cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supply chain models for perishable products under inflation and permissible delay in payment

Abstract In many inventory situations, purchasers are allowed a period to pay back for the goods bought without paying any interest. Depending on the length of that payment period, the purchaser can earn interest on the sales of the inventory. This paper develops a model to determine an optimal ordering policy for deteriorating items under inflation, permissible delay of payment and allowable shortage. The present value of total cost incurred in this inventory system is developed first, then an optimal order quantity and maximum allowable shortage are obtained by using a search procedure. The effect of inflation and time value of money was investigated under given sets of inflation and discount rates. This study shows that the optimal order quantity and maximum allowable shortage vary with the difference between inflation and time discount. Computational results provide some interesting policy implications. Scope and purpose A significant part of the manufacturing goods are usually kept in the supply chain, especially either in a manufacturer’s/wholesaler’s inventory or in a retailer’s storage. This paper addresses the ordering policy by a retailer of a perishable product, where the decision is influenced by the time value of money and inflation, and the retailer is allowed a delay period to pay back the dues for the products purchased. The purpose of this research is to aid the retailers in economically stocking the inventory (i.e., ascertaining the ordering quantity) under the influence of different decision criteria such as time value of money, inflation rates, purchase price of the product, and deterioration rate.
Chromospheric Evaporation and Warm Rain during a Solar Flare Observed in High Time Resolution with the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory

We present EUV light curves, Doppler shifts, and line-broadening measurements for a flaring solar active region obtained with the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) aboard the NASA ESA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) under conditions of (1) comprehensive temporal coverage (including the quiescent preflare, impulsive, and gradual decline phases), (2) high time resolution (9.83 s), and (3) narrow field of view (4'' × 20''). The four strong lines of O III at 599.587 A, O V at 629.732 A, Mg X at 624.937 A, and Fe XIX at 592.225 A are analyzed and provide diagnostics of plasma dynamics for 4.9 ≤ log T ≤ 6.9. Wavelengths and widths measured during the preflare and late decline phases provide standards against which Doppler shifts and excess line broadening are measured during the impulsive and early decline phases. The entire profile of all four lines is blueshifted early during the impulsive rise of the flare, but only the O III, O V, and Mg X lines subsequently exhibit multiple components and downflows. These downflows provide evidence of "warm rain" due to cooling coronal flare plasma following chromospheric evaporation during the impulsive phase. O III and O V exhibit a pronounced precursor brightening during which the Fe XIX emission emerges above the noise; this, combined with the fact that the O III and O V intensities begin their impulsive rise earlier than do those of Mg X and Fe XIX, is consistent with the transport of coronal flare energy to the chromosphere by nonthermal particle beams.
Evolution of enzymatic activity in the enolase superfamily: structural and mutagenic studies of the mechanism of the reaction catalyzed by o-succinylbenzoate synthase from Escherichia coli.

o-Succinylbenzoate synthase (OSBS) from Escherichia coli, a member of the enolase superfamily, catalyzes an exergonic dehydration reaction in the menaquinone biosynthetic pathway in which 2-succinyl-6-hydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylate (SHCHC) is converted to 4-(2‘-carboxyphenyl)-4-oxobutyrate (o-succinylbenzoate or OSB). Our previous structural studies of the Mg2+·OSB complex established that OSBS is a member of the muconate lactonizing enzyme subgroup of the superfamily: the essential Mg2+ is coordinated to carboxylate ligands at the ends of the third, fourth, and fifth β-strands of the (β/α)7β-barrel catalytic domain, and the OSB product is located between the Lys 133 at the end of the second β-strand and the Lys 235 at the end of the sixth β-strand [Thompson, T. B., Garrett, J. B., Taylor, E. A, Meganathan, R., Gerlt, J. A., and Rayment, I. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 10662−76]. Both Lys 133 and Lys 235 were separately replaced with Ala, Ser, and Arg residues; all six mutants displayed no detectabl...
Classroom Dynamics and Children at Risk: A Followup:

The two studies reported in this article followed up on an initial investigation of classroom dynamics and young children identified as at risk (AR) for developing learning, emotional, and behavioral disorders (LD/EBD) (Lago-Dellelo, 1998). In the present studies, measures were taken of teacher-student interactions, peer interactions, students' perceptions of their teachers' expectations, student self-perceptions, and academic engaged time. In our first study, when the children were in grades 2 and 3, results replicated those of Lago-Dellelo (1998) conducted the previous year when the children were in grades 1 and 2. That is, significant differences between students at risk for LD/EBD and not-at-risk (NAR) peers were found for type of teacher responses and academic engaged time. Teachers made significantly more negative and nonacademic responses to the AR students, who spent significantly less time on task than NAR peers. In our second followup study, when the children were in grades 3 and 4, significant ...
Incorporating Ultrasound Into Robot Vision

Our goal is to identify an inexpensive, accurate, and safe system for obtaining digitized range data for use in a variety of object recognition tasks. In this paper we present initial results on the use of a non-collimated ultrasound sensor in obtaining such data. Although ultrasound has long been used for other similar tasks, the applications for which the current system is intended require significant adaptation of existing systems and techniques.
United We Shop! Chinese Consumers’ Online Group Buying

This study aims to understand the underlying mechanism of Chinese consumers’ online group buying intention to gain strategic consumer insights and advance the theoretical understanding of online consumer behavior. Recognizing the social connotation of consumers’ online group buying behavior, this study pays special attention to the factors pertaining to social relationships – susceptibility to normative influence, need for uniqueness, and perceived homophily as key antecedents driving online group purchase. An online survey was conducted with nonstudent adult respondents. Hierarchical regression results show that two counterintuitive factors – consumer need for uniqueness and perceived homophily significantly and positively influenced online group buying intention, while susceptibility to normative influence did not. Based on the Beta coefficients in the regression, consumer need for uniqueness emerged as a more powerful antecedent than perceived homophily. Additional statistical analysis suggests that consumer need for uniqueness appeared to be a possible mediator between normative influence and online group buying intention, thereby dramatically diminishing the effect of normative influence on online group buying intention. Results indicate that participating in the popular yet innovative trend of online group buying constitutes an important means for consumers to seek uniqueness in a socially approved manner. Although collectivist Chinese societies emphasize the need to be part of the mass, being too similar to others may lead to countervailing pressures for distinctiveness. In fact, the findings may reveal a cultural paradox that when Chinese consumers engage in online group buying which already meets the expectation of collectivism, their need to feel unique may be stronger.
Closed systems, explanations, and the cosmological argument

Examples involving infinite suspended chains or infinite trains are sometimes used to defend perceived weaknesses in traditional cosmological arguments. In this article, we distinguish two versions of the cosmological argument, suggest that such examples can only be relevant if it is one specific type of cosmological argument that is being considered, and then criticize the use of such examples in this particular type of cosmological argument. Our criticism revolves around a discussion of what it means to call a system closed, and what it means to call an explanation complete. Our analysis makes no suppositions about the nature of the infinite, and is therefore independent of many of the issues around which contemporary discussions of the cosmological argument have tended to revolve.
Characterization of cis- chloroaquobis(2,2′-dipyridyl)chromium(III) cation, and kinetics of primary and secondary aquation of cis-Dichlorobis(2,2′-dipyridyl)chromium(III) Cation

Abstract Aquation of cis-Cr(dipy)2Cl2+ in 0.1–0.5 F HCl (μ = 0.1–0.5 M, NaCl) has been studied spectrophotometrically at 50–70°. At 70° μ = 0.5 M) the first-older rate constant is (5.4 ± 0.5) X 10−5 sec−1, independent of the acid concentration; Ea = 23.4 ± 0.8 kcal mole−1 and log PZ(sec−1) = 10.62 ± 0.55. The product is the previously not fully characterized cis-Cr(dipy)2(OH2)Cl2+, with no evidence for concurrent aquation via CrN bond rupture. At 70° in 0.13 F HCl or HNO3 (μ = 0.13 M) cis-Cr(dipy)2(OH2)2+ appears to aquate concurrently to cis-Cr(dipy)2(OH2)23+ and to an unidentified species of charge ⩾4 +, perhaps Cr(dipy)(dipyH)- (OH2)34+ (via the intermediate Cr(dipy)(dipyH)(OH2)(2- Cl3+), with a total first-order rate constant of (6.9 ± 0.8) X 10−5 sec−1. The cis-chloroaquo species has been fully characterized, and its visible absorption spectrum is reported. The new pink complex Cr(dipy)(OH2)43+ has been chromatographically isolated from a 0.1 F HCl solution of cis-Cr(dipy)2Cl2+ which had been aged at 70° for 50 days.
Hormonal regulation of cytochrome oxidase subunit messenger RNAs in rat Sertoli cells.

Using differential hybridization to screen a rat Sertoli cell cDNA library for hormonally regulated gene products, we isolated a clone, designated 13–10, which contained a 1.0-kilobase insert and hybridized to a 1.7-kilobase message in total testis, Sertoli cells, and peritubular cells. This mRNA was decreased relative to untreated control levels in total testicular RNA from hypophysectomized rats, but was increased by FSH treatment begun on the day of hypophysectomy. FSH caused a transient rise in 13–10 mRNA at 24 h in cultured Sertoli cells. There was no comparable rise in β-actin RNA or the RNA/DNA ratio at this time, suggesting that the effect on 13–10 was specific. Testosterone had no effect at any time interval studied. The 13–10 mRNA was not increased in peritubular cells treated in vitro with FSH or testosterone. Sequence analysis of 13–10 revealed more than 99% homology with a portion of the sequence of rat liver cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX I). The clone included 58% of the open reading fra...
The role of two-component catalysts containing chelating bisaryloxide ligands in controlling the stereochemistry of the metathesis polymerization of norbornene

Abstract The ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene and 5,5-dimethylnorbornene has been studied with a range of tungsten(VI) ring-opening metathesis polymerization procatalysts containing chelating diolate ligands, including catechols, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene, 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol, biphenanthrol and bis(2-hydroxyphenyl) methane. One class of these catalysts, W(X)(OArO)Cl 2 (THF) (X = O or NArMe 2 ) was produced via alcoholysis reactions between W(X)Cl 4 and the respective diol. Polymers of norbornene produced with these catalysts showed a reasonable correlation between ring size and cis -selectivity. This effect is most likely steric in origin. Analyses of the tacticity of poly-5,5-dimethylnorbornene showed a correlation betwen high cis -olefin content and syndiotacticity, even when produced with catalysts containing asymmetric chelating diolate ligands.
Management of osteoarthritis in the primary-care setting: An evidence-based approach to treatment

The most prevalent musculoskeletal condition that results in joint pain is osteoarthritis (OA), with nearly 70% of the population >65 years of age demonstrating radiographic evidence of this disease. The knee is the joint commonly affected. Therapy for OA of the knee is directed at decreasing joint pain and increasing function and includes both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. Pharmacologic therapy begins with analgesic medications and proceeds to topical analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed. Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids can relieve pain and inflammation but the effect is of very short duration and such therapy should only be employed infrequently. Nonpharmacologic therapy should include patient education, weight loss if clinically indicated, physical therapy directed at maintaining joint mobility and strengthening muscle groups or an organized low-impact exercise program, and assistive devices as needed. Total joint replacement appears to be a successful therapy when joint pain severely limits a patient's ability to function. Experimental therapies to modify pain and function in OA patients include intra-articular injections of hyaluronan or arthroscopic joint lavage and debridement. In summary, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures can contribute to the treatment of pain from OA of the knee.
Mechanisms that separate algorithms from implementations for parallel patterns

Parallel programming implementation details often obfuscate the original algorithm and make later algorithm maintenance difficult. Although parallel programming patterns help guide the structured development of parallel programs, they do not necessarily avoid the code obfuscation problem. In this paper, we observe how emerging and existing programming models realized as programming languages, preprocessor directives, and/or libraries are able to support the Implementation Strategy Patterns that were proposed as part of the Our Pattern Language. We posit that these emerging programming models are in some cases able to avoid code obfuscation through features that prevent tangling of algorithm and implementation details for parallelization and performance optimizations. We qualitatively evaluate these features in terms of how much they prevent tangling and how well they provide programmer-control over implementation details. We conclude with remarks on potential research directions for studying how to produce efficient and maintainable parallel programs by separating algorithm from implementation.
Development of a protein chip: a MS-based method for quantitation of protein expression and modification levels using an immunoaffinity approach.

Protein chip technology permits analysis of the expression and modification status of numerous targeted proteins within a single experiment, mainly through the use of antibody-based microarrays. Despite recent improvements in these protein chips, their applications are still limited for a variety of reasons, which include technical challenges in fabrication of the antibody chips as well as the very low specificity achieved by current detection methods. We have developed a unique approach for relative and/or absolute quantitation of protein expression and modification based on the capture of epitope peptides on affinity beads, which can be used to develop a mass-spectrometry-based protein chip technology. This new method, which utilizes antibodies immobilized on beads for the capture of target peptides, instead of proteins, eliminates many of the problems previously associated with protein chips. We present here several proof-of-principle experiments examining model peptides by this technique. These experi...
Measuring the democracy–repression nexus

Abstract A considerable amount of time and intellectual energy has been expended detailing the nature of the relationship between democracy and a state's use of repressive force against its citizens. This article moves the discussion forward both methodologically and substantively. I use a fully Bayesian structural model with latent variables to mitigate the effects of measurement error in both democracy and repression. Further, I estimate two models, one treating democracy as a single overarching concept, similar to the strategy followed by Davenport and Armstrong (2004), Poe and Tate (1994) and one treating democracy as two-dimensional (voice and veto) as suggested by Davenport (2007b). I find that the two models, though closely related offer substantively different predictions. Statistical measures of fit favor the two-dimensional model. Further, I find that the effects of voice and veto are each strongly conditioned by the other.
Lattice misfit between GaP and Si

Etude par diffraction d'electron en utilisant la methode de faisceau convergent pour GaP depose de facon epitaxique sur Si par jet moleculaire
Developing Turbulent Forced Convection in Two-Dimensional Duct

Developing turbulent forced convection flow in a two-dimensional duct is simulated for Reynolds numbers ranging from 4560 to 12,000. Simultaneously developing velocity and temperature distributions are reported by treating the inlet flow as isothermal with uniform velocity profile. The walls are supplied with uniform heat flux. Distributions of the streamwise and the transverse velocity components exhibit a maximum near the walls, but not at the center of the duct, in the developing region of the flow. The friction coefficient and the Nusselt number do not reach the fully developed values monotonously, and a minimum in their distributions appears in the developing region. Some results are compared with the available data, and very favorable comparisons are obtained.
The effect of castration on endothelins, their receptors and endothelin converting enzyme in rat prostate.

We previously have shown that experimental diabetes in rats causes prostatic involution, reduces serum testosterone levels, and causes an upregulation in prostatic endothelin (ET) receptors. Furthermore, insulin treatment normalizes these changes (Saito et al., Mol Cell Biochem 210:1–12, 2000). Since experimental diabetes-induced reduction in serum testosterone may be a factor in the alteration of the ET receptors and of prostatic growth, we investigated the effect of castration, another means of involuting the prostate and decreasing serum testosterone levels, on the expression of ET receptors in ventral and dorsolateral regions of the rat prostate. Three-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically castrated or sham operated, and then killed on the 7th post-operative day. Biochemical and pharmacological properties, and localization of ET receptors in the rat prostate, were determined by performing a series of binding experiments with [125I]ET-1 and by light microscopy autoradiography, respectively. The expression levels of ET-1, ET-3, ET receptor subtypes and endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) mRNAs were assessed by relative multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The total density of ET receptors increases 3.7-fold in the ventral and 2.1-fold in the dorsolateral regions of the castrated rat prostate compared to sham operated animals. Castration causes a 2.4-fold increase in the density of α1-adrenoceptors (α1-ARs) in the ventral region of the prostate, but no change in the density of α1-ARs in the dorsolateral region of the rat prostate. The predominant ET receptor subtype in the rat prostate is the ETA subtype, which is mainly located in the prostatic stroma. In addition, RT-PCR data show an upregulation in the expression of ETB receptor subtype, ET-1 and ECE-1 mRNA in both regions, and a downregulation in the expression of ETA receptor subtype mRNA in the dorsolateral region of the castrated rat prostate. There is no change in the expression of ET-3 mRNA in either region. Castration does not cause significant changes in the pharmacological properties of prostatic ET receptors, i.e., the predominance of ETA receptors in either region of the prostate, or the expression of ETA receptor subtype mRNA in the ventral region of the castrated rat prostate. These results suggest the existence of a region/lobe-specific regulatory role for testosterone in the expression of the ET receptor system in the rat prostate.
The determination of the transformation products of epoxides used in the heat stabilization of poly(vinyl chloride)

Abstract Methyl 9, 10-epoxyoctadecanoate has been used as a model compound to study the mode of action of epoxides when employed in the stabilization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Sheets of PVC containing 2% radioactively labelled methyl (1-[14C]) 9,10-epoxyoctadecanoate (both with and without calcium/zinc stearate) were prepared on a hydraulic press and subsequently heated in an oven for various times to simulate heat processing. The polymer was separated from the low molecular weight components by steric exclusion chromatography, the extent of bonding of epoxide to the polymer being monitored by the [14C] activity of the high molecular weight fraction, and the level of residual methyl 9,10-epoxyoctadecanoate being determined colorimetrically on the basis of the epoxide concentration. The main transformation product was identified by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as the methyl 9,10-chlorohydroxyoctadecanoate which was subsequently quantified after suitable derivatization by electron capture gas chromatography. A direct correlation was shown between the loss of epoxide and the extent of heat processing but this loss could not be fully accounted for on the basis of the estimated levels of chlorohydrins.
Advanced concepts in electric propulsion.

Primary electric propulsion application to satellite and other space missions, considering auxiliary systems and experimental thrustor systems
Multi Layer Micro Pin-Fins Heat Sinks for Better Performance

This study numerically investigates the feasibility and advantages of using a multilayer pin-fin heat sink to increase the overall performance of the heat sink. For the purpose of determining overall performance of the pin-fin heat sink a figure of merit (FOM) term is introduced in this paper, which constituted of both the thermal resistance and the pumping power of the heat sink. Higher the FOM of a heat sink better is its overall performance. A computational fluid dynamics software CoventorWARE™ is used for the analysis of micro heat sink performance. A small portion of the entire heat sink is modeled in this study assuming repeatability towards both sides for the ease of analysis. The developed models consist of two sections, the substrate (silicon) and the fluid (water at 278K). A uniform heat flux is applied to the base of the heat sink. A single layer micro pin-fin heat sinks with same dimensions as of the multi layer heat sink was also modeled for the comparison purpose. Temperature distribution at five different locations from the inlet to the outlet section is also analyzed to study the temperature distribution over the heat sink. Circular pin-fins were used in both the multilayer and single layer micro heat sinks. Feasibility of using micro channels as the second layer was also investigated in this paper and it proved to have advantages over using pin-fin structures on both layers. A geometric optimization based on the substrate thickness of the second layer of the double layer heat sink showed that the substrate thickness of the second layer doesn’t have any effect on the overall thermal resistance of the heat sink.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Sedation in the ICU.

The effect of midazolam on the induction dose-response curve for alfentanil was studied in non-premedicated ASA physical status I or II patients. The response to the verbal command was used as an end point of anaesthesia. Dose-response curves for midazolam, alfentanil, and their combination were determined with a probit procedure, and compared with algebraic (fractional) analysis of drug interaction. Interaction between midazolam and alfentanil was found to be synergistic (supra-additive). The results suggest that the use of this combination is advantageous not only because it helps to achieve different anaesthetic goals with specific drugs (a benzodiazepine for unconsciousness and an opioid for blockade of the responses to noxious stimulation), but also because its components are complementary for unconsciousness.
A novel surfactant nanoemulsion with a unique non-irritant topical antimicrobial activity against bacteria, enveloped viruses and fungi

A novel non-ionic surfactant nanoemulsion designated 8N8 has been tested for its biocidal activity. One percent 8N8 produced effective bactericidal activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Vibrio cholerae in 15 minutes. In contrast, most enteric gram-negative bacteria were resistant to 8N8. One percent 8N8 was also virucidal within 15 minutes for all tested enveloped viruses, including Herpes simplex type 1, influenza A and vaccinia viruses. One percent 8N8 also demonstrated fungistatic activity on Candida albicans. The rapid and non-specific inactivation of vegetative bacteria and enveloped viruses, in addition to its fungistatic activity and low toxicity in experimental animals, makes 8N8 a potential candidate for use as a topical biocidal agent.
Challenging Oppressions and Hegemonic Normatives: Risk, Resistance, and Resilience

ABSTRACT This review essay examines three texts, Boys' Stuff, Trauma, Stress, and Resilience Among Sexual Minority Women, and From Here to Diversity, that illustrate ways lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, straight, and questioning women, men, and adolescents struggle to survive and thrive in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and other Western societies; societies which mandate compulsory representations of (hetero)sexuality and masculinity and reinforce the marginalization of those who are outside of, or do not conform to, those representations.
Inactivation of soluble 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase of human placenta by fatty acids

Abstract The sensitivity of soluble, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) of human placenta to inactivation by fatty acids was examined. Exposure to the unsaturated fatty acids oleic, arachidonic, linoleic and linolenic acid resulted in the loss of activity. Methyl and ethyl esters of oleic acid, the saturated fatty acid, stearic acid and prostaglandins E2 and F2α were without effect. Inactivation by oleic acid required the fatty acid at levels above its critical micelle concentration, 50 μM, as estimated by light-scattering. Steroid substrates and inhibitors did not protect against inactivation. NAD+, NADH, NADP+ and NADPH did protect. The concentrations of NADP+, 50 μM, and NAD, 1.5 mM, necessary for complete protection were significantly greater than their respective Michaelis constants, 0.16 β M and 15.2 μM. The data suggest that soluble 17β-HSD can bind to fatty acid micelles and that the binding site(s) on the enzyme are at or near pyridine nucleotide binding sites.
Umbilical Cord Blood for Newborn DNA Identification

Objective To compare umbilical cord blood with newborn heel stick blood for newborn DNA identification. Design Prospective, correlational, comparative analysis utilizing a convenience sample of birth mothers and newborns. Setting Labor and delivery unit in a large, private, not‐for‐profit community hospital. Participants One hundred thirty four mother/infant dyads participated. Birth mothers were at least 18 years of age and able to read and understand English. Samples Blood samples were collected from each newborn utilizing the umbilical cord and a heel stick. A blood sample was collected from each mother utilizing a finger stick. Main Outcome Measure Computerized short tandem repeat analyses and visual matching to identify positive matches between the umbilical cord blood sample and heel stick sample. Results Umbilical cord blood contains a DNA profile identical to the newborn heel stick sample that can be used to identify a newborn. Conclusion Umbilical cord blood samples are a valid source of newborn DNA identification.
Crystallization of recombinant Haemophilus influenzae e (P4) acid phosphatase

Haemophilus influenzae infects the upper respiratory tract of humans and can cause infections of the middle ear, sinuses and bronchi. The virulence of the pathogen is thought to involve a group of surface-localized macromolecular components that mediate interactions at the host-pathogen interface. One of these components is lipoprotein e (P4), which is a class C acid phosphatase and a potential vaccine candidate for nontypeable H. influenzae infections. This paper reports the crystallization of recombinant e (P4) and the acquisition of a 1.7 angstroms resolution native X-ray diffraction data set. The space group is P4(2)2(1)2, with unit-cell parameters a = 65.6, c = 101.4 angstroms, one protein molecule per asymmetric unit and 37% solvent content. This is the first report of the crystallization of a class C acid phosphatase.
The purification and properties of a particulate renal dipeptidase.

Summary By the use of glycyldehydrophenylalanine as assay substrate the peptidase was isolated from hog-kidney particulate material following solubilization with n -butanol. Purification techniques employed included ammonium sulfate fractionation, diethylaminoethyl-cellulose and carboxymethyl-cellulose chromatography, followed by Sephadex-gel filtration. The purified enzyme exhibited homogeneity in ultra-centrifugation and acrylamide-gel electrophoresis experiments. The molecular weight of the enzyme estimated by the approach-to-equilibrium method was 47 200. The zinc content of the purified enzyme measured colorimetrically and by atomic absorption spectroscopy was 1.36 μg Zn per mg protein indicating that the enzyme contains one atom of zinc per mole enzyme. Peptidase activity could be reduced by removal of zinc using o -phenanthroline dialysis and could be restored by dialysis against zinc-containing buffers. The enzyme catalyzed the hydrolysis of a variety of dipeptides including glycylglycine, L -leucylglycine, L -alanylglycine, and L -seryl-glycine; however, it did not promote the cleavage of L -leucylglycylglycine, L -alanyl-glycylglycine, L -serylglycylglycine, L -leucinamide or D -leucylglycine.
A method to site-specifically introduce methyllysine into proteins in E. coli

A mutant pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair was used to genetically encode allylcarbamoyl methyllysine in bacteria. This amino acid can be converted to methyllysine with a ruthenium catalyst, providing a straightforward approach for site-specifically introducing methyllysine residues into proteins.
The Role of Scripts in Psychological Maladjustment and Psychotherapy

This article considers the value of script theory for understanding psychological maladjustment and psychotherapy. Scripts are implicit expectations that individuals develop to understand and deal with emotionally significant life experiences. Script theory provides a way to understand the complex patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior that characterize personal consistency, as well as a way to address personality development and change. As such it is a vital model for understanding both personality and clinical phenomena. The article begins by describing script theory and noting similar models in personality and clinical psychology. It then outlines both idiographic and nomothetic methods for assessing scripts and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each. A survey of the author's program of research follows, using a nomothetic method to examine the role of interpersonal scripts in psychological maladjustment and psychotherapy. The article concludes by presenting a promising method for future research synthesizing idiographic and nomothetic approaches and raising important questions for future research on the role of scripts in psychological maladjustment and psychotherapy.
Calcium/calmodulin inhibition of the Arabidopsis BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 1 receptor kinase provides a possible link between calcium and brassinosteroid signalling

The receptor kinase BRI1 (BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 1) is a key component in BR (brassinosteroid) perception and signal transduction, and has a broad impact on plant growth and development. In the present study, we demonstrate that Arabidopsis CaM (calmodulin) binds to the recombinant cytoplasmic domain of BRI1 in a Ca2+-dependent manner in vitro. In silico analysis predicted binding to Helix E of the BRI1 kinase subdomain VIa and a synthetic peptide based on this sequence interacted with Ca2+/CaM. Co-expression of CaM with the cytoplasmic domain of BRI1 in Escherichia coli strongly reduced autophosphorylation of BRI1, in particular on tyrosine residues, and also reduced the BRI1-mediated transphosphorylation of E. coli proteins on tyrosine, threonine and presumably serine residues. Several isoforms of CaM and CMLs (CaM-like proteins) were more effective (AtCaM6, AtCaM7 and AtCML8, where At is Arabidopsis thaliana) than others (AtCaM2, AtCaM4 and AtCML11) when co-expressed with BRI1 in E. coli. These results establish a novel assay for recombinant BRI1 transphosphorylation activity and collectively uncover a possible new link between Ca2+ and BR signalling.
Next generation CMOS compact models for RF and microwave applications

Commercial CMOS chips routinely operate at frequencies up to 5 GHz and exciting new opportunities exists in higher frequency bands such as 3-10 GHz, 17 GHz, 24 GHz, and 60 GHz. The Berkeley Wireless Research Center has demonstrated that standard 130 nm CMOS technology is capable of operation up to 60 GHz, enabling a host of new mm-wave applications such as Gb/s WLAN and compact radar imaging. Will circuit design and compact modeling continue along the same course, or is a new microwave design methodology required? This paper highlights the design and modeling challenges in moving up to these higher frequencies. A merger of RF and microwave design perspectives is used to offer insight into the problem. The paper discusses requirements for a next generation compact model to meet these challenges and offers potential solutions.
Memory--a century of consolidation.

The memory consolidation hypothesis proposed 100 years ago by Muller and Pilzecker continues to guide memory research. The hypothesis that new memories consolidate slowly over time has stimulated studies revealing the hormonal and neural influences regulating memory consolidation, as well as molecular and cellular mechanisms. This review examines the progress made over the century in understanding the time-dependent processes that create our lasting memories.
A decade of software model checking with SLAM

SLAM is a program-analysis engine used to check if clients of an API follow the API's stateful usage rules.
Suppression of tumor metastasis by manganese superoxide dismutase is associated with reduced tumorigenicity and elevated fibronectin

We have examined the tumorigenicity and the level of extracellular matrix proteins in fibrosarcoma cells expressing low (SOD-L) and high (SOD-H) MnSOD activities as well as the fibrosarcoma cells transfected with the selectable marker alone (NEO). When the cells derived from each tumor cell line were injected into syngeneic mice., the number of tumor cells required to make a tumor in one-half of the mice (TD50) was markedly increased in MnSOD-transfected cells. The decrease in the tumorigenicity of the MnSOD-transfected cells was associated with an increase in the fibronectin level. These results support the hypothesis that MnSOD is a new type of tumor-suppressor gene.
Structural and functional correlation of ADAMTS13.

Purpose of review ADAMTS13 represents a landmark in a journey that began over 80 years ago with a single clinical case. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura exemplifies how von Willebrand factor can be responsible for life-threatening thrombosis. This review summarizes recent progress on ADAMTS13, which prevents this deadly event. Recent findings Recent advances are summarized in four main areas. First, the core ADAMTS13-binding site is contained in a short sequence in the A2 domain, but other domains affect this interaction. Mutations from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and von Willebrand disease provide clues for the structural prerequisites and regulation of von Willebrand factor cleavage. Second, studies are unraveling the reasons why urea, BaCl2, and low ionic strength are required to cleave von Willebrand factor under static conditions. Third, studies on thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and ADAMTS13-knockout mice suggest that ADAMTS13 deficiency alone may not be sufficient to cause thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Finally, ADAMTS13 could be an antithrombotic agent for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and other thrombotic conditions. Summary Study of ADAMTS13 has exploded since this metalloprotease was characterized. This knowledge reveals the nature of ADAMTS13's interaction with von Willebrand factor and the pathogenesis of clinical thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, especially in relation to ADAMTS13.
Activity-dependent short-term enhancement of intercellular coupling

It was reported previously that repeated brief tetanization of the posterior eight nerve can produce long-term homosynaptic potentiations of the electrotonic and chemical components of the mixed EPSP evoked in the Mauthner cell lateral dendrite by a single stimulus to the nerve. We show here that the same stimulus paradigm can lead, alternatively, to short-term enhancements of both excitatory responses. These transient modifications last for approximately 3 min, with a time course similar to post-tetanic potentiation at chemical synapses. However, a different stimulus pattern that transiently increases the presynaptic calcium concentration, paired-nerve stimuli, does not have any significant effect on electrotonic transmission, whereas it facilitates the chemically mediated EPSP. On the other hand, induction of the short-lasting potentiation of coupling, which depended on the discontinuous or burst-like property of the tetanizing paradigm, required NMDA-receptor activation and was blocked by postsynaptic intradendritic injections of the calcium chelator bis(2- aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetra-acetic acid. The ineffectiveness of presynaptic calcium in potentiating electrotonic coupling likely reflects the involvement of a calcium-dependent regulatory protein in the postsynaptic cell and suggests that hemichannels on the two sides of a gap junction plaque can be modified independently. NMDA-mediated modulation of gap junctions could be widespread, because both types of channels coexist during development and in several mammalian adult central nervous system structures such as hippocampus.
Hydrocortisone does not influence glucocorticoid sensitivity of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

Dexamethasone is the preferred glucocorticoid in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as its anti-leukemic activity in vitro is 7- to 16-fold higher than that of prednisolone[1][1] and it is associated with a higher event-free survival than prednisone.[2][2] However,
DIAGENETIC ORIGIN OF GRAYWACKE MATRIX MINERALS

Summary Phyllosilicates and zeolites grew in Columbia River sediments during hydrothermal experiments at relatively low temperatures and pressures. Although the new minerals may not be equilibrium assemblages, our results strongly support the idea that matrix minerals in graywackes may be the result of alteration of components thermodynamically unstable in the environment of diagenesis. Scanning electron micrographs show that the new minerals have formed as a mesh-like coating on original grains. The textural relationship of the new minerals to the original minerals resembles graywacke texture.
Magnetic and ordering studies of sputtering nanostructured Fe/sub 50/Ni/sub 50/ films

A nanostructured Fe/sub 50/Ni/sub 50/ alloy is synthesized by DC magnetron sputtering. The magnetic and structural properties and the disorder-order transformation of the film are investigated. It is found that the increase of saturation magnetization, coercivity and the decrease of resistance after 280/spl deg/C/1 week annealing indicate that ordered L1/sub 0/ Fe/sub 50/Ni/sub 50/ alloy had been synthetically produced by obtaining the nanostructure and by thermal annealing.
SOCIAL NETWORKS, SELF-PERCEPTIONS, AND JOB SEARCH SUCCESS FOR ENTRY-LEVEL JOB SEEKERS.

Job search is thought to be highly relevant to, or dependent on, one's social network. This paper specifies the process by which job seekers compare their job search performance with members of the...
"Predatory Sedentism": Intimidation and Intensification in the Nigerian Savanna

While many studies have explored how agriculture changes when population density rises, this paper examines actions farmers may take to control whether population density rises. Using information from ethnographic fieldwork, colonial archives, and air photography, two agricultural groups migrating into an agricultural frontier in the Nigerian savanna are compared. Population density in Kofyar communities has risen to over 100/km2; Tiv communities, although older, have maintained population densities of around 50/km2, in part through intimidation of encroachers. This use of intimidation is a component of a distinctive adaptive strategy that includes settlement stability, high population mobility tied to witchcraft accusations, relatively extensive cultivation allowing considerable off-time, and reliance on social networks to facilitate residential mobility and land access. Population pressure must be seen as an integral part of this adaptive strategy, rather than as cause or consequence.
Quantitative Doppler-Echocardiographic Imaging and Clinical Outcomes With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Independent Effect of Pulmonary Hypertension

Background— Doppler-echocardiography provides quantitative imaging of systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function, functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with LV systolic dysfunction. Whether PH is linked to survival independently of LV features and FMR in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is unknown. Methods and Results— Patients with LV ejection fraction ≤40% and quantitative Doppler-echocardiography assessment of FMR and PH were studied. Patients were frequency matched for those with Doppler-echocardiography estimated pulmonary systolic pressure ≥45 mm Hg (n=692) and those without PH (n=692; pulmonary systolic pressure, <45 mm Hg) for age, sex, LV ejection fraction, and quantified FMR severity and analyzed for long-term survival after diagnosis. During follow-up (median, 8.9 years), 885 deaths (63.5%) occurred, with PH being associated with higher 5-year mortality: 51±2% versus 37±2%, P <0.001. In multivariate analysis, PH demonstrated increased mortality risk independent of age, sex, severity of diastolic and systolic LV dysfunction, FMR, comorbidities, and symptom (hazard ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence limit, 1.17–1.53; P <0.001). Subgroup analysis, stratified by symptoms, degree of FMR, and severity of LV dysfunction, demonstrated that PH was associated with excess mortality in all subgroups. Conclusions— In this large cohort of patients with LV systolic dysfunction, in whom FMR and LV characteristics were quantified and matched between those with and without PH, the presence of PH was an independent factor for excess mortality and not a surrogate for the severity of LV systolic dysfunction or FMR. In asymptomatic or symptomatic patients with or without FMR, PH is a critical marker for poor outcomes.
Interventional pain management

Uncontrolled pain remains one of the greatest health care crises affecting Americans. It is the major cause of disability, a leading reason patients visit physician’s offices, and the most frequent indication for diagnostic studies, includingMRIs and X rays. Pain is estimated to cost the American people upwards of $100 billion annually in direct health care costs. Each year, investigators and clinicians publish thousands of articles on the management of pain. This enormous number is an indication of our new recognition of the complexity of pain. Pain is a universal experience, but it is a new disease. The emerging understanding of pain as a disease is accompanied by the realization that pain is not simply an unpleasant manifestation of a more important underlying problem. Instead, pain has an adverse impact on neurobiologic structures, and this impact can cause permanent damage. Thus, we have learned that early exposure to painful stimuli can lead to a lifetime of sensitization to pain; untreated pain can evolve into chronic pain; exposure to pain alters the central nervous system, leading to plastic changes in the spinal cord; and uncontrolled pain can hasten mortality. This means that some of our modern pain management therapies may improve life expectancy as well as pain control while reducing the side effects of analgesics. The bad news is that this disease can be difficult to treat. The good news is that we have developed a variety of highly effective pain control therapies. Some of this success is due to the reconsideration of ancient and formerly discounted therapies, such as morphine and electrical stimulation, and transforming these therapies into innovative interventions. Once thought to be the scourge of America, we now recognize that opioids remain among our most effective analgesics. Unfortunately,
Proteinase System of Lactic Streptococci. IV. Relationship Between Proteinase Activity and Growth at 32 C

Abstract The effect of aging at 3C on cell viability, proteinase activity, ability to grow in casein medium and acid production at 32C on Streptococcus lactis Number 3 was examined in milk (pH 7.0), sodium phosphate (0.05M, pH 7.0), and potassium phosphate buffer (0.05M, pH 8.0). In milk, cell viability remained constant, but acid production by stored cells subcultured at 32C was moderately reduced. Residual proteinase activity was diminished considerably. Similar observations were made when the culture was stored in sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. The ability of cells stored in buffer at pH 7.0 to initiate growth in casein medium following storage paralleled the decreased amount of acid formed in milk. It is suggested that cells stored at pH 7.0 may be capable of resynthesizing damaged proteinase at 32C. Storage of the culture in potassium phosphate buffer, pH 8.0, resulted in variable cell survival. Acid production by stored cells when cultured in milk at 32C was diminished considerably. Stored cells became progressively less able to initiate growth in media containing protein as the primary source of nitrogen, or in media supplemented with a protein hydrolysate (Trypticase). The inability of stored cells to initiate rapid growth when subcultured at 32C in casein medium or milk was related to a dependency on the need of a functional proteinase system.
Clinical, Morphologic, and Immunohistochemical Features of Canine Orbital Hibernomas:

Hibernomas are uncommon benign tumors of brown fat that occur in humans and various animal species. They have not been observed in the orbit of dogs, humans, or other animals. Here we report clinical, light and electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical features of a series of 7 hibernomas arising in the orbital region of dogs. These neoplasms occurred in adult dogs with no breed predilection. The mean age of the affected dogs was 10.4 years (range, 8-13 years). All neoplasms presented as soft lobular masses composed of predominantly round or polygonal neoplastic cells with granular eosinophilic and vacuolated cytoplasm resembling adipocytes. The cytoplasm contained large numbers of pleomorphic mitochondria with dense matrices and indistinct cristae. Immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed positive labeling of neoplastic cells from all cases with uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) consistent with brown fat differentiation. Interestingly, rare neoplastic cells also expressed myogenin and myoD, possibly suggesting a common progenitor cell for neoplastic brown adipose and skeletal muscle cells.