cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free State Conformational Sampling of the SAM-I Riboswitch Aptamer Domain

Summary Riboswitches are highly structured elements residing in the 5′ untranslated region of messenger RNAs that specifically bind cellular metabolites to alter gene expression. While there are many structures of ligand-bound riboswitches that reveal details of bimolecular recognition, their unliganded structures remain poorly characterized. Characterizing the molecular details of the unliganded state is crucial for understanding the riboswitch's mechanism of action because it is this state that actively interrogates the cellular environment and helps direct the regulatory outcome. To develop a detailed description of the ligand-free form of an S -adenosylmethionine binding riboswitch at the local and global levels, we have employed a series of biochemical, biophysical, and computational methods. Our data reveal that the ligand binding domain adopts an ensemble of states that minimizes the energy barrier between the free and bound states to establish an efficient decision making branchpoint in the regulatory process.
Line spread function variation near the fovea.

Abstract Line spread functions (LSFs) for thin lines at five eccentricities near the fixation point were measured psychophysically by subthreshold addition of flanking lines. With increasing eccentricity, the LSFs decrease in height and increase in excitatory center and inhibitory trough width. The LSF data are used to define a model consisting of an inhomogeneous linear filter followed by a peak output detector. This model is consistent with the threshold data for any shape bar whenever the filter output for that bar has only one peak. Probability summation between independent events is adequate to account for thresholds for some multipeak patterns.
Uncovering Settler Grammars in Curriculum

In this article, I focus on making settler colonialism explicit in education. I turn to social studies curriculum as a clear example of how settler colonialism is deeply embedded in educational knowledge production in the United States that is rooted in a dialectic of Indigenous presence and absence. I argue that the United States, and the evolution of its schooling system in particular, are drenched in settler colonial identities. Thus, to begin to decolonize we must first learn to account for settler colonialism. To do so necessitates that we grapple with the dialectic of Indigenous presence and absence that is central to settler colonialism in the United States and its social studies curriculum.
Environmental Effects on the Tribology and Microstructure of MoS2–Sb2O3–C Films

The tribology of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)–Sb2O3–C films was tested under a variety of environmental conditions (ambient 50% RH, 10−7 Torr vacuum, 150 Torr oxygen, and 8 Torr water) and correlated with the composition of the surface composition expressed while sliding. High friction and low friction modes of behavior were detected. The lowest coefficient of friction, 0.06, was achieved under vacuum, while sliding in 8 Torr water and ambient conditions both yielded the highest value of 0.15. Water vapor was determined to be the environmental species responsible for high friction performance. XPS evaluations revealed a preferential expression of MoS2 at the surface of wear tracks produced under vacuum and an increase in Sb2O3 concentration in wear tracks produced in ambient air (50% RH). In addition, wear tracks produced by sliding in vacuum exhibited the lowest surface roughness as compared to those produced in other environments, consistent with the picture of low friction originating from well-ordered MoS2 layers produced through sliding in vacuum.
SU‐FF‐T‐258: The Effect of Treatment Couch Attenuation On Radiation Dose for Megavoltage Photon Beams

Purpose: To investigate the attenuation of two types of linac couches and to evaluate its impact in radiation therapy with megavoltage photon beams. Methods: The relationship of relative dose versus beam angle was established for two Varian 21EX linacs, equipped with Exact couch (standard couch) with sliding side rails and Exact IGRT couch, respectively. An ion chamber was placed at the center of a solid water cylindrical phantom positioned at the linac isocenter for 6MV and 18MV photon beams. Measurements were repeated with the phantom positioned at different locations on the couches with two different field sizes (5×5 and 10×10 cm2). An IMRT GYN treatment plan was also delivered with standard couch, rails set at in and out position. Results: For standard couch, the relative dose error caused by couch attenuation could be up to 26.8% for 6MV photon beams with sliding rails in the beam path and 13.3% with the rails not in the beam path. For the IGRT couch, the error could be up to 4.8%. Due to the architecture of the couches, the dose error is different for different disease sites; and is sensitive to radiation gantry angle for standard couch. Less dose error was observed for 18MV compared to 6MV beams with identical setup. For an IMRT GYN patient, two posterior oblique 6MV beams (out of 9 beams) accounts for 17.3% of the total MU, and the dose difference is 2.5% for rails set at in and out position. Conclusion:Dose error introduced by the couch attenuation could be an issue for patient treated with oblique/posterior photon beams. Couch parameters should be included in the planning system. For linacs with standard couch, beam angles should be carefully selected to avoid the sliding rails. IGRT couch introduces less couch attenuation in general compared to standard couch.
A steady-state kinetic study of the ribonuclease A catalyzed hydrolysis of uridine-2′:3′(cyclic)-5′-diphosphate

Abstract Initial velocity measurements were made on the ribonuclease A catalyzed hydrolysis of P-5′-Urd-2′:3′-P in the pH range 4.0–8.0 at 25 °C in 0.1 m Tris-acetate/0.1 m KCl. The pH dependence of the Michaelis constant, Km, the turnover number ks, and k s K m for P-5′-Urd-2′:3′-P were similar to those reported for Urd-2′:3′-P (5). When P-5′-Urd-2,3-P and Urd-2′:3′-P were compared under similar conditions the average difference in ks and Km indicated that these parameters were 5-fold and 23-fold lower, respectively, for P-5′-Urd-2′:3′-P. The slight difference in the pH dependence of k s K m for these two substrates can be interpreted in terms of a specific interaction of the enzyme at the 5′ position of P-5′-Urd-2′:3′-P, which permits a less exclusive dependence on the ionized state of the free enzyme in binding this substrate. The nature of the interaction of the substrate 5′-phosphomonoester group with the enzyme is discussed in terms of possible interactions with Lys-41 and His-119.
The impact of time on the session problem

The session problem is an abstraction of synchronization problems in distributed systems. It has been used as a test-case to demonstrate the differences in the time needed to solve problems in various timing models, for both shared memory (SM) systems [2] and message-passing (MP) systems [4]. In this paper, the session problem continues to be used to compare timing models quantitatively. The session problem is studied in two new timing models, the periodic and sporadic. Both SM and MP systems are considered. In the periodic model, each process takes steps at a constant unknown rate; different processes can have different rates. In the sporadic model, there exists a lower bound but no upper bound one step time, and message delay is bounded. We show upper and lower bounds on the time complexity of the session problem for these models. In addition, upper and lower bounds on running time are presented for the semi-synchronous SM model, closing an open problem from [4]. Our results suggest a hierarchy of various timing models in terms of time complexity for the session problem.
Oxygen uptake by microsomal preparations from the housefly, Musca domestica

Abstract 1. 1. Oxygen uptake by Musca domestica microsomes was examined. The effects of NADPh, NADH † and enzyme concentrations were determined. The rate of oxygen uptake is dependent on nucleotide and enzyme concentration. 2. 2. The effects of the mixed function oxidase inhibitors, sulfoxide and SKF-525-A, as well as p- chloromercuriphenylsulfonate and p- nitroanisole were measured. p- Chloromercuriphenylsulfonate inhibited oxygen uptake while the other compounds had little effect. 3. 3. The optimum pH for oxygen uptake and NADPH oxidation are similar as are the rates of NADPH oxidation and oxygen uptake.
Participation of syntaxin 1A in membrane trafficking involving neurite elongation and membrane expansion.

Syntaxin 1A has been implicated to play an important role in neurotransmitter release by regulating synaptic vesicle fusion. The protein is also suggested to be required for other types of membrane fusion such as cellularization during embryonic development. In the current study, we overexpressed syntaxin 1A, SNAP-25b, and VAMP-2 in PC12 cells using recombinant adenoviruses, and determined their effects on membrane trafficking involving neurite outgrowth. It was found that overexpression of syntaxin 1A inhibited NGF-induced neurite extension, and the expressed syntaxin was localized to the plasma membrane, intracellular membranes, and the neurite tips. SNAP-25 overexpression slightly enhanced neurite elongation, whereas no significant changes in neurite growth was observed in VAMP-overexpressing cells. The effect of syntaxin 1A in general membrane trafficking was further studied by transient transfection of non-neuronal cells. Syntaxin 1A expression in HEK 239 and NIH3T3-L1 caused the cells to lose their normal morphology, leading to round and smaller cells. Deletion of the C-terminal sequence containing the H3 helix and the membrane anchoring domains of syntaxin abolished its ability to induce cell morphology changes, whereas removal of the N-terminal 1-170 amino acid sequence did not affect this activity. These findings suggest that in addition to its well documented role in synaptic vesicle fusion, syntaxin may function in other non-synaptic membrane trafficking such as neurite outgrowth and membrane expansion.
Multidimensional Perfectionism and Ego Defenses

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationship between multidimensional perfectionism and ego defense style among 130 college students. Cluster analysis results facilitated the identification of groups of adaptive perfectionists, maladaptive perfectionists, and non-perfectionists. The researchers found that identified maladaptive perfectionists used significantly more immature ego defense styles than adaptive perfectionists. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Anatomy of Regional Disparities in the Slovak Republic

This paper examines economic growth and various dimensions of regional disparities in Slovakia. We find that regional disparities in the levels of GDP per capita, labor productivity, and labor utilization have widened since 2000, coinciding with the time that Slovakia initiated negotiations on EU accession. Notwithstanding ?-divergence in the levels, there was conditional ?-convergence in the growth rates of GDP per capita and labor productivity. Improvements in total factor productivity were the main engine of growth of GDP in all regions. Sustaining growth and reducing disparities will require increasing the labor utilization ratio and improving the structural and policy determinants of productivity in the eastern regions. The main policy priorities are to improve transportation infrastructure, enhance cost competitiveness through greater regional differentiation in wages and further decentralization of collective bargaining, and increase accumulation of human capital.
Mutagenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and quinones on Salmonella typhimurium TA97

18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 7 quinones were tested for mutagenicity using Salmonella typhimurium TA97, TA98 and TA100 with or without metabolic activation. In the presence of metabolic activation, TA97 was more susceptible to mutation than either TA98 or TA100 by many of PAHs tested. PAHs such as 1-methylphenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene and perylene had high mutagenic effects on TA97 in the presence of metabolic activation. 1,6- and 1,8-pyrenequinones were also highly mutagenic on TA97 in the presence or absence of metabolic activation. It appears that pyrene is mutagenic through its metabolic conversion to pyrenequinones.
Amine-Catalyzed Biomimetic Hydrolysis and Condensation of Organosilicate.

Biogenic silica production occurs at mild conditions with greater control of pore size, shape, and micropatterning than is possible with typical industrial sol−gel methods, providing inspiration for potential alternative routes to silica synthesis. Researchers have implicated the amine moieties, histidine and polylysine, on proteins isolated from sponges and diatoms as catalysts for biogenic silica precipitation. Different mechanistic roles have been ascribed to the amines, but few systematic, quantitative studies isolating one effect from another have been conducted. In the present study, we use 29Si NMR spectroscopy to systematically examine the different possible mechanistic roles of mono- and polyamines in catalyzing silica synthesis at mildly acidic pH (∼5) from an organosilicate starting compound, trimethylethoxysilane (TMES). TMES has a single organosilicate bond, so there are no competing reactions and the reaction progress can be followed with little ambiguity. Hydrolysis and condensation (dimeri...
Parallel branch and cut for capacitated vehicle routing

Combinatorial optimization problems arise commonly in logistics applications. The most successful approaches to date for solving such problems involve modeling them as integer programs and then applying some variant of the branch and bound algorithm. Although branch and bound is conceptually easy to parallelize, achieving scalability can be a challenge. In more sophisticated variants, such as branch and cut, large amounts of data must be shared among the processors, resulting in increased parallel overhead. In this paper, we review the branch and cut algorithm for solving combinatorial optimization problems and describe the implementation of SYMPHONY, a library for implementing these algorithms in parallel. We then describe a solver for the vehicle routing problem that was implemented using SYMPHONY and analyze its parallel performance on a Beowulf cluster.
The michigan aero instructional software project — TODOR meets the world-wide web

This paper describes an initiative begun recently in the Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Michigan. It concerns the development of Internet-base d educational software for aerospace engineering. The Java programming language is used to develop "applets" — programs that can be accessed via web browsers such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer from anywhere on the world-wide web (WWW). Each applet is a laboratory-like module, in which students can learn interactively about aerodynamics, astrodynamics, and other aerospace disciplines. For instance, in one applet, students can distribute pointsingularities and visualize the resulting potential flow via various plots and animations. The history behind the decision to start this project, the choice of paradigm for the software, and a list of the modules developed to date are detailed. More information on the project, and the modules themselves, can
Blinking suppression and intensity recurrences in single CdSe-oligo(phenylene vinylene) nanostructures: experiment and kinetic model

We report time-resolved single molecule fluorescence imaging of individual CdSe quantum dots that are functionalized with oligomeric conjugated organic ligands. The fluorescence intensity trajectories from these composite nanostructures display both a strong degree of blinking suppression and intensity fluctuations with characteristic recurrence times on the order of 10‐60 s. In addition, fluorescence decay rate measurements of individual hybrid nanostructures indicate significantly modified non-radiative quantum dot decay rates relative to conventional ZnS-capped CdSe quantum dots. We show that a modified diffusive reaction coordinate model with slow fluctuations in quantum dot electron energies (1Se ,1 P e) can reproduce the experimentally observed behaviour. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Making mapping matter: a case study for short project international partnerships by global public health students

Background : A large number of global public health students seek international experience as part of their academic curriculum. These placements are often short, given the constraints of cost and time available within the academic calendar. In contrast to international electives for clinical students there are few published guidelines on practical, ethical or feasible projects. This paper describes a ten-day sanitation mapping project in Mumbai, India and explores the broader implications for global public health student electives. Methods : Three graduate public health students conducted a geographic review of sanitation facilities in Cheeta Camp informal settlement, Mumbai. Forty-six toilet blocks with 701 individual seats were identified. The project was reviewed ethically, educationally and logistically as a possible model for other short-term international projects. Conclusions : Clearer guidelines are needed to support non-clinical placements by global public health students. Projects that are feasible, relevant and meaningful should be foster maximise benefit for learners and host communities. Keywords : sanitation; GIS; mapping; education; global (Published: 24 June 2014) Citation: Glob Health Action 2014, 7 : 23593 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/gha.v7.23593
Changes in Mumps Virus Gene Sequence Associated with Variability in Neurovirulent Phenotype

Mumps virus is highly neurotropic and, prior to widespread vaccination programs, was the major cause of viral meningitis in the United States. Nonetheless, the genetic basis of mumps virus neurotropism and neurovirulence was until recently not understood, largely due to the lack of an animal model. Here, nonneurovirulent (Jeryl Lynn vaccine) and highly neurovirulent (88-1961 wild type) mumps virus strains were passaged in human neural cells or in chicken fibroblast cells with the goal of neuroadapting or neuroattenuating the viruses, respectively. When tested in our rat neurovirulence assay against the respective parental strains, a Jeryl Lynn virus variant with an enhanced propensity for replication (neurotropism) and damage (neurovirulence) in the brain and an 88-1961 wild-type virus variant with decreased neurotropic and neurovirulent properties were recovered. To determine the molecular basis for the observed differences in neurovirulence and neuroattenuation, the complete genomes of the parental strains and their variants were fully sequenced. A comparison at the nucleotide level associated three amino acid changes with enhanced neurovirulence of the neuroadapted vaccine strain: one each in the nucleoprotein, matrix protein, and polymerase and three amino acid changes with reduced neurovirulence of the neuroattenuated wild-type strain: one each in the fusion protein, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein, and polymerase. The potential role of these amino acid changes in neurotropism, neurovirulence, and neuroattenuation is discussed.
Dynamic file assignment in a computer network

We present the models describing a problem of dynamic file allocation in a network of interacting computers and use dynamic programming to solve for the optimal strategies. The problem is treated for the case when the rates of the file requests are known in advance, as well as when only prior statistics is available for these rates. A separation theorem between estimation of the rates and the optimal control is proven, similar to Wonham's separation theorem for linear Gaussian models.
Preparation of bionanoparticles derived from Spirulina platensis and its application for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solutions

Abstract Spirulina platensis nanoparticles were prepared by mechanical agitation and were applied to removal Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. Nanoparticles preparation was function of stirring rate and contact time. In the optimal conditions, Cr (VI) removal by nanoparticles as a function of pH and initial ion concentration was carried out. The optimal conditions for preparation were 10,000 rpm and 20 min, and the nanoparticles presented mean diameter of 215.6 nm and polydispersity index of 0.151. The best conditions for Cr (VI) removal were at pH 4 and ion concentration of 250 mg L −1 , and the Cr (VI) removal percentage was 99.1%.
Globalization and State Capacity

The Myth of the Powerless State, Linda Weiss (Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1998). 260 pp., cloth (ISBN: 0-8014-3547-1), $45.00; paper (ISBN: 0-8014-8543-6), $17.95. Book reviewed: The Myth of the Powerless State , Linda Weiss
Synaptic transmission and cell death during normal ganglionic development

1. During normal embryonic development of the chick ciliary ganglion, cell death over a 4-day period (Stages 35-39) reduces the number of ganglion cells by half, from 6500 to 3200. Both ciliary and choroid populations are affected by approximately the same amount.2. Previous to cell death, preganglionic fibres form functional synapses on all ganglion cells, indicating that synapses form on cells which are destined to die.3. Shortly before the period of cell death, there is a failure of transmission in approximately half the cells. Some evidence suggests that transmission failure in at least some of the cells is of preganglionic origin.4. Cell death is nearly synchronous with the establishment of peripheral connexions by ganglion cells, at least with respect to the ciliary population which forms functional synapses with iris muscle. This implies that those cells which die do so because they have failed to form adequate peripheral connexions.5. It is suggested that many of the cells in which transmission has failed die, bringing transmission through the ganglion back to 100%. However, transmission failure appears to be a transitory phenomenon in other cells which survive and probably results from death of their preganglionic elements. Restoration of transmission would then be brought about by the formation of new or more effective synapses by surviving preganglionic fibres.
Failure of the circulatory system limits exercise performance in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Abstract objective: To determine the mechanisms for exercise impairment in symptomatic patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) using breath-by-breath expired-gas analysis with incremental exercise testing. design: Prospective, open trial. patients and methods: Fifteen consecutive patients with SSc seen at the Medical University Hospital (a tertiary referral center) with complaints of exercise intolerance underwent pulmonary function testing (spirometry, helium dilution lung volumes, and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide) and incremental exercise testing on a cycle ergometer measuring oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ), respiratory exchange ratio (R), oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and heart rate (HR). Values for oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (VO 2AT ) were derived graphically by blinded clinicians experienced in exercise testing, and the results were averaged. Ventilatory reserve and oxygen pulse were calculated from measured values, and all data were subjected to analysis by standard clinical algorithms. measurements and main results: Of 15 patients studied, 14 had either restrictive lung disease or normal results of spirometry on pulmonary function testing. One patient with a history of tobacco use had evidence of airways obstruction. Three patients were unable to exercise maximally (as determined by maximum respiratory exchange ratio [R max ] greater than 1.09 or maximum heart rate [HR max ] greater than 85% predicted), and exercise testing was terminated in one with Mobitz type II atrioventricular block. The following data (mean ± SEM) were obtained from 11 maximally exercising patients: VO 2max 795 ± 75 mL oxygen (O 2 )/min, R 1.34 ± 0.05, VO 2AT /VO 2max predicted 0.21 ± 0.02, O 2 pulse 5.1 ± 0.4 mL O 2 /beat, ventilatory reserve 0.52 ± 0.06, and tidal volume/forced vital capacity ratio 0.46 ± 0.02. Of the 11 patients completing breath-by-breath expired-gas analysis, all had circulatory impairment to exercise, as determined by low O 2 pulse and low VO 2 at anaerobic threshold, and circulatory impairment was limiting in 9 of 11 patients. Of those nine patients, four had evidence of impaired gas exchange compatible with pulmonary vascular disease. Arterial oxygen desaturation occurred in 2 of 11 patients. conclusion: Circulatory impairment to exercise is common in SSc patients with exercise intolerance. Restrictive lung disease, although also common, does not limit exercise tolerance in patients capable of maximal effort.
Sensory Evaluation of Navel Oranges Treated with Low Doses of Gamma‐Radiation

Navel oranges from two locations in California were given low postharvest doses of gamma radiation (60 - 80 Krads) and compared with nonirradiated controls for taste, flavor, odor, firmness, degree of orange color, degree of brown blemishing, ease of peeling and intactness of the membranes on sectioning. Practiced judges were used as an analytical screening tool using minimal cross-sensory interference, while untrained subjects were used to determine whether changes might be distinguished by‘nonexperts’. Greatest differences were found for degree of blemishing, lesser differences for flavor by mouth and odor and some trends for taste, color, texture and ease of peeling.
ANION INDUCED REGULATION OF THE ABSORPTION MAXIMUM OF THE TWENTY TWO CARBON ANALOG OF THE JV‐RETINYLIDENE‐n‐BUTYLAMMONIUM CATION*

— This study was undertaken to further investigate the way in which the counter anion controls the Λmax of the absorption spectrum of compounds similar to N-retinylidene-n-butylammonium salts (NRBA). The following relationship had been found: ΔE =ΔEo -F d0e2/ed2; here ΔE is the observed excitation energy, e the charge on the electron, e the dielectric constant, d0 a constant and d the distance between centers of opposite charge as estimated from crystallographic radii. Resonance theory implies that ΔEo should be of the same numerical value as the corresponding carbonium ion which can be generated readily from the corresponding alcohol. The C22SB analog of NRBA was prepared and then converted to the halide salts. The Δmax of these salts was determined in several halohydrocar-bon solvents, and ΔEo was determined by least squares for each solvent. The average value of ΔEo was found to be 653 nm, while the Λmax, for the carbonium ion was previously found to be 644 nm. The results are supportive of previous work.
A novel yield function for single crystals based on combined constraints optimization

A novel yield function representing the overall plastic deformation in a single crystal is developed using the concept of optimization. Based on the principle of maximum dissipation during a plastic deformation, the problem of single crystal plasticity is first considered as a constrained optimization problem in which constraints are yield functions for slip systems. To overcome the singularity that usually arises in solving the above problem, a mathematical technique is used to replace the above constrained optimization problem with an equivalent problem which has only one constraint. This single constraint optimization problem, the so-called combined constraints crystal plasticity (CCCP) model, is implemented into a finite element code and the results of modeling the uniaxial tensions of the single crystal copper along different crystallographic directions and also hydroforming of aluminum tubes proved the capability of the proposed CCCP model in accurately predicting the deformation in polycrystalline materials.
Evolving epidemiology of pediatric Staphylococcus aureus cutaneous infections in a Baltimore hospital.

Objectives: To examine the epidemiology, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, and outcomes in pediatric Staphylococcus aureus (SA) cutaneous infections at a time when community-associated (CA) methicillin-resistant SA (CA-MRSA) infections seemed to be increasing in our community. Methods: The hospital microbiology database was searched for unique skin and wound SA isolates among pediatric patients between November 2002 and October 2003. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from medical records. Cases were classified as either health care-associated (HA) or CA. Results: Among 181 pediatric·SA cutaneous infections, 81 (45%) were caused by MRSA. Most (84%) of these MRSA were CA. Between the first 6 months and second 6 months of the study period, CA-MRSA increased from 15% to 45% (P < 0.001) of all SA cutaneous infections. Ninety-eight percent and 94% of CA-MRSA were susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin (confirmed by D test), respectively. Hospitalization occurred for 25% of CA-MRSA and 75% of HA-MRSA (P = 0.004). Drainage procedures were performed for 70% of CA-MRSA. No cases of CA-MRSA skin infections were accompanied by bacteremia. Conclusions: The CA-MRSA cutaneous infections increased in children in our urban Baltimore hospital in 2003. These CA-MRSA were erythromycin resistant, clindamycin susceptible, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole susceptible. The CA-MRSA cutaneous infections frequently required drainage and were not associated with bacteremia. Children with cutaneous MRSA infections were less likely to have traditional health care risk factors than children with cutaneous methicillin-sensitive SA infections-an inversion of past patterns of MRSA infections-but were equally likely to be hospitalized when other factors were considered. These CA-MRSA cutaneous infections can be managed with abscess drainage and culture, careful follow-up, and empirical clindamycin therapy when clinically indicated.
Correct condom application among African-American adolescent females: the relationship to perceived self-efficacy and the association to confirmed STDs

Abstract Purpose: To assess condom application ability and the relationship between perceived ability and demonstrated ability. Also, to examine the association between high-demonstrated condom application ability and recent sexual risk behaviors and laboratory-diagnosed sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among African-American adolescent females. Methods: A purposeful sample of sexually active African-American females ( n = 522) completed a structured interview and provided vaginal swab specimens for STD testing. Subsequent to the interview, adolescents demonstrated their condom application skills using a penile model. A 9-item scale assessed adolescents' perceived self-efficacy to apply condoms. Sexual risk behaviors assessed by interview were noncondom use at last intercourse and the last five intercourse occasions for steady and casual sex partners as well as any unprotected vaginal sex in the past 30 days and the past 6 months. Results: Approximately 28% of the sample tested positive for at least one STD and nearly 26% self-reported a history of STDs. Controlled analyses indicated that adolescents' self-efficacy for correct use was not related to demonstrated skill. Adolescents' demonstrated ability was not related to any of the sexual risk behaviors. Likewise, recent experience applying condoms to a partner's penis and demonstrated ability were not related to laboratory-diagnosed STDs or self-reported STD history. Conclusions: Adolescents may unknowingly be at risk for human immunodeficiency virus and STD infection owing to incorrect condom application. Further, high-demonstrated ability to apply condoms was not related to safer sex or STDs. Reducing sexual risk behaviors may require more than enhancing adolescent females' condom application skills and may require addressing other relational skills.
Dispersion and thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube composites

Abstract A mechanical method was used to shorten carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for improving dispersion without reducing their thermal conductivity. Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were mechanically cut to produce short and open-ended fullerene pipes. These shortened SWCNTs were then used in polymer composites. Both atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy characterizations suggested that nanotube shortening significantly improved CNT dispersion. Thermal conductivity of composites containing short CNTs were found to be much better than those containing pristine CNTs.
An efficient algorithm for large-signal frequency-domain coupled device and circuit simulation [RF circuits]

An efficient algorithm for harmonic balance based coupled device and circuit simulation is described. This algorithm has been implemented in a simulator CODECS-HB for accurate simulation of RF circuits in the frequency domain. The simulator supports accurate numerical models for diodes, BJTs, and MOSFETs. The algorithm also facilitates including application specific device simulators within the harmonic balance coupled circuit/device analysis framework.
Tricyclic (Antidepressant) Drug Toxicity

Desipramine hydrochloride (commercially known as Pertofrane, Geigy, Norpramine, Lakeside), is currently used as an antidepressant in adults It has been shown that desipramine is the active metabolite of the more widely used imipramine, Tofranil (Geigy). 'his metabolite is derived from imipramine in vivo by the removal of one methyl group from the sidechain nitrogen [l] (Fig. 1). Tofranil is currently used in children for enuresis and in adults for its antidepressant effect. for the passage of catecholamines across the cellular membrane of adrenergic neuron bodies, axom, and terminals. (Fig. 2) 'Thus imipramines have an anti-adrenergic drug response. This is in contrast to reserpine which selectively blocks the storage mechanism of catecholamines in the adrenergic neuron's storage granules [2]. desipramine hydrochloride [3-121 (Table 1). Ten of these are acute overdosage with the now classical picture of cardiac and central nervous system toxicity (Table 2). The cardiac toxicity usually manifests itself an hour or two after ingestion with hypotension. This may be accompamed or followed with alterations in cardiac rhythm. These alterations can be either a disturbance of conduction or excitability of the cardiac muscle. The conduction defects have been reported at several levelsfrrst degree atrio-ventricular block, bundle branch block, and intraventricular disturbances of conduction. The latter are the most usual and
The third-molar 'problem'.

Today, general dentists routinely treat children between the ages of three and five years. They do not hesitate to inject a small volume of anesthetic solution a few millimeters under the mucosa in the maxillary and mandibular posterior ridge area in order to facilitate therapeutic dental procedures. We see no reason why most general dentists could not render a similar, safe procedure to children for a different therapeutic purpose: that of targeting tooth development. All the embryological events culminating in the development of a third-molar tooth bud occur after birth and in a location accessible to dentists. It is our hope and belief that our profession can someday offer patients a better management alternative for this nearly useless tooth than those alternatives we currently offer. Anthony R. Silvestri Jr., D.M.D. Clinical Professor and Director Dental Anatomy
Development of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Methyl tertiary-Butyl Ether and tertiary-Butanol in Male Fischer-344 Rats

Abstract Methyltertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and its metabolitetertiary-butanol (TBA) both cause renal tumors in chronically exposed male rats. Knowledge of the kinetic behavior of MTBE and TBA in rats and its comparison to the kinetics of these chemicals in humans will aid in assessing human risk. The objective of this study was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for MTBE and TBA in rats that will form the basis for a human model. Physiological parameters such as blood flows, tissue volumes, and alveolar ventilation were obtained from the literature. Chemical-specific parameters such as the solubility of MTBE and TBA in blood and selected tissues and metabolic rate constants to describe whole-body metabolism of MTBE in rats were measured using vial equilibration and gas uptake techniques, respectively. MTBE metabolism was described in the model as occurring through two saturable pathways. The model was able to predict gas uptake data (100 to 2000 ppm starting concentrations) and levels of MTBE in blood of rats exposed to MTBE by inhalation (400 and 8000 ppm, 6 hr), iv (40 mg/kg), and oral (40 or 400 mg/kg) administration. Two different models to describe the dosimetry of TBA in a rat were tested for their ability to predict TBA blood levels after MTBE exposure. TBA blood levels were predicted best at low MTBE exposure concentrations using a two-compartment model. The pharmacokinetics of TBA appear to be far more complex than those of MTBE, and additional experimental data on TBA distribution and elimination will be necessary to refine this submodel. With a quantitative description of the important determinants of MTBE and TBA dosimetry understood, a better assessment of the potential toxic and cancer risk for humans exposed to MTBE can be made.
Recovering Meaning: Left Prefrontal Cortex Guides Controlled Semantic Retrieval

Prefrontal cortex plays a central role in mnemonic control, with left inferior prefrontal cortex (LIPC) mediating control of semantic knowledge. One prominent theory posits that LIPC does not mediate semantic retrieval per se, but rather subserves the selection of task-relevant knowledge from amidst competing knowledge. The present event-related fMRI study provides evidence for an alternative hypothesis: LIPC guides controlled semantic retrieval irrespective of whether retrieval requires selection against competing representations. With selection demands held constant, LIPC activation increased with semantic retrieval demands and with the level of control required during retrieval. LIPC mediates a top-down bias signal that is recruited to the extent that the recovery of meaning demands controlled retrieval. Selection may reflect a specific instantiation of this mechanism.
Ciliates (Phylum: Ciliophora)

The capacity to control motility in fine gradations and to swim in complex patterns is a decided advantage for aquatic organisms, especially for those that invade intricate spaces in search of food or pursue motile prey. The ciliates possess a marked variety of motile systems based on ciliary motion. Thus, the organisms are able to move through the environment in search of prey often with remarkable agility and swiftness, or when sedentary, to create a flow of water carrying food to the organism. The arrangement of the hairlike organelles on the cell surface and the degree of coordinated action made possible by close proximity of the cilia varies considerably among groups. In some species, much of the cell surface is covered by rows of cilia (eg, Figure 6.1). These are called holotrichs, as the entire surface is usually rather uniformly ciliated. In other species, specialized groups of cilia are clustered at sites on the surface of the cell, either as somewhat loosely arranged tufts or organized into cirri (Figure 6.2c). A cirrus is a composite group of cilia (few to hundreds of cilia), often tapering toward the distal end and acting in unison. They typically are found in localized regions on the cell surface. When the cirri are largely localized on the ventral and anterior surfaces the ciliates are categorized as hypotrichs, signifying that the cirri are positioned beneath the cell. In other species, cilia are arranged in spirals (eg, in the spirotrichs) or in ribbonlike assemblages near the anterior (sometimes broader end) of the cell. Although many ciliates exhibit rapid and impressive locomotion, others such as the suctorians (eg, Figure 19.5) are sedentary and lack cilia during most of their life cycle. These feeding (trophont) stages are anchored to the substratum by a stalk or other form of holdfast. They snare prey on tentacles projecting from the cell surface. Ciliated stages occur during reproduction, and aid dispersal.
The conduction electron spin distribution around Fe impurities in Cu for T < Tk

Abstract Recent work on the dilute CuFe system at low temperatures suggests a picture of the spin distribution similar to that observed for Fe and Co in Pd.
Rapid headward erosion of marsh creeks in response to relative sea level rise

[1] Tidal creeks in Cape Romain, South Carolina, are extending rapidly onto the established marsh platform producing an unusual morphology, which remains self-similar in time. A time-series of aerial photographs establishes that these channels are headward eroding at an approximate rate of 1.9 m/yr. The rapid rate of headward erosion suggests that the marsh platform is in disequilibrium and unable to keep pace with high local relative sea level rise (RSLR >3.2mm/yr) through accretionary processes. Biological feedbacks play a strong role in the morphological development of the creeks. Dieback of vegetation coupled with intense burrowing by crabs produces a bare and topographically depressed region beyond the channel head toward which the channel head extends. We examine the mechanisms producing this headward extension and pinnate channel morphology, and report a new pattern of creek incision in a regime of rapid RSLR.
A Remote Sensing Model Estimating Lake Evaporation

There is a need to create an accurate and convenient method to measure lake evaporation loss that can be used internationally. The research in this paper developed a remote sensing tool to estimate evaporation loss from reservoirs to aid international water delivery management. The model uses the energy balance principle to measure evaporation depth (mm/day). The evaporation depth has a high temporal resolution (1 day) and a moderate spatial resolution (1000 m by 1000 m). The model is written in C++ as a user-friendly software package. The model uses MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite data (L1B raw data) and local weather data (radiation, wind speed, and humidity). The model was calibrated and evaluated using reservoir data. The model accuracy is acceptable and is capable for aiding international water delivery management.
Social Engagement and Health in Younger, Older, and Oldest-Old Adults in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study

Social support has been shown to influence health outcomes in later life. In this study, we focus on social engagement as an umbrella construct that covers select social behaviors in a life span sample that included oldest-old adults, a segment of the adult population for whom very little data currently exist. We examined relationships among social engagement, positive health behaviors, and physical health to provide new evidence that addresses gaps in the extant literature concerning social engagement and healthy aging in very old adults. Participants were younger (21-59 years), older (60-89 years), and oldest-old (90-97 years) adults (N = 364) in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS). Linear regression analyses indicated that age, gender, and hours spent outside of the house were significantly associated with self-reported health. The number of clubs and hours outside of home were more important factors in the analyses of objective health status than positive health behaviors, after considering age group and education level. These data strongly suggest that social engagement remains an important determinant of physical health into very late adulthood. The discussion focuses on practical applications of these results including social support interventions to maintain or improve late-life health.
Temporal Variations in the Distribution of West Nile Virus Within the United States; 2000-2008

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a serious illness that has affected thousands of people in the United States. Over 1,000 disease related deaths have occurred since its introduction to American soil in 1999. Spatial statistics are used to analyze distributional trends of human WNV cases from 2000 to 2008 through four analyses: Weighted Mean Center, Standard Deviational Ellipses, Global Moran’s I, and Getis-Ord-Gi* statistic (hot spot analysis). We conclude that the directional trend in cases has been from East to West with the area affected increasing with time. Hot spot analysis reveals that recurring counties with a high number of human cases have been in the metro areas of large cities. However, normalized results indicate that the rate of humans showing symptoms of WNV is greatest in rural areas, particularly the Great Plains. These results provide a foundation for future research in analyzing the most persistent hot spots in more detail. Furthermore, these findings may aid decision makers in identifying areas to target for mitigation strategies such as spraying, larval control, and public awareness.
Wellenfunktionen zur Runge-Lenz-Algebra

Wir konstruieren nun die Wellenfunktionen der gebundenen Zustande im Coulomb-Potential mit Hilfe der Auf- und Absteigeoperatoren zu den in Aufg. 18.7.1 definierten Pseudodrehimpulsen. Die Herleitung ist ganz analog der Herleitung der Kugelfunktionen mit den Auf- und Absteigeoperatoren des Bahndrehimpulses in Aufg. 19.1.3. Wir werden sehen, das dieser Ansatz sehr machtig ist und Einsicht in die Eigenschaften und verschiedenen Formen der Coulomb-Wellenfunktionen gewahrt.
Reflections: our Journey in Organizational Change Research and Practice

This commentary summarizes our research and practice on the topic of organizational change over the past 30 years. Our purpose in preparing this commentary is to explain how our efforts accumulated over this period to produce the questions we addressed, the answers our findings revealed, and the direction of our future efforts. We summarize our journey thus far relative to six signposts, namely: (a) the identification of five key beliefs underlying change recipient motivations to change; (b) an emphasis on change recipient active participation in the change effort; (c) the importance of diagnosis; (d) the importance of creating readiness for change; (e) the identification of strategies for influencing the five beliefs throughout the change process; and, (f) the assessment of reactions to organizational change. To give an idea of where our journeys will take us in the future, we identify five trips we plan to make: (a) examine the relative importance of the five key beliefs for influencing change recipient...