cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Removal of dispersive baseline distortions caused by strong water signals

A baseline correction routine that eliminates dispersive tails extending from the water tr noise band in 2D NMR spectra has been developed. Streaks along the w2 axis (Fig. la) spreading from the w2 position of the water resonance are among the most perturbing artifacts in 2D NMR spectra where the water signal is reduced by presaturation. In our experience, these streaks have dispersive lineshapes and cannot be eliminated with conventional baseplane correction routines, such as polynomial fits. They also add significantly to the apparent noise in the entire 2D spectra. To properly correct for these distortions, an w;’ term has been added to the polynomial baseline correction routine of our 2D processing software (FTNMR, Hare Research, Inc.). This term estimates the amount of the dispersive component. The actual correction baseplane is constructed as a sum of a constant offset, a linear term, and a dispersive component where the weight of the latter is calculated from the contribution of the w;’ term. With this procedure we have achieved major improvements of the quality of the spectra and of the apparent signal-to-noise in 2D protein spectra in water recorded with presaturation. Presaturation of the water signal was the first method to record 2D NMR spectra in H20 (1, 2), and it is still the most common technique for recording 2D NMR spectra of proteins in H20. During the recycle delay between accumulations, a long selective pulse is applied to the water resonance. Usually, the transmitter and the decoupler are set to the water frequency in order to minimize distortions in 2D spectra. Phase coherence of transmitter and decoupler is important for good water suppression. Nevertheless, this technique leaves residual artifacts. An example is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In the 1 D spectra of a 5 mM solution of the protein kistrin (3) collected with this technique, the water peak was roughly 50 times higher than the largest methyl signals. A NOESY spectrum acquired under these conditions has large ridges parallel to w2 (Fig. la). As shown in Fig. 2, these ridges are due to large dispersive artifactual signals centered at the water frequency. A conventional polynomial baseline correction cannot accurately reproduce a dispersive lineshape. Also, this technique is very sensitive to the choice of reference points for the polynomial fit. Since the reference points for the polynomial fit can only be used from regions of the spectrum where there are no resonances, this procedure is not very practical for crowded protein spectra. An alternative procedure has been
Synthesis of interferon-inducible proteins is regulated differently by interferon-α and interferon-γ

Both interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma induce the synthesis of several proteins in resting human fibroblasts. Synthesis of two such proteins of Mr 67,000 and 56,000 was transient in interferon-alpha-treated cells, peaking around 6 hr after the beginning of interferon treatment and then declining to very low levels even if interferon-alpha was present continuously in the culture medium. In contrast, in cells treated with interferon-gamma, their synthesis continued unabated even 22 hr after interferon treatment began. Constant presence of interferon-gamma in the culture medium was, however, necessary for the continued synthesis of these proteins. The kinetics of their synthesis in cells treated with both interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma were similar to those in cells treated with interferon-gamma alone. Cells treated with interferon-alpha for 6 hr or with interferon-gamma for 24 hr contained in vitro-translatable mRNAs for these proteins, whereas such mRNAs were below detectable levels in untreated cells. Surprisingly, cells which had been treated with interferon-alpha for 24 hr, and which were synthesizing little of these two induced proteins in vivo, contained substantial amounts of mRNAs for these proteins, as demonstrated by in vitro translation experiments. It appears, therefore, that synthesis of some interferon-inducible proteins is regulated both transcriptionally and translationally, and the nature of such regulations is different for different types of interferons.
Streptomycin-resistant, asporogenous mutant of Bacillus subtilis

A streptomycin-resistant mutant of Bacillus subtilis that is also asporogenous, was isolated and partially characterized. This strain, SRB15, sporulated at a frequency of about 1% compared to the wild type frequency of greater than 70%. The two phenotypes were inseparable by transformation, suggesting that this strain carries a single mutation that causes it to be both streptomycin-resistant and spore-minus. The mutation cotransduces with cysA, the closest auxotrophic marker to the “ribosomal region” of the B. subtilis chromosome, with a frequency of 68%. SRB15 showed no cross resistance to other antibioties tested, including the aminoglycosides kanamycin, neomycin and spectinomycin. Ribosomes obtained from the mutant were at least 200-fold more resistant in vitro to streptomycin than were wild type ribosomes in the translation of phage SPO1 RNA. The kinetics of in vitro translation of this natural message were indistinguishable for mutant and wild type ribosomes. The level of misreading, as measured by poly(U)-directed isoleucine incorporation, by mutant ribosomes was less than that by wild type ribosomes.
A unified analysis of alpha rhythm, fast synchronized oscillations, and flash visual evoked potentials

Abstract This study explores the predictions of a neural network model of retino-cortical dynamics for the generation of the alpha rhythm, fast synchronized oscillations (gamma rhythm), and flash visual evoked potentials (FVEP). Computer simulations are used to compare theoretical predictions with alpha, gamma, and FVEP activities. The spontaneous activity of the model is similar to the scalp recorded alpha in its time course and spectral content. In response to steady-state-inputs, the model generates synchronized oscillations in the gamma range that coexist with low-frequency oscillations. The relative magnitude and latencies of the characteristic peaks P40, N70, P100, N130, P170 of the FVEP wave generated by the model in response to flash inputs are in good agreement with the experimental FVEP. The study predicts that intra-channel transient to sustained inhibition between parallel visual streams plays a major role in shaping these components of the FVEP and that the cortical areas beyond the visual cortex play a major role in shaping the late components of the FVEP in that if these areas were inactivated, alpha blocking would disappear and the resulting evoked potential would follow a damped sinusoidal wave.
SIGNALS AND SIGNS IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM : THE DYNAMIC ANATOMY OF ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY IS PROBABLY INFORMATION-RICH

The dichotomy between two groups of workers on neuroelectrical activity is retarding progress. To study the interrelations between neuronal unit spike activity and compound field potentials of cell populations is both unfashionable and technically challenging. Neither of the mutual disparagements is justified: that spikes are to higher functions as the alphabet is to Shakespeare and that slow field potentials are irrelevant epiphenomena. Spikes are not the basis of the neural code but of multiple codes that coexist with nonspike codes. Field potentials are mainly information-rich signs of underlying processes, but sometimes they are also signals for neighboring cells, that is, they exert influence. This paper concerns opportunities for new research with many channels of wide-band (spike and slow wave) recording. A wealth of structure in time and three-dimensional space is different at each scale—micro-, meso-, and macroactivity. The depth of our ignorance is emphasized to underline the opportunities for uncovering new principles. We cannot currently estimate the relative importance of spikes and synaptic communication vs. extrasynaptic graded signals. In spite of a preponderance of literature on the former, we must consider the latter as probably important. We are in a primitive stage of looking at the time series of wide-band voltages in the compound, local field, potentials and of choosing descriptors that discriminate appropriately among brain loci, states (functions), stages (ontogeny, senescence), and taxa (evolution). This is not surprising, since the brains in higher species are surely the most complex systems known. They must be the greatest reservoir of new discoveries in nature. The complexity should not deter us, but a dose of humility can stimulate the flow of imaginative juices.
State of the subsurface region in machining-solution-treated and aged 18% Ni maraging steel

Abstract The effect of cutting speed and tool wear land length on the mechanical and metallurgical state of the subsurface region of solution-treated and aged 18% Ni maraging steel machined under unlubricated and lubricated orthogonal conditions was determined. The surface region of machined test pieces was examined using optical microscopy, X-ray microprobe analysis, plastic strain analysis and microhardness measurements. Tool forces were measured. The results of the investigation show that when machining under unlubricated conditions, a very narrow (damaged) surface region is produced that is different from the bulk of the material. At low cutting speeds the damage consists of hardening associated with plastic deformation whereas at high cutting speeds the damage consists of thermal softening associated with overaging. When machining under lubricated conditions, very little surface region damage is produced. The results are interpreted in terms of the interaction between the tool nose region and freshly machined workpiece surface.
Equity of Literacy-Based Math Performance Assessments for English Language Learners.

Abstract This article reports findings from a study that investigated math achievement differences between English language learners (ELLs) and fully English proficient (FEP) students on a literacy-based performance assessment (LBPA). It has been assumed that LBPAs are superior to standardized multiple-choice assessments, but it has not been determined if LBPAs are appropriate for measuring the math achievement of ELLs. The most salient characteristic of LBPAs is that students read multi-level questions and explain how they solve math problems in writing. Thus, LBPAs place great literacy demands upon students. Because most ELLs have underdeveloped literacy skills in English, these demands put ELLs at a great disadvantage. Analysis revealed that socioeconomic status (SES) had a significant impact on all students, but the impact was larger on FEP students than on ELLs; high-SES FEP students outperformed high-SES ELLs, but there was no significant difference between low-SES ELLs and low-SES FEP students. Hig...
Paucity of Genes on the Drosophila X-Chromosome Showing Male-Biased Expression

Sex chromosomes are primary determinants of sexual dimorphism in many organisms. These chromosomes are thought to arise via the divergence of an ancestral autosome pair and are almost certainly influenced by differing selection in males and females. Exploring how sex chromosomes differ from autosomes is highly amenable to genomic analysis. We examined global gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster and report a dramatic underrepresentation of X-chromosome genes showing high relative expression in males. Using comparative genomics, we find that these same X-chromosome genes are exceptionally poorly conserved in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. These data indicate that the X chromosome is a disfavored location for genes selectively expressed in males.
Effects of a pre- and post-exercise whey protein supplement on recovery from an acute resistance training session

Methods Fifteen male strength/power athletes volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were randomly divided into a supplement (S; n = 7, 19.7 ± 1.5 y, 185.4 ± 3.9 cm, 96.4 ± 11.9 kg) or a placebo (P; n = 8, 20.0 ± 1.1 y, 176.7 ± 8.5 cm, 85.8 ± 12.0 kg) group. Subjects reported to the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) on four separate occasions. On the first visit subjects were tested for maximal strength (1-RM) on the squat exercise. On their second visit (T2) subjects performed a lower body resistance exercise training session that consisted of four sets of the squat, dead lift and barbell lunge exercises. The rest interval between each set was 90 seconds. Each set was performed with 80% of the subject's previously measured 1RM. Subjects were required to perform no more than 10 repetitions for each set. The supplement (42 g of whey protein; marketed as New Whey Liquid Protein by IDS Sports, Oviedo, FL) or placebo (maltodextrin) was consumed 10 min prior to the exercise session and 15 min following the workout. Subjects then reported back to the HPL 24-(T3) and 48-hours (T4) post-exercise. During these visits subjects performed four sets of the squat exercise, using the same loading pattern and rest interval. Similar to T2, subjects consumed either the supplement or placebo before and 15 min following the exercise session. Lower body power during each squat protocol was measured with a TendoTM Power Output unit, which consists of a transducer attached to the end of the barbell measuring linear displacement and time. Both peak and mean power was recorded for each repetition.
Inhibition of tumor cell growth by Triton X-100 through specific effects on cell-cycle-regulatory components.

A cross-linked form of the detergent Triton X-100, called Triton WR-1339, has been shown to reduce the spread of tumor cells in laboratory animals. However, some of these effects were controversial, probably due to the use of different tumor cell lines and varying sites of injection. In order to better understand these processes, we have used Triton X-100 and performed a molecular analysis of its growth-inhibitory function. Using the T24 bladder carcinoma cell line, we have shown that treatment of cells with this detergent caused a potent antiproliferative effect resulting from the downregulation of the key cell cycle regulators, the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). CDK activity was lost due to a twofold effect, the increased expression of the CDK inhibitors p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 in combination with the reduced expression of cyclin A, a regulatory CDK subunit that is essential for CDK function. Taken together, our results provide a molecular basis for the antiproliferative effects of the Triton detergent, namely its differential effects on various parts of the cell cycle machinery.
Contamination of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopes with Mycobacterium chelonae linked to an automated bronchoscope disinfection machine.

Between December 5, 1989, and September 25, 1990, Mycobacterium chelonae was isolated from endoscopic or bronchial washings in 14 patients on a single clinical service. A phenotypically unique strain of M. chelonae subspecies abscessus that was highly resistant to cefoxitin (MIC > 256 µg/ml) and different from 13 control isolates of M. chelonae recovered elsewhere in the hospital was identified in all these patients and the rinse water from the bronchoscope disinfecting machine. None of the outbreak patients had evidence of invasive M. chelonae disease. Aggressive infection control measures on the disinfecting machine, including use of sterile water in the wash and rinse cycles, increasing the 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde exposure time, frequent replacement of the glutaraldehyde, and disinfection of the machine, failed to eradicate the M. chelonae, presumably because of the presence of a blofilm inside the machine. Rinsing the scopes with 70% alcohol after automated disinfection elimated the outbreak strain...
Perception of, and adaptation to, a three-dimensional curvature distortion

The curvature distortion perceived under water was measured in three dimensions before and after 15 min of adaptation to the underwater environment. Subjects initially perceived distortions in all three dimensions. After 15 min under water, they exhibited significant adaptation to the curvature distortion in all dimensions. The type of task performed while in the water did not significantly affect the amount of adaptation. The results are compared with those of previous experiments which have reported evidence of counteradaptation when more than one kind of adaptation is measured simultaneously.
Differences in Environmental Responsibility between Materialistic Groups

The current study investigated the hypothesis that groups scoring High, Medium, and Low on Environmental Responsibility would have significantly different materialism profiles using the Materialism Values Scale and the Possession Satisfaction Inventory. Two hundred seventy-one undergraduate students completed the ECOSCALE and the measures of materialism for partial course credit. The results indicated that the three groups had significantly different materialism profiles. More specifically, the High Environmental Responsibility group scored significantly lower than the Low Environmental Responsibility group on the three subscales of the MVS and the PSI, and significantly lower than the Medium Environmental Responsibility group on two of the MVS subscales and the PSI. These results provide further support for the contention that the groups scoring differently on Environmental Responsibility differ in the way they view others and the environment as evidenced by the differences in their personality, values, and materialism profiles.
Exploring the expansion history of the universe

Exploring the recent expansion history of the universe promises insights into the cosmological model, the nature of dark energy, and potentially clues to high energy physics theories and gravitation. We examine the extent to which precision distance-redshift observations can map out the history, including the acceleration-deceleration transition, and the components and equations of state of the energy density. We consider the ability to distinguish between various dynamical scalar field models for the dark energy, as well as higher dimension and alternate gravity theories. Finally, we present a new, advantageous parametrization for the study of dark energy.
Iterative Generalized-Likelihood Ratio Test for MIMO Radar

We consider a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar system where both the transmitter and receiver have multiple well-separated subarrays with each subarray containing closely spaced antennas. Because of this general antenna configuration, both the coherent processing gain and the spatial diversity gain can be simultaneously achieved. We compare several spatial spectral estimators, including Capon and APES, for target detection and parameter estimation. We introduce a generalized-likelihood ratio test (GLRT) and a conditional generalized-likelihood ratio test (cGLRT) for the general antenna configuration. Based on GLRT and cGLRT, we then propose an iterative GLRT (iGLRT) procedure for target detection and parameter estimation. Via several numerical examples, we show that iGLRT can provide excellent detection and estimation performance at a low computational cost
The metabolism and disposition of 3-methylindole in goats.

Abstract The metabolism and disposition of 3-methylindole (3MI), a ruminal metabolite of L-tryptophan which causes acute pulmonary edema and emphysema (APE) when administered to cattle, goats, and sheep was investigated. Goats given jugular infusions of [14C] 3MI excreted 87 to 92% of the infused radioactivity in the urine, 0.4 to 0.9% in expired air, and negligible amounts in the feces over a period of three days. Composite urine samples were fractionated into 10 peaks by ion exchange chromatography, which represented 80% of the urinary radioactivity. A major route of metabolism involved formation of 3-methyloxindole and suggests that a mixed function oxidase (MFO), pyrrolooxygenase, may be the major metabolic system involved. A minor route of metabolism involved oxidation of the methyl carbon of 3MI.
Descriptive Statistics for Modern Test Score Distributions: Skewness, Kurtosis, Discreteness, and Ceiling Effects.

Many statistical analyses benefit from the assumption that unconditional or conditional distributions are continuous and normal. More than 50 years ago in this journal, Lord and Cook chronicled departures from normality in educational tests, and Micerri similarly showed that the normality assumption is met rarely in educational and psychological practice. In this article, the authors extend these previous analyses to state-level educational test score distributions that are an increasingly common target of high-stakes analysis and interpretation. Among 504 scale-score and raw-score distributions from state testing programs from recent years, nonnormal distributions are common and are often associated with particular state programs. The authors explain how scaling procedures from item response theory lead to nonnormal distributions as well as unusual patterns of discreteness. The authors recommend that distributional descriptive statistics be calculated routinely to inform model selection for large-scale t...
A new metallic state in two dimensions

Abstract We report the discovery of a new and unexpected kind of metal in two dimensions (2D), which exists in the presence of scattering by local magnetic moments. The experiment was carried out on a 2D electron system in silicon, where the local magnetic moments have been induced by disorder and their number was varied using substrate bias ( V sub ). In the new metal, the conductivity decreases as σ ( n s , T )= σ ( n s , T =0)+ A ( n s ) T 2 ( n s – carrier density) to a non-zero value as temperature T →0. In three dimensions, this T 2 dependence is well known, and results from Kondo scattering by local magnetic moments. In 2D, however, the existence of a metal with d σ /d T >0 is very surprising. As the number of local moments is reduced, the range of temperatures [ T T m ( V sub )] where they dominate transport becomes smaller. For T > T m , we observe the usual 2D metallic behavior with d σ /d T
Preventing Space Weapons

armament since 1985, the need for the input of additional scientific expertise has become increasingly apparent. A chief obstacle is that the negotiators have been at a loss to formulate the appropriate questions to be put to experts. The purpose of this paper is to suggest the first set of questions that might be submitted to an international panel of experts on outer space issues, as well as to advance reasons why those and similar questions would be the most suitable starting point for the next round of negotiations. Much time has been spent with the exam.ination of the existing legal regime in outer space with special reference as to which treaties apply: what constitutes a space weapon: what is outer space; what are 'peaceful uses'; and whether the ABM Treaty applies to directed energy weapons, notably their space-based components. The talks revealed that in the view of the great majority of States taking part, existing legal provisions pertaining to outer space are insufficient to prevent an arms race in that environment. However, next to nothing has been agreed as to what changes should be made and how such changes might be implemented. For example, prohibition of the use or the threat of force in outer space has been proposed, without elucidating what constitutes 'force' in that environment. 'Rules of the road' have been proposed, without explaining how this could prevent eventual confrontation in the face of deployment of overt weapons. Restriction of weaponization to 'defensive' weapons has been suggested, without any credible method for differentiating between 'defensive' and 'offensive' weapons. Methods for verifying space treaties, an International Space Agency and a Space Inspectorate have been proposed with only a hint as to what might be verified by those means. Another approach has been to re-state the desirability of prohibiting military activity of every kind in outer space, without either identifying priorities explicitly or advancing politically and technologically feasible methods for achieving the stated purpose. Not only are these approaches insufficient to prevent an arms race in outer space, they fail, as they stand, to provide a basis for further elaboration of the subject in a manner that could achieve tangible results. The mere summoning of a panel of experts is not likely to resolve the dilemma. If confronted by a panel of experts, the general question, 'How to prevent an arms race in outer space?' would not be helpful because the scientists themselves have not been able, so far, to provide an acceptable answer to that overall problem. General questions as to the state of the art would be redundant, as this information is already available both in technical detail and in summary form for non-experts (e.g. Carter 1984; UNIDIR 1987; American Physical Society 1987). Thus, the experts could only be utilized beneficially in a goal-oriented context where the objectives to be attained are precisely identified by the negotiators themselves.
The Main Injector Particle Production Experiment

Abstract It is currently impossible to apply the theory of strong interactions, QCD, to compute non-perturbative hadron interaction cross sections from first principles. Thus high quality hadronic particle production measurements are needed to fully understand the data from experiments that have hadronic interactions as a signal or background. This includes atmospheric and accelerator neutrino experiments, calorimetry and hadronic shower simulation. Such data can also be used to test observed regularities in particle production such as scaling relations in inclusive reactions with some precision. The spectrum of baryon resonances predicted by QCD includes many states that have not been observed. Measurements of pion, kaon, and proton beams on a liquid hydrogen target at beam momenta around 1 GeV/c will provide important input to searches for missing baryon resonances. We review status, results, and prospects of particle production measurements at Fermilab.
Social Skills Efficacy and Proactivity Among Native American Adolescents

This article discusses Native American urban adolescents' construal of social skills, and relationships between these skills and proactivity behaviors as identified in the Integrative Contextual Model of Career Development (Lapan, 2004). Recommendations that build upon the social skills strengths of Native American young people are included.
Equine bacterial and fungal diseases: A diagnostic and therapeutic update

Bacterial and fungal skin diseases are important in the horse. Bacterial skin diseases (pyoderma) are most often caused by Staphylococcus species, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis or Dermatophilus congolensis . The most common clinical signs associated with bacterial skin infections are crusts, papules, abscesses, and draining tracts; the latter two lesions are more commonly associated with C. pseudotuberculosis . Ideally, antibiotic treatment should be based on bacterial culture and sensitivity. Fungal infections are most commonly caused by dermatophytes (“ringworm”) or Sporothrix schenkii , although the role of Malassezia in equine skin disease is beginning to be investigated. The clinical signs of fungal infections are variable and may include alopecia, crusts, papules, pruritus, nodules, ulcers, and draining tracts. The latter three lesions are more commonly associated with S. schenkii infection. Treatment is dependent on the organism cultured and may include both topical and/or systemic treatment.
Neoliberal globalization and the war on drugs: Transnationalizing illiberal governance in the Americas

Abstract The augmentation of the state's “illiberal” capacity to govern in the Americas has occurred in tandem with the rolling back of its capacity to govern global capital (Peck, 2003, “Geography and public policy: mapping the penal state.” Progress in Human Geography 27(2): 222–232), and both processes have been catalyzed by the imperiality of the U.S. state ( Slater, 2004 , Geopolitics and the post-colonial. Oxford: Blackwell). I examine the militarization and transnationalization of the U.S. “war on drugs” as a liberal technique for identifying populations that must be governed in other ways. This critical engagement with the war on drugs in the Americas begins by placing its relationship with the rise of the “penal state” in the context of neoliberalism in the U.S., then examines the geopolitics of its transnationalization in context of neoliberal governance in the Americas, and finishes by examining some of the empirical outcomes of this articulation between neoliberalization and punitive “illiberalization” in the Americas. I argue for political geographical research on globalization and criminalization that engages with the relationship between criminalization and socioeconomic exclusion across scales, and maps out the geographically particular and historically continuous ways in which neoliberal and illiberal governance articulate to produce excluded populations as subjects that “need” to be governed in other ways.
Distal biceps tendon rupture: biomechanical analysis of repair strength of the Bio-Tenodesis screw versus suture anchors.

The purpose of this study was to compare the strength and stiffness of distal biceps tendon ruptures repaired with either a Bio-Tenodesis screw or suture anchor technique in a cadaveric model. Ten matched pairs of cadaveric arms underwent simulated distal biceps tendon ruptures and were repaired with either a Bio-Tenodesis screw or suture anchor technique. We analyzed pullout strength, stiffness, and mode of failure for each construct. The mean pullout strength of the repair with a Bio-Tenodesis screw was significantly higher (192 N [SD, 42.5 N] vs 147 N [SD, 29.5 N], P
Gender differences in the role of alexithymia and emotional expressivity in disordered eating

Disordered eating habits such as binge-eating, purging, and extreme diet restriction have been linked to a variety of deficits in emotion regulation. Two such aspects of emotion regulation are alexithymia and emotional expressivity, although much of the research is limited to females. This study examines associations between these aspects of emotion regulation and symptoms of bulimia nervosa (BN) in men and women. Participants were 201 female and male undergraduates who completed self-report measures of emotion regulation and BN symptoms. Consistent with prior research, results indicate that alexithymia predicted BN symptoms in females, but not in the presence of emotional expressivity, which proved to be the only unique predictor of BN symptoms. In the male sample, alexithymia predicted BN symptoms over and above emotional expressivity. These findings suggest that BN symptoms in males may partly be explained by one facet of emotion regulation, but they also highlight important gender differences in disordered eating. Future research should further examine the role of emotion regulation in eating pathology in males.
Community in a Hurry: Social Contracts and Social Covenants in Short-Term ESL Courses.

This chapter provides an in-depth look at the nature of community building in short-term ESL courses. Examples of classroom practices are provided.
Orotic Aciduria and Arginine Deficiency

GROWING rats1, guinea-pigs2, rabbits3 and possibly human beings4 require dietary arginine for optimum nitrogen retention and normal growth. Adult men5, dogs6 and rats1 do not require dietary arginine for nitrogen equilibrium and it is assumed that adults of other species also meet all of their arginine needs from synthesis within tissues. Kennan and Cohen7 have suggested, however, that the Krebs–Henseleit urea cycle, in which arginine is an intermediate, operates at near maximum capacity for ammonia (that is NH3+NH4+) detoxification in immature rats. Sperm, which contain a large concentration of arginine, decrease in numbers and motility when collected from mature men or rats fed arginine-deficient diets8,9. Free orotic acid found normally in milk10 cannot be readily detected in normal tissues11. It is barely detectable in normal urine12 unless orotate is fed (our unpublished results). We have observed profound orotic aciduria in arginine-deficient growing rats13 and in ammonia-intoxicated rats (unpublished results). The accumulated evidence suggested that endogenous synthesis provides limited reserves of arginine for detoxifying ammonia in mature animals and that important metabolic consequences might ensue if their diet lacked arginine. We report here experiments with rats which clearly show that marked increases in orotate and urea excretion are sensitive indicators of dietary arginine deficiency, regardless of age and body size. The data also show that the usual methods of determining amino acid needs for adult mammals fail to reveal biochemical changes caused by diets lacking available arginine.
Clinical trials in acute ischemic stroke: Problems in design and interpretation.

When evaluating potential therapies for acute or progressing ischemic stroke, we should discard our preconceived notions about either efficacy or lack of efficacy of individual interventions. With carefully designed and performed clinical trials, we have the opportunity to change the present feeling of helplessness when it comes to the acute management of patients with ischemic stroke. The alternative to expensive, time-consuming, controlled clinical trials of promising therapies is to continue to treat on the basis of opinions or bias.
LRS2: a new low-resolution spectrograph for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope

In the era of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) Wide-Field Upgrade (WFU), the current Low-Resolution Spectrograph (LRS) will be replaced with a more capable red-optimized fiber instrument, called LRS2. This new spectrograph will be based on the Visible Integral-field Replicable Unit Spectrograph (VIRUS) that was designed to be easily adapted to a wide range of spectral resolutions, and wavelength ranges. The current snapshot of LRS2, fed by a 7x12 sq. arcsec fiber integral-field unit (IFU), covers 350-1100 nm, simultaneously at a fixed resolving power R~1800, with the wavelength range split into two pairs of spectrographs, one for the blue to red wavelength range (350-630 nm) and the other for the red and far-red range (630-1100 nm). These units are designated LRS2-B and LRS2-R, respectively. Only minimal modification from the base VIRUS design in gratings (for both pairs) and in the detector (for the red pair only) is required. In addition to this flexibility, the generic nature and massively replicable characteristic of the instrument can allow us to adapt the instrument to a wide range of not only telescope diameters (1 m ~ 40 m), but also observing modes (single to multiple objects). We discuss the current snapshot of the LRS2 design.
Characterization of the bvgR Locus of Bordetella pertussis

Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, produces a wide array of factors that are associated with its ability to cause disease. The expression and regulation of these virulence factors is dependent upon the bvg locus (originally designated the vir locus), which encodes two proteins: BvgA, a 23-kDa cytoplasmic protein, and BvgS, a 135-kDa transmembrane protein. It is proposed that BvgS responds to environmental signals and interacts with BvgA, a transcriptional regulator which upon modification by BvgS binds to specific promoters and activates transcription. An additional class of genes is repressed by the bvg locus. Expression of this class, the bvg-repressed genes (vrgs [for vir-repressed genes]), is reduced under conditions in which expression of the aforementioned bvg-activated virulence factors is maximal; this repression is dependent upon the presence of an intact bvgAS locus. We have previously identified a locus required for regulation of all of the known bvg-repressed genes in B. pertussis. This locus, designated bvgR, maps to a location immediately downstream of bvgAS. We have undertaken deletion and complementation studies, as well as sequence analysis, in order to identify the bvgR open reading frame and identify the cis-acting sequences required for regulated expression of bvgR. Studies utilizing transcriptional fusions of bvgR to the gene encoding alkaline phosphatase have demonstrated that bvgR is activated at the level of transcription and that this activation is dependent upon an intact bvgAS locus.
FDA Drug Approval Summary: Bevacizumab plus Interferon for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

On July 31, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for the use of bevacizumab (Avastin(R); Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) in combination with interferon (IFN)-alpha2a for the treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The approval was primarily based on results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The primary efficacy endpoint, progression-free survival (PFS), was assessed by investigators and by an independent review committee (IRC) blinded to treatment assignment. In total, 649 patients (bevacizumab plus IFN, 327; placebo plus IFN, 322) were enrolled. The median PFS times, by investigator determination, were 10.2 months for the bevacizumab plus IFN arm and 5.4 months for the placebo plus IFN arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49-0.72; p /=3 adverse events were reported more frequently in bevacizumab-treated patients (31% versus 19% and 63% versus 47%, respectively). The most common bevacizumab-related toxicities were bleeding/hemorrhage, hypertension, proteinuria, and venous or arterial thromboembolic events.
Invasive Streptomyces Infections Six Cases and Literature Review

Streptomyces are saprophytic soil organisms rarely known to cause invasive infections other than mycetoma. We report 6 cases of invasive Streptomyces infections and review 13 previously reported cases. Our series included 2 cases of lung abscess or pneumonitis, 3 cases of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection, and I case of possible hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Most previous cases also included lung infections and bloodstream infections. Preexisting conditions, such as cancer, AIDS or HIV infection, presence of a central venous catheter, and prosthetic heart valve, were present in all cases since 1985. Diverse Streptomyces species were involved, consistent with the highly opportunistic nature of the infections. Clinical management depended on the clinical situation of individual cases without consensus. Available susceptibility data showed that Streptomyces organisms were consistently susceptible to amikacin; frequently susceptible to imipenem, clarithromycin or erythromycin, minocycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; and infrequently susceptible to ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. The diagnosis of Streptomyces infection required microbiologic and pathologic correlation to rule out contamination.
The exclusion principle for interacting electrons: Kohn–Sham versus Thomas–Fermi

Many anomalies and paradoxes in density-functional theory arise from the assumption that an exact mean-field theory of electrons requires only local potential functions. It is shown here that this assumption arises from a logical hiatus in deriving orbital-based Kohn–Sham theory, which incorporates the exclusion principle for electrons, from density-based Hohenberg–Kohn theory, which does not. The inconsistencies are removed by building the exclusion principle into density-based theory from the outset. This logic replaces any implication regarding exact local potential functions by explicit specification of nonlocal potentials determined by exact N-electron theory. These general results are examined here in the unrestricted Hartree–Fock variational model, using a two-electron atom in its lowest triplet state 1s2s 3S as a test case to illustrate the implied inconsistencies and their resolution. It is shown that implications of the unrestricted Hartree–Fock model are not modified if overlap products are included in its variational functional. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
CELL SURFACE IMMUNOGLOBULIN III. ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN FROM NONSECRETORY HUMAN LYMPHOID CELLS

Cells from an established line of Burkitt lymphoma (Daudi) were enzymatically radioiodinated, and labeled Ig from the cell surface was isolated and studied. Subcellular fractionation of labeled cells confirmed that intracellular proteins from the cytoplasm are not iodinated by this method. Radioactive Ig was identified as monomeric (8S) IgM, and an average of 10(5) Ig molecules was found per cell. Ig molecules could be released from the plasma membrane by detergent lysis under nonreducing conditions indicating that attachment of Ig to the plasma membrane occurs via noncovalent interactions. The ratio of micro/L radioactivity in surface Ig was the same as that of total cellular Ig radioiodinated in solution suggesting that a large portion of the Fc fragment is not buried within the membrane. In contrast to the results obtained with cell surface Ig, most intracellular Ig was found as "free" micro- and L chains regardless of whether lysates were labeled with (125)I or cells were labeled with leucine-(3)H. The results indicate that only a small percentage of the total Ig of Daudi cells is associated with the cell surface and suggest that covalent assembly of Ig occurs at or near the time that the molecule becomes part of the plasma membrane. Similarities between cell surface Ig on normal splenic lymphocytes and Daudi cells suggest that the latter is a neoplasm of bone marrow-derived lymphocytes.
Extending CAD tools and techniques

The possibility of supporting codesign with CAD tools is examined. It is argued that, since high-level synthesis techniques support the design of hardware from behavioral descriptions, whose abstractions are similar to those used in software programs, design tools may soon be able to handle some aspects of the concurrent design of hardware and software modules. The use of CAD tools in designing embedded systems and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), the benefits of mixed hardware-software systems, and open issues relating to CAD tools for codesign are discussed. >
Fluorescence Stopped-flow Studies of Single Turnover Kinetics of E. coli RecBCD Helicase-catalyzed DNA Unwinding

We have developed and optimized a stopped-flow fluorescence assay for use in studying DNA unwinding catalyzed by Escherichia coli RecBCD helicase. This assay monitors changes in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a pair of fluorescent probes (Cy3 donor and Cy5 acceptor) placed on opposite sides of a nick in duplex DNA. As such, this is an "all-or-none" DNA unwinding assay. Single turnover DNA unwinding experiments were performed using a series of eight fluorescent DNA substrates containing duplex DNA regions ranging from 24 bp to 60 bp. The time-courses obtained by monitoring Cy3 fluorescence display a distinct lag phase that increases with increasing duplex DNA length, reflecting the transient formation of partially unwound DNA intermediates. These Cy3 FRET time-courses are identical with those obtained using a chemical quenched-flow kinetic assay developed previously. The signal from the Cy5 fluorescence probe shows additional effects that appear to specifically monitor the RecD helicase subunit. The continuous nature of this fluorescence assay enabled us to acquire more precise time-courses for many more duplex DNA lengths in a significantly reduced amount of time, compared to quenched-flow methods. Global analysis of the Cy3 and Cy5 FRET time-courses, using an n-step sequential DNA unwinding model, indicates that RecBCD unwinds duplex DNA with an average unwinding rate constant of kU = 200(+/-40) steps s(-1) (mkU = 680(+/-12)bp s(-1)) and an average kinetic step size, m = 3.4 (+/-0.6) bp step(-1) (5 mM ATP, 10 mM MgCl(2), 30 mM NaCl, pH 7.0, 5% (v/v) glycerol, 25.0 degrees C), in excellent agreement with the kinetic parameters determined using quenched-flow techniques. Under these same conditions, the RecBC enzyme unwinds DNA with a very similar rate. These methods will facilitate detailed studies of the mechanisms of DNA unwinding and translocation of the RecBCD and RecBC helicases.
ETHYLENE CAPSULE PROMOTES EARLY RIPENING OF ‘d'ANJOU’ PEARS PACKED IN MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE BAGS

‘d'Anjou’ pears (Pyrus communis, L.) harvested commercially with flesh firmness of 64.5 N were incapable of ripening normally at 20C within 60 days of air storage at -1C (denoted as “under-chilled” fruits). When under-chilled ‘d'Anjou’ fruits (8 fruits, total fruit weight of 1.8 kg) were packed in a 3.8-liter perforated bag inserted with an ethylene capsule, fruit would ripen normally at 20C. The ethylene concentration in the packed bag maintained no less than 100 ppm after 4 days at 20C, and declined to about 25 ppm on day 7. Regardless of the storage length, ripened fruit induced by the ethylene capsule developed high buttery and juicy texture. If ‘d’ Anjou’ fruit had been stored at -1C for less than 30 days, ripened fruit lacked high flavor quality. Flavor quality of ripened fruit improved rapidly when the fruit had been stored for longer than 30 days.
A Convergent Validity Model of Emergent Leadership in Groups

The study involved the use of two different methods of measuring emergent leadership: self-reference and other reference. The use of both self-perceived and other-perceived leadership measures introduced a convergent validation model into the research design. Results indicated that the two measures are significantly related and have similar construct validities. When using both self-report and other-report data, the correlates and patterns of prediction hold up for both types of data. It can be concluded that the predictors of emergent leadership are similar under a variety of leadership measurement strategies. However, the criterion measures, self-perceived leadership and other-perceived leadership, may represent variations of emergent leadership, and both may be needed to understand more fully the leadership emergence phenomenon.
A Probabilistic Treatment of Microstructural Effects on Fatigue Crack Growth of Large Cracks

A probabilistic model has been developed for treating the effects of microstructural variation on the fatigue crack growth response of large cracks in structural alloys. The proposed methodology is based on a microstructure-based fatigue crack growth law that relates the crack growth rate, da/dN, to the dislocation barrier spacing, yield stress, fatigue ductility coefficient, Young’s modulus, and the dislocation cell size or crack jump distance. Probabilistic treatment of these microstructure-dependent variables has led to a fatigue crack growth law that includes explicitly the randomness of the yield stress, fatigue ductility coefficient, and the dislocation barrier spacing in the response equation. Applications of the probabilistic crack growth model to structural reliability analyses for steels and Ti-alloys are illustrated, and the probabilistic sensitivities of individual random variables are evaluated.