cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleoprotein Intermediates in HIV-1 DNA Integration Visualized by Atomic Force Microscopy

Integration of HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) DNA into the genome of the host cell is an essential step in the viral replication cycle that is mediated by the virally encoded integrase protein. We have used atomic force microscopy to study stable complexes formed between HIV-1 integrase and viral DNA and their interaction with host DNA. A tetramer of integrase stably bridges a pair of viral DNA ends, consistent with previous analysis by gel electrophoresis. The intasome, composed of a tetramer of integrase bridging a pair of viral DNA ends, is highly stable to high ionic strength that would strip more loosely associated integrase from internal regions of the viral DNA. We also observed tetramers of integrase associated with single viral DNA ends; time-course experiments suggest that these may be intermediates in intasome assembly. Strikingly, integrase tetramers are only observed in tight association with viral DNA ends. The self-association properties of intasomes suggest that the integrase tetramer within the intasome is different from the integrase tetramer formed at high concentration in solution in the absence of viral DNA. Finally, the integration product remains tightly bound by the integrase tetramer, but the 3' ends of the target DNA in the complex are not restrained and are free to rotate, resulting in relaxation of initially supercoiled target DNA.
An improved head-and-neck phantom for radiation dosimetry

To obtain accurate estimates of radiation doses within the head and neck, a phantom was constructed. The osseous structures were represented by a human skull and cervical vertebrae with Mix D simulating the soft tissues originally with the bone. The soft tissues of the head and neck were also represented by this mixture of wax, plastic, magnesium oxide, and titanium dioxide with the x-ray absorption and scattering properties nearly equal to water and soft tissue. Soft tissue thicknesses and facial contours were based on depths reported in the literature and supplemented by cadaver measurements. Air passages, air cells, sinuses, and the oral cavity were left open to accurately simulate the patient. The locations of 16 anatomic sites were based on cadaver dissection and measured relationships to osseous landmarks and the skin surface. To confirm the accuracy of the phantom, doses were measured with lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters and compared with the results of other investigations reported in the literature.
Dynamic Analysis of a Brushless D.C. Motor Using a Modified Harmonic Balance Method

Analysis of brushless d.c. motor (BDCM) torque pulsations is an essential step in the diagnosis and control of vibration and noise generated by many electro-mechanical devices. The broad band spectral content of the torque pulsations, as predicted by a mathematical model which accounts for various complex effects, can often be obtained only by numerical integration which is time consuming while permitting little understanding of the dynamic interactions. Prior analytical approaches, such as the Fourier series technique or the d-q axis theory, are limited by the simplifying assumptions needed to compute the torque spectrum. This paper develops a new semi-analytical formulation for the analysis of nonlinear, time-varying BDCM's which involve both spatial and temporal domains. A modified multi-term harmonic balance method, based on a transformation of the dual-domain problem to a spatial domain formulation, is developed here specifically to compute the magnitude of several harmonics of the pulsating torque. The interacting effects of key parameters, like dynamic eccentricity, magnetic saturation and open stator slots, on the time-varying inductances and rotor flux density distribution are included explicitly in the formulation. The predicted spectra compare very well with those obtained by direct time domain numerical integration. Yet, the proposed method is computationally efficient especially when the model dimension is reduced. It also provides better insight into the high frequency dynamics of the sample case.
Empirical Validation of Theoretical Velocity Fields into Flanged Circular Hoods

Previously presented theoretical models of the three-dimensional velocity field into a flanged circular hood, both with and without crossdraft, are examined by hot film anemometry. A final model with empirical modifications is selected and validated. Computer generated streamline maps, which enable visualization of the effects of crossdrafts on hood performance, are presented. The theoretical basis for capture efficiency using the model is discussed.
A transient increase in temperature induces persistent potentiation of synaptic transmission in rat hippocampal slices

Abstract Previous studies have shown that increasing the temperature of rat hippocampal brain slices from 32.5 to 38.5°C initiates a profound, adenosine-mediated decrease in excitatory synaptic transmission in the CA1 region. Here we found that upon lowering the temperature back to 32.5°C, the amplitude of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential often recovers to a level that is significantly potentiated with respect to the initial baseline. This potentiation is rapid in onset ( 60 min following the termination of the increase in temperature). Similar effects could not be induced by superfusion with adenosine alone, and adenosine receptor antagonists did not block the potentiation. Therefore, although an adenosine-mediated decrease in excitatory synaptic transmission occurs during the temperature increase, it is unrelated to the potentiation. Likewise, N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor activation is not required, as N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonists do not influence this form of potentiation. In summary, we propose that transiently increasing brain slice temperature represents a novel way to induce synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and may provide a paradigm to elucidate additional cellular mechanisms involved in functional plasticity.
A Breakfast Buffet Cart as an Alternative to Regular Meal Service to Cancer Patients

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To implement an alternative meal service for oncology patients that results in increased calorie and protein intake. A breakfast buffet cart was initiated on the oncology unit of a large, urban, public, teaching hospital as an alternative meal service. Meeting the nutritional needs of cancer patients is often difficult due to the many side effects of cancer and it's treatment such as anorexia, altered taste, and nausea. Common complaints of cancer patients, the odor of plastic from the trays and not enough variety, were reflected in customer satisfaction surveys. Knowing the nutritional problems related to cancer and it's treatment, and striving to improve patient satisfaction, a multidisciplinary team made up of representatives from both Nutrition Services and Nursing collaborated to implement an alternative meal service for these patients. The breakfast buffet cart was designed to meet several goals: to provide a nutritious breakfast and spark patients' appetites, to increase calorie and protein intake, to decrease plate waste, and to improve patient satisfaction. The menu reflected the needs of the cancer patients with high protein, high fiber, high calorie, and ethnic food choices. Neutropenia was addressed by including canned fruit on a daily basis. In addition, hospitality on the unit improved as the Nutrition Assistant moved from room to room to provide each patient with service. The patients viewed the cart and selected food items for themselves. The breakfast cart concept provided patients with a variety of fresh foods without strong odors, a pleasant appearance of food,-choices to make at the time of meal service, and increased selection. The quality of life of patients was positively affected secondary to an increase in socialization between family and patients, as guest meals were also provided. Following the initiation of the breakfast buffet cart on the oncology unit there was in improvement in the overall nutritional intake by the patients, a decrease in plate waste, and an increase in customer satisfaction.
An Assessment of Cumulative Axial and Torsional Fatigue in a Cobalt-Base Superalloy

Cumulative fatigue under axial and torsional loading conditions can include both load-order (high/low and low/high) as well as load-type sequence (axial/torsional and torsional/axial) effects. Previously reported experimental studies on a cobalt-base superalloy, Haynes 188 at 538°C, addressed these effects. These studies characterized the cumulative axial and torsional fatigue behavior under high amplitude followed by low amplitude (Kalluri, S. and Bonacuse, P. J., “Cumulative Axial and Torsional Fatigue: An Investigation of Load-Type Sequence Effects,” in Multiaxial Fatigue and Deformation: Testing and Prediction, ASTM STP 1387, S. Kalluri, and P. J. Bonacuse, Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 2000, pp. 281–301) and low amplitude followed by high amplitude (Bonacuse, P. and Kalluri, S. “Sequenced Axial and Torsional Cumulative Fatigue: Low Amplitude Followed by High Amplitude Loading,” Biaxial/Multiaxial Fatigue and Fracture, ESIS Publication 31, A. Carpinteri, M. De Freitas, and A. Spagnoli, Eds., Elsevier, New York, 2003, pp. 165–182) conditions. In both studies, experiments with the following four load-type sequences were performed: (a) axial/axial, (b) torsional/torsional, (c) axial/torsional, and (d) torsional/axial. In this paper, the cumulative axial and torsional fatigue data generated in the two previous studies are combined to generate a comprehensive cumulative fatigue database on both the load-order and load-type sequence effects. This comprehensive database is used to examine applicability of the Palmgren–Langer–Miner linear damage rule and a nonlinear damage curve approach for Haynes 188 subjected to the load-order and load-type sequencing described above. Summations of life fractions from the experiments are compared to the predictions from both the linear and nonlinear cumulative fatigue damage approaches. The significance of load-order versus load-type sequence effects for axial and torsional loading conditions is discussed. Possible reasons for the observed differences between the computed and observed summations of cycle fractions are rationalized in terms of the observed evolutions of cyclic axial and shear stress ranges in the cumulative fatigue tests.
Motor thalamic circuits in primates with emphasis on the area targeted in treatment of movement disorders.

The ventral region of the motor thalamus that receives cerebellar afferents has been and still is the target of stereotactic interventions for movement disorders. According to Hassler, this area includes ventro-oralis posterior (Vop) and ventral intermedius (Vim) nuclei, although some investigators believe that Vop is associated with the pallidothalamic pathway. We sought to correlate our experimental data on distribution of nigral, pallidal, and cerebellar afferents to the monkey thalamus with Hassler's motor thalamic parcelations. We concluded that Hassler's parcelations retained their value, although some adjustments were needed to relate them to the current neuroanatomic data; particularly, the cerebellothalamic zone that represents the monkey ventral lateral nucleus (VL) corresponds topographically to Hassler's Vop, Vim, and most of Voi. Electron microscopic tracing studies have shown very complex circuitry in this region of the monkey thalamus, as the cerebellar and cortical afferents innervating it are engaged in complex synapses with thalamocortical projection neurons, and this interaction is strongly modulated by local circuit neurons and the input from the reticular thalamic nucleus, which are both inhibitory and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic. Spinothalamic afferents also reach the VL, but this input is less studied in the monkey. The circuitry subserving the activity of thalamocortical projection neurons in the VL should be considered while interpreting the functional data obtained in stereotactic surgery.
Flux quantization on quasicrystalline networks

Abstract We have measured the superconducting transition temperature (Tc(H)) as a function of magnetic field for a network of thin aluminum wires arranged in patterns from periodic to random and including the intermediate configurations of quasi-crystalline and incommensurate. We find sharp cusp-like dips in the Tc(H) curve for periodic, incommensurate (quasi-periodic) and quasi-crystalline networks reflecting the lock-in of the flux lattice with the underlying network. We find no similar fine structure for random arrays. The experiments therefore strongly suggest that there is a sense of commensurability with incommensurate structures. Can commensurate states exist on incommensurate lattices? To investigate this problem theoretically we introduce a simple model related to both the flux quantization problem as well as the problem of charged particles on a substrate and study the ground states by Monte Carlo simulated annealing. The model is one dimensional but allows for a wide variety of different patterns to be investigated including periodic systems with incommensurate areas, quasi-periodic systems with commensurate areas and various degrees of randomness corresponding to the patterns which can be readily produced by electron beam lithography. The Monte Carlo studies, as well as the experimental observations suggest that there are two types of energetically favorable ground states μ those which reflect the periodicity of the substrate (the configuration of the wire network) and those which reflect the inflation symmetry of the substrate, its self-similarity with change of length scale. This allows us to generalize the concept of commensurability to include incommensurate structures. In particular the commensurate states are those which have a Fourier spectrum consisting of Bragg spots which completely contain the Fourier spectrum of the substrate. However, for the quasi-crystalline substrates, we find that the states reflecting the inflation symmetry are more stable or robust than the periodic states.
Management of Fingertip Amputations

Injuries to the fingertips are among the most common injuries to the hand and result in approximately 4.8 million emergency department visits per year. Most injuries are lacerations or crushes; amputations represent a small but complex spectrum of injury. Treatments available cover a broad range of techniques with no single recommended reference standard for treatment. Although there is no consensus on how these injuries should be treated, the goals of treatment should include minimization of pain, optimization of healing time, preservation of sensibility and length, prevention of painful neuromas, avoidance or limiting of nail deformity, minimization of time lost from work, and provision of an acceptable cosmetic appearance. In this review we present a variety of options in caring for these injuries to help achieve these goals, and the available data that support the various treatment plans.
Nanoscale Characterization of Mock Explosive Materials Using Advanced Atomic Force Microscopy Methods

Most explosives are micro- and nanoscale composite material systems consisting of energetic crystals, amorphous particles, binders, and additives whose response to mechanical, thermal, or electromagnetic insults is often controlled by submicrometer-scale heterogeneities and interfaces. Several advanced dynamic atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques, including phase imaging, force volume mode, and Kelvin probe force microscopy with resonance enhancement for dielectric property mapping, have been used to map the local physical properties of mock explosive materials systems, allowing the identification of submicrometer heterogeneities in electrical and mechanical properties that could lead to the formation of hotspots under electromagnetic or mechanical stimuli. The physical interpretation of the property maps and the methods of image formation are presented. Possible interpretations of the results and future applications to energetic material systems are also discussed.
Conducting a Multi Family Member Interview Study

Family researchers have long recognized the utility of incorporating interview data from multiple family members. Yet, relatively few contemporary scholars utilize such an approach due to methodological underdevelopment. This article contributes to family scholarship by providing a roadmap for developing and executing in-depth interview studies that include more than one family member. Specifically, it outlines the epistemological frames that most commonly underlie this approach, illustrates thematic research questions that it best addresses, and critically reviews the best methodological practices of conducting research with this approach. The three most common approaches are addressed in depth: separate interviews with each family member, dyadic or group interviews with multiple family members, and a combined approach that uses separate and dyadic or group interviews. This article speaks to family scholars who are at the beginning stages of their research project but are unsure of the best qualitative approach to answer a given research question.
Savers' Surplus and the Interest Rate

I. The Problem: Is interest determined by use (demand) or by a cost of saving? — Savers' surplus, 3. — Its discussion by economists, 4. — II. The sources of savings, 10. — Analysis of income distribution in United States, 11. — Dominant savings by the rich, 14. — III. The psychology of saving, 17. — The poor, 18. — The middle classes, 19. — The wealthy, 21. — Automatic costless savings, 23. — The marginal analysis inapplicable, 24. — IV. Corporate surpluses and bank-credit loan funds, their great amounts, 27. — How far costless, 28. — Bank credit loan funds, 29. — Conclusion, 31.
THE PROPERTIES OF BUBBLES IN FLUIDIZED BEDS OF CONDUCTING PARTICLES AS MEASURED BY AN ELECTRORESISTIVITY PROBE

Abstract An electroresistivity probe was used to determine point properties of an air-fluidized bed of conducting coke particles. The probe contained two electrodes, one vertically above the other and separated by a known distance. Interruptions of current between the electrodes of the probe and a large wall electrode were analyzed with the aid of a hybrid computer to yield information on bubble properties (frequency, volume fraction, size and size distribution and rising velocity) as a function of fluidization level, particle size and position within the bed. The results are generally in agreement with available theory and literature data.
On the kinetics of pack aluminization

A theory of pack aluminization has been formulated by combining gaseous and solid-state diffusion rates. This theory relates the surface composition of the coating and therefore, in principle, the phase morphology and the growth rate of the coating, to pack operating parameters such as pack aluminum density, type of activator, temperature and others. Experimental data on the aluminization of unalloyed nickel in pure aluminum packs obtained to date are in good agreement with the predictions of the theory.
Medical education research at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

AbstractA number of events, conditions, and interventions have contributed to the productivity of medical education research at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine (UKCOM): a history of medical education innovation; curricular reform in the 1990s; merging the offices of admissions, academ
SEX DIFFERENCES IN INTERNALITY-EXTERNALITY

Rotter's I-E Scale was administered to 48 male and 48 female undergraduates. A factor analysis yielded three dimensions of internality-externality: success in life, future events, and politics. A multivariate analysis of variance using these three factors as dependent measures yielded no sex differences when all three factors were considered simultaneously. However, women were significantly more external on the success in life dimension. No sex differences were found on the other factors. It was suggested that the slight but consistent sex differences identified in previous research may be explained in light of the multidimensional nature of the I-E Scale.
Functional form of RNA synthesis termination factor rho

Abstract The ability of rho factor to effect in vitro termination of RNA synthesis requires the association of rho monomers into an oligomer consisting of at least four subunits. It was found that (1) rho factor activity has a sigmoidal dependence upon concentration, and (2) rho factor's sedimentation coefficient decreases with decreasing concentration, proceeding through 8.5 S (tetramer), 6.2 S (dimer) and finally 4.3 S (monomer) forms as the concentration approaches the apparent equilibrium binding constant. Rho factor may function at specific sites in the DNA template through the co-operative binding of subunits into an oligomer which surrounds the DNA helix.
The Role of Subordinate Authoritarianism in Cross-Level Extra-Role Relationships

Abstract This study is an investigation of the moderating role of subordinate authoritarianism in the relationship between cross-level (i.e., supervisor and subordinate) extra-role (i.e., outside of work) activities and job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behaviors. Low authoritarian subordinates reported greater job satisfaction than high authoritarian subordinates when they participated in off-the-job activities with supervisors. The implications of this research are discussed.
Cloning, purification and crystallization of Thermus thermophilus proline dehydrogenase.

Nature recycles l-proline by converting it to l-glutamate. This four-electron oxidation process is catalyzed by the two enzymes: proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase. This note reports the cloning, purification and crystallization of Thermus thermophilus PRODH, which is the prototype of a newly discovered superfamily of bacterial monofunctional PRODHs. The results presented here include production of a monodisperse protein solution through use of the detergent n-octyl β-d-glucopyranoside and the growth of native crystals that diffracted to 2.3 A resolution at Advanced Light Source beamline 4.2.2. The space group is P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 82.2, b = 89.6, c = 94.3 A. The asymmetric unit is predicted to contain two protein molecules and 46% solvent. Molecular-replacement trials using a fragment of the PRODH domain of the multifunctional Escherichia coli PutA protein as the search model (24% amino-acid sequence identity) did not produce a satisfactory solution. Therefore, the structure of T. thermophilus PRODH will be determined by multiwavelength anomalous dispersion phasing using a selenomethionyl derivative.
Stimulation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viremia during hematopoietic stem cell mobilization with filgrastim.

The effects of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization on Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) were evaluated in three KSHV and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 co-infected subjects. KSHV DNA was not detected in purified CD34+ cell preparations from the period of filgrastim treatment. However, two of 3 subjects had transiently increased cell-free plasma KSHV DNA during filgrastim treatment. Peak plasma KSHV DNA (2,600 and 4,300 copies/mL) occurred on day 4 and declined to below the limit of detection by day 7. These findings suggest that, although CD34+ cell preparations do not have evidence of KSHV infection, HSC mobilization may stimulate KSHV replication in other cellular compartments that contribute to KSHV viremia. Am. J. Hematol. 77:410–412, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ion motion in plasma line broadening

A recently developed method to study ion-motion effects on plasma line broadening in the dipole approximation is extended to the general interaction. Coupling-constant and binary-collision expansions are obtained for the "width and shift" operator. This operator is investigated for a model system to show the limits of the static-ion approximation.
New Equation of State for Polymer Solutions Based on the Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (SAFT)−Dimer Equation for Hard-Chain Molecules

The dimer-chain term proposed by Ghonasgi and Chapman [J. Chem. Phys. 1994, 100, 6633−6639], which accounts for the chain connectivity, is used in conjunction with the perturbed-chain dispersion term proposed by Gross and Sadowski [Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2001, 40, 1244−1260] to form a new equation of state (EOS) for polyatomic fluids. The new EOS is applied to the homologous series of n-alkanes, mixtures of long- and short-chain alkanes, and polymers. The predictive and extrapolative capabilities of the model are demonstrated through comparisons with experimental data for pure components and mixtures. The new EOS provides an accurate description of liquid densities over the entire range of temperature, including the critical region. The predictions for mixtures of long- and short-chain alkanes are in excellent agreement with experimental data without using a binary interaction parameter. The description of the phase behavior of polymer solutions is improved, in comparison to perturbed-chain−statistical asso...
Protecting Patients from Discrimination — The Americans with Disabilities Act and HIV Infection

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to expand the reach of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and make discrimination on the basis of disability unlawful.1 The wheelchair symbo...
Characterization and quantitation of a novel β-lactamase gene found in a wastewater treatment facility and the surrounding coastal ecosystem.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are engineered structures that collect, concentrate, and treat human waste, ultimately releasing treated wastewater into local environments. While WWTPs efficiently remove most biosolids, it has been shown that many antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria can survive the treatment process. To determine how WWTPs influence the concentration and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant genes into the environment, a functional metagenomic approach was used to identify a novel antibiotic resistance gene within a WWTP, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to determine gene copy numbers within the facility and the local coastal ecosystem. From the WWTP metagenomic library, the fosmid insert contained in one highly resistant clone (MIC, ∼416 μg ml−1 ampicillin) was sequenced and annotated, revealing 33 putative genes, including a 927-bp gene that is 42% identical to a functionally characterized β-lactamase from Staphylococcus aureus PC1. Isolation and subcloning of this gene, referred to as blaM-1, conferred ampicillin resistance to its Escherichia coli host. When normalized to volume, qPCR showed increased concentrations of blaM-1 during initial treatment stages but 2-fold-decreased concentrations during the final treatment stage. The concentration ng−1 DNA increased throughout the WWTP process from influent to effluent, suggesting that blaM-1 makes up a significant proportion of the overall genetic material being released into the coastal ecosystem. Average discharge was estimated to be 3.9 × 1014 copies of the blaM-1 gene released daily into this coastal ecosystem. Furthermore, the gene was observed in all sampled coastal water and sediment samples surrounding the facility. Our results suggest that WWTPs may be a pathway for the dissemination of novel antibiotic resistance genes into the environment.
Obestatin, a Peptide Encoded by the Ghrelin Gene, Opposes Ghrelin's Effects on Food Intake

Ghrelin, a circulating appetite-inducing hormone, is derived from a prohormone by posttranslational processing. On the basis of the bioinformatic prediction that another peptide also derived from proghrelin exists, we isolated a hormone from rat stomach and named it obestatin—a contraction of obese, from the Latin “obedere,” meaning to devour, and “statin,” denoting suppression. Contrary to the appetite-stimulating effects of ghrelin, treatment of rats with obestatin suppressed food intake, inhibited jejunal contraction, and decreased body-weight gain. Obestatin bound to the orphan G protein–coupled receptor GPR39. Thus, two peptide hormones with opposing action in weight regulation are derived from the same ghrelin gene. After differential modification, these hormones activate distinct receptors.
Quaternary naltrexone reveals the central mediation of conditional opioid analgesia

Abstract Earlier research has demonstrated that when rats are placed in a context associated with mild electric shock (1 mA/0.75 sec), environmental cues alone can produce conditional analgesia that suppresses pain sensitivity on the formalin test. This analgesia appears to be mediated by endogenous opioids since it is reversed by the centrally active opioid antagonists naloxone and naltrexone. Two experiments attempted to determine if peripheral or central opioids mediate this analgesia by employing quaternary naltrexone (QNTX), an antagonist which does not readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier at moderate doses. Intracerebroventricularly administered QNTX (10 μg) significantly reversed conditional analgesia, whereas intraperitoneally injected QNTX did not affect formalin-induced behavior. These results suggest that the conditional analgesia produced by our procedures is mediated by central, not peripheral, opioid mechanism(s).
METABOLIC CHANGES BY EXTRACTS OF ANTERIOR HYPOPHYSIS IN PRIMARY-PITUITARY AND IN NONPITUITARY DWARFS

ROWTH has been reported in cases of primary pituitary dwarfism (1, 2, 3) following the parenteral administration of extracts containing the alleged growth hormone of the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. Very little is known, however, regarding the metabolic changes produced by this extract. Increases in serum phosphorus, blood uric acid, and basal oxygen consumption, without alteration of the serum calcium, were reported by Schaefer (3). Bulger and Barr (4) on the other hand, reported no striking results in one case, although, according to the published data, there was a greater excretion of calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen, sulphur, magnesium and creatinine. The creatinuria and basal oxygen consumption were unaltered. Extracts of the pituitary which contain the alleged growth hormone have been advocated only for the treatment of primary pituitary dwarfism, and the ef’ feet, in the reported cases, has varied considerably. Some patients have grown rapidly, whereas, in other cases, although the epiphyses have ...
Resiliency of reef fish communities in the Florida Keys following a January 1977 hypothermal fish kill

In January 1977, a record breaking cold spell caused fish kills at Big Pine Key, Florida. Census data collected before and after the cold spell from a series of model reefs constructed in 1975 showed a significant drop in mean number of reef fish species and individuals. Following this disturbance, high recruitment of juveniles occurred, presumably due to reduced competition, predation, or a combination of these. Model and natural patch reef communities examined the summer following the cold spell (1977) were significantly different from those examined the summer before (1976) and the second summer following the cold spell (1978). During the summer of 1977, a significantly smaller mean fish size and a significantly greater mean number of species and individuals were observed. Increased species richness following the cold spell is consistent with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Contrary to some theoretical predictions, results suggest reef fish communities are highly resilient to some regional disturbance.
A self-administered hand diagram for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

A self-administered hand diagram has been developed to assist in the evaluation of upper extremity paresthesias. A rating system was devised to classify diagrams into four categories: classic, probable, possible, or unlikely carpal tunnel syndrome. Diagram ratings of 63 patients (85 hands) evaluated in a hand clinic were compared with diagnoses established independent of diagram results by objective clinical criteria. The sensitivity of diagrams rated classic or probable was 80% and specificity was 90%. We conclude that the hand diagram is valuable in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome among patients with upper extremity paresthesias.
SAVINGS INCENTIVES FOR LOW- AND MODERATE- INCOME FAMILIES IN THE UNITED STATES: WHY IS THE SAVER'S CREDIT NOT MORE EFFECTIVE?

This paper uses data from the largest tax preparer in the United States to estimate the impact of the “saver’s credit,” a US federal program providing financial incentives to encourage retirement savings, on the decision to contribute to an IRA. It finds significant, but very modest, effects. This is contrasted with results from a field experiment showing much larger impacts of clearly presented matching incentives. Various explanations are discussed for why the saver’s credit is not more effective. (JEL: H00, H31, C93, D14)
An experimental and theoretical study of the enantioselective deprotonation of cyclohexene oxide with isopinocampheyl-based chiral lithium amides

The mechanism of the enantioselective deprotonation of cyclohexene oxide with isopinocampheyl-based chiral lithium amide was studied by quantum chemical calculations. The transition states of eight molecules were fully optimized at the ab initio HF/3-21G and density functional B3LYP/3-21G levels with Gaussian 98. The activation energies were calculated at the B3LYP/6-31+G(3df,2p)//B3LYP/3-21G level. We found the theoretical evaluation to be consistent with the experimental data. At the best case, an enantiomeric excess of up to 95% for (R)-2-scyclohexen-1-ol was achieved with (−)-N, N-diisopinocampheyl lithium amide.
A proposed study of photon statistics in fluorescence through high resolution measurements of the transverse deflection of an atomic beam

Abstract Information about the photon statistics in fluorescence can be obtained from the study of the variance in the angular deflection of a beam of atoms interacting with a transverse laser beam. The quantity of interest, Q = ( Δn 2 − n )/ n is a measure of the departure of the photon statistics from a Poisson distribution, where n is the mean and Δn 2 is the variance of the number of photons emitted by a “two-level” atom. We demonstrate in this paper that our existing apparatus has sufficient resolution to make a statistically significant measurement of Q.
INTERNAL FRICTION IN SOLIDS II. GENERAL THEORY OF THERMOELASTIC INTERNAL FRICTION

Stress inhomogeneities in a vibrating body give rise to fluctuations in temperature, and hence to local heat currents. These heat currents increase the entropy of the vibrating solid, and hence are a source of internal friction. The general theory of this internal friction is here developed. The simplest example of stress inhomogeneity is that occurring in the transverse vibrations of reeds and wires. Explicit formulae are obtained for reeds and wires, and the effect is calculated of crystal orientation in single crystal specimens. Microscopic stress inhomogeneities arise from imperfections, such as cavities, and from the elastic anisotropy of the individual crystallites. The internal friction due to spherical cavities is calculated. The internal friction due to elastic anisotropy is investigated for cubic metals, and is found to be greatest for lead, least for aluminum and tungsten.
A comparison of the mouse and human lipoproteome: suitability of the mouse model for studies of human lipoproteins.

Plasma levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) exhibit opposing associations with cardiovascular disease in human populations and mouse models have been heavily used to derive a mechanistic understanding of these relationships. In humans, recent mass spectrometry studies have revealed that the plasma lipoproteome is significantly more complex than originally appreciated. This is particularly true for HDL which contains some 90 distinct proteins, a majority of which play functional roles that go beyond those expected for simple lipid transport. Unfortunately, the mouse lipoproteome remains largely uncharacterized—a significant gap given the heavy reliance on the model. Using a gel filtration chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis that targets phospholipid-bound plasma proteins, we compared the mouse lipoproteome and its size distribution to a previous, identical human analysis. We identified 113 lipid associated proteins in the mouse. In general, the protein dive...
Association of a Behaviorally Based High School Health Education Curriculum with Increased Exercise.

Increasing exercise in children and adolescents through academic classes is an understudied area. Potential benefits include associated improvements in health, psychosocial, and quality-of-life factors. A sample of 98 students (M(age) = 14.3) from high school health education classes received six, 40-min lessons incorporating cognitive-behavioral methods to increase exercise over 6 weeks. Significant within-group improvements in exercise, mood, and body satisfaction were found, with slightly larger effect sizes identified for the boys. Increase in exercise was significantly associated with reduced mood distress (β = -.17, p < .001). For the girls only, change in body satisfaction significantly mediated that relationship, and a reciprocal relationship between changes in mood and body satisfaction was also identified. Incorporation of lessons emphasizing goal setting and self-regulation within high school health education classes may foster increased exercise and associated improvements in mood and body satisfaction. For girls, the positive effects may reinforce one another.
Countering web spam with credibility-based link analysis

We introduce the concept of link credibility, identify the conflation of page quality and link credibility in popular Web link analysis algorithms, and discuss how to decouple link credibility from page quality. Our credibility-based link analysis exhibits three distinct features. First, we develop several techniques for semi-automatically assessing link credibility for all Web pages. Second, our link credibility assignment algorithms allow users to assess credibility in a personalized manner. Third, we develop a novel credibility-based Web ranking algorithm - CredibleRank - which incorporates credibility information directly into the quality assessment of each page on the Web. Our experimental study shows that our approach is significantly and consistently more spam-resilient than both PageRank and TrustRank.
Criterion for the superfluid/superconducting phase transition in two dimensions

It has been found that He/sup 4/ films undergo a superfluid transition when the degeneracy parameter /lambda/*/a /approx equal/ 1. This criterion also holds for the high temperature superconductors and, numerically, for Bose-Coulomb systems in two dimensions. 5 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Entropy-based analysis of ChIP-Sequencing data

ChIP-Sequencing (ChIP-Seq) is an advanced emerging technology to detect protein-DNA associations and to identify transcription factor binding sites. This technology, which is an alternative to the ChIP-on-chip technique, provides several advantages including data with higher resolution and quality. In this paper we present a framework for the analysis of ChIP-Seq data in order to identify targets of a transcription factor and its binding sites. The introduced method employs the relative entropy measure to identify candidate binding regions with high affinity in the genome and then applies a peak-finding algorithm to locate the local peak(s) within each region. We have applied this method to analyze chromosomal binding patterns of Lrp, a global transcriptional regulator of amino acid metabolism in Escherichia coli.
A Computational Model for Predicting Nanoparticle Accumulation in Tumor Vasculature

Vascular targeting of malignant tissues with systemically injected nanoparticles (NPs) holds promise in molecular imaging and anti-angiogenic therapies. Here, a computational model is presented to predict the development of tumor neovasculature over time and the specific, vascular accumulation of blood-borne NPs. A multidimensional tumor-growth model is integrated with a mesoscale formulation for the NP adhesion to blood vessel walls. The fraction of injected NPs depositing within the diseased vasculature and their spatial distribution is computed as a function of tumor stage, from 0 to day 24 post-tumor inception. As the malignant mass grows in size, average blood flow and shear rates increase within the tumor neovasculature, reaching values comparable with those measured in healthy, pre-existing vessels already at 10 days. The NP vascular affinity, interpreted as the likelihood for a blood-borne NP to firmly adhere to the vessel walls, is a fundamental parameter in this analysis and depends on NP size and ligand density, and vascular receptor expression. For high vascular affinities, NPs tend to accumulate mostly at the inlet tumor vessels leaving the inner and outer vasculature depleted of NPs. For low vascular affinities, NPs distribute quite uniformly intra-tumorally but exhibit low accumulation doses. It is shown that an optimal vascular affinity can be identified providing the proper balance between accumulation dose and uniform spatial distribution of the NPs. This balance depends on the stage of tumor development (vascularity and endothelial receptor expression) and the NP properties (size, ligand density and ligand-receptor molecular affinity). Also, it is demonstrated that for insufficiently developed vascular networks, NPs are transported preferentially through the healthy, pre-existing vessels, thus bypassing the tumor mass. The computational tool described here can effectively select an optimal NP formulation presenting high accumulation doses and uniform spatial intra-tumor distributions as a function of the development stage of the malignancy.
Topographic fidelity of Ti-O film deposited onto Ti-6Al-4V alloy substrate to its surface by reactive DC sputtering

Abstract Coating of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with TiO film by reactive DC sputtering in ArO 2 gas mixtures, in order to improve the biocompatibility of the alloy, was examined. The effects of oxygen content in the gas mixtures on the formation of TiO film were investigated. Under visual observation, the films deposited under various oxygen contents appeared to be uniform and adhesive. Under SEM, the surface of the TiO films had fine particles dispersed on a smooth accumulated deposit. Based on observation of the accumulated deposit, we expected that the addition of oxygen to sputter gas might improve the adhesion between the deposited films and the alloy substrates in this study. By analyzing the surface roughness of obtained films, we found that the addition of oxygen to sputter gas improved topographic fidelity of the film to the surface of the alloy substrate onto which it was deposited and that the topographic fidelity depended on the oxygen content of the gas mixture. According to AES, the Ti O ratio in depth direction was nearly constant in each of the films and oxygen concentration increased with increasing oxygen content of the sputter gas. The Vickers hardness of the films increased almost linearly with increasing oxygen content, and the maximum hardness reached over Hv1600 for the film deposited under the oxygen flow rate of 3.0 mL/min. This confirmed that coating of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with Ti-O film improved the hardness of the alloy. Further, the formation of titanium oxides or suboxides in the TiO film was assumed because of its high hardness and high oxygen concentration.
Reply to “Comments on ‘Joule−Thomson Inversion Curves and Third Virial Coefficients for Pure Fluids from Molecular-Based Models’ and ‘Predicted Inversion Curve and Third Virial Coefficients of Carbon Dioxide at High Temperatures’”

Sir: From a thermodynamic analysis based on the Gibbs energy function, Espinoza et al. 1 develop their eq 18 for the limiting slope and curvature of the Joule-Thomson inversion curve (JTIC) at high temperatures. These results are not new to us; we derived equivalent formulas early in our work, in reply to a suggestion by one reviewer of our 2002 paper 2 that the virial expansion could be used to settle the question of physically acceptable curvatures of JTICs. We wrote at that time the following: 6 Analytical expressions for the slope and curVature of the Joule-Thomson inVersion curVe in the P-T andV-T projections are readily deriVed from the appropriateVirial expansions, but their interpretation requires a deeper knowledge of the temperature dependence ofVirial coefficients than is currently aVailable. To fix ideas, consider the P-T inVersion curVe; this is more easily treated in terms of theVolume-explicitVirial expansion, The conVenient inVersion criterion with T and P as independentVariables
Shapely DNA attracts the right partner

All levels of cell activity are coordinated directly or indirectly by transcription factors (TFs). In turn, the functioning of TFs relies on their ability to recognize and bind specific DNA sequences to regulate the expression of specific genes. How exactly this specificity is achieved is still not fully understood. Although often supposed to execute a binary decision to bind or not bind at a target sequence, in much the same way that a restriction enzyme cuts or not at its restriction site, most TFs, rather than binding to a unique sequence, in reality bind with various affinities to a range of related sequences. This molecular recognition is achieved through complementary interactions between protein and DNA surfaces and their functional groups. These interactions must provide enough information both to define the binding site sequence and to discriminate authentic binding sites from a cloud of related sites that might be made accessible by thermal fluctuations (1). To capture these interactions, genome-wide prediction of TF-binding sites and their affinities (or, ideally, binding free energies) rely chiefly on quantitative models based on experimentally/empirically determined or computationally predicted binding sites. Many of these models are mechanistically agnostic, simply exploiting the statistical enrichment of sequences recovered from in vivo or in vitro binding experiments irrespective of the detailed chemistry and physics of site recognition. These quantitative models of TF binding can also be used for predicting disease-causing mutations. The simplest model of TF binding assumes that the preference for any nucleotide within a DNA binding site is independent of the nucleotides in the remaining positions. Such independent position models are typically represented by position weight matrices (PWMs), which report, for each nucleotide at every position, this nucleotide’s contribution to the total TF binding affinity score (2). Although such models have been very successful, they are known to be nonperfect. In PNAS, Zhou et al. (3) show that information about DNA shape can improve TF-binding models significantly.