cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of bonded joints

Essentially the entire surface of the U. S. Air Force B-58 supersonic bomber is aluminum-bonded panel construction. Primary as well as secondary structural bonded panels were designed and manufactured to operate under demanding service conditions which include high stress, subzero temperature, high temperature, and severe acoustical vibration. Smooth surfaces are an additional requirement at subsonic and supersonic speeds. These requirements demanded that bonded joints in the B-58 be carefully designed and thoroughly evaluated. Joints in the B-58 were designed by “empirical procedures,” established for a specific adhesive syetem. Large numbers of test panels were required to confirm panel integrity and establish allowables for design. The development and adoption of accurate theoretical technique for predicting joint streqgths has been pursued and can be expected to reduce both the cost and the amount of testing required to achieve reliable deign with adhesives.
Mollgaard, Radio and Society: New Thinking for an Old Medium

M. (Ed.) (2012). New Castle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. 260 pages. Over the past 100 years, many new forms of media have been developed, though this anthology begins by reminding ...
Experimental hepatobiliary injury. Comparison of in vivo drug elimination with in vitro drug-metabolizing enzyme capacity in the rat.

The effect of experimental hepatobiliary injury on drug metabolism was studied in a series ofin vivo andin vitro experiments in rats.In vivo aminopyrine elimination was measured by14CO2 breath analysis. This measure was compared with anin vitro estimate of the drug-metabolizing enzyme capacity of the whole liver (aminopyrine-free intrinsic clearance, Vmax/Km). The degree of hepatobiliary injury was measured by means of BSP biliary excretion. Two surgical models were studied: severe (complete bile duct obstruction) and mild (selective bile duct obstruction); as well as two drug-induced models: severe (alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate, ANIT) and mild (ethinyl estradiol). In the surgical models, only the complete-bile-duct-obstructed rat had a significantly decreased breath elimination rate of14CO2, 58% of control (P<0.005), and this corresponded with a significantly decreased estimate of thein vitro aminopyrine-free intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km), 32% of control (P<0.001). In ANIT-treated rats,in vivo aminopyrine elimination was significantly decreased, 29% of control (P<0.001), as was thein vitro maximum velocity of demethylation (Vmax), 34% of control (P<0,001). Accordingly, the estimated aminopyrine-free intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km) was decreased at 23% of control (P<0.001). In ethinyl estradiol-treated rats, thein vivo elimination of aminopyrine was normal.In vitro, the maximum velocity of demethylation was similar to control, and the estimated aminopyrine intrinsic clearance was unaltered as well. The findings from these studies demonstrate that thein vivo andin vitro measures correspond similarly to each other and that only in severe hepatobiliary injury was aminopyrine metabolism significantly altered.
An operator theory of parametric programming for the generalized transportation problem—IV—global operators

Abstract : The paper investigates the effect on the optimum solution of a capacitated generalized transportation problem when any coefficient of any row constraint is continuously varied as a linear function of a single parameter. The entire analysis is divided into three parts. Results are derived relative to the cases when the coefficient under consideration is associated to a cell where the optimal solution in that cell attains its lower bound or its upper bound. The discussion relative to the case when the coefficient under consideration is associated to a cell in the optimal basis is given in two parts. The first part deals with the primal changes of the optimal solution while the second part is concerned with the dual changes. It is shown that the optimal cost varies in a non-linear fashion when the coefficient changes linearly in certain cases. The discussion in the paper is limited to basis-preserving operators for which the changes in the data are such that the optimum bases are preserved. Relevant algorithms and illustrations are provided throughout the paper. (Author)
Ontogeny of memory: Examination of a behavioral explanation

Three groups of rats were trained in a shock-motivated T-maze position discrimination and then tested for retention with relearning procedures 30 days later. One group trained at 19 days of age retained less than another group trained at 50 days of age, replicating the ontogeny of memory effect. The third group was trained at 19 days but blinded before training. This group was predicted to show better retention than the normals trained at the same age, according to a behavioral explanation of the ontogeny of memory phenomenon. Contrary to the prediction, the retention of the blind animals was no better than that of their normal counterparts.
Laparoscopic reversal of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: Technique and utility for treatment of endocrine complications

Abstract Background The anatomic and physiologic changes with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may lead to uncommon but occasionally difficult to treat complications such as hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenia and recalcitrant hypocalcemia associated to hypoparathyroidism. Medical management of these complications is challenging. Laparoscopic reversal of RYGB anatomy with restoration of pyloric function and duodenal continuity is a potential treatment. The objective of this study was to present the indications, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes of laparoscopic reversal of RYGB. Methods Prospective study of consecutive patients offered laparoscopic reversal of RYGB. Results Five patients with remote laparoscopic RYGB underwent laparoscopic reversal of RYGB to normal anatomy (n = 2) or modified sleeve gastrectomy (n = 3). Indications were medically refractory hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenia (n = 3), recalcitrant hypocalcemia with hypoparathyroidism (n = 1), and both conditions simultaneously (n = 1). Before reversal, all patients had a gastrostomy tube placed in the excluded stomach to document improvement of symptoms. Laparoscopic reversal was accomplished successfully in all patients. Three postoperative complications occurred: bleeding that required transfusion, gallstone pancreatitis, and a superficial trocar site infection. Average length of stay was 3 days. At a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 3 to 22), no additional episodes of neuroglycopenia occurred, average number of hypoglycemic episodes per week decreased from 18.5±12.4 to 1.5±1.9 ( P = .05), and hypocalcemia became responsive to oral replacement therapy in both patients. Conclusions Laparoscopic reversal of RYGB to normal anatomy or modified sleeve gastrectomy is feasible and may be a therapeutic option for selected patients with medically refractory hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and/or recalcitrant hypocalcemia associated with hypoparathyroidism.
NIST-NRC Comparison of Total Immersion Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers

The use of liquid-in-glass (LIG) thermometers is described in many documentary standards in the fields of environmental testing, material testing, and material transfer. Many national metrology institutes, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), list calibration services for these thermometers among the Calibration Measurement Capabilities of Appendix C of the BIPM Key Comparison Database. NIST and NRC arranged a bilateral comparison of a set of total-immersion ASTM-type LIG thermometers to validate their uncertainty claims. Two each of ASTM thermometer types 62C through 69C were calibrated at NIST and at NRC at four temperatures distributed over the range appropriate to each thermometer, in addition to the ice point. Collectively, the thermometers span a temperature range of − 38 °C to 305 °C. In total, 160 measurements (80 pairs) comprise the comparison data set. Pair-wise differences (TNIST–TNRC) were formed for each thermometer at each temperature. For 8 of the 80 pairs (10 %), the differences exceed the k = 2 combined uncertainties. These results support the claimed capabilities of NIST and NRC for the calibration of LIG thermometers.
Implicit Attitude Generalization Occurs Immediately; Explicit Attitude Generalization Takes Time

People are able to explicitly resist using knowledge about one person to evaluate another person from the same group. After learning about positive and negative behaviors performed by one individual from each of two different groups, participants were introduced briefly to new individuals from the groups. Implicit evaluations of the original individuals readily generalized to the new individuals; explicitly, participants resisted such generalization. Days later, both implicit and explicit evaluations of the original individuals generalized to the new individuals. The results suggest that associative links (e.g., shared group membership) are sufficient for implicit attitude generalization, but deliberative logic (e.g., individual group members are not necessarily the same) can reduce explicit generalization by association. When knowledge distinguishing who did what is unavailable, such as after forgetting, associative knowledge provides the basis of explicit evaluation. We conclude that a simple association linking one individual to another can produce implicit attitude generalization immediately and explicit attitude generalization eventually.
Science Education Reform

In their important suggestions for the reform of science education (“Coherence in science education,” Policy Forum, Science 's Compass, 10 July, p. [178][1]), Marjorie G. Bardeen and Leon M. Lederman note that hundreds of studies, panels, committees, and analyses of international tests have
Chemical indicators of subsurface temperature applied to hot spring waters of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, U.S.A.

Abstract Under favorable conditions the chemistry of hot springs may give reliable indications of subsurface temperatures and circulation patterns. These chemical indicators can be classified by the type of process involved: Indicator Dominant Process The silica geothermometer Solution-precipitation Alkali ratios Ion exchange Cl/(HCO 3 + CO 3 ) ratio Rock alteration by dissolved CO 2 Relative concentration of Partitioning owing to subsur- volatiles in spring water face boning All these indicators have certain limitations. The silica geothermometer gives results independent of the local mineral suite and gas partial pressures, but may be affected by dilution. Alkali ratios are strongly affected by the local mineral suite and the formation of complex ions. Carbonate-chloride ratios are strongly affected by subsurface P CO2 . The relative concentration of volatiles can be very misleading in high-pressure liquid systems. In Yellowstone National Park most thermal waters issue from hot, shallow aquifers with pressures in excess of hydrostatic by 2 to 6 bars and with large flows (the flow of hot spring water from the Park is greater than 4000 liters per second). These conditions should be ideal for the use of chemical indicators to estimate aquifer temperatures. In five drill holes aquifer temperatures were within 2°C of that predicted from the silica content of nearby hot springs; the temperature level off at a lower value than predicted in only one hole, and in four other holes drilling was terminated before the predicted aquifer temperature was reached. The temperature-Na/K ratio relationship does not follow any published experimental or empirical curve for water-feldspar or water-clay reactions. We suspect that ion exchange reactions involving zeolites in the Yellowstone rocks result in higher Na/K ratios at given temperatures than result from feldspar or clay reactions. Comparison of SiO 2 and Cl/(HCO 3 + CO 3 ) suggest that because of higher subsurface P CO2 in Upper Geyser Basin a given Cl/(HCO 3 + CO 3 ) ratio there means a higher temperature than in Lower Geyser Basin. No correlation was found in Yellowstone Park between the subsurface regions of highest temperature and the relative concentration of volatile components such as boron and ammonia.
A cluster of phosphorylation sites on the cyclic AMP-regulated nuclear factor CREB predicted by its sequence

Cyclic AMP regulates the expression of a number of genes through a conserved promoter element, the CRE1. Moreover, transcrip-tional induction by cAMP requires the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A)1,2. We have previously characterized the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in PC 12 cells and brain tissue as a nuclear factor, of relative molecular mass 43,000, whose transcriptional efficacy is regulated by protein kinase A phosphorylation3,4. CREB stimulates transcription on binding to the CRE as a dimer. Experiments suggesting that the dimerization and transcriptional efficacy of CREB are each stimulated by phosphorylation at distinct sites prompted us to suggest that CREB is regulated by multiple kinases in vivo4. We now report the isolation of a cDNA clone for rat CREB using amino-acid sequence information from purified CREB protein. Sequence analysis of this CREB cDNA predicts a cluster of protein kinase A, protein kinase C and casein kinase II consensus recognition sites near the N terminus of the protein. The proximity of these potential phosphorylation sites to one another indicates that they may interact either positively or negatively to regulate CREB bioactivity.
Photoinduced Bupthalmic Avian Eyes: II. Continuous Darkness,

Chickens raised from 2 to 14 weeks of age in continuous darkness (OL:24D) developed shallow anterior chambers and buphthalmos (megaloglobus). Chickens raised in continuous darkness developed ocular changes similar to that reported in chickens raised in continuous fluorescent and incandescent light and in dim light. Corneal diameters and axial globe lengths were an inconsistent means of documenting ocular enlargement. Iridocorneal angles were narrowed on scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was not different from control chickens. The chicken is proposed as a model to study ocular development, the effects of lid suture on infants, axial myopia, preglaucomatous changes, and possibly pharmacologic effects of antiglaucoma preparations.
Metoclopramide-stimulated gastric emptying scintigraphy: does it predict symptom response to prokinetic therapy in chronic gastroparesis?

Metoclopramide-stimulated gastric emptying scintigraphy: does it predict symptom response to prokinetic therapy in chronic gastroparesis?
Thermal stress singularities in an anisotropic slab containing a crack

Abstract The steady-state thermoelasticity problem of a cracked fiber-reinforced slab under a state of generalized plane deformation is studied. The crack is considered to be located on a plane parallel to the bounding surfaces of the slab. Based on the method of Fourier integral transform, the current mixed boundary value thermoelasticity problem is reduced to solving two sets of singular integral equations for heat conduction and thermal stresses in a cracked anisotropic medium. The thermally-induced crack-tip stress intensity factors are defined in terms of the solutions of the corresponding integral equations. Numerical results are presented, focusing on the effects of relative crack size, crack location, and fiber volume fraction on the thermal stress intensity factors as a function of the fiber orientation angle. The effect of a partially insulated crack surface condition on the strength of thermal stress singularities is also discussed.
Potential of Aspergillus flavus genomics for applications in biotechnology

Aspergillus flavus is a common saprophyte and opportunistic pathogen that produces numerous secondary metabolites. The primary objectives of the A. flavus genomics program are to reduce and eliminate aflatoxin contamination in food and feed and to discover genetic factors that contribute to plant and animal pathogenicity. A. flavus expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and whole-genome sequencing have been completed. Annotation of the A. flavus genome has revealed numerous genes and gene clusters that are potentially involved in the formation of aflatoxin and other secondary metabolites, as well as in the degradation of complex carbohydrate polymers. Analysis of putative secondary metabolism pathways might facilitate the discovery of new compounds with pharmaceutical properties, as well as new enzymes for biomass degradation.
Non-connectedness of the set of equilibrium money prices: The static economy

Abstract A static economy in which nominal taxes and transfers are balanced, under certain conditions, has a set of equilibrium money prices containing a proper interval. Two examples are given in which the entire set must consist of a proper interval. Then, an example is presented in which the set of equilibrium money prices is not connected. While the set contains a proper interval for balanced fiscal policies, the entire set is not in general a single interval.
Hybrid Therapy of Class III Antiarrhythmic Drugs and EEPVI in Patient with Very Long-Lasting Atrial Fibrillation

Extensive pulmonary vein isolation (EPVI) and Class III anti-arrhythmic drugs (C3D) are established as a therapeutic option for paroxysmal Afib. However, very long-lasting Afib (more than 1 year) is still difficult to manage. We evaluate the effectiveness of combination therapy of EEPVI and C3D. 115 patients with mean Afib duration of 4.4 years were studied. Mean diameter of the left atriam (LA) was 43.8 mm. Before EEPVI multiple (1.6±1.2) anti-arrhythmic drugs including C3D in 52/94 patients were ineffective. In the first procedure EEPVI and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation was performed. In case of Afib recurrence C3D were prescribed and re-PV isolation with substrate modification was performed. With 1.2 procedures Afib did not recur in 94 out of 115 patients (82%) during follow-up period of 1.7 years. Forty-four of 94 patients (47%) were drug free and the remainders were taking C3D (bepridil: mean 100 mg in 57 patients and amiodarone in 9 patients). LA volume index measured by echocardiogram was changed from 44.7 ml to 37.5 ml through procedures (p<0.05). Hybrid therapy of class III antiarrhythmic drugs and EEPVI is effective to restore sinus rhythm and to reverse LA remodeling even in patients with very long-lasting atrial fibrillation.
Encapsulating streptomycin within a small 40-mer RNA

We describe a 2.9 A X-ray structure of a complex between the aminocyclitol antibiotic streptomycin and an in vitro selected RNA aptamer, solved using the anomalous diffraction properties of Ba cations. The RNA aptamer, which contains two asymmetric internal loops, adopts a distinct cation-stabilized fold involving a series of S-shaped backbone turns anchored by canonical and noncanonical pairs and triples. The streptomycin streptose ring is encapsulated by stacked arrays of bases from both loops at the elbow of the L-shaped RNA architecture. Specificity is defined by direct hydrogen bonds between all streptose functional groups and base edges that line the inner walls of the cylindrical binding pocket. By contrast, the majority of intermolecular interactions involve contacts to backbone phosphates in the published structure of streptomycin bound to the 16S rRNA.
A Multiple-Criteria Approach to Ranking Computer Operating Systems

To select an operating system, an organization must consider several essential characteristics during its initial evaluation process. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) offers an appropriate solution; the author illustrates it with a realistic case study in which an organization evaluates and ranks Windows XP, Linux, and Mac OS X 10.4.
Conversion of an Information Transducer into a Teaching Machine

This paper is concerned with the conversion of any information transducer, such as a Flexowriter or an automatic slide projector, into a teaching machine for the presentation of intrinsically programmed material. A design is developed in block form that will serve to accomplish the desired conversion. A working model is detailed, the shortcomings of which are noted. A comparison is made with a conventional intrinsic teaching machine.
Delivering copper within plant cells.

Abstract Two genes recently identified in Arabidopsis thaliana may be involved in sequestering free copper ions in the cytoplasm and delivering copper to post-Golgi vesicles. The genes, COPPER CHAPERONE and RESPONSIVE TO ANTAGONIST1 are homologous to copper-trafficking genes from yeast and humans. This plant copper-delivery pathway is required to create functional ethylene receptors. The pathway may also facilitate the transport of copper from senescing leaf tissue. In addition, several other genes have been identified recently that may have a role in copper salvage during senescence.
Efficacy screening trials of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, pramipexole and venlafaxine in cocaine dependence

Aims The two studies presented here were conducted to assess the efficacy of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, venlafaxine and pramipexole as medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Design A multi-arm, modified blinded, placebo-controlled design was used. Setting The studies were conducted at the Boston VA Healthcare System and the Boston University School of Medicine Medication Development Research Unit (MDRU). Participants Participants met criteria for cocaine dependence during a 2-week screening period. Intervention Following random assignment to one of the treatment groups, subjects received active medication or placebo for 8 weeks in combination with cognitive behavioral counseling. In the first study the efficacy of the antidepressant paroxetine (20 mg daily), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline (1200 mg daily) and the glutamate release inhibitor riluzole (100 mg daily) was assessed. The antidepressant venlafaxine (150 mg daily) and the dopamine agonist pramipexole (1.5 mg daily) were evaluated in the second study. Measurements Urine benzoylecgonine (BE) concentrations, self-report of cocaine use and global impression scores served as primary outcome measures. Secondary measures included assessments of cocaine craving and psychiatric functioning. Adverse events were monitored during the treatment period. Findings None of the active medications produced greater reductions in urine BE concentrations over the treatment period than did placebo. There were trends for BE levels to become reduced in the pentoxifylline group during the first 4 weeks of treatment and for Addiction Severity Index (ASI) drug composite scores to be lower in the pentoxyfylline group at end-point compared to the placebo group. Significant within-group reductions in reported cocaine use and craving were found for all treatment groups, but none of the active medications were superior to placebo on these measures. The accuracy of self-reported cocaine use declined over the study period. Overall, the active medications were well tolerated. Conclusions This study does not support the use of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, venlafaxine or pramipexole for the treatment of cocaine dependence. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution because of the small size and lack of homogeneity of the experimental groups.
Use of inorganic salts during the etching process in the fabrication of chemically modified capillaries for open tubular electrochromatography

Capillaries for use in electrophoretic analyses are etched with ammonium bifluoride and in some cases a second inorganic salt is included in the process. The effects of the presence of these inorganic components in the surface matrix on the electromigration of heterocyclic aromatic amines and enkephalins are evaluated. Resolution, efficiency, and peak shape are used to compare the various columns. In one instance, the etched surface is then modified by the addition of an octadecyl moiety using a silanization/hydrosilation procedure. The surface properties of the various etched capillaries are also compared by electroosmotic flow measurements.
Reduction of GABA-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons following oral flurazepam administration

Oral administration of the benzodiazepine, flurazepam, for one week results in tolerance in vivo and in vitro and in a reduction in recurrent and feedforward inhibition in vitro in the CA1 pyramidal cell region of hippocampus. In the present study CA1 pyramidal cells were examined intracellularly in vitro in rat hippocampal slices (500 microns) from rats sacrificed two or seven days after cessation of oral flurazepam treatment. Following drug treatment, the membrane characteristics of CA1 pyramidal cells were not significantly different from control neurons. GABAA-mediated, early inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were significantly reduced in amplitude (60%) in pyramidal neurons from rats killed two days, but not in those killed seven days, after the end of drug administration. The decrease in early inhibitory postsynaptic potential amplitude was observed using just-subthreshold, threshold and supramaximal orthodromic stimulation as well as following antidromic activation. The magnitude of the decrease in the early inhibitory postsynaptic potential amplitude was similar in the presence of the GABAB antagonist, CGP 35348, and could not be attributed to differences in the strength of afferent stimulation between flurazepam-treated and control groups. The size of the GABAB-mediated, late inhibitory postsynaptic potentials was also significantly decreased (45%) in comparison to control cells. Reversal potentials for both the early (-72 mV) and late (-92 mV) hyperpolarizations were not significantly different between groups. Following high intensity orthodromic stimulation, in the presence of an intracellular sodium channel blocker (QX-314) which also blocks the GABAB-mediated late hyperpolarization, a bicuculline-sensitive late depolarizing potential was unmasked in neurons from FZP-treated rats, but never from control cells. Excitatory postsynaptic potential amplitude was significantly increased in flurazepam-treated neurons and the threshold for the synaptically-evoked action potential was significantly increased. Following depolarizing current injection, the duration and frequency of pyramidal cell discharges and the action potential threshold were not altered by oral flurazepam treatment. The amplitude of the fast afterhyperpolarization was also not changed. Overall, the findings indicate an impairment of transmission at GABAergic synapses onto hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell neurons after chronic benzodiazepine treatment at a time when rats are tolerant to the anticonvulsant effects of the benzodiazepines in vivo.
Nutrition, Immune Function, and Inflammation: an overview

The collective evidence suggests that nutritional insult to both cell-mediated and humoral immunity in the presence of protein-energy malnutrition contributes to abnormalities of inflammation. The primary goal of nutritional support in inflammatory disease is to provide adequate energy and protein to meet endogenous requirements for tissue repair, IL-1 production, and restored cellular function, thus preventing secondary infection. Substrate provision should aim at improving the acute phase of injury while avoiding immune dysfunction. This goal may be achieved by altering the eicosanoid pathway toward a more regulated inflammatory state. In the context of allograft response, macrophages are central to the initiation of allosensitization by virtue of their ability to present antigen to T-cells. Activated T-cells may further modulate macrophage function by the secretion of lymphokines. Manipulation of macrophage eicosanoid production by dietary omega-3 PUFA may reduce cellular immune response. (table; see text) Nutritional support should also focus on providing essential micronutrients, with their potentially immunomodulating role, as adjunctive therapy in order to protect the host from toxic effects of free-radicals and chemicals released during inflammatory events. (Feeding regimens currently under investigation and development are presented in Table 4.) By integrating dietary immunotherapy with the use of recombinant hormones, monoclonal antibodies, and various available monokines, an optimal outcome for each patient may be achieved. However, effective application of immunotherapy to nutritional supplementation will require accurate monitoring of immune function in individual patients in order to avoid inappropriate treatment.
Secretion of Monovalent Ions and Water in Ferret Salivary Glands: A Micropuncture Study

The acinar mechanisms of secretion of the monovalent ions, Na+, K+, Cl-, and HCO-3, and water in the parotid and submandibular glands of the ferret, Mustela putorius furo, were investigated using micropuncture and microanalytical techniques during salivation induced by pilocarpine. The osmolarity and monovalent ionic composition of the primary secretory fluid obtained from the intercalated ducts of these glands were determined.
Crime and Justice in Late Medieval Italy – By Trevor Dean

The author's latest work examines crime and justice in later medieval Italy, “not to argue for a new categorisation of crimes, or to attempt to offer new explanations of crime, but to write about c...
Valproate robustly increases Sp transcription factor‐mediated expression of the dopamine transporter gene within dopamine cells

Several lines of evidence suggest that valproate, a drug used in the treatment of mania and bipolar disorders, epilepsies, and addictions, may modulate dopamine transporter (DAT) function, yet the effects of valproate on DAT gene expression have not been directly assessed. Utilizing a human dopaminergic cell line and rat midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in organotypic culture, we found that valproate increased endogenous DAT gene expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Given previous data demonstrating that members of the specificity protein (Sp) family of transcription factors are strong trans-activators of DAT gene transcription, we investigated the Sp-dependence of valproate effects. Valproate-induced transcription of a DAT reporter construct was significantly attenuated by coexpression of a dominant negative form of Sp, mutation of a Sp-responsive cis-element, or expression in a Sp-null cellular background (SL-2 cells). Valproate significantly altered Sp protein abundance in both dopaminergic model systems employed. In summary, valproate treatment significantly increased DAT gene expression in a Sp transcription factor-dependent manner. Some of valproate's therapeutic effects may involve activation of DAT gene expression.
Analysis of decoders for convolutional codes by stochastic sequential machine methods

In this paper, the decoder of a convolutional code is modeled as an autonomous stochastic sequential machine and finite Markov chain theory applied to obtain a precise expression for P_{FD} (u) , the probability of error associated with the feedback decoding of the u th subblock of information digits. The analysis technique developed extends directly to any convolutional decoder for a linear convolutional code, used for transmission over a finite state channel. The limit of P_{FD} (u) as u tends to infinity, when the limit exists, is termed P_{FD} , the steady-state probability of error of feedback decoding. Sufficient conditions on decoders are given in order for P_{FD} to exist, and two classes of minimum-distance decoders exhibited that meet these sufficient conditions. P_{FD} is calculated for an example using the binary-symmetric channel and found to satisfy P_{FD} \le P_{DD} where P_{DD} is the probability of error associated with feedback-free decoding of the same code.
Identifying low-coverage surface species on supported noble metal nanoparticle catalysts by DNP-NMR

DNP-NMR spectroscopy has been applied to enhance the signal for organic molecules adsorbed on γ-Al2O3-supported Pd nanoparticle catalysts. By offering >2500-fold time savings, the technique enabled the observation of 13C–13C cross-peaks for low coverage species, which were assigned to products from oxidative degradation of methionine adsorbed on the nanoparticle surface.
MESOANALYSIS OF THE ILLINOIS TORNADOES OF 9 APRIL 1953

Abstract The original radar film of the Illinois tornadoes was analyzed with the additional use of surface observations from the available stations in the vicinity. This study shows that the tornadoes were associated with a tornado cyclone resembling a miniature hurricane in many respects. The tornado cyclone was only 30 mi in diameter, and it was characterized by an eye at its center, spiral echo bands, etc. The echo movement inside the tornado cyclone indicates that air converged at low levels then rose following the boundary of the eye. The location of the Champaign tornado with respect to the tornado cyclone center was carefully examined; it was placed beneath the ring of maximum wind, south of the cyclone center. Such a relative position was maintained at least during the developing stage of the tornado. It was also found that the direction of movement of the tornado cyclone formed a 25 deg angle with that of the echoes in outer fields.
Evolution of an ancient protein function involved in organized multicellularity in animals

To form and maintain organized tissues, multicellular organisms orient their mitotic spindles relative to neighboring cells. A molecular complex scaffolded by the GK protein-interaction domain (GKPID) mediates spindle orientation in diverse animal taxa by linking microtubule motor proteins to a marker protein on the cell cortex localized by external cues. Here we illuminate how this complex evolved and commandeered control of spindle orientation from a more ancient mechanism. The complex was assembled through a series of molecular exploitation events, one of which - the evolution of GKPID's capacity to bind the cortical marker protein - can be recapitulated by reintroducing a single historical substitution into the reconstructed ancestral GKPID. This change revealed and repurposed an ancient molecular surface that previously had a radically different function. We show how the physical simplicity of this binding interface enabled the evolution of a new protein function now essential to the biological complexity of many animals.
Organization and Communication: An Integrative Approach to Public Relations and Communication Management

The following contribution outlines an approach to public relations in terms of the theory of organizations, placing at the centre of its argument the idea of organizations considered as social systems (the “meso-perspective”). Reputation and image, as qualities of public relations, constitute the social capital of an organization. This social capital finds expression in the degree of social trust, which an organization enjoys within its environment. Public relations operations serve, accordingly, to secure and to increase this “capital in the form of trust,” which goes in its turn to support the creation of real capital for the organization. On the communicative level, they do this by creating functional transparency. If we are to give an accurate picture of these inter-related circumstances, we must conduct our investigations in this area in a manner, which differentiates between three aspects or levels of public relations, namely (1) public relations as a network composed of the relations between an organization and its social environment, (2) public relations management as an organizational management function, and (3) public relations operations as specific activities having as their goals certain functional effects. Proceeding in this manner, we see emerge an integrated theoretical approach displaying a quality of connectivity vis-a-vis a large part of the existing theoretical approaches to public relations.
The Wonder Years

Lexicographers have always been troubled by words without precise meaning, like adolescence. Because it originates from the Latin word adolescere, meaning to grow up, one might assume that it includes anyone who is not a grown-up. However, grown-up means adult, and adult comes from the Latin word adultus, which is the past participle of the word adolescere. So anyone who is not an adolescent is an adult, and vice versa. Although such circular reasoning might serve the interests of politicians well, it gives epidemiologists, health statisticians, and members of the practice community serving this group gastric acidity. Unfortunately, when terms with imprecise meanings are used, no one else knows "what you chose it to mean!"
Contextual Role of a Salt Bridge in the Phage P22 Coat Protein I-Domain.

The I-domain is a genetic insertion in the phage P22 coat protein that chaperones its folding and stability. Of 11 acidic residues in the I-domain, seven participate in stabilizing electrostatic interactions with basic residues across elements of secondary structure, fastening the β-barrel fold. A hydrogen-bonded salt bridge between Asp-302 and His-305 is particularly interesting as Asp-302 is the site of a temperature-sensitive-folding mutation. The pKa of His-305 is raised to 9.0, indicating the salt bridge stabilizes the I-domain by ∼4 kcal/mol. Consistently, urea denaturation experiments indicate the stability of the WT I-domain decreases by 4 kcal/mol between neutral and basic pH. The mutants D302A and H305A remove the pH dependence of stability. The D302A substitution destabilizes the I-domain by 4 kcal/mol, whereas H305A had smaller effects, on the order of 1–2 kcal/mol. The destabilizing effects of D302A are perpetuated in the full-length coat protein as shown by a higher sensitivity to protease digestion, decreased procapsid assembly rates, and impaired phage production in vivo. By contrast, the mutants have only minor effects on capsid expansion or stability in vitro. The effects of the Asp-302–His-305 salt bridge are thus complex and context-dependent. Substitutions that abolish the salt bridge destabilize coat protein monomers and impair capsid self-assembly, but once capsids are formed the effects of the substitutions are overcome by new quaternary interactions between subunits.
Accuracy and precision of occlusal contacts of stereolithographic casts mounted by digital interocclusal registrations

Abstract Statement of problem Little peer-reviewed information is available regarding the accuracy and precision of the occlusal contact reproduction of digitally mounted stereolithographic casts. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy and precision of occlusal contacts among stereolithographic casts mounted by digital occlusal registrations. Material and methods Four complete anatomic dentoforms were arbitrarily mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator in maximal intercuspal position and served as the 4 different simulated patients (SP). A total of 60 digital impressions and digital interocclusal registrations were made with a digital intraoral scanner to fabricate 15 sets of mounted stereolithographic (SLA) definitive casts for each dentoform. After receiving a total of 60 SLA casts, polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) interocclusal records were made for each set. The occlusal contacts for each set of SLA casts were measured by recording the amount of light transmitted through the interocclusal records. To evaluate the accuracy between the SP and their respective SLA casts, the areas of actual contact (AC) and near contact (NC) were calculated. For precision analysis, the coefficient of variation (CoV) was used. The data was analyzed with t tests for accuracy and the McKay and Vangel test for precision (α=.05). Results The accuracy analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the SP and the SLA cast of each dentoform ( P P P Conclusions For the accuracy evaluation, statistically significant differences were found between the occlusal contacts of all digitally mounted SLA casts groups, with an increase in AC values and a decrease in NC values. For the precision assessment, the CoV values of the AC and NC showed the digitally articulated cast's inability to reproduce the uniform occlusal contacts.
Survey on Health Knowledge, Att itude and Practice of White-collars Working in Office Building in Changning District of Shanghai

OBJECTIVE To figure out a health education method suit for white-collar group through the survey on helath knowledge,attitude and practice of white-collars working in office building.METHODS The health knowledge,health attitude and dailly behavior of 174 white-collar workers from a randomly selected office building in Changing District was analyzed,Shanghai conducted the survey on health knowledge,attitude,practices and needs.In 174 participants,69.5% were female and the average age was 30.4 with a standard deviation of 6.8 years.RESULTS The average health literacy rate was 74.8% while the satisfaction rate of their own health condition was only 16.1%.58.6% of the sample claimed to have a regular life,however,only 24.1% stated that they were able to exercise regularly.CONCLUSION Tindicates the health literacy rate of the sample of these well educated workers is unsatisfactory.This raises the need for us to continually promote health knowledge to facilitate the formation of healthy habits.Emphasis is also placed on revealing their health needs based on which the most useful health services can be provided.
Method for analyzing frequency-domain characteristics of step function in rectangular time window

The time window factor may easily influence Fourier transform algorithm in the frequency-domain analysis of nonperiodic signal,resulting in spectrum leakage. A method based on LCR point frequency filter with simpler algorithm is applied to analyze the rectangular time window factor and the conclusion is that, only a narrow low-frequency part of step signal is affected and the affected part decreases along with the increase of time window length. The amplitude-frequency characteristic of an inertial section is analyzed with the proposed method and its result is very close to that of theoretic amplitude-frequency characteristic analysis. The frequency-domain characteristics of an object in the second-stage superheated steam temperature control of boiler are identified by the proposed method.
Role of Pressure in the Growth of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Thin Films from Ammonia-Borane

We analyze the optical, chemical, and electrical properties of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) using the precursor ammonia-borane (H3N–BH3) as a function of Ar/H2 background pressure (PTOT). Films grown at PTOT ≤ 2.0 Torr are uniform in thickness, highly crystalline, and consist solely of h-BN. At larger PTOT, with constant precursor flow, the growth rate increases, but the resulting h-BN is more amorphous, disordered, and sp3-bonded. We attribute these changes in h-BN grown at high pressure to incomplete thermolysis of the H3N–BH3 precursor from a passivated Cu catalyst. A similar increase in h-BN growth rate and amorphization is observed even at low PTOT if the H3N–BH3 partial pressure is initially greater than the background pressure PTOT at the beginning of growth. h-BN growth using the H3N–BH3 precursor reproducibly can give large-area, crystalline h-BN thin films, provided that the total pressure is under 2.0 Torr and the precursor flux is well-controlled.
Mutational analysis of a native substrate of the HIV-1 proteinase.

Proteolytic processing of the gag/pol precursor by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 proteinase (PR) is essential for production of infectious viral particles. Although the sites of viral specific cleavages have been determined, the primary amino acid sequence around these scissile bonds are heterogeneous, and the determinants that direct the cleavage specificity exhibited by HIV-1 PR remain largely undefined. We performed mutational analysis of the Tyr/Pro site which produces the amino terminus of the capsid protein (CA) and the Phe/Pro site which produces the amino terminus of PR. Single-amino-acid substitutions were made, and their effects on proteolytic processing were examined by in vitro translation of a synthetic mRNA encoding both the mutated substrate and PR as a truncated gag/pol precursor. We found evidence for sequence determinants of cleavage at the Tyr/Pro site, and structural determinants of cleavage at the Phe/Pro site. We next investigated the role of the polyprotein structure in either impeding or facilitating cleavage at Phe/Pro. Deletion of p6*, the region in pol upstream of PR, resulted in improved processing of the gag cleavage sites. Our results suggest that p6* is involved in the regulation of PR activity and that release of p6* inhibition may be an activation step necessary for infectious particle maturation.
Pediatric Parathyroid Disorders

Recently, advances have been made in the understanding of the interrelationship of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and calcitonin. The classic forms of parathyroid disorders in children and their physiologic bases are presented in light of these recent break-throughs in investigation.
Athletic Training and Public Health Summit

Objective: To introduce athletic trainers to the benefits of using a population-based approach to injury and illness prevention and to explore opportunities for partnering with public health profes...
Grain and biomass nutrient uptake of conventional corn and their genetically modified isolines

ABSTRACTThe adoption of genetically engineered crops in the United States has increased dramatically over the past decade. Differences in agronomic characteristics and protein expression between genetically engineered plants and their naturally recombinant non-genetically modified (GM) counterparts are not well-understood. Experimental field plots were established in the spring of 2005 near Brookings, SD with 18 different commonly used corn hybrids including three conventional hybrids and their corresponding transgenic modifications. Specific research objectives were to evaluate in a side by side comparison, the impact of the genetic modifications on agronomic characteristics. Results show that glyphosate or insect resistance resulting from genetic modification, in the absence of significant insect pest or weed pressure and glyphosate application, were not likely to significantly alter productivity or nutrient composition of corn residue or grain. No significant differences were observed among the hybrids...
Patronage and the Production of De Revolutionibus

Les historiens ont montre l'importance du patronage dans la comprehension du developpement scientifique aux XVI e et XVII e siecles. Copernic reste l'un des savants les plus representatifs du patronage en astronomie et l'A. analyse les relations du patronage qui ont influence la production de De revolutionibus