cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for sequential action of two ATPase active sites in yeast Msh2-Msh6.

Abstract Bacterial MutS homodimers contain two ATPase active sites that have non-equivalent functions in DNA mismatch repair. The homologous Msh2–Msh6 complex in eukaryotes also has intrinsic ATPase activity that is essential for mismatch repair. Here, we investigate differences in the two putative ATPase active sites by examining the properties of heterodimers containing alanine substituted for an invariant glutamic acid in the active site of either Msh2, Msh6 or both. Mutation rates in wild type versus Glu→Ala mutant haploid yeast strains indicate that both ATPase active sites are essential for mismatch repair activity in vivo. The properties of purified heterodimers suggest that the ATPase active site in Msh6 binds ATP with higher affinity and hydrolyzes ATP faster and with higher efficiency than does the ATPase active site in Msh2. This suggests sequential action of the two ATPase active sites, in which ATP binds to Msh6 first to trigger downstream events in mismatch repair.
Usability of the genetic algorithms for solving lectures schedule task

The paper discusses the aspects of genetic algorithms application in the university scolar process management, particularly the solving problems of lectures optimal timetable planning
A model of the nerve action potential

Abstract Voltage clamp experiments in Myxicola nerve, using more than one voltage pulse, have indicated that the sodium conductance g Na has properties which are not described by the model of the action potential formulated by Hodgkin and Huxley. This paper describes g Na (and g K ) in a novel way as the solutions of linear differential equations of order three for sodium, two for potassium. These solutions can predict many of the results observed from prepulse experiments as well as the results of classical experiments with only one step of voltage. A mechanical system which is described by the differential equations is also presented. Special features of our model include higher order kinetics and the presence of initial conditions which depend upon the magnitude of the jump in voltage. The dependence on jumps has a natural meaning in the mechanical system presented.
Avoidance among adolescents in conversations about their parents’ relationship: Applying the Theory of Motivated Information Management

Awareness of the importance of avoidance in parent-child interactions has grown exponentially in the past decade. This investigation applies the Theory of Motivated Information Management (W. Afifi & Weiner, 2004) to better understand adolescents’ avoidance in conversations with a parent about the parents’ relationship. Because of the known impact of divorce on parent-adolescent conversations, we also compare divorced and nondivorced families on their experience of these interactions. One-hundred and twelve parent-adolescent dyads, divided almost equally between divorced and non-divorced families, participated in the investigation. Results generally support the utility of TMIM in this context and expand our knowledge of parent-adolescent relationships by showing important similarities and differences between divorced and nondivorced families’ experience of these interactions.
Measurement of articular cartilage thickness in the articulated knee.

A radiographic and image analysis method was developed and applied in porcine knees for the measurement of articular cartilage thickness in articulated joints. The feasibility of the approach was assessed by implementing the method for the lateral femoral condyle from harvested limbs. Measurement of the undeformed cartilage thickness with this method was found to have a great degree of precision, with approximately a 1.0% (14 μm) mean variation. Accuracy was also high when compared to an optical method for measuring the true cartilage thickness. An excellent linear correlation r2 > 0.99) between the thickness determined optically and that obtained from the radiographic images was demonstrated. No significant differences were found between these two measures of cartilage thickness. This method, which minimizes disturbance to the structures of the knee to maintain its physiologic environment, also has promise to measure the changes in cartilage thickness as the tissue is deformed during joint loading. Information about the undeformed and deformed cartilage thicknesses can be combined with finite element models to examine cartilage behavior from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. © 1998 Biomedical Engineering Society.
“Caught” versus “Taught”: Ethnic identity and the ethnic socialization experiences of African American adolescents in kinship and non-kinship foster placements

Abstract Theorists and researchers have long studied identity development among children, particularly during the period of adolescence, but most have focused on children residing with biological parents. Not only have identity issues facing foster children been little studied, but the effects of kinship foster care on identity, including ethnic identity, have received minimal attention. African American children are overrepresented in the child welfare system and specifically, in kinship placements. The growing practice of kinship foster care raises important questions regarding the benefits and challenges facing children in different placements. In particular, how do African American adolescents in kinship foster care differ in their sense of ethnic identity from African American adolescents in non-kinship foster care? This article explores this research question with a sample of 18 African American adolescents, residing in both kinship and non-kinship foster family placements. Using interview data, observations, and case records as well as results from a standardized measure of ethnic identity, findings are presented regarding differences in ethnic identity and ethnic socialization experiences, and implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.
Cyclic delay transmission achieves full diversity without (Pre)coding

Cyclic Delay Diversity (CDD) is a simple method that converts transmit antenna diversity into frequency selectivity, thus allowing simple operation and use of conventional receivers to capture the diversity. This paper shows that single-carrier CDD methods are capable of producing diversity without channel coding or linear precoding, and that this is made possible via the appropriate design and use of linear equalizers. At the heart of our result is the establishment of a functional equivalence between effective channels seen by the CDD MISO system and the cyclic-prefix SISO ISI system. Specifically, we show that in an M×1 CDD MSIO system, the MMSE receiver achieves maximum diversity for rate values R ≤ log L/M(ν+1)−1, where L is the data block length, R the spectral efficiency in b/s/Hz, and ν is the channel memory. The equivalence between the delay diversity (DD) system and a zero-padding single-carrier system can be also established (as long as the DD delay taps are carefully chosen) for which linear equalizers can achieve maximum diversity with no constraint on rate.
Atypical MRI features involving the brain in Wilson's disease

Wilson's disease is an inborn error of copper metabolism characterized by inability of the liver to excrete copper into the bile, with excessive deposition of copper primarily in the liver and in the brain. The lentiform nuclei are involved, most often followed by involvement of the thalami, the pons, midbrain, superior and inferior cerebellar peduncles, and the cerebellar nuclei. Predominant involvement of the thalami and brainstem with no significant involvement of the lentiform nuclei is not common. We present a case of Wilson's disease with minimal involvement of the lentiform nuclei, with marked lesions involving the thalami, midbrain, and pons.
Synthesis and Characterization Studies of V-Zr Mixed Oxides Cografted on γ-Al2O3 using OV(OPr)3 and Zr(O n Bu)4 Precursors

Steam reforming of hydrocarbons is widely used to produce clean hydrogen. A nickel-containing, V2Ox-ZrO2 cografted catalyst on γ-Al2O3, prepared from a solution of OV(O i Pr)3 and Zr(O n Bu)4 was observed to provide significant turnover rates in hydrogen generation from steam-reforming of alkanes. To investigate the effect of change in vanadium precursor ligand and other reaction parameters on the surface optimization, a compositional range of V2Ox-ZrO2 samples were synthesized from OV(OPr)3 and Zr(O n Bu)4 and characterized using, ICP-OES, XRD, and XPS. These studies indicated that the cografting process was amorphous and V5+ and Zr4+ were the only oxidation states present on the catalyst surface.
1237 POTENTIAL DANGER OF A PLASTIC BODY HOOD VS. BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF A THIN PLASTIC BLANKET IN SHIELDING INFANTS UNDER RADIANT WARMERS

Two groups of 5 premature newborns nursed under radiant warmers were studied for two consecutive hours with and without two types of plastic heat shields to determine their effect on (1) servocontrolled radiant warmer power demand (wattmeter), (2) radiant heat received at bed level (thermopile) and (3) insensible water loss (IWL, Potter Scale). One group (1.33±.18 mean±SEM kg) was studied under a transparent body hood (3 mm thick), the other (1.23±.12 kg, p=NS) was studied under a thin (.013 mm) plastic blanket. Infants required 42% more power from the servocontrol when nursed under the hood (208±24 control vs. 297±35 watts, p< .001). In contrast, infants under the blanket demanded 21% less warmer power (214±11 control vs 169±10 watts, p<.001). Heat received at bed level decreased significantly for infants under both shields: 69% in the hood (13.8±1.9 control to 4.3±1.0 mw/cm2, p<.001), and 38% under the blanket (14.2±1.9 control to 8.8±1.5 mw/cm2, p<.001). IWL was significantly less only in infants nursed under the blanket (3.98±1.03 control vs. 1.46±.56 ml/kg/hr p<.02). Skin temps and ambient temp and relative humidity did not change with either type of shield (p=NS). This study suggests that a body hood significantly blocks radiant power delivery to infants under radiant warmers without conservation of IWL. These infants may have been cold stressed since their radiant power demand was consistently increased. The plastic blanket interfers with transmission of radiant heat and reduces IWL.
Collaborative assessment of functional reliability in wireless networks

Nodes that are part of a multihop wireless network, typically deployed in mission critical settings, are expected to perform specific functions. Establishing a notion of reliability of the nodes with respect to each function (referred to as functional reliability or FR) is essential for efficient operations and management of the network. This is typically assessed based on evidence collected by nodes with regards to other nodes in the network. However, such evidence is often affected by factors such as channel induced effects and interference. In multihop contexts, unreliable intermediary relays may also influence evidence. We design a framework for collaborative assessment of the FR of nodes, with respect to different types of functions; our framework accounts for the above factors that influence evidence collection. Each node (say Chloe) in the network derives the FR of other nodes (say Jack) based on two types of evidence: (i) direct evidence, based on her direct transactions with each such node and (ii) indirect evidence, based on feedback received regarding Jack from others. Our framework is generic and is applicable in a variety of contexts. We also design a module that drastically reduces the overhead incurred in the propagation of indirect evidence at the expense of slightly increased uncertainty in the assessed FR values. We implement our framework on an indoor/outdoor wireless testbed. We show that with our framework, each node is able to determine the FR for every other node in the network with high accuracy. Our indirect evidence propagation module decreases the overhead by 37% compared to a simple flooding based evidence propagation, while the accuracy of the FR computations is decreased only by 8%. Finally, we examine the effect of different routing protocols on the accuracy of the assessed values.
The role of data in the EIS process: Evidence from the BLM wilderness review

Various propositions hove been offered about the role of the environmental impact statement (EIS) in agency decision making. These include statements that agencies are (1) using the information collected in the EIS to make rational decisions; (2) justifying decisions made a priori; (3) using the EIS to gain support or consensus for projects; or (4) simply fulfilling a legal mandate, with the EIS having no substantive impact on decisions. Previous studies regarding the role of EIS data have focused on the quality of the data in the EIS and whether or not the data are related to decisions. The role of site-specific information in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wilderness EIS process is analyzed and the results are used to reflect on the impact of the EIS in agency decision making. These results are compared with an earlier analysis of the Forest Service's Second Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE 11). The results of the statistical analyses of three sets of BLM wilderness EISs indicate that although some of the site-specific information about resource potential is statistically related to agency wilderness recommendations, the vast majority of the information is not. In addition, in some cases, the information was related to wilderness recommendations in a counterintuitive direction. Overall, of the 190 measures of resource potential found in these documents, only 17 (9%) were statistically related to BLM recommendations in an intuitive direction. The fact that most of the information in these EISs is not statistically related to decisions lends support to the proposition that the agency was primarily fulfilling the legally mandated procedure of the National Environmental Policy Act in producing these EISs, rather than achieving the spirit of the law. Results from the analysis of the Forest Service's RARE H wilderness review are similar. Although these analyses may provide support for proposals to improve the EIS through shortening of the documents, more research is needed before it can be assumed that shorter EISs will ensure a link between the remaining information and agency decisions,
Ultrastructural and biochemical changes in the liver of monkeys given butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole

Abstract When butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was given in doses of 500 mg/kg body weight to young monkeys for 28 days, no clinical abnormalities were observed. Liver hypertrophy, proliferation of hepatic endoplasmic reticulum and modified enzyme activity of the hepatic microsomes were much more pronounced in the BHA-than in the BHT-treated animals. Nucleolar fragmentation and the presence of large intranucleolar fibrils were observed in many of the hepatic nuclei. When the antioxidants were administered in doses of 50 mg/kg body weight, the changes in the cytoplasm of the hepatic cells were less obvious and no nucleolar changes were observed. Infant monkeys given 500 mg of either antioxidant were much less responsive than were the more mature animals given similar doses.
Sex and age differences in symptoms in borderline personality symptomatology

AbstractObjective. Variations in the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) as a function of sex and age remain unclear. In this study, we examined sex and age differences with regard to various symptoms encountered in BPD. Methods. Using a compilation of four samples, all cross-sectional from the same recruitment site and with identical self-report measures for borderline personality symptomatology (BPS), we examined sex- and age-related differences with regard to borderline personality among 1,503 primary care patients. Results. Men and women did not differ significantly in their overall scores or rates of BPS. With regard to sex differences in symptoms among respondents with substantial BPS, engagement in sexually abusive relationships was more common among women than men. Overall scores and rates of BPS were greater among younger respondents compared to older respondents. With regard to age differences among those with substantial BPS, self-cutting and scratching were more common in younger...
The role of SO2 in volcanism on Io

Io and Earth are the only planetary bodies known to be volcanically active; the energetics of the eruptive plumes on Io have important structural implications and are closely linked with the presence of sulphur and SO2.
THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN‐MINERAL NUTRITIONAL MODULATION ON THE PORK QUALITY OF HALOTHANE CARRIERS

Effects of vitamin/mineral nutritional modulation, preslaughter stress, and hot-fat trimming (HFT) on traits of 60 market hogs carrying one mutated copy of the halothane gene were determined. Both supplemented treatments resulted in more backfat over the longissimus muscle (P < 0.05) and darker Hunter L* values for the semimembranosus muscle (P < 0.05). Purge from the vacuum-packaged loin sections during 7 days of storage at 2C was reduced. Supplemented treatments had lower Hunter L* readings for the semimembranosus muscle (P < 0.05). Treatments did not affect muscle palatability. Shelf-life, water holding capacity and color of muscle was improved in chops from supplemented pigs (P < 0.05). HFT and transporting pigs for an additional 2 h did not affect meat quality. This study demonstrated advantages for improving pork muscle quality from pigs fed the vitamin/mineral supplement for at least 4 weeks before slaughter of market pigs monomutant for the halothane gene.
Precipitation and grain refinement in a 2195 Al friction stir weld

The microstructure across a friction stir weld in aluminum alloy 2195 was analyzed to reveal the precipitation processes, grain evolution mechanisms, and crystallographic texture within that weld. The complex microhardness variations across the weld are explained by the observed precipitation sequence, in which the original precipitates coarsen and dissolve during welding, and are then replaced by different precipitates, which form during cooling. The grain development from the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) into the weld nugget reveals that subgrains form within the TMAZ grains and develop increasing boundary misorientations through continuous dynamic recrystallization by subgrain rotation to eventually form the refined grains observed within the weld nugget. Within the weld nugget, a {112}〈110〉 texture is observed, corresponding to a high strain/high temperature shear strain component.
Composite sandwich structures with rapid prototyped cores

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using rapid prototyping (RP) technologies (stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and three‐dimensional printing (3DP)) for fabrication of the core of a composite sandwich structure.Design/methodology/approach – Control cores of a flat geometry were fabricated from epoxy using SLA and from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic using FDM. Corrugated geometry cores were fabricated using SLA, FDM, and 3DP. Carbon‐epoxy composite sandwich structures were fabricated from all cores using a wet‐hand layup process with vacuum cure. The performance of each core was measured using a bend test to determine bending stiffness and failure load.Findings – Based upon bending stiffness and failure load, composite sandwich structures utilizing epoxy cores fabricated via SLA outperformed composite sandwich structures utilizing plaster powder and ABS plastic cores. Composite sandwich structures with corrugated ABS plastic core...
Zinc deficiency affects the composition of the rat adrenal gland

The response of the adrenal gland to zinc deficiency was examined in male weanling rats. In comparison with decapsulated adrenals from ad libitum fed controls, glands from zinc deficient rats had greater relative weight (mg/g body wt), DNA concentration, and total lipid and cholesterol concentrations as well as a smaller protein/DNA ratio. Several of these differences (protein/DNA and cholesterol concentration) could be attributed to the inanition accompanying zinc deficiency, as zinc deficient values were similar to those of pair fed controls. Values for total DNA and protein concentration were similar for all groups. Electron micrographs of the zona fasciculata showed a small number of lipid droplets in the adrenals from ad libitum fed controls, an increase in lipid droplets from pair fed controls, and an even more striking increase in lipid droplets from the zinc deficient adrenals. The increased adrenal lipid composition in the zinc deficient group may be secondary to enhanced steroidogenesis or a zinc deficiency-induced defect of lipid metabolism.
A conformant planner based on approximation: CpA(H)

This article describes the planner CpA(H), the recipient of the Best Nonobservable Nondeterministic Planner Award in the “Uncertainty Track” of the 6th International Planning Competition (IPC), 2008. The article presents the various techniques that help CpA(H) to achieve the level of performance and scalability exhibited in the competition. The article also presents experimental results comparing CpA(H) with state-of-the-art conformant planners.
The physiology of diving in a north-temperate and three tropical turtle species

We examined changes in blood gases, plasma ions, and acid-base status during prolonged submergence (6 h) of four aquatic turtle species in aerated water at 20 °C. Our objective was to determine whether the temperate species, Chrysemys picta bellii, exhibits greater tolerance to submergence apnea than the tropical species, Pelomedusa subrufa, Elseya novaeguineae, and Emydura subglobosa. Blood was sampled from indwelling arterial catheters for measurements of blood PO2, PCO2, pH, and hematocrit and for plasma concentrations of lactate, glucose, Na+, K+, Cl−, total Ca, and total Mg. The pattern of change was similar in all species: a combined respiratory and metabolic acidosis associated with a marked decrease of blood PO2. The severity of the acidosis developed in the temperate species, however, was significantly less than that of the tropical turtles. Lactate rose significantly and HCO3 − fell proportionately in all turtles; changes in other plasma ion concentrations were small but were generally in the directions consistent with compensatory exchanges with other body compartments; i.e., cations (K+, Ca, and Mg increased) and anions (Cl− decreased). The results indicate that hypoxia tolerance is a conserved trait in turtles, even in those that do not experience enforced winter submergence, and that the temperate species may be superior in this capacity because of reduced metabolic rate.
Some comments on the physico-chemical description of biological activity

Abstract Contemporary biology is dominated by the view that a complete understanding of biological activity is to be found exclusively by analytical physico-chemical techniques. When the basic assumptions which underlie this view are explicitly stated in full generality, it is seen that they raise important new system-theoretic questions. The investigation of these questions falls outside the scope of analytical biology, and belongs rather to relational biology. We shall show that the class of physico-chemical systems which satisfy the basic assumptions made in analytical biology is extremely limited, and apparently excludes many systems of biological interest.
A study of the lipogenic inhibitory mechanisms induced by fasting

Abstract Cytoplasmic particles from livers of fasted rats inhibit fatty acid synthesis by the hepatic supernatant enzyme system. In contrast, the cytoplasmic particles from livers of fed rats stimulate lipogenesis by the supernatant system. The microsomes from livers of fasted rats have the most marked inhibitory activity, which is associated with a material that is protein in nature. The inhibition occurs at the acetyl carboxylase step. Restriction of the amount of ATP available for this reaction by means of an increased microsomal ATPase is probably an important part of the inhibitory action. A microsomal interaction with the particle-free supernatant is also involved in the inhibitory action. The possible physiological significance of lipogenic inhibitors is discussed.
Pituitary tumors in childhood: update of diagnosis, treatment and molecular genetics

Pituitary tumors are rare in childhood and adolescence, with a reported prevalence of up to one per 1 million children. Only 2-6% of surgically treated pituitary tumors occur in children. Although pituitary tumors in children are almost never malignant and hormonal secretion is rare, these tumors may result in significant morbidity. Tumors within the pituitary fossa are mainly of two types: craniopharyngiomas and adenomas. Craniopharyngiomas cause symptoms by compressing normal pituitary, causing hormonal deficiencies and producing mass effects on surrounding tissues and the brain; adenomas produce a variety of hormonal conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, Cushing disease and acromegaly or gigantism. Little is known about the genetic causes of sporadic lesions, which comprise the majority of pituitary tumors, but in children, more frequently than in adults, pituitary tumors may be a manifestation of genetic conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, Carney complex, familial isolated pituitary adenoma and McCune-Albright syndrome. The study of pituitary tumorigenesis in the context of these genetic syndromes has advanced our knowledge of the molecular basis of pituitary tumors and may lead to new therapeutic developments.
Combustion of carbonaceous deposits within porous catalyst particles: III. The CO2CO product ratio

In the combustion of carbonaceous deposits (“coke”) on porous catalysts, a large spectrum of CO2CO product ratios is observed. It results from a definite initial ratio at the burning site dependent on temperature only, and subsequent oxidation of CO to CO2 determined by a catalytic rate constant and the rate of diffusional escape of the carbon monoxide from the particle.
On the multiple cycles of bacteriorhodopsin at high pH

Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) shows at least two parallel photocycles at pH 10.5, suggesting that more than one form of bR exists in alkaline bR sample. Upon the absorption of visible light, the different forms of bR at high pH yield different parallel intermediates: M412 with two rise and two decay components; and R, an extremely fast rising and extremely slow decaying intermediate with an absorption peak at 350 nm. The kinetics and spectra do not agree with the proposal of Kouyama el al. (1988, Biochemistry 27,5855–5863) that the 350 nm-absorbing species is the N intermediate which follows M412 and that the slow decaying M412 is an M-like photoproduct of N. Our results basically agree with the proposal of Dacshazy et al. (1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85,6358–6361) that the fast and slow decaying M412 intermediates and R are in independent photocycles arising from different forms of bR. The different forms of bR are probably in dynamic equilibrium with their ratios controlled by pH and ionic strength.
3-D AE visualization of bone-cement fatigue locations.

This study addresses the visualization of crack locations in bone-cement material using a three-dimensional acoustic emission source location technique. Computer software based on an earthquake location technique was developed to determine AE source locations and was used to investigate material cracks formed at the tip of a notch in bone cement. The computed locations show that the cracks form linear features with dimensions between 0.1 and 0.2 mm although larger linear features (almost 3.5 mm) also are present. There is a difference of about 2.5 mm between the average of the event locations, and the location of the tip of the notch is 2.5 mm, which may be due to the finite size of the sensors (5 mm in diameter).
Influence of fatty acids and an oral contraceptive on the eyes of a nonhuman primate.

Abstract The effect of dietary fat and long-term treatment with an oral contraceptive on the blood vessels and other tissues of the eye was studied in female African green monkeys. Groups of monkeys were treated for 22 months as follows: diet enriched with safflower oil with and without oral contraceptive, diet enriched with butter with and without oral contraceptive. A satellite group of male monkeys was maintained on a safflower oil diet without oral contraceptive for determination of possible differences due to gender. Eyes were examined histopathologically, and the retina, cornea, and corneal epithelium were analyzed morphometrically. Vascular lesions were observed in the eyes of monkeys receiving the butter-enriched diet. In addition, perivascular lesions of the central retinal artery and vein occurred in the butter diet group receiving oral contraceptive, and the vessels were partially occluded by proliferation of subintimal cells. The corneal stroma was significantly thicker in monkeys on the butter diet receiving oral contraceptive than in those not treated with oral contraceptive. Retinas of animals treated with oral contraceptive and butter-enriched diet were significantly thinner than those in monkeys without oral contraceptive. Ocular lesions and retinal changes were not observed in monkeys on the safflower oil diet with or without oral contraceptive.
Fitting Mixed-Effects Models Using Efficient EM-Type Algorithms

Abstract In recent years numerous advances in EM methodology have led to algorithms which can be very efficient when compared with both their EM predecessors and other numerical methods (e.g., algorithms based on Newton—Raphson). This article combines several of these new methods to develop a set of mode-finding algorithms for the popular mixed-effects model which are both fast and more reliable than such standard algorithms as proc mixed in SAS. We present efficient algorithms for maximum likelihood (ML), restricted maximum likelihood (REML), and computing posterior modes with conjugate proper and improper priors. These algorithms are not only useful in their own right, but also illustrate how parameter expansion, conditional data augmentation, and the ECME algorithm can be used in conjunction to form efficient algorithms. In particular, we illustrate a difficulty in using the typically very efficient PXEM (parameter-expanded EM) for posterior calculations, but show how algorithms based on conditional da...
Observations on the Entrapment of Organic Matter within the Particle Structure of Calcareous Sediments

IN the course of experiments on the metabolism of intact sediment communities we had to determine the concentration of ninhydrin-positive substances associated with the sediments. In addition, data on the uptake of free amino-acids from solution by these sediments was needed.
Separation of tetracycline and its degradation products by capillary zone electrophoresis

Abstract The capillary zone electrophoresis of tetracycline and its degradation products is described. Various substances, including surfactants and metal ions, were employed as additives in the running electrolyte to improve the resolution. Using disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate as an additive in phosphate buffer solution, tetracycline and its degradation products were completely separated from each other. The baseline separation obtained completely meets the needs for determining the contents of tetracycline, 4-epitetracycline, anhydrotetracycline (ATC) and 4-epianhydrotetracycline (EATC) in tetracycline samples. Further, two unknown substances co-existing with ATC and EATC were separated that had not been mentioned or separated before. Further investigations using other techniques are needed to determine the structures of these two unknown substances. The pH dependence of the migration behaviour of tetracycline and its degradation products was also explored. The migration behaviour of zwitterionic substances is so depending on the pH of the buffer than the elution order may be changed with change in pH. The pH dependence of electroosmotic flow over the pH range 4–11 was also determined.
The Influence of Light and Darkness Upon the Reproductive Performance of the Fowl 1. Effect of Continuous, Intermittent, and Flashing Light on Egg Production, Feed Consumption, and Body Weight

Abstract THE use of supplemental light to stimulate winter egg production by providing a 13 to 14 hour day has been reported by many investigators, but no method of lighting hens in production has been developed that will consistently improve egg production for the entire year (Dougherty, 1922; Kable, Fox and Lund, 1928; Smith, 1942; and Eramus, 1955). More than 13 hours and even 24 hours of light per day do not consistently improve egg production (Kennard and Chamberlin, 1931; Penquite and Thompson, 1933; and Moore and Mehrhof, 1946). Egg production can be maintained, but at a reduced rate on as little as 11 hours of light (Dobie, Carver and Roberts, 1946). Chickens, once in production, can lay at a low rate for at least as long as four weeks if given but six periods of one minute of light per day (Wilson and Abplanalp, 1956). Caged chickens, also once in…
A Conserved Upstream Motif Orchestrates Autonomous, Germline-Enriched Expression of Caenorhabditis elegans piRNAs

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) fulfill a critical, conserved role in defending the genome against foreign genetic elements. In many organisms, piRNAs appear to be derived from processing of a long, polycistronic RNA precursor. Here, we establish that each Caenorhabditis elegans piRNA represents a tiny, autonomous transcriptional unit. Remarkably, the minimal C. elegans piRNA cassette requires only a 21 nucleotide (nt) piRNA sequence and an ∼50 nt upstream motif with limited genomic context for expression. Combining computational analyses with a novel, in vivo transgenic system, we demonstrate that this upstream motif is necessary for independent expression of a germline-enriched, Piwi-dependent piRNA. We further show that a single nucleotide position within this motif directs differential germline enrichment. Accordingly, over 70% of C. elegans piRNAs are selectively expressed in male or female germline, and comparison of the genes they target suggests that these two populations have evolved independently. Together, our results indicate that C. elegans piRNA upstream motifs act as independent promoters to specify which sequences are expressed as piRNAs, how abundantly they are expressed, and in what germline. As the genome encodes well over 15,000 unique piRNA sequences, our study reveals that the number of transcriptional units encoding piRNAs rivals the number of mRNA coding genes in the C. elegans genome.
Reducing sudden death syndrome in soybean by amending the soil with chloride

Abstract Sudden death syndrome (SDS) caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. f. sp. glycines form. nov. is a soil‐borne disease that affects soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown in soils with a high yield potential. Research indicates that take‐all [Gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc.) Arx & Oliv. var. tritici Walker], a soil‐borne disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), can be partially controlled by chloride (Cl‐) containing fertilizers. Field research was established in 1992 to evaluate Cl‐ rates and application timing on SDS. The research was expanded in 1993 to evaluate fertilization of two soybean cultivars in a soybean‐corn rotation. The research was conducted on a Falaya silt loam (coarse‐silty, mixed, acid, thermic, Aeric Fluvaquents) having a history of SDS. The experimental design of the first test was a split‐plot. Main plots were 42, 83, 125, and 166 lb potassium (K) acre‐1 applied as KCl. Subplots were timing of the fertilizer application, at planting or one month later. To evaluate the Cl‐ ef...
Park-Based Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents

Background Availability of parks is associated with higher levels of physical activity among children and adolescents. Few studies examine actual park use and park-based physical activity in these populations. Purpose This study examined associations among individual, park, and neighborhood environmental characteristics and children's and adolescent's park-based physical activity. Methods Data were collected in 2007 on 2712 children in 20 randomly selected parks in Durham NC. The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) provided measures of physical activity. Hierarchic regression analysis assessed associations among individual, park, and neighborhood environmental characteristics and children's park-based physical activity. Data were analyzed in 2010. Results Of the 2712 children observed, 34.2% and 13.2% were engaged in walking or vigorous physical activity. Environmental features of parks were associated with activity levels whereas neighborhood characteristics were not. Physical activity was negatively associated with gender (girls) ( p =0.003); presence of a parent ( p p =0.006); and an interaction involving the 0–5 years age group and style of play ( p =0.017). Higher level of physical activity was associated with presence of other active children ( p p =0.004). Conclusions These social factors and design features should be considered in order to stimulate higher levels of park-based physical activity among children and adolescents.
Growth of HgZnTe by directional solidification in a magnetic field

Abstract Hg0.84Zn0.16Te crystals were grown vertically by directional solidification in a 5 T axial magnetic field. Growth in an identical thermal environment but without the presence of magnetic field was also performed. The ingots were partially grown and quenched to preserve the growth interface shapes. The effects of magnetic damping on the buoyancy-driven convective flows in the melt were investigated by examining the quenched-in interface shapes and by measuring the composition variations along the axial and radial directions of the grown ingots and comparing them with those of ingots grown without a field.
Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure Planning: A GIS-Supported Approach

ABSTRACT This paper presents a conceptual geographical information systems (GIS)-supported sustainable tourism infrastructure planning (STIP) framework including attraction, service and transportation facilities. This framework focuses on tourism planning as an integrated approach based on sustainability criteria. STIP aims to integrate a set of sustainability criteria (i.e. development objectives, visitor experience preferences, carrying capacity standards and resource impacts) into infrastructure planning via GIS. Based on these criteria, STIP provides protected area management insights in the most sustainable locations and layout of future infrastructure. STIP involves three phases: a visitor segmentation (not GIS supported) phase, a zoning phase (GIS supported) and a transportation network planning phase (GIS supported). To demonstrate the integration of these phases, STIP was applied as a trail planning demonstration on data (i.e. social and physical) from the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a tropical rai...
Using knowledge-assisted discriminant analysis to generate new comparative terms

In this paper we present a method — knowledge-assisted discriminant analysis — to generate new comparative terms on symbolic and numeric attributes. The method has been implemented and tested on three real-world databases: mushroom classification, letter recognition, and liver disorder diagnosis. The experiment results show that combining AI and statistical techniques is an effective and efficient way to enhance a machine learning system’s concept description language in order to learn simple and comprehensible rules.
The long-term adoption of speech recognition in medical applications

This paper presents a survey on the long-term adoption of speech recognition in medical applications. Thirty-one participants who authored papers on medical speech recognition applications responded to the survey. The participants viewed speech technology more favorably today than when they originally published their papers. However, the adoption of speech applications did not always correspond with their enthusiasm. The survey suggested that hands-busy, eyes-busy, and mobility requirements are not always enough to offset current limitations in speech technology, There may need to be other benefits, such as decreased medical costs and increased quality of care, or other factors, such as using a limited vocabulary.
Rebound Increase in Thrombin Generation and Activity After Cessation of Intravenous Heparin in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background The abrupt cessation of heparin and other thrombin inhibitors when used to treat acute coronary syndromes has been accompanied by a clustering of thrombotic events. It is unknown whether these events are the result of inadequate antithrombin therapy or whether they represent a rebound increase in thrombin activity. This study was designed to determine whether there is a true rebound, as defined by an increase followed by a subsequent decrease, in thrombin activity after discontinuation of intravenous heparin therapy. Methods and Results Thirty-five patients with recent acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina who had received at least 48 hours of intravenous heparin were studied. Patients underwent ST-segment monitoring, and blood samples for determination of thrombin generation and activity were drawn at 0, 3, 6, 10, and 24 hours after heparin discontinuation. Median aPTT was 65 seconds before heparin discontinuation. Median fibrinopeptide A increased from 9.5 to 16.9 ng/mL at 3 hours ( P <.0004) and returned to 10.5 by 24 hours. Prothrombin fragment 1.2 likewise transiently increased, from 0.34 to 0.51 nmol/L at 6 hours ( P <.0002). Modified antithrombin III decreased over time ( P <.002), and activated protein C increased from 2.3 to 4.5 ng/mL at 3 hours ( P <.001). Although there were no clinical thrombotic events in the first 24 hours, 4 patients had evidence of ischemia by ST-segment monitoring at a median of 12 hours after heparin discontinuation. The degree of increase in fibrinopeptide A and prothrombin fragment 1.2 was not found to be associated with baseline diagnosis, duration of heparin therapy, baseline level of antithrombin III, or activated protein C. Conclusions This study demonstrates a transient rebound increase in thrombin activity as well as in activated protein C upon abrupt discontinuation of intravenous heparin. Clinicians should be vigilant for associated thrombotic events. Further investigation of the significance, mechanism, and possible prevention of this rebound phenomenon is needed.
Mexican Workers and U.S. Agriculture: The Revolving Door

Western U.S. agriculture is an industry that has shaped and been shaped by a peculiar labor policy: seasonal workers were outsiders who looked to agriculture for jobs, not careers. They did not plan to remain farm workers, and the industry and community in which they worked and lived did not see them as long-term settlers. The immigration and integration policy, in effect, was to recruit new workers willing to accommodate themselves to seasonal employment, and to avoid their integration in agricultural areas. Thus, for most immigrant workers, economic mobility required geographic mobility. However, the major policy issue is not how to enhance the upward mobility of immigrant farm workers and their children; it is how U.S. agriculture should gain access to immigrant farm workers.
NMDA NR2B subtype-selective receptor antagonists fail to antagonize electrically-precipitated seizures and elicit popping in mice.

Abstract NR2B-subtype-selective antagonists differ from MK-801, a nonselective NMDA receptor antagonist. MK-801 antagonizes electrical seizures at doses as low as 0.1 to 0.18 mg/kg and elicits popping at doses as low as 0.5 mg/kg, whereas ifenprodil and Ro 8-4304 were unable to do so at the doses tested. Ro 25-6981, however, was able to antagonize electrically-precipitated tonic hindlimb extension at 100 mg/kg, but was not able to elicit popping behavior at this dose.
Nitrogen as a potential health hazard

Possible ways in which disturbances of the nitrogen cycle might result in deleterious effects on human and animal life are discussed, including the hazardous properties of oxides ofN, nitrate and nitrite, and certain N-nitroso compounds that may be found in the environment. The main biological actions of oxides of N are caused by NO 2 , which is a powerful respiratory irritant. Nitrates have relatively low toxicity but nitrites can cause methaemoglobinaemia, which may be fatal, particularly in infants. Nitrosamines occur in the environment in very low concentrations in certain foods, in tobacco smoke, and in the atmosphere in some areas. Carcinogenic nitrosamines can also be formed in the body by reaction of endogenous amines with nitrites, part of the latter being derived from saliva. Although nitrosamines are established as powerful carcinogens in animals, their possible role in human cancer is uncertain and requires further study.
La prononciation française pour de vrai by SEWELL, PENNY French Pronunciation: Your Key to Success by SEWELL, PENELOPE

The article reviews the book "La prononciation francaise pour de vrai," (French Pronunciation: Your Key to Success) by Penny Sewell
Numerical Methods for Differential Equations in Random Domains

Physical phenomena in domains with rough boundaries play an important role in a variety of applications. Often the topology of such boundaries cannot be accurately described in all of its relevant detail due to either insufficient data or measurement errors or both. This topological uncertainty can be efficiently handled by treating rough boundaries as random fields, so that an underlying physical phenomenon is described by deterministic or stochastic differential equations in random domains. To deal with this class of problems, we propose a novel computational framework, which is based on using stochastic mappings to transform the original deterministic/stochastic problem in a random domain into a stochastic problem in a deterministic domain. The latter problem has been studied more extensively, and existing analytical/numerical techniques can be readily applied. In this paper, we employ both a stochastic Galerkin method and Monte Carlo simulations to solve the transformed stochastic problem. We demonstrate our approach by applying it to an elliptic problem in single- and double-connected random domains, and comment on the accuracy and convergence of the numerical methods.
Photochemical Spacecraft Self-Contamination: Laboratory Results and Systems Impacts

Abstract : It has become clear that photochemical reactions induced by solar vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation play a substantial role in contaminant accretion and effects. A series of laboratory measurements of the absolute rates of adsorption, desorption, and VUV-induced deposition of contaminants have been made under simulated spacecraft conditions. The results of these experiments, together with analyses of operational and experimental flight data, show conclusively that the role of sunlight is not merely to darken or fix previously condensed contaminant films, but also to promote the irreversible deposition of contaminant films under conditions in which condensation would not occur. A simple model of the kinetics of photochemical deposition, based on a competition between desorption and photolysis of a transiently adsorbed contaminant molecule, using experimentally measured parameters, is reasonably successful in describing the deposition process. These laboratory experiments and analyses of space-flight experience reveal that photochemical deposition is significant mechanism whereby contaminant films accrete on orbit and must be considered in the design of future vehicles.