cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quasi-static and dynamic investigation of an advanced high strength and corrosion resistant 10 % Cr nanocomposite martensitic steel

Abstract The mechanical response of an advanced high strength and corrosion resistant 10 % Cr nanocomposite steel (ASTM A1035CS Grade 120) is measured under uniaxial tension and compression at the strain rates of 10−4 s−1, 10-2 s-1, 100 s−1, 700 s−1, and 3000 s−1. The experiments are performed at 22 °C as well as 80 °C to investigate the material behavior at the expected temperature rise due to adiabatic deformation at 15 % strain. Additionally, different compression-shear hat-shaped specimens are tested at quasi-static and dynamic strain rates to investigate the localization behavior of this material. The material exhibits small strain rate sensitivity (SRS) during quasi-static loading, but a pronounced SRS between quasi-static and dynamic strain rates. Tension-compression asymmetry is also observed at both temperatures. Experiments at 80 °C reveal a decrease in flow stress in both tension and compression indicating the material is sensitive to thermal softening due to adiabatic heating. Load-Unload-Reload (LUR) and strain rate jump experiments are performed to investigate the reasoning behind the approximate rate insensitivity of ASTM A1035CS steel during quasi-static strain rates. A new constitutive model is also developed using a novel rate dependent material model with a modified Hockett-Sherby (MHS) hardening model and incorporating Lode angle dependence to capture the tension-compression asymmetry. The model is also used to predict the LUR and strain rate jump experiments. Finally, reasoning behind the unique rate dependent thermo-mechanical behavior of ASTM A1035CS steel is discussed in regards to adiabatic heating, strain-partitioning, and phase transformation.
Demographic Differences in Clinical Presentation of Pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM)

Abstract Objectives Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is involuntary closure of the vocal folds during inspiration, often presenting in children and young adults. Although common symptoms and triggers are known, differences in clinical presentation based on patient demographics are unknown. This study characterizes differences in clinical presentation of pediatric PVFM based on age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Methods We reviewed electronic medical records of patients 0-21 years old with PVFM based on ICD codes from 2009 to 2019 within a tertiary academic health system. Demographics, symptoms, triggers, concurrent diagnoses, and laryngoscopy findings were abstracted. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression. Results Among 96 individuals the mean age was 10.6 years (standard deviation ±6.5) and 66 (69%) were female. In comparison to 13-21 year olds, those 0-2 years more often had PVFM observed on laryngoscopy (OR = 17.84, 95% CI: 3.14-101.51) and had less shortness of breath (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.09). Those 3-12 years had more asthma (OR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.07-8.81) and cough (OR = 6.12, 95% CI: 1.77-21.13). Both 0-2 (OR = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.24) and 3-12 year olds (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04-0.40) presented less with activity as a trigger. Racial/ethnic minorities were more likely to present with pharyngeal findings (eg mucosal inflammation, adenotonsillar hypertrophy) on laryngoscopy (OR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.45-15.37) compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Differences in clinical presentation by sex were not observed. Conclusion We identified several differences in symptoms, triggers, and laryngoscopy findings in pediatric PVFM based on age and race/ethnicity. Associations between sex and clinical presentation were not observed.
Fluid/Structural/Thermal/Dynamics Interaction (FSTDI) in Hypersonic Flow

Hypersonic flight is a major technical challenge and substantial efforts are currently underway to provide the understanding and technology required to design and operate effectively and safely a hypersonic aircraft for commercial or military purposes. Leyva [1] has recently described the essence of this challenge. The present chapter provides a summary of the past, present and proposed work for fluid/structural/thermal dynamics interaction.
PARTICIPATORY SPIRITUALITY AND TRANSPERSONAL THEORY: A TEN-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE

This article examines the evolution of participatory thinking in transpersonal studies and related disciplines since the publication of Revisioning Transpersonal Theory (Ferrer, 2002). Following an introduction to participatory spirituality, the paper discusses three ways this approach has been understood in the transpersonal literature: as disciplinary model, theoretical orientation, and paradigm or paradigmatic epoch. It then reviews the influence of the participatory turn in transpersonal studies, consciousness studies, integral education, and religious studies. After responding to Wilberian-integral, astro-archetypal, and participatory critiques, the article concludes with reflections about the nature and future of the participatory movement. My contribution to the participatory turn in transpersonal studies was formalized in 2002, when Revisioning Transpersonal Theory (Revisioning) was published shortly after Tarnas's (2001) preview of the book in the pages of this journal. 1 The book had two general goals: (a) to critically examine some central ontological and epistemological assumptions of transpersonal studies, and (b) to introduce a participatory alternative to the neo-perennialism dominating the field thus far. At that time, Tarnas (1991) had already laid the foundation so f a transpersonally informed participatory epistemology, Kremer (1994) had developed a participatory approach to indigenous spirituality, and Heron had introduced a participatory inquiry method as a relational form of spiritual practice and articulated a participatory ontology and epistemology (1992, 1996, 1998; Heron & Reason, 1997). Nonetheless, the prevalent transpersonal models conceptualized spirituality in terms of replicable inner experiences amenable to be assessed or ranked according to purportedly universal developmental or ontological schemes. Revisioning reframed transpersonal phenomena as pluralistic participatory events that can occur in multiple loci (e.g., an individual, a relationship, or a collective) and whose epistemic value emerges—not from any pre-established hierarchy of spiritual insights—but from the events' emancipatory and transformative power on self, community, and world. On a scholarly level, I sought to bridge transpersonal discourse with relevant developments in religious studies (e.g., in comparative mysticism or the interreligious dialogue), as well as with a number of modern trends in the philosophy of mind and the
Histological Study of Aristolochia triangularis, Casearia sylvestris, and Schinopsis balansae

The content of this paper is concerned with the external and internal morphology of three little-known South American plant drugs: the dried stems of Aristolochia triangularis (Aristolochiaceae), the dried stem bark of Casearia sylvestris (Flacourtiaceae), and the dried leaves of Schinopsis balansae (Anacardiaceae). Stained and unstained sections were employed in this study, as were temporary and permanent mounts. The results of histological studies of powdered and macerated materials are also reported.
Techniques for Spatial Extrapolation of Wind Data

The assessment of wind energy potential throughout a given region is usually difficult because of the lack of a suitable data base. Typically, adequately long wind histories exist for only a relatively few regular wind measurement stations. This paper is concerned with the estimation of wind system parameters at a possible wind generation site, Y, by means of a short observed record at that site and extrapolation of a long term record at a regional weather station, X. The estimation is accomplished by assuming that the wind system at each site is generated by a common non-stationary process modified by site-specific scale factors and stationary noise processes. Elimination of the unknown non-stationary component leads to a representation of the wind record at Y in terms of the record at X and a stationary noise process. The procedure is exemplified using wind records from Boston Airport and the Boston light vessel.
Structure of the murine fifth complement component (C5) gene. A large, highly interrupted gene with a variant donor splice site and organizational homology with the third and fourth complement component genes.

To understand fifth complement component (C5) gene regulation, splicing, and C5 protein deficiency at the molecular level, the organization of the murine C5 gene was determined. The C5 structural gene is present as a single copy in the mouse genome as demonstrated by Southern blot analysis. Accordingly, three cosmid clones were isolated from a genomic library that was prepared from mouse strain B10.D2/nSnJ. These clones overlapped and contained the structural gene encoding the complete C5 alpha-chain and 90% of the beta-chain. The 5'-flanking region of the C5 gene was obtained from a clone isolated from a genomic lambda-MOPC-41 library. Unique restriction fragments were prepared from the genomic clones and subcloned, and the exons were sequenced. All introns were sized by sequencing or Southern analysis. The C5 structural gene was found to be a highly interrupted gene of approximately 78 kilobases containing 42 exons and 41 introns. The exons ranged in length from 58 to 247 base pairs, with an average length of 131 base pairs. The introns ranged in size from 100 base pairs to 4 kilobases with an average length of 1.5 kilobases. The C5 alpha-chain was encoded by 49 kilobases containing 26 exons; the beta-chain was encoded by 29 kilobases containing 16 exons. The C5a coding sequence was split between two exons. All intron/exon junctions followed the normal consensus rule except at intron 35 in which the 5'-donor GT was substituted by GC. The 2-base-pair gene deletion and HindIII and PvuII restriction fragment length polymorphisms associated with murine C5 deficiency were localized to exon 7, exon 16, and intron 20, respectively. Comparison of the intron-exon junctions of the murine C5, human C3, and mouse C4 genes indicated that these genes are nearly identical in structural organization. However, the rat alpha 2-macroglobulin gene showed only moderate genomic organizational similarity to the murine C5 gene. A major and a minor transcriptional initiation site in the C5 gene were identified by primer extensions and confirmed by RNase protection assays. Sequence analysis of the 5'-flanking region (760 base pairs) revealed a TATA-like and CAAT box upstream of the major transcriptional initiation site at positions -274 and -303, respectively, suggesting an atypical promoter. The 5'-flanking region also contained sequences identical with several cis-acting motifs known to bind the liver-specific nuclear protein LF-A1 and the nuclear protein NF-kappa B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Multiple forms of Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase: III. Conversion of one form to another by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or acetone☆

Abstract Alcohol dehydrogenase occurs in five electrophoretic forms in inbred strains of Drosophila melanogaster . It was previously reported that the slowest migrating form of the enzyme (ADH 5 ) could be isolated and converted into the faster forms (ADH 4 , ADH 3 , ADH 2 , and ADH 1 ) by NAD + . This report is concerned with the conditions that affect the rate of interconversion of the isoenzymes, the interaction of NAD + and NADH with ADH 5 , and the role that acetone plays in the conversion process. The rate of conversion of ADH 5 to the faster forms is dependent upon the concentrations of ADH 5 and NAD + and upon the pH of the medium. The purified ADH 5 becomes inactivated upon conversion to ADH 1 in a manner that is reversed by the electrophoresis procedure. When high concentrations of mercaptoethanol, in addition to NAD + , are present, the inactivation of the enzyme is prevented, but abnormal electrophoretic forms of the enzyme may be produced. The conversion of ADH 5 to ADH 1 by NAD + is accompanied by binding of variable amounts of NAD to the enzyme and the production of significant amounts of NADH. The presence of acetone enhances the effect of NAD + in causing conversion, and at 0.1 m concentration, acetone alone can accomplish the conversion of ADH 5 to ADH 1 . The heat stability of the ADH 1 produced from ADH 5 is greater than that of ADH 5 . We suggest that Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase can exist in different configurations that differ in electrostatic charge and heat stability, that these differences represent changes in the protein conformation, and that the fly accomplishes the interconversion of the various forms in a controlled fashion.
B semileptonic decays at the Upsilon (4S) and the Upsilon (5S).

{ital B}-meson semileptonic decay spectra have been obtained at the {Upsilon}(4{ital S}) and at the {Upsilon}(5{ital S}) at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring with the Columbia University--Stony Brook detector. The branching ratio for {ital B}{r arrow}{ital e}{nu}{ital X} at the {Upsilon}(4{ital S}) is found to be (10.0{plus minus}0.5)%. The electron spectrum of {ital B}{r arrow}{ital e}{nu}{ital X} at the {Upsilon}(5{ital S}) is observed for the first time and the average branching ratio of {ital B},{ital B}{sub {ital s}}{r arrow}{ital e}{nu}{ital X} is consistent with that for {ital B}'s from {Upsilon}(4{ital S}) decays. The shape of the electron spectrum at the {Upsilon}(5{ital S}) indicates production of {ital B} mesons which are heavier than nonstrange {ital B}'s, presumably strange {ital B}'s.
The Colonial Origins of Human Security: Economic, Geographic, and Institutional Determinants

Absent in the human security literature is the role institutions play in determining levels of human security in developing nations. We attempt to determine if human security primarily is a phenomenon of economic development, institutional quality, geography, or some combination. Of these factors, we explore ‘deep determinants’: factors that are strongly correlated with increases or sustained levels of human security. We depart from the mainline literature by applying our model to a sample of former colonies. This narrow focus allows us to concentrate on those populations facing the greatest human security risks. While economists have investigated some elements of the general human security puzzle, thus far their research has produced statistically robust yet theoretically thin findings. Our model attempts to correct for these theoretical shortcomings through the inclusion of strictly focused political and social variables. We find that various deep determinants do indeed contribute to human security in surprising ways.
Effect of age and gender on thermoregulation

Previous investigations have shown that during cold exposure 24-mo-old male Fischer 344 (F344) rats do not thermoregulate as well as do 12-mo-old animals. To determine if this deficiency also occurs in female rats, we measured oxygen consumption (thermogenesis) and colonic temperature of male and female rats 5, 23, and 27 mo of age at rest and during 6 h of exposure to 6 degrees C. In addition, nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) was evaluated from the capacity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondria isolated from cold-exposed rats to bind guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP). Neither age nor gender had a significant effect on resting or cold-exposed oxygen consumption expressed on a mass-independent basis (l/kg body mass0.67) or on a lean body mass independent basis (l/kg lean body mass0.67). The drop in colonic temperature in response to cold was greater in the male rats. However, females exhibited increased BAT mass and relatively constant GDP binding with advancing age, whereas males showed decreased mass and GDP binding. Although the data suggest greater NST capacity in the female rats, rates of cold-induced oxygen consumption were similar in older female vs. male rats. Taken together, our data indicate that gender has a significant impact on thermoregulation and that, under the cold exposure conditions of the study, this effect involves differential heat conservation rather than heat production.
Multivariate Analysis for Estimating the Age of a Bloodstain

Our objective is to provide crime laboratories with a technique for estimating the age of a bloodstain. Toward that goal, we have used multiplexed, real-time RT-PCR (or qPCR) to determine the relative stability of different-sized segments of the same RNA species as well as differences in stability between two different RNAs' change over time in bloodstains. Our results indicate that a multivariate analysis of the changing ratio of the different RNA segments can be used to differentiate between samples of different ages in the defined population. Bloodstains from 29 of 30 donors could be partitioned into different ages using this technique. Although further improvements will be required before this approach can be implemented in crime laboratories, the multivariate analysis holds promise of providing a reliable approach for temporally linking a bloodstain to the commission of a crime or excluding a bloodstain as being irrelevant to the case in question.
A Study of the Relationship between Unipolar Leads and Spatial Vectorcardiograms, Using the Panoramic Vectorcardiograph

The extent to which precordial and other unipolar leads are influenced by the proximity of the exploring electrode to one part or another of the heart is the subject of considerable debate. Oneapproach to the problem is to determine how closely precordial leads can be predicted from spatialvectorcardiograms recorded by leads relatively remote from the heart. The panoramic vector-cardiograph described below provides a convenient way of doing this, since it automatically records scalar derivations from the vectorcardiogram for any spatial axis. Results indicate that local effects are not the predominant factor in determining the form of the complexes in precordial leads.
1-N-Iminosugars: Potent and Selective Inhibitors of β-Glycosidases

A series of 1-N-iminosugars were synthesized to supply the need for glycosidase inhibitors that are both highly potent and selective for β-glycosidases. Designed on the basis of the transition-state model of the β-glucosidase reaction, these iminosugar inhibitors differ from the currently available inhibitors in possessing a nitrogen atom at the anomeric position of the pyranose ring, thereby generating a positive charge on the anomeric position rather than on the ring oxygen of the sugar. Their syntheses, starting with a readily available carbohydrate derivative, involve (i) introduction of an amino functionality as an azido group, (ii) formation of a 1-N-iminopyranose ring with reductive amination, and (iii) stereoselective introduction of a hydroxymethyl or methyl group and were accomplished in a highly stereoselective and efficient manner. The inhibitory potencies of the 1-N-iminosugars were evaluated against several α- and β-glycosidases, and they were found to be extremely potent and highly specific...
Preventive dental utilization for Medicaid-enrolled children in Iowa identified with intellectual and/or developmental disability.

Objectives: To compare preventive dental utilization for children with intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD) and those without IDD and to identify factors associated with dental utilization. Methods:WeanalyzedIowaMedicaiddentalclaimssubmittedduringcalendaryear (CY) 2005 for a cohort of children ages 3-17 who were eligible for Medicaid for at least 11 months in CY 2005 (n = 107,605).A protocol for identifying IDD children wasdevelopedbyagroupofdentistsandphysicianswithclinicalexperienceintreating children with disabilities. Utilization rates were compared for the two groups. Crude and covariate-adjusted odds ratios were estimated using conditional logistic regression modeling. Results:A significantly higher proportion of non-IDD children received preventive care than those identified as IDD (48.6 percent versus 46.1 percent; P < 0.001). However,the final model revealed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Factors such as older age, not residing in a dental Health Professional Shortage Area, interaction with the medical system, and family characteristics increased one’s likelihood of receiving preventive dental care.
Analysis of diffusion in polymers using evanescent field spectroscopy

A rigorous analysis confirmed by experimental results is presented for attenuated total reflectance, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy applied to the study of small molecule diffusion in polymers. FTIR-ATR Fickian diffusion models are derived for a constant surface concentration and for an adjacent mass-transfer boundary layer. An FTIR-ATR Case II transport model demonstrates the ability to discriminate between transport modes. New experimental results for the acetone-polypropylene, methanol-polystyrene and methanol-poly(methyl methacrylate) systems are consistent with gravimetric sorption and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. An important result is the detection of multiple hydroxyl peaks for methanol during diffusion, indicating different hydrogen bonding states and the calculation of separate diffusion coefficients for each state in polystyrene.
Uterosacral space involvement in locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Purpose: Radiation therapy is the standard management for locally advanced cervical cancer, but it has not yielded fully satisfactory results; a relatively high incidence of local failure remains. Standard radiation therapy techniques combine external beam radiation and brachytherapy generating a homogeneously composite dose distribution covering the lateral parametria but may not be adequate in the uterosacral and perirectal areas due to the spatial arrangement of intracavitary system and the constraints of rectal tolerance. We hypothesize that these dosimetric characteristics might lead to a higher incidence of central/marginal failures when the uterosacral space is involved by locally advanced carcinoma of uterine cervix. Methods and Materials: Between January 1970 and December 1989, 343 patients with clinical Stage IIIB cervical cancer were treated at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology with radiation therapy alone. We identified 83 patients with clinical evidence of tumor in the uterosacral region; the remaining 260 patients either did not have uterosacral involvement or were unspecified. The dose of external beam irradiation ranged from 18.02 to 33.20 Gy to the central pelvis and 48.22 to 59.40 Gy to the lateral parametrium. The average total dose, including brachytherapy contribution, to point A and the lateral pelvis was 80.30 to 86.46 Gy and 60.50 to 73.40 Gy, respectively. External beam dose to the lateral parametria was, on average, 10 Gy higher in patients with uterosacral involvement. Results: We categorized the patterns of pelvic failure into central/marginal (including medial parametrium) and lateral parametria. The cumulative incidence of central/marginal failure at 5 years was significantly higher in the group of patients with uterosacral involvement (36% compared with 21% for patients without uterosacral involvement or unspecified) (p = 0.002). Lateral parametrial failure was similar for patients with and without uterosacral involvement (39% and 38% at 5 years, respectively) (p = 0.42). The actuarial incidence of distant metastasis was identical in the two groups: 46% at 5 years. Multivariate analysis confirmed that uterosacral space involvement increased the risk of pelvic recurrence (p = 0.044) and was the most significant factor that influenced the central/marginal pelvic failure (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Uterosacral involvement by locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix significantly increased overall pelvic failure and was the most significant prognosticator of central/marginal pelvic failure. This is the result of the spatial constraints of the standard intracavitary geometry that deliver inadequate dose posteriorly to encompass the uterosacral space. Plausible ways to compensate the underdose in the uterosacral space include increasing whole pelvis dose without compromising the intracavitary brachytherapy dose, using a supplemental interstitial implant or adding a posterior oblique external beam boost.
Piagetian Assessment Measures Revisited: Issues and Applications.

This article evaluates scales based on Piaget's description of cognitive development in children. First, there is a presentation of the more prominent Piagetian scales. Following a rational comparison of Piagetian approaches vis-a-vis psychometric approaches, the empirical relationships between the types of scales are discussed. Next, the issue of nonbiased assessment of blacks and Hispanics is analyzed with respect to Piagetian measures. Lastly, implications of Piagetian assessment procedure for school psychologists are examined.
High-Frequency SiC MESFETs with Silicon Dioxide/Silicon Nitride Passivation

4H-SiC MESFETs were fabricated using a bilayer dry thermal oxide/low-pressure chemical vapor deposited (LPCVD) silicon nitride for surface passivation. The passivation dielectric consists of a 20 nm thick dry thermal oxide covered by a 45 nm thick LPCVD silicon nitride layer. Devices utilize a recessed-channel architecture with 0.6 micron T-gates. Devices with the bilayer SiO2/SiNx passivation achieved a ft=9.3 GHz and fmax=15.5 GHz (WG=1.5 mm). The device transconductance was 34 mS/mm, drain current density was 235 mA/mm, and pinchoff voltage was –8V. Devices were load-pull characterized at 3 GHz with a 10% duty cycle and 100 μs repetition rate and a Class AB quiescent bias of IDS=100 mA/mm, and VDS=30V. Large devices with a 9.6 mm gate-periphery deliver an output power of 43.2 dBm (20.9 W=2.2W/mm) with a power-added-efficiency of 59% at a gain of 8.8 dB.
Animal Models of Early Life Stress: Implications for Understanding Resilience

In the mid-1950s, Levine and his colleagues reported that brief intermittent exposure to early life stress diminished indications of subsequent emotionality in rats. Here we review ongoing studies of a similar process in squirrel monkeys. Results from these animal models suggest that brief intermittent exposure to stress promotes the development of arousal regulation and resilience. Implications for programs designed to enhance resilience in human development are discussed.
Stereology of grain-boundary precipitates

Abstract Grain-boundary precipitates coexist with matrix precipitation in many alloys. Depending on the orientation of the sectioning plane, particle sections appearing in the matrix on a plane of polish will arise from both grain boundary and matrix participate particles. The errors associated with assuming that the only GBP particles on a section are the ones appearing on the grain-boundary traces are discussed and evaluated. The corrections required are shown to be small, but may nonetheless be important. In addition, a dimensionless grain-boundary affinity parameter has been derived that indicates the tendency of the precipitate to occur on the boundaries rather than the matrix.
Transmitter modulation of slow, activity-dependent alterations in sodium channel availability endows neurons with a novel form of cellular plasticity.

Abstract Voltage-gated Na + channels are major targets of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-initiated signaling cascades. These cascades act principally through protein kinase-mediated phosphorylation of the channel α subunit. Phosphorylation reduces Na + channel availability in most instances without producing major alterations of fast channel gating. The nature of this change in availability is poorly understood. The results described here show that both GPCR- and protein kinase-dependent reductions in Na + channel availability are mediated by a slow, voltage-dependent process with striking similarity to slow inactivation, an intrinsic gating mechanism of Na + channels. This process is strictly associated with neuronal activity and develops over seconds, endowing neurons with a novel form of cellular plasticity shaping synaptic integration, dendritic electrogenesis, and repetitive discharge.
The origin of differences between coupled cluster theory and quadratic configuration interaction for excited states

Abstract By employing time-dependent linear response theory, the ground state quadratic configuration interaction method with single and double substitutions (QCISD) can be generalized to excited states. However, the excited state QCISD method is numerically inferior to the analogous coupled cluster (CCSD) excited state method, although its formal properties of size consistency and exactness for two electrons are the same. Therefore a modified QCISD method which includes an additional quadratic operator term in the doubles equations, as in the CPMET-C approximation, is investigated. It is shown by calculations on a variety of small molecules to correct substantially the deficiencies of QCISD for excited states, yielding results that are close to full CCSD theory. This CPMET-C based excited state method is size-consistent, but unlike CCSD and QCISD, is not exact for separated pairs of electrons.
Site-specific mutagenesis of PRD1 DNA polymerase: Mutations in highly conserved regions of the family B DNA polymerase

Abstract The PRD1 DNA polymerase is a small multifunctional enzyme containing three major conserved amino acid sequences shared by family B DNA polymerases. Thus, the PRD1 DNA polymerase provides an useful model system with which to study structure-function relationships of DNA polymerase molecules. In order to investigate the functional and structural roles of the highly conserved amino acid sequences, we have introduced mutations into each of the 3 conserved regions of the PRD1 DNA polymerase. Genetic complementation study as well as DNA polymerase assay indicated that each mutation inactivated DNA polymerase catalytic activity, but not the 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity.
Mosquitocidal compounds from Magnolia salicifolia

Bioassay-directed isolation and purification of Magnolia salicifolia yielded six mosquitocidal compounds. Geranial and neral, isolated from the bark, showed 100% mortality on 4th instar Aedes aegypti at 100 ppm in 24 h. Trans -anethole, from the leaves, demonstrated 100% mortality on 4th instar A. aegypti at 20 ppm in 24 h. Methyl eugenol from the leaves and iso-methyl eugenol isolated from leaves, fruits, and flowers, showed 100% mortality on 4th instar A. aegypti at 60 and 80 ppm, respectively, in 24 h. Costunolide, a sesquiterpene lactone obtained from the fruits of M. salicifolia for the first time, exhibited 100% mortality on 4th instar A. egyptii at 15 ppm, in 24 h. Costunolide and an additional related sesquiterpene lactone, parthenolide, were detected and quantified in M. salicifolia for the first time. Mosquitocidal activities of these compounds from M. salicifolia are reported for the first time.
Baptisia flavonoids: Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis

Abstract The NMR characterization of several Baptisia flavonoids, including the 7-glycosides of luteolin, apigenin and orobol are discussed. NMR data for trimethylsilyl ethers of six additional flavonoids and two coumarins are reported.
Assessment of the convergence of molecular dynamics simulations of lipopolysaccharide membranes

The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is composed of a phospholipid inner leaflet and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) outer leaflet. The chemical structure of LPS results in an asymmetric character of outer membranes that has been shown to play an important role in the electrical properties of porins, low permeability and intrinsic antibiotic resistance of Gram-negative bacteria. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of two different configurations of the outer membrane of Pseudomonas aeruginosa under periodic boundary conditions were carried out in order to (1) validate model-derived properties against the available experimental data, (2) identify the properties whose dynamics can be sampled on nanosecond timescales, and (3) evaluate the dependence of the convergence of structural and dynamical properties on the initial configuration of the system, within the chosen force field and simulation conditions. Because the relaxation times associated with the motions of individual LPS monomers in outer mem...
Novelties in Stevia (Compositae: Eupatorieae)

Twenty-four new taxa (16 species, 8 varieties) are described in the genusStevia from North and Central America. Three new combinations are made. Brief discussions concerning the relationships of the new taxa are provided.
The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in maintaining and targeting multiple myeloma: a double-edged sword of adaptation and apoptosis

Increased cellular protein production places stress on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), because many of the nascent proteins pass through the ER for folding and trafficking. Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER triggers the activation of three well-known pathways including IRE1, ATF6, and PERK. The activity of each sensor modulates the overall ER strategy for managing protein quality control as cellular needs change due to growth, differentiation, infection, transformation, and host of other possible physiological states. Here we review the role of ER stress in multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable plasma cell neoplasm. MM is closely linked to dysregulated unfolded protein response in ER due to the heightened production of immunoglobulin and the metabolic demands of malignant uncontrolled proliferation. Together, these forces may mean that myeloma cells have an “Achilles heel” which can be exploited as a treatment target: their ER stress response must be constitutively active at a remarkably high level to survive their unique metabolic needs. Therefore, inhibition of the ER stress response is likely to injure the cells, as is any further demand on an already over-worked system. Evidence for this vulnerability is summarized here, along with an overview of how each of the three ER stress sensors has been implicated in myeloma pathogenesis and treatment.
Hybrid pupil mapping/masking systems for high-contrast imaging

Pupil mapping, also known as phase induced amplitude apodization or PIAA, has emerged as an interesting design concept for NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder space telescope. However, in a previous paper it was demonstrated that diffraction effects limit the best achievable contrast to about 10-5, which is 5 orders of magnitude short of the required level. Recent work by Olivier Guyon and his collaborators shows that a certain hybrid system can restore the contrast to the required level without degrading significantly the attractive throughput, achromaticity, and inner working angle advantages. In this paper, efficient computational tools are described that can be used to evaluate such designs. It is shown that a design similar to the one proposed by Guyon does indeed meet the contrast requirement.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of a CARO on Stimulus Equivalence Formation: A Systematic Replication

In two experiments, we examined the disruptive effects of a “can’t answer” response option (CARO) on equivalence formation. The first experiment was a systematic replication of Duarte, Eikeseth, Rosales-Ruiz, and Baer (1998), in which participants in a CARO group and a No-CARO group performed conditional discrimination tasks with abstract stimuli using a paper-and-pencil format for training and testing of equivalence relations. The presence of the CARO led to the nonemergence of equivalence classes. In the second experiment, participants performed conditional discrimination tasks using standard matching-to-sample training and testing procedures on a computer with CARO available only during testing. Equivalence yields were also low, with participants using CARO more on transitive and equivalence trials than on symmetry trials. The results support previous reports of equivalence disruption by nonresponse options such as CARO and suggest directions for further research.
Low power millimeter wave irradiation exerts no harmful effect on human keratinocytes in vitro.

Low power millimeter wave (LP-MW) irradiation has been successfully used in clinical practice as an independent and/or supplemental therapy in patients with various diseases. It is still not clear, however, whether exposed skin is directly affected by repeated LP-MW irradiation and whether cells of the epidermis can be activated by the absorbed energy. Keratinocytes, the most numerous component of the epidermis are believed to manifest functional responses to physical stimuli. In this study we analyzed whether LP-MW irradiation modulated the production of chemokines, including RANTES and IP-10 of keratinocytes in vitro. We also investigated whether LP-MW irradiation induces a heat stress reaction in keratinocytes, and stimulates heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) production. Vital staining of keratinocytes with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester and ethidium bromide was used to analyze the MW effect on the viability of adherent cells. In addition, we studied the effect of LP-MW irradiation on intercellular gap junctional communication in keratinocyte monolayers by Lucifer yellow dye transfer. We found no significant changes in constitutive RANTES and inducible IP-10 production following LP-MW irradiation. LP-MW exposure of keratinocyte monolayers did not alter Hsp70 production, unlike exposure to higher power MWs (HP-MW) or hyperthermia (43 °C; 1 h). LP-MW irradiation and hyperthermia did not alter the viability of adherent keratinocytes, while HP-MW irradiation induced cellular damage within the beam area. Finally, we found no alteration in the gap junctional intercellular communication of keratinocytes following LP-MW irradiation, which on the other hand, was significantly increased by hyperthermia. In summary, we detected no harmful effect of LP-MW irradiation on both keratinocyte function and structure in vitro, although these cells were sensitive to higher MW power that developed heat stress reaction and cellular damage. Our results provide further evidence that LP-MW irradiation does not induce evidence of skin inflammation or keratinocyte damage and that its clinical application appears to be safe. Bioelectromagnetics 24:165–173, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Linear and nonlinear optical properties of a macrocyclic trichromophore bundle with parallel-aligned dipole moments.

A macrocyclic trichromophore bundle 1 with parallel-aligned dipole moments has been synthesized to study the influence of aggregation and orientation of a nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophore on its optical properties. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of 1 and a single chromophore standard 2 have been studied by UV−vis absorption, fluorescence, solvatochromic spectrometry, and hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS). Reduced first-order hyperpolarizability β, hypsochromic shift, enhanced solvatochromic shifts, and fluorescence quenching for individual chromophores were observed when 1 was compared with 2. Analysis of the data showed that the transition dipole moment changes only slightly when the chromophores are parallel aligned in the bundle architecture. However, the apparent hyperpolarizability of the individual chromophores decreased significantly by about 20%. The reduction in β for the individual chromophores in 1 is largely due to the hypsochromic shift, i.e., excitation energy increase of the i...
Measurements of the Fano factor and the energy per hole-electron pair in germanium

Abstract A Fano factor of 0.30 × 0.03 has been measured for germanium with a lithium-drifted semiconductor detector used for measuring gamma-ray energies ranging from 100–2800 keV. A value of 2.98 ± 0.01 eV for the average energy per hole-electron pair at 77°K was measured for gamma-ray peaks in the energy region from 100–1400 keV.
Blood Partnership in Theory and Practice: the Expansion of Muslim Power in Dar Al-Kuti*

This article examines the institution of blood partnership, first theoretically, and then with reference to northern Equatorial Africa and Dar al-Kuti, a Muslim slave-raiding and slave-trading state. Contemporary anthropologists described blood partnership schematically as the exchange of blood and of conditional curses between two individuals or groups for the purpose of guaranteeing co-operation. They also suggested that blood partnership created bonds analogous to kinship. Blood alliances were concluded almost exclusively between parties who were not related genealogically, and promoted security, co-operation and long-distance trade. They were particularly important among societies outside highly centralized states, where they provided the ideology and mechanism for wider action embracing unrelated groups. Northern Equatorial Africa was just such an area, and, in the nineteenth century at least, blood pacts were very common. The article looks at blood partnership in the region generally, pointing out how foreigners, Muslims as well as Europeans, adopted the institution as a means of allying themselves with local leaders. Muslim penetration of the region is examined, and the infiltration of the zariba system of the southwestern Sudan into Ubangi-Shari (in what is now the Central African Empire) is outlined. The second half of the article deals specifically with Dar al-Kuti. Oral testimony and written evidence are combined to present a picture of blood partnership among the Banda, the most important non-Muslim people included in the state. The analysis is then extended to show how Muslims in the region, mainly the Runga from the Chad basin, led by Kobur and then by al-Sanusi, used blood pacts to foster their political and economic ambitions among non-Muslim peoples south of the Islamic frontier.
Partially occluded vehicle recognition and tracking in 3D

Vehicle detection is a key problem in computer vision, with applications in driver assistance and active safety. A challenging aspect of the problem is the common occlusion of vehicles in the scene. In this paper, we present a vision-based system for vehicle localization and tracking for detecting partially visible vehicles. Consequently, vehicles are localized more reliably and tracked for longer periods of time. The proposed system detects vehicles using an active-learning based monocular vision approach and motion (optical flow) cues. A calibrated stereo rig is utilized to acquire a depth map, and consequently the real-world coordinates of each detected vehicle. Tracking is performed using a Kalman filter. The tracking is formulated to integrate stereo-monocular information. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system on a multilane highway dataset containing instances of vehicles with relative motion to the ego-vehicle.
Sexual abuse and sexually transmitted infections in children and adolescents.

Purpose of review Sexual abuse is unfortunately common in the United States. The presence of a sexually transmitted infection in a child or adolescent should prompt an evaluation to exclude sexual abuse. Recent findings The present article reviews the demographics of sexual abuse, the prevalence of specific sexually transmitted infections, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) and which children and adolescents are at highest risk for contracting such infections. The use of nonculture methods, such as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), to evaluate prepubertal children for N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis, and the use of HIV postexposure prophylaxis are discussed. Summary Any child or adolescent with a sexually transmitted infection should be evaluated for sexual abuse. Specific infections in prepubertal children, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis, are due to abusive contact and should be reported to Child Protective Services. As the modes of transmission of anogenital infections with HPV and HSV are unclear, an evaluation for sexual abuse should be done. Although transmission of HIV after sexual abuse is rare, HIV postexposure prophylaxis must be administered in a timely fashion, and adequate outpatient support provided to facilitate compliance and follow-up.
New labeling procedures for the basis graph in generalized networks

Labeling procedures for the basis graph of a generalized network are introduced which build on procedures designed for pure networks. Computational results are presented which show that a primal simplex code which uses these procedures is about 60 times faster than a general purpose linear programming code.
Polar spaces over rings with absolute stable range condition

A generalization of the fundamental theorem of projective geometry is established for non-injective mappings between polar spaces defined over form rings which satisfy a stable range condition.
Identification of vitamin K1 chromenol: a novel metabolite of vitamin K1 formed in vitro by a component in blood

A newly recognized metabolite of vitamin K1, vitamin K1 chromenol, is produced when the vitamin is added to the plasma or serum of a number of species. The metabolite was identified by comparison of its uv and mass spectra and high-performance liquid chromatographic retention times with those of the synthetic vitamin K1 chromenol. In aqueous solution vitamin K chromenol decomposed to a variety of products and reacted with nucleophilic substances. Optimal conditions for its formation and evidence that chromenol formation may be an enzyme catalyzed reaction are presented.
Design, Synthesis and Photochemical Validation of Peptide Linchpins Containing the S,S-Tetrazine Phototrigger

The design, solid-phase synthesis, and photochemical validation of diverse peptide linchpins, containing the S,S-tetrazine phototrigger, have been achieved. Steady state irradiation or femtosecond laser pulses confirm their rapid photofragmentation. Attachment of peptides to the C- and N-termini will provide access to diverse constrained peptide constructs that hold the promise of providing information about early peptide/protein conformational dynamics upon photochemical release.
A statistical model for locating regulatory regions in genomic DNA.

Abstract In addition to genes, chromosomal DNA contains sequences that serve as signals for turning on and off gene expression. These signals are thought to be distributed as clusters in the regulatory regions of genes. We develop a Bayesian model that views locating regulatory regions in genomic DNA as a change-point problem, with the beginning of regulatory and non-regulatory regions corresponding to the change points. The model is based on a hidden Markov chain. The data consist of nucleotide positions of protein-binding elements in a genomic DNA sequence. These positions are identified using a reference catalogue containing elements that interact with transcription factors implicated in controlling the expression of protein-encoding genes. Among the protein-binding elements in a genomic DNA sequence, the statistical model automatically selects those that tend to predict regulatory regions. We test the model using viral sequences that include known regulatory regions and provide the results obtained for human genomic DNA corresponding to the β globin locus on chromosome 11.
The C-X-C chemokine IP-10 stimulates HIV-1 replication.

Abstract Chemokines play critical roles in HIV-1 infection, serving both to modulate viral replication and to recruit target cells to sites of infection. Interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10/CXCL10) is a C-X-C chemokine that acts specifically upon activated T cells and macrophages and attracts T cells into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in HIV-associated neurological disease. We now demonstrate that IP-10 stimulates HIV-1 replication in monocyte-derived macrophages and peripheral blood lymphocytes. We further demonstrate that neutralization of endogenous IP-10 or blocking the function of its receptor, CXCR3, reduces HIV-1 replication in these same cells. Therefore, blocking the interaction between IP-10 and CXCR3 represents a possible new target for anti-retroviral therapy.