cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation by cyclic AMP of the ilvB-encoded biosynthetic acetohydroxy acid synthase in Escherichia coli K-12

The biosynthetic acetohydroxy acid synthase activities of E. coli K12 are encoded by three genetic loci namely, ilvB (acetohydroxy acid synthase I), ilvG (acetohydroxy acid synthase II) and ilvHI (acetohydroxy acid synthase III). The previously reported involvement of cyclic AMP in the regulation of the biosynthetic acetohydroxy acid synthase isozymes in E. coli K-12 was found to be due to the effect of this nucleotide on the expression of ilvB. Cyclic AMP had no effect on acetohydroxy acid synthase activity in strains lacking wild-type ilvB activity but containing the remaining isozymes. Very little activity of acetohydroxy acid synthase coded for by ilvB was found when ppGpp and cyclic AMP were severely limited. Addition of cyclic AMP under these conditions increased ilvB expression 24-fold. The data suggest that in addition to multivalent repression and ppGpp, cyclic AMP plays a major role in the regulation of the ilvB biosynthetic operon.
Maintenance of ovine corpora lutea in the absence of ovarian follicles.

Experiments were conducted todetermine whether ovarian follicles play a role in regulating the life span of the ovine corpusluteum. Destruction of follicles by X-irradiation of ovaries increased the efficacy of continuous infusion of purified LH to prolong the life span of the corpus luteum of the anatomically intact ewe. When follicles were present, the amount of infused LH required to maintain corpora lutea was 4 times greater than that needed when follicles had been destroyed. Infusion of 300 μg LH/day/ewe maintained fully functional corpora lutea provided no rapidly growing follicles were present; this dose increased the concentration of LH in serum by less than 2 ng/ml. The pattern of spontaneous luteal regression in ewes whose follicles were destroyed differed significantly from the abrupt luteal regression which occurred between days 15 and 17 after heat in nontreated cyclic ewes. In the absence of follicles, corpora lutea regressed gradually, and luteal degeneration was nearly complete by day 20. ...
Promoting Excellence: Good to Great, NYC's District 2, and the Case of a High-Performing School District

This paper compares two celebrated studies—New York City Community School District 2 (Elmore & Burney, 1999), and Good to Great (Collins, 2001), which examined sustained success in American corporations—to the case of a single high-performing school district. The question of interest concerns how school districts achieve and maintain high performance. The study focuses on five central issues from a combined theory from District 2 and Good to Great: 1) An organizationwide disciplined system that provides boundaries for participants but allows for creativity and innovation within those boundaries; 2) a central defined organizational focus that drives day-to-day decisions and is separate from an organization's vision and mission; 3) getting the right people into the organization through innovative hiring and training practices; 4) funneling budgetary resources to district priorities through multipocket budgeting; and 5) a long-term commitment to success through continuous improvement while maintaining a focu...
Embedded single carbon fibre to sense the thermomechanical behavior of an epoxy during the cure process

Abstract A new approach that uses a single carbon fibre for sensing the thermomechanical behavior of an epoxy during the cure cycle is presented. By recording and analyzing the electrical resistance and temperature history of a carbon fibre embedded inside an epoxy specimen during the cure cycle, the interaction between the carbon fibre and the surrounding polymer can be revealed. Compared with reported TMA and DMA results, this embedded carbon fibre sensor approach successfully detects the glass transition zone covering the final transition temperature , the main transition temperature , and the starting transition temperature that respectively have similar values as: (i) T g corresponding to the abrupt change in CTE , (ii) T g by storage modulus (E ′ ) onset , and (iii) the upper temperature limit for the linear relationship between E ′ and the temperature . The future applications for this sensor method are also discussed.
Dynamic Data Structures and Concurrency in a Real-Time Data Acquisition System

We report on our efforts in developing an innovative real-time data acquisition system that makes extensive use of dynamic data structures, concurrency and state machine features. The Data Acquisition Command Language developed at the Los Alamos Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) Facility is a Pascal-based system that incorporates these features to maximize system performance, reliability and adaptability while supporting a consistent, familiar and comfortable user interface. The details and benefits of the implementation philosophy and underlying structures are discussed.
Radiation Hardening of MOS Integrated Circuits on Silicon

Effective procedures have been developed for hardening MOS transistors by minimizing radiation-induced threshold-voltage shifts in the SiO$sub 2$ gate insulator. These existing procedures were developed primarily for [100] oriented silicon. The radiation-hardening work reported herein was based upon specific requirements for use of [111] oriented silicon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of existing gate-insulator radiation-hardening procedures when applied to PMOS integrated circuits fabricated on [111] bulk silicon substrates. These procedures were proven effective in hardening [111] PMOS integrated circuits. However, there remains a significant difference between the radiation hardness of [111] and [100] PMOS integrated circuits. (auth)
THE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF SELF-CONTROL: TESTING THE GENERAL THEORY OF CRIME*

Gottfredson and Hirschi's recently introduced general theory of crime has received considerable empirical support. Researchers have found that low self-control, the general theory's core concept, is related to lawbreaking and to deviant behaviors considered by Gottfredson and Hirschi to be “analogous” to crime. In this article, we extend this research by assessing the effects of low self-control on crime and analogous behaviors and by using two distinct measures of self-control, an attitudinal measure and the analogous/behavior scale. Thus, following Gottfredson and Hirschi, we use analogous imprudent behaviors as outcomes of low self-control and as indicators of low self-control's effects on crime. We also examine an important but thus far neglected part of the theory: the claim that low self-control has effects not only on crime but also on life chances, life quality, and other social consequences. Consistent with the general theory, we found that both measures of self-control, attitudinal and behavioral, have effects on crime, even when controlling for a range of social factors. Further, the analysis revealed general support for the theory's prediction of negative relationships between low self-control and social consequences other than crime—life outcomes and quality of life.
The pyranosidic homologation route to the nine contiguous chiral centers of streptovaricin A1

Abstract A precursor for the ansa chain of streptovaricin A has been prepared by means of the pyranosidic homologation strategy. All of the nine contiguous asymmetric centers have been assembled their authenticity being established by simple 1H NMR methods. The termini of the chain are suitably differentiated so as to provide for eventual attachment of the pseudoaromatic moiety of the antibiotic. In the course of this study a strategy for selective debenzylation by utilizing a remote electrophilic center has been developed.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and Mental Retardation Caused by a de novo Chromosomal Deletion at 5q15-q22: Report of a Case

Familial adenomatous polyposis, caused by mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene located at chromosome 5q21, is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by polyposis of the colon and rectum and nearly 100 percent progression to colorectal cancer. We report a case of familial adenomatous polyposis and mental retardation caused by a chromosomal deletion at 5q15-q22. Chromosomal analysis is considered part of the evaluation of children with mental retardation and developmental delay. The resulting karyotypes from high-resolution chromosomal analysis can help characterize large deletions, some of which involve known tumor suppressor genes. Because familial adenomatous polyposis may arise from de novo chromosomal deletions involving the adenomatous polyposis coli gene locus, individuals with chromosomal deletions involving 5q21 should be considered at-risk for familial adenomatous polyposis and offered standard screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy by 10 to 12 years of age.
Chemical Genetics Identifies Small-Molecule Modulators of Neuritogenesis Involving Neuregulin-1/ErbB4 Signaling

Genetic findings have suggested that neuregulin-1 (Nrg1) and its receptor v-erb-a erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homologue 4 (ErbB4) may play a role in neuropsychiatric diseases. However, the downstream signaling events and relevant phenotypic consequences of altered Nrg1 signaling in the nervous system remain poorly understood. To identify small molecules for probing Nrg1−ErbB4 signaling, a PC12-cell model was developed and used to perform a live-cell, image-based screen of the effects of small molecules on Nrg1-induced neuritogenesis. By comparison of the resulting phenotypic data to that of a similar screening performed with nerve growth factor (NGF), this multidimensional screen identified compounds that directly inhibit Nrg1−ErbB4 signaling, such as the 4-anilino-quinazoline Iressa (gefitinib), as well as compounds that potentiate Nrg1−ErbB4 signaling, such as the indolocarbazole K-252a. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of Nrg1−ErbB4 signaling events and demonstrate the feasibility of using such a multidimensional, chemical-genetic approach for discovering probes of pathways implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases.
A re-evaluation of the 131I atmospheric releases from the Hanford site.

The atmospheric release of 131I from the Hanford site for the 1950’s and 1960’s, focused on the period of releases after the year 1950, has been re-evaluated using processing plant stack monitoring data to address a series of questions and concerns that have arisen related to the source term. Historical stack monitoring data have been used to re-assess the releases by creating either a release factor to use with the calculated plant throughput or using the stack monitoring results as the basic estimate, and the results have been verified using historical atmospheric monitoring data from a location several kilometers distant. Uncertainties in all of the historical data have been addressed in the re-assessment. Compared to the original estimate between 1950 and 1971 of 2.46 ± 0.71 PBq, the stack monitoring results show a release of 131I to the atmosphere of 1.55 ± 0.23 PBq. The concurrent atmospheric monitoring results imply a release of 1.75 ± 0.11 PBq over the same period, but this result is inflated by inclusion of global fallout. The total effective dose estimated to a full-time, nearby adult resident from 131I using the Heeb source term from 1950 through 1972 is 0.73 mSv; using the source term based on stack monitoring data in the Hanford Environmental Dose Reconstruction project models, it is 0.51 mSv.
Corrosion of Iron and Formation of Iron Phosphide by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans

THE classical theory of anaerobic bacterial corrosion, postulated by von Wolzogen Kuhr and van der Vlugt1, states that certain organisms, primarily those of the bacterial genus Desulfovibrio, remove hydrogen (electrons) that accumulate on the surface of iron (cathodic depolarization) by means of a hydrogenase, and reduce SO4−− to S−−. As a result of electron removal, iron dissolves as Fe++ ions at the anode.
A reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy study of the adsorption of dioxygen species on a silver surface

Abstract Two, adsorbed molecular-oxygen species are identified on a polycrystalline silver surface using reflection-adsorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). One oxygen species is a peroxo (O 2− 2 ) species which is identified from its vibrational frequency (983 cm −1 ) and which stands up on the surface. Its heat of adsorption, measured from adsorption isosteres, varies with oxygen coverage and is given by ΔH (ads) =14.5–18.7 θ kcal / mol where θ is the coverage and θ =1 is measured from the integrated intensity of the 983 cm −1 RAIRS peak for a sample temperature of 90 K in the presence of 145 Torr of oxygen. The second oxygen species is oriented with its OO bond parallel to the surface, has an OO stretching frequency of 622 cm −1 and is postulated to be the precursor to dissociative oxygen adsorption. Its heat of adsorption is also coverage dependent being given by ΔH (ads) =14.0–16.3 θ kcal / mol where here θ =1 is taken as the maximum integrated peak intensity for an oxygen pressure of 250 Torr at a sample temperature of 90 K. The variation in coverage for both species as a function of oxygen pressure is well described by a Temkin isotherm in accord with their coverage-dependent heats of adsorption.
Perceptions of Access to HIV-Related Information, Care, and Services among Infected Minority Men

The findings from a qualitative investigation of HIV-infected African American and Puerto Rican gay and bisexual men's experiences obtaining HIV-related information; seeking HIV-related health care; as well as soliciting assistance from, and involvement with, HIV/AIDS service organizations are presented. Many men felt that their race or ethnicity-alone or together with their lower socioeconomic status-had been a factor in their experiences in seeking illness-related information, health care, advocacy, and social services. With respect to medical care, African American men held more critical and distrustful attitudes toward physicians than did Puerto Rican men. Both groups of men viewed the principal, high-profile, HIV-related advocacy and social service organizations as largely disinterested in non-White and non-middle-class clients. The men also viewed the minority-focused HIV/AIDS organizations as largely ineffectual.
Night/Day Ratios of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Among Healthy Adolescents: Roles of Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Psychosocial Factors

Background Elevated nighttime blood pressure (BP) predicts hypertension and its complications in adulthood.
Morphology studies of the liquid‐induced crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate): Effects of polymer blending, nucleating agents, and molecular weight

The morphology associated with the liquid-induced crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blended either with poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) (PTMT), atactic polystyrene (APS), or polycarbonate of bisphenol A (PC) was studied, along with the effects of nucleating agents and polymer molecular weight on this type of crystallization in PET. It was found that melt-mixed blends of PET and either PTMT or PC led to an apparent well-mixed, two-component material in which some copolymer formation may be in evidence judging from the material superstructure. Blending PET with APS appeared to produce distinctly phase-separated materials in which PET could be crystallized and APS dissolved out of the structure as a result of treatment of the blend with certain types of liquid. The incorporation of nucleating agents into PET was shown to measurably influence the spherulitic character of the subsequently liquid-induced crystallized polymer. Finally, it was determined that liquid-induced crystallized PET samples with number-average molecular weights of 18,000 and 30,000 had identical characteristic morphology and apparent crystallization kinetics.
Rod light and dark adaptation influence cone-mediated spatial acuity

The influence of rod light and dark adaptation upon cone mediated spatial acuity was studied in the near parafoveal retina of normal human observers. The luminance just necessary to detect squarewave test gratings of variable frequency provided an index of spatial acuity. Such thresholds were determined in the presence of background fields which were varied in luminance, shape, and size, or throughout the time period of dark adaptation. Spectral controls determined the type of photoreceptors influenced by all stimuli. Cone mediated spatial acuity is improved by presenting background fields too dim to directly affect cones, and is increasingly suppressed during the rod recovery stage of dark adaptation. These effects are small with spatial frequencies less than 4 c/deg but increase with spatial frequency to greater than 1 log10 unit with the highest spatial frequency examined, 21 c/deg. These influences upon cone mediated spatial vision reflect the state of long-term adaptation of rods in a large annular area surrounding the locus to which the test grating is presented. Our results emphasize the differing influences of long-term dark adaptation and prevailing luminance level upon visual acuity. Ironically, spatial acuity is optimized under dim light conditions by selectively light adapting the receptors most sensitive to feeble stimuli, the rods.
Stability of YREE complexes with the trihydroxamate siderophore desferrioxamine B at seawater ionic strength

Abstract Organic complexation of yttrium and the rare earth elements (YREEs), although generally believed to be important, is an understudied aspect of YREE solution speciation in the open ocean. We report the first series of stability constants for complexes of YREEs (except Ce and Pm) with the trihydroxamate siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFOB), representing a class of small organic ligands that have an extraordinary selectivity for Fe(III) and are found in surface seawater at low-picomolar concentrations. Constants were measured by potentiometric titration of DFOB (pH 3–10) in the presence of single YREEs, in simple media at seawater ionic strength (NaClO4 or NaCl, I = 0.7 M). Under these circumstances, the terminal amine of DFOB does not deprotonate. The four acid dissociation constants of the siderophore were determined separately by potentiometric titration of DFOB alone. Values for the bidentate (log β1), tetradentate (log β2), and hexadentate (log β3) complexes of La–Lu range from 4.88 to 6.53, 7.70 to 11.27, and 10.09 to 15.19, respectively, while Y falls between Gd and Tb in each case. Linear free-energy relations of the three stability constants with the first YREE hydrolysis constant, log β 1 ∗ , yield regression coefficients of >0.97. On the other hand, plots of the constants vs. the radius of the inner hydration sphere display an increasing deviation from linearity for the lightest REEs (La > Pr > Nd). This may signify steric constraints in DFOB folding around bulkier cations, a larger mismatch in coordination number, or a substantial degree of covalence in the YREE–hydroxamate bond. Complexes of the YREEs with DFOB are many orders of magnitude more stable than those with carbonate, the dominant inorganic YREE ligand in seawater. Speciation modeling with MINEQL indicates that, for an average seawater composition, the hexadentate complex could constitute as much as 28% of dissolved Lu at free DFOB concentrations as low as 10−13 M. Such conditions might occur when DFOB or other siderophores are present in excess over metals for which they have high affinity, like Fe(III) and Co(III), for example during plankton blooms. Even if it turns out that trihydroxamate siderophores are not the dominant organic YREE ligand in seawater, our results establish a benchmark for producing effects on YREE solution speciation comparable to that of DFOB: the free concentration of any weaker organic ligand L must exceed that of DFOB by a factor β3/Lβ1, assuming its first order complex is formed in greatest abundance.
Controlled release of 5-fluorouracil from linear poly(ortho esters)

Abstract Linear poly(ortho esters) prepared by the reaction between 3,9-bis(ethylidene-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro [5,5] undecane) and various ratios of trans-cyclohexanedimethanol (t-CDM) and 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HD), were investigated as bioerodible matrices for the controlled release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Polymer erosion and release of 5-FU was found to depend on the nature and concentration of the incorporated acidic excipient used to catalyze polymer erosion. Three acidic excipients were investigated: itaconic acid, adipic acid and suberic acid. Relatively high concentration of the more water soluble diacids increased polymer hydrophilicity and promoted diffusional release of 5-FU. Suberic acid was found to possess the best combination of water solubility and acid strength. The composition of the polymer was also found to have a significant effect on rate of erosion and release of 5-FU. Polymers with a high t-CDM /1,6-HD ratio produced devices with a microporous structure and consequent fast diffusional release of 5-FU. Polymers prepared with only 1,6-HD were capable of eroding at high rates and were found to release 5-FU by a predominant surface erosion process. Polymer mechanical properties could be improved by solution blending two polymers with different t-CDM/1,6-HD ratios.
No Benefit of the Two-incision THA over Mini-posterior THA: A Pilot Study of Strength and Gait

Proponents of the two-incision minimally invasive approach for THA have claimed recovery is dramatically better than after other methods of THA, but this has not been confirmed with any objective data. We designed a prospective randomized trial of the two-incision THA versus the mini-posterior technique to determine whether patients having two-incision THA, when compared with patients having mini-posterior THA, had evidence of less muscle damage as reflected by changes in hip muscle strength after surgery, a less antalgic gait as reflected by changes in the single-leg stance time and walking velocity, and better hip function as reflected by changes in the hip moments during level walking and stair climbing as assessed by comprehensive gait analysis testing. Twenty-one patients, including 13 men and eight women, were prospectively randomized to either the two-incision or the mini-posterior approach and completed preoperative and 6-week postoperative three-dimensional gait analyses and isometric strength testing. We found no evidence that patients who had two-incision THA had less muscle damage, less antalgic gait, or better gait kinematics than patients who had mini-posterior THA. Instead, when there was a difference in strength or gait parameters, it was the patients who had mini-posterior THA who tended to have quicker recovery.
Tensorial Representation of the Dirac Equation

We discuss tensor representations of the Dirac equation using a geometric approach. We find that the mass zero Dirac equations can be represented by Maxwell equations having a source which obeys the empty space wave equation. We also obtain a relation for the source in terms ofE andH. In the case of mass not equal to zero a difficulty is encountered in removing the constant spinors¯χAand¯ϑA.We find that the arbitrary constant spinors can be eliminated in a spinor theory based on the Klein-Gordon equation.
Barriers and strategies in implementation of oral care standards for cancer patients

Oral complications of cancer therapy include mucositis, oral pain, poor oral intake, infection, bleeding, and difficulty communicating. Use of oral care standards can help manage these problems, but their systematic implementation is relatively rare. The purpose of this paper is to discuss barriers to implementing oral care standards, and to make suggestions for how such standards might be implemented in clinical settings. These purposes are accomplished through a review of relevant literature from various health-care disciplines, and discussion of one institution's implementation of an oral care standard for leukemia and bone marrow/stem cell transplant patients. Key principles underlying this successful institutional effort were recognition of the medical necessity of oral care, collaboration among health-care disciplines, and use of evidence-based practice wherever possible.
Introduction: Graduate Students Applying Anthropology

How are students throughout the United States applying their degrees in national and international contexts? What are they learning and in which areas are they employing their skills? This special edition of Practicing Anthropology provides a sampling that captures some of the diversity of activities and instances where students are applying their knowledge of anthropology.
Evolution of developmental homeostasis inDrosophila mojavensis

Variation in life histories among populations of cactophilicDrosophila mojavensis has been hypothesized to be a by-product of a shift to one of two alternate host plants. When cultured on the ancestral and a secondary host cactus, a Baja population expressed shorter development times and smaller thorax sizes than a mainland population, but viability did not differ. Comparisons with all reciprocal F1 and F2 crosses between populations revealed that genetic differences in development time and thorax size were largely additive. Homeostasis in these life history traits was population specific, except for viability. Homeostasis in development time was greater in the Baja population than in the other crosses, suggesting dominance for decreased homeostasis in the mainland population. Underdominance in viability homeostasis of the F1 hybrids suggested some incompatibility between populations. Homeostasis in thorax size was greater in females than in males and differed among parental populations. Maintenance of heritable differences and genetic variation for homeostasis in these traits suggested a role for cactus-specific differences in environmental uncertainty caused by variation in breeding site duration and abundance in nature.
Elimination of aluminum adjuvants

In vitro dissolution experiments although perhaps not at typical body concentrations and temperatures demonstrated that the alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids present in interstitial fluid (citric acid, lactic acid, and malic acid) are capable of dissolving aluminum-containing adjuvants. Amorphous aluminum phosphate adjuvant dissolved more rapidly than crystalline aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. Intramuscular administration in New Zealand White rabbits of aluminum phosphate and aluminum hydroxide adjuvants, which were labelled with 26Al, revealed that 26Al was present in the first blood sample (1 h) for both adjuvants. The area under the blood level curve for 28 days indicated that three times more aluminum was absorbed from aluminum phosphate adjuvant than aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. In vivo studies using 26Al-labelled adjuvants are relatively safe because accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) can quantify quantities of 26Al as small as 10(-17) g. A similar study in humans would require a whole-body exposure of 0.7 microSv per year compared to the natural background exposure of 3000 microSv per year. The in vitro dissolution and in vivo absorption studies indicate that aluminum-containing adjuvants which are administered intramuscularly are dissolved by alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids in interstitial fluid, absorbed into the blood, distributed to tissues, and eliminated in the urine.
Post-menopausal hormone therapy and concentrations of protein C and antithrombin in elderly women.

The effects of post-menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) on blood coagulation in elderly women are not well defined. We studied associations of HRT use with levels of natural anticoagulant proteins in a cross-sectional study of 3393 women > or = 65 years of age participating in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Protein C antigen and antithrombin were measured in all users (n = 230 unopposed oestrogen; 60 oestrogen/progestin) and a comparison group of 196 age- and race-matched non-users. Compared with non-users, oestrogen use was associated with higher protein C (4.80 vs. 4.30 microg/ml, P 0.05). In both user groups, antithrombin was lower than in non-users (109% for each vs. 115% in non-users, P < 0.001). Adjustment for factors related to prescription of HRT and to anticoagulant protein levels had little impact on the results. For antithrombin, associations with HRT were larger for thinner Caucasian women and black women. Venous thrombosis from HRT may be mediated partly by alterations in antithrombin, but not protein C concentrations. This study extends previous observations to older women, the group at highest risk of venous thromboembolism. Studies of HRT-induced alterations in anticoagulant function in relation to the occurrence of thrombosis with HRT are required.
The BH3 α-helical mimic BH3-M6 disrupts Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, and MCL-1 protein-protein interactions with Bax, Bak, Bad, or Bim and induces apoptosis in a Bax- and Bim-dependent manner

A critical hallmark of cancer cell survival is evasion of apoptosis. This is commonly due to overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and Mcl-1, which bind to the BH3 α-helical domain of pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bak, Bad, and Bim, and inhibit their function. We designed a BH3 α-helical mimetic BH3-M6 that binds to Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 and prevents their binding to fluorescently labeled Bak- or Bim-BH3 peptides in vitro. Using several approaches, we demonstrate that BH3-M6 is a pan-Bcl-2 antagonist that inhibits the binding of Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1 to multi-domain Bax or Bak, or BH3-only Bim or Bad in cell-free systems and in intact human cancer cells, freeing up pro-apoptotic proteins to induce apoptosis. BH3-M6 disruption of these protein-protein interactions is associated with cytochrome c release from mitochondria, caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Using caspase inhibitors and Bax and Bak siRNAs, we demonstrate that BH3-M6-induced apoptosis is caspase- and Bax-, but not Bak-dependent. Furthermore, BH3-M6 disrupts Bcl-XL/Bim, Bcl-2/Bim, and Mcl-1/Bim protein-protein interactions and frees up Bim to induce apoptosis in human cancer cells that depend for tumor survival on the neutralization of Bim with Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, or Mcl-1. Finally, BH3-M6 sensitizes cells to apoptosis induced by the proteasome inhibitor CEP-1612.
A Bayesian Regression Approach for Predicting Seasonal Tropical Cyclone Activity over the Central North Pacific

In this study, a Poisson generalized linear regression model cast in the Bayesian framework is applied to forecast the tropical cyclone (TC) activity in the central North Pacific (CNP) in the peak hurricane season (July–September) using large-scale environmental variables available up to the antecedent May and June. Specifically, five predictor variables are considered: sea surface temperatures, sea level pressures, vertical wind shear, relative vorticity, and precipitable water. The Pearson correlation between the seasonal TC frequency and each of the five potential predictors over the eastern and central North Pacific is computed. The critical region for which the local correlation is statistically significant at the 99% confidence level is determined. To keep the predictor selection process robust, a simple average of the predictor variable over the critical region is then computed. With a noninformative prior assumption for the model parameters, a Bayesian inference for this model is derived in detail. A Gibbs sampler based on the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is designed to integrate the desired posterior predictive distribution. The proposed hierarchical model is physically based and yields a probabilistic prediction for seasonal TC frequency, which would better facilitate decision making. A cross-validation procedure was applied to predict the seasonal TC counts within the period of 1966–2003 and satisfactory results were obtained.
The Cheshire Cat Effect

Designing a binocular-rivalry exhibit for the Exploratorium resulted in the observation of some interesting phenomena. Under conditions of binocular rivalry, motion in the field of one eye can trigger suppression of the other visual field as a whole or in parts. This suppression sometimes occurs only in the area of motion. Subparts of a suppressed area often remain in the visual field. Conversely, moving an object into the suppressed area of a visual field can elicit dominance of that object alone, with the rest of the field remaining suppressed. The suppression of partial areas of the visual field of each eye can occur simultaneously.
Flexibility monitoring of offshore jacket platforms

The new concept of Flexibility Monitoring, emphasizing the detection of fundamental vibration mode shapes, is an outgrowth of a general study of vibration monitoring for offshore oil and gas platforms. Its theoretical promise has been borne out in practice over the past several years in laboratory and field tests. The method is useful for underwater damage detection and, more generally, for identification of flexibility parameters of the structural dynamic mathematical model. Blind failure conditions involving removal of a K-brace section and foundation stiffness change were correctly identified in a government run laboratory test program. The brace removal was located in the correct bay and face of the model platform. Follow-on special testing of the model further demonstrated the theoretical expectation that diagonal severance is clearly distinguishable from both foundation flexibility and deck mass changes. It was shown that a very simple mathematical model provides similar sensitivity trends to those observed experimentally. Field experiments on the Shell Cognac and Chevron Garden Banks platforms have indicated that the necessary high quality data can be obtained from ambient acceleration measurements at underwater corner positions of a working platform. Continued development is warranted. Directions for future work are outlined.
Tests of Significance in Forward Selection Regression With an F-to-Enter Stopping Rule

A Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the upper percentage points of the null distribution of the sample squared multiple correlation coefftcient (R 2) when the number of predictors selected is determined by a stopping rule. In the study, the sample size n and the number of candidate predictors m satisfy 2 ≤ m ≤ 20 and 10 ≤ n – m – 1 ≤ 200, while the F threshold ranges from two to four. Tables of the upper five percent and upper one percent sample R* values are presented and an example is given to illustrate the use of the tables.
The right to choose: multiple pathways for activating copper,zinc superoxide dismutase.

Since the discovery of SOD1 in 1969, there have been numerous achievements made in our understanding of the enzyme's biochemical reactivity and its role in oxidative stress protection and as a genetic determinant in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Many recent advances have also been made in understanding the “activation” of SOD1, i.e. the process by which an inert polypeptide is converted to a mature active enzyme through post-translational modifications. To date, two such activation pathways have been identified: one requiring the CCS copper chaperone and one that works independently of CCS to insert copper and activate SOD1 through oxidation of an intramolecular disulfide. Depending on an organism's lifestyle and complexity, different eukaryotes have evolved to favor one pathway over the other. Some organisms rely solely on CCS for activating SOD1, and others can only activate SOD1 independently of CCS, whereas the majority of eukaryotes appear to have evolved to use both pathways. In this minireview, we shall highlight recent advances made in understanding the mechanisms by which the CCS-dependent and CCS-independent pathways control the activity, structure, and intracellular localization of copper,zinc superoxide dismutase, with relevance to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and an emphasis on evolutionary biology.
Model of a fragmentation process and its power-law behavior.

A simple model for understanding the qualitative features of a fragmentation process is proposed. At a particular point of a tuning parameter of this model, the fragment-size distribution has a scale-invariant power-law behavior. At relatively low values of this parameter, evaporation modes dominate and at high values of the parameter, multifragmentation takes place. The model is exactly soluble in all regimes of the tuning parameter. A unifying connection between evaporation and multifragmentation is found.
Software data news: Grand challenges for environmental modeling

Publication of a White Paper on ''Grand Challenges of the Future for Environmental Modeling'' is announced. The White Paper has been prepared for the US National Science Foundation (NSF) in the setting of its several Environmental Observatory initiatives.
Hypoplasia of the rightventricle and tricuspid valve in siblings

Summary The second of 2 siblings with hypoplasia of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle is described in detail, and the case of the first sibling is summarized. Review of the literature indicates a highincidence of occurrence of this malformation in siblings.
Collegiality, collegial management, and academic libraries

Abstract A ‘collegial management style’ is becoming a standard qualification for library management positions. Collegiality and congeniality are not the same. This article addresses the differences between these concepts, as well as why collegiality must be articulated must be articulated as an organizational value if the collegial manager is to be an effective leader.
Thermal Properties of Starch-Based Biodegradable Foams Produced Using Supercritical Fluid Extrusion (SCFX)

Starch-based extruded foams are in demand for many industrial applications because starch is biodegradable, inexpensive, and readily available in abundant quantity. In this study, the production of starch-based extruded foams using supercritical fluid extrusion (SCFX) having thermal properties such as heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity comparable to commercial products have been reported. Pregelatinized corn starch was extruded with different concentrations of whey protein isolate (WPI) (0, 12, and 18 wt. %) with supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) injection rates of 0.0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 wt%. It was possible to vary the expansion and the density of SCFX extrudates by manipulating WPI concentration and SC-CO2 injection rate. It was observed that the heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of starch-based SCFX extrudates were strong functions of their void fraction. The SCFX system is a useful tool for production of starch-based biodegradable foams, which do not require...
Effect of Antimicrobial Agents on Root Surface Caries, Alveolar Bone Loss, and Microflora in Rice Rats

Two antimicrobial agents, 9-aminoacridine (0.2%) and minocycline (0.2%), were evaluated for their efficacy in inhibiting root surface caries, bone loss, and microflora in rice rats. A solution of 5000 ppm fluoride was used as a positive control for the inhibition of root surface caries, and double-distilled water was used as a negative control group. Each rat was treated by having its molar teeth swabbed 2 x per day with the prescribed agent in its group for nine weeks. Root caries reduction in the minocycline and fluoride groups was not significantly different, but the reduction was significantly greater than in the 9-aminoacridine group, with the caries score in all three groups being significantly less than that in the water control. Bone loss reduction for the minocycline group was significantly greater than that for any other group.
Pharmacokinetic assessment of an oral enalapril suspension for use in children

The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril is commonly used to treat pediatric hypertension. Because some children are unable to swallow tablets or require doses less than the lowest available enalapril tablet, an enalapril suspension was developed. This study examined the relative bioavailability of enalapril suspension (10 mg) (S) compared with 10-mg marketed VASOTEC tablets (T) in 16 healthy adult subjects. The geometric mean ratio (S/T) estimate of urinary recovery of free enalaprilat, the active moiety, was 0.92 (90% confidence interval (CI): 0.80, 1.07). Urinary recovery data indicate that approximately 50% of the dose was absorbed (50% recovered in urine as enalapril plus enalaprilat) with about 30% of the dose recovered as free enalaprilat for both S and T. The geometric mean ratios (S/T) of serum AUC and C(max) were 1.01 (90% CI: 0.90, 1.13) and 0.98 (90% CI: 0.83, 1.16), respectively. Suspension T(max) was slightly shorter (0.5 h) than that for tablet, but this difference is not clinically significant. Both formulations were well tolerated and there were no clinically significant adverse experiences. We conclude that the bioavailability of enalapril oral suspension 10-mg is similar to that of VASOTEC 10-mg tablet. Instructions for compounding enalapril are provided.
Demonstrating Group Process Using 12 Angry Men

ABSTRACT The feature film 12 Angry Men focuses on an organizational task group that demonstrates the dynamics of a working group. The film is discussed as an effective tool for illuminating group process. The authors describe their experiences using the movie as a teaching tool and provide examples of how it can be used to depict critical incidents, the recognition and understanding of group process, and interpersonal learning. This paper also describes how group instructors can use a feature film to facilitate an in-depth experience for group counseling trainees. It captures the immediacy of here-and-now feedback and confrontation, which gives trainees an experience that is unavailable in training films and role-playing.
A classification schema for the cryptospores

Abstract The cryptospores are a class of sporomorphs which is distinct from trilete and monolete spores, pollen grains and acritarchs. These spore‐like palynomorphs are similar in many respects to spores of embryophytes. Because immediate biological affinity is unknown for species of cryptospores, their classification is most effectively achieved through the construction of an artificial system. The schema presented here is an artificial one based on morphology and does not represent a phylogenetic classification which groups species on the basis of ancestor‐descendant relationships. One new species, Tetrahedraletes grayii is described as the oldest known permanent tetrad cryptospore from North America. Three species of dyads, Dicryptosporites radiatus gen. et sp. nov., D. minus, and Confossuspora reniforma gen. et sp. nov. are also described.
Strong localization of light in a random two-dimensional dielectric medium that is periodic on average

We study the strong localization of light in a two-dimensional, randomly disordered, dielectric medium that is periodic on average. The medium consists of an infinite array of infinitely long, parallel, dielectric rods of square cross section embedded in vacuum. The intersections of the axes of these rods with a perpendicular plane form a square lattice. The dielectric constant of each rod, which is lossless, is an independent random variable whose values are distributed about an average value (epsilon) (alpha ). The photonic band structure of the average periodic system has been calculated, and the edges of the band gaps have been found by a careful study of the convergence of the calculation. Maxwell's equations are integrated numerically in space and time to yield the electromagnetic field radiated by a line source emitting light at frequency (omega) whose current amplitude has a Gaussian shape in time. By looking in the disordered system at the electromagnetic energy stored between consecutive pairs of cylinders of radii m(Delta) R and (m + 1)(Delta) R, where m equals 0,1,2..., centered on the line source we show that the system displays strong localization of light. The localization length is found to be much smaller for frequencies in the gaps of the photonic band structure of the average periodic medium than for frequencies outside the gaps.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Low temperature thermal expansion of RbI

Abstract An X-ray method has been used to measure the thermal expansion at low temperature of RbI, and to verify the results of White for KCl. For these alkali halides, and for NaCl, the low temperature values of the Gruneisen parameter, γ = βVBs/Cp have been shown to agree with values \ ggLobtained from the pressure variation of the elastic constants by means of a computer program. The elastic constant C44 measures the lowest shear stiffness in these crystals, and because it decreases with pressure for RbI and KCl, the thermal expansion γ varies widely from a low value γL, at low temperatures to a much higher value γH at high temperatures. The variation is much less for NaCl for which dC44/dP is positive.
Supply Base Reduction: An Empirical Study of Critical Success Factors

SUMMARY One important factor in the design of an organization's supply chain is the number of suppliers used for a given product or service. Supply base reduction is one option useful in managing the supply base. The current paper reports the results of case studies in 10 organizations that recently implemented supply base reduction activities. Specifically, the paper identifies the key success factors in supply base reduction efforts and prescribes processes to capture the benefits of supply base reduction.
Heart of Darkness and the epistemology of cultural differences

Heart of Darkness has a long history of disagreement about whether to regard it as a daring attack on imperialism or a reactionary purveyor of colonial stereotypes. Taking Achebe’s now famous indictment and Clifford's recent praise that Conrad was an exemplary anthropologist, this article argues that Conrad is neither a racist nor an exemplary anthropologist hut a skeptical dramatist of epistemological processes. The novella has received these divergent responses because its enactment of the dilemmas entailed in understanding cultural otherness is inherently double and strategically ambiguous. The article argues that the novella is a calculated failure to depict achieved cross-cultural understanding presented to the reader through textual strategies which oscillate between affirming and denying the possibility of understanding otherness. The article acknowledges that charges such as that made by Achebe are extremely valuable because they break the aura of the text and establish reciprocity between it and its interpreters by putting them on equal terms, and concludes that a recognition of how unsettingly ambiguous the text is about the ideals of reciprocity and mutual understanding will empower us to engage in a sort of dialogue with it which Marlow never achieves with Africans or anyone else.
Elucidation of the brain correlates of cognitive empathy and self-awareness

Self-awareness is thought to be tied to processes of higher-order perspective taking including empathy. These abilities appear to be reserved for humans, great apes, and possibly, dolphins. Recent examinations reveal that both self-awareness and empathy may have origins in the right hemisphere. It is possible that, as in language, lateralization plays a key role in the development of higher-order perspective taking and self-awareness.