cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of hypothetical protein YfiH from Shigella flexneri at 2 A resolution.

The crystal structure of an uncharacterized conserved protein (residues 1–243) expressed by yfiH gene of Shigella flexneri 2a str.2457T (gi 30042248),1 has been determined and refined to 2.01 A by single wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) method. The YfiH protein belongs to a vast protein family of at least 201 uncharacterized proteins which contain conservative Pfam motif PF02578 (DUF152) (residues 29 –243) and TIGR motif (TIGR00726)2,3 (residues 25–243). The YfiH protein belongs to the COG1496 which consists of 39 proteins widely distributed in 37 species from bacteria to human. The yfiH gene (DNA bases 101,672-102,403)1 is located between the two genes, clpB and sfhB. The clpB gene is thought to encode an adenosine triphosphatase subunit of an intracellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate-dependent protease which belongs to the ClpA/ClpB family and is induced by heat shock.4 The sfhB gene expresses a protein which is known as suppressor of ftsH mutation and is responsible for synthesis of pseudouridine from uracil at three positions in 23S ribosomal RNA.5 The function of YfiH protein is unknown, but preliminary data obtained for Brevibacterium lactofermentum ATCC 13869 show that the gene is not essential for the cell’s growth and viability.6
Transit Compartments versus Gamma Distribution Function To Model Signal Transduction Processes in Pharmacodynamics

Delayed effects for pharmacodynamic responses can be observed for many signal transduction processes. Three approaches are summarized in this report to describe such effects caused by cascading steps: stochastic process model, gamma distribution function, and transit compartment model. The gamma distribution function, a probability density function of the waiting time for the final step in a stochastic process model, is a function of time with two variables: number of compartments N, and the expected number of compartments occurring per unit time k. The parameter k is equal to 1/tau, where tau is the mean transit time in the stochastic process model. Effects of N and k on the gamma distribution function were examined. The transit compartment model can link the pharmacokinetic profile of the tested compound, receptor occupancy, and cascade steps for the signal transduction process. Time delays are described by numbers of steps, the mean transit time tau, and the amplification or suppression of the process as characterized by a power coefficient gamma. The effects of N, tau, and gamma on signal transduction profiles are shown. The gamma distribution function can be utilized to estimate N and k values when the final response profile is available, but it is less flexible than transit compartments when dose-response relationships, receptor dynamics, and efficiency of the transduction process are of concern. The transit compartment model is useful in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling to describe precursor/product relationships in signal transduction process.
Representations of distinct salience signals in the nucleus accumbens.

Processing salient events is an essential component of adaptive behavior. To navigate a changing world, organisms must learn which events are meaningful and determine the appropriate behavioral response. Many regions throughout the brain, including affective subcortical and executive cortical
The MacArthur Adjudicative Competence Study: Development and Validation of a Research Instrument

Assessment of competence to stand trial is a common evaluation that can have substantial consequences for defendants and the criminal justice system. Despite a voluminous literature, much remains unknown. An obstacle to progress in understanding what is better termed “adjudicative competence” is the absence of structured, standardized research measures for assessment of defendants. This article presents the legal framework, assessment strategy, instrument description, psychometric properties, and construct validation of the MacArthur Structured Assessment of the Competencies of Criminal Defendants (MacSAC-CD). The measures meet or exceed accepted indices of internal consistency, and interscorer agreement. Observed patterns of correlations among measures support the underlying theoretical structure of competence-related abilities. Moreover, the MacSAC-CD distinguishes groups of competent and incompetent defendants; reflects changes in competence status; and correlates positively with clinical judgments, negatively with psychopathology and impaired cognitive functioning, and negligibly with cynicism toward the justice system
Calcium Gating by the DHPR-RyR1 Pair

In skeletal muscle the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (DHPR) in the t-tubule coexists in a tight functional interaction with the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channel (RyR1). By means of this interaction a depolarization-induced conformational change in the DHPR is translated into RyR1's opening, and a massive calcium release from intracellular stores. We are performing structural studies on purified DHPRs and RyRs to understand structural details involved in the gating mechanism.The DHPR is a heteropentamer with total molecular weight of ∼450 kDa. Up to now he best structural knowledge has been gained by electron microscopy, although its relative small size has limited the resolution obtained to date. Our new 25A resolution 3D reconstruction shows two distinct parts: a main body shaped like an irregular pentagon with distinct corners, and a hook-shaped feature. Consistent with the considerable conservation of membrane topology among voltage-gated channels, a good part of the main body can be closely fitted with an atomic structure of a full-length potassium channel, and this in turn is helping to locate the RyR1-interacting domains identified using biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.The RyR is a large homotetramer of 2.2 MDa, which has facilitated its structural study by 3D cryo-electron microscopy. Its reproducible 3D structure consists of a large cytoplasmic domain and a smaller transmembrane domain. Our 3D reconstructions of RyR1 in the open and closed states at 10 A resolution show that the ion pathway consists of two right-handed bundles converging into a constriction (putative ion gate) that changes its diameter by ∼4A upon gating. Although the molecular distance between the putative ion gate and the closest site of proximity to the DHPR is very large (>130 A), the conformational changes associated with gating are generalized, suggesting long-range allosteric pathways connecting these distant domains.
Phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal DNA-containing bacterioplankton genome fragments from a 4000 m vertical profile in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre

High-throughput identification of rRNA gene-containing clones in large insert metagenomic libraries is difficult, because of the high background of host ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and rRNA genes. To address this challenge, a membrane hybridization method was developed to identify all bacterial small subunit rRNA-containing fosmid clones of microbial community DNA from seven different depths in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Out of 101,376 clones screened, 751 rDNA-containing clones were identified that grouped in approximately 60 different clades. Several rare sequences only remotely related to known groups were detected, including a Wolbachia-related sequence containing a putative intron or intervening sequence, as well as seven sequences from Order Myxococcales not previously detected in pelagic habitats. Stratified, depth-specific population structure was evident within both cultured and uncultured lineages. Conversely, some eurybathyal members of the genera Alcanivorax and Rhizobium shared identical small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences that were distributed from surface waters to the 4000 m depth. Comparison with similar analyses in Monterey Bay microbial communities revealed previously recognized, as well as some distinctive, depth-stratified partitioning that distinguished coastal from open ocean bacterioplankton populations. While some bias was evident in fosmid clone recovery in a few particular lineages, the overall phylogenetic group recovery and distributions were consistent with previous studies, as well as with direct shotgun sequence data from the same source DNA.
Measuring auditory speech perception capacity in very young children

Abstract Valid tests of auditory capacity in young children with hearing loss are needed to distinguish capacity from performance, to guide sensory and habilitative intervention, to contribute to outcome assessment and to promote evidence-based practice. Behavioral tests of auditory capacity are confounded by non-auditory factors, leading to age and experience effects that are difficult to interpret. Electrophysiological responses to acoustic change during an ongoing stimulus (the Acoustic Change Complex [ACC]) may provide an objective alternative.
Coping and stress in families of child psychiatric inpatients: parents of children with depressive and schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Coping and disruption were examined in parents of children with depressive and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Parents described disruption in their family lives, relationships, leisure time, and work functioning. High maternal disruption was associated with the absence of intimate relationships and child chronicity. Parents most frequently reported using active cognitive coping strategies, but with the advantage of hindsight, advised seeking community resources for helping their children.
Effect of physical training on esterification of glycerol-3-phosphate by homogenates of liver, skeletal muscle, heart, and adipose tissue of rats.

Abstract The effect of a physical training program on glyceride synthesis by homogenates of rat adipose tissue, muscle, heart, and liver was studied. One group of rats was trained by a 12-wk program of treadmill running, while another group served as sedentary controls. Training increased glycerol-3-phosphate esterification in adipose tissue (59%), skeletal muscle (27%), and heart (16%) but had no effect in liver. The results of this study indicate that training increased a synthetic pathway of lipid metabolism in muscle, providing further evidence that endogenous glycerides may provide a source of fatty acids during exercise. The effect of training on glyceride synthesis in adipose tissue indicates that an enhanced ability to esterify fatty acids in times of inactivity may be a biochemical adaptation enabling a trained animal to replenish an energy reserve that can be called upon in time of need.
Perceived risk and mail order shopping for apparel

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between perceived risk regarding apparel selection and mail order shopping. One-hundred and two adult women from a medium-sized midwestern city in the U.S.A. participated in a telephone survey. Factor analysis uncovered four distinct types of risk associated with mail order shopping: economic, performance-related, physical and social/psychological. Multivariate and univariate analyses revealed that economic risk was the only risk that was significantly different from other categories of risk. A Scheffe post hoc comparison indicated that economic risk was higher for respondents who were non- or infrequent mail order shoppers than for frequent mail order shoppers. These results contribute to the literature on mail order shopping by isolating the product category of apparel. The results can aid catalogue and other direct marketing companies by suggesting that they focus on alleviating economic losses of future clients, thereby making it easier for consumers to capitalize on the convenience features of this patronage mode.
Book Review: The Secret of GE's Success by William E. Rothschild

The Secret of GE's Success, by William E. Rothschild. New York, McGraw-Hill, 2007. 293pp. ISBN:978-0-07-147593-8
Three-Photon Absorption of GaAs and other Semiconductors

A 4-band Kane model gives good agreement for three-photon absorption spectra of GaAs and other semiconductors, showing quantum interference between pathways; however, 2-band scaling rules showing Eg-7 scaling with bandgap give useful estimates.
A Markov-modulated M/M/1 queue with group arrivals

We study anM/M/1 group arrival queue in which the arrival rate, service time distributions and the size of each group arrival depend on the state of an underlying finite-state Markov chain. Using Laplace transforms and matrix analysis, we derive the results for the queue length process, its limit distribution and the departure process. In some special cases, explicit results are obtained which are analogous to known classic results.
On the Decentralization of Pareto Optima in Economies with Public Projects, Nonessential Private Goods and Convex Costs

In the theory of economies with public goods one usually considers the case in which private goods are essential, i.e., each agent receives a fixed minimum level of utility if he consumes no private goods, irrespective of the public goods consumed. This paper develops the second welfare theorem for economies with public projects and possibly inessential private goods. As a corollary we also derive conditions under which valuation equilibria exist.
Bilateral retroesophageal course of the carotid arteries

Many variations in the anatomy of the carotid artery are described in the literature. There are few case reports of hypoplasia or the retropharyngeal course of the internal carotid artery. We describe the unique case of a 72-year-old woman with bilateral complete retroesophageal common carotid arteries and concomitant hypoplasia of the right carotid system. Anatomical detection of such a variation is critical because the misidentification of a retroesophageal carotid artery carries the risk of potential injury during orotracheal intubation and oropharyngeal procedures.
Changes in acid phosphatase activity during sporulation of Eimeria tenella oocysts

Abstract Extracts of sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella have acid phosphatase activity which can be separated into Peak I (basic form) and Peak II (acidic form) on a DEAE-Sepharose Column. 1. 2. Sporulation markedly effects the behavior of Peak I acid phosphatase (basic form) through the DEAE-Sepharose Column. 2. 3. The K m value of Peak I decreases during sporulation. 3. 4. The data obtained suggest that during sporulation the basic form of acid phosphatase (Peak I) undergoes marked degradation and transformation indicating that acid phosphatases may play an important role in the metabolism of E. tenella .
Increased macrophage density of cardiac allograft biopsies is associated with antibody-mediated rejection and alloantibodies to HLA antigens.

Background Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is characterized histologically by intracapillary macrophages. Macrophage density may be an alternative method of determining inflammatory changes in AMR. Methods We identified 118 heart transplant patients with serologic testing for HLA alloantibodies. Macrophage density was graded as 1+ ( 90/mm2). Maximal macrophage density and complement staining over multiple biopsies were correlated with peak panel reactive antibodies (PRA), donor-specific antibodies (DSA), and the clinical diagnosis of AMR. Results The presence of PRA correlated with macrophage score (p = 0.001). Macrophage density correlated with any DSA (p < 0.0001), class I DSA (p < 0.0001), class II DSA (p < 0.0001), and class II DQ (p < 0.0001). Nine patients had clinical AMR. Among patients with AMR, 89% had a biopsy over the period of AMR with ≥3+ macrophage density (89% sensitivity); among patients without AMR, 93% of patients had no biopsy at any time with ≥3+ macrophage density (specificity). There was perfect concordance between the scores of C4d positivity and macrophage density in 61% and only partial concordance in 20%, with complete discordance in 19% in biopsies taken during clinical episodes of AMR. Conclusions Macrophage density in allograft endomyocardial biopsies is frequently elevated during clinical episodes of AMR and correlates well with alloantibodies.
Increasing fruit and vegetable intake by changing environments, policy and pricing: restaurant-based research, strategies, and recommendations

Background. Restaurants are among the most important and promising venues for environmental, policy, and pricing initiatives to increase fruit and vegetable (FV to obtain data from industry; to disseminate promising programs; and to enhance public-private partnerships and collaboration to expand on current knowledge.
Analysis of Acetaminophen and Barbiturate Combinations by Differentiating Nonaqueous Titration

The difference in pKa values for acetaminophen and the barbituric acids permits differentiation of mixtures containing these drugs. Ion-exchange chromatography is used to separate acetaminophen and barbiturate from other active and inert constituents. Titrations are performed nonaqueously in dimethylform-amide using tetrabutylammonium hydroxide as the titrant and a titrimeter equipped with a calomel and platinum electrode system.
SOLDIERS AND SAILORS IN ARISTOPHANES' BABYLONIANS

Only two articles in the past century have attempted reconstructions of this play: Gilbert Norwood in 1930 conjectured a basis in tragic burlesque, specifically a parody of Aeschylus’ Edoni, due largely to the presence of Dionysus and a chorus of Babylonians. An entirely different plot was proposed in 1983 by David Welsh, who took as his starting point Herodotus’ account of the fall of Babylon; he thought that the chorus, envisioned as a group of refugees from the Persian empire, reflected the recent arrival in Athens of the grandson of the Persian primarily credited with the capture of Babylon. Though commentators on Aristophanic comedy and politics often affect to be on firm footing about this play, the total dissimilarity of these two reconstructions actually highlights our ignorance.
Adrenocorticotropin-Stimulated Adrenal Androgen Secretion in Anorexia Nervosa: Impaired Secretion at Low Weight with Normalization after Long-Term Weight Recovery

Adrenal androgen secretion is decreased in patients with anorexia nervosa. To assess the reversibility of the decreased secretion with recovery of body weight, we measured ACTH-stimulated adrenal androgen levels at different stages of recovery. Basal plasma GH and somatomedin-C levels also were measured, because both have been proposed as potential stimuli for adrenal androgen secretion. When studied at low body weight [58 +/- 3% (+/- SEM) ideal BW], women with anorexia nervosa had decreased ACTH-stimulated levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA), DHA sulfate (DHAS), and androstenedione and decreased DHA to cortisol, DHAS to cortisol, and androstenedione to cortisol ratios compared to normal women. Women who had recently completed a refeeding program (within 2-4 weeks, 81 +/- 2% ideal BW) had an increased somatomedin-C level compared to low weight patients, but similar ACTH-stimulated adrenal androgen levels. Long term weight-recovered women (86 +/- 4% ideal BW, recovery for more than 6 months, with resumption of menses), however, had significant increases in ACTH-stimulated DHA and DHAS levels and DHA to cortisol and DHAS to cortisol ratios, and their hormone levels and ratios were not different from those in normal women. GH levels fell during weight recovery, although the values in the three patient groups did not differ significantly. We conclude that the recovery of adrenal androgen secretion while GH levels were falling provides evidence against a direct effect of GH as a stimulus for adrenal androgen secretion. The recovery of somatomedin-C before the recovery of adrenal androgens, however, and the positive correlation between plasma somatomedin-C and the integrated level of plasma DHAS (r = 0.50; P less than 0.02) are consistent with the hypothesis that somatomedin-C is a stimulus for adrenal androgen secretion.
Microbial nanowires for bioenergy applications

Microbial nanowires are electrically conductive filaments that facilitate long-range extracellular electron transfer. The model for electron transport along Shewanella oneidensis nanowires is electron hopping/tunneling between cytochromes adorning the filaments. Geobacter sulfurreducens nanowires are comprised of pili that have metal-like conductivity attributed to overlapping pi-pi orbitals of aromatic amino acids. The nanowires of Geobacter species have been implicated in direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), which may be an important mode of syntrophy in the conversion of organic wastes to methane. Nanowire networks confer conductivity to Geobacter biofilms converting organic compounds to electricity in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and increasing nanowire production is the only genetic manipulation shown to yield strains with improved current-producing capabilities. Introducing nanowires, or nanowire mimetics, might improve other bioenergy strategies that rely on extracellular electron exchange, such as microbial electrosynthesis. Similarities between microbial nanowires and synthetic conducting polymers suggest additional energy-related applications.
Torsion p-adic Galois representations and a conjecture of Fontaine

Abstract Let p be a prime, K a finite extension of Q p and T a finite free Z p -representation of Gal ( K ¯ / K ) . We prove that T ⊗ Z p Q p is semi-stable (resp. crystalline) with Hodge–Tate weights in { 0 , … , r } if and only if, for all n, T / p n T is torsion semi-stable (resp. crystalline) with Hodge–Tate weights in { 0 , … , r } .
Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution (ANH). A practical approach.

SUMMARY As one of the modalities available for perioperative blood conservation, ANH presents a dilemma to the clinician for various reasons. First, the efficacy of ANH as a technique for blood conservation has been challenged by some investigators. Others suggest that ANH is only effective with ranges of blood collection and severity of anemia that make most anesthesiologists uncomfortable14. In addition, performance of ANH requires experienced clinicians, and additional work and vigilance by the anesthesiology staff. The combination of skepticism, increased work, and training requirements without the benefit of reimbursement make this simple and valuable procedure one of the most underutilized forms of intraoperative blood conservation techniques. The gain in popularity of all blood conservation techniques in the last decade has resulted in the reexamination of the efficacy of ANH and the need to increase utilization of this technique. Although ANH has been a known modality for quite some time5 6, it has never gained full acceptance among anesthesiologists, surgeons, and others involved in blood conservation. Table 1 raises a number of issues
Effects of Beam Wander on Free-Space Optical Communications Through Turbulent Atmosphere

Effects of beam wander on uncoded bit-error-rate (BER) of direct-detection OOK modulated FSO communication systems using collimated and focused Gaussian beams are studied. Channel fading statistics are obtained from large-scale wave optics simulations and compared with the closed-form log-normal and gamma-gamma models. The avalanche photodiode (APD) is chosen for photodetection. The accurate McIntyre-Conradi APD model is adopted for performance evaluation. Results show that large performance gain (more than 15dB) can be achieved with fast-tracked focused beams. The upper bound of higher-order adaptive optics gain beyond tracking gain is also studied.
A Hierarchical approach to solving machine grouping and loading problems of flexible manufacturing systems

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is an integrated system of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, each having an automatic tool interchange capability, and all connected by an automated material handling system. One or more computers control most real-time functions. Flexible manufacturing is realized to be an efficient alternative to conventional manufacturing that allows simultaneous machining of small to medium batches of a variety of part types. Parts can flow through the system in unit batch sizes. These systems typically machine five to forty different part types. In managing these systems, technological requirements indicate that several decisions must be made prior to system start-up. With these requirements in mind, previous research has defined a set of production planning problems, providing a conceptual framework to aid an FMS manager in setting up his/her system to enable efficient production. Several approaches have been taken to solve several of these problems and we describe those here. The main focus in this paper is on only two of these planning problems, the machine grouping and loading problems. In brief, the FMS machine grouping problem is to partition the m i machine tools of type i into g, groups to maximize expected production, subject to FMS technological and capacity constraints. Machines in a group are identically tooled and hence can perform the same operations during production. The FMS loading problem is to allocate operations and associated tooling of a selected set of part types among the machine groups, according to some appropriate (system dependent) loading objective, also subject to technological and capacity constraints. This paper ties some previous results together by suggesting a hierarchical approach to solve actual grouping and loading problems. Both problems are first defined at an aggregated level of detail and in the context of a queueing network model. At this level, much information is suppressed. However, the robustness of the model allows the application of the obtained theoretical results to a lower level in the hierarchy that considers all details of these problems. In addition, results obtained using the aggregate model can be used as input to the detailed models. Here, the grouping and loading problems are formulated in all detail as nonlinear integer programs, using all available and required information. The use of these models to solve realistic machine grouping and loading problems is then described. Finally, future research needs are suggested.
Estrus related differences in response to a hot environment in telemetry-equipped female rats

Abstract The purpose of this study was to quantitate the physiological responses of female rats during estrus (E) and non-estrus (NE) phases of their cycle to a short-term exposure to a hot environment (38°C, 90 min). Heart rate (HR), core temperature (Tc), activity level (ACT), and evaporative water loss (EWL) responses in telemetry-implanted rats (n=9) in the heat were compared to responses at room temperature (23°C, 90 min). Both at room temperature and in the heat, Tc changed significantly across time and was significantly higher in the heat. At room temperature, HR was not different between estrus stages or across time while in the heat HR changed significantly across time. ACT declined for 20 min and then remained similar among groups for the duration of the exposure. EWL was greater in the heat than at room temperature although during both exposures EWL did not change significantly across time or between stages. These results indicate that in rats the reproductive stage does not affect their response to short-term environmental stimuli.
Proteomic analysis of human cerebral endothelial cells activated by glutamate/MK-801: significance in ischemic stroke injury.

Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. During acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, glutamate efflux in the CNS produces excitotoxicity in neurons and may mediate forms of stress in other tissues expressing glutamate ionotropic (N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)) receptors, e.g., cerebral endothelial cells. While endothelial cell stress in response to glutamate has been reported (oxidant stress, loss of barrier function), changes in protein expression produced by glutamate (an agonist of metabotropic and NMDA receptors) have not been documented. Here, we have examined how exposure of human cerebral endothelial cells to glutamate, in the presence and absence of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801, can alter the proteomic profile of cerebral endothelial cells. We found several important changes in the proteins expressed by cerebral endothelial cells in response to glutamate. Interestingly, MK-801 itself had some direct effects on cerebral endothelial cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that cerebral endothelial cells respond to glutamate by altering their protein expression profile. We assume that protein alterations found in the cerebral endothelial proteome, in response to glutamate and which were blocked by MK-801, may be important vascular targets in better understanding the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.
A low-temperature chamber for electrophysiological studies.

Abstract The modifications necessary to convert a refrigerator for use as a low-temperature chamber for electrophysiological studies are described.
Real-time current measurements on U.S. Coast Guard navigation buoys

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service's Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) operates Physical Oceanographic Real Time Systems (PORTS/spl reg/) at many of our Nation's major sea ports to provide real-time information in support of safe and efficient maritime commerce. As part of on-going efforts to improve PORTS/spl reg/, COOPS has partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to install current measurement systems on existing navigation buoys. These systems consist of a "clamparatus" that secures a current profiler and electronics box to the buoy. The entire package weighs less than 200 pounds and is easily deployed using a small boat and a block and tackle. Data are sent to shore via spread-spectrum radios. Deployments up to seven months have been achieved because of the low power consumption of both the profiler and radios. The biggest challenge to date has been correcting the compass error induced by the steel buoy; initial compass calibrations have removed much of the magnetic deviation. The results of comparisons with current directions from bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) are encouraging, showing agreement to within +/-13/spl deg/ when all data are included. The difference improves to 11/spl deg/ when speeds less than 12.9 cm/s (.25 knots) are omitted. Recent experiments include the collection of global positioning system (GPS) compass measurements during calibration.
Interest Group System Density and Diversity: A Research Update:

In this paper, we replicate our 1975 and 1980 analyses of American state interest group system density and diversity with new data from 1990. The results generally support our previous findings with two important exceptions. First, contrary to all theoretical expectations and prior empirical work, including our own, we find economic wealth to be negatively associated with interest group diversity. And second, the curvi linear responsiveness of interest group density to economic size, which was already declining from 1975 to 1980, disappears in the 1990 results. This suggests that states need not drift into hyper-interest group politics as their economies expand.
How self-care education in ventricular assist device programs is organized and provided: A national study

Abstract Objective To describe the care delivery structure and elements used for patient self-care education in ventricular assist device (VAD) programs. Background Use of VADs as destination therapy and to sustain organ function until cardiac transplantation has increased 517% since 2007. Elements of VAD-specific self-care education have not been described. Methods A 26-item survey measuring VAD self-care education resource use, organizational, employment, behavioral and labor variables was sent to VAD coordinators at all US VAD centers ( N = 111) in 2011. Two subsequent mailings yielded a 63% ( n = 71) return rate. Analysis included descriptive statistics and cluster analysis. Results Element use varied across programs. Reliance on single educational and evaluation methods, and lack of return demonstration were noted. VAD coordinators reported extensive caregiver, hospital provider, and community educational responsibilities in addition to patient self-care education. Conclusions VAD self-care education programs varied by hospital. Future research is needed to determine if specific care delivery structures or elements used in self-care education improve VAD patient outcomes.
Optimum planting procedures for eastern gamagrass

Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) is a warm-season, perennial bunch grass with great potential for use in grazing, cut forage, and conservation systems. Current recommendations for planting eastern gamagrass during the winter (November to February) are suitable for many areas but are inadequate in locales were the ground is frozen during most of this period. The objectives of this study were to determine the best combinations of planting date, planting depth, and seed stratification for eastern gamagrass in the northern range of its adaptation. Unstratified and stratified gamagrass seed was planted in mid-August, late October-early November, mid-April, mid-May, and mid-June at 2.5- and 5.0-cm planting depths over two growing seasons. Planting in the late summer and fall resulted in better stand establishment than planting in the spring and early summer. The net seedling survival from plantings in April and May was 39 and 48% less than from summer and fall plantings of unstratified seed in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001, respectively. Seed stratification was benefidal to April plantings in only one year of the study and did not improve May or June plantings. At most planting dates, depth had little influence on final stand. Full stands contained at least one plant per 25 cm of row. Plantings producing stands above this level were the August, November, and June plantings in both years and the April planting of stratified seed in the first study year. While the June plantings resulted in adequate final stand numbers, stand establishment was delayed for more than 10 mo because most of the plants did not emerge until the following spring.
Mutations in Twinkle primase-helicase cause Perrault syndrome with neurologic features.

Objective: To identify the genetic cause in 2 families of progressive ataxia, axonal neuropathy, hyporeflexia, and abnormal eye movements, accompanied by progressive hearing loss and ovarian dysgenesis, with a clinical diagnosis of Perrault syndrome. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify causative mutations in the 2 affected sisters in each family. Family 1 is of Japanese ancestry, and family 2 is of European ancestry. Results: In family 1, affected individuals were compound heterozygous for chromosome 10 open reading frame 2 ( C10orf2 ) p.Arg391His and p.Asn585Ser. In family 2, affected individuals were compound heterozygous for C10orf2 p.Trp441Gly and p.Val507Ile. C10orf2 encodes Twinkle, a primase-helicase essential for replication of mitochondrial DNA. Conservation and structural modeling support the causality of the mutations. Twinkle is known also to harbor multiple mutations, nearly all missenses, leading to dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia type 3 and to recessive mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome 7, also known as infantile-onset spinocerebellar ataxia. Conclusions: Our study identifies Twinkle mutations as a cause of Perrault syndrome accompanied by neurologic features and expands the phenotypic spectrum of recessive disease caused by mutations in Twinkle. The phenotypic heterogeneity of conditions caused by Twinkle mutations and the genetic heterogeneity of Perrault syndrome call for genomic definition of these disorders.
MOTION ELEMENT SYNTHESIS--AN ASSESSMENT.

An element of motion cannot be specified in isolation but only in relation to other elements in the motion cycle. Adherents to time and motion study principles have assumed that all motions can be analyzed into elements and these additively combined as though each was independent of the others. Studies in which travel distance and manipulation were systematically varied have shown that elements of each interact with the other. Other studies have examined the import of perceptual factors and precision in motion cycles and have arrived at the same conclusion: elements of motion cannot be specified independently but only in relation to the other elements in the cycle. This contention is related to the Gestalt concept that the whole is more than the sum of the parts.
Impact of ether anesthesia on the hypophyseal content of oxytocin neurophysin I and II: a comparative study with ketamine in the rat.

Abstract The effect of anesthetic stress on the major hormones of the posterior pituitary (PP), such as oxytocin (OT), oxytocin-neurophysin (OTNP-I) and its metabolic product, OTNP-II, was studied. Rats were treated with either a combination of atropine (0.87 mg/kg) and diphenylhydantoin (85 mg/kg) and then anesthetized with ketamine (42 mg/kg) or were directly anesthetized with diethyl-ether, and then killed. Controls were killed with a laboratory guillotine. Our study revealed that 1.) animals killed with a guillotine or being medicated with our drug combination prior to sacrifice had similar concentrations of OT, OTNP-I and OTNP-II per PP and ml of blood; 2.) animals anesthetized with ether prior to sacrifice had a decreased concentration of neuropeptides per PP; the blood concentration of OT was 1.6 times higher than in animals treated with the drug combination or killed directly with a guillotine. In addition plasma concentrations of OTNP-I and OTNP-II were above the baseline. We conclude that ether is not an adequate anesthetic for studying the neurophysins from the PP in vivo. Treatment of animals with atropine and diphenylhydantoin in combination with ketamine does not alter the profile of the major hormones from the PP during anesthetic stress.
Rothmund‐Thomson Syndrome: A Case Report

We present a 4-year-old girl with poikiloderma, radial aplasia, short stature, facial dysmorphism, and sparse hair. We believe these findings to be consistent with a diagnosis of Rothmund-Thomson syndrome.
New fault location technique for double-circuit transmission lines based on sparse current measurements

This paper presents algorithms to locate faults on a double-circuit transmission line by utilizing sparse current measurements from one or two branches. The branch current is derived as an analytical function of the unknown fault location and fault resistance, and then the fault location can be obtained based on the measured branch currents. The zero-sequence mutual coupling between the two branches of the parallel line is considered. The network data are assumed to be available and quite accurate results have been obtained based on simulation studies.
Formation energies and energy levels of deep defects in narrow gap semiconductors

We use a Green's function technique for deep defect energy level calculations in mercury cadmium telluride, mercury zinc telluride, and mercury zinc selenide. The formation energy is calculated from the difference between the total binding energy with an impurity cluster and with a perfect cluster. These alloys are among those that have been experimentally grown in microgravity aboard the Space Shuttle. To evaluate the quality of these crystals, it is necessary to characterize them, and one important aspect of this characterization is the study of deep defects which can limit carrier lifetime. Relaxation effects are calculated with molecular dynamics. The resulting energy shift can be greater for the interstitial case than the substitutional one. Relaxation in vacancies is also considered. The charged state energy shift (as computed by a modified Haldane- Anderson model) can be twice that caused by relaxation. However, different charged states for vacancies had little effect on the formation energy. For all cases we considered the concentration of Cd or Zn in the range appropriate for a band gap of 0.1 eV. The emphasis of our calculation is on chemical trends. Only limited comparison to experiment and other calculations is possible, but what there is supports the statement that our results are at least of the right order of magnitude.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Impact of Calcium and Dairy Product Consumption on Weight Loss

Objective Recent evidence suggests that diets high in calcium and dairy products are associated with lower body weight, particularly lower body fat levels. The purpose of this study was to compare weight and body fat loss on a calorie-restricted, low-dairy (CR) vs. high-dairy (CR+D) diet. Research methods and procedures Fifty-four subjects (BMI 30 +/- 2.5 kg/m2, 45 +/- 6.6 years, 4 men) were randomly assigned to calorie-restricted (-500 kcal/d) low-dairy calcium (n = 29; approximately 1 serving dairy/d, 500 mg/d calcium) or high-dairy calcium (n = 25; 3 to 4 servings dairy/d, 1200 to 1400 mg/d calcium) diets for 12 months. Main outcome measures included change in weight (kilograms) and body fat (percentage). Results There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. At 12 months, weight and body fat loss were not significantly different. Subjects in the CR vs. CR+D conditions lost 9.6 +/- 6.5 vs. 10.8 +/- 5.9 kg (p = 0.56) and 9.0 +/- 3.8 vs. 10.1 +/- 3.6 kg body fat (p = 0.37). Discussion These findings suggest that a high-dairy calcium diet does not substantially improve weight loss beyond what can be achieved in a behavioral intervention.
Doppler-limited spectrum and analysis of the 3ν3 manifold of SiF4

Abstract The two infrared-active vibrational bands of the 3 ν 3 manifold of SiF 4 were recorded at T ∼ 155 K with Doppler-limited resolution using a tunable laser difference-frequency spectrometer. Although all branches of the l = 1 band were seen, only portions of the P branch of the weaker l = 3 band were recorded. Some 192 lines with J ≤ 36 have been fitted to a model Hamiltonian which allows the l = 1 and l = 3 bands to interact. This analysis allows us to determine the effective harmonic frequency, ω 3 0 , and the three anharmonic coefficients X 33 , G 33 , and T 33 with high precision, so that the vibrational levels in the nν 3 ladder can be predicted accurately for several values of n. In contrast with SF 6 , the l basis is found to be the best representation for the vibrational sublevels.
Embryonic vaccines against cancer: an early history.

Almost 100 years have passed since the seminal observations of Schone showing that vaccination of animals with fetal tissue would prevent the growth of transplantable tumors. Many subsequent reports have affirmed the general idea that immunologic rejection of transplantable tumors, as well as prevention of carcinogenesis, may be affected by vaccination with embryonic/fetal material. Following a decade of intense research on this phenomenon during approximately 1964-1974, interest appears to have waned. This earlier experimental work may be particularly pertinent in view of the rising interest in so-called cancer stem cells. We believe that further work - perhaps involving the use of embryonic stem cells as immunogens - is warranted and that the results reviewed herein support the concept that vaccination against the appearance of cancers of all kinds is a real possibility.
Healthy Eating Index and C-reactive protein concentration: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988-1994.

Healthy Eating Index and C-reactive protein concentration: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988–1994
Strategic capability development in the higher education sector

The research adopts a case study approach (in higher education) to investigate how strategic capabilities might be developed in an organisation through strategic management development (SMD). SMD is defined as “Management development interventions which are intended to enhance the strategic capability and corporate performance of an organisation”. Causal networks, showing how strategic capability and strategic management processes can be developed, are constructed, and a hypothesis is proposed. This postulates that to be effective, SMD programmes need to be matched with the organisation's level of commitment to strategic management and the degree of maturity of its strategic management processes and competences. This is explored in a tentative typology which shows how four different levels of commitment to strategic management might be matched with key characteristics of SMD programmes.
Refactoring a language for parallel computational chemistry

We describe a project to provide refactoring support for the SIAL programming language. SIAL is a domain specific parallel programing language designed to express quantum chemistry computations. It incorporates language support for the loop parallelism and distributed array parallel design patterns. In contrast to refactorings typically undertaken for object-oriented programs which have the goal of improving the code structure, SIAL refactorings are usually done to improve the performance or to allow larger problems to be solved.
Low Prevalence of Prior Streptococcus pneumoniae Vaccination Among Potential Lung Transplant Candidates

Introduction Appropriate vaccination status in the pre-solid organ transplant period is critically important. Methods To determine if lung transplant candidates are adequately vaccinated for Streptococcus pneumoniae , a cross-sectional study was performed. Electronic records of patients referred to our institution for transplantation evaluation between July 2002 and January 2004 were reviewed. Results Only 98 of 157 patients (62.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 54.8 to 70.1%) evaluated for lung transplantation reported prior receipt of S pneumoniae vaccine. COPD was the only factor significantly associated with vaccination. Patients with COPD were more likely to have received vaccination compared to patients with other diagnoses (odds ratio, 4.66; 95% CI, 2.26 to 9.60). Conclusions: S pneumoniae vaccination rates among potential lung transplant candidates fall substantially short of current recommendations for universal immunization. Transplant programs should thoroughly review vaccination status and develop strategies to ensure that candidates receive all appropriate vaccines before transplantation.
Distribution of Egg and Larval Populations of Cranberry Fruitworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Cherry Fruitworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Highbush Blueberries

The spatial distribution of immature stages of the cranberry fruitworm, Acrobasis vacinii Riley, and cherry fruitworm, Grapholitha packardii Zeller was studied in Michigan blueberry farms. Single blueberry plants or individual clusters of fruit were compared as sampling units. Distributions of eggs and larvae at each sampling date were described by Þtting data to either Poisson (random) or negative binomial (aggregated) distributions, and by calculating parameters of TaylorOs power law. Additionally, two methods were used to calculate optimal sample sizes for use in future pest sampling. In one approach, TaylorOs power law parameters were used to compute optimal sample sizes needed to estimate populations at two Þxed-precision levels, 10or 20 %. In another method, the minimum number of samples required to collect at least one insect in 95% of samples was calculated. Results based on TaylorOs power law parameters suggest that prohibitively large sample sizes would be required for even 20% precision, whereas the other method required substantially fewer samples and may thus be of more practical value in a pest monitoring program. All insect populations varied between aggregated and random distributions over the season, but A. vaccinii eggs and larvae were more often aggregated than G. packardii. Analysis of within-Þeld distribution of fruitworm populations showed that A. vaccinii eggs were signiÞcantly more abundant in blueberries closer to woods when populations were at their peak. The distribution of eggs suggests that adjacent wooded habitats, which often contain wild hosts of this insect, may provide a source for individuals that colonize commercial Þelds.