cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of the novel fluorescent amino acid p-cyanophenylalanine offers a direct probe of hydrophobic core formation during the folding of the N-terminal domain of the ribosomal protein L9 and provides evidence for two-state folding.

Fluorescence-detected stopped flow measurements are the method of choice for studies of protein folding kinetics. However, the methodology suffers from the limitation that the protein of interest either must contain an intrinsic fluorophore or can tolerate its introduction by mutagenesis. Recently, the cyano (nitrile) analogue of phenylalanine has been proposed for use as a fluorescence analogue. Here we take advantage of this new methodology to monitor the formation of the hydrophobic core during the folding of the N-terminal domain of L9 (NTL9). Phenylalanine 5, which is completely buried in the folded state of NTL9, was replaced with p-cyanophenylalanine (p-cyano-Phe). This derivative reports on the formation of the hydrophobic core. The variant adopts the same fold as wild-type NTL9 and is slightly more stable. Refolding and unfolding were monitored using both guanidine HCl and urea jump experiments. In both cases, plots of the natural log of the observed relaxation rate versus denaturant concentratio...
Will the Scientists Please Step Forward

Review of : The Lure of Bacterial Genetics: A Tribute to John Roth ; edited by Stanley Maloy, Kelly T. Hughes, and Josep Casadesus; (2010). ASM Press, Washington, DC. 376 pages.
NF-IL6 (C/EBPβ) Vigorously Activates il1b Gene Expression via a Spi-1 (PU.1) Protein-Protein Tether

Two classes of transcription factors, ETS and bZIP, stand out as key mediators of monocyte commitment and differentiation. The ETS domain factor Spi-1 (also called PU.1) and the bZIP factor NF-IL6 (also called C/EBPβ) have been shown to be involved in the transcriptional regulation of interleukin-1β gene (il1b) and other monocyte-specific genes. We now show that these two factors strongly cooperate on the il1b core promoter (−59/+12) in the absence of direct NF-IL6 binding to DNA. Transient transfection assays, using mutated il1b core promoters, showed that the Spi-1, but not the NF-IL6, binding site is absolutely required for functional cooperativity. Furthermore, the NF-IL6 transactivation domain (TAD) is functionally indispensable and more critical than that of Spi-1. Additionally, TAD-deficient NF-IL6 functions as a dominant negative for Spi-1-mediated activation, suggesting the involvement of the bZIP DNA binding domain. This is supported by the demonstration of in vitro interaction between the NF-IL6 bZIP and Spi-1 winged helix-turn-helix (wHTH) DNA binding domains, arguing that NF-IL6 vigorously activates theil1b core promoter via protein-tethered transactivation mediated by Spi-1.
The molecular weight of rabbit muscle aldolase and the properties of the subunits in acid solution

Abstract Re-examination of the weight-average molecular weight of rabbit muscle aldolase in 0.15 m NaCl by the high-speed sedimentation equilibrium and field relaxation methods gave values of 160,000 ± 1500 and 162,500, respectively. When the protein was allowed to dissociate in an acidic solution (pH 2.0, μ = 0.06) the weight-average molecular weight was estimated as 40,000 ± 2000. The results are consistent with a structure composed of four polypeptide chains. Extensive polydispersity was observed after the protein was dialyzed in acidic buffer for more than 3 days in the cold. The thermodynamic parameters calculated for the breakdown of carboxymethylated aldolase under this condition at two temperatures suggested that the subunits are degraded in acid, with the cleavage of one or more acid-labile peptide bonds. O -Phenanthroline oxidized aldolase, containing approximately four disulfide bonds per protein molecule, showed evidence of degradation in acid only after treatment with mercaptoethanol. Intra-subunit disulfide bridges in the oxidized enzyme appear to hold the fragments together.
Low-loss optical waveguides written by femtosecond laser pulses for three-dimensional photonic devices

Femtosecond laser microfabrication attracts much attention due to its ability to write three-dimensional photonic devices into various transparent materials. By optimizing laser processing parameters and annealing at high temperature, low-loss straight optical waveguides are written in a pure silica glass. The minimum propagation-loss is 0.05 dB/cm at the wavelength of 1550 nm. The utility of the femtosecond laser processing is demonstrated by writing a low-loss three-dimensional 1×8 optical splitter.
Calculation of Slow Invariant Manifolds for Reactive Systems

One-dimensional slow invariant manifolds for dynamical systems arising from modeling unsteady, isothermal, isochoric, spatially homogeneous, closed reactive systems are calculated. The technique is based on global analysis of the composition space of the reactive system. The identification of all the system’s finite and infinite critical points plays a major role in calculating the system’s slow invariant manifold. The slow invariant manifolds are constructed by calculating heteroclinic orbits which connect appropriate critical points to the critical point which corresponds to the unique stable physical critical point of chemical equilibrium. The technique is applied to small and large detailed kinetics mechanisms for hydrogen combustion.
Effect of chronic denervation on pharmacological responsiveness of coronary vessels

Abstract We have hypothesized that the well-established regional heterogeneity of the properties of the vascular smooth muscle results from pecularities of the microenvironment in every region. In particular, the coronary vasculature has well-established differences between large and small coronary arteries in their responsiveness to alpha and beta agonists, nitroglycerin and adenosine. To test our hypothesis, we altered the micro-environment of coronary vessels by chronic surgical sympathectomy in dogs. Our in vitro studies on vessels from normally innervated hearts confirmed previous studies and showed that in large vessels, alpha and beta epinephrine or norepinephrine responses can be demonstrated; the alpha effect is dominant and epinephrine is a more potent alpha agonist than is norepinephrine. In small vessels only a beta catecholamine effect can be demonstrated. Chronically sympathectomized blood vessels show an alpha norepinephrine effect in small vessels. Denervation caused a reduction in the sensitivity to K+-induced contraction in both large and small vessels. In large vessels the responses to nitroglycerin were not affected by denervation, whereas in small vessels the sensitivity to adenosine was reduced. These results indicate that chronic denervation alters the pharmacological responsiveness of the vasculature to various agonists indicating that vascular smooth muscle possesses the ability to respond to long-term modulatory influences arising in the immediate environment.
Management of Thyroid Nodules and Surgery for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

The incidence of well-differentiated thyroid cancer has seen a worldwide increase in the last three decades. Whether this is due to a ‘true increase’ in incidence or simply increased detection of otherwise subclinical disease remains unclear. The treatment of thyroid cancer revolves around appropriate surgical intervention, minimising complications and the use of adjuvant therapy in select circumstances. Prognostic features and risk stratification are crucial in determining the appropriate treatment. There continues to be considerable debate in several aspects of management in these patients. Level 1 evidence is lacking, and there are limited prospective data to direct therapy, hence limiting decision-making to retrospective analyses, treatment guidelines based on expert opinion and personal philosophies. This overview focuses on the major issues associated with the investigation of thyroid nodules and the extent of surgery. As overall survival in well-differentiated thyroid cancer exceeds 95%, it is important to reduce over-treating the large majority of patients, and focus limited resources on high-risk patients who require aggressive treatment and closer attention. The onus is on the physician to avoid treatment-related complications from thyroid surgery and to offer the most efficient and cost-effective therapeutic option.
Commodity currencies and the real exchange rate

Abstract This paper shows that a change in the terms of trade of a commodity-exporting country could cause the relative price of nontraded goods to rise or fall, depending on the strength of income and substitution effects.
A structure refinement strategy for NMR crystallography: An improved crystal structure of silica-ZSM-12 zeolite from 29Si chemical shift tensors

A strategy for performing crystal structure refinements with NMR chemical shift tensors is described in detail and implemented for the zeolite silica-ZSM-12 (framework type code MTW). The 29Si chemical shift tensors were determined from a slow magic-angle spinning spectrum obtained at an ultrahigh magnetic field of 21.1T. The Si and O atomic coordinate parameters were optimized to give the best agreement between experimentally measured and ab initio calculated principal components of the 29Si chemical shift tensors, with the closest Si-O, O-O, and Si-Si distances restrained to correspond with the distributions of the distances found in a set of single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) structures of high-silica zeolites. An improved structure for the silica-ZSM-12 zeolite, compared to a prior structure derived from powder XRD data, is obtained in which the agreement between the experimental and calculated 29Si chemical shift tensors is dramatically improved, the Si-O, O-O, and Si-Si distances correspond to the expected distributions, while the calculated powder XRD pattern remains in good agreement with the experimental powder XRD data. It is anticipated that this "NMR crystallography" structure refinement strategy will be an important tool for the accurate structure determination of materials that are difficult to fully characterize by traditional diffraction methods.
Meat Is Good to Taboo: Dietary Proscriptions as a Product of the Interaction of Psychological Mechanisms and Social Processes

Comparing food taboos across 78 cultures, this paper demonstrates that meat, though a prized food, is also the principal target of proscriptions. Reviewing existing explanations of taboos, we find that both functionalist and symbolic approaches fail to account for meat's cross-cultural centrality and do not reflect experience-near aspects of food taboos, principal among which is disgust. Adopting an evolutionary approach to the mind, this paper presents an alternative to existing explanations of food taboos. Consistent with the attendant risk of pathogen transmission, meat has special salience as a stimulus for humans, as animal products are stronger elicitors of disgust and aversion than plant products. We identify three psychosocial processes, socially-mediated ingestive conditioning, egocentric empathy, and normative moralization, each of which likely plays a role in transforming individual disgust responses and conditioned food aversions into institutionalized food taboos.
Modified distance-density methods for instantaneous angiographic blood-flow measurement

Blood flow rate is an important parameter for functional evaluation of vascular disease. Instantaneous blood flow measurements from digital cerebral angiograms can be performed during endovascular interventional procedures providing interventional radiologists with minimally invasive real-time flow measurements. Distance-density curve matching (DDCM) methods are a promising class of videodensitometric techniques. However, published techniques have a relatively low theoretical maximum of measurable flow rate and sensitivity to noise and image artifacts. We investigate the use of alternative difference metrics along with curve fitting and extrapolation. These modifications can potentially reduce the influence of noise, image defects and flow irregularities. Extrapolation of difference profiles may overcome the theoretical limit for maximum measurable flow rate. The proposed methods were evaluated using both simulated angiograms and angiograms obtained by imaging a flow phantom under clinically realistic flow and contrast injection conditions. Our results indicate that under the conditions of constant flow the proposed modifications yield some improvement in both accuracy and reliability of instantaneous flow rate measurements. These improvements were the most noticeable during the early contrast wash-out phase, when the published DDCM methods were observed to fail.
Estrategias reparatorias de discurso en tres comunidades lingüísticas

Resumen Se han analizado las interacciones verbales de cinco ninos de 2 a 3 anos de edad con sus respectivas madres, comunicandose bien en catalan, castellano o ingles. Se han llevado a cabo un analisis de las estrategias utilizadas por parte del adulto para superar momentos de incomprension y se han estudiado los diversos principios psicologicos que sustentan a esas estrategias de reparacion del dialogo. Las estrategias mas utilizadas independientemente de la lengua en que se hablara, han consistido en la repeticion del mensaje o bien en llevar a cabo pequenos cambios en el. Estas estrategias han sido satisfactorias en la reparacion del discurso, lo cual nos hace pensar que estan basadas en leyes psicologicas bien establecidas como son el procesamiento de la informacion, la atencion y la memoria. Entre las diversas causas que podian ocasionar estos momentos de incomprension se ha observado una falta de procesamiento sensorial, logico y linguistico en las interacciones verbales de las madres con sus hijos. El hallazgo de fenomenos similares independientemente de la lengua utilizada, nos hacen sugerir la presencia de Principios Psicologicos Generales bajo esas distintas estrategias reparatorias de discurso.
Protein hydration density: theory, simulations and crystallography

Models of protein hydration are becoming increasingly more accurate in comparison with experimental data. The recent success of these models implies that the major features of the solvation layers are dominated by local correlations and that such correlations are universal. The excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental solvent electron density radial distributions marks a significant success in our ability to accurately model macromolecular hydration.
Translations and quasi-translations in E3

Abstract A homeomorphism h of Euclidean space onto itself is a quasi-translation if h is regular at each point and the extension of h to the one-point compactification fails to be regular at ∞. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a quasi-translation to be topologically equivalent to the translation of three dimensional Euclidean space. Central to these investigations is the study of the structure of the orbit spaces. For example, it is shown that an irreducible orientable open 3-manifold, whose fundamental group contains no subgroup isomorphic to the fundamental group of a closed orientable surface of positive genus, can be expressed as the monotone union of cubes-with-handles.
Correlations between electronic structure of transition metal atoms and performance of high-k gate dielectrics in advanced Si devices

Abstract This paper develops a classification scheme for non-crystalline dielectrics that separates them into three groups with different amorphous morphologies, and identifies a linear scaling relationship between average bond ionicity and oxygen atom coordination. The classification scheme is applied to transition metal silicate and aluminate alloys and provides a structural model for molecular orbital, MO, calculations that are based on the coordination and symmetry of transition metal atoms and the orbital energies of their oxygen neighbors. The MO calculations show that conduction band offset energies with respect to Si scale inversely with the energy difference between transition metal atomic n +1 s- and n d-states providing an important insight into the choice of alternative gate dielectrics for advanced Si devices.
In Vivo Limestone Solubilization in Commercial Leghorns: Role of Dietary Calcium Level, Limestone Particle Size, In Vitro Limestone Solubility Rate, and the Calcium Status of the Hen

Three experiments were conducted to determine the possible interaction of particle size, in vitro limestone solubility rate, and the Ca status of the hen, respectively, with dietary Ca level and in vivo Ca solubilization in laying hens. The in vivo Ca solubilization in hens was determined by subtracting Ca recovered as limestone in the excreta (by repeated washing) from Ca fed as limestone. Limestones of two different particle sizes [.5 to .8 mm (small) versus 2 to 5 mm (large)] with the same in vitro solubility rates were used in Experiment 1. Limestones of two different in vitro solubility rates (4 versus 10%/15 min in .079 N HCl) with the same particle size in Experiment 2 were assessed for in vivo Ca solubilization. In both experiments, laying hens were fed diets containing graded levels of Ca: 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0%. In Experiment 3, hens fed a Ca-deficient (1%) diet for 1 wk were compared with hens fed a diet containing 3.75% Ca to assess in vivo Ca solubilization as influenced by graded dietary Ca levels: 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5% Ca. In vivo Ca solubilization in hens was influenced (P less than .05) by dietary Ca level (inverse relationship), limestone particle size (large particle greater than small particle), and Ca status of hens (Ca-deficient hens greater than normal hens). In vivo Ca solubilization in laying hens, for the particle size tested, was not influenced by in vitro limestone solubility rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Computer games and scientific visualization

How should scientists approach the innovations in visualization-rendering systems increasingly derived from computer game tools, interfaces, navigation techniques, and plot lines?
Duodenogastro-oesophageal reflux

The role of duodenogastro-oesophageal reflux (DGOR), once erroneously termed 'bile reflux', in causing oesophageal mucosal damage has been an area of interest in both animal and human studies. However, due to the lack of appropriate techniques for accurately measuring DGOR, extrapolation of findings from animal studies to humans was difficult to make. The recent advent of the Bilitec system, an ambulatory bilirubin monitoring device, is increasing our knowledge of the specific role of DGOR in oesophageal diseases. Studies suggest that the DGOR without acid reflux may result in symptoms but unless acid reflux is present simultaneously, it does not cause oesophagitis. Therefore, our therapies should aim at reducing both DGOR and acid reflux. Studies show that this may be accomplished by anti-reflux surgery or the use of proton pump inhibitors, which, by reducing gastric volume, decrease the damaging potential of both acid and DGOR.
Fine‐Structural Aspects of Microgametogenesis of Eimeria magna in Rabbits and in Kidney Cell Cultures*

SYNOPSIS. The fine-structural aspects of development of microgamonts of Eimeria magna were studied in kidney cell cultures and in experimentally infected rabbits. Spheroidal masses of gamont-like cytoplasm containing ribosomes, polyribosomes, and amylopectin granules were found within the parasitophorous vacuole; these bodies were apparently pinched off the surface of the gamont. Nucleoli were present in the early stages of nuclear division but disappeared as development proceeded. Spindles were eccentric and the nuclear membrane always remained intact in dividing nuclei. Nuclei eventually became elongate in shape, compact, and electron dense at the end oriented toward the periphery and lucent centrally. Usually, only the dense portion was incorporated into the gamete as the gamete developed by protruding from the gamont surface. Fullyformed microgametes were biflagellate and contained a nucleus, a mitochondrion, and 8-10 microtubules. Multiple-membrane complexes, which apparently originated from the nuclear envelope or endoplasmic reticulum, were found within the gamont residual body. Occasionally, 2 or 3 micro- and/or macrogamonts were seen within the same cell. In some cells one or 2 micro- or macrogamonts as well as several merozoites were present in the same parasitophorous vacuole.
Comparative analysis of models integrating synoptic forecast data into potato late blight risk estimate systems

Determinacy analysis, logistic regression, discriminant analysis and neural network models were compared for their accuracy in 5-day (120h) forecasts of daily potato late blight risk according to a modified-Wallin disease severity model. For 12 locations in Michigan, variables derived from extended forecast data (MEX) from the National Weather Service model output statistics (MOS) were compared with those similarly derived from Unedited Local Climatological Data (ULCD) for the growing seasons 2001-2004. The most effective model for late blight risk prediction based on comparison with risk estimated with ULCD was a resilient propagation (Rprop) neural network model with 49 variables and 10 hidden nodes. The neural network model had significantly higher overall accuracy than the other models, and was particularly successful at predicting risk values in June, July, and August when knowledge of potato late blight risk is most critical to growers making management decisions with regard to fungicide sprays and irrigation scheduling. The neural network model was also significantly more accurate than the regional average of days with no late blight risk (0.72%). For each of the four models, monthly accuracy at any single station was negatively correlated with the percentage of days per month classified as risk days for potato late blight (P=0.01). Although no validation with disease data was conducted, such models are still useful in the context of advising growers of forecast conditions that may be favorable for late blight according to model values, such as Wallin style disease severity values, with which they are familiar.
DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.

Background The population prevalence of DSM-IV personality disorders (PDs) remains largely unknown. Data are reported here on the prevalence and correlates of clinician-diagnosed Clusters A, B, and C DSM-IV PDs in the general population of the United States. Methods Personality disorder screening questions from the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE) were administered in Part II ( n = 5692) of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). A probability sub-sample was then interviewed with the IPDE and used to link screening question responses with IPDE clinical diagnoses. The method of Multiple Imputation (MI) was then implemented to estimate prevalence and correlates of PDs in the full sample. Results The MI prevalence estimates were 5.7% Cluster A, 1.5% Cluster B, 6.0% Cluster C, and 9.1% any PD. All three PD clusters were significantly comorbid with a wide range of DSM-IV Axis I disorders. Significant associations of PDs with functional impairment were largely accounted for by Axis I comorbidity. Conclusions Strong Axis I comorbidity raises questions about the somewhat arbitrary separation of PDs from Axis I disorders in the DSM nomenclature. The impairment findings suggest that the main public health significance of PDs lies in their effects on Axis I disorders rather than in their effects on functioning.
Structure of mutator phage Mu1 of Escherichia coli

Mu1, a temperate phage that mutates Escherichia coli upon lysogenization, was examined by electron microscopy. The phage head is 540 A in diameter with an octahedral appearance, but it may be actually an icosahedron. The contractile tail sheath is 1000 × 180 A in its extended form and 560 × 225 A in its contracted form. Cross striations in the extended sheath number 24 with about 40 A spacings. Striations on the contracted sheaths are also visible, and they vary from cross, diagonal, to axial configurations. The inner tail core is 1080 A long with an outer diameter of 80 A and an inner diameter of 27 A. Quadruplet structures are observed, the dimensions of which suggest that they could be tail core segments. Each quadruplet consists of four 27 A identical subunits. Base plates about 225 A in diameter with two or three attached 315 A tail spikes are found. A 90 A knoblike structure is located at the proximal opening of the tail core. Additional analyses indicate that Mu1 contains approximately 40% DNA and 60% protein.
The impact of TPM on research and teaching: the story of the society for automotive engineers digital library

This paper describes the results of a study of the impacts of technological protection measures (TPM) and onerous pricing models on research and teaching in the field of mechanical engineering. The paper describes a case study of the 2006/2007 implementation, and ultimate removal, of a TPM and token pricing model on the Society for Automotive Engineers Digital Library product marketed to academic libraries in the United States. Data include interviews with engineering faculty, students and librarians. The paper identifies both direct effects of the TPM restrictions on sharing and printing and indirect effects of lack of convenient access to the digital library.
A strategy for the expression of recombinant proteins traditionally hard to purify

We have developed a series of plasmid vectors for the soluble expression and subsequent purification of recombinant proteins that have historically proven to be extremely difficult to purify from Escherichia coli. Instead of dramatically overproducing the target protein, it is expressed at a low basal level that facilitates the correct folding of the recombinant protein and increases its solubility. Highly active recombinant proteins that are traditionally difficult to purify are readily purified using standard affinity tags and conventional chromatography. To demonstrate the utility of these vectors, we have expressed and purified full-length human DNA polymerases η, ι, and ν from E. coli and show that the purified DNA polymerases are catalytically active in vitro.
Toward an Alternative Engagement of Black Theology with Modern Science

AbstractReligious narrative is rarely studied for the purpose of gaining insight into the nature of consciousness or for finding suitable metaphors and norms for the enrichment of modern science. Barbara Holmes is among the few scholars exploring the intersection of modern science with Black liberation theology. In Race and the Cosmos, Holmes constructs a view of race and social justice informed by quantum physics and scientific cosmology rather than by religious narrative. Her approach is unfortunately mired by a supposition of dualism and moral realism. This article proposes an alternative approach that permits both engagement with science and appreciation of narrative. The article shows that African American religious narrative, if dealt with phenomenologically, is a compelling point of departure for Black theologians seeking critical engagement with the natural sciences. In addition, this turn to phenomenology broadens the meaning of liberation to include the quest for self-transcendence, a recurring ...
Automatic Compositional Reasoning for Probabilistic Model Checking of Hardware Designs

Adaptive techniques like voltage and frequency scaling, process variations and the randomness of input data contribute significantly to the statistical aspect of contemporary hardware designs. Therefore, the performance metrics of such designs are also statistical in nature. In previous work, we have employed probabilistic model checking to rigorously evaluate the statistical performance of hardware designs. In this paper, we present an automatic compositional reasoning technique to improve the scalability of probabilistic model checking of hardware systems. We partition the set of system observables into disjoint subsets and use them to structurally decompose the system into smaller components. We employ an assume-guarantee form of reasoning and analyze the space of environmental constraints using a value-based case splitting approach. We split the space of values of all the observables of one component into separate value-based cases. We provide an argument for the correctness of our technique. We illustrate the effectiveness of our technique by making probabilistic model checking feasible for evaluating performance metrics such as delay and Bit Error Rate (BER) of non-trivial hardware designs that we use as case studies. For example, we are able to determine the statistical delay of a 64-bit adder design with over $10^{40}$ states. We use PRISM as the probabilistic model checking engine in all our experiments.
Quantitative PCR analysis of CYP1A induction in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Environmental pollutants are hypothesized to be one of the causes of recent declines in wild populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar); across Eastern Canada and the United States. Some of these pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins, are known to induce expression of the CYP1A subfamily of genes. We applied a highly sensitive technique, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), for measuring the levels of CYP1A induction in Atlantic salmon. This assay was used to detect patterns of CYP1A mRNA levels, a direct measure of CYP1A expression, in Atlantic salmon exposed to pollutants under both laboratory and field conditions. Two groups of salmon were acclimated to 11 and 17 degrees C, respectively. Each subject then received an intraperitoneal injection (50 mg kg(-1)) of either beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) in corn oil (10 mg BNF ml(-1) corn oil) or corn oil alone. After 48 h, salmon gill, kidney, liver, and brain were collected for RNA isolation and analysis. All tissues showed induction of CYP1A by BNF. The highest base level of CYP1A expression (2.56 x 10(10) molecules/microg RNA) was found in gill tissue. Kidney had the highest mean induction at five orders of magnitude while gill tissue showed the lowest mean induction at two orders of magnitude. The quantitative RT-PCR was also applied to salmon sampled from two streams in Massachusetts, USA. Salmon liver and gill tissue sampled from Millers River (South Royalston, Worcester County), known to contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), showed on average a two orders of magnitude induction over those collected from a stream with no known contamination (Fourmile Brook, Northfield, Franklin County). Overall, the data show CYP1A exists and is inducible in Atlantic salmon gill, brain, kidney, and liver tissue. In addition, the results obtained demonstrate that quantitative PCR analysis of CYP1A expression is useful in studying ecotoxicity in populations of Atlantic salmon in the wild.
Browning and Associated Properties of Porcine Muscle

SUMMARY— A split-plot design was used to study browning and associated properties of LD muscles from 12 Duroc and 12 Poland China barrows. Pigs were: (1) untreated, (2) sugar-fed 1 week before slaughter, and (3) fasted 48 hr, then exercised to exhaustion before slaughter. One half of each carcass was cooled at 30°F and the other at 42°F. Loins and hams were evaluated for “quality” using the Wisconsin 5-point scale. Muscles from Durocs had more marbling and ether extract than muscles from Poland Chinas; total moisture and Gardner reflectance values (browning) were lower in muscles from Durocs than in those from Poland Chinas. Color and firmness scores for hams were not affected by breed, but firmness scores of loins were higher (P < 0.05) for Durocs than for Poland Chinas. Glycogen, pH and reducing sugar values were similar for both breeds. Antemortem treatment had no significant effect on marbling. Usually muscles of sugar-fed pigs had the lowest; untreated pigs, intermediate; and exercised pigs the highest color and firmness scores. Glycogen was higher (P < 0.05) in muscles from sugar-fed animals than in muscles from untreated or exercised animals. Muscles of sugar-fed pigs had the highest reducing sugar and lowest pH and reflectance values; those of exercised pigs had the lowest reducing sugar and the highest pH and reflectance values. Untreated pigs had intermediate values for those factors. Muscles chilled at 42°F had lower firmness, color, and marbling scores and higher reducing sugar values than those chilled at 30°F. Simple correlation coefficients indicated relationships between reflectance values and total moisture, pH, ether extract, and reducing sugar; whereas, partial correlation coefficients indicated relationships between reflectance and ether extract and reducing sugar. As reducing sugar and/or ether extract increased, the degree of browning increased. Also, regression analyses indicated that ether extract and reducing sugar were the important factors affecting browning.
Generation of enhanced stability factor VIII variants by replacement of charged residues at the A2 domain interface

Factor VIII consists of a heavy chain (A1A2B domains) and light chain (A3C1C2 domains), whereas the contiguous A1A2 domains are separate subunits in the cofactor, factor VIIIa. The intrinsic instability of the cofactor results from weak affinity interactions of the A2 subunit within factor VIIIa. The charged residues Glu272, Asp519, Glu665, and Glu1984 appear buried at the interface of the A2 domain with either the A1 or A3 domain, and thus may impact protein stability. To determine the effects of these residues on procofactor/cofactor stability, these residues were individually replaced with either Ala or Val, and stable BHK cell lines expressing the B-domainless proteins were prepared. Specific activity and thrombin generation parameters for 7 of the 8 variants were more than 80% the wild-type value. Factor VIII activity at 52°C to 60°C and the decay of factor VIIIa activity after thrombin activation were monitored. Six of the 7 variants showing wild-type-like activity demonstrated enhanced stability, with the Glu1984Val variant showing a 2-fold increase in thermostability and an approximately 4- to 8-fold increase in stability of factor VIIIa. These results indicate that replacement of buried charged residues is an effective alternative to covalent modification in increasing factor VIII (VIIIa) stability.
Algebraic aspects of the computably enumerable degrees.

Abstract A set A of nonnegative integers is computably enumerable (c.e.), also called recursively enumerable (r.e.), if there is a computable method to list its elements. The class of sets B which contain the same information as A under Turing computability (</=T) is the (Turing) degree of A, and a degree is c.e. if it contains a c.e. set. The extension of embedding problem for the c.e. degrees R = (R, <, 0, 0') asks, given finite partially ordered sets P is a subset of Q with least and greatest elements, whether every embedding of P into can be extended to an embedding of Q into R. Many of the most significant theorems giving an algebraic insight into R have asserted either extension or nonextension of embeddings. We extend and unify these results and their proofs to produce complete and complementary criteria and techniques to analyze instances of extension and nonextension. We conclude that the full extension of embedding problem is decidable.
Microstructural factors of strain delocalization in model metallic glass matrix composites

Abstract Metallic glass matrix (MGM) composites demonstrate impressive plasticity over monolithic metallic glasses due to their ability to delocalize strain and inhibit shear band propagation. This work investigates various microstructural factors (volume fraction, length scale and yield strength) influencing strain delocalization in a model MGM composite. Shear transformation zone dynamics is utilized to model the amorphous phase while a local Taylor dislocation model is used for the crystalline phase. An N-factorial experiment examines replicates for various macro- and microscopic measures of strain delocalization and regression analysis is used to identify statistically significant trends in the data. The experiment shows that strain delocalization and the consequent ductility are most strongly influenced by a crystalline phase with a substantially lower yield stress than that of the amorphous matrix. It also shows that increased crystalline volume fraction alone is insufficient to promote strain delocalization in the case of a crystalline phase with high relative yield stress, and that a lower yield stress for the crystalline phase implies lower maximum stresses supported by the composite. Examination of shear band–inclusion interactions indicate that the nucleation and diffuse transmission of numerous shear bands is critical to the strain delocalization. The regression analysis provides continuous functional forms for the various relationships between properties that can be exploited to optimize the microstructure of MGM composites.
Ovarian involvement in extragenital cancer

Abstract Ovarian involvement from extragenital cancer often presents clinically as probable primary ovarian neoplasm. A retrospective review of the 29 such cases at Parkland Memorial Hospital from 1962 to 1985 was analyzed looking at clinical, surgical, and pathological parameters. The most frequent primary sites were colon (52%), breast (17%), stomach (10%), and pancreas (10%). Most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain in 48% and increased abdominal girth in 45%. Preoperatively a palpable pelvic mass was detected in 93% and clinical ascites in 41% of patients. At surgery only 20% of patients had isolated ovarian metastases. Abdominal exploration identified the original tumor in 84% of the cases in which the primary originated in the abdomen. Bilateral ovarian involvement was found in 60%, and in 33% of these the contralateral involvement was occult. Eightythree percent of patients have died with a median survival of 6 months. We conclude that mode of presentation, physical findings, and intraoperative assessment of patients with secondary ovarian neoplasms are no different from primary ovarian malignancy, and that when evaluating a pelvic mass, consideration should always be given to the possibility of secondary ovarian neoplasms.
Ethics and Morality in Sport Management

Joy T. DeSensi and Danny Rosenberg, Ethics and Morality in Sport Management, 3rd edn. Morgantown, West Virginia: Sport Management Library, Fitness Information Technology, Inc., 2010. Pp. 330 $62.00...
Nonlinear Model Reduction of von Kármán Plates Under Linearized Compressible Fluid Flow

Areduced ordermodel (ROM) of linearized compressiblefluidflowcoupledwith a vonKarmanplate is developed. SeparateROMs for both thefluid and structure are derived and are coupled through a solidwall boundary condition at the interface boundary. The structural ROM is formulated using the method of quadratic components, which postulates that the full kinematics of the plate can be represented using linear and quadratic terms. The fluidROM is constructed via a proper orthogonal decomposition method. Both ROMs are further reduced via a Galerkin discretization, and the coupled system is implicitly integrated in time. The coupled model is subsequently compared with previously validated models that used either a linearized plate model with the linearized compressible fluid model or a quasi-static fluidmodel with the vonKarman platemodel. The comparisons are conducted in high-Machnumber regimeswhere the comparison is admissible, and excellent agreement is found. Analysis of the resulting limit cycles shows two sets of discontinuities in the limit cycle amplitudes. These discontinuities have two salient features: a snap through phenomenon in phase space is observed in the higher modes, and the coalescing of several of the lower modes is observed below the critical dynamic pressures followed by a sudden separation above the critical dynamic pressures.
39 Gastrointestinal electrical stimulation in post‐surgical gastroparesis improves symptoms independently while gastric emptying response is dependent on baseline emptying

Introduction: Temporary GES (tempGES) can improve both gastric emptying and symptoms in post-surgical gastroparesis (PS-GP). (SSAT 2004). Long-term effects on GI symptoms and gastric emptying are unknown. Since many PS-GP patients have non-delayed emptying, the long-term effect on baseline normal or rapid emptying is also unknown. Patients: 36 pts (6 M, 30 F, mean age 42 years) with post-surgical: Bilroth I (n = 11), Bilroth II (n = 4), other gastric surgery (n = 21) disordered gastric emptying were evaluated. Methods: GI symptoms (vomiting = V, Total = TSS), and solid meal gastric emptying (GET) at 1 and 4 h, were compared at baseline (Base), after temporary (tempGES) and permanent (permGES) gastric electrical stimulation as previously described (NGM, 2004; 16: 635.) Long-term follow-up for permanent GES ranged from 6 month to 10 years. Results were compared by t-tests, and are reported as means ± SEM. Results: 29 of the 36 patients were able to tolerate food for baseline quantitative gastric emptying testing. 20 patients had delayed and 9 patients had non-delayed gastric emptying, with 7/9 being rapid. With both tempGES and permGES, GI symptoms improved (p < 0.05). Both tempGES and permGES showed accelerated GET for delayed patients and generally slowed GET for non-delayed (p < 0.05 for 1 h values). See tables below. Conclusions: In a large group of post-surgical GP patients, temporary and permanent gastrointestinal electrical stimulation improved GI symptoms independent of gastric emptying and for a prolonged time. GES improves symptoms independent of baseline gastric emptying, and improves GET dependent on the baseline gastric emptying. Groups All Delayed Non-delayed N = 36 N = 20 N = 9 V TSS V TSS V TSS Base 3.5 ± 0.7 15.6 ± 0.5 3.2 ± 0.2 16.0 ± 0.6 4.6 ± 2.9 15.7 ± 1.0 Temp 0.8 ± 0.3 6.1 ± 1.2 0.9 ± 0.4 5.4 ± 1.7 1.0 ± 0.8 7.9 ± 3.5 Perm 1.2 ± 0.3 9.3 ± 1.2 0.8 ± 0.3 7.6 ± 1.3 1.8 ± 0.4 10.3 ± 3.9
SU-E-J-83: Improving Respiration-Gated IMRT Delivery Efficiency by Dual-Gating at Inhale and Exhale: Evaluation of Planning on Eclipse and the Need for Accurate Image Registration.

Purpose: Dual‐gated intensity modulated radiation therapy (DG‐IMRT) is a novel delivery method for speeding respiratory‐gated IMRTdelivery in which dose is delivered during both inhale and exhale windows. To determine the feasibility of designing DG‐IMRT plans using current clinical treatment planning systems, we design and evaluate a lung patient plan using Eclipse. Methods:Tumor target volumes were contoured on inhale and exhale CTs for a lungcancer patient with ∼1mm motion. Separate 5‐field IMRT plans were optimized in Eclipse for the inhale PTV on the inhale CT and for the exhale PTV on the exhale CT. The inhale plan dose was mapped to the exhale geometry using several deformable medical image registration methods, and the two doses were summed to produce the DG‐IMRT dose. The accumulated dual‐gated dose for the best performing registration is presented. Results: Though the dual‐gated inhale and exhale plans meet clinical requirements, the accumulated dual‐gated dose performs quite poorly. Examination of the deformations indicates that only about two‐thirds of the voxels within the inhale PTV map to voxels within the exhale PTV, indicating an unacceptably low level of physiological accuracy. Conclusion: It is possible to design dual‐gated plans in Eclipse, but there is currently no accurate means of evaluated the summed dose. Furthermore, our results underscore the need for image registration methods that accurately model underlying tissue deformations before they can be used for dose accumulation in the presence of organ motion. This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute (T32 CA09695 ‐ Glazer) and the National Institutes of Health (1RO1 CA 133474 ‐ Xing).
Structural stability tests in the linear regression model when the regressors have roots local to unity

Abstract We derive the asymptotic distribution of some leading structural stability test statistics when the regressors have roots local-to-unity and simulate critical values. We show that size distortions can arise if a researcher uses the critical values that assume that the regressors are exactly I(0)/I(1) on the basis of a consistent unit root pretest.
Eating routines. Embedded, value based, modifiable, and reflective.

Eating routines are a compelling issue because recurring eating behaviors influence nutrition and health. As non-traditional and individualized eating patterns have become more common, new ways of thinking about routine eating practices are needed. This study sought to gain conceptual understanding of working adults' eating routines. Forty-two purposively sampled US adults reported food intake and contextual details about eating episodes in qualitative 24-hour dietary recalls conducted over 7 consecutive days. Using the constant comparative method, researchers analyzed interview transcripts for recurrent ways of eating that were either explicitly reported by study participants as “routines” or emergent in the data. Participants' eating routines included repetition in food consumption as well as eating context, and also involved sequences of eating episodes. Eating routines were embedded in daily schedules for work, family, and recreation. Participants maintained purposeful routines that helped balance tension between demands and values, but they modified routines as circumstances changed. Participants monitored and reflected upon their eating practices and tended to assess their practices in light of their personal identities. These findings provide conceptual insights for food choice researchers and present a perspective from which practitioners who work with individuals seeking to adopt healthful eating practices might usefully approach their tasks.
Formation and characterization of poly(acrylonitrile)/chitosan composite ultrafiltration membranes

The Poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN)/Chitosan composite ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by filtration of Chitosan solution through PAN base membrane and subsequent curing and treatment with NaOH. The formation of Chitosan layer on the surface as well as pore walls of PAN base membrane was characterized by different techniques. Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies indicated the formation of Chitosan layer on the surface, whereas determination of pure water permeation, pore size distribution and molecular weight cut off indicated the reduction in pore size due to formation of Chitosan layer on the pore walls of PAN base membrane. It was further observed that these composite membranes had sharper molecular weight cut off as well as narrower pore size distribution than the corresponding base membrane. The reduction in negative zeta potential of PAN base membrane at pH 9.0 and observation of positive zeta potential at pH 5.0 with composite membranes also confirmed the formation of Chitosan layer on the pore walls of base membrane. The composite membranes were found to be stable in aqueous medium and showed reduction in pure water fluxes measured after filtration of aqueous acidic (pH 3.0) and basic (pH 11.0) solution, which was attributed to the swelling of Chitosan layer.
Inhibition of ouabain-binding to (Na+ + K+)ATPase by antibody against the catalytic subunit but not by antibody against the glycoprotein subunit.

Abstract Antibodies against purified ( Na + + K + ) ATPase from the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias , as well as against its catalytic subunit, inhibited ouabain binding by as much as 50%. However, antibodies against the glycoprotein subunit did not inhibit ouabain binding. These data suggest that binding of antibody against the catalytic subunit to the enzyme either covers the ouabain binding site or destroys its conformation, while binding of antibody against the glycoprotein has no such effect.