cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional bacteriochlorophyll-protein complexes from chromatophores of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides strain R-26.

Abstract 1. The chromatophore membrane system of the blue-green mutant strain R-26 of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides has been fractionated by Trition X-100 into two separable and distinct kinds of particles, each containing one of the two functional forms of bacteriochlorophyll. The smaller reaction center particles contain only the reaction center bacteriochlorophyll, P870, and the associated P800. The relative ratios of electron transfer components in these preparations are about the same as in chromatophores. The reaction centers contain 4.4·10 5 g of protein per mole of P870 and appear predominantly as small particles in electron micrographs. 2. By contrast, the particles of the light-harvesting component contain the light-harvesting bacteriochlorophyll and are nearly devoid of reaction centers. Micrographs show particles as large smooth discs. The preparations contain 2.5·10 4 g of protein per mole of bacteriochlorophyll. These large light-harvesting component particles are further fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate into sodium dodecyl sulfate fragments, small bacteriochlorophyll proteins. The chemical and physical properties of these subchromatophore particles are discussed with special regard to the organization of the chromatophore membrane.
Proteomic Identification of S-Nitrosylated Golgi Proteins: New Insights into Endothelial Cell Regulation by eNOS-Derived NO

Background Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is primarily localized on the Golgi apparatus and plasma membrane caveolae in endothelial cells. Previously, we demonstrated that protein S-nitrosylation occurs preferentially where eNOS is localized. Thus, in endothelial cells, Golgi proteins are likely to be targets for S-nitrosylation. The aim of this study was to identify S-nitrosylated Golgi proteins and attribute their S-nitrosylation to eNOS-derived nitric oxide in endothelial cells.
Crystal symmetry of the low temperature phase of magnetite

Abstract A neutron diffraction study of magnetite below the Verwey transition (123 K) reveals that the superlattice reflections are observed for (hhl), with l = integers +1 2 but not for (hhl). This determines a (110) glide plane in the direction of [100] and implies that only one of the doubly degenerate modes, proposed recently by Yamada, condenses at the transition.
Less labor, longer lives: time to share

Two driving forces are changing modern life, First, significantly less labor is needed as productivity rises. Second, people are living longer—anticipate an 85-year life expectancy by 2020. We focus on two prominent consequences of these interacting drwers: new modes to allocate wealth need to be devised as those linked to ‘the job’ prove inadequate; And how we spend our time is changing. We consider time distribution among three forms of work (market, community, home), learning and communication, and play. We conclude that dramatic policy actions are in order to break free of societal reliance upon traditional jobs and to provide the expanding senior population a good quality of life.
Towards Structural and Functional Determination of a Non-Desensitizing α1 Glycine Receptor

Glycine receptors (GlyR's) are inhibitory ligand-gated receptors in the nicotinicoid receptor superfamily. GlyR's mediate neurotransmission in CNS and are typically activated by glycine. GlyR is implicated in pain signaling to the brain. In order to better understand the silencing electrical activity of the brain and also the structure and function of GlyR in its open state, ivermectin (IVM) sensitive GlyR channels are developed as IVM is shown to stabilize GlyR in its non-desensitizing state. Double mutant F207A/A288G in α1 human GlyR has been shown to increase IVM sensitivity and reduce/remove sensitivity for glycine. We are developing photo crosslinking methodologies linked with mass spectrometric analysis on systematically generated single Cys mutations in IVM sensitive GlyR to enable us to study state-dependent structure of GlyR in the open state. Studies on GlyR in its open state will provide distance constraints that can be used in computational models to better the structure in its open state (non-desensitizing) and can help perform comparative studies with a desensitizing GlyR.
Microprocessors: Their impact on real-time computing in psychology

This paper attempts to evaluate the impact of microprocessors and other products using large-scale integrated circuit technologies with a set of examples of past, current, and proposed computer applications in psychological research. I first discuss a number of developments in real-time computing that have taken place during the last 10 years. The major part of this paper describes future developments in the Computer Laboratory for Instruction in Psychological Research. We are developing an intelligent high-speed communication network that will enable computers and terminals to communicate with each other. In addition, we are developing a microprocessor-based real-time computer system. The network, the real-time system, and the general assumption underlying the development of the next generation of CLIPR facilities are described.
Autoimmune thyroid disease in women with breast carcinoma.

Aims: Estimation of prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disorders in Greek breast cancer patients (prospective study). Methods: The prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis was estimated in 310 Greek breast cancer patients, in 100 women with benign breast disease and in 190 women without any breast disease, by submitting them to clinical examination, ultrasound thyroid evaluation, serum thyroid antibody determination and fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid gland. Results: Autoimmune thyroiditis was found in 136/310 (43.9%) breast cancer women: 95 were diagnosed by positive autoantibodies, 19 had positive FNA findings and 22 had both positive autoantibodies and positive FNA findings. In 117 cases, thyroid autoantibodies were positive (37.7% whereas the control groups had respective rates of 19% and 18.4% autoantibody positivity). Conclusions: There is evidence of high incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis in Greek breast cancer patients, increasing in relation to cancer stage.
Processing and characterization of high temperature superconductor films formed by spin-on coating and rapid thermal annealing

Abstract A simple method has been developed to fabricate oxide high temperature superconductor (HTS) films of YBaCuO (YBCO) and BiSrCaCuO (BSCCO) compounds. Using spin-on coating and rapid thermal annealing (RTA), high T c films on MgO and copper substrates have been demonstrated. Of the various solvents employed, we have achieved the best results utilizing nitric acid. The use of this solvent coupled with annealing in oxygen at 960–990 °C for 30–60 s by RTA has produced polycrystalline films with grain sizes of 5–10 μm, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy. Auger electron spectroscopy of the films shows that the stoichiometric ratio has been maintained during the transition from precursor to film. X-ray diffraction patterns of YBCO films show that the films mainly contain 123 phase. Superconductivity with zero resistance temperatures above 77 K was observed from both YBCO and BSCCO films. When copper substrates are used, a buffer layer of silver is coated between the substrate and the film so as to prevent interface reaction. The simple spin-on method combined with the short and intense heating of the RTA process may prove to be a simple and rapid method of manufacturing HTS films for large-scale electrical applications.
Solution structure of Syrian hamster prion protein rPrP(90-231).

NMR has been used to refine the structure of Syrian hamster (SHa) prion protein rPrP(90- 231), which is commensurate with the infectious protease-resistant core of the scrapie prion protein PrP Sc . The structure of rPrP(90-231), refolded to resemble the normal cellular isoform PrP C spectroscopically and immunologically, has been studied using multidimensional NMR; initial results were published (James et al. (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94, 10086-10091). We now report refinement with better definition revealing important structural and dynamic features which can be related to biological observations pertinent to prion diseases. Structure refinement was based on 2778 unambiguously assigned nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) connectivities, 297 ambiguous NOE restraints, and 63 scalar coupling constants ( 3 JH N H a). The structure is represented by an ensemble of 25 best-scoring structures from 100 structures calculated using ARIA/X-PLOR and further refined with restrained molecular dynamics using the AMBER 4.1 force field with an explicit shell of water molecules. The rPrP(90-231) structure features a core domain (residues 125-228), with a backbone atomic root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 0.67 A, consisting of threeR-helices (residues 144-154, 172-193, and 200-227) and two short antiparallel ‚-strands (residues 129-131 and 161-163). The N-terminus (residues 90-119) is largely unstructured despite some sparse and weak medium-range NOEs implying the existence of bends or turns. The transition region between the core domain and flexible N-terminus, i.e., residues 113-128, consists of hydrophobic residues or glycines and does not adopt any regular secondary structure in aqueous solution. There are about 30 medium- and long-range NOEs within this hydrophobic cluster, so it clearly manifests structure. Multiple discrete conformations are evident, implying the possible existence of one or more metastable states, which may feature in conversion of PrP C to PrP Sc . To obtain a more comprehensive picture of rPrP(90-231), dynamics have been studied using amide hydrogen-deuterium exchange and 15 N NMR relaxation times (T1 and T2) and 15 N{ 1 H} NOE measurements. Comparison of the structure with previous reports suggests sequence-dependent features that may be reflected in a species barrier to prion disease transmission.
146 LONG TERM LEFT VENTRICULAR POSTERIOR WALL ECHOCARDIO- GRAPHIC CHANGES IN DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

Cardiac pathology in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is principally left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) fibrosis. The aim of this study was to track long term LVPW echocardiographic (echo) changes in DMD. Echoes were recorded each 12 months from 19 boys with known DMD over 3 years and compared to controls. LVPW endo- and epicardium were digitized and % thickening and % thinning at standardized time intervals were determined; 15/19 had two-dimensional echoes. As previously reported, impaired diastolic relaxation was an early finding. The ratio of peak systolic LVPW to end diastolic LVPW was 2.06 (controls) to 1.83 (boys with DMD) (p<.01), but a given boy's ratio was not predictive. All 19 had LVPW thickness, adjusted for body size, below the control mean (p<.01). The major finding was that two wall pattern groups emerged: Group I-LVPW thickness increased normally with time and body surface area but at a low percentile curve. Group II-LVPW decreased progressively and in 4, almost no systolic LVPW thickening was found. Two-dimensional echoes were studied for change in cavity size during contraction. All Group I patients had normal two-dimensional echoes. All Group II patients had abnormally decreased LV free wall contraction. Sequential abnormal findings in DMD patients are impaired LVPW relaxation, decreased LVPW thickness in systole and end diastole, and a contraction impairment imaged with two-dimensional echo.
Uniform, nonporous thoria: The effect of surface water on adsorptive properties

Abstract Adsorption isotherms have been measured for water vapor, nitrogen, and argon on a nonporous sample of thorium oxide outgassed at temperatures between 25°C and 1000°C. Uniformity of the clean surface is evidenced by the multilayer stepwise adsorption of each adsorbate. Irreversibly bound water has the profound effect of masking the physisorption potential of the surface and causes the step structure of the isotherms of water, nitrogen, and argon to be lost. The amount of nitrogen or argon adsorbed on the water-covered surface is reduced and the low apparent specific surface area suggests that there is a less than normal density of packing of these adsorbate molecules. In contrast the amount of physisorbed water increases as more water becomes irreversibly bound to the surface. Comparison with standard t-curves for water vapor shows that “normal adsorption behavior” occurs only after several sorption cycles in water vapor. On the clean surface a layer of water is first chemisorbed and the following physical adsorption of water has been discussed in terms of site orientation. An analysis of the character of nitrogen and argon adsorptions was also made using t-curves.
"Norwalk-like viruses" as a cause of foodborne disease outbreaks.

While outbreaks of foodborne disease remain an important public health concern, their aetiology is not identified in a majority of instances. In targeted studies, the application of newly developed molecular assays has demonstrated that a large proportion of these outbreaks may be caused by the ‘Norwalk-like viruses’ (NLV), a genus of genetically related viruses belonging to the family Caliciviridae. NLV outbreaks associated with consumption of faecally contaminated oysters are frequently reported and can best be controlled by preventing contamination of oyster-harvesting waters. Infectious foodhandlers are another frequent source of contamination, and such transmission can be minimised by exclusion of ill foodhandlers and the maintenance of strict personal hygiene. Molecular assays have greatly refined the epidemiological investigation of foodborne NLV outbreaks, allowing the linking of outbreaks in different locations and permitting the identification of the virus in the implicated vehicle. The development of simpler and more sensitive assays and their use on a broader scale will assist in defining the true burden of foodborne NLV outbreaks and improve strategies for their prevention and control. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imagery in desensitization

Abstract Efficacy of desensitization has been assumed to rely on imaginal vividness. This study evaluated vividness and controllability of imagery as possible desensitization mediators. Desensitization was administered to female, snake phobic, college students in one of two conditions: (a) the same snake was used for pre- and posttesting, and (b) different snakes were used for pre- and posttesting, requiring generalization of treatment effects. Group 1 (10 treatment and 3 no-treatment S s) were pre- and posttested with an Indigo snake. Group 2 (15 treatment and 4 no-treatment S s) were pretested with an Indigo snake and posttested with a King snake. Group 3 (25 treatment and 8 no-treatment S s) were pre- and posttested with a King snake. Correlational results for treatment S s were examined. Groups 1 and 3 treatment S correlation coefficients were weighted and combined. Imaginal attributes did not seem positively related to decreases in avoidance behavior and, when generalization was required, appeared negatively related to avoidance decreases.
Recovery of Organic Values from TNT Purification Waste Water

Pure sodium 2,4-dinitrotoluene-3-sulfonate and -5-sulfonate were prepared, and a procedure was developed for their extraction (as a mixture) from TNT purification waste water (‘red water’). Reactions of the sulfonates were studied, with special emphasis on possible direct and indirect methods for desulfonating them to 2,4-DNT. Other reactions studied included reduction of one or both nitro groups, followed by desulfonation, yielding 2-amino-4-nitrotoluene and 2,4-diamino-toluene, respectively, and replacement of the sulfonate group by chlorine, hydroxyl, and various substituted amino groups. Most of these reactions with the pure sulfonates were also applied to the corresponding TNT isomers, and in some cases directly to stabilized red water.
Graphene technology for RF and THz applications

This work presents recent advances in the development of graphene technology for various applications from RF to THz frequencies. First, large-scale graphene synthesis methods are reviewed. Graphene FETs suitable for RF applications are then presented along with their DC and RF characteristics. The challenges and current progress toward wafer-scale integration of graphene-based RFICs are also discussed including RFIC measurement results up to 200C. Finally, the absorption properties of graphene at THz frequencies are discussed.
Effects of stress on endocrine and metabolic processes and redirection: cross talk between subcellular compartments

Recent advances in genome analysis and biochemical pathway mapping have advanced our understanding of how biological systems have evolved over time. Protein and DNA marker comparisons suggest that several of these systems are both ancient in origin but highly conserved into today’s evolved species. However, remnants of some of the more ancient functions of these chemical systems can run in conflict with the functions that those same pathways serve in complex organisms and tissue systems today. Relevant to the present topic, nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O2 ● ), ancient cellular molecules in evolutionary terms, are recognized today as both necessary for the well-being and stable health of cells but also injurious to cells as elaborated in conjunction with the cellular stress response. Why the dichotomy? This question underlies one of the basic issues challenging researchers as well as practitioners in their approach to disease management. The fundamental proinflammatory response of the innate immune system of the host is needed for pathogen control but can be injurious to tissues from “collateral damage” from NO- and O2 ● -derived reactive molecules capable of affecting protein function via post-translational chemical modification. This review highlights newer aspects of the biochemistry of the NO- and O2 ● -mediated innate proinflammatory response and further show how protein and tissue damage via overproduction of reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediary molecules such as peroxynitrite (ONOO) might be targeted to specific epitopes of proteins. Changes in the regulation of metabolism in response to proinflammatory disease states are discussed for GH signal transduction and tissue specificity. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Unraveled, Untold Stories An Ethnodrama

In this selection, the author provides a re-representation of data that honors the voice of participants, allowing readers the opportunity to draw their own interpretations about what the participants’ lived experiences mean. Developed from a study designed to explore the lived experiences of 18- to 25-year-olds transitioning from high school into adult basic education programs, the narratives of 12 GED students are presented here in the form of an ethnodrama. The script is meant to open a space to vocalize tensions felt among the participants regarding their experiences in school and their transitions to adult education, while at the same time fracturing what adult educators believe they know about high school leavers.
Evaluation of USDA Interval Forecasts of Corn and Soybean Prices

USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) price forecasts are published as an interval, but are typically analyzed as point estimates. Thus, all information about uncertainty imbedded in the forecast is ignored. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the accuracy of WASDE corn and soybean price forecasts using methodology suitable for testing judgmental interval forecasts. Accuracy tests suggest that WASDE forecasts are not calibrated at the 95% confidence level for both commodities and generally not calibrated for corn, but calibrated for soybeans, at the implied confidence level elicited from the survey of forecast providers.
Student ratings of the importance of survey items, multiplicative factor analysis, and the validity of the community of inquiry survey

Abstract This research builds upon prior validation studies of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) survey by utilizing multiple rating measures to validate the survey's tripartite structure (teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence). In prior studies exploring the construct validity of these 3 subscales, only respondents' course ratings were utilized. This study asked participants to additionally rate the importance of each CoI survey item. Descriptive analyses of the gaps between course rating scores and the respective item-importance ratings revealed that social presence items, perceived as the least important of the CoI subscales, yielded the gap scores with least variability, while gaps in teaching presence items revealed areas where instructors might focus more attention. Multiplicative scores for each item were computed as the product of an item's course rating score and its corresponding importance rating. Even when including this additional measure of perceived importance, factor analysis of multiplicative scores (item rating ⁎ importance rating) supported the CoI model's tripartite structure, and so prior validation studies.
Differences in Parental Investment Contribute to Important Differences Between Men and Women

Parental investment theory addresses sex differences that result from the trade-off between parenting effort and mating effort. For example, relative to men, women spend more time caring for offspring, are more selective in assenting to sexual intercourse, are more upset by a partner's emotional infidelity than by a partner's sexual infidelity, and are better able to inhibit their behaviors in certain situations. These and other sex differences are attributable to evolved mechanisms that work in interaction with the physical and social environments.
Post-Contingency Voltage and Reactive Power Estimation and Large Error Detection

Operational reliability is normally checked using contingency analysis, thus requiring power flow solutions under a wide variety of system conditions. As power flows are computationally expensive and approximate solutions are usually acceptable, fast estimation methods are used. Real power distribution factor methods provide a good trade-off between accuracy and speed. Reactive power and voltage sensitivities-based methods have not been as successful, due to the large maximum estimation errors reported. This paper discusses the estimation of post-contingency voltages and reactive power generation and flows using sensitivities. Contingencies that lead to large estimation errors are detected using the nodal power mismatches of the estimated state. Representative results are presented using the IEEE 57-bus test system.
Mechanisms of Concurrent-Flow Flame Spread Over Solid Fuel Beds

It is proposed that concurrent-flow flame spread over solid fuel beds will be steady under conditions where heat and momentum losses to the sides of the fuel samples and/or surface radiative losses are significant. These losses are argued to be unavoidable because the flame length will grow until these losses balance the heat and momentum generation rates. Approximate relations (with no adjustable parameters or necessity for supplemental measured quantities such as heat fluxes or pyrolysis times) are derived for steady spread rates in the presence of these losses for laminar and turbulent flow, buoyant and forced convection, and thin and thick fuels. Experimental tests of these relations were conducted for upward flame spread over thermally thin fuels. Varying pressures, oxygen mole fractions, and diluents were employed to cover a seven-decade range of the Grashof number. These experiments generally support the validity of the proposed mechanisms.
THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, MOBILIZATION, AND TURNOUT IN THE 2000 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

This study takes a two-stage approach to examining the impact of the electoral college on turnout in the 2000 presidential election. First, we examine whether battleground states received more media spending and visits by the candidates and their party committees compared to nonbattleground states. Second, we examine whether media spending and candidate visits were related to state-level turnout. The results of the project show that the battleground states did receive significantly more media expenditures and candidate visits from the two major party campaigns than nonbattleground states. Furthermore, when controlling for state-level contextual and political factors, the more media expenditures and candidate visits a state received the higher the state turnout. Finally, the analysis reveals that state battleground status indirectly impacted state-level turnout through its effect on media spending and candidate visits.
REPARATIONS: Justice and Greed in Black and White

Proponents and opponents of reparations for Blacks vociferously disagree. Conservative opponents argue that reparations for Black slavery are a disastrous idea and that proponents are motivated by either greed or the desire to do harm to the republic. Liberal and left opponents of reparations argue that the advocacy on this issue will lead to great racial divisions and do potentially irreparable harm to progressive movements. Supporters of reparations argue that it is a case of simple justice. That during the colonial, slavery, and Jim Crow eras Blacks were systematically oppressed and exploited with the active support of the state. They also argue that both domestic and international precedents strengthen the case for Black reparations. This paper shows that there is a tremendous divide between Blacks and Whites on questions of both an apology to Blacks as well as monetary reparations. The racial divide extends to support for the reparations to Japanese-Americans who were victims of official incarceration during World War II. Finally, multivariate analyses demonstrates that for both Blacks and Whites, racialized views of politics are best predictors of support for or opposition to reparations.
Immunogenicity and Safety of the Human Papillomavirus 6, 11, 16, 18 Vaccine in HIV-Infected Young Women

Women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at significantly higher risk than HIV-uninfected women for persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and progression to cervical precancers and invasive cervical cancer; in addition, the incidence of cervical cancer increases with more severe immunosuppression [1–5]. Recurrence of cervical precancers after treatment is common in HIV-infected individuals [6–8]. Two prophylactic HPV vaccines that are safe, well tolerated, and effective in healthy individuals are now recommended for girls and women aged 11–26 years: a bivalent (HPV-16, -18) vaccine and a quadrivalent (HPV-6, -11, -16, -18) vaccine [9]. The quadrivalent vaccine is also recommended for boys and men aged 11–21 years, and for men aged 22–26 years who have sex with men or who are immunocompromised [10, 11]. Despite the potential health benefits of HPV vaccination among HIV-infected individuals, little is known about its safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy in this population. Clinical trials demonstrated that healthy women who were previously uninfected with the HPV types targeted by the vaccines had a robust immune response to vaccination. Seroconversion rates were approximately 100%, and immune responses were excellent and associated with high clinical efficacy (98%–100%) for preventing cervical, vaginal, and vulvar lesions associated with vaccine-type HPV [12–17]. However, immune responses to vaccination in HIV-infected individuals are often impaired; this may be due to defective primary immune responses, defects in generation of immunologic memory, or clonal deletion/depletion of memory T and B cells [18–22]. In one published study of immune responses to the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in 7- to 12-year-old children perinatally infected with HIV, seroconversion rates were excellent but immune titers to HPV-6 and HPV-18 were 30%–50% lower than those of controls [23]. Data are needed regarding the immunogenicity and safety of HPV vaccines in HIV-infected adolescent and young adult women to inform recommendations for vaccination in these individuals. Therefore, we designed a study to determine (1) the immunogenicity of the HPV-6, -11, -16, -18 vaccine and persistence of the immune response in HIV-infected young women, and (2) whether the HPV-6, -11, -16, -18 vaccine is well tolerated and safe in this population.
Quantitative sensory testing: effect of site and skin temperature on thermal thresholds

Abstract Objective : To determine the effect of different sites and local skin temperature on thermal thresholds. Methods : Cool and warm detection and cold and heat pain thresholds were compared in 46 normal volunteers at the thenar eminence (TE), dorsum of the hand (DH), volar surface of the wrist (VW) and dorsum of the foot (DF). Results : The hand is more sensitive than the foot for cool and warm. TE is more sensitive for warm than DH and VW but the difference is clinically negligible. DH and VW are equally sensitive to warm. TE, DH, and VW are equally sensitive to cool. Inter-individual variance is smallest at TE. Warm and cool thresholds are independent of local skin temperature (range of 27–37°C). TE is less sensitive for cold pain but otherwise the hand and the foot are equally sensitive to thermal pain. Conclusion : Testing of thermal thresholds in normal subjects can be adequately conducted at several sites at the hand, however, TE is preferred given the small inter-individual variability. TE may be preferred for evaluating hyperalgesia to cold given its higher threshold. Warming or cooling of the skin is unnecessary within the range normally encountered in routine clinical evaluation.
Functional Characterization of Allantoinase Genes from Arabidopsis and a Nonureide-Type Legume Black Locust

The availability of nitrogen is a limiting factor for plant growth in most soils. Allantoin and its degradation derivatives are a group of soil heterocyclic nitrogen compounds that play an essential role in the assimilation, metabolism, transport, and storage of nitrogen in plants. Allantoinase is a key enzyme for biogenesis and degradation of these ureide compounds. Here, we describe the isolation of two functional allantoinase genes, AtALN (Arabidopsis allantoinase) and RpALN (Robinia pseudoacacia allantoinase), from Arabidopsis and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The proteins encoded by those genes were predicted to have a signal peptide for the secretory pathway, which is consistent with earlier biochemical work that localized allantoinase activity to microbodies and endoplasmic reticulum (Hanks et al., 1981). Their functions were confirmed by genetic complementation of a yeast mutant (dal1) deficient in allantoin hydrolysis. The absence of nitrogen in the medium increased the expression of the genes. In Arabidopsis, the addition of allantoin to the medium as a sole source of nitrogen resulted in the up-regulation of the AtALN gene. The black locust gene (RpALN) was differentially regulated in cotyledons, axis, and hypocotyls during seed germination and seedling growth, but was not expressed in root tissues. In the trunk wood of a mature black locust tree, the RpALN gene was highly expressed in the bark/cambial region, but had no detectable expression in the sapwood or sapwood-heartwood transition zone. In addition, the gene expression in the bark/cambial region was up-regulated in spring and fall when compared with summer, suggesting its involvement in nitrogen mobilization.
A neuroprotective role for polyamines in a Xenopus tadpole model of epilepsy

The authors expose Xenopus tadpoles to the convulsant PTZ. After an initial PTZ exposure, seizure onset times were delayed in response to a second PTZ exposure. This protective effect resulted from conversion of putrescine into GABA, which in turn activated GABAB receptors presynaptically and altered the balance of inhibition to excitation.
Elaphoglossum gemmatum (Elaphoglossaceae), a new species from Colombia

Abstract Elaphoglossum gemmatum, a species of proliferous fern from Colombia, is described, illustrated, and compared to the most similar species, E. exsertipes, E. phyllitidis, and E. proliferans
The Entrepreneurship Paradigm (I): A Philosophical Look at its Research Methodologies

Entrepreneurship research is still developing as a management science. This is especially visible when entrepreneurship research is compared to the disciplines from which it emerged, and it needs to develop its own methods and theories. Entrepreneurship research uses concepts garnered from diverse disciplines, which requires consideration of the central questions and the appropriate tools with which to study them. Several recommendations for research methods for an entrepreneurship paradigm are made: (1) less physics envy - avoid reductionism in entrepreneurship research and focus on the research as a whole through case studies; (2) fewer theoretical models and more empirical models - the present empirical knowledge of entrepreneurship research is inadequate for building robust theories; (3) less concern with sophisticated statistical analyses - entrepreneurial ventures begin with unique events and understanding them is one of the aims of entrepreneurship research. No amount of complex statistical analysis will substitute for field studies of the unique events; (4) more field research - entrepreneurship research will not get to the heart of the startup process unless it observed happening in the field; (5) more longitudinal studies - entrepreneurship is a process that evolves with time and doing only cross-sectional studies would cause much of the richness that comes from longitudinal studies to be lost; (6) dedicated researchers - better quality empirical research is needed that is exploratory or grounded and to achieve this more researchers are needed; (7) original field-derived data bases - it is difficult to do valid research on data bases that others have built since there may be unknown pitfalls, therefore entrepreneurship research should create its own data sets built from raw data; and (8) less obsession with revolutionary science - it is better to stress excellence in research, rather than glorifying extraordinary science and depreciating ordinary science. Excellent routine science is often more valuable than revolutionary science. (SFL)
The International POPLAB Program: a review.

The International POPLAB Program of the University of North Carolina, sponsored by USAID, was established almost 10 years ago for the purpose of assisting developing countries in improving statistics for measurement of population change. Activities of the Program during this time are reviewed with respect to the original objectives. Current emphasis of POPLAB is on collection, analysis, and dissemination of demographic data, and the provision of technical assistance to developing countries in accomplishing this goal. This change in direction of the Program is new and gives first priority to meeting demographic needs of countries concerning levels and trends of fertility and mortality.
Effects of starvation on the carnitine palmitoyltransferase of hepatic peroxisomes.

I t is generally accepted that the mitochondria1 carnitine palmitoyltransferases play an important role in the regulation of hepatic fatty acid oxidation [ I ] . These two enzymes express their activities on either side of the mitochondrial inner membrane that acts as a barrier to the transfer of fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix. The enzyme that lies outsidc this barrier is located on the mitochondrial outer membrane 121 and can be inhibited by physiological concentrations o f malonyl-CoA 131. An important aspect of the regulation o f the outer carnitine palmitoyltransferase is the change that occurs in its sensitivity t o inhibition by malonylCoA in different physiological and pathophysiological states. Thus, starvation 14-51 and diabetes [ 6 ] both cause a decrease in sensitivity t o inhibition by malonyl-CoA. It has been reported that a carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity is associated with isolated hepatic peroxisomes [ 71 and more recently it has been shown that this carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity can be inhibited by malonyl-CoA [8]. The purpose of this study was t o see how the activity and sensitivity to inhibition by malonyl-CoA of the carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity associated with isolated peroxisomes would be affected by starvation.
Research in extreme unusual environments: From surgery to the South Pole

Research in extreme unusual environments (EUEs) provides real-world opportunities to assess human functioning across a number of psychological and behavioral factors. From clinical venues to glacier ice fields, highly dynamic and unpredictable environments share common characteristics: 1) Reliance on technology for life support and performance; 2) physical and social isolation and confinement; 3) high risk and associated cost of failure; 4) high physical/physiological, psychological, psychosocial, and cognitive demands; 5) human-human, human-technology, and human-environment interfaces; and 6) team coordination, cooperation, and communication. Of particular uniqueness to these environments is the fact that operation and successful performance requires strong team interaction, including coordination, communication, and cooperation. We are dependent upon other participants, either as team members or support members, to ensure successful functioning. Experience in spaceflight, aviation, and other domains indicates that the stressors present in extreme environments, such as fatigue, stress, automation complexity, risk, and confusion, often challenge team processes. It is therefore critical that teamwork in these conditions be examined and understood. There is growing evidence from these studies that assessments of performance and human adaptation to extreme environments must include the contribution of human-habitat, human-environment and mission factors as well. Discussion of actual research in a number of EUEs will be presented.
Research summary on intervention measures of high risk behaviors among MSM

Men who have sexwith men(MSM) have gradually become the bridge population of spreading HIV/AIDS. It summarizes the factors of spreading HIV/AIDS in MSM. It reviews the behavior characteristics, knowledge and behavior status, social impact and internet communication of MSM. It puts forward comprehensive measures to strengthen HIV/AIDS knowledge education and sexual behaviour intervention. It is significant for HIV prevention and control.
“A Bayesian sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of unmeasured confounding with external data: a real world comparative effectiveness study in osteoporosis”

PURPOSE: Observational studies are frequently used to assess the effectiveness of medical interventions in routine clinical practice. However, the use of observational data for comparative effectiveness is challenged by selection bias and the potential of unmeasured confounding. This is especially problematic for analyses using a health care administrative database, in which key clinical measures are often not available. This paper provides an approach to conducting a sensitivity analyses to investigate the impact of unmeasured confounding in observational studies. METHODS: In a real world osteoporosis comparative effectiveness study, the bone mineral density (BMD) score, an important predictor of fracture risk and a factor in the selection of osteoporosis treatments, is unavailable in the data base and lack of baseline BMD could potentially lead to significant selection bias. We implemented Bayesian twin-regression models, which simultaneously model both the observed outcome and the unobserved unmeasured confounder, using information from external sources. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the robustness of our conclusions to changes in such external data. RESULTS: The use of Bayesian modeling in this study suggests that the lack of baseline BMD did have a strong impact on the analysis, reversing the direction of the estimated effect (odds ratio of fracture incidence at 24 months: 0.40 vs. 1.36, with/without adjusting for unmeasured baseline BMD). CONCLUSIONS: The Bayesian twin-regression models provide a flexible sensitivity analysis tool to quantitatively assess the impact of unmeasured confounding in observational studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Investigating the decomposition pathways and hydrogen storage capacity of V, Cr, and Fe amino borohydrides

Cr, V, and Fe amino borohydride complexes were synthesized using a solution based approach. Thermogravimetric Analysis with simultaneous Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to investigate their decomposition behavior. The synthesized Cr and Fe complexes exhibited significant hydrogen release around 100 °C. The synthesized V complex showed a large mass loss at temperatures between 50 °C and 100 °C and release of amine byproducts. FTIR of decomposed intermediates showed the decomposition of Cr amino borohydride occurs through the simultaneous loss of hydrogen from both the borohydride and amino ligands, while the Fe complex displays preferential dehydrogenation of the borohydride over the amino ligand. The decomposed products take on a BN type structure when heated to 400 °C.
Fat and the Brain: Dumbing with Adiposity

This chapter was inspired by two streams of information. The first, from the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012), was that American adults are categorized, rather symmetrically, as 32 percent normal or underweight, 34 percent overweight, and 34 percent obese; for kids, 15 percent are overweight, 17 percent obese, and 10 percent of American babies are “precariously heavy.” The second stream of information was research on the awful impacts of excessive adiposity on brain chemistry, brain structure, and mental abilities.
Concept of Integration of Axial-Flow Compression Into Electric Machine Design

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel concept of a high-speed electric machine system with integrated airfoil-shaped rotor designed to perform axial-flow compression for vehicle applications. The proposed high-speed machine is both a motor for electromagnetic (EM) energy conversion and an axial flow compressor for thermodynamic energy conversion. Conventional designs usually have a separate motor and compressor that are connected through a common shaft with or without a gearbox. The proposed design simplifies the high-speed machine and compressor system by eliminating the components that connect the motor and the compressor. The integrated motor-compressor design can achieve a more compact system. The flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine is chosen out of several possible electric machine topologies with salient rotor pole features for the integrated motor design. The feasibility of this integrated motor-compressor design is discussed from both the EM and thermodynamic perspectives in this paper. The selection of slot/pole combination and EM sizing equations for the integrated FSPM motor-compressor are discussed. Mean-line design equations for the axial flow compressor are studied for the proposed integrated motor-compressor. The EM torque production capability of the proposed integrated motor-compressor is verified for one possible design in this paper by finite element analysis (FEA). The effects of two different attack angles of the rotor blades are studied compared to the conventional FSPM machine. The FEA results show that the proposed integrated motor-compressor achieves the expected output performances.
Traffic-related air pollution impact on mouse brain accelerates myelin and neuritic aging changes with specificity for CA1 neurons.

Abstract Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with lower cognition and reduced white matter volume in older adults, specifically for particulate matter
Paid domestic work, globalization, and informality

This paper examines the local demand for, and the level of informality of, domestic help in the Sacramento metropolitan area of California. It departs from the prevalent analytical approach that looks at domestic work from the supply side (i.e., the workers' perspective), and instead examines it from the demand side (i.e., the employers' perspective). Using a quantitative analytical strategy, it looks at the employer–employee relationship as embedded in specific social and economic conditions, including the sociodemographic characteristics of the household and its head, and structured by the different types of the housework workers are hired to perform. We present four main findings. First, a sizable, domestic-work market of global scale exists in the Sacramento metropolitan area; almost three fourths of the hired domestic workers are immigrants coming from three continents. Second, although almost half of the households sampled face a care deficit, only one third of them actually hire domestic help. Third, what determines the likelihood of hiring domestic help is not the presence of a household care deficit but the configuration of the household and its class position. Fourth and finally, informality of domestic work is gendered and varies proportionally to the level of intimacy of the task performed: the more intimate the task, the more feminine it is perceived of to be, the higher the level of informality.
Structurally Ordered Nanowire Formation from Co-Assembly of DNA Origami and Collagen-Mimetic Peptides

We describe the co-assembly of two different building units: collagen-mimetic peptides and DNA origami. Two peptides CP++ and sCP++ are designed with a sequence comprising a central block (Pro-Hyp-Gly) and two positively charged domains (Pro-Arg-Gly) at both N- and C-termini. Co-assembly of peptides and DNA origami two-layer (TL) nanosheets affords the formation of one-dimensional nanowires with repeating periodicity of ∼10 nm. Structural analyses suggest a face-to-face stacking of DNA nanosheets with peptides aligned perpendicularly to the sheet surfaces. We demonstrate the potential of selective peptide-DNA association between face-to-face and edge-to-edge packing by tailoring the size of DNA nanostructures. This study presents an attractive strategy to create hybrid biomolecular assemblies from peptide- and DNA-based building blocks that takes advantage of the intrinsic chemical and physical properties of the respective components to encode structural and, potentially, functional complexity within read...
Optimal state amalgamation is NP-hard

A state amalgamation of a directed graph is a node contraction which is only permitted under certain configurations of incident edges. In symbolic dynamics, state amalgamation and its inverse operation, state splitting, play a fundamental role in the theory of subshifts of finite type (SFT): any conjugacy between SFTs, given as vertex shifts, can be expressed as a sequence of symbol splittings followed by a sequence of symbol amalgamations. It is not known whether determining conjugacy between SFTs is decidable. We focus on conjugacy via amalgamations alone and consider the simpler problem of deciding whether one can perform consecutive amalgamations from a given graph. This problem also arises when using symbolic dynamics to study continuous maps, where one seeks to coarsen a Markov partition in order to simplify it. We show that this state amalgamation problem is NP-complete by reduction from the hitting set problem, thus giving further evidence that classifying SFTs up to conjugacy may be undecidable.
Nuclear Medicine Physics

Nuclear medicine physics is a subspecialty of medical physics. Nuclear medicine practice includes diagnostic procedures of imaging and non-imaging and radionuclide therapy protocols primarily for cancer treatment. Nuclear medicine physics is to apply physics principles and technology to support clinical nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine is a branch of physics that utilizes nuclear technology for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It covers radionuclide production, interaction, detection, and imaging. It also involves radiation dosimetry and radionuclide therapy procedures.