cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of midrotation fertilization on growth and specific gravity of loblolly pine

Wood properties and growth were measured on breast-height cores and on disks collected at different heights from a thinned and fertilized midrotation loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation in the lower Coastal Plain of North Car- olina. The study was laid out in a randomized complete-block design receiving four levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer: unfer- tilized control and 112, 224, and 336 kg/ha plus 28 kg/ha of phosphorus with each treatment. The effect of fertilization was analyzed for the whole-disk and for a 4 year average following fertilization on data collected from breast-height cores and from disks. The fertilization treatments did not significantly affect whole-disk wood properties but significantly in- creased radial growth. Fertilization rate of 336 kg/ha N significantly reduced 4 year average ring specific gravity and late- wood specific gravity. Wood properties of trees that received 112 and 224 kg/ha N were not affected following treatment. There was no height related trend in wood property changes due to fertilization. Fertilization significantly increased ring basal area and earlywood basal area. In summary, there was a decline in wood properties and an increase in basal area growth immediately after fertilization; both depended on the rate of fertilizer applied irrespective of height.
Age differences in encoding and retrieving details of a pediatric examination

Baker-Ward, Gordon, Ornstein, Larus, and Clubb (1993) showed that recall improves over ages 3–7 for events experienced during a physical examination. We used a joint multinomial model to ask whether the improvement was due to encoding, to retrieval, or to likelihood to report. The model fit the Baker-Ward et al. data well and showed that (1) retrieval and reporting cannot be distinguished and (2) the observed effects were due primarily to age-related improvement in retrieval reporting rather than in encoding.
Policing the World: Interpol and the Politics of International Police Co-operation

Acknowledgements Introduction The background The discreet history of Interpol The legal basis of Interpol Interpol as an international organization Drugs and international law enforcement The terrorist factor Bilateral police co-operation Models of international police co-operation Conclusion Bibliography Index
Corrosion Damage Function Interface Between Corrosion Science and Engineering

Abstract The use of empirical and deterministic models for predicting damage functions for localized corrosion are reviewed and compared. In general, empirical models are successful because the dis...
Molecular localization of regions in the L-type calcium channel critical for dihydropyridine action

Abstract Sensitivity to dihydropyridines (DHPs) is a distinct characteristic that differentiates L-type Ca 2+ channels from T-, N-, and P-type Ca 2+ channels. To identify regions necessary for the functional effects of DHPs, chimeric Ca 2+ channels were constructed in which portions of motif III or motif IV of a DHP-insensitive brain Ca 2+ channel, BI-2, were introduced into the DHP-sensitive cardiac L-type Ca 2+ channel. The resultant chimeric Ca 2+ channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the effects of a DHP agonist and antagonist were studied. The results show that the linker region between S5 and S6 in motif IV of the L-type Ca 2+ channel is a major site for DHP action. The DHP agonist and antagonist molecules interact with distinct sites on the α 1 subunit of the L-type Ca 2+ channel. The data further show that the SS2–S6 region of motif III is not involved in DHP action but may be an important structural component of inactivation.
Carbonyl sulfide: no remedy for global warming

The enhancement of the stratospheric aerosol layer caused by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo (June 15, 1991), and the subsequent cooling of the earth's lower atmosphere [Dutton and Christy, 1992; Minnis et al., 1993] shows that stratospheric aerosols can have a strong effect on the earth's climate. This supports the notion that the intentional enhancement of the stratospheric aerosol layer through increased carbonyl sulfide (OCS) emissions might be an effective means for counteracting global warming. Through the use of a one-dimensional photochemical model, we investigate what effect such a program might have on global average stratospheric ozone. In addition, we consider the impact of enhanced OCS emissions on rainwater acidity and on the overall health of both plants and animals. We find that while the warming produced by a single CO2 doubling (1 to 4°C) might be offset with ozone losses of less than 5%, any attempt to use carbonyl sulfide as a permanent solution to global warming could result in depletion of global average ozone by 30% or more. We estimate that in order to achieve cooling of 4°C rainwater pH would fall to between 3.5 and 3.8. Finally, a 4°C cooling at the surface will require that ambient near ground OCS levels rise to above 10 ppmv which is probably greater than the safe exposure limit for humans. Thus, enhanced OCS emissions do not provide an environmentally acceptable solution to the problem of global warming.
13C-metabolic flux analysis of Actinobacillus succinogenes fermentative metabolism at different NaHCO3 and H2 concentrations

Abstract Actinobacillus succinogenes naturally produces high concentrations of succinate, a potential intermediary feedstock for bulk chemical productions. A. succinogenes responds to high CO2 and H2 concentrations by producing more succinate and by producing less formate, acetate, and ethanol. To determine how intermediary fluxes in A. succinogenes respond to CO2 and H2 perturbations, 13C-metabolic flux analysis was performed in batch cultures at two different NaHCO3 concentrations, with and without H2, using a substrate mixture of [1-13C]glucose, [U-13C]glucose, and unlabeled NaHCO3. The resulting amino acid, organic acid, and glycogen isotopomers were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and NMR. In all conditions, exchange flux was observed through malic enzyme and/or oxaloacetate decarboxylase. The presence of an exchange flux between oxaloacetate, malate, and pyruvate indicates that, in addition to phosphoenolpyruvate, oxaloacetate, and malate, pyruvate is a fourth node for flux distribution between succinate and alternative fermentation products. High NaHCO3 concentrations decreased the amount of flux shunted by C4-decarboxylating activities from the succinate-producing C4 pathway to the formate-, acetate-, and ethanol-producing C3 pathway. In addition, pyruvate carboxylating flux increased in response to high NaHCO3 concentrations. C3-pathway dehydrogenase fluxes increased or decreased appropriately in response to the different redox demands imposed by the different NaHCO3 and H2 concentrations. Overall, these metabolic flux changes allowed A. succinogenes to maintain a constant growth rate and biomass yield in all conditions. These results are discussed with respect to A. succinogenes’ physiology and to metabolic engineering strategies to increase the flux to succinate.
Children's emotion processing: relations to emotionality and aggression.

We examined the relations between emotionality, emotion processing, and aggression in 182 first- and second-grade children. Consistent with Tomkins' and Izard's theoretical predictions, emotionality correlated with emotion processing. In particular, the happiness component of emotionality correlated with emotion attribution accuracy and empathy, the anger component correlated with anger attribution bias and empathy, and the fear component correlated with fear attribution bias. Multiple emotion processing deficits—including emotion attribution accuracy, anger attribution bias, and self-report of empathy—placed children at risk for heightened levels of teacher-reported aggression. Mediational analyses revealed that an emotion processing risk index fit a model of significant partial mediation between happiness and aggression but not between anger and aggression. The results suggest the multifaceted manner in which children's emotion experiences may influence the development of aggressive tendencies.The authors thank the teachers, staff, parents, and students of the Smyrna, DE, school district for their enthusiastic participation in this project and the dedicated work of Fran Haskins and our many research assistants at the University of Delaware.
Affinity chromatography of DNA labeled with chemically cleavable biotinylated nucleotide analogs.

Abstract DNA labeled with the chemically cleavable biotinylated nucleotide Bio-12-SS-dUTP was chromatographed on biotin cellulose affinity columns using either avidin or streptavidin as the affinity reagent. Although both proteins were equally effective in binding the Bio-12-SS-DNA to the affinity resin, two important differences were found. First, nonbiotinylated DNA bound to avidin, but not to streptavidin, in buffers containing 50 m m NaCl. Second, Bio-12-SS-DNA was released much more slowly from the streptavidin affinity column than from the avidin column upon washing with buffer containing dithiothreitol. This difficulty in reducing the disulfide bond of Bio-12-SS-DNA bound to streptavidin is most likely due to steric protection of the disulfide bond by the protein. This conclusion is supported by our finding that DNA labeled with another biotinylated nucleotide analog, Bio-19-SS-dUTP, is rapidly and efficiently recovered from a streptavidin column. In Bio-19-SS-DNA, the distance between the disulfide bond and the biotin group is approximately 10 A greater than that in Bio-12-SS-DNA. Therefore, Bio-19-SS-dUTP and streptavidin form the basis of an efficient affinity system for the isolation and subsequent recovery of biotinylated DNA in the presence of low ionic strength buffers.
Dynamic Modeling of an Insect Wing Subject to Three-Dimensional Rotation

A dynamic model of an insect wing is developed treating the wing as a deformable body subject to three-dimensional finite rotation about a fixed point at the base of the wing. Discretization of a stationary wing is first conducted via finite element analysis to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the wing. By formulating and discretizing the kinetic and potential energy, we derive the equation of motion governing the modal response of a flapping wing using Lagrange's equation. The equation of motion indicates Coriolis, Euler, and centrifugal forces resulting from the finite rotation are responsible for the wings elastic deformation. Numerical integration reveals a beat phenomenon that arises from the Coriolis excitation in the first vibration mode. The beat phenomenon is insensitive to yaw amplitudes and nonzero initial conditions but diminishes in the presence of damping. The beat phenomenon can potentially be used to estimate gyroscopic forces.
The Potential of Cellular Technology to Mediate Social Networks for Support of Chronic Disease Self-Management

Productive interactions among patients, friends/family, and health care providers, as outlined by the Chronic Care Model, are important for promoting adherence to recommended care and good health outcomes among adults with a chronic illness. Characteristics of these interactions—active participation, collaboration, and data sharing among constituents—are the same as those of social networks organized around Web 2.0 principles and technology. Thus, the Web 2.0 framework can be used to configure social networks without the inherent spatiotemporal constraints of face-to-face interactions that remain prevalent in health care delivery. In this article, the author outlines various design principles and decisions for a pilot study in which cellular technology was used to mediate interactions between adults with Type 2 diabetes and supporters (i.e., family members or friends selected by the patients who agree provide support) to motivate regular self-monitoring of blood glucose (among the diabetes participants). ...
Neighborhood Transitions in Multiethnic/Racial Contexts

ABSTRACT:Several recent analyses have suggested that the old model of neighborhood transition no longer holds true in large metropolitan areas in the late 20th century. The argument follows that there are increasing instances of neighborhood ethnic stability. A test of this hypothesis in the Los Angeles metropolitan area with 1990 census data at both the tract and block level suggests considerable caution in accepting the notion of stable racially mixed neighborhoods. The rate of succession seems to be related to overall levels of demographic change and the level of multiethnic integration, by at least one measure, is quite low.
Factors underlying the variability of lipid droplet fluorescence in MA-10 leydig tumor cells†

Neutral lipids accumulate in cellular lipid droplets. These droplets vary remarkably in number and amount between cells. In the present studies, the variability in lipid content was quantified by comparing the coefficient of variation of fluorescence histograms of nile red lipid-stained cells to the variability of cell size or cell protein distributions. This measure of lipid droplet variability persisted through a wide range of cell lipid content and averaged 4.4-fold more variability than cell size and 2.6-fold more variability than cell protein content. While looking for possible explanations for this variability, it was determined that cell to cell variability could not be explained by multiple clonal populations of cells or the confluence of the cell monolayer. Analysis of lipid variability using a more droplet-specific fluorescent dye, bodipy, reduced variability by about 44%. Cell cycle analysis revealed that G2 + M cells contained more lipid than S-phase cells, which in turn contained more lipid than G0 + G1 cells, but that variability was equally large throughout the cell cycle. The cholesteryl ester hydrolase inhibitor, diethylumbelliferyl phosphate, inhibited hydrolysis of both cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Lipid content of diethylumbelliferyl phosphate-treated cells increased while the variability in lipid staining decreased by an average of 72%. Thus, the excess lipid fluorescence variability compared to cell size or protein fluorescence could in part be explained by variability in cellular hydrolysis of triglyceride and cholesteryl ester. Excess lipid fluorescent variability could be reduced by an average of 44% when a more lipid droplet-specific stain was used instead of nile red.
Natural dispersal or illegal pets? Limitations on assigning origin to road-killed ocelots in the southwestern United States

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a spotted felid that is critically endangered in the United States (U.S.). During spring 2010, 2 ocelots were road-killed in the southwestern U.S. far from known populations; an adult male near Palo Pinto, Texas, and a subadult male near Globe, Arizona. Necropsy results indicated that the Palo Pinto ocelot was likely a captive, whereas the Arizona ocelot was consistent with a wild individual. We used genetic data to determine the geographic origin of the ocelot lineages. A South American assignment would suggest human-mediated transfer of ocelots, whereas an assignment to northern Mexico may indicate natural movements. We acquired reference-sequence data and performed a phyloge- netic analysis. Our results suggested that the Palo Pinto ocelot's lineage was from northern Mexico or southern Texas. The Arizona ocelot's lineage grouped with Mexico and Guatemala; however, sampling constraints prevented any explicit geographic assignments. Collecting additional genetic samples throughout Mexico is essential for future assignment analyses, and to determine whether illegal pet trafficking is occurring. These efforts would also provide necessary data to assist ocelot recovery in the U.S. 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Civic Engagement in the Twenty‐First Century: Toward a Scholarly and Practical Agenda

We understand civic engagement to mean people participating together for deliberation and collective action within an array of interests, institutions and networks, developing civic identity, and involving people in governance processes.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Anal Cancer

Rare in the general population, anal cancer has reached epidemic proportions among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). These cancers are human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated, usually HPV type16, and are analogous to cervical cancer. At present, the rates of anal cancer in this group are 10-fold higher than that of cervical cancer occurring in women in the general population. Although there are no national guidelines for screening for anal intraepithelial dysplasia (AIN), many large HIV clinics are now performing anal cytologic screening in their at-risk patients. This paper outlines the current approach to screening for AIN and its management.
Photonic Crystal Waveguide Structures Based on Epitaxial Barium Titanate Thin Films

Two-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide structures were fabricated from BaTiO3thin film using focused ion beam method. At a wavelength of 1.55 μm, drive voltage has a factor of 6.6 improvement compared to conventional waveguide structure.
Static polarizabilities of the magnesium atom

Abstract Ab initio calculations have been carried out at the SCF and correlated levels with a wide range of basis sets to evaluate the dipole polarizability, the second dipole hyperpolarizability, and the quadrupole polarizability of the magnesium atom. As expected, there is a greater relative effect of correlation on the hyperpolarizability than on the polarizabilities. Basis set requirements are also more stringent at the correlated level. Second-order perturbation theory evaluation of the correlation effects on the polarizabilities is found to be quite similar to much more extensive treatments, but this does not hold for the dipole hyperpolarizability.
Genetic testing and Alzheimer disease: Has the time come?

With the identification of several Alzheimer disease (AD)-associated genes, genetic testing for AD is possible. However, as for some other-late onset disorders, the ethical and social implications of such tests are considerable. In response to the commercial availability and the likely increased use of AD genetic tests, The Stanford Program in Genomics, Ethics, and Society formed a broad-based working group to examine the pros and cons of testing. Here they present their recommendations.
Loading and injection of Maxwellian distributions in particle simulations

Existing and new particle loading and injection algorithms for particle simulations are analyzed to determine numerical accuracy and computational efficiency. Emphasis has been placed on loading and emission of Maxwellian, drifting Maxwellian, and cutoff Maxwellian velocity distributions. Once a velocity distribution has been inverted for loading or injection, time-centering of the position and velocity is necessary in order to maintain second-order accuracy. Here, the accuracy of these methods is determined and compared to three analytic test cases with spatially varying, time-dependent, and time-independent electric fields in a homogeneous magnetic field and a self-consistent crossed-field diode. The initial push is shown to be important in calculating the correct electric field at the boundary where particles are injected, in relaxing constraints on the time step, and in providing reliable field fluctuations due to particle statistics.
National health data and older American Indians and Alaska Natives

The population of older American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) is growing rapidly, but few population-based reports of the health of older AI/ANs exist. The objective was to assess the repres...
Economic assessment of CO2 capture and disposal

Abstract A multi-sector multi-region general equilibrium model of economic growth and emissions is used to explore the conditions that will determine the market penetration of CO2 capture and disposal technology.
Charge type and trans-membrane transport of fluorescent probes in surfactant vesicles

Abstract We describe the effects of charge type on the trans-membrane transport of anionic and cationic fluorescent probes in cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic surfactant vesicles.
Modal analysis of a distributed parameter rotating shaft

Forced response analysis of an undamped distributed parameter rotating shaft is investigated by using a modal analysis technique. The shaft model includes rotary inertia and gyroscopic effects, and various boundary conditions are allowed (not only the simply supported case). Presented here is a study of the resulting non-self-adjoint eigenvalue problem and its characteristics in the case of rotor dynamics. In addition to the modal analysis, Galerkin's method is applied to analyze the forced response of an undamped gyroscopic system. Both methods are illustrated in a numerical example and the results are compared and discussed.
Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Effects on Sexual Receptivity in Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) compounds are synthetic androgens taken by athletes to increase physical strength and endurance. Recent studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that AAS administration disrupts the estrous cycle of Long–Evans rats. The present experiments examined the effects of six commonly abused AAS compounds on sexual receptivity in ovariectomized rats. Adult female Long–Evans rats received estradiol benzoate (EB; 2.0 μg/day sc) for 6 consecutive days followed by 15 days of EB concurrent with daily sc injections of 7.5 mg/kg of one of the following AAS compounds: 17α-methyltestosterone, methandrostenolone, nandrolone decanoate, stanozolol, oxymetholone, testosterone cypionate, or the oil vehicle. On Day 15, all female rats received progesterone (1.0 mg/rat) 4 h before testing. Tests for sexual receptivity were conducted on Days 3, 6, 14, and 15 of AAS treatment. Although the time course of AAS effects on sexual receptivity varied, some overall effects were clear. For example, 17α-methyltestosterone, methandrostenolone, nandrolone decanoate, and stanozolol interfered with the display of sexual receptivity on Day 14, whereas oxymetholone and testosterone cypionate had no effect. Rats in all groups displayed high levels of sexual receptivity after receiving progesterone on Day 15. Our results show that AAS compounds vary in their degree of inhibition of female sexual behavior in ovariectomized rats.
Synthesis and structure-activity relationship study of antidiabetic penta-O-galloyl-D-glucopyranose and its analogues

The rapid increase of obesity-associated diabetes has created urgent demands for more effective antidiabetic therapies and pharmaceuticals that are able to address the problems of hyperglycemia and weight gain simultaneously. Our previous studies indicated that the alpha- and beta-anomers of penta-O-galloyl-D-glucopyranose (PGG), 2 and 3, act as insulin mimetics that bind to and activate the insulin receptor, stimulate glucose transport in adipocytes, and reduce blood glucose and insulin levels in diabetic and obese animals. In addition, they inhibit differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. These activities suggest that 2 and 3 may reduce blood glucose without increasing adiposity. To investigate the structure-activity relationship of 2 and 3, four series of novel compounds were prepared and their glucose transport stimulatory activities were measured using a radioactive glucose uptake bioassay. The assay results indicate that both the glucose and the galloyl groups are critical to the activity of 2 and 3. It appears that the glucose core provides an optimal scaffold to present the galloyl groups with the correct spatial orientation to induce activity. Moreover, the galloyl groups linked to the 1, 2, 3, and 4 positions of glucose are essential, while the galloyl group connected to the 6 position of 2 is unnecessary for the induction of activity. The discovery that two related novel compounds, 6-deoxytetra-O-galloyl-alpha-D-glucopyranose (43) and tetra-O-galloyl-alpha-D-xylopyranose (59), also possess glucose transport stimulatory activity suggests that 2 may be further modified around position 6 to modulate and enhance its efficacy. To test this hypothesis, we developed a new synthetic method that allows for the stereoselective preparation of derivatives of 2 that are modified on C-6. We found that 6-chloro-6-deoxy-1,2,3,4-tetra-O-galloyl-alpha-D-glucopyranose (80) exhibits a significantly higher glucose transport stimulatory activity than 2. Its activity is comparable to that of insulin.
Characterization of Creases in Polymers for Adaptive Origami Structures

Techniques employed in origami are of interest for the design of actuating structures with multiple defined geometric states. Most research in this area has focused on manipulating material chemistry or geometry to achieve folding, but crease development through full material thickness has not been studied in detail. Understanding creasing is crucial for establishing material selection guidelines in origami engineering applications. Identification of the precise failure mechanisms is critical for understanding the residual fold angle and selecting optimal materials for specific origami applications. To characterize crease formation and development, polymer films were folded using a modified parallel plate bending technique which was successfully modeled with Euler beam theory in the elastic regime. Fold angles measured after creasing provided a means to quantitatively describe a material’s ability to retain a fold, and degree of plastic deformation incurred during folding. SEM micrographs of creased regions revealed tensile deformations on exterior crease surfaces while compressive deformations such as wrinkling occurred inside. Profilometry was performed on crease interiors to identify and measure wrinkle topology. It was found that increased dissipative plastic deformation led to retention of smaller fold angles. These characterization techniques can be used as a means of classifying and organizing polymers by potential usefulness in structural origami applications.© 2014 ASME
Visual hull reconstruction for automated primate behavior observation

The study of social animal interactions is used as means for understanding animal behavior and biology. In this work, we describe a computerized method that utilizes 3D visual hull reconstruction to identify and localize rhesus macaques in their social groups. There are three major steps in this study. First, we collect experimental data from four synchronized cameras at different locations and angels in a cage containing five rhesus macaques. Second, by using computer vision algorithms, we detect and identify animals using 2D observations that were provided from the previous step. This provides essential quantitative data for animal behavior research. Finally, by applying visual hull reconstruction algorithm, we automatically build a 3D model for each rhesus macaques on every frame. The results of this work can be used for tracking these animals in their cage, and furthermore it can be used for activity recognition of social interactions of rhesus macaques. The method we developed in this paper, shows promising results that are accurate, yet runs in a timely manner; this makes this algorithm suitable for large datasets and we can use it for future high-level recognition tasks.
Error sources in a digital image analysis system

Abstract Experience with a computer vision system used for measurements on sweet potatoes has revealed a number of sources of error, some from equipment and some from procedure. Nine sources - reflection, edge pixels, lens quality, camera warm-up, auto black circuits, pixel aspect ratios, variation with screen location, gray scale range, and object size versus gray scale range - are identified and discussed along with results of tests to reveal the magnitude of the errors introduced.
The Cobalt-Thiocyanate Reaction for the Detection of Cobalt and Thiocyanate

1. Alkali-thiocyanate is a sensitive reagent for the detection of cobalt in presence of 40 to 50% acetone. Ferric iron can be made harmless by addition of an excess of fluoride. A procedure has been developed for the application of the reaction as a micro-and macro test for cobalt. Cupric copper gives a sensitive reaction and must be removed. The thiocyanate is preferable to cyanate as a reagent. 2. A procedure has been described for the micro detection of thiocyanate by evaporating a drop of the solution to be tested with a small drop of cobalt sulfate and moistening the residue with acetone. The formation of a distinctly green solution indicates the presence of thiocyanate. Nitrite interferes.
New insights into genetic and molecular mechanisms of brain degeneration in tauopathies.

Abstract Abundant neurofibrillary lesions consisting of the microtubule associated protein tau and amyloid β peptide deposits are the defining lesions of Alzheimer's disease. Prominent filamentous tau pathology and brain degeneration in the absence of extracellular amyloid deposition characterize a number of other neurodegenerative disorders (i.e. progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, Pick's disease) collectively referred to as tauopathies. The discovery of multiple tau gene mutations that are pathogenic for hereditary frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 in many kindreds, as well as the demonstration that tau polymorphisms are genetic risk factors for sporadic tauopathies, directly implicate tau abnormalities in the onset/progression of neurodegenerative disease. Different tau gene mutations may be pathogenic by impairing the functions of tau or by perturbing the splicing of the tau gene, thereby resulting in biochemically and structurally distinct tau aggregates. However, since specific polymorphisms and mutations in the tau gene lead to diverse phenotypes, it is plausible that additional genetic or epigenetic factors influence the clinical and pathological manifestations of both familial and sporadic tauopathies. Thus, efforts to develop animal models of tau-mediated neurodegeneration should provide further insights into the onset and progression of tauopathies as well as Alzheimer's disease, and they could accelerate research to discover more effective therapies for these disorders.
Topology of the Integral Membrane Form of Escherichia coli SecA Protein Reveals Multiple Periplasmically Exposed Regions and Modulation by ATP Binding

SecA insertion and integration into the Escherichia coli inner membrane is a critical step for the catalysis of protein translocation across this layer. To understand this step further, SecA topology was investigated. To determine which regions of SecA are periplasmically exposed, right-side out membrane vesicles were prepared from strains synthesizing monocysteine SecA variants produced by mutagenesis and probed with a membrane-impermeant sulfhydryl-labeling reagent. To determine which regions of SecA contain membrane-integration determinants, inverted inner membrane vesicles were subjected to proteolysis, and integral-membrane fragments of SecA were identified with region-specific antibodies. The membrane association properties of various truncated SecA species produced in vivo were also determined. Our analysis indicates that the membrane topology of SecA is complex with amino-terminal, central, and carboxyl-terminal regions of SecA integrated into the membrane where portions are periplasmically accessible. Furthermore, the insertion and penetration of the amino-terminal third of SecA, which includes the proposed preprotein-binding domain, is subject to modulation by ATP binding. The importance of these studies to the cycle of membrane insertion and de-insertion of SecA that promotes protein translocation and SecA's proximity to the preprotein channel are discussed.
US and global efforts to expand the use of electronic health records

Purpose – This paper seeks to analyze attempts, in the USA and globally, to create new and improved methods used to manage patient health information: electronic medical records (EHRs). This new system of records management is to be examined to determine the possible benefits for patients, providers, insurers, employers, and others, as well as barriers to the use of EHRs, particularly in those embedded in US law.Design/methodology/approach – In the USA, and in various other jurisdictions, new laws have been enacted to incentivize the use of EHRs, and the paper examines the regulations and provisions incentivizing the adoption of this type of integrated system for lifelong tracking of health‐related information. There are issues to be dealt with, such as cost, privacy, and legality, but each of these can and must be overcome to effectively manage and communicate health care informationFindings – The use of EHRs is increasing in the USA and globally, both in acute care hospitals and in primary care medical ...
Slide Preparation Method to Preserve Three-dimensional Chromatin Architecture of Testicular Germ Cells

During testicular germ cell differentiation, the structure of nuclear chromatin dynamically changes. The following describes a method designed to preserve the three-dimensional chromatin arrangement of testicular germ cells found in mice; this method has been termed as the three-dimensional (3D) slide method. In this method, testicular tubules are directly treated with a permeabilization step that removes cytoplasmic material, followed by a fixation step that fixes nuclear materials. Tubules are then dissociated, the cell suspension is cytospun, and cells adhere to slides. This method improves sensitivity towards detection of subnuclear structures and is applicable for immunofluorescence, DNA, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the combination of these detection methods. As an example of a possible application of the 3D slide method, a Cot-1 RNA FISH is shown to detect nascent RNAs. The 3D slide method will facilitate the detailed examination of spatial relationships between chromatin structure, DNA, and RNA during testicular germ cell differentiation.
A Comprehensive Framework for Counterfeit Defect Coverage Analysis and Detection Assessment

The increasing threat of counterfeit electronic components has created specialized service of testing, detection, and avoidance of such components. However, various types of counterfeit components --- recycled, remarked, overproduced, defective, cloned, forged documentation, and tampered --- pose serious threats to supply chain. Over the past few years, standards and programs have been put in place throughout the supply chain that outline testing, documenting, and reporting procedures. However, there is little uniformity in the test results among the various entities. Currently, there are no metrics for evaluating these counterfeit detection methods. In this paper, we have developed a detailed taxonomy of defects present in counterfeit components. Based on this taxonomy, a comprehensive framework has been developed to find an optimum set of detection methods considering test time, test cost, and application risks. We have also performed an assessment of all the detection methods based on the newly introduced metrics --- counterfeit defect coverage, under-covered defects, and not-covered defects.
A general approach for partitioning N-dimensional parallel nested loops with conditionals

Parallel loops account for the greatest amount of parallelism in scientific and numerical codes. For example, most of the DO loops in SPEC CFP2000 and SPEC OMPM2001 are of DOALL type and account for a large percentage of the total execution time. One of the ways to exploit parallelism is to partition the iteration space of a DOALL loop amongst different processors in a parallel processor system. Naturally, a good partitioning is of key importance to achieve high performance and for efficient use of multiprocessor systems. Although a significant amount of work has been done in partitioning and scheduling of loops with both rectangular and non-rectangular iteration spaces, the problem of partitioning loops with conditionals has not been addressed so far to the best of our knowledge. In this paper, we present a mathematical model for partitioning parallel nested loops, both perfect and non-perfect, with conditionals, where the expressions in a conditional are affine functions of the outer loop indices. We present a loop transformation based on elimination of redundant constraints bounding the iteration space of a nested loop. The transformation plays a critical role during the (static) partitioning process as it helps to capture the "exact" lower and upper bounds (can be either a constant or symbolic) of the loop indices. We generate a canonical form of the loop nest using the transformation and employ the geometric approach we proposed earlier (in [1, 2]) for partitioning the iteration space along an axis corresponding to the outermost loop. For cases in which such a transformation does not exist, we propose a general approach for loop canonicalization. We present several examples from the literature and numerical packages to illustrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Anatomy of a preferred target site for the bacterial insertion sequence IS903.

Abstract Like many transposons the bacterial insertion sequence IS 903 was thought to insert randomly. However, using both genetic and statistical approaches, we have derived a target site for IS 903 that is used 84 % of the time. Computational and genetic analyses of multiple IS 903 insertion sites predicted a preferred target consisting of a 21 bp palindromic pattern centered on the 9 bp target duplication generated during transposition. Here we show that targeting can be dissected into four components: the 5 bp flanking sequences, the most important sequences required for site-specific insertion; the 7 bp palindromic core within the target duplication; the dinucleotide pair at the transposon-target junction; and the local DNA context. Finally, using a substrate with multiple target sites we show that a target site is more likely found by a local bind-and-slide model and not by extended DNA tracking.
The impact of end-of-life curriculum content on the attitudes of associate degree nursing students toward death and care of the dying

Abstract Because end-of-life care competes with other nursing content for a place in the curriculum, nurse educators are challenged to select effective teaching strategies to prepare graduates to care for dying patients. An elective course using the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium curriculum was compared with a 3-hour lecture embedded in a larger medical–surgical course. Results suggested that both content-delivery methods positively impacted the attitude of students toward death and care of the dying to some extent; however, significant positive changes were noted in both intervention groups and in the control group that viewed the film Wit .
Comparison of the severity of the chronic cardiotoxicity produced by doxorubicin in normotensive and hypertensive rats

A comparison was made of the severity of chronic doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in adult male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in genetically related normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Groups of SHR and WKY were given 12 weekly iv injections of doxorubicin at 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg. When the study was concluded, mean arterial pressure was 127 to 161 nm Hg in doxorubicin-treated SHR compared with 74 to 87 mm Hg in similarly treated WKY. Lesions, consisting mainly of cytoplasmic vacuolization and myofibrillar loss, were noted in the hearts from both types of rats given the 1.0-mg/kg dose and were considerably more severe in SHR than in WKY (average scores 3.8 and 2.0). Renal lesions (glomerular vacuolization and dilatation of tubules with accumulations of proteinaceous material) were of comparable severity in both types of rats at the 9- and 12-mg/kg cumulative doses; however, they were more severe in SHR at the 6-mg/kg cumulative dose. Moderate cardiac alterations were present in all SHR (average score 1.6) given 0.5 mg doxorubicin/kg; at the same dose, lesions were minimal in two and absent in three WKY. In a second study, groups of rats were killed 1 week after 3,6,9, or 12 weekly iv injections of doxorubicin (1.0 mg/kg). Myocardial lesions were noted initially in SHR after six doses and in WKY after nine doses. Three of five SHR were dead by the 12th dose. These results indicate that spontaneously hypertensive rats are much more sensitive than normotensive rats to the cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin.
Is there a stable isotope evidence for the CO2 fertilization effect

It has been suggested that part of the so-called “missing sink” of carbon dioxide introduced into the atmosphere by anthropogenic activities, that is the imbalance between estimated anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions and oceanic uptake, may be stored in the vegetation in midlatitudes. Precise mechanisms of abstraction of additional carbon dioxide by vegetation, also known as the “fertilization effect”, are poorly understood. Stable carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios of cellulose extracted from annual growth rings (covering the time period 1980–1993) in an oak tree from Kalamazoo, SW Michigan provide a basis to investigate at a physiological level how the fertilization effect may operate. The carbon isotope ratios show that the intercellular concentration of carbon dioxide increased due to an increase in stomatal opening. Although increased intercellular concentration of carbon dioxide translated to increased Water Use Efficiency and assimilation rates, it also resulted in increased transpiration rate as shown by higher D/H of the fixed carbon. The two-fold significance of the isotope data are: first, they provide the first field evidence based on isotope studies for excess CO2 induced biomass production and second, they suggest that this mechanism is likely to operate only in limited environments. Vegetation in regions where moisture availability is not restricted so that there can be a gain in water use efficiency despite increased leaf evaporation are best suited to sequester excess carbon from the atmosphere.
CAROTENOIDS OF THE SPOTTED SEA HORSE, HIPPOCAMPUS ERECTUS PERRY.

1. 1. The sea horse, Hippocampus erectus, found in Biscayne Bay, Florida, occurs in four color phases. These are black—the most commo—white, yellow and red. 2. 2. The yellow color phase is due to the presence of α-carotene in the skin; the pigment was identified by spectral absorption, column chromatography and the formation of oxidative derivatives. 3. 3. The predominant pigment of the red phase was probably astaxanthin with small quantities of α-carotene. Histological examination showed that the red pigments is not localized in chromatophores. 4. 4. The major pigment of the black phase is presumed to be melanin. Varying quantities and proportions of α-carotene and astaxanthin are also present.
Is the Changing Status of African Americans in the B2B Buying Center Reflected in Trade Journal Advertising

To examine the portrayal of African-American models in trade journal advertising, this longitudinal study content analyzed more than 1,200 trade journal advertisements, containing about 3,700 people, to provide a unique sixdecade perspective on African-American ad portrayals in the infrequently studied trade segment of the B2B (business-to-business) market. Prior research and cultivation theory are the foundations for this study. Results from four different B2B sectors—architecture, automotive, health, and law—indicate that over the 60-year span of the study, the number of African Americans in B2B trade journal ads increased. Furthermore, the percentage of black female models increased, although the increase was variable and in only one decade of the six studied did the percentage of black females exceed that of black males. Looking at roles portrayed, by the last two decades of the study, there were significant increases in blacks in major roles and significant declines in minor roles. Last, there was a ...
Titrated electrical cardioversion in patients on digoxin.

Electrical cardioversion therapy in patients on digitalis maintenance who develop arrhythmias is still controversial. Our study reports a highly successful treatment rate using cardioversion therapy in 50 patients.
Mercury fallout in Hawaii

Mercury fallout was measured 10 m from the selected emission site, the Sulfur Banks fumarole area, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; at stations on Maui and Oahu, respectively 200 km and 380 km distant from the Sulfur Banks; and at the Hawaii Geothermal Project drill site, only 40 km from source. Sulfur Banks and Oahu measurements were carried out on six occasions between 1972 and 1976, each time within the same 24 h period.
Healing rates of diabetic foot ulcers associated with Midfoot fracture due to Charcot's arthropathy

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of total contact casts based on wound location in groups of patients with diabetes mellitus with neuropathic ulcerations under the forefoot and patients with midfoot ulcerations associated with acute Charcot’s arthropathy. Twenty-five consecutive diabetic patients with Meggitt-Wagner grade I neuropathic foot ulceration (NU) and 22 consecutive diabetic patients with neuropathic ulceration and acute Charcot’s arthropathy (CU) were selected for study. Larger wounds took longer to heal in both the CU (p < 0.0001) and NU groups (p < 0.0001). Duration of ulcer prior to treatment also was significantly associated with increased healing time in both groups (p = 0.008 NU, p = 0.03 CU). The CU group had larger wounds (10.3 ± 4.6 vs 7.7 ± 4.0 cm2, p = 0.04) but took significantly less time to heal (28.4 ± 13.0 vs 38.8 ± 21.3 days, p = 0.04) than did subjects with neuropathic ulcerations only. The NU group had their ulcers present for a significantly longer period of time prior to contact casting (88.5 ± 98.3 vs 17.7 ± 12.9 days, p = 0.001). In this study, subjects with ulcerations secondary to acute Charcot fractures healed more rapidly than in previous reports with healing times of forefoot neuropathic ulcers similar to previous studies. Every patient’s ulcer healed. There were no cast-related ulcerations, infections, or hospitalizations. Concerns regarding the safety of total contact casts to treat well-vascularized superficial forefoot and midfoot plantar wounds appear to be unfounded. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximum likelihood estimation for the Erlang integer parameter

The maximum likelihood estimator for the integer-valued parameter of the Erlang density is derived. The estimator is easily obtained by solving a simple nonlinear equation, requiring no calculus. Asymptotic theory is provided to show that the estimator is consistent in the discrete sense, i.e. for increasingly large samples one can estimate the true value of the parameter exactly with probability approaching one. A brief simulation study shows that the estimator is quite accurate for even small samples. Applications to both queueing and reliability are provided.
FLOURISHING AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR ENGLISH AND ENDANGERED INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES: A COMMON THREAD

African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is not at all endangered, while all of the indigenous languages of North America are. The speakers of these languages share a common history of oppression, and analysis of these linguistic systems, the ways of speaking that are found within the associated communities, and the efforts of the communities to deploy these languages in positive and empowering frameworks, must all be understood within the framework of the encompassing and dominant cultural system of White racism.