cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delineation of the high‐affinity single‐stranded telomeric DNA‐binding domain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdc13

Cdc13 is an essential protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae that caps telomeres by protecting the C-rich telomeric DNA strand from degradation and facilitates telomeric DNA replication by telomerase. In vitro, Cdc13 binds TG-rich single-stranded telomeric DNA with high affinity and specificity. A previously identified domain of Cdc13 encompassing amino acids 451-694 (the 451-694 DBD) retains the single-stranded DNA-binding properties of the full-length protein; however, this domain contains a large unfolded region identified in heteronuclear NMR experiments. Trypsin digestion and MALDI mass spectrometry were used to identify the minimal DNA-binding domain (the 497-694 DBD) necessary and sufficient for full DNA-binding activity. This domain was completely folded, and the N-terminal unfolded region removed was shown to be dispensable for function. Using affinity photocrosslinking to site-specifically modified telomeric single-stranded DNA, the 497-694 DBD was shown to contact the entire 11mer required for high-affinity binding. Intriguingly, both domains bound single-stranded telomeric DNA with much greater affinity than the full-length protein. The full-length protein exhibited the same rate of dissociation as both domains, however, indicating that the full-length protein contains a region that inhibits association with single-stranded telomeric DNA.
Environmental Worldview and Behavior Consequences of Dimensionality in a Survey of North Carolinians

This research investigates the potential dimensionality of environmental worldviews using a scale derived from the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP). It delineates the substantive consequences of dimensionality for our understanding of environmental behavior and both demographic and religious correlates of environmentalism. We found that our NEP-based Scale of Worldview contained two distinct dimensions that were differentially predicted by demographic and religious variables. Of particular importance was the relationship of religious fundamentalism to the two subscales thereby highlighting the inherent religious implications of NEP item wording. In general, we found that Worldviews do not contribute substantially to the prediction of Environmental Behavior. Additionally, Worldviews do not allow us to account for demographic differences in the performance of Environmental Behavior. We concluded that environmental worldviews have limited policy implications given the lack of correspondence to behavior but t...
On the relations between the physical and moral aspects of man

(1986). On the relations between the physical and moral aspects of man. History of European Ideas: Vol. 7, No. 6, pp. 676-678.
Index of Affective Suffering: Linking a Classification of Depressed Mood to Impairment in Quality of Life

The authors report on development and validation of their Index of Affective Suffering (IAS), an explicit measure of subjective symptom severity, constructed as a typological system, rather than a multifactorial scoring system, with combinations of "intensity" (degrees of distress per given time) and "extensity" (duration and frequency of episodes, and number and variety of life events and activities that are pervaded by distress) item rankings. Seven levels of severity appeared to have both face value and empirical justification. Further conceptual and methodological advances would enhance the development and evaluation of treatments for geriatric mental disorders and chronic diseases in general.
The laves phase field in the Hf-V-Nb system

Much attention has been paid to the study of plastic deformation in these alloys and the Hf-V-Nb system in particular. It was found that mechanical twinning is the main deformation mode in C15 Hf-V-Nb alloys during compression tests at room temperature. This suggests that mechanical twinning is potentially very important in the deformation of topologically close-packed intermetallic compounds in general. This paper describes the authors' work on phase equilibria as part of a broader study of deformation modes in topologically close-packed intermetallics. Since the mechanical properties of many intermetallic compounds change dramatically with relatively small changes in composition, phase diagrams are critical to research on mechanical properties. As a first step in the study of twinning modes, the authors have determined the regions of stability of the C14 and C15 Laves phases in this alloy. Arc-melted buttons were studied using optical microscopy, x-ray powder diffraction and EDAX techniques. The following were obtained: the phase fields of the C14 and C15 Laves phases, the phase field of a ternary b.c.c. phase, and the phase relations in an isothermal section at 1000{degrees} C.
Modulation interference in detection and discrimination of amplitude modulation

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of the rate of sinusoidal amplitude modulation (SAM) of a masker tone on detection of SAM of a probe tone (experiment 1) or on SAM‐rate discrimination for the probe tone (experiment 2). When modulated at the same rate as the probe, the masker interfered with both the detection of probe modulation and the discrimination of the rate of probe modulation. The interference was obtained when the masker was either higher or lower in frequency than the probe (the probe and masker were separated by 2 oct). The amount of interference in detecting probe modulation (experiment 1) decreased as the common base rate of modulation was increased from 5 to 200 Hz. For rate discrimination (experiment 2), the amount of interference remained approximately the same for base rates of 2–40 Hz, the range over which rate discrimination was measured. In both experiments, the amount of interference was reduced when the masker was modulated at a different rate than the probe.
Observations on the ultrastructure of a mammary ductule.

Light microscopy of mammary ductular epithelium had demonstrated three cellular components; a superficial layer of eosinophilic cells abutting on the lumen, a basal stratum of clear cells beneath the eosinophilic cell layer, and flattened basally located myoepithelial cells. Electron microscopy of a mammary ductule has demonstrated five cellular categories. The superficial layer consists of electron dense cells (luminal dark cells) and a small number of clear cells (luminal clear cells). The basal layer comprises clear cells with small, dense, mitochondria (basal clear cells), and myoepithelial cells. Dark cells with membrane-bound cytoplasmic vacuoles comprise the fifth category. The luminal dark cells and basal clear cells are thought to correspond, respectively, to the light-microscopic eosinophilic superficial cells and basal clear cells previously described. Light microscopy has now revealed clear cells within the superficial layer of the ductular lining; these cells may correspond to the luminal clear cells of electron microscopy. The luminal clear and dark cells may be analogous to the light and dark cells of sweat glands and may contribute specific components toward the mammary secretion. The nature and function of the basal clear cells are not understood.
A simulation model to explore the response of the Gulf of Maine food web to large-scale environmental and ecological changes.

Abstract A dynamic simulation model was constructed using outputs from a balanced Gulf of Maine (GOM) energy budget model as the initial parameter set. The model was structured to provide a recipient control set of dynamics, largely based off of flows to and from different biological groups. The model was used to produce Monte Carlo simulations that were compared (percent change in biomass) with basecase simulations for a variety of scenarios. Changes in primary production, large increases in pelagic and demersal fish biomass, increases in fishing mortality, and large increases in top predators such as baleen whales and pinnepids were simulated. These scenarios roughly simulated the potential impacts of climate change, altered fishing pressure, additional protected species mitigations, and combinations thereof. Results suggest that the GOM system is primarily influenced by bottom-up processes involving phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacterial biomass. Pelagic and demersal fish were important in determining trends in some of the scenarios. Marine mammals, large pelagic fish, and seabirds have a minor role in the GOM system in terms of biomass flows among the ecosystem components. The system is resilient to large-scale change due, in part to many predator–prey linkages. However, major alterations could occur from sustained climate change, high fishing rates, and by combinations of these types of external forcing mechanisms.
Effect of Municipal Wastewater as a Wetland Water Source on Soil Microbial Activity

Microbial activity levels of two soil materials, excavated from a wetland and irrigated with municipal wastewater effluent or Missouri River water, were compared. The wastewater had twice the electrical conductivity and four times the sodium concentration as river water. We performed activity assays on the soils before leaching, immediately after leaching, and after harvesting plants. Gas chromatography was used to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) evolved in soil samples incubated for 7 d. Activity was significantly reduced in preleached wastewater–irrigated soils compared with river water–irrigated soils. Immediately after leaching, activity significantly increased and was similar to river water–irrigated soils. Activity decreased slightly after plant harvest in postleached treatments. Increased activity after leaching may be related to decreased salinity and sodicity, which probably lowered osmotic pressure in the soil. Our study demonstrated that soil salinity and sodicity induced by wastewater irrigation ...
Predictors of obstructive sleep apnea severity in adenotonsillectomy candidates.

STUDY OBJECTIVES There is uncertainty over which characteristics increase obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity in children. In candidates for adenotonsillectomy (AT), we evaluated the relationship of OSAS severity and age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), prematurity, socioeconomic variables, and comorbidities. DESIGN Cross-sectional screening and baseline data were analyzed from the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial, a randomized, controlled, multicenter study evaluating AT versus medical management. Regression analysis assessed the relationship between the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and risk factors obtained by direct measurement or questionnaire. SETTING Clinical referral setting. PARTICIPANTS Children, ages 5 to 9.9 y with OSAS. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Of the 1,244 children undergoing screening polysomnography, 464 (37%) were eligible (2 ≤ AHI < 30 or 1 ≤ obstructive apnea index [OAI] < 20 and without severe oxygen desaturation) and randomized; 129 (10%) were eligible but were not randomized; 608 (49%) had AHI/OAI levels below entry criteria; and 43 (3%) had levels of OSAS that exceeded entry criteria. Among the randomized children, univariate analyses showed significant associations of AHI with race, BMI z score, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), family income, and referral source, but not with other variables. After adjusting for potential confounders, African American race (P = 0.003) and ETS (P = 0.026) were each associated with an approximately 20% increase in AHI. After adjusting for these factors, obesity and other factors were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Apnea hypopnea index level was significantly associated with race and environmental tobacco smoke, highlighting the potential effect of environmental factors, and possibly genetic factors, on pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity. Efforts to reduce environmental tobacco smoke exposure may help reduce obstructive sleep apnea syndrome severity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT00560859).
Doppler global velocimetry: problems and pitfalls

Abstract A 1D Doppler global velocimeter (DGV) system was designed and constructed. During the evaluation of this system, inaccuracies were observed which could be attributed to the performance of many individual components. Items requiring evaluation included the performance of video cameras, the transfer lens, the beam splitter, the ALF cell construction, the absorption line filter (ALF) cell charging, and video recording computer boards. Descriptions of the problems and corrections are detailed.
Structure of the human gene encoding the invariant γ-chain of class II histocompatibility antigens

The primary structures of a cDNA and the genomic DNA of a gene selectively expressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia were determined. A computer search of the nucleotide sequence data bank identified this gene as the invariant gamma-chain associated with class II histocompatibility antigens. The invariant gamma-chain genomic sequence spans about 11 kilobases, with eight exons and seven introns. Three of the introns contain members of the Alu repeat family. A putative cap site and promoter sequence were identified at the 5' end of the gene. One or two copies of the gene is present in each haploid genome, and no evidence for amplification or polymorphism was obtained.
Orogenesis at the southern tip of the Americas: the structural evolution of the Cordillera Darwin metamorphic complex, southernmost Chile

Abstract New, detailed lithologic and structural data are presented from three separately mapped areas along the southern boundary of the Cordillera Darwin metamorphic complex of southernmost Chile. Cordillera Darwin is a unique uplift because it exposes the highest grade rocks in the Andes south of Peru and averages 1 km higher in elevation than adjacent areas. The structural data indicate that Cordillera Darwin experienced mid-Late Cretaceous trans-pressional deformation with a partitioned strike-slip component localized along the Beagle Channel that forms the southern boundary to the range. Foliation, lineation and fold axis trends indicate NE-SW-directed contraction and NW-SE strike-slip shearing (present directions) during progressive D1 D2 Andean deformation. D2 deformation is marked by outcrop-to 10 km-scale south-southwest-vergent folds. Late Cretaceous-Tertiary brittle-ductile and brittle left-lateral strike-slip faults and shear zones crosscut all D1 D2 structures. Although limited structural evidence for extensional tectonics was documented in this study, apparent normal offsets across both arms of the Beagle Channel and previously documented field evidence for extension from other areas in Cordillera Darwin suggest that transtensional displacements also may have occurred in southern Cordillera Darwin during the Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary. Cordillera Darwin's position within the evolving Patagonian Orocline adjacent to an evolving Mesozoic-Cenozoic left-lateral transform boundary between the South American and Antarctic plates, and later the South American and Scotia plates, necessitates consideration of the possible effects of regional counterclockwise rotation on development of structures. Regional counterclockwise rotation of Cordillera Darwin may have controlled the temporal and spatial transition of deformational regimes within Cordillera Darwin. Exhumation of the metamorphic core of Cordillera Darwin during the Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary is interpreted to have been due to rapid uplift and normal rates of erosion. Rapid uplift may have been due to migration of contraction to northern Cordillera Darwin and crustal relaxation in southern Cordillera Darwin as contractional structures rotated into parallelism with σ 1 and either ceased to be active or were reactivated as strike-slip or oblique-slip faults. Rapid isostatic rebound of Cordillera Darwin may have also been a response to aborted continental subduction of southern Cordillera Darwin and detachment of a subducted mafic root during mid-Cretaceous closure of the Rocas Verdes marginal basin.
Assessing hydrological effects of human interventions on coastal systems: numerical applications to the Venice Lagoon

Abstract. The hydrological consequences of historical, contemporary and future human activities on a coastal system were investigated by means of numerical models. The changes in the morphology of the Lagoon of Venice during the last century result from the sedimentological response to the combined effects of human interventions on the environment and global changes. This study focuses on changes from 1927 to 2012 and includes the changes planned for the protection of the city of Venice from storm surges and exceptional tides under future sea level rise scenarios. The application of a hydrodynamic model allowed for the analysis of the morphological effects on the lagoon circulation, the interaction with the sea and the internal mixing processes. The absolute values of the exchange between the lagoon and sea increased from 1927 to 2002 (from 3900 to 4600 m3 s−1), while the daily fraction of lagoon water volume exchanged decreased. At the same time, the flattening of the lagoon and loss of morphological heterogeneity enhanced the internal mixing processes driven by the tide and wind, reducing thus the overall water renewal time from 11.9 days in 1927 to 10.8 days in 2002. Morphological changes during the last decade reduced the water exchange through the inlets and induced an increase of the basin-wide water renewal time of 0.5 day. In the future, Venice Lagoon will evolve to a more restricted environment due to sea level rise, which increases the lagoon volume, and periodical closure of the lagoon from the sea during flooding events, which reduces the communication with the open sea. Therefore, the flushing capacity of the lagoon will decrease considerably, especially in its central part. Furthermore, some considerations on the impact of the hydromorphological changes on the ecological dynamics are proposed.
Release of norepinephrine and dopamine from brain vesicular preparations: effects of adenosine analogues.

1. Adenosine analogues inhibit calcium-dependent K+-evoked release of [3H]norepinephrine from guinea pig cerebral cortical and hippocampal vesicular preparations. Inhibition requires high concentrations (100µM) of the adenosine analogues and is abolished in the presence of high concentrations (2 mM) of calcium ions. The inhibitory effect of 2-chloroadenosine is blocked by theophylline. The structure activity profile (N6-d-phenylisopropyladenosine ≥N6-l-phenylisopropyladenosine ≥ 2-chloroadenosine >N6-cyclohexyladenosine, adenosine 5′-cyclopropylcar-boxamide) is not that expected of either A1 (high-affinity) or A2 (low-affinity) adenosine receptors. 2. Calcium-dependent K+-evoked release of [3H]dopamine from guinea pig striatal vesicular preparations is inhibited by apomorphine. However, only 2-chloroadenoine causes an inhibition of K+-evoked release of [3H]dopamine. Other adenosine analogues such asd- andl-phenylisopropyladenosine and adenosine 5′-cyclopropylcar-boxamide cause a facilitation of K+-evoked release. The facilitation is abolished or reduced in the presence of high concentrations (2 mM) of calcium ions. The sites of action of adenosine analogues do not appear to have structural requirements identical to those expected of A1 (high-affinity) or A2 (low-affinity) adenosine receptors. 3. The results indicate that adenosine analogues can have either inhibitory or facilitory effects on K+-evoked release of catecholamines from central synaptic terminals.
Abstract 3049: Regulation of cancer cell stemness by delta-like 1 homolog (Drosophila) and prohibitins

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Cancer stem cell characteristics, especially their self-renewal and clonogenic potential, play an essential role in malignant progression and response to anti-cancer therapies. Currently, it remains largely unknown which pathways are involved in the regulation of cancer cell stemness and differentiation. Previously, we found that delta-like 1 homolog (Drosophila) or DLK1, a developmentally regulated gene, plays a critical role in regulation of differentiation, self-renewal, and tumorigenic growth of neuroblastoma cells. In order to gain mechanistic understanding of the involvement of DLK1 in intracellular signal transduction, we identified DLK1-interacting proteins using an affinity purification approach. As reported herein, we have found that DLK1 specifically interacts with the prohibitin (PHB) complex via the DLK1 cytoplasmic domain. PHB1 and the closely related PHB2 are encoded by evolutionarily conserved genes and possess diverse functions from mitochondrial structural integrity and oxidative phosphorylation to gene transcription in the nucleus. We have found that DLK1 regulates mitochondrial membrane potential and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our data further reveal a role of PHBs and especially PHB2 in the regulation of cancer cell self-renewal as well as their clonogenic potential. Hence, the DLK1-PHB interaction constitutes a new signaling mechanism that promotes the maintenance of cancer cell stemness. This work was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health to ZY (R01CA125021). YK was supported in part by an institutional postdoctoral training grant (T32) from the National Institutes of Health and an Anna Fuller Fund Fellowship from Yale School of Medicine. Citation Format: Qun Lin, Asma Begum, Chenye Yu, Ming-Yeah Hu, Yuri Kim, Zhong Yun. Regulation of cancer cell stemness by delta-like 1 homolog (Drosophila) and prohibitins. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3049. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3049
Group 1 cyclopentadienide/group 1,14-tert-butoxide adducts: Ion exchange and coordination polymer formation

Abstract To probe the structural effects of Group 1 (M = Na, K) and Group 14 (El = Ge(II), Sn(II)) ions on adducts between MCp and MEl(O t Bu) 3 salts, the metal ions were systematically varied and the solid-state structures of the adducts were studied by single-crystal X-ray methods. KCp maintained its undulating chain structure, albeit decorated with isolated K(THF) 2 Sn(O t Bu) 3 units. The initially-linear NaCp chain, however, became intercalated with MEl(O t Bu) 3 moieties, and the ensuing polymer adopted a zigzag-chain structure. A mixture of KCp and NaGe(O t Bu) 3 underwent an ion exchange to give NaCp and KGe(O t Bu) 3 , revealing that tridentate [Ge(O t Bu) 3 ] − prefers the larger potassium ion to sodium ion.
Galling by Rhopalomyia solidaginis alters Solidago altissima architecture and litter nutrient dynamics in an old-field ecosystem

Plant–insect interactions can alter ecosystem processes, especially if the insects modify plant architecture, quality, or the quantity of leaf litter inputs. In this study, we investigated the interactions between the rosette gall midge Rhopalomyia solidaginis and tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima, to quantify the degree to which the midge alters plant architecture and how the galls affect rates of litter decomposition and nutrient release in an old-field ecosystem. R. solidaginis commonly leads to the formation of a distinct apical rosette gall on S. altissima and approximately 15% of the ramets in a S. altissima patch were galled (range: 3–34%). Aboveground biomass of galled ramets was 60% higher and the leaf area density was four times greater on galled leaf tissue relative to the portions of the plant that were not affected by the gall. Overall decomposition rate constants did not differ between galled and ungalled leaf litter. However, leaf-litter mass loss was lower in galled litter relative to ungalled litter, which was likely driven by modest differences in initial litter chemistry; this effect diminished after 12 weeks of decomposition in the field. The proportion of N remaining was always higher in galled litter than in ungalled litter at each collection date indicating differential release of nitrogen in galled leaf litter. Several studies have shown that plant–insect interactions on woody species can alter ecosystem processes by affecting the quality or quantity of litter inputs. Our results illustrate how plant–insect interactions in an herbaceous species can affect ecosystem processes by altering the quality and quantity of litter inputs. Given that S. altissima dominates fields and that R. solidaginis galls are highly abundant throughout eastern North America, these interactions are likely to be important for both the structure and function of old-field ecosystems.
OSHA and the Packaging Machine

Because packaging equipment is a varied and diversified field, the applicable OSHA rules and regulations are equally diversified. Some regulations, such as those for platforms, stairs and ladders, airborne contaminants, handling Class I liquids, mechanical power presses, and bakery equipment, only apply in special cases. Other regulations, such as noise exposure, machine guarding, and electrical, are applicable to almost all types of packaging equipment. A brief discussion of the aforementioned regulations, along with some of the methods of compliance, is contained in the discussion.
Measuring the quantity and quality of scholarly productivity in criminology and criminal justice: a test of three integrated models

Most studies investigating individual achievement in criminology and criminal justice equate total publications with scholarly productivity. The current study sought to broaden the definition of scholarly productivity by incorporating empirical indices of the quantity and quality of scholarly productivity and applying these indices to both total and first author publications. Analyses performed using publication and citation data from the top 100 criminology and criminal justice scholars over the past 5 years revealed that the total number of publications was no substitute for an integrated (quantity and quality) assessment. Results further indicated that averaging across the total publication and first author integrated models seemed to provide the fairest and most balanced assessment of scholarly productivity. It was also noted that compared to non-theoreticians, theoreticians were more likely to publish first author articles and fared significantly better when evaluated against the first author integrated model than when evaluated against the total publications integrated model. Use of these models to assess scholarly productivity in criminology, criminal justice, and other fields may be warranted.
Soil moisture effects on transpiration and net carbon dioxide exchange of sorghum

Abstract This field study was conducted to determine the effect of soil moisture on net carbon dioxide exchange (NCE) and transpiration rates of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) grown under well-watered and water-stressed conditions. Components of the energy balance, soil moisture, leaf and air temperatures, stomatal resistance, and leaf-water potential were measured. A field growth-chamber system was used to determine NCE and transpiration rates. Analysis of the data suggested that transpiration and NCE rates were reduced when available soil moisture was ⩽35% of the maximum. Above that moisture level, transpiration was primarily energy-dependent and the rate was enhanced by air temperatures higher than 33°C. Photosynthetic rates declined when leaf temperatures exceeded 33°C. At and below the critical soil-moisture level, leaf-water potential decreased and the resistance to vapor transport increased; that reduced transpiration and NCE rates.
Regioselective, intramolecular oxyselenation as a route to the tetrahydrofuran units of boromycin and aplasmomycin

Abstract A substance possessing the functionality and absolute configuration of the C(1′)-C(17′) half of boromycin has bean synthesized, employing an intra-molecular oxyselenation for construction of the tetrahydrofuran moiety from an olefinic diol.
Laser Surgery of the Lens: Experimental Studies

The authors used high peak power nanosecond (Q-switched) and picosecond (mode-locked) pulses from the neodymium-YAG laser to perform experimental anterior and posterior capsulotomy in rabbits. The morphology of laser anterior capsulotomy was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Ultrastructural studies revealed no evidence of morphologic abnormality in the corneal endothelium in eyes in which laser capsulotomy had been performed. The critical factors for the prevention of inadvertent retinal injury during laser surgery in the anterior segment of the eye were identified as pulse energy and cone angle of incident laser radiation. Using wide angle fundus photography and fluorescein angiography, intentional retinal injury during laser surgery of the lens was experimentally documented when retinal radiant energy exposure exceeded injury threshold.
The laminar distribution of neuritic plaques in the fascia dentata of patients with Alzheimer's disease

Neuritic plaques are prominent in the fascia dentata of the hippocampus and are often linearly oriented in stratum moleculare. Since the afferents to this region are also organized in a laminar pattern, the present study focused on the relative number and laminar distribution of plaques in this region to shed light on the genesis of the neuritic plaques. Examination of 19 brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease showed approximately the same number of plaques in the stratum moleculare of the fascia dentata and in CA1 (Sommer's sector) of the hippocampus, even though the area of the latter is much greater. Laminar analysis of plaque location showed that the plaques were centered on a band between 26% and 40% of the way between the border of stratum granulosum and the outer edge of stratum moleculare. The mean location was 35% of the way through the layer at the intersection of the inner and middle thirds. Plaques appear in approximately the same location, but in lesser numbers, in non-demented patients. The significance of this localization is discussed in terms of the normal anatomy of the fascia dentata and its possible reorganization in Alzheimer's disease. The predictability of plaque formation in this region could be useful in defining the pathogenesis of the neuritic plaque.
The Kinetic Consequences of Altering the Catalytic Residues of Triosephosphate Isomerase

The essential basic residue at the active site of the glycolytic enzyme triosephosphate isomerase is Glu- 165, which is responsible for the abstraction of either the 1-pro-R proton of dihydroxyacetone phosphate or of the 2-proton of D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, in the enolization steps that constitute the reaction catalysed by this enzyme. We have changed this residue to Asp by oligonucleotide-mediated site-directed mutagenesis, and have evaluated the free-energy profile for the mutant protein. Comparison of the detailed energetics of the wild-type and mutant enzymes shows that only the transition-state free energies have been seriously affected, each of the enolization steps having been slowed by a factor of about one thousand. Evidently the movement of a catalytic group by less than 1 angstrom (1 angstrom = 10$^{-1}$ nm = 10$^{-10}$ m) has dramatic effects on catalysis, and the nature of these effects can provide important information about enzyme mechanism and function.
A partial upwind difference scheme for nonlinear parabolic equations

Abstract In this paper, we present an explicit partial upwind difference scheme for the problem: u t − du xx + f ( u )) x + g ( x, u ) = 0, d > 0, 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1, t ⩾ 0, with u ( x , 0), u (0, t ) and u (1, t ) all prescribed. Formulas for the upwind factors are provided. We use the method of lower and upper solutions and the theory of M-matrices. The present method is more accurate and allows larger time steps than the corresponding one-sided method. We obtain the order of convergence for our scheme. We also prove the convergence of the time evolving solutions to the unique steady-state solution as the time approaches infinity. The method can be generalized to multi-dimensional analogues. To support the theory, numerical results are given.
Lifshitz transition in two-dimensional spin-density wave models

We argue that both pocket-disappearing and neck-disrupting types of Lifshitz transitions can be realized in two-dimensional spin-density wave models for underdoped cuprates, and study both types of transitions with impurity scattering treated in the self-consistent Born approximation. We first solve for the electron self-energy from the self-consistent equation, and then study the low-temperature electrical conductivity and thermopower. Close to the Lifshitz transition, the thermopower is strongly enhanced. For the pocket-disappearing type, it has a sharp peak while for the neck-disrupting type, it changes sign at the transition, with its absolute value peaked on both sides of the transition. We discuss possible applications to underdoped cuprates.
Videos in clinical medicine. Reduction of pulled elbow.

Pulled elbow, a common childhood injury, can be reduced by a simple intervention that can be performed in an outpatient setting with rapid results. This video is intended to instruct clinicians in treating this injury.
Double cohesion in structural DNA nanotechnology

Double cohesion has proved to be a useful tool to assemble robust 2D arrays of large tiles. Here we present a variety of examples showing the utility of this approach. We apply this principle to the 3 types of 2D lattice sections of arrays whose individual tiles are inherently 3 dimensional, because they contain three vectors that span 3-space. This application includes motifs which are based on the tensegrity triangle, the six-helix bundle motif and on three skewed triple crossover molecules. All of these designs have the potential to form 3 dimensional structures if all three directions of propagation are allowed. If one direction is blunted, 2D arrays form, and all 3 combinations are presented here. In addition, a large parallelogram array that was not attainable previously using single duplex cohesion was also constructed using double cohesion. For comparison, arrays which use another type of double cohesion, double paranemic (PX) cohesion are also presented. Double cohesion of sticky ends proved to be the more effective tool to assemble large motifs into arrays.
Measuring speech quality for text-to-speech systems: development and assessment of a modified mean opinion score (MOS) scale

The quality of text-to-speech systems can be effectively assessed only on the basis of reliable and valid listening tests to assess overall system performance. A mean opinion scale (MOS) has been the recommended measure of synthesized speech quality [ITU-T Recommendation P.85, 1994. Telephone transmission quality subjective opinion tests. A method for subjective performance assessment of the quality of speech voice output devices]. We assessed this MOS scale and developed and tested a modified measure of speech quality. This modified measure has new items specific to text-to-speech systems. Our research was motivated by the lack of clear evidence of the conceptual content of as well as the psychometric properties of the MOS scale. We present conceptual arguments and empirical evidence for the reliability and validity of a modified scale. Moreover, we employ state of the art psychometric techniques such as confirmatory factor analysis to provide strong tests of psychometric properties. This modified scale is better suited to appraise synthesis systems since it includes items that are specific to the artifacts found in synthesized speech. We believe that the speech synthesis research communities will find this modified scale a better fit for listening tests to assess synthesized speech.
Soft tissue edema in osteoid osteoma

Four cases of osteoid osteomas are presented. An uncharacteristic magnetic resonance finding of soft tissue edema is reported. This observation should not be misinterpreted as indicating a more aggressive pathologic process and, thereby, exclude osteoid osteoma from the differential.
Positive Temperature Coefficient of Avalanche Breakdown Observed in a-Plane 6H-SiC Photodiodes

In this work, avalanche photodiodes (APDs) were fabricated using a-plane 6H- and 4H-SiC materials to investigate their electrical and optical properties. Temperature dependence of avalanche breakdown was measured. The diode structures were fabricated with positive angle beveling and oxide passivation to ensure a uniform breakdown across the device area. Despite the apparent presence of micro-plasmas, we observed that the breakdown voltage of a-plane 6H-SiC APDs increased with temperature suggesting a positive temperature coefficient.
The Micropolitics of School District Decentralization.

This case study of school district educational reform in the United States adds to the knowledge base of macropolitics of federal, state and local governing bodies and private sector agencies in formulating educational policies: It also contributes to our understanding the microplitics of policy implementation. Middle managers’ political acquiescence and resistance to district-wide decentralization and distributive leadership initiatives were studied using a longitudinal, ten-year (1998–2008) case study method. Middle managers were faced with a dilemma when the school district implemented a state sponsored decentralization policy that included adoption of distributed leadership and Total Quality Management (TQM). On the one hand, middle managers risked termination if they failed to implement legislated reform policies and the superintendent’s directives. On the other hand, if they succesfully implemented such policies their positions would become redundant. Initially responses of middle managers ranged along a continuum from acquiescence to resistance however as implementation of the decentralization initiative accelerated, middle managers’ political resistance increased in scope and intensity. Findings from the case study discussed in this article that superintendent’s success at implementation of district-wide decentralization policies is related to the nature and structure of microplolitics at the middle management level of the organization. In addition, findings suggest that internal evaluation processes used to assess the success of the district change process were compromised by miropolitics. Understanding that those who implement policy have the capacity to reshape and even prevent implementation as intended by officials at higher levels may contribute to reframing program evaluation methods as well as enhancing understanding of the politics of the superintendency.
Mortality Risks Associated with Average Drinking Level and Episodic Heavy Drinking

Data from the 1997 to 2004 National Health Interview Survey Sample Adult questionnaires were linked to the National Death Index (N = 242,397) to examine mortality risks associated with average and episodic heavy drinking. Cox proportional hazard models (Stata 12.0) revealed that (average) heavier drinkers and episodic heavy drinkers (5+ in a day) had increased mortality risks but when examined together, episodic heavy drinking added only modestly to the mortality risks of light and moderate drinkers. Limitations and implications of results for survey measurement of potentially harmful levels of alcohol use are noted. This was a Federal study that received no outside funding.
The effect of temperature and vibration on emulsion stability of mayonnaise in two different package types

Mayonnaise in two different packages was compared for its susceptibility to vibration-induced breakdown. The researchers investigated the effect of truck vibration on emulsion stability and compared two different package systems. The containers were 32 oz glass and 32 oz polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Mayonnaise was conditioned at three different temperatures (40°, 72° and 100 °F), for three time periods (21, 26 and 36 days), and vibrated at normal and worst-case transportation g levels. Emulsion stability was quantified by specific gravity, percentage of surface oil, and qualitatively rated by a visual pass/fail test. The specific gravity measure positively correlated to surface oiling. Glass containers showed a higher rate of emulsion failure at the worst-case vibration levels. No consistent difference in emulsion breakdown was found between plastic and glass at the normal transportation g levels.
A stabilized mixed finite element method for shear-rate dependent non-Newtonian fluids: 3D benchmark problems and application to blood flow in bifurcating arteries

This paper presents a stabilized mixed finite element method for shear-rate dependent fluids. The nonlinear viscosity field is a function of the shear-rate and varies uniformly in space and in time. The stabilized form is developed via application of Variational Multiscale (VMS) framework to the underlying generalized Navier---Stokes equation. Linear and quadratic tetrahedral and hexahedral elements are employed with equal-order interpolations for the velocity and pressure fields. A variety of benchmark problems are solved to assess the stability and accuracy properties of the resulting method. The method is then applied to non-Newtonian shear-rate dependent flows in bifurcating artery geometry, and significant non-Newtonian fluid effects are observed. A comparative study of the proposed method shows that the additional computational costs due to the nonlinear shear-rate dependent viscosity are only ten percent more than the computational cost for a Newtonian model.
Autolymphocytotoxins Following Immunization by Pregnancy, Transplantation, and Disease

Antibodies which were cytotoxic to lymphocytes were found in patients with kidney transplants, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease, rheumatic heart disease, and in multiparous women. These cytotoxins were 19S, optimally reactive at 15° C, were autocytotoxic to lymphocytes, and were inactive against granulocytes. The specificity of their reactivity to allogeneic lymphocytes was unrelated to HL-A specificities. In fact, though the sera varied from 1% to 99% in reactivity against a panel of random donors, much of the variation seems to be of a quantitative nature with relatively little specificity. Out of 6,105 x2 comparisons between 110 sera of the diseases mentioned above, 83% were positive and none of the negative x2 values were statistically significant. It is concluded that diverse stimuli elicit the formation of these low avidity 198 antibodies which are directed against a non-HL-A antigen richly represented on lymphocytes. Although their biologic significance may be difficult to show, as with cold hemagglutinins, they could possibly act as a “natural” antilymphocytic serum.
Comfort level of emergency medical service providers in responding to weapons of mass destruction events: impact of training and equipment

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have suggested that emergency medical services (EMS) providers are ill-prepared in the areas of training and equipment for response to events due to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and other public health emergencies (epidemics, etc.). METHODS: A nationally representative sample of basic and paramedic EMS providers in the United States was surveyed to assess whether they had received training in WMD and/or public health emergencies as part of their initial provider training and as continuing medical education within the past 24 months. Providers also were surveyed as to whether their primary EMS agency had the necessary specialty equipment to respond to these specific events. RESULTS: More than half of EMS providers had some training in WMD response. Hands-on training was associated with EMS provider comfort in responding to chemical, biological, and/or radiological events and public health emergencies (odds ratio (OR) = 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1, 3.3). Only 18.1% of providers surveyed indicated that their agencies had the necessary equipment to respond to a WMD event. Emergency medical service providers who only received WMD training reported higher comfort levels than those who had equipment, but no training. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of training and education as well as the lack of necessary equipment to respond to WMD events is associated with decreased comfort among emergency medical services providers in responding to chemical, biological, and/or radiological incidents. Better training and access to appropriate equipment may increase provider comfort in responding to these types of incidents. Language: en
Focused ion beam microscope as an analytical tool for nanoscale characterization of gradient-formulated polymeric sensor materials

In this study, we are demonstrating localized nano-scale analysis of sensor materials which are developed using combinatorial gradient approach. Our technique based on Focused Ion Beam cross-sectioning at specific locations affords establishing metal nano-particles concentrations at best-performing area(s) of gradient-formulated polymer samples. We have achieved three-dimensional characterization/mapping of nano-fillers (30-100 nm metal particles) in composite thin films on variety of substrates.
Family forest owner preferences for biomass harvesting in Massachusetts

U.S. forests, including family-owned forests, are a potential source of biomass for renewable energy. Family forest owners constitute a significant portion of the overall forestland in the U.S., yet little is known about family forest owners' preferences for supplying wood-based biomass. The goal of this study is to understand how Massachusetts family forest owners feel about harvesting residual woody biomass from their property. The study estimates the probability that Massachusetts landowners will harvest biomass as part of a timber harvest using data from a survey of 932 Massachusetts family forest owners. Logistic regression results suggest that the likelihood of harvesting for biomass is quite low, and that the supply of participation in biomass harvesting is inelastic with respect to price. These low probabilities may be due to the method used to account for preference uncertainty, as well as the unique nature of Massachusetts forests, forest markets, and landowner attitudes in comparison to other states (e.g., Minnesota). The study suggests that it would be more effective to target renewable energy policy toward different regions and/or markets rather than develop a uniform national policy.
High performance swing velocity tracking control of hydraulic excavators

The objective of the swing motion control of an industrial hydraulic excavator is to regulate the supplied flow rate to hydraulic swing motors such that the excavator follows the swing velocity command given by the human driver with a smooth acceleration/deceleration in spite of various uncertainties. Difficulties in the design of a high performance controller are: (i) the swing inertia is time-varying and unknown due to the movement of the linkage and the unknown payload in the bucket; (ii) hydraulic parameters such as bulk modulus exhibits large variations during actual operation; (iii) the system is subjected to a mild extent of uncertain nonlinearities (e.g., leakage flows of swing motors) during normal operations on a flat ground; and (iv) the system may experience a large extent of uncertain nonlinearities when operating on an uneven ground; the swing torque due to gravity forces on a slope surface is usually very large and changes quite rapidly. All these difficulties are addressed in the paper and a high performance adaptive robust control algorithm that can deliver the required performance is presented. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the proposed method.
Characterization of Nanomagnet Fringing Fields in Hybrid Semiconductor/Ferromagnetic Devices

We describe the fabrication of a hybrid nanomagneto-electronic device, consisting of a GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wire that is bridged by a ferromagnetic gate, and study the influence of the nanomagnet fringing fields on the quantum-wire magneto-resistance. The nonplanar gate shows clear single-domain structure in magnetic-force microscopy, and a simple magnetization behavior in an external magnetic field. This behavior is reflected as a hysteretic variation of the quantum-wire magneto-resistance, whose magnitude is found to be consistent with theoretical predictions for ballistic electron transport through a spatially varying magnetic field.