cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Half-life time of ozone as a function of air movement and conditions in a sealed container

Abstract The effectiveness of ozone sterilization of empty storage and transportation containers used for food products and bulk grains depend on the ability to maintain high concentrations over a sufficiently long period of time. The half-life time (HLT) is generally the measure used to characterize the degradation of a fumigant in air. It is typically affected by the air vapor properties, temperature and relative humidity, gas diffusivity and air tightness. The focus of this study was to determine HLT of ozone in air as a function of airflow (0, 0.028, 0.051, 0.10 m 3 /s), temperature (4, 24, 40 °C) and relative humidity (0, 30, 80%) in a sealed plexiglass cylinder equipped with a combination temperature/humidity sensor and fan. HLT was as high as 1524 min (25.4 h) in still air at 24 °C and zero humidity, which was substantially longer than previously published data (i.e., 30–40 min). As airflow, temperature and humidity increased, HLT decreased to as low as 39 min. The results suggest that sterilization with ozone will be more effective in still air at low temperature and humidity (e.g., headspace ozonation of rail cars in the early spring) than at high temperature and humidity (e.g., grain storage silo in the middle of summer).
Bottom of the barrel

A detailed study has been made of the land mobile service frequency congestion situation in the New York City area. The conclusion is reached that the 150 Mc band is saturated and that the 450 Mc band will also be saturated in the middle 1970's. Suggestions are made for improved frequency management methods. However, even with such improved management, it is shown that additional allocations are needed.
Free-response simulation via the proper orthogonal decomposition

The proper orthogonal decomposition is applied to the response of linear and nonlinear beam models to construct a reduced-order model for predicting the response to various initial conditions without requiring the equations of motion for the structure. The proper orthogonal decomposition is interpreted as a modal sum, and the structural response to an initial condition is expressed as a weighted summation of proper orthogonal modes and corresponding proper orthogonal coordinate histories. A method for calculating the weights of each mode in the response to an altered initial condition is presented. This method is applied to predict the responses of a linear undamped beam model and a damped beam model with a nonlinear spring to various initial displacement and velocity profiles. The results obtained are compared with those from respective finite element models for each beam.
Reversible sequence of intramolecular associative and dissociative electron-transfer reactions in hydrotris(pyrazolylborate) complexes of rhodium.

The one-electron chemically reversible oxidation of four neutral [RhLL‘(κ2-TpMe2)]complexes {TpMe2 = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate}, which leads to κ3-TpMe2 bonding in the corresponding mo...
Ventricular aneurysm: Use of echocardiography

Two cases of anterolateral ventricular aneurysm are presented; results of pre- and postoperative echocardiography were shown to correlate well with other diagnostic methods in demonstrating the lesion. Diagnostic ultrasound is a potentially valuable technique in the management of patients with ventricular aneurysm.
Syntheses and structural characterization of the one dimensional polymers: 1∞[Rh2 (OAc)4 (NCPhCN)·S]; S=CH3COCH3, CH3OH, C2H5OH, C4H8O and C6H6

Abstract The syntheses and characterization of five compounds obtained by the reaction of dirhodium (II)tetraacetate with 1,4-dicyanobenzene in different solvent systems are described. The structures of Rh2 (OAc)4 (NCPhCN)·CH3COCH3 (1), Rh2 (OAc)4 (NCPhCN)·2CH3OH (2), Rh2 (OAc)4 (NCPhCN)·C4H8O (4) and Rh2 (OAc)4 (NCPhCN)·C6H6 (5) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. All structures contain one dimensional polymeric chain, comprised of dirhodiumtetraacetate units bridged by 1,4-dicyanobenzene molecules. Solvent molecules are located between the chains in each structure and three different packing arrangements of the polymer chains result from the inclusion of these different solvent molecules. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 crystallize in space group C2⧹c with similar cell parameters. Compound 4 also crystallizes in the same space group, but its structure is significantly different from those of 1, 2 and 3. Compound 5 crystallizes in space group P 1 and contains an unusual polymer chain structure.
The dynamic stress-induced “O-Glcnac-ome” highlights functions for O-GlcNAc in regulating DNA damage/repair and other cellular pathways

The modification of nuclear, mitochondrial, and cytoplasmic proteins by O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a dynamic and essential post-translational modification of metazoans. Numerous forms of cellular injury lead to elevated levels of O-GlcNAc in both in vivo and in vitro models, and elevation of O-GlcNAc levels before, or immediately after, the induction of cellular injury is protective in models of heat stress, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, hypoxia, ischemia reperfusion injury, and trauma hemorrhage. Together, these data suggest that O-GlcNAc is a regulator of the cellular stress response. However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which O-GlcNAc regulates protein function leading to enhanced cell survival have not been identified. In order to determine how O-GlcNAc modulates stress tolerance in these models we have used stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture to determine the identity of proteins that undergo O-GlcNAcylation in response to heat shock. Numerous proteins with diverse functions were identified, including NF-90, RuvB-like 1 (Tip49α), RuvB-like 2 (Tip49β), and several COPII vesicle transport proteins. Many of these proteins bind double-stranded DNA-dependent protein kinase (PK), or double-stranded DNA breaks, suggesting a role for O-GlcNAc in regulating DNA damage signaling or repair. Supporting this hypothesis, we have shown that DNA-PK is O-GlcNAc modified in response to numerous forms of cellular stress.
Molecular actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on genes involved in calcium homeostasis.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ] functions in vertebrate organisms as a primary regulator of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, an activity that is achieved through direct actions on gene expression in intestine, kidney, and bone. Recent studies have identified novel genes such as TRPV5, TRPV6, and RANKL whose products are integral to the maintenance of extracellular calcium. The objective of this progress report/review is to describe our recent results that identify the mechanisms of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 action on the expression of TRPV6 and RANKL. A series of molecular, cellular, and in vivo studies have been conducted to define the molecular mechanisms that control the expression of TRPV6 and RANKL. Cell culture-based assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) methods, and a series of molecular techniques were used to identify and characterize upstream regions of mouse and human TRPV6 and RANKL genes. We discovered that these genes were regulated by at least five separate enhancer regions. In the TRPV6 gene, these enhancers were all located within 5 kb of the transcriptional start site (TSS), and each contained one or more vitamin D regulatory elements (VDREs). In the RANKL gene, these regulatory regions span over 80 kb of upstream sequence, the most distal 76 kb from the TSS. This regulatory region is central to the regulation of RANKL expression in vitro and in vivo. Our studies identified key regulatory regions within the TRPV6 and RANKL genes that are essential for their individual expression in the intestine and bone, respectively.
Nonlinear optical spectroscopic characterization of a series of fluorene derivatives

We have performed nonlinear spectroscopic measurements to investigate the chemical structure/nonlinear optical property relations for a set of alkyl fluorene derivatives. The characterization method we have utilized is a femtosecond white-light continuum (WLC) pump-probe spectrometer that can rapidly characterize an organic sample’s nondegenerate two-photon absorption (2PA) spectrum. The nature of these experiments requires sophisticated data analysis. In particular, the relative group velocity mismatch between the pump and probe, which are at different frequencies, makes these pulses walk through each other within the thickness of the sample. For widely different frequencies, this can severely diminish the 2PA signal strength. However, given careful analysis, we have found good agreement with well-known semiconductor samples. Confidence in this method has allowed us to investigate the effects of solvism, electron-withdrawing character, conjugation length, and symmetry on the two-photon absorbing properties of these molecules. We have found an optimum solvent polarity as well as electron-withdrawing character which serves to maximize the strength of the 2PA in these materials. Different synthesis avenues have provided us with two different methods of extending the conjugation length that increases the nonlinearity as well. Finally, investigations of molecules with disparate symmetry have allowed us to identify the symmetry of the excited states. In addition, we present the first experimental study of the intermediate state resonance enhancement of nondegenerate 2PA in organic molecules. Using a simplified sum-over-states expression, we make comparisons between experiment and theory.
Mutator effects of overproducing DNA polymerase η (Rad30) and its catalytically inactive variant in yeast

DNA polymerase eta synthesizes DNA in vitro with low fidelity. Based on this, here we report the effects of deletion or increased expression of yeast RAD30 gene, encoding for polymerase eta (Pol eta), on spontaneous mutagenesis in vivo. Deletion of RAD30 did not affect spontaneous mutagenesis. Overproduction of Rad30p was slightly mutagenic in a wild-type yeast strain and moderately mutagenic in strains with inactive 3'-->5'-exonuclease of DNA polymerase epsilon or DNA mismatch repair. These data suggest that excess Rad30p reduces replication fidelity in vivo and that the induced errors may be corrected by exonucleolytic proofreading and DNA mismatch repair. However, the magnitude of mutator effect (only up to 10-fold) suggests that the replication fork is protected from inaccurate synthesis by Pol eta in the absence of DNA damage. Overproduction of catalytically inactive Rad30p was also mutagenic, suggesting that much of the mutator effect results from indirect perturbation of replication rather than from direct misincorporation by Pol eta. Moreover, while excess wild-type Pol eta primarily induced base substitutions in the msh6 and pms1 strains, excess inactive Rad30p induced both base substitutions and frameshifts. This suggests that more than one mutagenic mechanism is operating when RAD30 is overexpressed.
The socially optimal locations of three stores with stockouts or limited product selections

Abstract The socially optimal locations of three stores (or facilities) may be relatively centralized if stores are not certain to have what consumers want due to stockouts or limited product selections.
Elevation of pain threshold by vaginal stimulation in women

In 2 studies with 10 women each, vaginal self-stimulation significantly increased the threshold to detect and tolerate painful finger compression, but did not significantly affect the threshold to detect innocuous tactile stimulation. The vaginal self-stimulation was applied with a specially designed pressure transducer assembly to produce a report of pressure or pleasure. In the first study, 6 of the women perceived the vaginal stimulation as producing pleasure. During that condition, the pain tolerance threshold increased significantly by 36.8% and the pain detection threshold increased significantly by 53%. A second study utilized other types of stimuli. Vaginal self-stimulation perceived as pressure significantly increased the pain tolerance threshold by 40.3% and the pain detection threshold by 47.4%. In the second study, when the vaginal stimulation was self-applied in a manner that produced orgasm, the pain tolerance threshold and pain detection threshold increased significantly by 74.6% and 106.7% respectively, while the tactile threshold remained unaffected. A variety of control conditions, including various types of distraction, did not significantly elevate pain or tactile thresholds. We conclude that in women, vaginal self-stimulation decreases pain sensitivity, but does not affect tactile sensitivity. This effect is apparently not due to painful or non-painful distraction.
Efficient spatial query processing for big data

Spatial queries are widely used in many data mining and analytics applications. However, a huge and growing size of spatial data makes it challenging to process the spatial queries efficiently. In this paper we present a lightweight and scalable spatial index for big data stored in distributed storage systems. Experimental results show the efficiency and effectiveness of our spatial indexing technique for different spatial queries.
A gain of function p53 mutant promotes both genomic instability and cell survival in a novel p53-null mammary epithelial cell model

Approximately 40% of human breast cancers contain alterations in the tumor suppressor p53. The p53 172R-H gain-of-function mutant (equivalent to the common 175R-H human breast cancer mutant) has been shown to promote aneuploidy and tumorigenesis in the mammary gland in transgenic mice and may affect genomic stability in part by causing centrosome abnormalities. The precise mechanism of action of these gain-of-function mutants is not well understood, and has been studied primarily in fibroblast cell lines. A novel p53-null mouse mammary epithelial cell line developed from p53-null mice has been used in adenovirus-mediated transient transfection experiments to study the properties of this p53 mutant. Marked centrosome amplification and an increased frequency of aberrant mitoses were observed within 72 h of introduction of p53 172R-H. However, few cells with aberrant centrosome numbers were observed in cells stably expressing the p53 172R-H mutant. Furthermore, stable expression of this p53 mutant reduced bo...
Sequence of the functional human keratin K14 promoter

The K14 keratin is an intermediate filament produced in squamous epithelia. This tissue-specific expression is directed by the promoter (pK14) of the K14 gene which has been used extensively to direct the expression of transgenes to the skin. Human K14 was cloned and the upstream sequence is presented. In transient transfections, pK14 directs expression of a luciferase reporter in keratinocytes much more potently than in breast cancer cells.
COMT genotype and cognitive function: An 8-year longitudinal study in white and black elders

Objective: Catechol- O -methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of dopamine, is necessary for cognitive function. Few studies have examined the prospective association between COMT (val 158 met) genotype and cognition in older adults. Methods: We assessed a biracial cohort of 2,858 elderly subjects without dementia who were followed for 8 years. The Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) were administered at baseline and years 3, 5, and 8. COMT by race, gender, and APOE status interactions were examined. Results: Stratified by race and adjusted for covariates, repeated-measures mixed-effects models showed no association between COMT genotype and baseline cognitive function in black or white subjects. In white subjects, COMT was associated with change in 3MS (Met/Met: −2.3 [0.60], Met/Val: −1.7 [0.40], and Val/Val: −1.2 [0.50]) and DSST (Met/Met: −5.60 [1.00], Met/Val: −4.80 [0.70], Val/Val: −4.00 [0.90]). In black subjects, COMT was associated with change in the DSST (Met/Met: −4.10 [2.1], Met/Val: −4.80 [0.90], Val/Val −2.60 [1.00]). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the Val allele has a protective impact on cognitive decline in late life.
A simplified procedure for proportional counting of C14-labeled carbon dioxide☆

A simplified procedure is described for proportional counting of C/sup 14/ -labeled carbon dioxide which has proved to be a convenient method for the routine assay of samples of widely varying size, nature, and specific activity. A diagram of the apparatus is included. (C.H.)
A Model of Redox Kinetics Implicates the Thiol Proteome in Cellular Hydrogen Peroxide Responses

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide is appreciated as a cellular signaling molecule with second-messenger properties, yet the mechanisms by which the cell protects against intracellular H2O2 accumulation are not fully understood. We introduce a network model of H2O2 clearance that includes the pseudo-enzymatic oxidative turnover of protein thiols, the enzymatic actions of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, peroxiredoxin, and glutaredoxin, and the redox reactions of thioredoxin and glutathione. Simulations reproduced experimental observations of the rapid and transient oxidation of glutathione and the rapid, sustained oxidation of thioredoxin on exposure to extracellular H2O2. The model correctly predicted early oxidation profiles for the glutathione and thioredoxin redox couples across a range of initial extracellular [H2O2] and highlights the importance of cytoplasmic membrane permeability to the cellular defense against exogenous sources of H2O2. The protein oxidation profile predicted by the model suggests that ...
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN OPHTHALMIC DRUG DELIVERY

Abstract Recent research efforts in ophthalmic drug delivery have mainly focused on systems in which drugs may be administered in the form of eye-drops. As a result of these efforts, significant advancements have been made in the following areas: in situ -forming gels, oil-in-water emulsions, colloidal drug delivery systems (liposomes and nanoparticles) and microparticulates. Protein and peptide delivery, posterior drug delivery and non-aqueous vehicles are three new areas of interest in ophthalmic drug delivery, and this review will discuss recent progress and specific development issues relating to these drug delivery systems.
On the Hilbert space of the heavy quark effective theory

Abstract We give a careful description of the Hilbert space of the heavy quark effective theory. States must carry both velocity and momentum labels. We show that this formulation is necessary to resolve a paradox which arises in the effective theory when considering the matrix element of a light quark current between heavy meson states.
Electronic structure of Pd-covered (10,0) carbon nanotube

We report a first-principles study on the electronic structure of a semiconducting (10,0) single-wall carbon nanotube fully covered by Pd electrode, which closely resembles experimental setups. The equilibrium structure, charge transfer effects, electrostatic potentials, and the density of states are studied in detail, in order to establish whether a barrier exists or not between the natotube and the metal contact.
Effects of tree phytochemistry on the interactions among endophloedic fungi associated with the southern pine beetle.

We examined the interaction between host trees and fungi associated with a tree-killing bark beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis. We evaluated (1) the response of four Pinus species to fungal invasion and (2) the effects of plant secondary metabolites on primary growth of and secondary colonization of three consistent fungal associates. Two of these fungi, Entomocorticium sp. A and Ophiostoma ranaculosum, are obligate mutualists with D. frontalis, and the third associate is a blue-staining fungus, O. minus, that is commonly introduced by beetles and phoretic mites. O. minus negatively affects beetle larvae and in high abundance can impact D. frontalispopulation dynamics. Size of lesions formed and quantity of secondary metabolites produced in response to fungal inoculations varied significantly among Pinus species. However, monoterpene composition within infected tissue did not significantly vary across treatments. While all eight tested metabolites negatively affected the growth rate of O. minus, only 4-allylanisole, p-cymene, and terpinene reduced the growth of the mycangial fungi. Surprisingly, growth rates of mycangial fungi increased in the presence of several secondary metabolite volatiles. O. minus out-competed both mycangial fungi, but the presence of secondary metabolites altered the outcome slightly. O. ranaculosum out-performed E. sp. A in the presence of dominant conifer monoterpenes, such as α- and β-pinene. Volatiles from the mycangial fungi, particularly E. sp. A, had a negative effect on O. minus growth. In general, phloem phytochemistry of particular Pinus species appeared to alter the relative growth and competitiveness of mutualistic and non-mutualistic fungi associated with D. frontalis. The outcome of interactions among these fungi likely has important consequences for the population dynamics of D. frontalis.
Implementation of biofilm permeability models for mineral reactions in saturated porous media

An approach based on continuous biofilm models is proposed for modeling permeability changes due to mineral precipitation and dissolution in saturated porous media. In contrast to the biofilm approach, implementation of the film depositional models within a reactive transport code requires a time-dependent calculation of the mineral films in the pore space. Two different methods for this calculation are investigated. The first method assumes a direct relationship between changes in mineral radii (i.e., surface area) and changes in the pore space. In the second method, an effective change in pore radii is calculated based on the relationship between permeability and grain size. Porous media permeability is determined by coupling the film permeability models (Mualem and Childs and Collis-George) to a volumetric model that incorporates both mineral density and reactive surface area. Results from single mineral dissolution and single mineral precipitation simulations provide reasonable estimates of permeability, though they predict smaller permeability changes relative to the Kozeny and Carmen model. However, a comparison of experimental and simulated data show that the Mualem film model is the only one that can replicate the oscillations in permeability that occur as a result of simultaneous dissolution and precipitation reactions occurring within the porous media.
A streamlined method to predict hepatic clearance using human liver microsomes in the presence of human plasma

Abstract Introduction Human liver microsomal incubations are often used to predict the metabolic lability of new chemical entities. The clearance values are scaled-up from in vitro data and mathematically corrected for plasma protein binding, or in some cases the free fraction ratio of plasma to microsomes, using well-established scaling methods such as the well-stirred model. This can be time consuming for multiple compounds since it requires separate experiments to determine in vitro lability, and free fraction. Methods We attempted to streamline clearance predictions by combining experiments into one. Firstly, we combined the free fraction experiments into one free fraction ratio by measuring the partitioning of compound between plasma and microsomes, and by applying this experimental ratio to clearance predictions found that it performed at least as well as free fractions determined separately. We also incubated compounds with plasma added to the incubation mixture and compared the predicted clearances to values determined using traditional mathematical protein binding corrections. Results Consistently, incubations with added plasma resulted in CL predictions closer to literature values than incubations only mathematically corrected for protein binding. For example, incorporating plasma into a ketamine incubation resulted in a CL value of 15.1 mL/min/kg, compared with a value of 10.2 using mathematical binding corrections. The literature value is 16.4 mL/min/kg. Discussion This work characterizes this new method and compares it to the traditional microsomal incubation method using several literature compounds, and suggests that streamlining the methods may generate quality data faster and with less resource investment.
Associations as cues in recognition memory

The present experiment tested the possibility that the improved recognition performance which results from instructing subjects to produce associations to study items is an artifact of the distributed practice (MP-DP) effect. Four groups of 30 subjects were presented a list of 50 high-frequency words with instructions to: (a) repeat each word aloud twice (REP); (b) pronounce each word, produce an association, and repeat the word (PAR); (c) pronounce each word and produce an associate to it (PA): (d) no particular instructions (Control). Two other groups were presented the study words with an additional word in parentheses next to each study item. This additional word was either a high associate (condition FAR) or an unrelated word (condition FNR). Both groups pronounced the study item, the parenthesized word, and then repeated the study item. All subjects were then given a two-alternative, forced-choice recognition test. The results indicated that instructions to produce associations facilitated recognition performance and that this facilitation was not an artifact of the MP-DP effect. Further, having subjects actively produce an association was more beneficial than having them read one which was provided.
#79 Life expectancy free from cardiovascular heart disease in seventh-day adventists

Abstract PURPOSE: To evaluate age-specific life expectancy free from Cardiovascular Heart Disease (CHD) and the death rate from heart disease from 1960 to 1988 for males and females in the Adventist Mortality Study (AMS) (n = 27517) and the Adventist Health Study (AHS) (n = 34192) combined. The data are used to model life expectancy free from subsequent CHD using the Lee-Carter model. Differences in life expectancy free from CHD are explored among subgroups with different life styles. The life styles considered included physical inactivity, diet, smoking status, and educational level. Subjects with a healthy lifestyle showed a higher life expectancy. METHODS: We used the abridged life table to calculate life expectancy free from CHD for persons ages 30–49 years old and those in each ten-year age interval up to age 90 from 1960 to 1988. We used the Lee-Carter method to model life expectancy free from CHD in the future. We also used the Multivariate Multiple Decrement Life Table Analysis Program (MMDLP) to calculate life expectancies after adjusting for confounders. The model is basically non-parametric except for a proportional hazard assumption, and the time variable is attained age. We also modeled life expectancies using linear regression. Life expectancy in subjects with CHD was also explored. RESULTS: For all age groups, the life expectancy free from CHD increased linearly from 1960 to 1988. For males, life expectancy was 15.77 years for subjects 60–69 years in 1960 versus 19.73 in 1988. For males 80-89 years of age, life expectancy was 6.04 years in 1960 versus 6.31 in the year 1988. The death rate from CHD decreased from 0.03288 in 1960 to 0.01491 in 1988 for males 60–69 years of age and from 0.14483 in 1960 to 0.132 in 1988 for males 80–89 years of age. For females 60–69 years of age, the life expectancy free from CHD increased from 16.79 in 1960 to 27.03 in the year 1988. For females 80–89 years of age, it increased from 5.46 in 1960 to 11.3 in 1988. For females 60–69 years old, the death rate from CHD decreased from 0.025 in 1960 to 0.00688 in 1988, and for females 80–89 years of age, the rate decreased from 0.16667 in 1960 to 0.05471 in 1988. CONCLUSION: Even in the oldest old (90+ for males and females), there is an increase in life expectancy free from CHD and decrease in death rate from 1960 to 1988. The negative intercept on the regression lines may indicate that the life expectancy free from CHD did not always increased linearly prior to 1960.
Explaining Party Elite Transformation: Institutional Changes and Insurgent Politics:

T _1H E FATE of the Republican or Democratic party is often said to depend on what the voters want, more than anything else. Even party transformations which are not reducible to electoral alignments are typically explained as reflections of shifting ties between the electorate and the party. Such developments as the rise in incumbency, the insensitivity of congressional elections to all but the most dramatic electoral landslides, the rise of technology-based campaigns, and weakened party leadership in modern legislatures have, at least in part, been attributed to a greater indifference by voters to parties. Over time there are reciprocal influences among these changing features of American politics. But to most observers the transformation begins with the rising popular disaffection toward parties. This widespread disaffection is also presumed to sustain many of the transformations. Such a focus is unavoidable, given the centrality of the electorate in any competitive parliamentary party system. But party systems are more than electoral coalitions more than voting patterns. Party systems also differ in terms of elite practices and organizational arrangements. These too may change. They may change because of electoral shifts. Any substantial reevaluation of the parties by the voters will have consequences for party elites and formal party structures. But changes in the way elites are recruited and in the machinery of party processes are not fully dependent on electoral support patterns. In any case party processes are analytically distinct from electoral patterns, and they are the concern of this paper. Two questions, one thematic and the other historical, provide the parameters of our inquiry. First, is there a relationship between how national convention delegates are chosen and the way those delegates think and act? Second, can recent differences in the character of convention delegates be explained by changes in the way they were chosen?1
Battery-less PWAS-based wireless acoustic emission sensor

Battery-less wireless transmission of acoustic emission (AE) signal acquired using a PWAS is demonstrated in this paper. The wireless AE sensor is equipped with a passive wireless transponder that receives a microwave carrier signal and up-converts the AE signal to microwave frequencies for wireless transmission. A low voltage ultrasound amplifier was designed, fabricated, and tested to amplify the AE signal and to provide a better impedance matching between the PWAS and the 50 Ω wireless transponder. A light-based energy harvester was adopted to drive the low-power voltage amplifier so that no battery is needed at the wireless sensor node. The energy harvesting devices and the amplifier were characterized using ultrasound pitch-catch and pencil lead break experiments. The design, implementation, and characterization of the wireless AE sensing system are described.
Use of fluorescent ANTS to examine the BBB-permeability of polysaccharide.

Abstract Recently, some polysaccharides showed therapeutic potentials for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases while the most important property, their permeability to the blood brain barrier (BBB) that sheathes the brain and spinal cord, is not yet determined. The determination has been delayed by the difficulty in tracking a target polysaccharide among endogenous polysaccharides in animal. We developed an easy way to examine the BBB-permeability and, possibly, tissue distribution of a target polysaccharide in animal. We tagged a polysaccharide with fluorescent 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid disodium salt (ANTS) for tracking. We also developed a simple method to separate ANTS-tagged polysaccharide from unconjugated free ANTS using 75% ethanol. After ANTS-polysaccharide was intra-nasally administered into animals, we could quantify the amounts of ANTS-polysaccharide in the brain and the serum by fluorocytometry. We could also separate free ANTS-polysaccharide from serum proteins using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and 75% ethanol. Our method will help to track a polysaccharide in animal easily. • ANTS-labeling is less tedious than but as powerful as radiolabeling for tracking a target polysaccharide in animal. • Our simple method can separate structurally intact ANTS-polysaccharide from animal serum and tissues. • This method is good for the fluorometry-based measurement of ANTS-conjugated macromolecules in tissues.
ANALYSIS OF NEUROGENIC DYSFUNCTION OF THE LOWER URINARY TRACT1

SUMMARY Analysis of lower urinary tract dysfunction due to neurological disease by means of combined simultaneous cinefluorographic cysto-urethrography and direct cystometry indicates that patients with reflex neurogenic bladders have high resting intravesical pressures with further increase at the time of reflex contraction and that this contraction is not sustained. The high pressures result from hypertonicity of the detrusor and lack of co-ordination of the outlet mechanism. Abdominal straining and suprapubic pressure produce high intravesical pressures and may lead to the sequela? of bacteremia and ascending urinary tract infection when used to effect emptying of autonomous-type neurogenic bladders. As a result of these findings, methods of management which remove the danger of high intravesical pressures are recommended.
A simulation model for the study of the motion of random-coil polymer chains

Abstract A lattice model of the dynamical behavior of a random-coil polymer chain in solution is described. Simulation of the model by a high-speed digital computer is discussed. The model appears especially suitable for the study of the effects of excluded volume interactions upon the motions of random-coil polymer chains.
Development and Status of Extension Integrated Pest Management Programs in the United States

“Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a system that utilizes all suitable pest control techniques and methods to keep pest populations below economically injurious levels. Each pest control technique must be environmentally sound and compatible with production and user objectives. Integrated Pest Management is more than chemical pesticide management. In many cases, it includes biological, cultural and sanitary control practices for all pest complexes.” (Ledbetter et al. 1979)
The importance of ethnicity in ethnic studies programs

Abstract A study was undertaken to determine the importance of ethnicity in an ethnic studies program. Three different dimensions were examined (1) the importance of the ethnicity of the teacher in the opinions of administrators and students; (2) ethnic differences among students in attitudes and expectations regarding such a program; (3) the relationship between the structure or content of the ethnic studies program and the long-range ethnic goals of society. Results of a nationwide sample of academic deans and a sample of students from two colleges in San Antonio, Texas, indicate that the ethnicity of teachers is an important concern for both administrators and students. It was also found that attitudes and expectations, as well as what the primary function of the program and the long-range ethnic goals should be, differed with the ethnicity of students.
Cultivating Institutions: Organic Agriculture and Integrative Economic Choice

The practice of organic agriculture has recently grown and gained significant attention in many parts of the world. As alternative food systems proliferate into popular culture and take an increasingly large market share, social scientists from an array of disciplines have attempted to give meaning to the phenomenon. This article takes a unique approach to organic agriculture, by reframing it within the classical social theory of Tonnies and Durkheim and the new institutionalism in economic sociology. This theoretical lens illuminates the novelty of organic agriculture as a site where rationalities are shifting in the economic field of agriculture. Organic agriculture, I argue, has created an opportunity where economy, society, and environment are being ideologically blended together within an institutional environment in which they have been conceptually and pragmatically divided.
Structure and spatial expression of the Manduca sexta MSCP14.6 cuticle gene

The genomic and cDNA sequences of the MSCP14.6 gene section, which encodes a Manduca sexta cuticle protein, have been determined. The genomic sequence presented here includes 1428 N of 5' flanking DNA, 1587 N of transcribed DNA, and 465 N of 3' flanking DNA. The intron/exon boundaries mapped by comparison of these sequences were confirmed by primer extension and SI nuclease mapping. Prior work showed that the RNA produced by this gene is regulated both temporally and spatially during larval, pupal, and adult development, and also showed that both 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) are important in controlling the amount of RNA present in the epidermis (Riddiford et al., 1986). In situ hybridizations show that MSCP14.6 is expressed throughout the epidermis in larvae and is spatially restricted in pharate pupal and pharate adult stages. The results presented here delimiting the transcription unit and 5' flanking DNA of the MSCP14.6 gene will facilitate further research to determine the DNA elements necessary for regulation of gene expression.
Phylogenetic comparison of ascomycete mycangial fungi and Dendroctonus bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

The existence of a long-shared evolutionary history among Dendroctonus bark beetles and their symbiotic mycangial fungi (Ascomycotina: Ophiostomataceae) was investigated by comparing independently derived phylogenies of the 2 groups of organisms. Two phylogenetic comparisons were made. In the 1st comparison, all mycangium-associated fungi were included in the fungal phylogeny (some beetles possessed 2 mycangial associates). In the 2nd comparison, only the most common mycangial associate of each beetle was included. Statistical tests did not support the existence of widespread cospeciation among the beetles and fungi in the 1st comparison. In the 2nd comparison, a maximum of 4 cospeciation events was statistically supported.
Psychosocial consequences of sterilization: A review of the literature and preliminary findings

Tubal ligation continues as a frequently used method of birth control. Nonetheless, psychosocial consequences, sexual satisfaction, and later regret regarding the procedure and the loss of childbearing potential remain as concerns. This is particularly true for the population of childless women requesting the procedure. The authors review all available recent literature on regret, psychosocial correlates, and sexual satisfaction related to tubal sterilization, with particular attention to the literature on childless women. They also present preliminary findings from a prospective controlled 5-year follow-up study of sterilization in childless women.
Myelin P0 Glycoprotein and a Synthetic Peptide Containing the Palmitoylation Site Are Both Autoacylated

P 0 , the major protein of the PNS myelin, is palmitoylated at the cytoplasmic Cys 153 . To gain insights into the mechanism of P 0 acylation, the in vitro palmitoylation of both P 0 and a synthetic Cys 153 -containing octapeptide was studied. Incubation of PNS myelin membranes or isolated P 0 with [ 3 H]palmitoyl-CoA resulted in specific labeling of this protein, suggesting that the reaction is nonenzymatic. Incorporation of the labeled fatty acid into P 0 was not affected by boiling the isolated P 0 for 15 min before incubation or by adding sciatic nerve homogenate to the reaction mixture, which confirms the nonenzymatic nature of the reaction. After chemical deacylation, P 0 was palmitoylated at a higher rate, suggesting that the original site was reacylated. Furthermore, tryptic digestion and peptide mapping showed that the same sites are acylated in vitro as in nerve slices indicating that the reaction has physiological significance. On incubation with [ 14 C]palmitoyl-CoA, the synthetic peptide encompassing the natural P 0 acylation site (I 150 RYCWLRR 157 ) was also spontaneously acylated at the cysteine residue. Thus, the integrity of the protein is not required for the nonenzymatic transacylation reaction. At pH 7.4 and 37°C, peptide palmitoylation followed a second-order reaction (k 2 = 246 ± 6 M -1 min -1 ) and is likely a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution with the peptide thiolate attacking the highly reactive thioester bond in palmitoyl-CoA. The activation energy calculated from the Arrhenius plot is ∼2 kcal/mol and much lower than that of enzyme-catalyzed transacylations. Finally, two other P 0 peptides (V 121 PTRYG 126 and K 109 TSQVTL 115 ) as well as various unrelated thiol-containing compounds, including cysteine, glutathione, pressinoic acid (CYFQNC), and crustacean cardioactive peptide (PFCNAFTGC), were not autoacylated. These results indicate that the IRYCWLRR peptide represents a particular structural motif and/or has some chemical features that allow the reaction to occur spontaneously.
Dominator tree verification and vertex-disjoint paths

We present a linear-time algorithm that given a flowgraph G = (V,A,r) and a tree T, checks whether T is the dominator tree of G. Also we prove that there exist two spanning trees of G, T1 and T2, such that for any vertex v the paths from r to v in T1 and T2 intersect only at the vertices that dominate v. The proof is constructive and our algorithm can build the two spanning trees in linear time. Simpler versions of our two algorithms run in O(mα(m, n))-time, where n is the number of vertices and m is the number of arcs in G. The existence of such two spanning trees implies that we can order the calculations of the iterative algorithm for finding dominators, proposed by Allen and Cocke [2], so that it builds the dominator tree in a single iteration.
Sources of avoidance motivation: Valence effects from physical effort and mental rotation.

When reaching goals, organisms must simultaneously meet the overarching goal of conserving energy. According to the law of least effort, organisms will select the means associated with the least effort. The mechanisms underlying this bias remain unknown. One hypothesis is that organisms come to avoid situations associated with unnecessary effort by generating a negative valence toward the stimuli associated with such situations. Accordingly, merely using a dysfunctional, ‘slow’ computer mouse causes participants to dislike ambient neutral images (Study 1). In Study 2, nonsense shapes were liked less when associated with effortful processing (135° of mental rotation) versus easier processing (45° of rotation). Complementing ‘fluency’ effects found in perceptuo-semantic research, valence emerged from action-related processing in a principled fashion. The findings imply that negative valence associations may underlie avoidance motivations, and have practical implications for educational/workplace contexts in which effort and positive affect are conducive to success.
Safe Quality of Service Aware Management of Heterogeneous Sensor Networks

Wireless networked sensors are envisioned to play a vital role in the emerging pervasive service platforms that will instrument a wide range of next generation civil and military applications. Recently, we have proposed ANSWER: AutoNomouS Wireless sEnsor netwoRk as a service platform whose mission is to provide dependable information services to in-situ mobile users while satisfying their quality-of-service (QoS) requirements. Alongside with the stationary tiny sensors, the network employs more powerful mobile devices referred to as aggregation and forwarding nodes (AFNs). ANSWER exploits AFN mobility to support QoS requirements. However, as an AFN moves closer to an event (for example, a hazardous spill), it may be at risk (for example, due to potential damage). In this paper, we present a quantitative analysis of the interplay and balance between QoS support and asset safety. We propose a new scheme, called SAFER (for SAFEty-aware Relocation), which pursues relocation of the AFN in order to boost network performance without unnecessarily compromising AFN safety. For the relocation process to take place, SAFER uses historical data on detected events and employs an evolutionary neural network to assess the risk involved and predict good quality new position(s). Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of SAFER.
Evaluation of some phosphoroamides as soil urease inhibitors

The effectiveness of six phosphoroamides for retardation of urea hydrolysis in soils was studied by determining the effects of 10 μg g−1 soil of each compound on the amounts of urea hydrolyzed when soils treated with urea were incubated at 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40°C for 3, 7, and 14 days. The phosphoroamides used wereN-(diaminophosphinyl)-cyclohexylamine,N-benzyl-N-methyl phosphoric triamide, diethyl phosphoric triamide, trichloroethyl phosphorodiamidate, dimethyl phosphoric triamide, andN-butyl phosphorothioic triamide [N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide]. The soils used were selected to obtain a range in properties, and the effects of the six phosphoroamides studied were compared with those of two compounds known to be among the most effective compounds thus far proposed for retardation of urea hydrolysis in soils (phenylphosphorodiamidate and hydroquinone). The data obtained showed that all six of the phosphoroamides evaluated compared favorably with hydroquinone as soil urease inhibitors and that two of them [N-butyl phosphorothioic triamide andN-(diaminophosphinyl)-cyclohexylamine] were superior to phenylphosphorodiamidate for retardation of urea hydrolysis in soils at 20°, 30°, or 40°C.
Transport of cisplatin in rat brain following microinfusion: an analysis.

The post-microinfusion transport of cis-diamminedichloro-platinum(II) (cisplatin) in rat brain has been modeled as a linear diffusion-reaction-permeation process. The model has been used to analyze the experimental data of Kroin and Penn to obtain the macromolecular binding constant of cisplatin in the brain, k = 0.0050 ∓ 0.0023 min−1, and the capillary permeability, p = (9.0 ∓ 4.4) × 10−7 cm/s. Inclusion of saturation effects led to the same p value and a higher k value of 0.007 min−1. The corresponding diffusion length is 0.8 mm. The reaction constant is similar to those reported for plasma (0.008 min−1) and muscle (0.004 min−1), and the permeability value. is within the range predicted by correlation with the permeability-octanol/water partition coefficient. Fits to data were accomplished with mathematical expressions giving the average total platinum concentration in saggital cerebellar sections which were not subdivided. Both time-dependent and steady-state solutions were obtained for the transport model, the former predicting a half-time to steady state of 3 h. Boundary effects were also investigated. Concentration profiles, calculated for a point source and for a 23-gauge cannula, were shown to differ by 7%. Similar comparisons between two profiles, one computed for an infinite diffusion range and another computed for drug diffusion into a flowing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at a finite range of 3 mm, showed differences of < 3%. Free and bound drug forms, protein turnover, and CSF uptake have been accounted for as well as the percent infusate recoveries at 100 and 160 h reported by Kroin and Penn. The magnitude of convection effects has been assessed by incorporating an upper bound estimate of radial flow into the transport model. The numerical solution led to poorer fitting, but not greatly different, concentration profiles than when convection was ignored. The k and p parameter estimates each dropped by 30%, an upper bound measure of the effect of convection.