cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular structure of the Brucella abortus metalloprotein RicA, a Rab2-binding virulence effector.

The Gram-negative intracellular pathogen Brucella abortus is the causative agent of brucellosis, which is among the most common zoonoses globally. The B. abortus RicA protein binds the host-expressed guanosine nucleotide-binding protein, Rab2, and modulates B. abortus infection biology. We have solved the first X-ray crystal structure of RicA to 2.7 A resolution and have quantified the affinity of RicA binding to human Rab2 in its GDP-bound and nucleotide-free forms. RicA adopts a classic γ-carbonic anhydrase (γ-CA) fold containing a left-handed β-helix followed by a C-terminal α-helix. Two homotrimers of RicA occupy the crystallographic asymmetric unit. Though no zinc was included in the purification or crystallization buffers, zinc is contained within the RicA crystals, as demonstrated by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Electron density for a Zn2+ ion coordinated by three histidine residues is evident in the putative active site of RicA. However, purified RicA preparations do not exhibit carbonic anhyd...
Rare-Earth-Doped Fiber Lasers for Spectroscopic Trace-Gas Detection

Advantages and limitations of fiber-based laser systems for trace-gas detection will be reviewed. The authors present example applications and instruments for in situ and remote detection at wavelengths from the mid-IR through the deep-UV.
A Finite Element Model to Analyze Cylinder-Cylinder Intersections

A finite element model is proposed to study the stresses in the neighborhood of a cylinder-cylinder intersection. In particular, diameter ratios greater than 0.5 are focused upon since little information is available in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code or in the literature about the stress concentration for these geometries. The aim of the present work is to validate such a model for internal pressure loading. To accomplish this, various parametric finite element studies were conducted. The selected model is then validated by applying it to various available cylinder intersection models and comparing the results. The finite element results are further compared with a solution obtained using a shell theory.
Activation of STAT3, MAPK, and AKT in Malignant Astrocytic Gliomas: Correlation With EGFR Status, Tumor Grade, and Survival

Diffuse astrocytic gliomas are the most common human glial tumors with glioblastoma being the most malignant form. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene amplification is one of the most common genetic changes in glioblastoma and can lead to the activation of various downstream signaling molecules, including STAT3, MAPK, and AKT. In this study, we investigated the activation status of these 3 signaling molecules as well as wild-type (EGFRwt) and mutant (EGFRvIII) EGFR in 82 malignant astrocytic gliomas (55 glioblastomas and 27 anaplastic astrocytomas) using immunohistochemistry. The presence of EGFRwt, but not EGFRvIII, immunopositivity correlated significantly with prevalent EGFR gene amplification in glioblastomas. STAT3 and AKT activation correlated significantly with EGFR status, although the correlation for p-STAT3 was attributed exclusively to EGFRvIII. The distribution of these 3 activated molecules varied significantly with tumor grade; although activation of STAT3 was essentially identical between anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas, an increase in the activation of MAPK and AKT appeared to correlate with the progression of anaplastic astrocytoma to glioblastoma. Finally, activated STAT3 and AKT were marginally predictive of improved and worse prognosis, respectively. Taken together, these findings begin to elucidate the interrelationship between these signaling pathways in astrocytic gliomas in vivo.
Plasma zinc concentrations in snakes and other vertebrates correlate with specific zinc-binding plasma proteins

We have demonstrated that snakes and some other reptiles normally possess high plasma zinc concentrations. These levels are similar to those measured in teleost fish. Plasma zinc levels in the range of snakes and teleosts have been shown to be toxic to crocodilians and mammals. Zinc has been shown to bind to a specific protein in albacore and winter flounder serum. Previous experiments suggested a similar protein in snake plasma. Western blot techniques were used to search for proteins capable of binding large quantities of zinc with high affinity in the plasma of a wide range of vertebrate species. These data were compared to plasma zinc concentrations measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A correlation between high zinc levels and the presence of specific zinc-binding proteins different from mammalian albumin was observed. Snakes and teleost fish demonstrated both very high plasma zinc concentrations and a zinc-binding protein. Teleosts and snakes have significantly higher levels of plasma zinc than birds and mammals.
Diffusion and Adoption of Non-Certified Organic Agriculture: A Case Study from Semi-Arid Makueni District, Kenya

ABSTRACT This paper traces the diffusion and adoption of non-certified organic agriculture in a semi-arid region of Kenya. Non-certified organic agriculture is conceptualized as an information-intensive innovation comprising 25 distinct practices. Farmers learn about these practices from multiple sources and then choose what to adopt based on their personal preferences, farm characteristics, perceived needs, knowledge level, and other factors. Consequently, each organic agriculture practice is associated with a different adoption rate and set of perceived adoption constraints. This paper also includes discussion of the apparent disconnect between farmers' interaction with non-governmental organizations—the primary source of organic agriculture information in Kenya—and their adoption of organic agriculture practices.
The effect of oceanic crustal structure on phase changes and subduction

Abstract Recent numerical models for the thermal regime of subduction zones are in disagreement with observations of depth to formation of eclogite, which require higher temperatures than those found in the models. This discrepancy may be reconciled if more accurate geometric depictions of the subducted slab are incorporated in the modelling studies. The transition from 15° dip along the thrust plane to 30° along the Benioff zone starts at depths of about 40 km. Dehydration reactions and the gabbro-eclogite phase change are presumed to increase the average density of the lithosphere and to cause the steepening of the subducted lithosphere. The Benioff-zone seismicity, which starts at about 40 km depth, may itself be a result of stresses caused by the phase changes. Since the gabbro-eclogite transformation occurs in gabbroic sections of the crust, thickened crustal sections beneath oceanic plateaus will affect subduction. First, the width of the thrust zone is reduced due to the increased dip angle because of early transformation of lower and warmer crustal sections; second, incomplete conversion of the entire crustal thickness results in an average density intermediate between unsubducted oceanic lithosphere and fully transformed “normal” lithosphere. The first effect leads to decreased thrust-mechanism seismicity because the coupling between the plates is reduced. The second effect leads to flat-lying subcontinental subduction or arcward advance of the trench in suboceanic subduction.
Some Effects of the Use of Ultrasonic Devices in Conservation and the Question of Standards for Cleaning Objects

Res. d'A.: The article discusses the implications of sonochemical research for the treatment of antiquities composed of organic or inorganic materials. It provides a review of some of the present uses of ultrasonic devices and contrasts these empirical application with the scientific data on how observed effects are interpreted as cleaning versus damage
Invariances of Approximately Relativistic Lagrangians and the Center-of-Mass Theorem. I

In Newtonian mechanics the ten classical integrals of the equations of motion of a system of interacting point particles can be related to the invariance of the corresponding Lagrangian under the ten infinitesimal transformations of the Galilei group. Systems described by approximately relativistic equations [such as the Darwin equations in special relativity and the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann (EIH) equations in general relativity] also possess ten integrals of equivalent physical significance; previous work has established similar relations with invariance properties of the Lagrangian for only seven of these, but not for the three expressing the uniform motion of the center of mass. It is shown here that for any Lagrangian whatever which is a function of the particle positions and velocities alone, and which is invariant under the infinitestimal time and space translations, it is possible to find an additional exact invariance under a three-parameter set of infinitesimal transformations (which, in general, depends on a functional rather than a function). The transformations define a velocity which for approximately relativistic systems can be interpreted as that of their center of mass; for such systems the three conservation laws following from this transformation express the constancy of this velocity. A number of examples are given; for the Darwin and EIH equations, the conservation laws agree with those previously obtained directly from these equations.
Octahedral metal carbonyls. XXXI. The low energy raman spectra of monosubstituted lewis base derivatives of the group VIB metal carbonyls

Abstract Polarized Raman spectra in methylene chloride have been obtained for a number of complexes of the type LM(CO)5 (L = Lewis base; M = Cr, W) in the region 100–680 cm−1. The spectral data, together with previously reported infrared data, have allowed assignment of the metal-carbon and ligand-metal stretching modes for these complexes. The assignments for these and other observed absorptions are discussed.
Social skill performance among normal and psychiatric inpatient children as a function of assessment conditions.

Abstract The present investigation examined the effects of varying the standard assessment conditions on performance of social skills among normal and psychiatric inpatient children. Sixty children (30 normals, 30 patients), ages 6–12, completed behavioral and self-report measures of social skills on two separate occasions. During the second assessment, half of the children received feedback and incentives for performance; the other half did not. The testing conditions consistently altered social skill performance. Children who received the incentives during assessment showed significantly higher levels of social skills, as reflected in concrete behavior (e.g. eye contact, facial expressions), and molar responses (e.g. giving compliments, responding to provocation). The results suggest that social skills performance varies considerably as a function of the assessment conditions. Training programs should not assume that persons do not have the responses in their repertoires merely because of low pretest performance unless more extensive efforts are made to evoke appropriate responses.
The urban heat island Mitigation Impact Screening Tool (MIST)

A web-based software tool has been developed to assist urban planners and air quality management officials in assessing the potential of urban heat island mitigation strategies to affect the urban climate, air quality, and energy consumption within their cities. The user of the tool can select from over 170 US cities for which to conduct the analysis, and can specify city-wide changes in surface reflectivity and/or vegetative cover. The Mitigation Impact Screening Tool (MIST) then extrapolates results from a suite of simulations for 20 cities to estimate air temperature changes associated with the specified changes in surface characteristics for the selected city. Alternatively the user can simply define a nominal air temperature reduction that they hope to achieve with an unspecified mitigation scenario. These air temperature changes are then input to energy and ozone models to estimate the impact that the mitigation action may have on the selected city. The results presented by MIST include a high degree of uncertainty and are intended only as a first-order estimate that urban planners can use to assess the viability of heat island mitigation strategies for their cities. As appropriate, MIST analyses should be supplemented by more detailed modeling.
Changes in lipid composition in maturing wheat.

SUMMARY Changes in lipid composition during wheat development were followed by qualitative and quantitative thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and by fractionation on silicic acid columns. Development of the wheats was accompanied by a slight decrease of lipid content on an as-is basis, and by almost doubling of lipids on a kernel basis. Free fatty acids in mature wheat were less than half the amount in wheat 21–23 days preceding ripeness. A similar decrease was found in the levels of mono- and diglycerides. No consistent changes were found in phospho-lipid fractions of lipids extracted from wheat at various stages of maturity. Carotenoid pigments disappeared as the wheat kernel developed and matured.
Treat sodium loop experiments on performance of unbonded, unirradiated EBR-II Mark I fuel elements

Abstract Description of sodium loop experiments performed in the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility specifically to provide guidance for analyses on the behavior of an element which either has no sodium thermal bond between fuel and cladding or which, due to some unspecified defect, loses the bond upon reactor startup. Transient heat transfer calculations of the experiments were performed utilizing an idealized model of meltdown in which fuel slumping against the cladding was assumed to occur instantaneously along the length of the pin when the fuel surface at the axial midplane reached 1050°C. The result of TREAT experiments and of the calculations imply that although fuel melting may accompany a loss-of-bond type failure in an EBR-II driver fuel element, the short term consequences are acceptable from the viewpoint of reactor safety. Comparison of results from calculations and experiment indicate that the relatively simple modelling used represents a conservative description of the temperature rise in the cladding following fuel-cladding contact resulting from the fuel melting.
Spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema

Subcutaneous emphysema is an unusual complication of bronchiolitis. The investigators describe a patient with bronchiolitis who developed extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Despite an alarming appearance, the patient recovered with symptomatic care and observation. Review of the literature shows a multitude of causes of subcutaneous emphysema. The vast majority of cases resolve without intervention.
Hannes Meyer and the general plan for the reconstruction of Moscow, 1931–5

The Swiss communist architect and city planner Hannes Meyer arrived in the Soviet Union in 1930 determined to make a contribution to the new world he felt was being built in the USSR during the First Five Year Plan. He participated in a variety of activities in the country, but one of the most important (if ultimately most frustrating) was his involvement in the competition for the reconstruction of Moscow into the ideal communist city. He and his comrades H. Geimanson and P. Buecking put together an entry for the competition in 1931–2 calling for Moscow's major industrial area to be built as a satellite to the east of the city's centre, as well as for other substantial changes in the city's spatial organization. Their plan was not successful, but Meyer supported the ‘Stalin’ plan of 1935 wholeheartedly, and he served on a variety of committees, editorial boards and educational planning commissions directed towards fulfilling the aims of the plan. This essay discusses the Meyer plan's development, compare...
Controversies in the treatment of nail bed injuries.

The Review Section of JHS will contain at least 3 clinically relevant articles selected by theeditor to be offered for CME in each issue. For CME credit, the participant must read thearticles in print or online and correctly answer all related questions through an onlineexamination. The questions on the test are designed to make the reader think and willoccasionallyrequirethereadertogobackandscrutinizethearticlefordetails.TheJHSCMEActivityfeeof$20.00includestheexamquestions/answersonlyanddoesnotincludeaccesstotheJHSarticlesreferenced.
A Librarian's Defense of the Practicable Over the Perfect in Scholarly Communication

This peer commentary is an invited response to "Scientific Utopia: I. Opening Scientific Communication" by Brian A. Nosek and Yoav Bar-Anan. It appeared alongside the target article in Psychological Inquiry, Volume 23, Issue 3, 2012.
News media ethics and the management of professionals

Professionalism reduced to its central ideal involves the autonomy of an occupation to control its own practice. This ideal coincides with the most fundamental prerequisite of ethical behavior: the freedom to make ethical choices. This essay argues that professionalism has not provided journalists with the appropriate kind of autonomy for fully meaningful ethical behavior.
An Evolving Diversity of Organizational Mode and Its Implications for Transitional Economies

Abstract The paper constructs a theoretical framework for analyzing the comparative informational efficiency of five organizational modes, each modeled after an evolving diversity of a firm′s internal organization in market economies. It then discusses analytical implications for the organizational reform which may emerge within the ex-state-owned enterprise under evolutionary constraints of the transition, particularly under the tendency toward insider control. It is maintained that possible organizational reform hinges upon the coevolution of complementary ownership structure and financial monitoring mechanism. J. Japan. Int. Econ., December 1995, 9 (4), pp. 330–353. Department of Economics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305.
A framework for automated 3D microstructure analysis & representation

Over the past 5 years there have been significant advances in developing serial-sectioningmethods that provide quantitative data describing the structure and crystallography of grain-level microstructures in three dimensions (3D). The subsequent analysis and representation of this information can provide modeling and simulation efforts with a highly-refined and unbiased characterization of specific microstructural features. For example, the grain structure and crystallography of an engineering alloy could be characterized and then translated directly into a 3D volume mesh for subsequent Finite Element Analysis. However, this approach requires a multitude of data sets in order to appropriately sample the intrinsic heterogeneity observed in typical microstructures. One way to circumvent this issue is to develop computation tools that create synthetic microstructures that are statistically-equivalent to the measured structure. This study will discuss the development of software programs that take as input a series of Electron Backscatter Diffraction Patterns from a serial sectioning experiment, and output a robust statistical analysis of the 3D data, as well as generate a host of synthetic structures which are analogous to the real microstructure. Importantly, the objective of this study is to provide a framework towards complete microstructure representation that is consistent with quantifiable experimental data.
Unidirectional barbed suture versus interrupted vicryl suture in vaginal cuff healing during robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy.

This study examined the performance of unidirectional barbed suture versus polyglactin 910 with respect to vaginal cuff healing in robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy (RATLH). This was a retrospective cohort study of 93 patients who underwent RATLH in a teaching hospital from July 2008 to June 2012. In the first 44 patients, the vaginal cuff was closed by interrupted polyglactin (Vicryl) 2–0 suture. In the following 49 patients, unidirectional barbed suture (V-loc) in a running fashion was used for cuff closure. Patients were seen 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively to evaluate cuff healing. Age, tobacco use, hemoglobin, deliveries, uterine weight, menopause, steroid use, underlying health problems, and concomitant procedures were found not to be significantly different between the two groups. There was one cuff dehiscence in the unidirectional barbed suture group and none in the interrupted polyglactin group (P > 0.05). The mean cuff healing time (8.5 vs. 7.7 weeks), incidence of cuff cellulitis (4.6 vs. 4.1 %), and postoperative bleeding (22.7 vs. 14.3 %) were not statistically significantly different between polyglactin and barbed suture closures, respectively (P > 0.05). However, polyglactin suture was associated with greater presence of granulation tissue than barbed suture (27.3 vs. 8.2 %, odds ratio = 3.34, P < 0.05). Unidirectional barbed suture cases were associated with shorter total operative times (220.2 vs. 272.8 min) and less estimated blood loss (164.8 vs. 274.9 ml); however, cuff closure times were not specifically measured. In our study, unidirectional barbed suture was identified as possibly superior to polyglactin cuff closure because of less observed granulation tissue, shorter operative duration, and lower estimated blood loss. However, there was no statistical difference in cuff healing time, cuff dehiscence, cellulitis, or postoperative bleeding between the two groups. A prospective randomized trial would be necessary to confirm these findings.
Measuring Heterogeneous Uptake Coefficients of Gases on Solid Particle Surfaces with a Knudsen Cell Reactor: Complications Due to Surface Saturation and Gas Diffusion into Underlying Layers

In this study, the complications and ramifications of surface saturation and gas diffusion in measuring heterogeneous uptake coefficients of gases on powdered samples with a Knudsen cell reactor ar...
A SHORT‐TERM FORECASTING PROCEDURE FOR INSTITUTION ENROLLMENTS

Institutions of higher education are finding that forecasting enrollments is of critical importance in the current environment of steady and declining student populations. Accurate short‐term enrollment forecasts provide valuable information to administrators for budgeting, planning, and (in the case of state supported institutions) negotiating with funding agencies. This research suggests that Box‐Jenkins (ARIMA) models may be used to produce accurate short‐range forecasts of seasonal enrollment data. One‐step ahead (one academic quarter ahead) forecast errors of Full Time Equivalent Students (FTES) for the Virginia Community College System are on the order of 3.6% with errors increasing in magnitue to 5.6% for forecasts one year into the future. The methodology employed in this paper to forecast VCCS enrollments can be adapted easily and inexpensively to forecasting enrollments at other institutions.
A review of fixed phagocytic and pinocytotic cells of decapod crustaceans, with remarks on hemocytes.

Clearance of foreign materials from the hemocoel of decapod crustaceans involves several distinct kinds of cells. Proteins, and possibly viruses below 30 nm diameter, are known to be removed by the branchialpodocytes, which are specialized pinocytotic nephrocytes located in the gills. These cells, and podocytes of the antennal gland (excretory organ) which may also be of importance in clearance, are similar to podocytes of Bowman's capsule of the vertebrate kidney. Phagocytic clearance of particulate material (with possible exception of the small viruses) is accomplished by three kinds of cells, one free and the other two fixed to tissues facing hemal spaces. The hemocytes, free cells suspended in the hemolymph, are the most abundant and generalized of these phagocytic cells. Phagocyticreservecells are applied to myofibers in the heart of penaeid and palaemonid shrimp, and probably the same as reserve cells found throughout the hemocoel of all decapods. They are minimally involved in clearance of injected carbon and carmine, but are not known to phagocytize naturally occurring particles such as bacteria or viruses. The fixedphagocytes are very important in the clearance of some substances. They are located on the exterior surfaces of arterioles in hemal spaces of the hepatopancreas. They are highly specialized cells designed to sequester large amounts of various types of particulate matter, not only through phagocytosis but by trapping and retaining vast numbers of particles within a net- or sievelike layer of granular material which surrounds the free surface of the fixed phagocyte. Derivation, morphology, development, and function of the above cell types are described and discussed.
Impairments in spatial memory retention of GFAP-apoE4 female mice

The human apolipoprotein E isoforms, apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4, have differential effects on brain function. Compared to apoE3, apoE4 increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline in humans and female mice expressing apoE in neurons. Here, we show impaired spatial memory retention in female mice expressing apoE4 in astrocytes compared to those expressing apoE3 in astrocytes or lacking apoE. Thus, apoE4 impairs cognition whether expressed in neurons or astrocytes.
In vitro reaction of radioactive 7β,8α,-dihydroxy-9α, 10α-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(A)pyrene and 7β,8α-dihydroxy-9β,10β-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(A)pyrene with DNA

The in vitro reaction of bacteriophage T7-DNA with the radioactive diastereomeric benzo(a)pyrene-diol-epoxides, (±) [3H9, 3H10]-7β,8α-dihydroxy-9α,10β-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene, and (±) [3H9, 3H10]-7β,8α-dihydroxy-9β,19β-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(1)pyrene, was investigated. Chromatographic analysis of digests of the DNA allowed the distinction of characteristic deoxynucleoside adduct peaks for the two benzo(a)pyrene-diol-epoxides. Our results, together with data from the literature, allow the identification of these adducts as mostly N2-(10-7β,8α,9α-trihydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyreney1)deoxyguanosine and N2-(10-7β,8α,9β-trihydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyreney1)deoxyguanosine, respectively. DNA-benzo(a)pyrene adducts with the same chromatographic properties were formed in mouse embryo fibroblasts upon treatment with benzo(a)pyrene.
Investigation of crack growth in functionally graded materials using digital image correlation

The crack growth resistance behavior of functionally graded materials (FGMs) was investigated using the full-field measurement technique of digital image correlation (DIC). Model FGMs were manufactured using ultraviolet irradiation of a photosensitive polyethylene co-polymer. Edge crack FGM fracture specimens were loaded such that stable quasi-static crack growth occurred. A DIC code, generated and tested in-house, was used to obtain the in-plane displacement field surrounding the propagating crack. The results were then used to extract stress intensity factors and generate resistance curves for the FGM. A crack growth resistance behavior of continually increasing toughness with crack extension was observed. The full-field optical technique also allowed for the investigation of regions of K-dominance in the FGM (i.e. areas where the theoretical asymptotic fields well describe the near tip deformation). The results were compared to stress intensity factor values obtained using crack face profile shape measurements and good agreement was found.
PROSTATIC TISSUE ABLATION BY INJECTION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Most men 50 to 80 years old will have development of some degree of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Many who experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) will be treated medically. However, significant numbers will have more severe and progressive disease requiring surgery. Transurethral resection of the prostate is the current gold standard of treatment for BPH. Minimally invasive therapies for symptomatic BPH emerge and fade continuously. However, intraprostatic injection for BPH has been used for more than 100 years and may be on the verge of a rebirth. The goal of this review is to familiarize the reader with the origins and history of intraprostatic injection, and its evolution using transperineal, transrectal and transurethral routes with multiple injectants. Initially used to treat urinary retention in men with BPH, its primary indication is now for LUTS.Materials and Methods:: We performed a structured MEDLINE review of the literature on intraprostatic injections from 1966 ...
Adjuvant Effect of Human Growth Hormone with an Inactivated Flavivirus Vaccine

Vaccines made by inactivating pathogenic microorganisms have been dramatically successful in controlling diseases in humans and animals. Despite their successes, they have a major disadvantage in that several inoculations are required for them to be effective. To overcome this problem, a commercial inactivated vaccine preparation against tickborne encephalitis was combined with human growth hormone (HGH). This formulation produced complete protection in a murine model with only one dose of vaccine, apparently by binding hormone and antigen to an insoluble matrix containing aluminium hydroxide. Thus it is postulated that when virus-specific lymphocytes are attracted to the site of injection, the hormone is at a high local concentration and stimulates the clonal expansion of antigen-specific T cells. The development of genetically engineered HGH now gives unlimited supplies of hormone, potentially resulting in an increase in efficacy of a wide variety of vaccines, especially those needing prolonged immunization schedules such as those being developed to combat human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Measurements of refractive index change due to positive ions using a surface plasmon resonance sensor

A 44-pass fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor coupled with a field-assist capability for measurement of refractive index change due to positive and negative ions is shown. The field-assist feature forces ions to the SPR surface, causing the SPR signal response to change which reflects a decrease or increase in refractive index depending on whether positive or negative ions are being attracted to the surface. This technique offers the potential for the sensitive detection of cations and anions in a solution.
What's behind the rise in profitability in the US in the 1980s and 1990s?

Profitability in the US has been rising since the early 1980s and by 1997 was at its highest level since its post-World War II peak in the mid-1960s, and the profit share, by one definition, at its highest point. In this paper, I examine the role of the change in the profit share and capital intensity, as well as structural change, on movements in the rate of profit between 1947 and 1997. Its recent recovery is traced to a rise in the profit share in national income, a slowdown in capital--labour growth at the industry level, and employment shifts to relatively labour-intensive industries. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
California black oak responses to fire severity and native conifer encroachment in the Klamath Mountains

Abstract Fire exclusion in forests across the western United States has resulted in widespread vegetation change, often with notable increases in density and cover of fire-sensitive species. In California oak woodlands, encroachment by the more shade-tolerant native Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) is particularly common, and results in the piercing and eventual overtopping of crowns of shade-intolerant trees. We investigated canopy competition, paired tree ages, and post-fire effects in a recently burned, encroached California black oak ( Quercus kelloggii ) woodland. Pre-fire woodland overstory was heavily dominated by Douglas-fir, which commonly pierced and overtopped California black oak crowns. Trees that pierced overstory oak crowns were younger (mean difference = 43.6 years, p
Interstellar absorption and variable soft X-ray component in Cygnus X-1

The hydrogen column density along the line of sight to Cyg X-1 is 7×1021 cm−2 as determined from the extinction of its optical counterpart HD 226 868. This value may be used to interpret soft X-ray measurements, including those previously reported, where it is not possible to determine the column density independently from the intrinsic spectral function. The correction for interstellar absorption is larger than previously thought. Application to an old observation suggests that an intense soft X-ray component was present in Cyg X-1, even though the data at ∼1 keV suggests that it was probably in a low state. This is consistent with the picture of Cyg X-1 suggested by Price and Thorne, in which transitions in Cyg X-1 are attributed to changes in the high energy cut-off of an intense soft component.
Massive aneurysm of the right coronary artery causing sudden death

Abstract Coronary artery aneurysms due to atherosclerosis are increasingly recognised during angiography yet the natural history of these abnormalities has not yet been defined. Only rarely has massive dilatation been observed, usually presenting following death. We report a case of sudden death due to rupture of a massive right coronary artery aneurysm measuring 10×5 cm. Diagnosis was made at post-mortem.
Effect of pH on Sterilizing Activity of Tepa and Metepa in Male House Flies

The sterilizing activity of tepa and metepa solutions (buflered to pH 6-8) injected into male house flies, Musca domestica L., was determined. No significant variation of activity with pH of the solution was encountered. The degradation of aqueous solutions of tepa and metepa adjusted to pH 4 with sulfuric acid was followed by thin- layer chromatography and bioassay. The results indicated a similarity in the degradative pathway or the two chemosterilants. It was concluded that in partially degraded solutions the sterilizing activity was proportional to the contents of intact tepa or metepa rather than to the total contents of aziridine function.
Variable Temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of Pentacene Monolayer and Bilayer Phases on Ag(111)

Pentacene deposited onto a Ag(111) surface at 300 K is studied using scanning tunneling microscopy at temperatures of 300 and 50 K, providing structural insight into its unusual growth habit. At room temperature, an unexpectedly high pentacene coverage is needed to nucleate ordered pentacene islands, which appear surrounded by a disordered pentacene phase. These room temperature pentacene nuclei are revealed as bilayer structures from their coverage-dependent size evolution and molecularly resolved images of domain boundaries, recorded at 50 K. At this reduced temperature, two different monolayer phases with long-range order and commensurate with the Ag(111) surface lattice further emerge. These two monolayer phases exhibit comparable (0.7 vs 0.8 molecule/nm2) packing densities, but distinct intermolecular registration and alignment with respect to the silver sublattice.
Long-term potentiation of excitatory synapses on neocortical somatostatin-expressing interneurons.

Synaptic plasticity has been extensively studied in principal neurons of the neocortex, but less work has been done on GABAergic interneurons. Interneurons consist of multiple subtypes and their sy...
Resonance Raman Detection of the Fe−S Bond in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase†,‡

We report the first low-frequency resonance Raman spectra of ferric endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) holoenzyme, including the frequency of the Fe-S vibration in the presence of the substrate L-arginine. This is the first direct measurement of the strength of the Fe-S bond in NOS. The Fe-S vibration is observed at 338 cm(-1) with excitation at 363.8 nm. The assignment of this band to the Fe-S stretching vibration was confirmed by the observation of isotopic shifts in eNOS reconstituted with 54Fe- and 57Fe-labeled hemin. Furthermore, the frequency of this vibration is close to those observed in cytochrome P450(cam) and chloroperoxidase (CPO). The frequency of this vibration is lower in eNOS than in P450(cam) and CPO, which can be explained by differences in hydrogen bonding to the proximal cysteine heme ligand. On addition of substrate to eNOS, we also observe several low-frequency vibrations, which are associated with the heme pyrrole groups. The enhancement of these vibrations suggests that substrate binding results in protein-mediated changes of the heme geometry, which may provide the protein with an additional tuning element for the redox potential of the heme iron. The implications of our findings for the function of eNOS will be discussed by comparison with P450(cam) and model compounds.
Postcoital contraception: Present and future options

Purpose: This article reviews information on currently available postcoital contraceptives, and discusses recent advances in postcoital contraception, mostly notably RU 486. Methods: Postcoital contraceptives, or “morning after pills,” are currently available in the form of high dose estrogens, oral contraceptives, danazol and intrauterine devices. These methods are plagued by high incidences of side effects and less than optimal success rates. Results: Currently, their primary use in the adolescent age group is for victims of sexual assault, but they may also be used as back-up for consensual unprotected intercourse. RU 486, best known as a first trimester abortifacient, has a number of potential uses, including that of a postcoital contraceptive. Two recently published studies from the UK showed RU 486 to have a very low pregnancy rate and fewer side effects when compared with current methods. RU 486 may someday replace high doses of oral contraceptives as the method of choice for postcoital contraception.
Energy-Optimal Solution to the Lambert Problem

T HE Lambert problem offers a substantial way of determining theminimumenergy transfer between twoknownpoints along a Keplerian orbit. Most of the analysis for this problem relies on a geometrical approach, since the problem’s definition is attuned to the geometry [1,2]. The main idea of the Lambert minimum-energy problem starts by defining the length between two position vectors. Consequently, it states geometrically that the semimajor axis of the minimum-energy orbit is related to the chord length and length of the position vectors [1]. Currently, there is no other analytical approach besides the geometric analysis for solving the problem. In this note, however, an alternative analytical method for solving the Lambert minimum-energy problem is proposed. Theminimum velocity at the initial position is obtained by applying a constrained optimization tool. As the initial position vector in the problem is fixed, it is apparent that determining theminimum initial velocity is the same as obtaining theminimum-energy orbit. Using the alternative technique could give us new insight into solving various orbital problems.
Fingernails Painted Red: A Feminist, Semiotic Analysis of a “Hot” Text:

This article is a feminist, semiotic analysis of a narrative text provided by a man who killed his two toddler sons, his girlfriend, an unrelated woman, and possibly two other women, including his ...
Using Multiple Information Sources to Identify Opportunities for Ergonomic Interventions in Automotive Parts Distribution: A Case Study

An essential activity in any ergonomics program is determining specific work locations and activities where physical demands place workers at increased risk of sustaining an overexertion injury. To do this, safety and health professionals rely on a variety of information sources to identify and prioritize opportunities for ergonomic interventions. As part of a 4-year project to reduce overexertion injuries in the service parts division of a major auto maker, a study was performed in 19 parts distribution centers to evaluate the contributions of the following information sources in identifying specific high-risk work locations and activities: (1) archival medical/injury records, (2) identification of “problem tasks” by plant-based ergonomic committees, (3) facility walk-throughs by experienced ergonomists, and (4) detailed ergonomic job analyses. Archival records were not particularly useful in identifying high-risk activities because essential exposure information (e.g., task, work location) was not docum...
A high-energy gamma-ray detector with angular and spectral resolution

Abstract By using a bundle of two types of long and narrow scintillators, we developed a relatively light and incomplicated gamma-ray directional detector whose characteristics are suitable for astronomical use. A prototype, having 9 crystals, was built and tested: it showed an angular resolution of 5° and an intrinsic efficiency of 18% for 200 MeV gamma rays. In addition to its directional properties, the detector can analyze the spectral characteristics of gamma-rays with an energy resolution of 40% at 50 MeV. Furthermore, improved models can easily be made by using more crystals.
Attributions and Performance: The Effects of Sex Role Identity and Sex-Typed Tasks

Abstract American female college students (N = 59) filled out the Bem (1974) Sex Role Identity Scale and completed an anagram task with subsequent random success or failure feedback. Half of the students were told that males do very well on the task. The other half of the students were told that females do very well on the task. Students then filled out scales attributing the success or failure to each of the four major attributions—ability, effort, task ease or difficulty, and luck. Data were also collected on expectations for the same task again in the future, and affect. Results supported the hypothesis that nontraditional women would have a more self-enhancing pattern of attributions than feminine sex-typed women. Feminine sex-typed women attributed success more often than nontraditional women to having an easy task, and they performed significantly less well on the task. An inhibition was more apparent in the masculine task condition, suggesting that the lowered performance may be due to the sex role...
Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for parasitic nematodes: A focus on the cuticle

The phylum Nematoda consists of over half a million species of worms that inhabit astoundingly diverse environments. Nematodes can live as obligatory parasites of plants and animals, or alternate a parasitic with a free-living life style. The fact that the vast majority of species are strictly free living often surprises parasitology students, for obviously the highest research priorities in this field have involved parasites of medical, veterinary and agricultural importance. Here Samuel Politz and Mario Philipp contend that some basic questions concerning the biology of the parasite cuticle can be investigated more easily and in greater depth in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans than in the parasites themselves.
Nonlinear resonance studies at the synchrotron radiation center, Stoughton, Wisconsin

A single bunch is stored in ALADDIN at 800 MeV. The coherent oscillations produced by a fast kicker are recorded for each turn at two horizontal position detectors separated by pi /2 in phase. Displaying the recorded positions on horizontal and vertical axes produces a phase plot of the coherent motion. Resonances are produced by adding a controlled amount of sextupole field. The results are compared with computer simulations. To adequately describe the behavior near unstable fixed points the finite size of the beam must be taken into account. >
Scalable Influence Maximization in Social Networks under the Linear Threshold Model

Influence maximization is the problem of finding a small set of most influential nodes in a social network so that their aggregated influence in the network is maximized. In this paper, we study influence maximization in the linear threshold model, one of the important models formalizing the behavior of influence propagation in social networks. We first show that computing exact influence in general networks in the linear threshold model is #P-hard, which closes an open problem left in the seminal work on influence maximization by Kempe, Kleinberg, and Tardos, 2003. As a contrast, we show that computing influence in directed a cyclic graphs (DAGs) can be done in time linear to the size of the graphs. Based on the fast computation in DAGs, we propose the first scalable influence maximization algorithm tailored for the linear threshold model. We conduct extensive simulations to show that our algorithm is scalable to networks with millions of nodes and edges, is orders of magnitude faster than the greedy approximation algorithm proposed by Kempe et al. and its optimized versions, and performs consistently among the best algorithms while other heuristic algorithms not design specifically for the linear threshold model have unstable performances on different real-world networks.
Plasma glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D predicts the change in insulin sensitivity in response to a low-fat but not a low-carbohydrate diet in obese women

Although circulating glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD), a minor high-density lipoprotein–associated protein, is elevated in patients with insulin resistance or high triglycerides, no information is available on the effect of weight loss or changes in insulin sensitivity on circulating GPI-PLD levels. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of weight loss and changes in insulin sensitivity on plasma GPI-PLD levels. Forty-two nondiabetic obese women were included in the study, which involved a 3-month dietary intervention randomizing patients to a low-fat or a low-carbohydrate diet. The study's main outcome measures were plasma GPI-PLD levels and insulin sensitivity as estimated by the homeostasis model assessment. The very low carbohydrate diet group lost more weight after 3 months (−7.6 ± 3.2 vs −4.2 ± 3.5 kg, P < .01), although the decrease in insulin resistance was similar between groups. Weight loss with either diet did not alter plasma GPI-PLD levels. However, baseline GPI-PLD levels correlated with the change in insulin sensitivity in response to the low-fat diet, whereas baseline insulin sensitivity correlated with the change in insulin sensitivity in response to the low-carbohydrate diet. Plasma GPI-PLD may serve as a clinical tool to determine the effect of a low-fat diet on insulin sensitivity.