cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional assessment of specific amino acid residues of cytochrome P4501A1 using anti-peptide antibodies.

Abstract Several positively charged amino acid residues in cytochrome P450 have been shown to be involved in the electrostatic association with NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. For cytochrome P4501A1, five regions were proposed as the putative binding sites for the reductase (Shen, S., and Strobel, H. W., (1993) Arch. Biochem, Biophys, 304, 257-265). To elucidate the specific roles of each of these amino acid residues, five anti-peptide antibodies defined as 1A, 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A were generated against these regions containing 8-13 amino acids and were affinity-purified using a peptide-Sepharose 4B column. Analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and protein immunoblot techniques demonstrated that three of five anti-peptide antibodies have specific binding to the peptides as well as to cytochrome P4501A1. Incubation of the various anti-peptide antibodies with cytochrome P450 followed by reconstitution with reductase, lipid, and NADPH resulted in significant inhibition of P450 activity for antibodies 5A and 6A, but not for 1A, 4A or 7A.. Antibody 5A also exhibited inhibition of P450 activity supported by cumene hydroperoxide, though the inhibition was 45 to 30% less than the inhibition of reductase-supported activity at each of the increasing concentrations of antibody. Kinetic studies with antibody 5A revealed no change in the K m for the substrate ethoxycoumarin, but rather a dramatic effect on the V max of the cytochrome P4501A1 system whether reconstituted with reductase or supported by cumene hydroperoxide. Characterization of the effects of antibody 5A on cytochrome P4501A1 suggested that the binding of antibody 5A to P4501A1 may change the binding of P4501A1 with reductase. Furthermore, the binding of 5A to cytochrome P4501A1 also lowered the V max of the P450. These results are consistent with the roles for the regions of cytochrome P4501A1 from amino acid residues 269 to 281 (peptide 5) and 454 to 463 (peptide 6) in cytochrome P4501A1 hydroxylation activity.
Quantitative assessment of cytokines (GROα and IL-10) in human seminal plasma during genitourinary inflammation

PROBLEM : Mechanisms involved in infertility due to genitourinary (GU) inflammation are unknown. The production of pro-inflammatory (GROα) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in seminal plasma is monitored in this study. METHOD : GROα, IL-10, and granulocyte elastase were evaluated in semen from I) normal, II) infertile patients, and III) infertile patients with leukocytospermia. RESULTS : GROα in infertile patients with GU inflammation was 1.5-fold higher compared to group II and 2.5-fold higher compared to group I patients. The IL-10 levels were 12- to 16-fold lower compared to GROα in these samples. Mean ratio of GROα to IL-10 was higher in group III than the other two groups. A positive correlation was observed between granulocyte elastase and GROα in all groups. Group III patients exhibited poor sperm parameters. CONCLUSIONS : A shift towards increased production of pro-inflammatory chemokine GROα may have a potential role in male infertility associated with GU inflammation.
Macro finite element using subdomain integration

SUMMARY For some heterogeneous materials, it is not practical to model the microstructure directly using traditional finite elements. Furthermore, it is not always accurate to use homogenized properties. Macro elements have been developed which permit microstructure within a single element. These macro elements performed well in initial tests.
Functional aerobic capacity in patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

Few studies have examined exercise capacity or cardiovascular responses to maximal exercise testing and recovery in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and results from these studies are conflicting. The objective of this cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary referral center was to examine the association between SDB and exercise testing outcomes independent of body mass index (BMI) and other cardiopulmonary risk factors. Between January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2010, 1,424 adults underwent exercise testing and within 6 months before first-time diagnostic polysomnography. Subjects were categorized by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) into 4 groups: <5, 5 to 14, 15 to 29, and ≥30. A logistic regression model incorporated age, gender, BMI, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, beta-blocker use, and cardiac and pulmonary disease as covariates. The primary variable of interest was functional aerobic capacity (FAC). Mean age was 56.4 ± 12.4 years; 75% were men. Mean BMI was 32.4 ± 7.1 kg/m², and mean AHI 19.5 ± 22.1 per hour. On multivariate analysis, AHI as a continuous variable showed a negative correlation with FAC (R²adj = 0.30, p <0.001) and postexercise SBP (R²adj = 0.23, p = 0.03), and positively correlated with resting and peak DBP (R²adj = 0.09, p = 0.01 and R²adj = 0.09, p = 0.04 respectively). When comparing patients with severe SDB (AHI ≥30) with those without SDB (AHI <5), FAC and heart rate recovery were significantly lower, and resting, peak, and postexercise DBP were higher in those with severe apnea (all p <0.05), after accounting for confounders. In conclusion, SDB severity was associated with reduced FAC and increased resting and peak DBP. Even after accounting for confounders, severe SDB was associated with attenuated FAC, impaired heart rate recovery, and higher resting, peak, and postexercise DBP.
Design and Fabrication of a MEMS AC Electric Current Sensor

The need for energy efficiency combined with advances in compact sensor network technologies present an opportunity for a new type of sensor to monitor electricity usage in residential and commercial environments. A novel design for a self-powered, proximity based AC electric current sensor has been developed. This sensor device is constructed of a piezoelectric cantilever with a permanent magnet mounted to the cantilever's free end. When the sensor is placed in proximity to a wire carrying AC electric current, the permanent magnet couples to the wire's alternating magnetic field, deflecting the piezoelectric cantilever and thus producing a sinusoidal voltage proportional to the current being measured. Analytical models were developed to predict the magnetic forces and piezoelectric voltage output pertaining to this design. MEMS-scale cantilevers are currently under development using a three-mask process and aluminum nitride as the active piezoelectric material. Very small (300 μm) permanent magnets have been dispenser-printed using magnetic powders in a polymer matrix. Previously presented meso-scale (2-3 cm3) prototype devices exhibited sensitivities of 74 mV/A, while simulations suggest MEMS device sensitivity of 2-4 mV/A.
Shock detection from computational fluid dynamics results

In complex flow regimes, it may be dimcult for an analyst to find the location of shock diecontinuities within a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solution. They do not correspond to locations where the math number is unity, and the high gradients associated with the discontinuity can be dimcult to detect because of numerical smoothing performed in order to obtain the solution. An algorithm is introduced that uses the flow physics to locate shocks in transient and steady state solutions. The test was validated with simple one and two dimensional models, then extended to more realistic three dimensional flows. A set of flltering algorithms was developed to remove any false shock indications. Results indicate that both the stationary and transient shock flnding algorithms accurately locate shocks, but need Altering to compensate for a lack of sharpness in C&‘D discontinuities.
reciprocity, redistribution, and the transaction of value in the Mesoamerican fiesta

The fiesta system has long been seen as a focus of collective life in native Mesoamerican communities and has been identified as an important device for the circulation of material goods among community members. However, ethnographic reports have tended to focus on only one kind of exchange in the fiesta: the distributions of wealth that sponsors make to participants. Drawing on recent ethnographic work in the Mixteca Alta, this article shows that the fiesta is actually a nexus of three different kinds of exchange, involving the reciprocal exchange of wealth by pairs of fiesta participants and the pooling of wealth at a center, in addition to the distributions made by sponsors to participants. The article goes on to argue that fiesta participants actively use these exchanges to create complex social meanings in each fiesta celebrated.
Discrepancies in Fluorescent Antibody, Counterimmunoelectrophoresis, and Neufeld Test for Typing of Streptococcus pneumoniae

The techniques of fluorescent antibody (FA) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) were compared with the Neufeld test (quellung reaction) for typing of Streptococcus pneumoniae. A total of 88 isolates were examined by these three methods. Pool-, type-, or group-specific pneumococcal antisera were used in all three methods. Each isolate was initially tested with polyvalent antisera and all of the nine pools of antisera. Selection of the type- or group-specific antisera depended upon the reaction of the isolate with the pool sera. Sixty-eight of 88 (77.3%) isolates were positive using pool or typing sera and were correctly typed by CIE, while FA was found to be accurate for only 61 of 88 (69.3%) isolates. Positive reactions with more than one pool- or type-specific antisera, or no reaction, were seen with several of the isolates with both techniques. Even though CIE and FA are rapid and simple techniques, microbiologists should be cautious when utilizing them for typing of S. pneumoniae because of the discrepancies observed in this study.
The Solution of Ill-Conditioned Power System State Estimation Problems Via the Method of Peters and Wilkinson

Power system state estimation is usually formulated as a weighted least-squares problem and solved iteratively by the normal equations method. The normal equations solution method is well-known to exhibit a tendency to be numerically unstable on some networks. A manifestation of this numerical instability is an ill-conditioned set of linear equations that are to be solved at each iterative step. Recent papers have presented orthogonal factorization methods as remedies for this instability. Experience shows, however, that these methods tend to suffer from excessive fill-in when confronted with networks that have a high measurement redundancy. The folklore of power-system state estimation says that large numbers of bus injection measurements (as opposed to line flow measurements) tend to aggrevate the instability, no explanation for this observation, however, has appeared in the literature. This paper presents an analysis of the sources of ill-conditioning in the power system state estimation problem and offers an alternative solution method, due to Peters and Wilkinson, that overcomes this ill-conditioning without losing matrix sparsity.
Force-field calculations for some unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons

Abstract Boyd's iterative force-field computer program, with modified parameters, has been used to calculate strain energies in the following molecules: trans-cyclooctene, cyclohexene, melhylenecyclohexane, 1,3,5- and 1,3,6-cyclooctatriene, and cyclononyne. Both static and dynamic aspects of the conformational properties of these molecules have been investigated in detail, and the results are discussed in conjunction with extant experimental data and previous force-field calculations.
Creating Our Future in an Age of Transformation Originally published in 1994, PIQ 7.3

There is a growing realization that many of our social systems and organizations are out-of-sync with the new realities of the recently emerged post-industrial, information/knowledge age. These new realities are touching the lives of every individual, every family and community, the host of organizations of our public and private sectors, and our overall society. They affect the future of humanity as a whole. Questions arise. What are these new realities? What are the meanings of societal transformations? What is our role in facing the massive changes that confront us today? Are we only spectators of these changes? Are we their victims? Are we at the mercy of others who control these changes and the experts who design systems for us? Or is it up to us to shape our future and create and recreate the systems to which we belong? What kind of capacities and capabilities should we develop that will allow us to design our own lives, shape our systems, and give direction to the evolution of our communities, our organizations, and our society? I have struggled and worked with these questions over the last three decades. They have been the focus of my research and teaching. I explore these questions in this paper in order to define an approach—the systems design approach—by which we can individually and collectively create a better future for ourselves, our families, our communities and our society while enhancing human performance, adding value to our organizations, and most importantly, creating just and ethical systems for future generations.
Ruthmycin, a New Tetracyclic Polyketide from Streptomyces sp. RM-4-15

The isolation and structural elucidation of a new tetracyclic polyketide (ruthmycin) from Streptomyces sp. RM-4-15, a bacteria isolated near thermal vents from the Ruth Mullins underground coal mine fire in eastern Kentucky, is reported. In comparison to the well-established frenolicin core scaffold, ruthmycin possesses an unprecedented signature C3 bridge and a corresponding fused six member ring. Preliminary in vitro antibacterial, anticancer, and antifungal assays revealed ruthmycin to display moderate antifungal activity.
Parallelization of asynchronous variational integrators forshared memory architectures

Asynchronous variational integrators (AVIs) are used in computational mechanics and graphics to solve complex contact mechanics problems. The parallelization of AVI is difficult problem because it is not possible to build a dependence graph for AVI either at compile-time or at runtime. However, we show that if the dependence graph for AVI can be updated incrementally as the computation is performed, it is possible to parallelize AVI in a systematic way. Using this approach, we are able to obtain speedups of up to 20 on 24 cores for relatively small AVI problems.
Can the frequency of myocardial infarction be reduced during coronary artery operations.

Abstract A prospective experiment was carried out in 56 patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization to determine whether those having a glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) perfusion during the procedure would have fewer myocardial infarctions (MI) compared with patients given a control perfusion of Normosol-R. Six patients (11%) developed an MI, defined as a 24-hour creatine phos-phokinase MB isoenzyme value of 100 IU per liter or greater. Four (13%) had control perfusions and 2 (8%) had GIK perfusion. One MI in a double-graft recipient who had GIK perfusion occurred because of a technical surgical error; therefore, the corrected MI rate was 13% in control patients compared with 4% for the GIK group. These data, as well as the more frequent spontaneous defibrillation in patients who had GIK perfusion, suggest that GIK was of benefit.
B.F. Skinner: Myth and Misperception

Although B. F. Skinner is probably the best known American psychologist, his provocative ideas have generated widespread controversy, and his deceptively simple theory lends itself to misunderstand...
Synergistic action of estradiol and myelin basic protein on mast cell secretion and brain myelin changes resembling early stages of demyelination.

Abstract Mast cells are known for their participation in immediate and, more recently, delayed hypersensitivity reactions. They have been found in the meninges and certain brain areas where they are strictly perivascular, in close apposition to neurons, and they are activated by direct nerve stimulation or by neuropeptides. Intracranial mast cells contain many vasoactive substances which can increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, proteolytic enzymes which can degrade myelin in vitro , as well as chemotatic molecules which can attract inflammatory molecules in vivo . Connective tissue mast cells, with which intracranial mast cells share many characteristics, contain cytokines which can cause inflammation directly. Multiple sclerosis is a human demyelinating disease of unknown etiology, with a high prevalence in women which results in penetration of blood-borne immune cells within the brain parenchyma and subsequent destruction of myelin. Here, we report that 17β-estradiol and myelin basic protein, a major suspected immunogen in multiple sclerosis, had a synergistic action on inducing mast cell secretion. This effect was more pronounced in Lewis rats, which are susceptible to the development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal model for multiple sclerosis, than in Sprague-Dawley rats, which are fairly resistant. Moreover, 18 h incubation of purified peritoneal mast cells with homogeneic slices of brain white matter in the presence of 17β-estradiol and myelin basic protein resulted in myelin changes resembling early stages of brain demyelination, which were also more evident in Lewis rats than in Sprague-Dawley rats. These results support the notion that mast cells could participate in the pathophysiology of demyelinating diseases.
New high dielectric strength materials: Micro/nanocomposites of suspended Au clusters in SiO2/SiO2Al2O3Li2O Gels

Abstract We have materials-designed, synthesized, processed and characterized micro-nanocomposite materials consisting of a suspension of Au clusters in insulating matrices of SiO 2 and of SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 /Li 2 O, and we have tested this composite for high dielectric strength properties. The material was synthesized by the sol-gel method. The scientific approach to this research employs the percolation-theory expectation that at a critical topology of small metal elongated clusters amidst a ceramic or other insulating matrix, the dielectric constant will reach a peak as a function of some topological-geometric loci. Physical characterization of the material showed that the Au clusters were ellipsoid-like with average major axis of about 800 A (200 A minor axis). Chemical characterization suggests strongly that at least some of the Au clusters (particularly the very smallest ones) are positively charged. Dielectric constant measurements up to 10 kHz (over the temperature range of −100 to +100 °C) have shown an average dielectric constant of 364–986 in the AuSiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 /Li 2 O (produced from eucryptite) and 5000 in the AuSiO 2 . The high dielectric constant results from the summation of the dipole moments of the clusters which appear ideally to be truncated octahedrals.
Purification of mouse liver cytosolic epoxide hydrolase.

Abstract Cytosolic epoxide hydrolase was purified from male Swiss mouse liver cytosol by passing it sequentially through CM-cellulose, DEAE-cellulose, phenylsepharose, DEAE-cellulose, and hydroxyapatite. The overall yield was ca. 10% with a 180-fold purification, and a final specific activity of 1.5 μmol/min/mg protein as monitored with trans -stilbene oxide. The purified epoxide hydrolase was apparently homogenous as determined by SDS-PAGE and it appears to exist as a dimer in its native form as evidenced by a monomeric molecular weight of 59,000 by SDS-PAGE and a reported native molecular weight of 130,000 by gel filtration.
Hepatic presystemic elimination of diethylstilbestrol by rats and effect of pretreatment with inducers of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase

In order to determine if the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) undergoes hepatic presystemic elimination, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered [ 3 H]DES (0.005, 0.05, 0.5 mg/kg) into either the ileocolic (portal administration) or femoral (systemic administration) vein. Plasma and bile samples were collected and the concentrations of both DES and DES glucuronide fractions were determined. The concentration of the DES fraction was lower and the proportion of glucuronides was higher after portal than after systemic administration of all three doses. Comparison of the areas under the curve (AUC) of plasma concentration versus time for the DES fraction indicates that the liver diminishes this fraction by 50–70%. Biliary excretion of DES also showed route‐dependent differences, in that it was higher for 10–20 min after portal than after systemic administration. To determine if these effects could be enhanced by induction of VDP‐glucuronosyltransferase, rats were pretreated for 4 d with phenobar...
c-fos protein can induce cellular transformation: A novel mechanism of activation of a cellular oncogene

Abstract The FBJ murine osteosarcoma virus (FBJ-MuSV) induces tumors in vivo and transformation in vitro. Transformation is due to the expression of a single viral protein (p55 v-fos ) which is encoded by sequences derived from mouse genetic material. The homologous cellular gene ( c-fos ) does not transform cultured cells after introduction by transfection. We show that even though the c-fos protein is completely different from the v-fos protein at its C terminus, it is capable of transforming cultured fibroblasts. However, activation of the transforming potential of the c-fos gene requires two manipulations—a transcriptional enhancer sequence must be linked to the gene and an interaction at the 3′ end of the gene, which inhibits transformation, must be disrupted. Our studies show that normal cellular protein can induce transformation when expressed in an inappropriate cell type.
Teaching Through Telecommunications

In this paper, a two year experiment with teaching courses through satellite and microwave video technology to off campus programs is described and discussed, and curriculum recommendations are drawn. For this evaluation, students and teachers were interviewd, student evaluation forms were assessed, and responses to a special questionnaire were tabulated. Social work educators need to be aware of and consider the potential uses and misuses of these new technologies, and this paper is written to inform, raise questions and stimulate discussion so informed pedagogical choices can be made.
The induction of multiple forms of cytochrome P-450 by SKF 525-A.

Abstract SKF 525-A induces several subpopulations of cytochrome P-450 which differ in their chromatographic properties and in their abilities to sequester themselves as metabolic-intermediate complexes. The two major subpopulations induced by SKF 525-A have both similar chromatographic elution profiles on DEAE cellulose and the same molecular weight as the two major forms induced by phenobarbital (PB). They differ from those induced by phenobarbital, however, in the extent to which they sequester themselves as SKF 525-A metabolic-intermediate complexes in vivo. They also differ markedly from the major cytochrome induced by β-naphthoflavone (BNF) which is incapable of forming metabolic-intermediate complexes with SKF 525-A in vivo.
Evaluation of a Cell Penetrating Prenylated Peptide Lacking an Intrinsic Fluorophore via in situ Click Reaction

Protein prenylation involves the addition of either a farnesyl (C15) or geranylgeranyl (C20) isoprenoid moiety onto the C-terminus of many proteins. This natural modification serves to direct a protein to the plasma membrane of the cell. A recently discovered application of prenylated peptides is that they have inherent cell-penetrating ability, and are hence termed cell penetrating prenylated peptides. These peptides are able to efficiently cross the cell membrane in an ATP independent, non-endocytotic manner and it was found that the sequence of the peptide does not affect uptake, so long as the geranylgeranyl group is still present. The present study investigates the effect of removing the fluorophore from the peptides and investigating the uptake by confocal microsopy and flow cytometry. Our results show that the fluorophore is not necessary for uptake of these peptides. This information is significant because it indicates that the prenyl group is the major determinant in allowing these peptides to enter cells; the hydrophobic fluorophore has little effect. Moreover, these studies demonstrate the utility of the Cu-catalyzed click reaction for monitoring the entry of nonfluorescent peptides into cells.
Atomic physics with relativistic ion beams, using the Brookhaven 200 MeV linac and 1.5 GeV booster synchrotron

Abstract A survey of atomic physics experiments with relativistic ion beams at the Brookhaven Neutral Beam Test Facility is presented and special techniques using 150 m flight paths and precision particle and laser beam optics are described.
Path traversability in planar graphs

A path L in a graph G with endvertices a and b is an {a, b}-path in G. Consider the problem of finding the largest integer N(G) such that for every {a, b} @? V(G) and every X @? V(G) - {a,b} with |X|@?N(G), there exists an {a, b}-path L in G with X @? V (L). The present paper gives conditions on a 3-connected planar graph G necessary and sufficient to guarantee N(G) >= 4. As a corollary, N(G) >= 4 for any 4-connected planar graph G.
Laser Spatial Saturation Spectroscopy: A New Tool For The Study Of Diffusion Process And Interaction Potential

LASER SPATIAL SATURATION SPECTROSCOPY: A NEW TOOL FORTHE STUDY OF DIFFUSION PROCESS AND INTERACTION POTENTIAL*Chung -Yung Robert WuDepartment of Chemistry, University of Iowa **Iowa City, Iowa 52242andDepartment of Chemistry, University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, California 90007andDavid A. DowsDepartment of Chemistry, University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, California 90007AbstractA new technique for measuring diffusion coefficient and dynamic friction coefficient ingas sample at low pressure is described. By varying the distance between two spatiallyseparate antiparallel laser beams in a saturable absorber, we are able to follow the dynam-ics of the Bennett hole and the resonant spike, caused by the non -linear absorption, in themolecular velocity distribution. Systems such as pure I2, I2 in the presence of argon buf-fer gas, and BO2 radicals are studied. The present technique is also capable of measuringthe diffusion coefficient of an excited state species. Because of insufficient informationon the van der Waals coefficients the question to the nature of the interaction potential
Echocardiographic findings of ventricular septal rupture in acute myocardial infarction

Echocardiograms were recorded both before and after the clinical appearance of an autopsy-confirmed interventricular septal rupture in a patient with an acute myocardial infarction. The major findings were related to the upper portion of the interventricular septum. Before rupture, this portion of the septum was relatively akinetic with a slight anterior motion during systole, whereas after rupture there was a marked increase in the amplitude of septal motion with abrupt posterior motion occurring with the onset of ventricular diastole.
High Speed Direct Digital Synthesis for Next Generation RF Systems

Direct digital synthesizers ICs using 0.25 mum InP HBT technologies with clock rates promise to extend the range of such devices to clock rates in excess of 30 GHz. In this work, we report progress towards this goal with the fabrication circuits with improved clock speed at 25 GHz with an approximate clock frequency/power consumption figure-of-merit of 2.5 GHz/W
KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE HETEROGENEOUS DECOMPOSITION OF NITRIC OXIDE ON METAL OXIDES IN THE PRESENCE OF HYDROCARBONS

Rates and products of the (3 + α)NO + CH_4 ⇒ 1/2(3 + α)N_2 + (1 − α)CO + αCO_2 + 2H_2O (0 ≤ α ≤ 1) reaction were determined in low-pressure (NO/CH_4/O_2) mixtures ([NO] < 1 μM, [CH_4] < 10[NO], [O_2] ≤ [NO]; 1 μM = 82 ppm at 1 atm, 1000 K) flowing over Sm_2O_3 between 1000 and 1200 K. Samaria pretreated with CH_4 (or H_2) at reaction temperatures instantly releases N_2 when exposed to NO. Prompt CO formation also occurs on methane-conditioned samples. In contrast, stationary outflow gas compositions attain only after several reactor residence times following step (NO + CH_4) injections to the untreated catalyst. Nitric oxide reduction rates R-NO are roughly proportional to ([CH_4] × [NO])^(1/2) but do not extrapolate to zero at [NO] → 0 and always increase with T. We infer that: (1) there is no direct reaction between CH_4 and NO on the catalyst surface; (2) instead, NO is reduced to N_2 by reaction with oxygen vacancies V, and with nonvolatile carbon-containing C_s species created in the heterogeneous oxidation/decomposition of CH_4, respectively; (3) the entire mass, rather than just the surface, of catalyst microparticles participate in this phenomenon. We propose a purely heterogeneous mechanism in which physisorbed NO reacts with either vacancies in equilibrium with the active oxygen OR species responsible for CH_4 oxidation or with C_s species. The derived kinetic law: R-NO = k_A([NO]_s[CH4])^(1/2) + k_B[CH_4], with [NO]_s = [NO]/(K_8^(-1) + [NO]), in conjunction with the reported Arrhenius parameters, closely fits rates measured under anoxic conditions. The fact that R-NO is unaffected by O_2 up to F_(O_2) ∼ 0.3F_(NO) but drops at larger F_(O_2) inflows, even if O_2 is fully consumed in CH_4 oxidation, is consistent with the competition of NO and O_2 for vacancies. The dissimilar observations made in experiments performed in the Torr range strongly suggest that solid catalysts promote combustion at such relatively high pressures.
Benjamin Franklin's: Priceless gift to electrical engineering

Benjamin Franklin was not only a brilliant scientist and inventor, but also a “practical man.” His simple terminology and logical explanations of scientific phenomena provided a solid foundation for the study of electricity.
Extrinsic orbital angular momentum carried by photon-pairs in spontaneous parametric down-conversion

We show in theory that the down-converted photon-pairs carry extrinsic orbital angular momentum in the degrees of freedom of relative movement of one photon with respect to its twin in type-II spontaneous parametric down-conversion.
Network localization using graph decomposition and rigidity

The sensor network localization problem with distance information is to determine the positions of all the sensors in a network given the positions of some sensors and the distances between some pairs of sensors. One approach to localize a large network is to divide the network into smaller subnetworks whereby each subnetwork is localized in its own coordinate system. We present two algorithms which use linear algebra methods for computing the actual sensor positions given the local solutions of a collection of subnetworks. We also use graph rigidity theory to characterize collections of subnetworks for which the algorithms are applicable.
Wireless Power Transfer for Mobile Applications, and Health Effects [Telecommunications Health and Safety]

Recent interest and current optimism regarding battery-charging wireless power-transfer technology are driven by the ubiquity of cell phones and other mobile communication devices. In some ways, this is to make a dream come true: a truly wireless mobile or portable communication device, completely free from being tethered in any way. The concept of wireless power transfer is not new, even for charging batteries. Cellular service users and customers may be annoyed by or do not want to be bothered with having to plug the mobile device into an electrical outlet. If this is true - as appears to be the case - then time may well provide a fix to the grief. Aside from not having to plug in the mobile phone or laptop, a more probable cause for the sudden interest in battery charging through wireless power transfer may come from the potential for mobile communication devices to get their electrical power the same way they get their data. Unlike wireless communication uses, the level of transmitted electromagnetic power required for large-scale or commercial implementation of wireless power transfer could be substantial. A key feature of the system design and research effort should be consideration of biological effects and human safety.
In vivo analysis of DNA binding and ligand interaction of BlcR, an IclR-type repressor from Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens BlcR represses transcription of the blcABC operon, which is involved in metabolism of γ-butyrolactone, and this repression is alleviated by succinate semialdehyde (SSA). BlcR exists as a homodimer, and the blcABC promoter DNA contains two BlcR-binding sites (IR1 and IR2) that correspond to two BlcR dimers. In this study, we established an in vivo system to examine the SSA-responsive control of BlcR transcriptional regulation. The endogenous blcR, encoded in the pAtC58 plasmid of A. tumefaciens C58, was not optimal for investigating the effect of SSA on BlcR repression, probably due to the SSA degradation mediated by the pAt-encoded blcABC. We therefore introduced blcR (and the blcABC promoter DNA, separately) exogenously into a strain of C58 cured of pAtC58 (and pTiC58). We applied this system to interrogate BlcR–DNA interactions and to test predictions from our prior structural and biochemical studies. This in vivo analysis confirmed the previously mapped SSA-binding site and supported a model by which DNA coordinates formation of a BlcR tetramer. In addition, we identified a specific lysine residue (K59) as an important determinant for DNA binding. Moreover, based on isothermal titration calorimetry analysis, we found IR1 to play the dominant role in binding to BlcR, relative to IR2. Together, these in vivo results expand the biochemical findings and provide new mechanistic insights into BlcR–DNA interactions.
Strontium titanate DC electric field switchable and tunable bulk acoustic wave solidly mounted resonator

A voltage switchable/tunable strontium titanate solidly mounted BAW resonator was implemented using an acoustical Bragg reflector of alternating high and low acoustic impedance layers. In the absence of any bias the device is merely capacitive, but under a DC bias the material becomes piezoelectrically active, leading to a BAW resonance that is effectively turned on and off by the applied field. In the resonant state a voltage-dependent frequency trimming of 1 % is observed, from 7.05 GHz to 6.98 GHz with an applied bias of 0–9 V, respectively. The quality factor at the resonant frequency was approximately 100, limited by the simplicity of the device design. The Q was relatively constant with applied bias, with an effective electromechanical coupling coefficient that varied linearly with applied bias up to a maximum of 3.3 %.
Photosynthetic CO2 fixation in spinach chloroplasts inhibited by pine chloroplasts or extracts of pine chloroplasts

Chloroplasts isolated from pine needles were found to be inactive with respect to CO2 fixation. Since it was suspected that pine needles may contain substances inhibitory to photosynthesis, studies were carried out using photosynthetically active isolated spinach chloroplasts and chloroplasts isolated from pine needles. When isolated pine chloroplasts were suspended in buffer and were added to isolated spinach chloroplasts they inhibited photosynthetic CO2 fixation. When the pine chloroplasts were separated from the medium by centrifugation, the separated pine chloroplasts severely inhibited CO2 fixation by isolated spinach chloroplasts, but the supernatant solution from the pine chloroplasts was not inhibitory. As little as 5% pine chloroplasts (based on chlorophyll content) produced 50% inhibition of CO2 fixation by the spinach chloroplasts. Studies of fixation of 14C-labelled CO2 by spinach chloroplasts were carried out in which after 5 min photosynthesis the pine chloroplasts were added. It was found that the subsequent inhibition of spinach CO2 fixation was neither due to any effect on the rate of export of photosynthetic metabolites from the chloroplasts to the medium, nor to a direct effect on the RUBP carboxylase reaction. The principal effect was found to be an inhibition of the conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate and sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphate to the respective monophosphates and inorganic phosphate. From this finding it was concluded that a principal effect of the inhibition by pine chloroplasts is probably an inhibition either directly or indirectly of the bisphosphatase enzymes in the spinach chloroplasts. Based on its distribution between organic and aqueous acidic or neutral solutions, the inhibitory factor of the pine chloroplasts must be lipophilic. Most of the factor could be transferred to an aqueous phase in a strongly alkaline solution. Following subsequent acidification of the aqueous phase the activity could be completely transferred back into the organic phase. This procedure allowed for separation of the inhibitory factor from most of the pigments and other lipophilic substances present in the pine chloroplasts and yielded a preparation which could be subsequently fractionated by thin layer chromatography. UV absorption was found in two fast moving spots and at the origin. The fastest running spot from the thin layer chromatography plate was found to be the one containing most of the inhibitory activity.
Macroecology of North American suckers (Catostomidae): tests of Bergmann's and Rapoport's rules

Discerning spatial macroecological patterns in freshwater fishes has broad implications for community assembly, ecosystem dynamics, management, and conservation. This study explores the potential interspecific covariation of geographic range (Rapoport's rule) and body size (Bergmann's rule) with latitude in North American sucker fishes (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae). While numerous tests of Rapoport's and Bergmann's rules are documented in the literature, comparatively few of these studies have specifically tested for these patterns, and none have incorporated information reflecting shared ancestry into analyses of North American freshwater fish through a hierarchical model. This study utilized a hierarchical modeling approach with Bayesian inference to evaluate the role that evolution has played in shaping these distributional corollaries. Rapoport's rule was supported at the tribe level but not across family and subfamily groupings. Particularly within the Catostominae subfamily, two tribes reflected strong support for Rapoport's rule while two suggested a pattern was present. Conversely, Bergmann's rule was not supported in Catostomidae. This study provides additional information regarding the pervasiveness of these "rules" by expanding inferences in freshwater fishes and specifically addressing the potential for these macroecological patterns to play a role in the distribution of the understudied group Catostomidae.
Measuring, Managing, and Improving the Quality of End-Stage Renal Disease Care

As the federal end-stage renal disease (ESRD) program enters its third decade, it continues to grow both in terms of patient enrollment and cost. High visibility as well as patient, physician, and societal concerns regarding ESRD treatment outcomes and expenditures make the development of improved and expanded quality assurance and improvement (QA/QI) mechanisms for the ESRD program vital. The purpose of a QA/QI program is to identify and apply techniques for assessing and improving ESRD care quality to achieve the best possible outcome for all patients who can benefit medically, within the expenditure constraints set by society. Current QA knowledge and methods are reviewed in this article and are judged to be useful but of limited value. Limitations of current quality assessment tools, provider resistance, and inadequate governmental support are substantial barriers to implementation of a QA program. An ESRD QA/QI program should develop improved QA tools at the same time that available tools are cautiously put to work. Such a program would be based in individual treatment units, using existing network and US Renal Data System structures and a new national ESRD QA committee for support and oversight. As additional ESRD QA data become available, providers would incorporate the new information into decision making at all levels to enhance patient outcome. Substantial financial support from the government will be needed to implement such a quality program. A comprehensive ESRD QA program could serve as a model for QA for the national health care system.
Families of Young Adolescents Who Have Survived Cancer: Social-Emotional Adjustment, Adaptability, and Social Support

Young adolescent (10-15 year old) survivors of childhood cancer and their families (n = 35) completed self-report measures of perceived self-competence, social support, child behavior, parental distress, and family adaptability and cohesion, at two data points, 6 months apart. Relative to instrument norms and a comparison group (n = 13), survivors and their families scored within normative levels. The overall lack of group differences is discussed in terms of the implications of tests of the null hypothesis for families with chronically ill children. Changes over time for the survivors suggest a decline in available social support. Parents of survivors who received educational assistance reported less family adaptability and more distress than parents of survivors not receiving these services.
Building the road: a perspective from an infectious diseases clinical pharmacist in the United States

Multidrug resistance in many bacterial species has been on the rise in recent years and the spread is global. 1-3 We all face the challenge of increasing resistance among Grampositive and Gram-negative organisms, causing infections both in the hospital and in the community and in all ages. 4-6 We have observed increasing resistance in Staphylococcus aureus to methicillin and vancomycin, and enterococci to vancomycin. We have observed beta-lactamases evolve, and also how new carbapenemases, like Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1), become more prevalent in Gram-negative bacterial species. 7,8 These resistance mechanisms are complex, leave prescribers with few treatment options, and may not be detectable in resource-limited settings. It is clear, however, that resistance to the more commonly used antibiotics is occurring, and that this challenges practitioners in all settings. 9,10 The importance of judicious antimicrobial use (the right selection, duration, dose, and route) to treat infections appropriately and to decrease some of the observed increases in resistance are of utmost importance. It is critical to all disciplines and requires a multidisciplinary effort.
Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot

Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function was assessed in 12 patients after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot (age range 5 to 18 years, mean 10) and compared with 10 control patients. Only 1 patient had a shunt before total correction that was performed at a mean age of 3.5 years, (range 0.3 to 8). At cardiac catheterization the following indexed LV parameters were measured: end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, wall mass, ejection fraction, stroke volume and end-diastolic and end-systolic pressures and stresses. The rate-corrected mean velocity of fiber shortening was calculated. LV diastolic operant chamber stiffness and myocardial stiffness were calculated from simultaneous diastolic pressures and volumes in mid- and late diastole using monoexponential formulas. The 2 groups were compared by unpaired t tests. The tetralogy group had higher mean end-diastolic (93 vs 74 ml/m2), end-systolic (29 vs 19 ml/m2) and stroke (64 vs 55 ml/m2) volumes than controls. Rate-corrected mean velocity of fiber shortening was lower in the tetralogy group (1.07 vs 1.24). Myocardial stiffness was higher in the tetralogy group (16 vs 11). Other indexes were not significantly different. Thus, LV function after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot may be abnormal with larger than normal LV size, decreased contractile function and increased myocardial stiffness.
Treatment of Brain Metastases

Brain metastases (BMs) occur in 10% to 20% of adult patients with cancer, and with increased surveillance and improved systemic control, the incidence is likely to grow. Despite multimodal treatment, prognosis remains poor. Current evidence supports use of whole-brain radiation therapy when patients present with multiple BMs. However, its associated cognitive impairment is a major deterrent in patients likely to live longer than 6 months. In patients with oligometastases (one to three metastases) and even some with multiple lesions less than 3 to 4 cm, especially if the primary tumor is considered radiotherapy resistant, stereotactic radiosurgery is recommended; if the BMs are greater than 4 cm, surgical resection with or without postoperative whole-brain radiation therapy should be considered. There is increasing evidence that systemic therapy, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, is effective against BM and may be an early choice, especially in patients with sensitive primary tumors. In patients with progressive systemic disease, limited treatment options, and poor performance status, best supportive care may be appropriate. Regardless of treatment goals, use of corticosteroids or antiepileptic medications is helpful in symptomatic patients. In this review, we provide a summary of current therapy, as well as developments in the treatment of BM from solid tumors.
Youth at work: Adolescent employment and sexual harassment

Abstract Objective An examination of the frequency and impact of workplace sexual harassment on work, health, and school outcomes on high school girls is presented in two parts. The first compares the frequency of harassment in this sample (52%) to published research on adult women that used the same measure of sexual harassment. The second part compares outcomes for girls who experienced harassment versus those who did not. Methods Students in a small, suburban high school for girls completed a paper and pencil survey during class. A modified version of the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ: Fitzgerald et al., 1988) was used to identify sexually harassed working teenagers. Work attitudes, assessments of physical health and mental health, and school-related outcomes were measured using standardized scales. Data were analyzed using difference of proportions tests, t-tests, and regression. Results The percentage of harassed girls was significantly higher than the figures reported in most studies of working women. Girls who were sexually harassed were less satisfied with their jobs and supervisors, had higher levels of academic withdrawal, and were more apt to miss school than their non-harassed peers. Conclusions Sexual harassment significantly impacts employed high school girls’ connections to work and school. It not only taints their attitudes toward work but it also threatens to undermine their commitment to school. Educators, practitioners and community leaders should be aware of the negative impact this work experience may have on adolescents and explore these issues carefully with students who are employed outside of school. Practice implications Teenage students, stressed by sexual harassment experienced at work may find their career development or career potential impeded or threatened due to school absence and poor academic performance. In addition, the physical safety of working students may be at risk, creating a need for teenagers to receive training to deal with sexual assault and other types of workplace violence. Educators, practitioners, and community leaders should be aware of the negative impact this work experience may have on adolescents and their overall school experience and explore the issue of sexual harassment carefully with students who are employed outside of school.