cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphonyl/hydroxyl hydrogen bonding-induced miscibility of poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide/sulfone) statistical copolymers with poly(hydroxy ether) (phenoxy resin) : Synthesis and characterization

High molecular weight bisphenol A or hydroquinone-based poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide/sulfone) homopolymer or statistical copolymers were synthesized and characterized by thermal analysis, gel permeation chromatography, and intrinsic viscosity. Miscibility studies of blends of these copolymers with a (bisphenol A)-epichlorohydrin based poly(hydroxy ether), termed phenoxy resin, were conducted by infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. All of the data are consistent with strong hydrogen bonding between the phosphonyl groups of the copolymers and the pendent hydroxyl groups of the phenoxy resin as the miscibility-inducing mechanism. Complete miscibility at all blend compositions was achieved with as little as 20 mol % of phosphine oxide units in the bisphenol A poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide/sulfone) copolymer. Single glass transition temperatures (Tg) from about 100 to 200°C were achieved. Replacement of bisphenol A by hydroquinone in the copolymer synthesis did not significantly affect blend miscibilities. Examination of the data within the framework of four existing blend Tg composition equations revealed Tg elevation attributable to phosphonyl/hydroxyl hydrogen bonding interactions. Because of the structural similarities of phenoxy, epoxy, and vinylester resins, the new poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide/sulfone) copolymers should find many applications as impact-improving and interphase materials in thermoplastics and thermoset composite blend compositions. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 1849–1862, 1999
Rational approach to implementation of prostate cancer antigen 3 into clinical care.

Background—Prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) encodes a prostate-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) that serves as the target for a novel urinary molecular assay for prostate cancer detection. Our objective is to evaluate the ability of PCA3 in addition to serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to predict cancer detection by extended template biopsy.
Mechanisms of choking and entrainment

Abstract The related phenomena of choking in pneumatic transport systems and of entrainment from fluid beds have been the subject of considerable empirical correlation and theoretical speculation. For dilute suspensions, such as occur in transport and entrainment, literature data indicate that slip velocity increases as voidage decreases. This paper demonstrates that such a slip—voidage relation leads to a limiting envelope of lines of constant voidage on coordinates of volumetric particle flux versus fluid velocity. The limiting envelope defines the boundary between dilute phase and dense phase flow and determines the solids flux—gas velocity—voidage relationships at choking or entrainment conditions.
An efficient method for homologous gene reconstitution in Cryptococcus gattii using URA5 auxotrophic marker.

Cryptococcus gattii (Cg) is an emerging pathogen of both healthy and immunocompromised patients worldwide. Understanding the molecular genetic basis of virulence and physiology of this pathogen will be critical for defining its pathogenic mechanisms. The purine biosynthetic gene, URA5 encoding orate phosphorybosyltransferase (OPRTase), has been successfully used as a selectable marker for gene disruption by transformation and homologous recombination in Cg. Here, we report the characterization of ura5 auxotrophy and URA5 reversion phenomenon at the molecular, genetic, and structural levels, and use of ura5→URA5 reversion as a tool for reconstitution of gene of interest and auxotrophic marker to their native loci. We identified a single mutation of GG128T→GAT with substitution of glycine to aspartic acid at amino acid position 43 resulting in ura5 auxotrophy. The ura5→URA5 reversion on CSM lacking uracil (CSM-U) was found to be a rare phenomenon with a reversion frequency of 0.000002%, and sequence analysis of URA5 from all the reverted strains revealed mutation of GA128T→GGT back to its ancestral state. The URA5 allele in the reverted strains was fully functional, as demonstrated by the excellent growth of these strains on medium lacking uracil, as well as by the ability of this allele to efficiently transform ura5 mutant to restore prototrophy. The deduced Cg URA5 protein modeled on the known crystal structures of OPRTase from Salmonella typhimurium (1LH0_A, 1STO) and from Escherichia coli (1ORO_A) indicated that the glycine 43 of Cg URA5 was situated on a conserved loop, and it’s substitution to more globose aspartic acid may have resulted in URA5 inactivation in auxotrophic strain. The advantages of this approach for the generation of a reconstituted strain are (1) that it restores the functionality of the native URA5, (2) that it eliminates an additional biolistic delivery of exogenous URA5, and (3) that it allows easy selection of reconstituted strains with homologous integration. This strategy was successfully used for the generation of Cgcan2+CAN2/URA5 homologous reconstituted strains, which grew in ambient air to the wild-type level while can2 mutant exhibited severe growth defect under similar conditions.
Soft tissue tumor pathology: New diagnostic immunohistochemical markers

Recent insights into the pathogenesis of various soft tissue tumors, along with the identification of recurrent molecular alterations characteristic of specific tumor types, have resulted in the development of many diagnostically useful immunohistochemical markers. In some cases, expression of these markers is significantly associated with distinctive clinical and histologic features, which may impart prognostic or predictive information. This review outlines new diagnostic immunohistochemical markers in soft tissue tumor pathology, emphasizing their utility in clinical practice and potential pitfalls, molecular correlates and clinical associations.
Saltwater sport fishing for food or income in the Northeastern US: Statistical estimates and policy implications

Abstract In the Northeast US fishery managers have attempted to control marine recreational fishing mortality through annual adjustments to the number and/or size of fish that can be kept. These measures, with a few exceptions, have generally failed to prevent recreational fishing mortality rates from exceeding annual target levels. In this study, we show that one of the reasons why keep limits may have failed is that a substantial number of anglers obtain little value from being able to keep self-caught fish. Our findings are based on a telephone survey administered to marine anglers in all of the coastal counties in the Northeast US in 2004/2005. To evaluate the importance of keeping self-caught fish, we provide estimates of the size of the marine angling population in the Northeast US that keeps fish for food or income and also for those that fish primarily for recreation and place little or no value on keeping fish. Demographic characteristics of the two groups of anglers are compared statistically and differences related to consumption of self-caught marine resources and to health warning advisories are discussed. We also estimate the size of the Northeast US angling population that relies on their self-caught marine resources as a cost-saving food source or as a supplement to household income. This information could improve the effectiveness of fisheries regulations and the ability of policy analysts to predict how anglers might be affected by proposed fishery management actions.
On human speech, syntax, and language

The evolution of human speech and syntax, which appear to be the defining characteristics of modern human beings, is discussed. Speech depends on the morphology of the mouth, tongue, and larynx which yield the human «vocal tract», and neural mechanisms that facilitate the perception of speech and make possible the control of the articulatory gestures that underly speech. The neural mechanisms that underly human syntax may have derived by means of the Darwinian process of preadaption from the structures of the brain that first evolved to facilitate speech motor control. Recent data consistent with this theory are presented; deficits in the comprehension of syntax of normal aged people are correlated with a slowdown in speech rate.
Quantitative variations in the expression of the mouse serum antigen Ss and its sex-limited allotype Slp

A radial immunodiffusion assay for quantitation of the Ss and Slp serum antigens is described. Significant differences between the mean serum concentrations of Ss and Slp were found among various inbred strains. Some of these differences have been shown to be associated with the H-2 haplotype. The quantitative difference between Slp levels associated with the H-2a and H-2S haplotypes has been used as a marker for the S region in the analysis of certain H-2 recombinant strains [A.TH, B10.S(7R), B10.S(9R), and B10.BSVS]. Male mice of two strains with the H-2b haplotype have been shown to have significantly lower levels of Ss compared to males of the other strains tested. Male mice of every strain examined were found to have significantly higher levels of Ss in their serum than females of the same strain. The molecular relationship and developmental patterns of the Ss and Slp antigens have also been investigated using the radial immunodiffusion assay.
RSQRT: An heuristic for estimating the number of clusters to report

Clustering can be a valuable tool for analyzing large data sets, such as in e-commerce applications. Anyone who clusters must choose how many item clusters, K, to report. Unfortunately, one must guess at K or some related parameter. Elsewhere we introduced a strongly-supported heuristic, RSQRT, which predicts K as a function of the attribute or item count, depending on attribute scales. We conducted a second analysis where we sought confirmation of the heuristic, analyzing data sets from the UCI machine learning benchmark repository. For the 25 studies where sufficient detail was available, we again found strong support. Also, in a side-by-side comparison of 28 studies, RSQRT best-predicted K and the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) predicted K are the same. RSQRT has a lower cost of O(log log n) versus O(n^2) for BIC, and is more widely applicable. Using RSQRT prospectively could be much better than merely guessing.
“Living in Each Other's Pockets”: The Navigation of Social Distances by Middle Class Families in Los Angeles

In Hollywood movies and dystopian critiques, Los Angeles is two cities: one wealthy, white, and gated, the other impoverished, dark, and carceral. This depiction verges on caricature, eliding the d...
No Reservations Required? Defending Anti-Nominalism

In a 2005 paper, John Burgess and Gideon Rosen offer a new argument against nominalism in the philosophy of mathematics. The argument proceeds from the thesis that mathematics is part of science, and that core existence theorems in mathematics are both accepted by mathematicians and acceptable by mathematical standards. David Liggins (2007) criticizes the argument on the grounds that no adequate interpretation of "acceptable by mathematical standards" can be given which preserves the soundness of the overall argument. In this discussion I offer a defense of the Burgess-Rosen argument against Liggins's objection. I show how plausible versions of the argument can be constructed based on either of two interpretations of mathematical acceptability, and I locate the argument in the space of contemporary anti-nominalist views.
Distinct requirements for C.elegans TAFIIs in early embryonic transcription

TAF II s are conserved components of the TFIID, TFTC and SAGA‐related mRNA transcription complexes. In yeast (y), yTAF II 17 is required broadly for transcription, but various other TAF II s appear to have more specialized functions. It is important to determine how TAF II s contribute to transcription in metazoans, which have larger and more diverse genomes. We have examined TAF II functions in early Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, which can survive without transcription for several cell generations. We show that taf‐10 ( yTAF II 17 ) and taf‐11 ( yTAF II 25 ) are required for a significant fraction of transcription, but apparently are not needed for expression of multiple developmental and other metazoan‐specific genes. In contrast, taf‐5 ( yTAF II 48 ; human TAF II 130 ) seems to be required for essentially all early embryonic mRNA transcription. We conclude that TAF‐10 and TAF‐11 have modular functions in metazoans, and can be bypassed at many metazoan‐specific genes. The broad involvement of TAF‐5 in mRNA transcription in vivo suggests a requirement for either TFIID or a TFTC‐like complex.
Comparison of local ordering of orthohydrogen molecules above and below the percolation threshold in solid ortho-para mixtures

Abstract We report measurements of the local orientational ordering in solid ortho-para hydrogen mixtures for ortho concentrations near the site percolation threshold. The results indicate a weak collective ordering for concentrations above percolation which is absent for low concentrations.
Effect of age and dietary protein level on ovine nitrogen metabolism--I. Evidence of comparable metabolizable nitrogen availability.

Seven 8-month old and seven 9-yr old ewes were utilized to study the effects of age and dietary protein level on nitrogen and organic matter digestibilities and urinary and plasma nitrogenous constituents. Animals were fed individual maintenance levels, based on metabolic body size (W0.75), of a diet containing 10% crude protein in trial 1 and isocaloric amounts of a diet containing 20% crude protein in trial 2. No age-related differences occurred in either trial for apparent digestible nitrogen (ADN) or organic matter. Nitrogen retention (g/kg W0.75/day) was 0.09 ± 0.02 and 0.10 ± 0.01 in trial 1 and 0.09 ± 0.03 and 0.14 ± 0.03 in trial 2 for young and old ewes, respectively. Total urinary N as a percentage of ADN did not differ by age in either trial, and the relative proportions of urinary urea, ammonia-N and creatinine-N were comparable. Plasma urea and ammonia nitrogen were also similar for the two age groups in both trials. Asparagine, alanine, valine, leucine and total branched chain amino acids were significantly higher while arginine was lower in the plasma of young ewes in trial 1. In trial 2, glutamine, citrulline and arginine were significantly lower in the plasma of young ewes. Concentrations of essential, nonessential, branched and total amino acids were negatively correlated with protein retention in trial 1, while no significant correlations were observed in trial 2. These data suggest that in ewes of different ages fed at maintenance, availability of metabolizable nitrogen is comparable as indicated by no significant differences observed in digestion, absorption or excretion of nitrogen-containing metabolites measured in these studies. Thus, the differences seen in various plasma parameters reflect differences in metabolic processes due to age.
Priority Fights in Economic Science: Paradox and Resolution

Eponymic honor is a common form of professional recognition in economics, as it is in other sciences. There also seems to be convincing evidence that individuals exposed to economic theory behave less cooperatively and more self-interestedly than individuals who have not been exposed to such economic ideas. Taken together these two facts would seem to suggest that the history of economic thought would be a history of rather contentious priority fights. If economists generally behave in self-interested and non-cooperative ways, and having your name attached to a particular result serves one's professional self-interest, then economists should be quick to fight for these eponymic honors. This means that economists should be continually involved in sordid disputes about who does, and who does not, get credit for various economic discoveries. The paradox is that such priority fights do not exist in economics. The paper examines absence of such disputes from a Mertonian perspective.
Nurse's Aides in Nursing Homes: The Relationship Between Organization and Quality

This study examines the work of the nurse's aide through a combination of participant observation and in-depth interviews with 30 nurse's aides. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory method of constant comparative dimensional analysis. Findings suggest that strategies developed by individual nurse's aides to organize their work are important determinants of both the quality of care and worker turnover. Quality of care may be better explained by Litwak's theory about the difficult juxtaposition between primary and formal groups than by the nurse's aides' lack of knowledge.
Periurethral and paravaginal anatomy: an endovaginal magnetic resonance imaging study.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Endoluminal and phased-array coil techniques both improve the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging. This descriptive study combined these techniques to image the female periurethal and paravaginal anatomy. STUDY DESIGN: Four continent nulliparous women and four incontinent women with bladder neck descent or paravaginal support defects were studied with a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging unit by use of a vaginally placed endoluminal coil coupled to a pelvic phased-array coil. RESULTS: The posterior pubourethral ligaments and paravaginal attachments were effectively imaged. Images correlated with clinically appreciated paravaginal defects. A trend toward doubling of the volume of the retropubic space was seen in the incontinent group compared with the continent group. Distances from the posterior symphysis to the anterior vaginal wall were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: An endovaginally placed colon coil coupled to a pelvic phased-array coil allows detailed magnetic resonance imaging of the periurethral and paravaginal anatomy.
Building the Big Tent for Statistics

For many years, it has been the custom for the past president of the American Statistical Association (ASA) to introduce the presidential address. The 2012 introduction, given by Past President Nan...
Leveraging the biology of adversity to address the roots of disparities in health and development

Extensive evidence that personal experiences and environmental exposures are embedded biologically (for better or for worse) and the cumulative knowledge of more than four decades of intervention research provide a promising opportunity to mobilize evolving scientific insights to catalyze a new era of more effective early childhood policy and practice. Drawing on emerging hypotheses about causal mechanisms that link early adversity with lifelong impairments in learning, behavior, and health, this paper proposes an enhanced theory of change to promote better outcomes for vulnerable, young children by strengthening caregiver and community capacities to reduce or mitigate the impacts of toxic stress, rather than simply providing developmental enrichment for the children and parenting education for their mothers.
The path of least resistance to success in chronic hypertension

The ROX Coupler is a stented arterial-venous anastomosis intended for implantation in the external iliac artery and vein. Prior studies of the ROX Coupler show that it increases cardiac output, oxygen delivery, and decreases systemic vascular resistance, thereby lowering blood pressure. Clinical data for the ROX Coupler demonstrates significant reduction in blood pressure but proximal venous stenoses have been seen post-implantation requiring treatment.
Codeswitching: Black English and Standard English in the African-American Linguistic Repertoire.

In this paper, Black English (BE) and standard English (SE) are treated as two different closely‐related linguistic systems which coexist in the African‐American linguistic repertoire. Each system is defined as an autonomous grammar, and the interaction between them is considered to be governed by the same principles as those that govern languages in contact generally. In the process of collecting data for the purpose of describing the BE grammar the author observed some of the informants apparently codeswitching. This paper focuses on a middle‐class female informant who appears to be a balanced bilingual. In the first few minutes of her performance she could be mistaken for a monolingual SE speaker. As the session progresses, however, she makes several notable switches to BE. Her last performance, in contrast to the earlier ones, is frequently in BE. The evidence considered in this paper is striking counter evidence to the claim that BE is spoken mainly by poor and uneducated persons.
Observation of Nonobligatory Potential Structure in a Collision of the Second Kind

Low-energy structure in the total He ${2}^{3}S\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Ne} 4{s}^{\ensuremath{'}}[\frac{1}{2}]_{1}^{0}$, $4{s}^{\ensuremath{'}}[\frac{1}{2}]_{0}^{0}$ transfer cross section has been extracted from temperature-dependent pulsed-afterglow measurements. The results confirm the existence of a nonobligatory potential barrier in an exothermic atomatom transfer collision.
Social Indicators and Second-Order Consequences of Health Care Delivery

Abstract A social systems model is developed that permits the anticipation of the effect on health of demographic changes in the population and of modifications to the health service delivery system serving the population. Parameters of this model have been estimated from data from the state of New Mexico. The model indicates that the availability of hospital facilities is a significant factor in reducing morbidity levels.
Inhibition of high-mobility-group A2 protein binding to DNA by netropsin : A biosensor-surface plasmon resonance assay

The design of small synthetic molecules that can be used to affect gene expression is an area of active interest for development of agents in therapeutic and biotechnology applications. Many compounds that target the minor groove in AT sequences in DNA are well characterized and are promising reagents for use as modulators of protein-DNA complexes. The mammalian high-mobility-group transcriptional factor HMGA2 also targets the DNA minor groove and plays critical roles in disease processes from cancer to obesity. Biosensor-surface plasmon resonance methods were used to monitor HMGA2 binding to target sites on immobilized DNA, and a competition assay for inhibition of the HMGA2-DNA complex was designed. HMGA2 binds strongly to the DNA through AT hook domains with KD values of 20-40 nM depending on the DNA sequence. The well-characterized minor groove binder netropsin was used to develop and test the assay. The compound has two binding sites in the protein-DNA interaction sequence, and this provides an advantage for inhibition. An equation for analysis of results when the inhibitor has two binding sites in the biopolymer recognition surface is presented with the results. The assay provides a platform for discovery of HMGA2 inhibitors.
Asymmetric volatility transmission in international stock markets

Abstract The transmission mechanism of price and volatility spillovers across the New York, Tokyo and London stock markets is investigated. The asymmetric impact of good news (market advances) and bad news (market declines) on volatility transmission is described by an extended multivariate Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditionally Heteroskedastic (EGARCH) model. Using daily open-to-close returns, we find strong evidence that volatility spillovers in a given market are much more pronounced when the news arriving from the last market to trade is bad. A before and after October 1987 crash analysis reveals that the linkages and interactions among the three markets have increased substantially in the post-crash era, suggesting that national markets have grown more interdependent.
A Study of the Application of Fitts' Law to Selected Cerebral Palsied Adults

Fitts' Law was applied to the evaluation of discrete aimed arm movements in one dimension performed by 6 adults with cerebral palsy and 6 adults with normal movement. Targets (1.27, 3.81, 6.35, 8.89 cm in width) placed at distances of 20.32, 30.48, 40.64, and 50.80 cm provided Indices of Difficulty of 2.19 to 6.32 bits. A video game was used for the signal to move. The t tests for corrected means showed that the cerebral palsied group had greater reaction and movement times than the normal group. Linear regression analyses for pooled data and for the individual cerebral palsied subjects showed (a) no relationship between reaction time and Index of Difficulty for either group and (b) a negative, linear relationship between reaction time and Index of Difficulty for 1 cerebral palsied subject. Movement time was linearly and positively related to the Index of Difficulty for the normal group but not for the cerebral palsied group. Two cerebral palsied subjects had movement times which conformed to Fitts' Law. ...
Effects of juvenile hormone, ecdysteroids and nutrition on larval hemolymph protein gene expression in Galleria mellonella

Abstract Using two cDNA clones which represent the 82 kDa and 76 kDa larval hemolymph protein (LHP) genes of Galleria mellonella, the effects of juvenile hormone (JH), 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) and nutrition on the levels of the correspoding transcripts in last instar larvae were determined. The transcripts coding for LHP82 and LHP76 declined in intact day-2 or day-3 last instar larvae 72–96 hr after application of 20 μg of JH, but in prothorax-ligated day-3 larvae JH had no effect on the levels of these transcripts. Application of 5 μg of 20-HE either to intact or to prothorax-ligated day-3 last instar larvae caused a decline in the levels of both the transcripts in 30–60 hr. Starvation of larvae beginning 24 or 48 hr after the last larval ecdysis did not inhibit production of either of the LHP transcripts, but starvation during the first 24 or 48 hrs of the last larval stadium, followed by normal feeding, delayed production of the LHP transcripts for up to 6 days. Ligation of the starved larvae 2 or 3 days after resumption of feeding accelerated production of the LHP76, but not LHP82, complementary transcripts. These data suggest that the two LHP genes are independently regulated, and that both are repressed by ecdysteroids.
The problem of asking the minimum number of questions in horn clause systems

This paper deals with the issue of question asking strategies in expert systems with Horn clause rule bases. A good strategy would ask as few questions as possible to reach a conclusion. This paper describes the development of an efficient and effective heuristic approach which is an extension of the strategy developed by Wang and Vande Vate [1]. Similar to the original strategy, the proposed approach is also organized into two phases. In the first phase, a set of candidate questions is formed as in the original strategy. In the second phase, a question is selected from the previous set. A new question selection rule is used in the proposed strategy. This rule is optimal, given a set of candidate questions. Furthermore, computational results indicate that the new question asking strategy is a highly effective and efficient practical approach.
Natural killer cell memory

Natural killer (NK) cells are bone marrow–derived granular lymphocytes that have a key role in immune defense against viral and bacterial infections and malignancies. NK cells are traditionally defined as cells of the innate immune response because they lack RAG recombinase–dependent clonal antigen receptors. However, evidence suggests that specific subsets of mouse NK cells can nevertheless develop long-lived and highly specific memory to a variety of antigens. Here we review published evidence of NK cell–mediated, RAG-independent adaptive immunity. We also compare and contrast candidate mechanisms for mammalian NK cell memory and antigen recognition with other examples of RAG-independent pathways that generate antigen receptor diversity in non-mammalian species and discuss NK cell memory in the context of lymphocyte evolution.
Computed tomography systems and their industrial applications

Abstract x-Ray computed axial tomography (CT) provides cross-sectional views of materials, components, and assemblies for industrial non-destructive evaluation. We have applied CT imaging to quantitatively measure the 3-D distribution ogf x-ray attenuation at reasonably high resolutions. In our industrial x-ray CT-studies, we have centered on two technical approaches: a first-generation translate/rotate CT system that consist of well-collimated (∼ 0.55 mm) photon source detector, and a third-generation scanner that uses a fluoroscopy detector.
The Influence of Takeover Protection on Earnings Management

: We examine the relationship between takeover protection and earnings management. Existing theories suggest two contradictory effects of takeover protection on opportunistic earnings management: entrenchment theory suggests an exacerbating effect, whereas both alignment theory and quiet life theory posit a mitigating effect. We find that takeover protection is associated with lower levels of abnormal working capital accruals, lower levels of performance-adjusted abnormal accruals and timelier recognition of losses. Further tests show that takeover protection is associated with lower firm value, which contradicts alignment theory but supports quiet life theory. The results suggest that takeover protection allows managers to enjoy the quiet life and thus mitigates earnings management.
Increased Frequency of Large R-Plasmids in Klebsiella pneumoniae Colonizing Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract From 1978 to 1988 strains of gentamicin-susceptible (Gm s ) and gentamicin-resistant (Gm r ) Klebsiella pneumoniae were saved from annual surveillance cultures of the perineal region of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Of 38 strains selected for further study (24 Gm s and 14 Gm r ), there were 23 different serotypes (two nontypable). Fourteen Gm s as well as 14 Gm r strains displayed no common plasmid patterns, but all contained a large plasmid of 168–208 kb. Among the 14 Gm r strains, nine had large conjugative plasmids of approximately the same size (166–193 kb), which conferred to a susceptible Escherichia coli host an identical resistance pattern: ampicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, piperacillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and tobramycin. Of the nine transconjugants, eight contained a single plasmid. One transconjugant contained a 168-and 80-kb plasmid. Restriction endonuclease digestion patterns of the R-plasmids revealed minimal similarity. We conclude that, during a 10-year period, different large R-plasmids have spread among multiple serotypes of K. pneumoniae in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in one rehabilitation hospital. We hypothesize that other genes located on large, R-, and non-R-plasmids may confer an additional advantage for colonization by K. pneumoniae in SCI patients.
Single-dose antibiotic therapy of urinary tract infection: Is it appropriate in the emergency department?

Accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) is possible in the emergency department. Clinical differentiation of upper tract infection (pyelonephritis) from lower tract infection (cystitis) is difficult. The consequences of untreated UTI justify treatment by the emergency physician. Many treatment schemes are available. Single-dose antibiotic therapy is the preferred treatment method for uncomplicated UTI. It reduces compliance problems, effectively cures lower UTI, and provides for early identification of patients with more complex infection. The complications of this therapy are minimal.
Adjuvant “sandwich” radiation therapy for bladder cancer

Abstract Preliminary results of a study using a new concept of adjuvant "sandwich" radiotherapy in bladder cancer are presented. In this approach low-dose preoperative irradiation (500 rads) is delivered prior to cystectomy, and then on the basis of histopathologic staging patients with superficial tumors (Stages A and B) are followed with no further treatment; patients with deeply invasive tumors (Stages B, Grade III or IV, B 2 or C) are treated with high-dose postoperative irradiation (4,500 rads in five weeks); and patients with advanced or metastasic disease (Stage D) are treated palliatively. Eighteen patients were treated with this approach, and all patients have been followed for at least one year. Sixteen (89 per cent) are alive with no evidence of tumor. One patient died of distant metastasis, and I patient died of peritonitis without evidence of disease. Since recurrence is known to develop in 50 per cent of patients within the first year after treatment, the low rate of failure obtained using this approach of adjuvant "sandwich" radiotherapy with a minimum follow-up of one year appears to be promising. This approach ideally balances the risk versus benefit ratio of adjuvant therapy sparing patients with superficial tumors from unnecessary treatment while treating patients with more advanced disease aggressively.
Fission-track ages of four meteorites

Abstract A method for selective annealing of cosmic-ray tracks has been developed, permitting determination of fission-track ages in the presence of a large background of cosmic-ray tracks. The mesosiderite Bondoc contains 41 fission tracks/cm2, of which about 75% are due to neutron-induced fission of U235 during cosmic-ray exposure. Its net fission-track age is 140 ± 40 Myr, nearly identical to its cosmic-ray exposure age of 150 Myr. The mesosiderite Mincy has a fission-track age of 1500 ± 400 Myr. Nakhla (nakhlite) contains an excess of apparent fission tracks, which may be either genuine fission tracks from Pu244 or etch pits mimicking fission tracks in length, thermal stability, random orientation, and other characteristics. On the assumption that they are fission tracks, the Pu244/U238 ratio at the onset of track retention in Nakhla was (3.1 ± 1.3) × 10−3, nearly an order of magnitude lower than the initial solar system ratio. This may reflect a chemical fractionation of Pu and U, or a late impact or magmatic event. Different minerals of the Washougal howardite have different Pu244/U238 ratios, from (24 ± 7) × 10−3 to (2.3 ± 0.7) × 10−3. This may imply a succession of impacts over a period of time. Additionally, Pu and U may have been chemically fractionated from each other in this meteorite. Shocked meteorites show no consistent pattern in the retentivity of fission tracks and of fissiogenic or radiogenic noble gases. Some meteorites, e.g. Bondoc, Serra de Mage, and Mincy, retain gases more completely than tracks; others, e.g. Nakhla and Allende, retain them less completely. Uranium was determined in feldspar and/or pyroxene from 19 Ca-rich achondrites and mesosiderites. For most, only upper limits of 0.01–0.03 ppb were obtained. Apparently the uranium in these meteorites resides almost exclusively in minor phases, as in terrestrial and lunar rocks.
Paramilitarization of the Economy: The Case of Iran's Basij Militia

The Basij, a massive Iranian paramilitary organization, has played a crucial role in the country’s politics, economy, and society at large for the past two decades. While the Basij’s increased formal involvement in the Iranian economy was initially meant to guarantee the welfare of its personnel, the Basij has since extended its influence to every sector of the economy, from construction and real estate to the stock market. The expansion of its economic activity has enhanced the Basij’s control over society and its influence on domestic politics. This article investigates the history, justifications, and consequences of Basij engagement in business and the economy in postrevolutionary Iran.
Modeling the genetic basis for human sleep disorders in Drosophila

Sleep research in Drosophila is not only here to stay, but is making impressive strides towards helping us understand the biological basis for and the purpose of sleep—perhaps one of the most complex and enigmatic of behaviors. Thanks to over a decade of sleep-related studies in flies, more molecular methods are being applied than ever before towards understanding the genetic basis of sleep disorders. The advent of high-throughput technologies that can rapidly interrogate whole genomes, epigenomes and proteomes, has also revolutionized our ability to detect genetic variants that might be causal for a number of sleep disorders. In the coming years, mutational studies in model organisms such as Drosophila will need to be functionally connected to information being generated from these whole-genome approaches in humans. This will necessitate the development of appropriate methods for interpolating data and increased analytical power to synthesize useful network(s) of sleep regulatory pathways—including appropriate discriminatory and predictive capabilities. Ultimately, such networks will also need to be interpreted in the context of fundamental neurobiological substrates for sleep in any given species. In this review, we highlight some emerging approaches, such as network analysis and mathematical modeling of sleep distributions, which can be applied to contemporary sleep research as a first step to achieving these aims. These methodologies should favorably impact not only a mechanistic understanding of sleep, but also future pharmacological intervention strategies to manage and treat sleep disorders in humans.
The necessity of the Hopf bifurcation for periodically forced oscillators

By varying the forcing frequency and amplitude of a periodically forced planar oscillator, the author obtains a rich variety of responses. Whenever the resonance regions that are known to exist for small amplitudes of forcing terminate, he shows that a fixed-point Hopf bifurcation must be involved. The main tool, whose properties he discusses in detail, is a self-rotation number for orbits in the plane. He illustrates his theorems with a numerical model.
Gradual Diagnostic Test Generation Based on the Structural Distance between Indistinguished Fault Pairs

The size of a diagnostic test set is significantly larger than the size of a fault detection test set. As a result, fault detection test sets may be used for initial defect diagnosis, and diagnostic tests may be added only when needed to narrow down a set of candidate defect sites. Between a fault detection test set and a full diagnostic test set there is a large range of test sets that can be used for improved (initial) diagnosis. We describe a diagnostic test generation process that produces such a range of test sets. As part of the process we rank the indistinguished fault pairs of the fault detection test set according to the importance of distinguishing them, and perform diagnostic test generation based on the ranked list. The ranking of fault pairs is based on the structural distance between the two faults of a pair. This allows failure analysis to explore fewer and more localized areas of the circuit as the size of the diagnostic test set is increased. Diagnostic test generation can stop with a test set of any size between a fault detection and a full diagnostic test set, having targeted the fault pairs that are most important to distinguish.
Numerical simulation of turbidity current flow and sedimentation: I. Theory

A computer-based numerical model of turbidity current flow and sedimentation is presented that integrates geological observations with basic equations for fluid and sediment motion. The model quantifies those aspects of turbidity currents that make them different from better-understood fluvial processes, including water mixing across the upper flow boundary and the interactions between the suspended-sediment concentration and the flow dynamics and sedimentation. The model includes three numerical components: (1) a layer-averaged three-equation flow model for tracing downslope flow evolution using continuity and momentum equations, (2) a sedimentation/fluidization model for tracing sediment-size fractionation in sedimenting multicomponent suspensions and (3) a concentration-viscosity model for quantifying the changes in resistance of such suspensions toward fluid and sediment motion. The model traces the evolution of a model turbidity current in terms the layer-averaged flow velocity, flow thickness, sediment concentration distribution, and the rate of sedimentation and sediment size fractionation. It generates synthetic turbidites with downslope variations in thickness and grain-size structuring at each point along the flow path. This study represents an effort to evaluate quantitatively the effects of basin geometry, sediment supply and sediment properties on the mechanics of turbidity current flow and sedimentation and on the geometry and grain size characteristics of the resulting deposits.
Harnessing off-grid renewable energy

This paper explores how to economically harness renewable energy resources that are off-grid or otherwise isolated from customers. Its hypothesis is that under certain conditions, isolated renewable energy resources can be economically harnessed by using unmanned hydrogen-filled airships. Because hydrogen is an energy carrier and a lifting gas, unmanned hydrogen-filled airships can be used to carry hydrogen and cargo simultaneously. Unmanned airships do not have air crews to be put at risk although hydrogen airship safety has been reportedly increased. Furthermore, unmanned airships reduce cost in personnel. Finally, this paper proposes an operational model of hydrogen airships for efficient delivery of hydrogen within a known multiplier of optimum.
A uniform Artin–Rees property for syzygies in rings of dimension one and two

Abstract Let ( R , m , k ) be a local Noetherian ring, let M be a finitely generated R -module and let I ⊂ R be an m -primary ideal. Let F = { F i , ∂ i } be a free resolution of M . In this paper we study the question whether there exists an integer h such that I n F i ∩ ker ( ∂ i ) ⊂ I n − h ker ( ∂ i ) holds for all i . We give a positive answer for rings of dimension at most two. We relate this property to the existence of an integer s such that I s annihilates the modules Tor i R ( M , R / I n ) for all i > 0 and all integers n .
NMR-derived folate-bound structure of dihydrofolate reductase 1 from the halophile Haloferax volcanii

Folate binds to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) to form a binary complex whose structure maintains the overall configuration of the enzyme; however, some significant changes are evident when a comparison is made to the enzyme. The structure of DHFR1 from the halophilic Halopherax volcanii was solved in its folate-bound form using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. NOE data obtained from the 15N-NOESY-HSQC and 13C-NOESY-HSQC experiments of the triply labeled (1H, 13C, and 15N) binary complex were used as input for the structure calculation with the Crystallography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance System program. The resulting family of structures was compared with the enzyme solved by both nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray crystallography and also to the mesophilic folate-bound enzyme from Escherichia coli. The binary complex exhibited less convergence of structure in the α2-helix and differences in the hinge residues D39 and A94. In comparison to the previously reported mesophilic binary complex solved by X-ray crystallography, the halophilic binary complex reported here does not agree with the convergence of the M20 loop to a single structure. The corresponding L21 loop of the halophilic binary complex family of structures solved by nuclear magnetic resonance indicates variability in this region. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 140–144, 2009. This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Mechanisms for the enhanced thermal stability of a mutant of transcription factor 1 as explained by 1H, 15N and 13C NMR chemical shifts and secondary structure analysis

Abstract A variant of the bacteriophage SPO1-encoded transcription factor 1 (TF1) with two site-specific mutations (E15G and T32I) was shown to be more thermally stable and bind DNA more tightly compared to the wild-type protein. In order to understand the biochemical mechanisms underlying these properties, we are engaged in determining the solution structures of this mutant alone and in complex with DNA using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The first phase of this project is reported here, as we have completed most of the backbone and sidechain sequential NMR assignments of the mutant protein, TF1-G15/I32. Insights derived from the 1H, 15N and 13C chemical shifts and from the secondary structure analysis provide us with an explanation for the noted increase in thermal stability of TF1-G15/I32. Compared to the structure of the wild-type protein, the β-sheet and the C-terminal helix remain largely unaffected whereas the mutations cause great changes in the first two helices and their enclosed loop. Specifically, we have found that the second helix is extended by one residue at its N-terminus and rotated in a way that allows Ala-37 to interact with Tyr-94 of the C-terminal helix. The loop has been found to become more rigid as a result of hydrophobic interactions between the flanking second and first helices and also between the second helix and the loop itself. Furthermore, the T32I mutation allows tighter packing between the second helix and the β-sheet. Collectively, these changes contribute to a more tightly associated dimer and hence, to a greater thermal stability.
The Elephant in the Room

This article examines the author's experiences incorporating race into International Relations (IR) classes. The central argument is that keeping race at the margins of IR teaching and research contributes to students' perceptions of race as irrelevant to the discipline and has led students to question the professionalism of professors who include race, racism, and the like in classroom readings and discussions. Until race is moved to the center and engaged in IR's teaching and research agendas, underrepresented students and professors might continue to choose to find a home in other academic disciplines.
Selective targeting of GnRH-II neurons to block ovulation.

Abstract Background In rhesus macaques, luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion appears to be regulated by two distinct gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal populations, which can be distinguished by their unique anatomical locations and because they express different molecular forms of GnRH (GnRH-I and GnRH-II). Study Design The effect of estradiol on GnRH gene expression was examined. Results Estradiol inhibited GnRH-I neurons but stimulated GnRH-II neurons, suggesting that GnRH-II neurons play the dominant role in mediating estradiol-positive feedback and triggering the midcycle preovulatory LH surge. Conclusions Selective silencing of GnRH-II neurons in women could serve as a novel contraceptive, by blocking ovulation while leaving the rest of the reproductive axis relatively unperturbed.
Rural Elected Officials, Environmental Policy, and Economic Composition

This research uses an alternative economic composition methodology that classifies 52 Idaho rural communities. This methodology classifies communities as dependent, diversified, or post-industrial. A survey was mailed to elected officials (mayors and city council) from the sample of 52 rural communities to examine whether there is a relationship between environmental policy support and economic type. One hundred and thirty-three respondents (48%) returned the surveys. The findings reveal that the economic composition of the community was related to views of environmental policy on 7 of 16 measures while controlling for gender, political ideology, and age.
Desulphurization and deagglomeration of Western Kentucky coal using bottom-ash

Abstract Fluidization of bottom-ash from a producer-gas generator with Kentucky No.9 coal at a temperature of 870 °C reduced the hydrogen sulphide emitted and prevented agglomeration (or caking) of the coal at bottom-ash/coal ratios greater than 0.4. The sorption capacity of the ash ranged from 1.6 to 9.4 mg S/g bottom-ash at this temperature. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated the growth of coal particles on heating and the various stages of melting and sphere formation.