cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The DnaK/DnaJ Chaperone System Enables RNA Polymerase-DksA Complex Formation in Salmonella Experiencing Oxidative Stress.

ABSTRACT Our previous biochemical approaches showed that the oxidoreductase activity of the DnaJ protein facilitates the interaction of oxidized DksA with RNA polymerase. Investigations herein demonstrate that under biologically relevant conditions the DnaJ- and DksA-codependent activation of the stringent response in Salmonella undergoing oxidative stress involves the DnaK chaperone. Oxidation of DksA cysteine residues stimulates redox-based and holdase interactions with zinc-binding and C-terminal domains of DnaJ. Genetic and biochemical evidence indicates that His33 in the HPD motif in the J domain of DnaJ facilitates interactions of unfolded DksA with DnaK. A mutation in His33 in the J domain prevents the presentation of unfolded DksA to DnaK without limiting the oxidoreductase activity mapped to DnaJ’s zinc-2 site. Thr199 in the ATPase catalytic site of DnaK is required for the formation of the DksA/RNA polymerase complex. The DnaK/DnaJ/DksA complex enables the formation of an enzymatically active RNA polymerase holoenzyme that stimulates transcription of branched-chain amino acid and histidine metabolic genes in Salmonella exposed to reactive oxygen species. The DnaK/DnaJ chaperone protects Salmonella against the cytotoxicity associated with reactive oxygen species generated by the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in the innate host response. The antioxidant defenses associated with DnaK/DnaJ can in part be ascribed to the elicitation of the DksA-dependent stringent response and the protection this chaperone system provides against protein carbonylation in Salmonella undergoing oxidative stress. IMPORTANCE DksA was discovered 30 years ago in a screen for suppressors that reversed the thermosensitivity of Escherichia coli mutant strains deficient in DnaK/DnaJ, raising the possibility that this chaperone system may control DksA function. Since its serendipitous discovery, DksA has emerged as a key activator of the transcriptional program called the stringent response in Gram-negative bacteria experiencing diverse adverse conditions, including nutritional starvation or oxidative stress. DksA activates the stringent response through the allosteric control this regulatory protein exerts on the kinetics of RNA polymerase promoter open complexes. Recent investigations have shown that DksA overexpression protects dnaKJ mutant bacteria against heat shock indirectly via the ancestral chaperone polyphosphate, casting doubt on a possible complexation of DnaK, DnaJ, and DksA. Nonetheless, research presented herein demonstrates that the cochaperones DnaK and DnaJ enable DksA/RNA polymerase complex formation in response to oxidative stress.
The United Nations and its efforts to develop treaties, conventions, or guidelines to address key space issues including the de-weaponization of space and orbital debris

Publisher Summary The chapter introduces the fact that a number of factors are attributed in recent years regarding the future security of outer space with substantive activity in United Nations forums. Awareness has been raised for increasing number of space around the world of the importance of the space realm to human security and development. Vital services such as telecommunications and internet connections to enable banking transactions to telemedicine and tele-education to support of military operations are being provided by the Satellites for nation states. The rising use of space has, in turn, resulted in an augment in concerns about potential satellite interference, orbital crowding and, most importantly, the threat of an ever-more polluted space environment to the continued functioning of satellites and spacecraft. The chapter also reveals that the improved access to more sophisticated space technologies has also resulted in increasing application of space assets for military purposes, raising tensions among major space-faring nations. It also conveys that generally very few of these efforts have resulted in substantial steps forwarded in protecting future space security with the exception of the GA adoption of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) or the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) voluntary guidelines on space debris mitigation and the trajectory of activity is in the right direction.
[8] Site-specific integration of multigenic shuttle plasmids into the herpes simplex virus type 1 genome using a cell-free cre-lox recombination system

Publisher Summary Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic human herpesvirus. The chapter presents studies and ascertains the ideal conditions for routinely performing the Cre– lox recombination reaction, using a variety of plasmid DNAs and specific target HSV-1 vector genomes. The first series of experiments describes the construction of a recipient viral genome and a shuttle plasmid, each containing a lox P cis -acting recombination site. The next set of assays details the proper conditions for overlaying the infected cell monolayer with the chromogenic material for the detection of viral recombinants, displaying expression of the β -galactosidase ( lac Z) reporter gene present on the inserted shuttle plasmid. The final set of experiments identifies the best molar ratio of plasmid DNA to target viral genomic DNA for obtaining the highest number of recombinants using the Cre- lox recombination procedure. Following these optimized conditions, a routine insertion of a variety of wild-type and mutant HSV-1 genes and foreign gene cassettes into replication-compromised and -defective HSV-1 genomes is carried out. This system can be similarly applied to other large viruses for the creation of recombinant viral genomes. To perform successful insertion of gene cassettes into the HSV-1 genome using the Cre- lox recombination system, a target viral genome containing a lox P recombination site must be constructed.
Estimating Firm-specific Long-term Growth Rate and Cost of Capital

We use the residual-income valuation model to simultaneously estimate firm-specific implied long-term growth rate in abnormal earnings and cost of capital by relating earnings-to-price and book-to-market ratios in a linear fashion. This simple framework estimates investors' consensus beliefs with respect to the long-term growth rate of abnormal earnings and the corresponding cost of capital embedded in the stock price. Empirical results show that the growth rate and cost of capital estimates obtained from this model and that of Easton [2004] exhibit desirable properties. Specifically, both cost of capital estimates, controlled for growth, are predictably related to various previously documented firm-specific factors. The cost of capital estimates using this and the Easton [2004] procedure are also positively related to one-year-ahead returns, especially when the change in cost of capital and growth are controlled. Overall, we show the importance of considering return decomposition as well as controlling for growth when assessing the relationship between cost of capital and various risk factors.
Effect of pH on the phosphorescence of tryptophan, tyrosine, and proteins.

Whereas the fluorescence of proteins has been extensively investigated, in particular by Weber and co-workers, the phosphorescence has been little investigated. This paper reports studies of the phosphorescence of a representative group of proteins and aromatic amino acids. The previously discovered quenching of the fluorescence of tyrosine and tryptophan in acid and alkaline pH is accompanied by an enhancement of the phosphorescence. The quenching of tyrosine fluorescence in proteins at neutral pH and by formate ion at neutral pH is accompanied by a quenching of the phosphorescence. Interpretation of these phenomena depends on a series of assumptions concerning the excited states of tyrosine and tyrosinate ion, which are shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Basically, tyrosine and tyrosinate ion are assumed to have π, π* states at lower energies than n, π* states. In tyrosinate ion the 3n, π* state is assumed to lie below the first excited singlet π, π* state. This facilitates singlet to triplet conversion (intersystem crossing) and accounts for the quenching of the fluorescence and the enhancement of the phosphorescence of tyrosinate ion as compared to tyrosine. An even more speculative assumption concerning the 3n, π* state is made to explain the fact that in tyrosine hydrogen-bonded to bases both the fluorescence and phosphorescence are quenched. In the heme proteins myoglobin and hemoglobin, neither fluorescence nor phosphorescence is seen at neutral or alkaline pH. When the heme is separated, the residual protein exhibits normal emission. In neutral solution the emission is quenched by energy transfer from the excited singlet states of tyrosine and tryptophan to the excited states of the heme. In alkaline solution, on the other hand, reasons are given for believing that the transfer is either from the excited triplet or from singlet states of the acids to the excited singlets of the heme.
Age-related changes in human vestibulo-ocular and optokinetic reflexes: Pseudorandom rotation tests

The dynamic response properties of horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and optokinetic reflex (OKR) were characterized in 216 human subjects ranging in age from 7 to 81 years. The object of this cross-sectional study was to determine the effects of aging on VOR and OKR reflex dynamics, and to identify the distributions of parameters which describe VOR and OKR responses to pseudorandom stimuli in a putatively normal population. In general, VOR and OKR response parameters changed in a manner consistent with declining function with increasing age. For the VOR this was reflected in declining response amplitudes, although the magnitude of the decline was small relative to the variability of the data. For the OKR the lag time of the response, probably associated with the time required for visual information processing, increased linearly with age at a rate of about 1 ms per year.
Heritability of vasculopathy, autoimmune disease, and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis: a population-based study

Objective To investigate the familiality of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in relation to Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) (a marker of vasculopathy), other autoimmune inflammatory disease, and fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods A genealogic resource, the Utah Population Database (UPDB), was used to test heritability of RP, other autoimmune disease, and ILD. Diseases were defined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes and identified from statewide discharge data, the University of Utah Health Science Center Enterprise Data Warehouse, and death certificates and were linked to the UPDB for analysis. Familial standardized incidence ratio (FSIR), relative risks (RRs) to first-, second-, third-, and fourth-degree relatives for SSc, RP, other autoimmune disease, and ILD (with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]), and population attributable risk (PAR) were calculated. Results A software kinship analysis tool was used to analyze 1,037 unique SSc patients. Fifty SSc families had significant FSIRs, ranging from 2.07 to 17.60. The adjusted PAR was ∼8%. The RRs were significant for other autoimmune disease in the first-degree relatives (2.49 [95% CI 1.99–3.41], P = 2.42 × 10−15) and second-degree relatives (1.48 [95% CI 1.34–2.39], P = 0.002), for RP in first-degree relatives (6.38 [95% CI 3.44–11.83], P = 4.04 × 10−9) and second-degree relatives (2.39 [95% CI 1.21–4.74], P = 0.012), and for ILD in first-degree relatives (1.53 [95% CI 1.04–2.26], P = 0.03), third-degree relatives (1.47 [95% CI 1.18–1.82], P = 0.0004), and fourth-degree relatives (1.2 [95% CI 1.06–1.35], P = 0.004). Conclusion These data suggest that SSc pedigrees include more RP, autoimmune inflammatory disease, and ILD than would be expected by chance. In SSc pedigrees, genetic predisposition to vasculopathy is the most frequent risk among first-degree relatives.
Analysis and prediction of fishtail during V-H hot rolling process

The fishtail in head and tail of the slabs was studied during V-H hot rolling process. With the application of ANSYS/LS-DYNA, simulation analysis was used to research this process. The various factors which have a great influence on fishtail shapes were analysed, such as initial width, initial thickness, radius of the edger roll and horizontal roll, edging draught, horizontal reduction rate, and friction coefficient of the surface. Then the curves that can describe the shapes were obtained. After a certain time of self-learning, the optimized curves were given out. At last, through the fitting of the simulation test results, the math models for the area of fishtail defect changing with the presented factors were received. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the prediction for the fishtail shapes is more than 95%. With the application of the prediction for the fishtail shapes and the area of the fishtail defect, the loss rate of the slab is decreased by about 0.1%.
LINEAR KOSZUL DUALITY AND AFFINE HECKE ALGEBRAS

In this paper we prove that the linear Koszul duality equivalence constructed in a previous paper provides a geometric realization of the Iwahori-Matsumoto involution of affine Hecke algebras.
The Squid Giant Synapse

Publisher Summary The squid giant synapse is large but otherwise morphologically simple presynaptic terminal. It has allowed a direct inquiry into the electrophysiology of the squid that accompanies transmitter release. The “giant synapse” is the last junction in a chain of giant neurons that form the escape system in squid. This is a bilaterally symmetrical system that originates with the first-order giant neurons located one on each side of the ventral magnocellular lobe of the brain. They receive, among others, visual, vestibular, and tactile inputs. This chapter focuses on synaptic transmission without action potentials. The studies indicate that transmitter release is independent of the mechanisms generating the presynaptic action potential. Blockage of not only sodium but also of voltage-dependent potassium conductance could lead to prolonged presynaptic release. In addition, presynaptic depolarization beyond a certain level suppresses transmitter release during the period of depolarization. The relationship among Ca current, transmitter release, and excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) latency for an action potential has been described in the chapter.
Strong fungal specificity and selectivity for algal symbionts in Florida scrub Cladonia lichens

Symbiosis is a major theme in the history of life and can be an important force driving evolution. However, across symbioses, it is difficult to tease apart the mechanisms that structure the interactions among potential partners. We used genetic similarity and frequency-based methods to qualitatively and quantitatively examine the patterns of association among several co-occurring Cladonia lichen fungi and their algal photobionts in six disjunct Florida scrub sites. The patterns of association were described by the degree of specificity, i.e. the phylogenetic range of associated partners, and of selectivity, i.e. the frequency of association among partners. Six fungal species associated with only one algal internal transcribed spacer clade, with the remaining two fungi being associated with two algal clades. In all cases, the fungi associated in unequal frequencies with the observed algal photobiont genotypes within those clades--suggesting that both specificity and selectivity were higher than expected. Fungal species can be grouped into three significantly different specificity classes: photobiont specialists, intermediates and generalists. In contrast to the pronounced specificity for photobionts among fungal species, the different Florida scrub sites do not harbour distinct photobiont pools, and differential photobiont availability cannot explain the patterning of lichen associations at this spatial scale. Therefore, we conclude that fungal specificity and selectivity for algal photobionts are major factors in determining the local composition of symbiotic partnerships.
Patterned Sol-Gel Structures by Micro Molding in Capillaries

The development of a variety of micro-optical chemical sensor and biosensor devices will rely on an ability to fabricate and effectively pattern physically and chemically sensitive materials. Toward this end, organically modified sol-gel materials are patterned onto a substrate using a benign technique called micro molding in capillaries (MIMIC). Closely spaced, organically modified silica ridges containing organic dyes are demonstrated. The mold consists of a micro channel-filled elastomeric master in contact with a glass substrate. Liquid sols fill the mold as a result of capillary action. A reservoir-channel system in the mold allows simultaneous casting of sols with different chemical compositions. After gelation, the elastomeric master is removed and sol-gel structures are left on the substrate. Cross-sectional dimensions of the ridges range from one to tens of micrometers, and can be centimeters in length. Because of the mild processing conditions, the method is especially attractive for solgel materials containing sensitive molecules such as indicator dyes and biomolecules. The technique holds promise for microfabricated sensor and integrated optics applications.
Reducing ATM CAC overhead by utilising aggregated traffic statistics

Quality-of-service (QoS) in ATM networks is largely determined by call admission control (CAC) and switch scheduling algorithms. A CAC algorithm determines if a requested connection can be accepted without violating QoS bounds for the new connection and for existing connections. To support QoS in ATM switches, earliest deadline first (EDF) scheduling can be implemented to ensure that the cells with the tightest time bounds are forwarded before less time critical cells are forwarded. A problem with existing CAC methods is that each node in a network needs to know the traffic parameters of all other nodes, and this requirement induces a high CAC computation and control traffic overhead. A method of aggregating connection parameters into ‘super connection’ statistics and applying this to a CAC algorithm is developed and proved. This method reduces traffic overhead in an ATM network and enables the design of a simple EDF switch. The design of an EDF switch that uses multiple input queues, one for each super connection delay class, to sort and send time-stamped cells in EDF order is developed.
Differential assessment and state land use controls in Hawaii

Discussion of Hawaii's experience suggests both advantages and difficulties in establishing complementary relationships between differential agricultural assessment and statewide land use controls. In Hawaii, as elsewhere, differential assessment was guided by traditional rent theory with valuations increasing progressively with higher quality lands. Actual practice indicated conservation purposes were better served by a more regressive structure. This suggests a restructuring of assessment rates for states which continue to rely on this method for farmlands preservation purposes, assuming distributional equity issues are dealt with.
The Interpersonal/Mass Communication Interface Among Church Leaders

A major theoretical problem for communication research has been to adequately couple the mass media and interpersonal communication systems. A parsimonious application of the information-seeking viewpoint to this interface suggests the general hypothesis that the information needs generated by interpersonal communication lead to use of the mass media. Examination of the frequency of coorientation and use of mass media on two specific topics by 162 Methodist ministers and laymen provides strong support for the hypothesis.
Report of a patient with severe transfusion-related acute lung injury after multiple transfusions, resuscitated with albumin

Abstract Objective: To report a patient with a large gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who received multiple blood transfusions intraoperatively and developed a transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Design: Case report. Setting: Intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Patient and history: A 58-year-old man with GIST metastatic to the right lobe of the liver, treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, underwent a right hepatectomy requiring multiple transfusions. Prior to abdominal closure, he developed copious pulmonary secretions, hypoxemia, and hypotension. Chest radiograph revealed diffuse bilateral infiltrates. Intervention: Volume resuscitation, vasopressors, high PEEP mechanical ventilation, paralysis, nitric oxide, steroids, rapid albumin infusion. Measurements and main results: Extensive noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. After unsuccessful fluid resuscitation with crystalloid fluid, the patient's condition improved rapidly with human albumin boluses. No neurological deficit was detected despite prolonged hypoxemia. Acute renal failure required dialysis but with subsequent recovery. Patient was discharged home on postoperative day 19. Conclusion: Rapid infusion of albumin might be a rescue option in cases of severe TRALI with extensive pulmonary capillary leak during the acute phase.
Wasting or obesity at time of transplant does not predict pediatric heart transplant outcomes: analysis of ISHLT pediatric heart transplant registry.

Background Body mass index (BMI) both before and after heart transplant (HT) is used to risk stratify in adult HT. Single-center studies identify BMI as a potential predictor of outcome after HT in children; large-scale analyses in pediatric HT have not been performed. Methods The ISHLT pediatric heart transplant registry was queried for HT recipients >2 years old between 1996 and 2006 with data for BMI percentile (BMI%ile) at HT. Survival and morbidity rates post-HT were compared between BMI%ile cohorts defined as: wasted, 95th BMI%ile at HT. Results Data from 2,333 pediatric HT patients were available for analysis. Incidence of abnormal BMI%ile at HT was: wasted = 23% and obese = 8%. Wasting and obesity were similar in patients with congenital or cardiomyopathic diagnoses. Wasted or obese patients at HT did not differ from patients with normal BMI in survival on Kaplan–Meier or multivariate analyses. There were no significant differences in pre-, peri- or post-operative adverse events between patients with wasting or obesity and those with normal BMI%ile at HT. Conclusions In contrast to adults, abnormal body mass at time of transplant was not associated with decreased survival in pediatric HT recipients. Potential pediatric transplant candidates should not be excluded based on the perception that wasting or obesity will increase the risk of adverse outcomes.
Machine vision system for ore sizing

A machine vision systelu has been developed to size and count ore as it passes down a conveyor belt. The imaging system consists of a line scan camera a zoom lens and a structured lighting arrangenient. The structured lighting produces a line of light which is projected onto the conveyor belt at an angle with respect to the caniera. When a piece of ore is present the line of light covering the piece is displaced out of the field of view of the camera. This method is used to overcome the poor contrast between the ore and the conveyor belt. Iniages are acquired using an iiaage processor which performs real-tiiae thresholding of the iraage before it is passed to a frame buffer. A coniputer progrant locates the ore pieces in the image and identifies the boundaries between those pieces which are touching. Chords corresponding to the approximate major and minor axes of each piece are calculated. Using these measurements the size distribution for a population of ore is determined. 1.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Adjusting the measurement of US manufacturing productivity for air pollution emissions control

We estimate a distance function and derive producer shadow prices for SO2 and PM-10 emissions. The shadow prices are used to adjust a traditional measure of total factor productivity growth in order to account for the reallocation of inputs from production of the marketed output to pollution abatement activities. Adjusted total factor productivity growth rates are calculated for the two-digit SIC manufacturing industries in the United States for 1970–1996. The results indicate that including the “output” of pollution abatement activities has a measurable effect on the productivity of many industries in the manufacturing sector.
Girard, Mediated Texts, and the Modern Death Penalty

This article examines the history of the modern execution, with an aim to answering how and why it disappeared as a public event. Assuming that modern executions can be considered a kind of ritual, the first part of the article summarizes two important paradigms for viewing ritual communication. The first paradigm focuses on the role of rituals as methods of controlling information and controlling populations, and the second focuses on the way that rituals communicate public meaning. In contrast to these two approaches, I suggest a third way of thinking about the execution ritual, building on Rene Girard's theory of public sacrifice. Using the work of Girard, I suggest, can point historically minded scholars of modern media ritual into a potentially fruitful path of investigation, and to a deeper examination of the media's treatment of violence in the modern world.
Stomatal Conductance Correlates with Flooding Tolerance in Phragmites australis and Sorghum halepense

Measurements of stomatal conductance and transpiration can provide information on plant carbon gain and water loss, which can easily be used to estimate a plant's ability to tolerate flooding. In this study, flooding-sensitive Sorghum halepense and flooding-tolerant Phragmites australis were flooded to 8 cm depth or kept dry for 7 days. Transpiration, stomatal conductance, boundary layer conductance, and vapor conductance were measured for each. In S. halepense, transpiration was significantly higher in dry treatments compared to flooded treatments. However, in P. australis transpiration was significantly higher in flooded treatments compared to dry treatments. Boundary layer conductances were not different between species or treatments. Phragmites australis had increased stomatal conductance when flooded, which indicates a high physiological tolerance to waterlogged soils. By contrast, stomatal conductance in S. halepense was decreased under flooding, indicating a greater sensitivity to flooding. Based on these differences between P. australis and S. halepense, leaf-level stomatal conductance appears to serve as a quick indication of flooding tolerance in plants.
Nocturnal and Seasonal Activities of the Pallid Bat, Antrozous Pallidus

Nocturnal and seasonal activities of pallid bats ( Antrozous pallidus ) were observed in central Arizona. The pallid bat night is characterized by two foraging periods with an intervening period of night roosting. Foraging pallid bats have a characteristic style of flight well suited to the taking of relatively large, substrate-roving or slow flying prey. After the initial foraging period pallid bats locate one another through vocal communication and gather in night roosting clusters where they enter torpor. Durations and scheduling of nocturnal activities vary seasonally. Cool months are characterized by smaller colonies of bats, greater fidelity to certain colony sites, slower and later emergence, briefer foraging periods and longer periods of night roosting. Up to 75 percent of the time spent away from diurnal retreats is devoted to night roosting in the autumn. Young are born in June, and during most of the summer adult males do not seem to occur sympatrically with females and young. Females and young appear to forage together in July and August, when little fidelity is shown to roosting sites, large colonies exist, emergence is faster and earlier, and more time is spent in foraging than in cooler months. In mid-August a postbreeding dispersal occurs. These activities and behaviors are discussed in terms of the energetic demands on the bats and the socialization of young.
A novel goblet shaped patch antenna for ultra wide band applications

The paper presents a novel design for an ultra wideband antenna which operates from 2.8–11.8 GHz, covering the entire ultra wide band (UWB) frequency range of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz, as approved by FCC. The antenna is in the form of a goblet (chalice) with a partial ground plane. In the paper, antenna design and geometry is described in detail. Hybrid design technique is applied to a simplified circular patch design and final shape of goblet is reached that exhibits ultra-wideband characteristics. Simulated results of different antenna parameters such as return loss (S (1, 1)), VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio), gain and far-field plots are presented. The measured return loss agrees with the simulated value, which confirms the working of the antenna. This antenna has primarily been designed to be used as part of a medical imaging system, but due to the high bandwidth, compact size and low profile, it promises to be used for various UWB applications.
Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of the Short Arm of Chromosome 3 in Primary Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma

Background. Deletion or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the polymorphic loci on the short arm of chromosome 3 has been reported in a large number of renal cell, small cell lung, non-small cell lung, and cervical carcinomas, suggesting the presence of one or more putative tumor suppressor genes at chromosome 3p. Similar studies in primary head and neck carcinoma are lacking. Methods. To investigate the possibility of chromosome 3p deletions, the authors applied a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, in conjunction with conventional Southern blot techniques, to DNA samples of matched normal mucosa and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas from 18 patients. The authors also assessed the merit of the PCR-based assay as a rapid screening tool, particularly in assaying limited tissue samples. Results. Constitutional heterozygosity at the polymorphic loci varied in the 18 normal samples that the authors studied: 12 at the D3F15S2 locus (on telomeric 3p21), 7 at the D3S32 locus (on centromeric 3p21), and 9 at the THRB locus (on 3p24). In 18 matched carcinoma specimens, LOH (deletion) was observed at D3S32 in 0 of 7, at D3F15S2 in 9 of 12 (75%), and at THRB in 3 of 9 cases (33%). Conclusions. The results of the PCR-based assay and Southern blotting were completely concordant in all specimens the authors studied. This study indicates that deletion at 3p is a frequent abnormality in primary head and neck carcinoma and that the most common deletion region is telomeric to D3S32. The authors also observed an apparent correlation among poor histologic differentiation, DNA aneuploidy, and 3p deletions. Most poorly and moderately differentiated and aneuploid carcinomas manifested the 3p deletion. Therefore, the authors suggest an association between deletion at 3p and aggressive biologic behavior.
Some system implications of a Josephson computer technology

The Josephson Technology as now understood is projected onto a current computer mainframe, the IBM 3033 to estimate its effect. This is a hypothetical projection and should not be taken in any way to represent a planned product. A three cycle critical case path is identified. Then an experimental 2.5-µm Josephson current injection logic (CIL) circuit family and cache memory design are configured into a functionally equivalent Josephson package. Propagation distances in the hypothetical package are estimated to be 6 percent of those in the comparison mainframe; estimated cycle time is 4 ns yielding an internal performance improvement by a factor of > 14. The Josephson version of the IBM 3033 would entail a more than 99-percent reduction in regulated power.
Anomalous simplicity of the Ã→X̃ dispersed fluorescence spectrum of 13C2H2

Abstract Dispersed fluorescence (DF) spectra, from several bands in the A state of 13 C 2 H 2 were recorded with 18 cm −1 resolution. The spectra are analyzed using standard pattern recognition techniques in order to extract the bright state fractionation patterns. A comparison is made between the DF spectra of 13 C 2 H 2 and 12 C 2 H 2 . At low energy, the DF spectrum of 13 C 2 H 2 appears similar to that of 12 C 2 H 2 , other than the expected isotopic shifts. Surprisingly, the DF spectra of 13 C 2 H 2 at high energy are simpler than the corresponding spectra of 12 C 2 H 2 , reflecting simpler stretch–bend dynamics. This simplicity can be qualitatively explained due to a detuning of the 3245 resonance.
A Versatile tRNA Aminoacylation Catalyst Based on RNA

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) ribozymes have potential to develop a novel genetic coding system. Although we have previously isolated such a ribozyme that recognizes aromatic amino acids, it could not be used as a versatile catalyst due to its limited ability of aminoacylation to a particular tRNA used for the selection. To overcome this limitation, we used a combination of evolutionary and engineering approaches to generate an optimized ribozyme. The ribozyme, consisting of 45 nucleotides, displays a broad spectrum of activity toward various tRNAs. Most significantly, this ribozyme is able to exhibit multiple turnover activity and charge parasubstituted Phe analogs onto an engineered suppressor tRNA (tRNA(Asn)(CCCG)). Thus, it provides a useful and flexible tool for the custom synthesis of mischarged tRNAs with natural and nonnatural amino acids.
Deterministic inventory lot‐size models with shortages for fluctuating demand and unit purchase cost

The classical economic order quantity (EOQ) model assumes not only a constant demand rate but also a fixed unit purchasing cost. In today's time-based competition, the unit cost of a high-tech product declines significantly over its short product life cycle while its demand increases. Therefore, using the classical EOQ formulation for a high-tech product will cause varying magnitudes of error. In addition, the cost of purchases as a percentage of sales is often substantial. Consequently, adding the purchasing strategy into the EOQ model is vital. In this paper, we assume that not only the demand function but also the unit purchase cost is fluctuating with time. We then provide an easy-to-use algorithm to find the optimal replenishment number and schedule. In a numerical example, we show that the total cost obtained by our proposed model is 32.4% less expensive than that obtained by the classical EOQ model.
Beneficial Lipid Outcome of Medical Nutrition Therapy for Men with Combined Hyperlipidemia in an Ambulatory Setting

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To quantify the effect of medical nutrition therapy in men with combined hyperlipidemia in an ambulatory setting We asked if medical nutrition therapy (MNT) by registered dietitians could lead to a beneficial clinical outcome in men diagnosed with combined hyperlipidemia (hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia) [CHL]. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 73 men diagnosed with CHL who were being considered for a lipid lowering drug study. Subjects participated in an 8-week nutrition intervention program as a qualifying requirement prior to initiating pravastatin therapy. Patient records were reviewed to determine the beginning and ending plasma lipid concentrations and the number and length of dietitian sessions. Complete information was available on 43 subjects, mean±SD 60.7±10.1 years. Total dietitian intervention time was 168.8±18.5 minutes in 2.7±0.6 sessions (range=2 to 4) during 6.5±2.2 weeks of MNT (range=4 to 8 weeks). MNT lowered total cholesterol (T-C) 11%, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 9%, triglyceride (TG) 22% and body mass index (BMI) 2% and raised high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 4%. Pre and post treatment lipids were: T-C 259.5±36.6 vs 230.7±36.2mg/dl (p
Reflections of a Racial Queer

In this article, I reflect on my personal experiences of racial queerness. In an effort to speak my secrets, I explore my identity production as a Multiracial person by critically examining my positionality throughout various key stages in my life. I present Multiracial microaggressions –those accumulated moments that underscore my racial queerness and argue that these phenomena, while taxing, also confer agency. I propose a conceptual framework that incorporates both queer theory and borderlands theory as a potential framework from which to study how Multiracial individuals are positioned as racial queers. I argue that queerness, for the Multiracial individual, may denote both deviance (from the monoracial norm) and a unique individuality (stemming from one’s Multiracial background). By offering my testimonial as a racial queer and introducing the racial queer conceptual framework, I come a bit closer to naming my experience as a Multiracial individual and providing a space from which others can do the same.
A mean field approximation in data assimilation for nonlinear dynamics

Abstract This paper considers the problem of data assimilation into nonlinear stochastic dynamic equations, from the point of view that the optimal solution is provided by the probabilities conditioned upon observations. An implementation of Bayes formula is described to calculate such probabilities. In the context of a simple model with multimodal statistics, it is shown that the conditional statistics succeed in tracking mode transitions where some standard suboptimal estimators fail. However, in complex models the exact conditional probabilities cannot be practically calculated. Instead, approximations to the conditional statistics must be sought. In this paper, attention is focused on approximations to the analysis step arising from the conditioning on observational data. A suboptimal mean-field conditional analysis is obtained from a statistical mechanics of time-histories. It is shown to have a variational formulation, reducing the approximate calculation of the conditional statistics to the minimization of the “effective action”, a convex cost function. This mean-field analysis is compared with a standard linear analysis, based on a Kalman gain matrix. In the simple model problem, the mean-field conditional analysis is shown to approximate well the exact conditional statistics.
Co-Localization of Amyloid Beta and Tau Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Synaptosomes

The amyloid cascade hypothesis proposes that amyloid β (Aβ) pathology precedes and induces tau pathology, but the neuropathological connection between these two lesions has not been demonstrated. We examined the regional distribution and co-localization of Aβ and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in synaptic terminals of Alzheimer's disease brains. To quantitatively examine large populations of individual synaptic terminals, flow cytometry was used to analyze synaptosomes prepared from cryopreserved Alzheimer's disease tissue. An average 68.4% of synaptic terminals in the Alzheimer's disease cohort (n = 11) were positive for Aβ, and 32.3% were positive for p-tau; Aβ and p-tau fluorescence was lowest in cerebellum. In contrast to synaptic p-tau, which was highest in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus (P = 0.004), synaptic Aβ fluorescence was significantly lower in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus relative to neocortical regions (P = 0.0003). Synaptic Aβ and p-tau fluorescence was significantly correlated (r = 0.683, P < 0.004), and dual-labeling experiments demonstrated that 24.1% of Aβ-positive terminals were also positive for p-tau, with the highest fraction of dual labeling (39.3%) in the earliest affected region, the entorhinal cortex. Western blotting experiments show a significant correlation between synaptic Aβ levels measured by flow cytometry and oligomeric Aβ species (P < 0.0001). These results showing overlapping Aβ and tau pathology are consistent with a model in which both synaptic loss and dysfunction are linked to a synaptic amyloid cascade within the synaptic compartment.
Outflows from AGNs: a brief overview of observations and models

Recent observations show that outflows from Active Galactic Nuclei are much more common than previously thought, with such outflows seen in various wavebands. I review the recent advances in observations of wind signatures and the progress in modelling various wind launching mechanisms.
Decision-making styles of seriously ill male Veterans for end-of-life care: Autonomists, Altruists, Authorizers, Absolute Trusters, and Avoiders

Abstract Objective To describe self-reported decision-making styles and associated pathways through end-of-life (EOL) decision-making for African-American, Caucasian, and Hispanic seriously ill male Veterans, and to examine potential relationships of race/ethnicity on these styles. Methods Forty-four African American, White, and Hispanic male Veterans with advanced serious illnesses participated in 8 racially/ethnically homogenous focus groups. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to identify major themes, with particular attention to themes that might be unique to each of the racial/ethnic groups. Results Patients described two main decision-making styles, deciding for oneself and letting others decide, leading to five variants that we labeled Autonomists, Altruists, Authorizers, Absolute Trusters, and Avoiders. These variants, with exception of avoiders (not found among White patients), were found across all racial/ethnic groups. The variants suggested different ‘implementation strategies’, i.e., how clear patients made decisions and whether or not they then effectively communicated them. Conclusion These identified decision-making styles and variants generate strategies for clinicians to better address individualized advance care planning. Practice implications Physicians should elicit seriously ill patients’ decision-making styles and consider potential implementation strategies these styles may generate, thus tailoring individualized recommendations to assist patients in their advance care planning. Patient-centered EOL decision-making can ensure that patient preferences are upheld.
Lead-free solid-state organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells containing tin rather than lead, which is usually employed, are reported. These cells have a power conversion efficiency of 5.7% and retain 80% of their performance over a period of 12 hours.
Transient psychosomatic exposures and childhood injuries: a case-crossover study from Athens

Transient psychosomatic exposures and childhood injuries: a case-crossover study from Athens
Structure formation under steady-state isothermal planar elongational flow of n-eicosane: a comparison between simulation and experiment.

We use nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structural properties of an oriented melt of $n$-eicosane under steady-state planar elongational flow. The flow-induced structure was evaluated using the structure factor $s\left(k\right)$ taken as the Fourier transform of the total pair correlation function $g\left(r\right)$. We found that the equilibrium liquid structure factor is in excellent agreement with the one determined via x-ray diffraction. Moreover, a new x-ray diffraction experiment has been performed on a crystalline $n$-eicosane sample. The resulting intramolecular contribution to the structure factor was found to be in very good agreement with the simulated one at a high elongation rate, indicating the existence of a possible crystalline precursor structure.
Concepts for reliable satellite communications over blockage channels

We consider concepts for achieving reliable communication to mobile terminals which experience intermittent blockages of their line-of-sight to a transmitting satellite. Two categories of solutions are investigated: automatic repeat request (ARQ), and packet forwarding by a network of cooperative terminals. While the ARQ approaches can achieve reliable communication, low error rates may require several retransmissions, increasing the load on the system and resulting in significant delay and delay-jitter. The cooperative forwarding schemes considered require multiple intermediate terminals in order to provide successful delivery but can provide low error rates with modest system load and relatively little delay and delay-jitter
Mesenteric duplex scanning: A blinded prospective study ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Purpose: Based on retrospective comparisons of duplex scanning with arteriography of the celiac (CA) and superior mesenteric (SMA) arteries in 34 patients, we previously suggested that an SMA peak systolic velocity of 275 cm/sec or greater or no flow signal and a CA PSV of 200 cm/sec or greater or no flow signal were reliable indicators of a 70% or greater angiographic stenosis of the SMA and CA, respectively. We now report the results of a blinded, prospective study in a larger patient group designed to determine the ability of mesenteric duplex scanning to visualize the CA and SMA and to validate our proposed duplex criteria for splanchnic artery stenosis. Methods: During an 18-month period 100 patients admitted to our vascular surgery service for aortography underwent routine mesenteric artery duplex scanning and lateral abdominal aortography regardless of abdominal symptoms. The lateral aortograms were evaluated to determine the presence or absence of a 70% or greater stenosis in the CA or SMA. Duplex-determined peak systolic velocities from the CA and SMA were recorded without knowledge of the angiographic results. Results: Aortography satisfactorily visualized 100% of the CAs and 99% of the SMAs. Of these, 93% of the SMAs and 83% of the CAs were visualized by duplex. According to the above criteria, duplex sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy for detection of a 70% or greater SMA stenosis were 92%, 96%, 80%, 99%, and 96% and for a 70% or greater CA stenosis 87%, 80%, 63%, 94%, and 82%. Conclusions: Mesenteric duplex scanning is feasible in the majority of patients. Prospective evaluation of duplex diagnostic criteria for 70% or greater stenosis indicates that mesenteric duplex scanning is sufficiently accurate to be clinically useful as a screening examination to detect SMA and CA stenosis. (J VASC SURG 1993;17:79-86.)
What we've learned: Design and design centers in engineering education

The article is an extended version of the verbal summary presented at the concluding lunch of the workshop on “Computing Futures in Engineering Design.” In the paper, the first person is used to differentiate my observations or reactions from the summaries of the speakers' presentations. The common themes that emerge during the workshop are: the need to set the discipline-specific context before computational tools are used; the incompatibilities between point tools that hinder their use; the paramount importance of teamwork; and the need to understand and treat design as a social process.