cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of all classes of spin-trapped carbon-centered radicals in soybean lipoxygenase-dependent lipid peroxidations of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids via LC/ESR, LC/MS, and tandem MS

Using the combined techniques of on-line high performance liquid chromatography/electron spin resonance (LC/ESR) and mass spectrometry (MS), we previously identified spin-trapped adducts of all expected carbon-centered lipid-derived radicals ((*)L(d)) formed in linoleic acid peroxidation. In the present study, spin trapped lipid-derived carbon-centered radicals formed from the reactions of two omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs: linoleic and arachidonic acids) with soybean lipoxygenase in the presence of alpha-[4-pyridyl 1-oxide]-N-tert-butyl nitrone (POBN) were identified using a combination of LC/ESR and LC/MS. All expected lipid-derived carbon-centered radicals in lipoxygenase-dependent peroxidations of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were detected and identified by the combination of LC/ESR and LC/MS with confirmation by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The five classes of (*)L(d) formed from both omega-6 PUFAs including lipid alkyl radicals (L(*)), epoxyallyic radicals (OL(*)), dihydroxyallyic radicals ((*)L(OH)(2)), and a variety of R(*) and (*)RCOOH from beta-scission of lipid alkoxyl radicals, gave distinct retention times: POBN/(*)L(OH)(2) approximately 4-6 min, POBN/R(*) and POBN/(*)RCOOH approximately 8-22 min, POBN/L(*) and PBON/OL(*) approximately 25-36 min. The major beta-scission products in peroxidations of omega-6 PUFAs were the pentyl radicals. The ratio of beta-scission products, however, varied significantly depending on pH, [PUFA], as well as [O(2)].
Social Support and the Association of Type 2 Diabetes and Depressive and Anxiety Disorders Among Low-income Adults Seen in Primary Care Clinics

This study examined the association of social support (SS) and affective disturbance among low-income primary care patients with no chronic illnesses vs. those with type 2 diabetes vs. those with other chronic illnesses. The sample was predominantly middle aged (47.2 years old), African American (74%) and female (80%), with an average individual monthly income of approximately $500. Participants (N = 326) were administered the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, IV and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. Logistic regression results indicated that each standard deviation decrease in SS, increased the odds of having a depressive or anxiety disorder diagnosis by .618 OR (CI .472, .808, p < .000) for all study participants; .438 OR (95% CI .195, .987, p = .046) for those with hypertension, asthma and/or arthritis; and .326 OR (95% CI .141, .755, p = .009) for those with type 2 diabetes. Results suggest that SS may serve an important role in the association between stress and depression/anxiety diagnoses among low-income, primary care patients.
Roflumilast: a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor for the treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Roflumilast is a newly approved phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor for the treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations. Objective: The objective of this article is to review the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and tolerability of roflumilast in the treatment of COPD. Methods: Articles were identified using MEDLINE (1966‐August 1, 2011) and EMBASE (1947‐August 1, 2011). Searches were conducted using the terms roflumilast and COPD. Included in the search were all English-language clinical trials that were randomized, had durations of 6 weeks, and studied the effects of roflumilast on the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) or rates of exacerbations in patients with COPD. Abstracts from the annual meetings of the American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, and European Respiratory Society were also searched to identify relevant publications. In addition, all pertinent studies evaluating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of roflumilast were included. Results: A total of 6 clinical trials (4 publications) evaluating the efficacy of roflumilast were identified and included. For the treatment of COPD, roflumilast was associated with a significant improvement in lung function (increase in FEV1 of 36‐88 mL) when compared with placebo. Roflumilast also reduced the rate of exacerbations in subsets of patients with chronic cough and a history of exacerbations. Overall, healthrelated quality of life was not significantly affected. Adverse effects were common in clinical trials, with 9% to 16% of patients discontinuing therapy as a result. The most frequently reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal issues, headache, and weight loss. Suicide-related adverse effects have occurred in 5 patients receiving roflumilast and 1 patient receiving placebo. Conclusion: Roflumilast significantly improved FEV 1 in clinical trials but had inconsistent reductions in the rates of exacerbations. Comparative studies with recommended therapies for COPD, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, are needed to better assess the role of roflumilast in the management of COPD. (Clin Ther. 2012;34:56‐66) © 2012 Elsevier HS Journals,
Problems with using overlay mapping for planning and their implications for geographic information systems

As part of the planning process, maps of natural factors are often superimposed in order to identify areas which are suitable or unsuitable for a particular type of resource management. Overlay maps may also be used to identify analysis areas for predictive modeling of resource productivity and ecological response to management. Current interest in applying computer-assisted mapping technology to making overlay maps is drawing attention to geographic information systems for this purpose. The resultant maps, however, may be so inaccurate or unable to capture significant units of productivity and ecological response that they could lead to imperfect or false conclusions. Recommendations are made on how to proceed in light of these problems.
Magnetotransport in single-crystal Rb3C60

Abstract The electrical resistivity of single-crystal Rb 3 C 60 has been measured in magnetic fields up to 7.0 T. A substantial broadening of the resistive transition to the superconducting state is observed and attributed to the combined effects of magnetofluctuations near T c and thermally activated flux creep dominant at lower temperatures. We evaluate characteristic parameters for Rb 3 C 60 crystals including the upper critical field H c2 ( T ), the scattering time τ, coherence length ξ, and mean free path l ; these are contrasted to similar parameters determined previously for K 3 C 60 .
Cultural Values Reflected in Arab and American Television Advertising

Abstract This study examines cultural values as reflected in U.S. and the Arab world television advertising. A total of 866 television commercials from Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the United States were analyzed. Contrary to the common notion that the U.S. culture and the Arabic culture are vastly different, we found many similarities between the two cultures regarding TV advertising content and appeal. The findings contribute to the debate of standardization versus adaptation of international advertising.
Dietary Effects on Stunting Syndrome in Poults

Abstract Experiments were done to determine the effect of feeding diets of different ingredient composition to poults experimentally infected with stunting syndrome (SS) at 1 day of age. In Experiment 1, feeding a complex diet (CPX) containing fish meal and sunflower meal as the main protein sources eliminated the adverse effects of SS inoculation on performance traits as compared with SS effects on poults fed a corn and soybean meal (CS) diet. In Experiments 2 and 3, the effects of SS were more severe than in Experiment 1. In these experiments, the CPX diet only partly overcame the adverse effects of SS on performance (i.e., in Experiment 2, growth depressions from 2 to 5 days of age were 90.3 and 59.6% in SS-inoculated poults fed the CS and CPX diets, respectively, as compared with uninoculated, control poults fed the same diets). Properties of the CPX diet that made it effective in reducing the severity of SS were not evident from the results of Experiment 3. Replacing soybean meal with soy protein or canola meal was ineffective as compared with the use of a mixture of sunflower meal, fish meal, meat and bone meal, and corn gluten meal.
Interaction of cellulose with small molecules. Glycerol and ethylene carbonate

The equilibrium moisture content of films softened with hygroscopic glycerol or nonhygroscopic ethylene carbonate was determined as a function of softener concentration at 15, 35, 65, 81, and 93% R.H. and compared to the hygroscopicity of unsoftened film and of the pure softeners at the same concentrations. The difference in water content assumed to be caused by interaction between softener and cellulose was calculated in moles of water per mole of softener and per mole of cellulose. A quantitative measure of softener-cellulose interaction at low and high relative humidities is thus obtained. Ethylene carbonate shows a negative interaction and seems to function only as an inert cushion between cellulose chains, while glycerol interacts with cellulose. This interaction increases with decreasing moisture content (at lower relative humidities) and with increased softener concentration. The softener-cellulose interaction is a necessary condition for proper softening.
Comparative Oncogenic Activation of 7H-Dibenzo[C, G]Carbazole and Dibenz[A, J]Acridine

Abstract 7H-Dibenzo[C, G]carbazole (DBC) is a potent liver, lung and skin carcinogen while dibenz[A, J]acridine (DBA) is a moderate skin carcinogen. DBC is metabolized to phenols and DBC-DNA adducts are formed through the 2-, 3-, and 4-phenols or directly through radical cations. Mutations in ras as a result of DBC, activation are found exclusively in codon 61 in liver, lung and skin. DBA is metabolized to dihydrodiols, and phenols and DBA-DNA adducts are formed through the diol-epoxides and possibly through bis-diol-epoxides. Mutations in ras, as a result of DBA activation, are found in codons 12, 13, and 61. These results indicate that although the two compounds are structurally similar, differing by one carbon in the middle ring, there are differences in their metabolism, DNA binding, mutational spectra and target-organ carcinogenesis.
Protein sequencing by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-postsource decay-mass spectrometry analysis of the N-Tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphine-acetylated tryptic digests

We have recently reported a simple procedure by which low picomole quantities of peptides can be modified to the corresponding N-Tris(2, 4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphonium-acetyl (TMPP-Ac) derivatives (Z. H Huang, J. Wu, D. A. Gage, and J. T. Watson, Anal. Chem. 69, 137-144, 1997). This modification significantly facilitates sequence interpretation by providing exclusively N-terminal product ions (mainly a-type ions) in the fast-atom bombardment-MS/MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-postsource decay(MALDI-PSD)-MS spectra. The TMPP-Ac derivatization approach has been extended now for the direct derivatization of tryptic digests originating from 1-5 microg of proteins with molecular weights from 10-120 kDa. Our new procedure involves tryptic digestion in aqueous solution buffered to pH 8-8.2 with phosphate or Tris-HCl, followed by reaction with TMPP-acetic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (TMPP-AcOSu bromide, 2-4 nmol reagent/microg protein, rt, 20 min) to provide N-terminally derivatized products, while the epsilon-NH2 groups in lysine remain unchanged. The resultant derivatized peptide mixture or its partially separated HPLC fractions are subsequently analyzed by MALDI-PSD-MS using 0.5- to 1-pmol aliquots, giving rise to product ion spectra that are easily interpretable. As there is no need for material transfer and change of buffer media, the tandem enzymatic-chemical reaction/MS analysis process is usually carried out with very high throughput (digestion, 1 h; reaction, 1/3 h; HPLC, 1 h; MALDI-PSD, 3-4 fragments/h). This procedure will be of potential use for obtaining sequence information directly from mixtures or as an adjunct of peptide mass mapping to provide protein identification with high confidence.
Occurrence of β‐hydroxybutyric acid in incubator reject eggs

A simplified method for extraction of β-hydroxybutyric acid from whole egg prepared from incubator reject eggs is described. It is concluded that the presence of 15.95 ± 8.54 mg of β-hydroxybutyric acid per 100 g of liquid whole egg would strongly indicate that the egg had been prepared from incubator reject eggs. There is no obvious correlation between the numbers and types of bacteria present and the amounts of β-hydroxybutyric acid found in incubator reject eggs. The relative merits of a test for the presence of incubator reject egg in egg products based on the estimation of β-hydroxybutyric acid as opposed to alternative proposed tests, described in the literature, are reviewed.
HIGH-FIELD SUPERCONDUCTIVITY IN NIOBIUM

A number of experiments on Nb wires in magnetic fields are described and interpreted. The resistance of currentcarrying Nb wires decreases in some regions by orders of magnitude as the applied field is increased by a few hundred gauss with the current, I, and the temperature, T, held constant. When I and H are constant and T is varied, there are regions where the sample goes from a resistive to a super.conducting state as the temperature is increased. Measurements of I versus H at constant voltage, across Nb samples that have undergone different heat treatments, indicate different mechanisms governing high- field superconductivity. Sometimes evidences of both are seen in the same sample, and there is strong evidence that one of these mechanisms is of the Abrikoson type. Pure niobium is probably a superconductor of the second group in the Ginsburg-Landau sense, with kappa = 1.3 at 4.2 deg K. (H.D.R.)
Dental research at the National Bureau of Standards: how it changed the practice of dental health service.

Despite early difficulties in obtaining support, dental research has paid handsome dividends to the public and the profession.
Usefulness of Soluble Endoglin as a Noninvasive Measure of Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in Heart Failure

Progressive left ventricular (LV) dysfunction induces expression of the cytokine transforming growth factor-β1. Endoglin (CD105) is a transforming growth factor-β1 co-receptor that is released into the circulation as soluble endoglin (sEng). The objective of the present study was to assess the serum levels of sEng in patients with heart failure and to identify the predictive value of sEng for detecting elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressures (LVEDPs). We measured the sEng levels in 82 consecutive patients with suspected LV dysfunction referred for determination of left heart filling pressures using cardiac catheterization. Among these subjects, the sEng levels correlated with the LVEDP (R = 0.689; p <0.0001), irrespective of the LV ejection fraction. Using a receiving operating characteristic curve, the sEng levels predicted an LVEDP of ≥16 mm Hg with an area under the curve of 0.85, exceeding the measured area under the curves for both atrial and brain natriuretic peptide, currently used biomarkers for heart failure diagnosis (atrial natriuretic peptide 0.68 and brain natriuretic peptide 0.65; p <0.01 vs sEng). In 10 subjects receiving medical therapy guided by invasive hemodynamic monitoring for heart failure, decreased a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was associated with a reduced sEng level (R = 0.75, p = 0.008). Finally, compared to 25 healthy controls, the sEng levels were elevated in subjects with suspected LV dysfunction (3,589 ± 588 vs 4,257 ± 966 pg/ml, respectively, p <0.005) and correlated directly with the New York Heart Association class (R = 0.501, p<0.001). In conclusion, circulating levels of sEng are elevated in patients with increased LVEDP and New York Heart Association class, irrespective of the LV ejection fraction. sEng levels also decreased in association with a reduced cardiac filling pressure after diuresis. These findings have identified circulating sEng as a sensitive measure of elevated left heart filling pressures.
The pseudo-choice game

My grannie used to say, ‘What you've never had, you don't miss’. With eight children to feed and a husband often out of work, it was a comforting philosophy, and I remember her as resilient and cheerful. But even as a small child I was not convinced.
An angle-based design approach for rectangular electrostatic torsion actuators

In this paper, we develop a fast, angle-based design approach for rectangular electrostatic torsion actuators based on several simple equations. This approach is significantly more straightforward than the usual full calculation or simulation methods. The main results of the simplified approach are verified by comparing them with analytical calculations and MEMCAD simulations with fractional difference smaller than 3% for torsion mode dominant actuators. Also, good agreement is found by comparison with the measured behavior of a microfabricated full-plate device.
Elements of a predictive model for determining beach closures on a real time basis: the case of 63rd Street Beach Chicago.

Data on hydrometeorological conditions and E. coli concentration were simultaneously collected on 57 occasions during the summer of 2000 at 63rd Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois. The data were used to identify and calibrate a statistical regression model aimed at predicting when the bacterial concentration of the beach water was above or below the level considered safe for full body contact. A wide range of hydrological, meteorological, and water quality variables were evaluated as possible predictive variables. These included wind speed and direction, incoming solar radiation (insolation), various time frames of rainfall, air temperature, lake stage and wave height, and water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity. The best-fit model combined real-time measurements of wind direction and speed (onshore component of resultant wind vector), rainfall, insolation, lake stage, water temperature and turbidity to predict the geometric mean E.coli concentration in the swimming zone of the beach. The model, which contained both additive and multiplicative (interaction) terms, accounted for 71% of the observed variability in the log E. coli concentrations. A comparison between model predictions of when the beach should be closed and when the actualbacterial concentrations were above or below the 235 cfu 100 ml-1 threshold value, indicated that the model accurately predicted openingsversus closures 88% of the time.
Antigen-specific regulatory T cells—Ex vivo expansion and therapeutic potential

CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) are critical for the regulation of tolerance and have shown enormous potential in suppressing pathological immune responses in autoimmune disease, transplantation, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Recent data indicate that suppression of organ-specific autoimmunity is critically dependent on the antigen specificity of the Treg. An emerging model of Treg action is that organ-specific Treg acquire suppressive activity through activation by dendritic cells expressing organ-derived antigens. Thus, efficacy of Treg-based therapy should be increased by using organ-specific Treg rather than polyclonal Treg. This necessitates the ability to identify relevant antigens and to expand rare antigen-specific Treg from diverse polyclonal populations. Here, we consider the importance of antigen specificity in Treg function and discuss recent advances for the expansion of antigen-specific Treg and the therapeutic potential of Treg in controlling autoimmunity and GVHD.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism and mitochondrial sequence data detect genetic differentiation and relationships in endangered southwestern U.S.A. ambersnails (Oxyloma spp.)

Le gastropode Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis est sur la liste federale des especes menacees de mollusques et il habite en deux endroits dans le sud-ouest des Etats-Unis. Pour determiner l'ampleur de la variation genetique au sein des populations et entre les populations de ce taxon, nous avons procede a la technique du polymorphisme de la longueur des fragments amplifies (AFLP) pour generer 110 marqueurs genetiques parmi les individus echantillonnes dans les populations d'O. h. kanabensis et des deux seules populations connues d'Oxyloma haydeni haydeni du Utah et du nord de l'Arizona. Des informations additionnelles ont ete obtenues a partir de donnees sur les sequences des fragments des genes cytochrome b et cytochrome oxydase I. Les resultats indiquent des differences importantes entre les populations, comme l'ont revele les techniques de regroupement UPGMA, les valeurs de F et le test de Fisher. Divers niveaux de diversite genetique ont ete observes au sein de chaque population. L'heterozygotie theorique se situait entre 0,239 et 0,086 d'apres un modele base sur les proportions genotypiques Hardy-Weinberg, et se situait entre 0,205 et 0,061 d'apres un modele a autofecondation obligee completement homozygote. Les resultats des analyses de groupements indiquent qu'une population d'O. h. kanabensis et une population d'O. h. haydeni sont tres semblables que les deux populations etudier d'O. h. kanabensis (d'apres plus de 80 % de bootstraps repetes). Ces resultats sont de plus confirmes par une analyse phylogenetique des deux fragments de genes mitochondriaux. Nos donnees semblent indiquer que les appellations taxonomiques necessitent d'etre revisees, un processus qui affectera sans doute le statut protege de certaines des populations.
How specificity for self-peptides shapes the development and function of regulatory T cells.

The cataclysmic disease that develops in mice and humans lacking CD4 T cells expressing the transcription factor Foxp3 has provided abundant evidence that Foxp3CD4 Tregs are required to suppress a latent autoreactivity of the immune system. There is also evidence for the existence of tissue-specific Tregs that can act to suppress regional autoimmune responses, suggesting that Tregs exert their effects, in part, through responding to self-peptides. However, how the immune system generates a repertoire of Tregs that is designed to recognize and direct regulatory function to self-peptides is incompletely understood. This review describes studies aimed at determining how T cell recognition of self-peptide(s) directs Treg formation in the thymus, including discussion of a modified “avidity” model of thymocyte development. Studies aimed at determining how TCR specificity contributes to the ability of Tregs to suppress autoimmune diseases are also discussed. J. Leukoc. Biol. 88: 000–000; 2010.
Applications Of The Integrated Optical Light Modulator

The electrooptic Grating is an easily-fabricated component for integrated-optical applications that allows high-speed, efficient interaction with a guided optical wave in a planar waveguide. The use of these components in arrays allows implementation of several interesting and useful functions like spatial light modulation, correlation, parallel-to-serial conversion, and vector subtraction. We describe research on such devices; some potential applications in computation are also described.*© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Developing a Reading Community: Involving LIS Students in Planning a Readers’ Advisory Event

Graduate students in an elective Readers' Advisory class created a variation of a one book–one community event. The event provided a forum for discussing issues related to technology and the future and how it relates to the evolving mission of the public library. Students gained experience in project management and reflected on how they expanded their readers' advisory skills. Future events could be improved with more careful task assignment, better marketing, and better timing.
Dichotomies and moving singularities

We consider a linear differential system eσ Φ (t,e)Y′ =A(t, e)Y, with e a small parameter and Φ(t, e) a function which may vanish in the domain of definition. Under some conditions imposed on the eigenvalues of the matrixA(t, e), there exists an invertible matrixH(t, e) which is continuous on ([0,a] × [0, e0]). The transformationY=H(t, e)Z takes then dimensional linear system into two differential systems of orderk andn−k respectively, withk<n. Thus the investigaton ofn dimensional systems encountered in singular perturbation as well as in stability theory is considerably simplified.
Pericallosal lipoma extending through the choroidal fissure: US/CT/MRI correlation.

Choroid plexus lipomas (CPL) are known to be associated with pericallosal lipomas (lipomas of the corpus callosum — LCC). Twenty-six case have previously been reported. Approximately half of these lipomas are connected via the choroidal fissure (LCC-CPL); this connection is almost always bilateral. We present an unusual unilaterally connected LCC-CPL in a neonate.
A Framework for Economic Analysis of Livestock and Crop Byproducts Utilization

Livestock manure and crop trash contain nutrients that can be processed as plant or animal food. Modern agriculturalists or practitioners often treat them as wastes and dispose of them into the surrounding environment, favoring the purchase of commercial fertilizers or feeds. However, in recent years a combination of changes has set the stage for reexamining such practices; namely, increased cost of commercial fertilizer and livestock feed, increased costs of waste disposal due to regulation, and improvements in waste management technology. There were approximately 11,300 head of dairy cattle on Oahu in 1976, annually generating about 165,000 tons of raw manure. This manure contains considerable amounts of plant nutrients which could be used by the pineapple industry. Most of the manure is not utilized and, instead, is disposed of at considerable cost to the dairy industry. The waste also creates potential pollution problems in certain coastal areas of the island. There are about 5,000 acres of pineapple land harvested annually on Oahu, generating about 250,000 tons of post-harvest plant material (trash). Most of the trash is harrowed down, field dried, and burned on the field, with the remains plowed into the soil as fertilizer. Considerable nutrients are lost and pollution is created because of trash burning. With the cooperation of the Hawaii state government, considerable interest has been generated by dairy farmers and the pineapple industry in the use of byproducts to substitute for increasingly expensive imported feed and fertilizer. In 1976, a private cooperative was established to chop and remove the post-harvest pineapple plants and sell them to dairy farms as a roughage feed. This paper presents an analytical framework for investigating the integrated use of agricultural byproducts. An example is used to illustrate the workings of this framework. The empirical results of an actual case study conducted in Hawaii are presented as a demonstration of the operational potential to the real world situation. Finally, the framework is extended into a generalized byproduct use model. The model accounts for both efficiency and distributional considerations. Conceptual Model
Simple-Zero and Double-Zero Singularities of a Kaldor-Kalecki Model of Business Cycles with Delay

We study the Kaldor-Kalecki model of business cycles with delay in both the gross product and the capital stock. Simple-zero and double-zero singularities are investigated when bifurcation parameters change near certain critical values. By performing center manifold reduction, the normal forms on the center manifold are derived to obtain the bifurcation diagrams of the model such as Hopf, homoclinic and double limit cycle bifurcations. Some examples are given to confirm the theoretical results.
Expression in heterologous cells of the unusual cytoplasmic domain of rat brain 5B4/NCAM-ld.

Abstract Monoclonal antibody 5B4 recognizes a carboxy-terminal epitope common to large (∼180 kDa) and short (∼140 kDa) forms of neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAM-ld and NCAM-sd, respectively). The deduced primary sequence of rat brain 5B4/NCAM-ld predicts a large cytoplasmic domain (390 amino acids, Mr 39284) of striking amino acid composition (52% proline, alanine, serine and threonine) and little predicted α or β secondary structure: its function is unknown. To directly test the deduced topology of the protein, and especially the solubility and stability of its unusual cytoplasmic domain, we have constructed a cDNA expression vector designed to express this domain independently as a soluble protein (designated 5B4cyt) in a heterologous cell system (simian Cos cells). 5B4cyt is indeed soluble, but migrates anomalously on SDS-PAGE under denaturing and reducing conditions as two species of ∼77 and ∼80 kDa.In pulse chase experiments, the ∼77 kDa band chases into the ∼80 kDa band with a t 1 2 of ∼ 1 h. The difference in mobility is apparently a consequence of the rapid phosphorylation of the ∼77 kDa species. The ∼88 kDa phospho-form is reasonably stable with a t 1 2 of ∼ 6 h. These results are consistent with the deduced topology of 5B4/NCAM-ld, and demonstrate the feasibility of this experimental approach for exploring the biochemistry and structure of its unusual cytoplasmic domain.
Molecular récognition at Langmuir monolayers

In the field of chemical biology, molecular recognition has served as a basic concept to understand the construction of biological assemblies and the biological functions. Among the model systems available to investigate ‘lock and key’ interactions, the interfacial molecular recognition at the air–water interface is an appropriate system because it mimics one of the two coupled monolayers that can be viewed in a biological membrane. Amphiphilic derivatives bearing hydrophobic (C10–C26) and hydrophilic moieties can form a two-dimensional layer called a Langmuir monolayer. The binding of a non-surface active substance dissolved in the aqueous subphase underneath the Langmuir monolayer can be realized through the molecular recognition process.
Fast and accurate calibration for OPC process-window model using inverse weight algorithm

A data-set comprising of lines and spaces was collected by inline scanning electron microscope at a single measurement threshold. Input data included measurements from features of several sizes at a range of pitch values as well as the entire Bossung curve for certain critical features. Models were calibrated with and without scaling of cost weight. Weights were scaled using inverse weight algorithm based on the differential sensitivity to focus for various feature types to a given lithography system. The imaging and the resist empirical parameters were extracted by regression over the entire data-set and a truncated version of the same data-set. The through-focus fitting error reduced by over 50% from +/- 5% to 2% with the cost weights scaled using the inverse weight algorithm. The quickness combined with the ability to extract fitting parameters precisely using this technique has enabled implementation on various digital and analog layers ranging from 180nm to 65nm nodes.
Electron and Ion Acceleration in the Unstable Auroral Ionosphere

It is demonstrated that energetic electrons accelerated in the field-aligned electric wavefield of kinetic Alfven waves in near Earth space destabilize the ionosphere to secondary Alfven waves via the well known ionospheric feedback instability. From spacecraft observations and simulations it is shown how this instability may drive waves at wavelengths perpendicular to the geomagnetic field of the order of the electron inertial length (λe) and ion gyro-radius (ρi). These secondary waves then lead to further electron acceleration and ion trapping. The trapping process results in coherent acceleration up to energies where the ion gyro-radius is equal to half the wavelength of the wave transverse to the geomagnetic field (λ⊥). For sufficiently large wave amplitudes at these scales the orbit of the ions in the wavefield is disrupted and may become stochastic as has been suggested previously from observations by others.
Moderation Analysis Using a Two-Level Regression Model

Moderation analysis is widely used in social and behavioral research. The most commonly used model for moderation analysis is moderated multiple regression (MMR) in which the explanatory variables of the regression model include product terms, and the model is typically estimated by least squares (LS). This paper argues for a two-level regression model in which the regression coefficients of a criterion variable on predictors are further regressed on moderator variables. An algorithm for estimating the parameters of the two-level model by normal-distribution-based maximum likelihood (NML) is developed. Formulas for the standard errors (SEs) of the parameter estimates are provided and studied. Results indicate that, when heteroscedasticity exists, NML with the two-level model gives more efficient and more accurate parameter estimates than the LS analysis of the MMR model. When error variances are homoscedastic, NML with the two-level model leads to essentially the same results as LS with the MMR model. Most importantly, the two-level regression model permits estimating the percentage of variance of each regression coefficient that is due to moderator variables. When applied to data from General Social Surveys 1991, NML with the two-level model identified a significant moderation effect of race on the regression of job prestige on years of education while LS with the MMR model did not. An R package is also developed and documented to facilitate the application of the two-level model.
“Am I Still a Virgin?”: What Counts as Sex in 20 years of Seventeen

In this paper, I analyze what counts as sex using a qualitative content analysis of the sexuality and health advice columns in Seventeen from 1982 to 2001. These columns are a useful source for identifying adolescent sexual norms including what counts as sex. Previous sex research often assumed that sex meant penile–vaginal intercourse and was the cause of virginity loss. Thus, I use virginity-related key terms (e.g., virgin, sex) to identify the sexuality and health advice columns pertinent to this project. These columns illustrate how multiple sexual acts can cause virginity loss; however, Seventeen remains ambiguous in its discussion of what counts as sex. Letter writers are concerned with what sexual acts they can participate in and still remain virgins and what act defines virginity loss. My analysis reveals that the columns reinforce heteronormativity by telling readers virginity is lost only through penile–vaginal intercourse. Additionally, Seventeen supports the sexual double standard by placing the responsibility of sexual behavior solely on female adolescents rather than on them and their partners.
Self-regulation of motoric learning: A strategic cycle view

Abstract The effects of performance strategies, goal setting, and self-evaluative recording on the acquisition of a novel motoric skill were studied with 90 high school girls. It was hypothesized that greater acquisition would occur when (a) an analytic strategy was used instead of imaginal strategy, (b) practice goals were shifted dynamically during learning instead of remaining unchanging or fixed, and (c) self-evaluative recording of strategic performance processes was present rather than absent. Support for all three hypotheses was found. In addition to improving motoric skill acquisition, these same self-regulatory processes significantly enhanced three sources of learners' motivation: self-efficacy beliefs, self-satisfaction, and intrinsic interest. Additional analyses revealed that self-evaluative recording enhanced strategy attributions during learning which were predictive of improved self-efficacy, self-satisfaction, and intrinsic interest during posttesting. Self-efficacy was highly predictive ...
Comparison of Insulin Binding to Cells of Fed and Fasted Obese Patients: Results in Erythrocytes and Monocytes

The erythrocyte (RBC) has received recent interest as a cell model to examine insulin receptor status in humans. In the present study we have compared the insulin receptors on mature RBCs and monocytes of four hyperinsulinemic obese patients in the fed state and after a 14-day fast (<50 cal/day). Insulin binding in the basal (fed) state was described in RBC and monocytes due predominantly to a decrease in the receptor concentration in both cell types. After a 14-day fast, insulin binding to both RBCs and monocytes increased significantly in each patient. Maximal binding of [125]]odoinsulin to RBCs increased by 29% (range, 20-46%), and binding to monocytes increased by 116% (range, 46–312%).In response to the fast, the concentration of insulin needed to inhibit binding by 50% decreased from 5 to 2 ng/ml in RBC and from 3 to 1 ng/ ml in monocytes, indicating an increase in receptor affinity in both RBCs and monocytes. Conventional and computer-fitted Scatchard analyses demonstrated no change in the receptor...
Flexibility in Statistical Word Segmentation: Finding Words in Foreign Speech

The present experiments investigated the flexibility of statistical word segmentation. There is ample evidence that infants can use statistical cues (e.g., syllable transitional probabilities) to segment fluent speech. However, it is unclear how effectively infants track these patterns in unfamiliar phonological systems. We examined whether English-learning 14-month-olds could segment continuous speech in an artificial language consisting of Mandarin Chinese syllables. Syllable transitional probabilities provided the only reliable word boundary cues. In Experiment 1, we found that males segmented the language; they reliably discriminated words from the language versus across-word sequences. Females did not display reliable discrimination. In Experiment 2, when the test items were designed to have less overlap in their statistical structure, males and females displayed successful learning. Variation in direction of preference was revealing about infants’ processing in the tasks. Taken together, the finding...
Theory of Fiction: A Non-Western Narrative Tradition

Fiction study is now an international subject of inquiry. When scholars talk about fiction theory, however, they usually refer to European or Western fiction the- ory. Even in studies of other time-honored literary traditions, discussions of fiction theory are always conducted in terms of Western concepts like mimesis, realism, nat- uralism, postmodernism, and so on. This gives rise to two opposite views in the field of Chinese and comparative literature. One emphasizes the unique nature of tradi- tional Chinese fiction and considers fiction theory arising therefrom as something that must be set apart from the Western system. The other, using Western fiction the- ory as the yardstick, implicitly views characteristic features of Chinese fiction as anomalies or even limitations. Ostensibly, the two tendencies differ, but in essence they share a commonality, that is, both imply that Chinese fiction theory cannot have meaningful dialogues with its Western counterpart. Regretfully, studies of Chinese fiction are, with only a few exceptions, 1 largely confined to historical scholarship or practical criticism and, cherish precious little interest in conceptual inquiries into the conditions of fiction. Studies with theoretical orientations came under another aspect of the Western influence, 2 and have been subsumed under the catch-all category of "narrative" (xushi) defined in the broadest sense, which covers all discursive materi- als but does not focus exclusively on "fiction" as a literary and aesthetic category. As a result, there has been so far no systematic view of Chinese fiction theory that treats
Solution structures of unimolecular quadruplexes formed by oligonucleotides containing Oxytricha telomere repeats

Abstract Background: Oligonucleotides containing the guanine-rich telomeric sequence of Oxytricha chromosomes (dT 4 G 4 ) have previously been shown to form DNA quadruplexes comprising guanine quartets stabilized by cations. Two different structures have been reported for both d(G 4 T 4 G 4 ) (Oxy1.5) and d(G 4 T 4 G 4 T 4 G 4 T 4 G 4 ) (Oxy3.5). Results Here we present the solution structure of a uracil- and inosine-containing derivative of Oxy3.5, d(G 4 TUTUG 4 T 4 G 4 UUTTG 3 I) (Oxy3.5-U 4 I28), determined using two-dimensional 1 H and 31 P NMR techniques. This oligonucleotide forms a unimolecular quadruplex that is very similar to the dimeric Oxy1.5 solution structure, in that it contains a loop spanning the diagonal of an end quartet. The groove widths, strand polarities, and positions of the syn bases along the G 4 tracts and within the quartets are all as reported for Oxy1.5. The first and third pyrimidine tracts form parallel loops spanning a wide groove and a narrow groove respectively. Conclusion Both Oxy3.5 and Oxy3.5-U 4 I28 form unimolecular quadruplexes in solution with a diagonal central T 4 loop. These results conflict with those reported for d(G 4 TUTUG 4 TTUUG 4 UUTTG 4 ) in solution, in which the central loop spans a wide groove.
Patient needs should drive ventilator selection for stockpiling: "handy" devices may not "lend a hand".

Following the attacks of September 11th, 2001, the people and government of the United States have been obsessed with disaster preparedness and threat levels. Travel has become more difficult, with metal detectors, explosive sniffing devices, and luggage searches. “Homeland security” has become
Solvent Refractive Index and Core Charge Influences on the Surface Plasmon Absorbance of Alkanethiolate Monolayer-Protected Gold Clusters

This report describes the effect of solvent refractive index and core charge on the surface plasmon absorbance of alkanethiolate monolayer-protected gold clusters (MPCs). Solution spectra of dodecanethiolate MPCs (5.2 nm average diameter) reveal an 8-nm shift in plasmon band position as the solvent refractive index is varied from nd20 = 1.33 to 1.55. The spectral shift agrees with predictions of Mie theory when the alkanethiolate monolayer is accounted for in the calculations. Electronic charging of the MPC gold core by electrolysis, from its rest potential (−0.16 V) to +0.82 V vs a Ag quasi-reference electrode, causes a 9-nm (516 to 525 nm) shift in the surface plasmon band position. The shift in surface plasmon band position with core charge is compared to the predictions of the concentric sphere model for MPC capacitance and Mie theory, as a first step toward probing effects of quantized core charging on this important optical property.
Magnetic Field of the Earth and Planets

Satellite observations and magnetic theory used to describe the planetary magnetic fields and their effects on solar system bodies
Stress analysis and design considerations for Shuttle pointed autonomous research tool for astronomy /SPARTAN/

The Shuttle Pointed Autonomous Research Tool for Astronomy (SPARTAN) family of spacecraft are intended to operate with minimum interfaces with the U.S. Space Shuttle in order to increase flight opportunities. The SPARTAN I Spacecraft was designed to enhance structural capabilities and increase reliability. The approach followed results from work experience which evolved from sounding rocket projects. Structural models were developed to do the analyses necessary to satisfy safety requirements for Shuttle hardware. A loads analysis must also be performed. Stress analysis calculations will be performed on the main structural elements and subcomponents. Attention is given to design considerations and program definition, the schematic representation of a finite element model used for SPARTAN I spacecraft, details of loads analysis, the stress analysis, and fracture mechanics plan implications.
Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy of nanocrystalline TiO2 films sensitized with (2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) dyes for photovoltaic applications

Abstract Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) has been used to determine the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels of a series of related 2,2′-bipyridyl-substituted ruthenium dyes utilized in the fabrication of photovoltaic devices. UPS analysis of nanocrystalline TiO 2 thin films sensitized with a monolayer of cis -dithiocyanato- N , N -bis-(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid)–ruthenium(II), commonly referred to as “N3”, indicates that the HOMO is located 5.47 eV below the vacuum level. Combination of the UPS results with measurement of the bandgap of the dye by UV–Vis absorbance spectroscopy yields an estimated lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of 3.93 eV below the vacuum level. Similar analyses have been performed for the related dyes, (5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline)bis-(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid)-ruthenium(II), (1,10-phenanthroline)bis-(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid)-ruthenium(II), and (5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline)bis-(2,2′-bipyridine)-ruthenium(II); giving values of 3.35, 3.08, and 3.43 eV, respectively, for the positions of the LUMOs below the vacuum level. These results indicate that the LUMO of N3 has better overlap with the conduction band of TiO 2 located 3.70 eV below the vacuum level, and this may at least partially be responsible for its outstanding photovoltaic performance.
Contaminant Concentrations and Reproductive Rate of Lake Superior Bald Eagles, 1989–2001

Abstract We investigated the trend in contaminant concentrations in Lake Superior bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) from 1989–2001, and examined the relationship of contaminant concentrations to eagle reproductive rate during that time. Concentrations of dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE) and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in nestling blood plasma samples decreased significantly from 1989-2001 (p = 0.007 for DDE, p = 0.004 for total PCBs). Mean contaminant concentrations in eaglet plasma, 21.7 μg/kg DDE (n=51) and 86.7 μg/kg total PCBs (n = 54), were near or below the estimated threshold levels for impairment of reproduction as determined in other studies. A preliminary assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations indicated a mean of 7.9 μg/kg total PBDEs in Lake Superior eaglet plasma (n = 5). The number of occupied bald eagle nests along the Wisconsin shore of Lake Superior increased from 15 to 24 per year, between 1989 and 2001 (p 2 = 0.70, n = 13 years). Eagle reproductive rate did not increase or decrease significantly between 1989 and 2001 (p = 0.530, r 2 = 0.037, n = 13 years, mean productivity = 0.96 young per occupied nest). The lack of correlation between reproductive rate and contaminant concentrations, as well as the comparison of contaminant concentrations to the estimated thresholds for impairment of reproduction, suggest that DDE and PCBs no longer limit the reproductive rate of the Lake Superior eagle population in Wisconsin.