-regulation of c-jun and subsequent interaction of c-Jun-ATF-2 with the CRE. Moreover, further examination of the proximal region of the cyclin D1 promoter showed that three GC-rich Sp1-binding sites at −143 to −110 were also E2-responsive, and interaction of ERα and Sp1 proteins at these sites was confirmed by electromobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Thus, induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in ZR-75 cells is regulated through nuclear ERα/Sp1 and epigenetic protein kinase A activation pathways, and our results suggest that this mechanism may be cell context-dependent even among ER-positive breast cancer cell lines.
Investigation of humate-cetyltrimethylammonium complexes by small-angle X-ray scattering

The structural examination of the complexes formed between humic acid and cationic surfactants has environmental implications. A humic acid (HA) dissolved in 0.1 M NaOH (5 g/L) was reacted with a cationic surfactant (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide or CTAB) at initial solution concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mM. The HA precipitated at CTAB concentrations of 20, 30, and 50 mM but the complexes were soluble at 40 mM and below 20 mM. The charge neutralization between humic acid anions and CTAB micelles and the subsequent charge reversal due to hydrophobic interactions explain the behavior of the HA-CTAB complexes. The HA solution (5 g/L), reaction products (supernatants and precipitates), and pure cationic surfactant solutions were studied by the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique in order to determine the structure of HA-CTAB complexes. The scattering intensity (I(q)) of various HA-CTAB systems were recorded over a range of scattering vectors (q=0.053-4.0 nm(-1)). HA forms networks in an alkaline solution with a characterization length of 7.8 nm or greater. The HA-CTAB precipitates and the 50-mM CTAB solution gave d(100) and d(110) reflections of a hexagonal structure. The hexagonal array of cylindrical CTAB micelles has a lattice parameter of 5.01 nm in pure solution, and the parameter decreases in the order: 4.96, 4.91, and 4.85 nm for the precipitates of HA-CTAB (50, 30, and 20 mM, respectively), indicating that the structure of CTAB micelles was disturbed by the addition of HA. The molecular properties and behavior of HA in solution were discussed.
Evolution of the arginase fold and functional diversity.

Novel structural superfamilies can be identified among the large number of protein structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank based on conservation of fold in addition to conservation of amino acid sequence. Since sequence diverges more rapidly than fold in protein Evolution, proteins with little or no significant sequence identity are occasionally observed to adopt similar folds, thereby reflecting unanticipated evolutionary relationships. Here, we review the unique α/β fold first observed in the manganese metalloenzyme rat liver arginase, consisting of a parallel eight-stranded β-sheet surrounded by several helices, and its evolutionary relationship with the zinc-requiring and/or iron-requiring histone deacetylases and acetylpolyamine amidohydrolases. Structural comparisons reveal key features of the core α/β fold that contribute to the divergent metal ion specificity and stoichiometry required for the chemical and biological functions of these enzymes.
A Resonance Model Gives the Response to Membrane Potential for an Ion Channel.

The current-voltage curve for ion channels is perhaps the best known characteristic of these channels. One of the first properties measured, it is accurately known for a variety of channels. The curve is usually described by a single thermal activation energy, which is assumed to show the number of channels opening in response to a voltage step. Activation allows movement of charges as the membrane depolarizes; the putative number of charges moving to open the channel is a parameter estimated from the curve. As the activation energy, E, creates a probability dependent on exp(-E/kBT) (kBT=Boltzmann's constantxtemperature) for a given channel to reach the open state, the opening probability distribution is referred to as a Boltzmann curve. The Boltzmann calculation of the complete curve is consistent with the experimental results on the i-V curve. However, other experimental data are not so easily explained by a Boltzmann curve, and there exists an alternative. A calculation based on the assumption of a threshold potential, which, if passed, allows a channel to open, leads to an open probability vs. potential curve which is also consistent with the measured current vs. voltage curve over its entire voltage range. The calculation assumes fluctuations in the local environment, leading to a distribution of the potential at which channels cross the threshold. There is a physical mechanism which would account for such a threshold, tunneling of a proton as the mechanism of charge movement. Actually, two or more almost independent tunneling transitions are required to obtain agreement with experiment, but this changes no essential feature of the model. Because tunneling requires matching of energy levels in two wells, it is appropriately referred to as a resonance. This model also makes it possible to explain an additional experiment: Fohlmeister & Adelman (1985a, b, 1986) have shown that a sinusoidal potential added to the membrane potential produces second harmonics of the sinusoidal frequency in the output current. Similar response to a sinusoidal input is found from the model, and compared qualitatively to the published experimental results of Fohlmeister & Adelman. A time delay can also be introduced between reaching the threshold and channel opening, which is both physically necessary and necessary for agreement with experiment. Unlike the Boltzmann model, out model agrees (qualitatively) with their experiment. We have tested two distributions of state as a function of potential: Gaussian, and skewed Gaussian ( reverse similarV2 exp(-aV2), V=potential). The latter comes closer to representing both the open probability-potential curve and the Fohlmeister & Adelman results, although the pure Gaussian is still better than the Boltzmann model.Copyright 1998 Academic Press
A Study of Two-Dimensional Plane Elasticity Finite Elements for Optimal Design

ABSTRACT Design of structures using a variety of two-dimensional finite elements is considered in this paper. An efficient technique of computing first-order derivatives of pointwise stress constraints for simple and higher-order two-dimensional (membrane) finite elements is presented. Computational aspects of design sensitivity vector calculation, using a semi-analytical method versus traditional methods are presented. Implementation of a fully-stressed design approach to find a suitable initial estimate leads to increased computational efficiency. These aspects of the design procedure are illustrated through analysis of numerical examples. Experience indicates that a suitable mix of low and higher-order elements yields the most efficient and accurate design model.
The effect of forward exchange on spot-rate volatility under risk and rational expectations

Abstract This paper presents a multiperiod rational-expectations model of a foreign exchange market in order to analyze the effect of introducing currency forward trading on measures of exchange-rate volatility. Based on an optimizing approach to risk-average agents, it highlights how commercial traders and interest arbitrageurs behave facing exchange risk and forward contracting opportunities. It is found that forward trading tends to stabilize spot exchange rates if the trade disturbance is the predominant random factor in the market, while it exacerbates spot-rate variability if the disturbance in the interest rate differential is the chief stochastic element.
Multiscale Roughness of MEMS Surfaces

Investigation of contact and friction at multiple length scales is necessary for the design of surfaces in sliding microelectromechanical system (MEMS). A method is developed to investigate the geometry of asperities at different length scales. Analysis of density, height, and curvature of asperities on atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of actual silicon MEMS surfaces show these properties have a power law relationship with the sampling size used to define an asperity. This behavior and its similarity to results for fractal Weierstrass-Mandelbrot (W-M) function approximations indicate that a multiscale model is required to properly describe the surfaces.© 2004 ASME
Interpersonal Spacing on Public Benches in “Contact” Vs. “Noncontact” Cultures

Summary Edward Hall suggests that people of “contact” cultures (such as Southern Europe and Arab countries) maintain closer interpersonal spacing than people of “noncontact” cultures (such as North America and Northern Europe). This hypothesis was tested by comparing spacing between unacquainted male pairs seated on public benches in Spain (n = 26), Morocco (n = 25), and the United States (n = 38). Pairs in the United States usually sat closer than pairs in Spain or Morocco, contradicting Hall's contention, though some of the observed spacing differences may be accounted for by differences in the length and shape of benches in each country. The data reported here are consistent with the hypothesis that, under a given set of physical constraints, the spacing pattern of noninteracting strangers is similar across cultures.
Isothermal coarsening of dendritic equiaxial grains in Al15.6wt.%Cu alloy

Abstract The isothermal coarsening of equiaxial dendritic grains in Al15.6wt.%Cu alloy at 826 K (5 K above the eutectic temperature) was studied. For very short times (less than 60 s), the structure ripened by the usual increase in the secondary dendrite arm spacing. The secondary arms also coalesced and liquid inclusions formed within the grains. Simultaneously there was some fragmentation, in that the average center-to-center distance λ between grains at first decreased and then, at approximately 400 s, λ increased chth time. For times greater than 900 s, λ increased very slowly, and the morphology of the grains changed from dendritic globular to globular, when the original dendritic structure was no longer discernible. Using the surface-area-to-volume ratio S v of the solid as the characteristic metric, a kinetic analysis showed that Ostwald ripening could not explain the results. Coalescence was identified as a mechanism, but unlike previous work, a t − 1 3 dependence of S v on time t was not observed.
Porphyrin-catalyzed reduction of nitroaromatics for the treatment of pink water

Porphyrins are tetrapyrrole ring structures which are metal chelating and often found in the active sites of enzymes involved in redox reactions. We have demonstrated that porphyrins alone may act as mediators in the transfer of electrons to or from various functional groups under a range of reaction conditions. One such application is the porphyrin-catalyzed reduction of nitroaromatics to the corresponding amines. For nitroaromatic components of munition wastes such as ‘pink water,≓ porphyrin pretreatment can render the wastes safer to handle and more amenable to biotreatment.
Drucker applied, one step removed

Findings – When Jim Collins and Jerry Porras were researching the early history of some of America's greatest corporations for their book Built to Last, they kept coming across a common denominator: Peter Drucker.
Experiments to assess the effectiveness of multiple laser guide stars for adaptively corrected telescopes

The relative wander in the positions of the laser beacons in a multiple beacon system limits the accuracy to which the wavefront can be measured. We describe the design of an experiment to test methods for reducing laser beacon wander. The system employs an excimer laser producing Rayleigh guide stars at an altitude of 10 km mounted at the Coude focus of the Mt. Laguna 1 m telescope. The experimental tests are based on simultaneously creating two guide stars and measuring their apparent differential motion in a set of projection and detection schemes that includes: full aperture broadcast, partial aperture broadcast, full aperture reception, and partial aperture reception.
Primary cutaneous mucoepidermoid carcinoma : report of a case

Primary mucoepidermoid carcinomas of the skin are extremely rare tumors. We describe a primary cutaneous mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising in the right ear (posterior mid helix) of a 66-year-old white man. The tumor was 0.6 cm in diameter, ulcerated and nonencapsulated. No other tumors were found in the patient. Histologically the tumor showed the characteristics of a ‘low grade” mucoepidermoid carcinoma, consisting of lobules of polygonal cells with vesicular nuclei. In the center of the lobules were large vacuolated cells (goblet cells). Transitions between the two cell populations were present throughout the tumor. An epidermal attachment of the tumor, as well as epidermal dysplasia, predominantly at the acrosyringium was present, consistent with the theory of sweat duct histogenesis of these tumors. Immunoperoxidase staining showed positivity for epithelial membrane antigen, keratin and carcinoembryonic antigen. The latter was predominantly positive in the goblet cells. Cutaneous metastasis of mucoepidermoid carcinomas with epidermal attachment has been reported. Our case showed only ear involvement and follow-up at 8 months has revealed no evidence of recurrence. These findings are consistent with the diagnosis of primary cutaneous mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Landman G, Farmer ER. Primary cutaneous mucoepidermoid carcinoma: report of a case.
Applicability of the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence in smokers with schizophrenia

Abstract Up to 90% of individuals with schizophrenia smoke cigarettes, and many show signs of heavy dependence. Although the severity of nicotine dependence is often measured by the six-item Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), this measure, in its current form, may not be as appropriate in this population—or in others who's smoking is regulated by others—as in the general population due to differences in smoking patterns, living arrangements, and daily routines. These factors may produce an underestimate of nicotine dependence, which may have clinical implications for successful medical detoxification if the FTND scores are used to guide the dosage of nicotine replacement medication. Data indicate poor internal consistency reliability ( α =.4581) and a factor pattern lacking simple structure (i.e., two nonmeaningful factors/components with substantial cross loadings) when administered to smokers with schizophrenia. Specific examples of problematic items and how these may contribute to an underestimate of tobacco dependence severity are discussed, as well as ways to modify the FTND to be more appropriate for this population.
Macropinocytosis Is the Major Pathway Responsible for DNA Transfection in CHO Cells by a Charge-Reversal Amphiphile

The cellular uptake of a functional charge-reversal amphiphile:DNA lipoplex is described. First, pharmacological inhibitors were applied to block different endocytosis pathways. By examining the resulting transfection activities, it was found that endocytosis was the pathway leading to transfection in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. When the specific pathway of macropinocytosis was inhibited, β-galactosidase expression was significantly depleted (90%); meanwhile the inhibition of clathrin-mediated pathway only brought a 30% decrease in expression; and the inhibition of caveolae-mediated pathway did not affect expression. Furthermore, a transfection kinetics study revealed that the cellular uptake responsible for gene expression was a slower process compared to clathrin-mediated endocytosis, consistent with fluid-phase uptake compared to receptor-mediated uptake. Next, a fluorescence colocalization study was used to visualize the DNA lipoplex uptake pathways. The colocalization of the DNA lipoplex and Cascade Blue, a fluid-phase uptake marker, was observed. Meanwhile, the colocalization of the DNA lipoplex and transferrin, a clathrin-mediated endocytosis marker, was also seen. However, no colocalization was observed with the endosome/lysosome marker Lysotracker. Our results indicate that macropinocytosis, not the commonly seen clathrin-mediated endocytosis for cationic lipids, is the major pathway leading to gene transfection in CHO cells for this charge-reversal amphiphile.
The Private Speech of Young Children at Risk: A Test of Three Deficit Hypotheses.

Abstract The present study examined the spontaneous, private speech of 16 children, ages 5 to 7 years, whose documented birth weight was below 1,500 grams and who showed evidence of behavioral and learning difficulties at the time of testing. Although of normal intelligence, children in the sample showed depressed early reading skills, difficulties in visual-motor integration, and some evidence of attention-deficit symptomatology. Three hypotheses were tested regarding possible deficits in the production, quality, and internalization of self-regulatory language in this high-risk sample. The findings suggest that although the overt, self-regulatory private speech of high-risk children is apparently normal, their marked lack of whispering indicate difficulties in the subvocalization or internalization of such speech. A strong relationship was found between lack of whispering and an index of reading disability, suggesting that the capacity to internalize speech might be a necessary precursor for the capacity to read.
Control of under-actuated two-link ROBOT with hybrid LQ-fuzzy controller

This paper presents flexible two-link ROBOT arm control methodology using fuzzy logic controller with state-estimation arrangement. In order to drive the fast and slow subsystems, a singular perturbation scheme has been established, that also reduces spillover effect. The estimation based compensator damps out the noise/ vibration of the complex nonlinear system. Setpoint tracking is achieved by employing fuzzy logic controller (slow-subsystem). The simulation results of hybrid LQ-fuzzy controller provide robustness without increasing the order of the overall system. The proposed control scheme outperforms traditional control approaches such as PD, LQR or LQG solution.
The influence of chemical treatments on tungsten films found in integrated circuits

Abstract The influence of four different chemical solutions on the composition, morphology, and etch rates of thin, chemically vapor deposited tungsten films have been investigated. These films are the standard material patterned to create tungsten plugs in integrated circuits through a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) step. The tungsten films were treated with aqueous solutions of KOH, KIO 3 + NaOH , H 2 O 2 + NH 4 OH , and H2O2+HCl. We have evaluated the resulting changes in the surface chemical composition of the tungsten film with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Changes in film morphology have been recorded with atomic force microscopy and material removal rates have been determined with calibrated four-point-probe resistivity measurements. Together, these measurements demonstrate the complex manner in which chemical pre-treatments in the CMP process influence thin tungsten films.
Narrow‐band performance of phase‐conjugate arrays in dynamic random media.

Phase‐conjugate arrays in underwater acoustics are of interest because of their ability to produce retrodirective fields. The theoretical narrow‐band performance of acoustic phase‐conjugate arrays in the presence of static and dynamic random media will be presented. For a static random medium, our results suggest that random refraction allows phase‐conjugate arrays to ‘‘super‐focus,’’ that is, produce a focal region smaller than the free‐space diffraction limit. For a dynamic random medium, the round‐trip time delay between the source and the array degrades phase‐conjugate array performance. When the dynamics of the medium are characterized by the statistics of oceanic internal waves, analytical results can be obtained for the intrinsic or ‘‘maximum‐possible’’ signal‐to‐noise ratio produced by the array at the source location. For a typical deep‐water oceanic medium, internal wave dynamics do not preclude interesting applications of phase‐conjugate arrays. [Work supported by ONR.]
Pressure‐temperature critical loci for multicomponent hydrocarbon mixtures

Based upon data reported in the literature, pressure-temperature critical loci are presented for the methane-ethane-n-butane and ethane-n-butane n-pentane systems. Loci are drawn having fixed values of a composition parameter including the two heavy components of the system. The curves closely resemble the bounding binary loci. Based upon accurate methods of calculating critical temperatures (0.5%) and critical pressures (1.5%), critical loci are presented for the ethane-propane-n-butane-n-pentane system. Two families of curves are generated, each family corresponding to a fixed value of the composition parameter including the heaviest components. Each curve corresponds to a constant ratio of propane, n-butane, and n-pentane (and to fixed values of two composition parameters). Relations are noted between binary and multicomponent mixtures containing a constant mole fraction of light component, and the concept of a pseudo-heavy component is discussed. For a fixed value of the heavy component composition parameter, triangular composition diagrams with curves of constant critical temperature and constant critical pressure are presented for the ethane-propane-n-butane-n-pentane system. Linear critical temperature parameters connecting the bounding binary and ternary systems adequately describe the critical temperature behavior of the quartenary system. The critical pressure behavior resembles that of a ternary system. Des courbes de la pression critique en fonction de la temperature critique furent etablies pour les systemes ternaires methane-ethane-butane (n) et ethane-butane (n)-pentane (n) a partir des donnees existantes. Chacune de ces courbes correspond a une valeur constante d'un parametre de composition qui est fonction des proportions des deux composants les plus lourds. Ces courbes presentent l'allure generale de la courbe enveloppe obtenue dans le cas des systemes binaires. Les courbes equivalentes furent ensuite etablies pour le systeme quaternaire ethanepropane-butane (n)-pentane (n), au moyen d'une methode precise d'evaluation des temperatures critiques (0.5%) et des pressions critiques (1.5%). De ces courbes, on a pu construire des diagrammes triangulaires, pression critique-composition et temperature critique-composition. Dans ce dernier cas, on a constate que des droites joignant les temperatures critiques des systemes binaires et ternaires represented adequatement les proprietes du systeme quaternaire. Dans l'autre cas, des courbes semblables a celles d'un systeme ternaire sont obtenues.
Sound policy or smoke and mirrors : Does ecosystem management make sense ?

: Protection of ecosystems as entities on the landscape has attracted a wide range of support. Ecosystem-based public policies are claimed to be more effective, efficient, and scientifically sound than other approaches to environmental and natural resource policy. The ecosystem concept was never intended to serve as a public policy guide or to determine landscape units for land management purposes. This paper critically examines the use of the ecosystem concept in public policy and land use management and analyzes the proposed rule to manage the National Forest System according to ecosystem management principles. The concept is found to be unsuitable as a basis for guiding environmental and natural resource public policies in general while the proposed rule to manage the national forests according to ecosystem management principles is shown to be incoherent.
Managing radical software engineering: Leverage order and chaos

Innovations in software engineering organisations frequently emerge from risky behaviour. Most often, these risks are taken by only a small percentage of the software engineers practising radical engineering (REs). They go against the status quo, experiment with new methods or technologies, and have the burden of bringing the innovations into the mainstream of the organisation. Most organisations however, do a poor job of adequately and effectively managing radical engineers. In this paper, we analyse the relationship between innovation regimes and radical engineering practice. We find that REs can be practised at either end of the order-chaos continuum. Successful software organisations are those that are able to balance between the extremes and manage REs effectively, and also those that follow a series of innovation stages in sensible ways. In this paper, we discuss lessons learned in managing REs found in software organisations and propose organisational actions for effective innovation management.
Business and Peace: Sketching the Terrain

Our goals in this article are to summarize the existing literature on the role business can play in creating sustainable peace and to discuss important avenues for extending this research. As part of our discussion, we review the ethical arguments and related research made to date, including the rationale and motivation for businesses to engage in conflict resolution and peace building, and discuss how scholars are extending research in this area. We also focus on specific ways companies can actively engage in conflict reduction including promoting economic devel- opment, the rule of law, and principles of external valuation, contributing to a sense of community, and engaging in track-two diplomacy and conflict sensitive practices. We conclude by developing a set of future research questions and considerations.
Biochemical characterization and crystallization of recombinant 3-phosphoglycerate kinase of Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract Human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum depends largely on glycolytic pathway for energy metabolism during the intraerythrocytic life stage. Therefore, enzymes of the glycolytic pathway could offer potential drug targets provided novel biochemical and/or structural features of the parasitic enzymes, which distinguish them from the host counterpart, could be identified. 3-Phosphoglycerate kinase (EC 2.7.2.3) catalyzes an important phosphorylation step leading to the production of ATP in the glycolytic pathway. We have expressed recombinant 3-phosphoglycerate kinase of P. falciparum in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein purified from the soluble fraction of E. coli is enzymatically active. The apparent Km values determined for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) are 0.63 and 0.52 mM, respectively. The enzyme activity was temperature-sensitive. Suramin was found to inhibit the recombinant enzyme with an IC50 value of 7 μM. We have crystallized the enzyme form in hexagonal space group P6122 (or its enantiomorphic space group) with unit cell parameters a=b=130.7, c=263.9 A. Native data have been collected at 3.0-A resolution.
A new approach for embedding dimension determination based on empirical mode decomposition

Purpose – Embedding dimension determination in phase space reconstruction is difficult. The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach for embedding dimension determination based on empirical mode, showing that embedding dimensions for phase space reconstruction could be easily determined according to the number of intrinsic mode functions decomposed by empirical mode decomposition.Design/methodology/approach – Through the relation analysis of intrinsic mode functions and embedding dimensions, the approach for embedding dimension determination by the number of intrinsic mode functions is presented. First, a time series is decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions. Second, correlation analysis between intrinsic mode functions and original signals is investigated, and then false intrinsic mode functions could be eliminated by the analysis of correlation coefficient thresholds, which makes the embedding dimension precise. Finally, the method presented is applied to the Lorenz system, Chen's sy...
A reverse transcription-quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction (RT-qcPCR) technique to measure cytokine gene expression in domestic mammals.

Inbred strains of rats and mice have long been used to study basic mechanisms of human disease. Our knowledge of the rodent and human immune systems has increased in recent years, largely because of the availability of reagents and techniques specific for these species. In contrast, outbred animals, including domestic companion and food animals, have not been used routinely as experimental models for human disease, largely because reagents and assays necessary for basic research in immunology and physiology have not been available. Here, using consensus cytokine nucleic acid sequences, we adapt a previously described reverse transcription-quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction technique to measure interleukin 2 (IL2), IL4, IL6, IL10, IL12, interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA expression in the cow, cat, dog, horse, and pig. We demonstrate that the assay is sensitive, accurate, and reproducible.
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL CAPITAL AND POWER ON SURVIVING TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE: THE CASE OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS

We examined how social capital and the power of venture capitalists and founderCEOs affect IPO firm survival. Using data from 218 U.S. initial public offerings conducted in 1992, we found that average management team tenure and an IPO deal’s network embeddedness decreased the likelihood of failure during a firm’s first five years as a public entity. Founder-CEO presence at the time of an IPO interacted with CEO ownership to decrease the likelihood of failure, and CEO ownership and venture capitalist ownership concentration also decreased that likelihood. Evolutionary perspectives on organizations are often accompanied by the presumption that organizations face an increased risk of failure early in their lives owing to liabilities of newness (Aldrich, 1999; Stinchcombe, 1965). As organizational goals and patterns of activity become routinized over time, increased reliability in performance and accountability for actions taken enhance a firm’s survival chances (Hannan & Freeman, 1984). This process, however, also generates strong inertial pressures that not only discourage organizational change, but also, because of the potential for disruption to existing internal and external routines, make change hazardous. Research findings suggest that even in older, better-established firms, significant transformational events during their life cycles can effectively “reset the clock” and reintroduce risks associated with the liability of newness as firms struggle to adapt strategies, internal operational and administrative processes, and/or external ties and relationships (Amburgey, Kelly, & Barnett, 1993). Thus, transformational change in organizational operations decreases efficiency and increases failure rates, at least in the short term, as resources and attention are diverted from normal, routinized operating functions to processes involving adaptation and reorientation (Haveman, 1992).
Implementing Ability Grouping in EFL Contexts: Perceptions of Teachers and Students.

Ability grouping – defined as a practice that places students into classrooms or small groups based on an initial assessment of their readiness or ability – has received considerable attention in educational research for years in many countries (Ireson & Hallam, 1999, 2001; Slavin, 1987). In Korea, ability grouping has been implemented in elementary, middle, and high school settings for certain subjects such as English. The purpose of the current study was to determine how the ability grouping policy has been implemented in Korean middle school English classes and to examine the perceptions of teachers (n = 55) and students (n = 754) regarding this policy. The results showed that schools implemented the policy in a variety of ways (e.g. different number of grouping levels). Teachers and students indicated their concerns regarding students’ emotional problems and showed mixed attitudes towards ability grouping. They also argued that schools need large support to maximize the putative effectiveness of abili...
Coupled dynamics of flexible cables and rigid end-effector for a cable suspended robot

An important application of cable-suspended robots is in long-reach manipulation tasks. The usual assumption of rigid cables is not valid in these situations. The flexibility of cables needs to be included during modeling of residual motion of the manipulator after a gross motion has been made. In this paper, we assume that a gross motion has already been made that brings the end-effector to its desired position. Vibrations still persist due to flexibility in cables about this desired configuration. The paper provides a model to relate the position and rotation of the end-effector and the input including the flexible cable dynamics. The derived input-output model for the system is a set of delay-differential equations. We then apply the delta flatness theory to calculate the control inputs applied by the actuators at the end of the ropes for given trajectories for the six degrees-of-freedom of the system. The approach is illustrated by mathematical simulation in this paper.
Predictors of a successful medical weight loss program

Abstract Background Many practices are creating weight loss programs, in preparation for bariatric surgery or for patients who wish to lose weight without surgery. Preoperative weight loss may be associated with improved postoperative weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities. The aim of this study is to investigate the success of a preoperative weight loss program at a single institution and the variables associated with success in weight loss. Methods We enrolled patients in a once monthly multidisciplinary preoperative weight loss program and evaluated % total weight lost over the 6-month program for primary and for revisional bariatric surgical patients. Demographic characteristics, weight, program related factors, and co-morbidities were recorded. One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression models were carried out to assess variables. Parameter estimates of multiple linear regression models were reported. Statistical significance was set at .05 and analysis was done using SAS 9.3. Results A total of 133 patients enrolled and completed the program over a period of 14 months. Only 50.8% of the patients lost weight with average weight loss of .1±4.0 lbs. Patient׳s sex, insurance, psychiatric history, co-morbidities, referral status, or type of counseling had no significant effect on weight loss ( P >.05). Patients between 30 and 50 years old on average were more successful in losing weight ( P = .018). P atients considering revisional surgery were less successful preoperatively compared to first time candidates ( P = .0007). Conclusion Patients between 30 and 50 years of age, first time surgical candidates, and those with higher weights may be more successful in losing weight in a preoperative bariatric weight loss program.
Impact of preoperative thyroid ultrasonography on the surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with coexisting thyroid disease has been considered a contraindication to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP). This study assessed the impact of thyroid ultrasonography and guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy with cytological review of the aspiration in distinguishing patients eligible for MIP from those requiring open parathyroidectomy with thyroid surgery. Methods:Therecords of 194 consecutivepatients whohad minimallyinvasiveoropen parathyroidectomy for sporadic PHPT were reviewed retrospectively. Thyroid ultrasonographic findings and FNA results were compared with surgical and pathology records. Results: A total of 163 patients (84·0 per cent) were eligible for MIP based on ultrasonographic findings with or without FNA results. Ultrasonography detected concurrent thyroid disease in 163 patients (84·0 per cent). Thirty-nine (23·9 per cent) underwent FNA, of whom 16 had benign findings and were eligible for MIP; the remaining 23 had suspicious FNA results and had open parathyroidectomy combined with thyroid surgery. Postoperative thyroid histopathology confirmed malignancy in nine patients, eight of whom had disease detected ultrasonographically. Micronodular thyroid disease (less than 1 cm) accounted for four of nine malignancies. Conclusion: Most patients with PHPT are eligible for MIP. Experienced ultrasonographers can diagnose coexisting micronodular and macronodular thyroid disease, and identify patients eligible for MIP.
Role of corticotrophin-releasing factor in effects of leptin on sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure.

Leptin and corticotrophin-releasing factor increase sympathetic nervous activity to interscapular brown adipose tissue, kidneys, and adrenal glands. Leptin is known to increase hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing factor. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that leptin-dependent increases in sympathetic nervous activity are mediated through increases in central nervous system corticotrophin-releasing factor activity. We examined the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of corticotrophin-releasing factor and intravenous leptin on sympathetic nervous activity to interscapular brown adipose tissue through multifiber neurography in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats pretreated with intracerebroventricular α-helical corticotrophin-releasing factor 9–41 (corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor antagonist) or vehicle. Centrally administered corticotrophin-releasing factor substantially increased interscapular brown adipose tissue sympathetic nervous activity. The responses to corticotrophin-releasing factor were substantially attenuated in animals pretreated with α-helical corticotrophin-releasing factor 9–41 . Leptin-dependent increases in interscapular brown adipose tissue sympathetic nervous activity were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with α-helical corticotrophin-releasing factor 9–41 . Interestingly, leptin also significantly increased arterial pressure over 6 hours, but this pressor action was not attenuated by the corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor antagonist. These results suggest that corticotrophin-releasing factor may mediate the sympathoexcitatory effect of leptin on thermogenic tissue without altering its cardiovascular actions.
Decapod Utilization of Adjacent Oyster, Vegetated Marsh, and Non-Vegetated Bottom Habitats In A Gulf of Mexico Estuary

Abstract Few studies have compared oyster habitat use with adjacent vegetated and non-vegetated habitats. We investigated habitat use by six common, estuarine, invertebrate species. In order to better understand the species-specific use of oyster and adjacent habitats within the salt marshes of Grand Bay NERR, MS, we examined the abundance patterns and size distributions among oyster, vegetated marsh edge (VME), and non-vegetated bottom (NVB) for three seasons (Fall 2003, Spring 2004, Summer 2004) for the following species: blue crab Callinectes sapidus, brown shrimp Farfantopenaeus aztecus, white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus, daggerblade grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio, flatback mud crab Eurypanopeus depressus, and oystershell mud crab Panopeus simpsoni. Three main trends emerged concerning habitat use: 1) the three crab species (juvenile C. sapidus, E. depressus, P. simpsoni) occupied oyster and VME habitats in higher abundances relative to NVB with minor to moderate fluctuations in seasonal abundance. ...
Obstetrics and Gynecology Facts and Formulas

In most instances female patients in the ED and ICU are managed identically to male patients. The issues of pregnancy and medical conditions unique to women, of course, are an exception. The following tables and formulas should be useful to the practitioner caring for pregnant patients.
Designing fuzzy net controllers using GA optimization

As plant specifications become complicated, more robust controller design methodologies are needed. A genetic algorithm optimizer, which utilizes natural evolution strategies, offers a promising technology that supports optimization of the parameters of fuzzy logic and other parameterized non-linear controllers. This paper shows how GAs can effectively and efficiently optimize the performance of parameterized non-linear controllers, such as fuzzy net controllers in a multiprocessor simulation environment. Our results demonstrate the advantage of a Computer-Aided System Design technique for rapid prototyping of control systems. >
Implementing and evaluating a school-based program to improve childhood vision.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20% of the American schoolchildren have a vision problem. Children from low-income urban areas have been shown to have more than twice the normal rate of vision problems. This study evaluated the effectiveness of A Vision for Success, a school-based program designed to provide eyeglasses to children in a timely manner in selected New York City public elementary schools and to encourage their regular use at school. METHODS: An intervention-control group design with 265 first- and second-grade students across 8 New York City public schools was implemented. Participating students had failed a prior mandated vision screening. Students in A Vision for Success received (1) a school-based professional optometric screening, (2) provision of 2 pairs of eyeglasses (1 kept by the teacher for classroom use), and (3) teachers' encouragement of eyeglass use as prescribed in school. Mean rates of classroom eyeglass use were assessed between groups by direct observation prior to and after the optometric screening. RESULTS: Mean rates of eyeglass use for students in intervention and control groups at baseline were 22% and 19%, respectively (p > .10). At follow-up, eyeglass use rose to 47% in the intervention group, whereas the control group's rate remained consistent at 19% (p < .001). Significant differences persisted for boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS: Children disproportionately affected by visual dysfunction can receive glasses in a timely manner and wear them regularly in the classroom. Even more intensive efforts will be needed for some children to help ensure that they wear glasses in school.