cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Swapping DNA strands and sensing homology without branch migration in λ site-specific recombination

Abstract Background: Many site-specific recombinases act by forming and resolving branched Holliday junction intermediates. Previous findings have been consistent with models involving branch migration across the ‘overlap region' of obligate homology, located between the staggered sites where the two single-strand exchanges occur. We have investigated the validity of such models in the case of bacteriophage λ site-specific recombination. Results By using synthetic λ att -site Holliday junctions, incorporating sequence heterologies that impose constraints on branch migration, we have found that the optimal position of the junction for either top-strand or bottom-strand resolution by λ integrase (Int) is not at the ends, but close to the middle of the seven base-pair overlap region. A minor shift of the branch point around the central base pair caused a remarkable switch in resolution bias. Our findings suggest that branch migration is limited to the central one to three base pairs of the overlap region. They lead to a new model for λ site-specific recombination, in which there are two symmetrical swaps of two to three nucleotides each, linked by a central isomerization step that causes a change of the stacking interactions between the four junction arms. On the basis of isolated strand-joining reactions carried out by Int in the presence or absence of base complementarity, we propose that sequence homology is sensed during the annealing step prior to strand joining. The new model eliminates mechanistic complications associated with large helical rotations required by branch-migration models. Conclusion The results reported here suggest that the recognition of sequence homology in Int-dependent site-specific recombination does not rely primarily on branch migration. The property of cleaving Holliday junctions a few base pairs away from the crossover puts λ Int into the same category as endonucleases that cleave Holliday junctions in homologous recombination.
Novel Highly Fluorinated Poly(arylene ether-1,3,4-oxadiazole)s, Their Preparation, and Sensory Properties to Fluoride Anion

2,5-Bis(pentafluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (FPOx) has been prepared and successfully polymerized with hexafluorobisphenol A (6F−BPA) by means of an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction to produce highly fluorinated poly(arylene ether-1,3,4-oxadiazole)s (FPAEOx). The presence of the highly electron-withdrawing oxadiazole (Ox) group in FPOx significantly enhanced the reactivity of the p-fluorine substituents such that the reaction could be completed in only 1−2 h at room temperature in the presence of 4.0 equiv of potassium fluoride (KF). These mild reaction conditions with low reaction temperatures and the use of a mild base effectively prevented side reactions and ensured the formation of polymers with number-average molecular weights up to 64 000 Da free of cross-linking. FPOx itself and this unit in the FPAEOx were found to be capable of selectively binding fluoride anion (F-) with high affinity, and produced new peaks in UV and fluorescence spectra, which are in new regions and well-isolated fr...
Correlation of Nodal Mast Cells with Clinical Outcome in Dogs with Mast Cell Tumour and a Proposed Classification System for the Evaluation of Node Metastasis

Lymph node metastasis in dogs with mast cell tumour has been reported as a negative prognostic indicator; however, no standardized histological criteria exist to define metastatic disease. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether different histological patterns of node-associated mast cells correlate with clinical outcome in dogs with mast cell tumour. A secondary goal was to propose a criteria-defined classification system for histological evaluation of lymph node metastasis. The Colorado State University Diagnostic Medicine Center database was searched for cases of canine mast cell tumours with reported lymph node metastasis or evidence of node-associated mast cells. Additional cases were obtained from a clinical trial involving sentinel lymph node mapping and node extirpation in dogs with mast cell neoplasia. Forty-one cases were identified for inclusion in the study. Demographic data, treatment and clinical outcome were collected for each case. Lymph nodes were classified according to a novel classification system (HN0-HN3) based on the number of, distribution of, and architectural disruption by, nodal mast cells. The findings of this study indicate that characterization of nodal mast cells as proposed by this novel classification system correlates with, and is prognostic for, clinical outcome in dogs with mast cell tumours.
Use of SDS to extract sorghum and maize proteins for free zone capillary electrophoresis (FZCE) analysis

ABSTRACT Two different extraction methods for extracting sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench.) storage proteins for free zone capillary electrophoresis (FZCE) analysis were compared. A traditional solvent based on 60% t-butanol was compared with a pH 10 borate buffer containing the anionic detergent SDS followed by precipitation of nonkafirins using 60% t-butanol. FZCE analysis of both types of extracts showed identical patterns, despite the fact that the SDS should have given all proteins equal charge-to-mass ratios. This methodology was also successfully applied to maize proteins. The use of t-butanol to precipitate nonkafirins, combined with electrophoresis at low pH, is thought to have removed the SDS from the storage proteins. The SDS extraction procedure produced more stable extracts for FZCE analysis. These extracts could also be used directly for SDS capillary electrophoresis (SDS-CE) separations. Kafirins from 15 genotypes were extracted with this procedure and analyzed by FZCE and SDS-CE. Resolut...
A Comparison of Internet and Face-to-Face (FTF) Qualitative Methods in Studying the Relationships of Gay Men

ABSTRACT Although the Internet increasingly is part of our daily interactions, it remains largely unexplored as a qualitative research medium. Because most research on the relationships of gay men uses homogeneous samples, which are often difficult to locate, the Internet provides a methodological opportunity to obtain a more diverse set of perspectives of the lived experiences of participants. Our primary interests here are to discuss the processes and ethics of using Internet focus groups and in-depth interviews compared to traditional face-to-face (FTF) methods and to discuss the trustworthiness and quality of data garnered from the use of Internet methods. Using previous literature and our own experiences conducting Internet-based and FTF qualitative research that explored the relationships of gay men as well as data from this study, we suggest that using the Internet as a qualitative research medium can enhance sample recruitment and result in data that is trustworthy. Additionally, we offer suggesti...
Petrography and provenance of silicified early Archaean volcaniclastic sandstones, eastern Pilbara Block, Western Australia

Intense post-depositional alteration has profoundly affected sandstones in the volcanic portions of Early Archaean (3·5–3·3 Ga) greenstone belts. The mineralogy and bulk compositions of most grains have been completely destroyed by pervasive metasomatism, but grain textures are commonly well preserved. Consequently, microtextural information coupled with present alteration compositions as determined petrographically can be used to estimate original framework modes. Silicified Early Archaean volcaniclastic sandstones assigned to the Panorama Formation and Duffer Formation, Warrawoona Group, eastern Pilbara Block, Western Australia, were originally composed of volcanic (VRF) and sedimentary (SRF) rock fragments, volcanic quartz, feldspar, traces of ferromagnesian minerals and pumice. Only volcanic megaquartz remained stable during alteration. All other primary components were replaced by granular microcrystalline quartz (GMC) and sericite. In most areas, the sandstones were composed of dacitic to rhyolitic VRFs, now totally replaced by sericite-poor GMC and recognized by preserved microporphyritic textures. In a few areas, quartz-poor dacitic to andesitic(?) VRFs dominated the detrital assemblage. Minor SRFs and mafic VRFs, now replaced by GMC, are recognized on the basis of colour, internal structures, and internal textures, including skeletal, possible spinifex textures. Detrital feldspar is represented by blocky, sericite-rich grain pseudomorphs. A semi-quantitative point-count scheme, developed for the analysis of heavily altered sandstones, indicates the following primary detrital-mode ranges for Panorama arenites: quartz, 0–28%; feldspar, 0–28%, VRFs, 58–86%, and SRFs 0–25%. In about half the point-counted samples, feldspar could not be distinguished from rock fragments. In such cases, both were counted as one grain type, Lv', which makes up from 84 to 100% of the framework modes of these rocks. These sands were derived from a terrane composed largely of fresh felsic volcanic rocks and sediments, but locally including minor mafic, ultramafic, and sedimentary rocks. Much, but not all, of the felsic volcaniclastic sand represents reworked pyroclastic debris. There is no evidence for contributions from plutonic or metamorphic sources. The Panorama modal assemblage represents a provenance that is lithologically more restricted than that of Archaean greywackes and other siliciclastic units common in the sedimentary portions of these same Early Archaean greenstone belts and younger greenstone belts (3·0–2·7 Ga).
Influence of mild obesity on outcome of simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation

The influence of body mass index (BMI) on outcome of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) has not been well described. We retrospectively reviewed 88 consecutive primary SPKs performed at our institution between March 15, 1995 and August 28, 2001. All patients received antibody induction and maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. Systemicenteric implantation was performed in all patients. Primary end points were patient, pancreas, and kidney survival. Secondary end points were rates of anastomotic leakage, pancreas thrombosis, major infection, rejection, repeat laparotomy, and length of hospital stay. Values are shown as mean ± standard deviation, range, or percentage. Fifty-two patients (59.1%) were nonobese with a BMI ≦24.9 (mean 21.7 ± 2.2, range 15.4 to 24.9). Thirty-six patients were mild to moderately obese with a BMI ≧25 (mean 27.7 ± 2.2, range 25 to 35.1). Distribution of recipient age, sex, and ethnicity was similar between groups. Kidney and pancreas preservation times were similar between nonobese and obese patients. One-, three-, and five-year actuarial patient (nonobese: 95%, 95%, 95% vs. obese: 95%, 95%, 89%), kidney graft (nonobese: 91%, 91%, 87% vs. obese: 97%, 91%, 85%), and pancreas graft (nonobese: 78%, 78%, 73% vs. obese: 70%, 62%, 62%) survival were comparable between nonobese and obese (P = NS). The mean rates of pancreas thrombosis, major infection, pancreas rejection, kidney rejection, relaparotomy, and length of hospital stay were similar in the two groups. The overall duodenojejunal anastomotic leakage rate was 8%. Obese patients had a 17% incidence of leakage (6 of 36) compared to a 2% incidence of leakage in nonobese patients (P = 0.012). Six of seven leaks occurred in obese patients. Mean BMI in the seven patients with a leak (27 ± 1.9) was significantly higher than in patients who did not develop a leak (24 ± 3.7; P = 0.05). Although obesity had no effect on patient or graft survival, it was associated with a significantly higher leakage rate. There should therefore be a higher degree of suspicion for the presence of duodenojejunal anastomotic leaks in obese SPK recipients.
SU‐FF‐J‐120: Patient Motion During Extracranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose: Advances in image‐guided treatments have made frameless stereotactic radiosurgery(SRS) feasible. Extracranial SRS treatments are highly conformal, and technical delivery precision on phantoms has been shown to be less than 1 mm. The human component of error, i.e. voluntary and involuntary motions during the treatment, plays an increasing role in the determination of PTV margins. The residual motion between imaging intervals during image‐guided treatments constitutes the treatment uncertainty and needs to be compensated by the application of a PTV margin. Method and Materials: During Cyberknife extracranial SRS, the patient position is verified by orthogonal x‐ray images every 80 seconds on average. Data of 90 extracranial SRS patients have been analyzed. The extent of patient motion has been studied during the whole treatment, the first 5 minutes and first 15 minutes of each treatment. Motion patterns of anatomical sub‐sites were studied. Results: The maximum frequency of all translational patient motions was in the range of 0.02–0.2 mm, with 90% of all motions below 1 mm. No differences between the three translational directions have been observed. The maximum frequency of rotational patient motions was between 0.1–0.2 degrees, with a wider distribution in the degree of roll. The average patient motion for cervical spine was 0.47 mm, thoracic spine 0.34 mm, and lumbar spine 0.29 mm. In the 214 fractions analyzed, patients moved on average 1 mm away from their original setup position after 5 minutes of treatment. No statistically significant difference exists for the range of patient motion during the first 5 or 15 minutes as compared to the whole treatment. Conclusion: For image‐guided treatments, PTV margins of 1.0 mm include 90% of observed patients motions for static lesions. Larger margins may be necessary if the treatment field is not rotationally symmetric around the isocenter.
Gulf stream cold core rings: large-scale interaction sites for open ocean plankton communities

Abstract Gulf Stream cold core rings are major oceanographic features in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. During formation, cold water of Slope origin and the associated flora and fauna are entrapped within a ring of Gulf Stream water. These systems generally move southwesterly into the Sargasso Sea and are of biological interest because they offer a unique opportunity to assess the relative importance of physical and biotic factors in determining the distribution and abundance of plankton organisms. In effect, the formation and consequent decay of a cold core ring represents a large-scale ecological field experiment wherein major environmental changes are gradually imposed on a plankton community. Four cruises have been made to sample Gulf Stream rings and the surrounding Sargasso Sea. Biomass has been estimated and selected species of Zooplankton, phytoplankton, and midwater fish populations have been assessed. Concurrent hydrocasts have yielded physical-chemical data. Although a ring may remain physically identifiable for as long as two years, decay of the initially distinct biological community appears to be more rapid. A Zooplankton assemblage appears to persist longer than a phytoplankton assemblage. The season of formation appears to be critical in determining the biological changes of a Gulf Stream ring. The rapid demise of the Slope Water species assemblages in the rings may be the result of biological interactions with the Sargasso Sea assemblage initiated by the rapid modification of physical and chemical properties of ring surface waters.
Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists decrease distractibility in aged monkeys performing the delayed response task.

With advancing age, monkeys become impaired on a test of spatial working memory, the delayed response task, and show increased susceptibility to interference from irrelevant stimuli (Bartus and Dean 1979). Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as clonidine and guanfacine have been shown to improve the delayed response performance of aged monkeys under standard testing conditions (e.g. Arnsten et al. 1988). The current study examined whether these drugs could protect the delayed response performance of aged monkeys when irrelevant stimuli were presented during the delay intervals. Aged monkeys were tested on the variable delayed response task with short delays to minimize memory demands and optimize performance on control (no interference) sessions. During interference sessions, distractors were presented during the delays on 9 of the 30 trials (“distractor” trials). If the aged monkeys had been pretreated with saline, performance was significantly disrupted by the irrelevant stimuli compared to matched saline control sessions. This impairment was not only evident on the 9 distractor trials, but on the 21 remaining “non-distractor” trials as well. However, if the aged monkeys had been pretreated with clonidine or guanfacine, performance was not impaired on the interference sessions. This beneficial effect of the alpha-2 agonists was most apparent on the nondistractor trials. Guanfacine was able to decrease the harmful effects of distraction without any apparent sedative side effects. Co-administration of the alpha-2 antagonists idazoxan or SKF104078 with clonidine blocked the protective effects of the agonist on delayed response performance, consistent with actions at alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. These findings suggest that alpha-2 agonists improve delayed response performance, at least in part, by helping to protect memory from irrelevant stimulation. Clonidine is already used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, and the current data suggest that guanfacine may also be useful in this regard.
Primary tumours of the optic nerve and its sheath.

Purpose To describe the clinical, neuroimaging, and pathologic features of primary tumours of the optic nerve and its sheath. Methods Review of published cases and personal series. Results The most common primary tumour of the optic nerve is the benign glioma. This low-grade astrocytoma usually can be followed without intervention. Progression of visual symptoms and signs may necessitate either surgery to remove the tumour or radiation therapy. The most common tumour of the optic nerve sheath is the meningioma. The optimum treatment for this lesion is stereotactic or three-dimensional conformal fractionated radiation therapy, which generally results in stabilization or improvement in vision. A variety of other primary tumours may mimic, in both manifestations and imaging appearance, the more common glioma or meningioma. In such cases, the correct diagnosis may not be made until a biopsy is performed or the nerve is removed. Conclusion Primary tumours of the optic nerve and its sheath are not uncommon. Diagnosis can often but not always be made by the results of a complete examination combined with imaging studies, particularly CT scanning and MR imaging. Management depends on the presumed or histologically verified nature of the tumour.
Robot-assisted extended pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate perioperative and pathologic outcomes of patients undergoing robot-assisted extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart rev...
Continuous Commissioningsm of building energy systems

Continuous Commissioning (CC SM ) is an ongoing process to resolve operating problems, improve comfort, optimize energy use, and identify retrofits for existing commercial and institutional buildings and central plant-facilities. CC focuses on optimizing/improving overall system control and operations for the building as it is currently utilized and on meeting existing facility needs. Innovative optimal engineering solutions are developed using engineering-based model analysis integrated with scientific field measurement. Integrated approaches are used to implement these solutions to ensure practical local and global system optimization and to ensure persistence of the improved operational schedules. Implementation of the CC process has typically decreased building energy consumption by 20% in well over 100 large buildings where it has been implemented. This paper presents the CC process, the primary CC techniques and measures, and a case study.
The Era of the Patient Using the Experience of Illness in Shaping the Missions of Health Care

The emergence of an era that focuses on the experiences of individuals with illness to provide an alternative voice in health care is explored. Antecedent events that caused the eclipse of the patient and challenged the authenticity of personal experience in establishing medical facts—the introduction of the concept of diseases and the technologic revolution in medicine—are examined. Recent events that returned the patient's views to the center of medical attention—the medical ethics and outcomes movements—are analyzed and connected. Recommendations are presented to make the experience of individuals with illness significant features of health care practice, education, research, and policy, and to reverse the view of patients and subjects as individuals benefited by medicine, but unable to help it. ( JAMA . 1993;269:1012-1017)
Mapping of the Signal Peptide-binding Domain of Escherichia coli SecA Using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer

Identification of the signal peptide-binding domain within SecA ATPase is an important goal for understanding the molecular basis of SecA preprotein recognition as well as elucidating the chemo-mechanical cycle of this nanomotor during protein translocation. While recent studies have addressed this topic, the precise signal-peptide binding site on SecA remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to identify the SecA signal peptide-binding site using Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). FRET provides a more global view of the binding site and circumvents the common limitations of more genetic approaches where deletion and substitution mutagenesis can confound the correct interpretation of protein structure-function analysis. This study employs a collection of functional, monocysteine SecA mutants labeled with a donor fluorophore along with cysteine-containing, acceptor fluorophore-carrying PhoA signal peptides. Fluorescence anisotropy was utilized to determine equilibrium binding constants of 1.4 μM or 10.7 μM for the alkaline phosphatase signal peptide labeled at residue 22 or 2, respectively, for SecA, with a binding stoichiometry of one signal peptide bound per SecA protomer. Distance measurements determined for nine SecA mutants indicate that the signal peptide-binding domain encompasses a region proximal to residues 225–228, 371–375, 652–657, and 771–780 when mapped onto the recent NMR structure of SecA (Gelis, I., Bonvin, A., Keramisanou, D., Koukaki, M., Gouridis, G., Karamanou, S., Economou, A., and Kalodimos, C. (2007) Cell 131, 756–769). This places the signal peptide-binding domain within the heart of SecA, surrounded by and potentially responsive to domains important for binding nucleotide, mature portions of the preprotein, and the SecYEG channel component.Funding provided by National Institute of Health
Rethinking Remedial Education and the Academic-Vocational Divide: Complementary Perspectives.

This is indeed, as Mike Rose points out, a crucial moment in the history of education in the United States. On one hand, we see a rhetoric of College for All, and pressure to get more racial minori...
Increased Use of Partial-Breast Irradiation Has Not Improved Radiotherapy Utilization for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Radiotherapy (RT) reduces local recurrence after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for breast cancer, but under-utilization of RT has been reported. Accelerated partial-breast irradiation (PBI) improves RT accessibility, but it is uncertain if this has improved RT utilization. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry was used to identify women who underwent BCS for stage 0 or 1 breast cancer from 2000 to 2009. Temporal trends in RT utilization and RT modality were determined. Chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of RT utilization and modality. Of 180,219 study patients, 131,343 (73 %) received RT; 123,703 (94 %) of RT recipients received whole-breast irradiation (WBI) and 6,251 (5 %) received PBI. PBI rates increased dramatically during the study period (0.32 % in 2000 vs. 6.5 % in 2009), but overall RT utilization remained relatively stable because of a decline in WBI (69.8 % in 2000 vs. 62.4 % in 2009). RT utilization was unchanged in rural counties, and declined for women <40 and ≥70 years of age, and for Native American, Asian and Hispanic patients. White and Black women used PBI most frequently (4 % each) and were the only race groups with improved RT utilization over time. Predictors of RT usage included age, race, marital status, tumor size, grade, hormone receptor status, lymph node evaluation, geographic region, metropolitan status, education, and employment status. Women who undergo RT are opting for PBI more frequently, but the increased use of this modality has not improved overall RT utilization for patients with early-stage breast cancer.
EFFECT OF VITAMIN B COMPLEX DEFICIENCY, CONTROLLED INANITION AND METHIONINE ON INACTIVATION OF ESTROGEN BY THE LIVER

IT IS KNOWN that estrogenic substances can be inactivated by the liver (Zondek, 1935; Israel, Meranze and Johnston, 1937; Golden and Sevringhaus, 1938; Biskind, 1941). When pellets of estrcne are implanted intrasplenically in castrated female rats, vaginal cornification will not occur if a normal diet is fed. This is interpreted as being due to the inactivation of estrone by the liver. However, if a diet deficient in the whole vitamin B complex is fed vaginal cornification will occur (Biskind and Biskind, 1942). When yeast was added to the deficient diet the liver regained its ability to inactivate estrone as judged by the return of the vaginal smear to an anestrous condition. Similar studies were made by Segaloff and Segaloff (1944). They injected estrogens intrasplenically into castrate female rats and noted the per cent showing estrus. They concluded that a deficiency of the vitamin B complex decreased the ability of the liver to inactivate estrone and a-estradiol, and that the addition of thiamine and...
Polycarbonates as temporary adhesives

In this study, a series of polycarbonates were examined as temporary adhesives for wafer-to-wafer bonding. Temporary adhesives require adequate adhesion strength, solvent resistance, and thermal stability during processing of the mated wafers. Polycarbonates were shown to have thermal and chemical stability over a range of values, as well the ability to thermally release the substrates over a range of temperatures. The polycarbonates had adequate adhesion strength for wafer processes, such as polishing. Little or no mechanical force is required to release the wafers after thermal decomposition of the polycarbonate.
Persuasion by Way of Example: Does Including Gratuity Guidelines on Customers Checks Affect Tipping Behavior in Restaurants?

This study examined the role of gratuity guidelines on tipping behavior in restaurants. When diners were finished with their meals, they were given checks that either did or did not include calculated examples informing them what various percentages of their bill would amount to. Results indicated that parties who received the gratuity examples left significantly higher tips than did those receiving no examples. These results and their implications are discussed.
The Worldwide Class Struggle

A trademark of our times is the dominance of neoliberalism in the major economic, political, and social forums of the developed capitalist countries and in the international agencies they influence-including the IMF, the World Bank, the WTO, and the technical agencies of the United Nations such as the World Health Organization, Food and Agricultural Organization, and UNICEF. Starting in the United States during the Carter administration, neoliberalism expanded its influence through the Reagan administration and, in the United Kingdom, the Thatcher administration, to become an international ideology. Neoliberalism holds to a theory (though not necessarily a practice) that posits the followingThis article can also be found at the Monthly Review website, where most recent articles are published in full.Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Connecting the dots: Triadic clustering of crowdsourced data to map dirt roads

Road segmentation is a critical application of satellite and aerial remote sensing. Traditional attempts to apply machine learning and computer vision have yielded good results but rely on specific characteristics, such as the contrast of paved roads to their surroundings or contextual clues. However, these methods still lack the sensitivity of human perception when identifying rural, non-paved, or less defined roads. We propose combining crowdsourced human labeling with triadic linear clustering to accurately map rural roads across the sparsely populated Mongolian steppe. From 600,000 road annotations made by 8000 volunteer participants we selected a random dataset to apply our proposed approach. We report the performance of the method used compared to the current state-of-the-art in automated and semi-automated satellite image road detection.
Differential fan effect and attentional focus

As people study more facts about a concept, it takes longer to retrieve a particular fact about that concept. This fan effect (Anderson, 1974) has been attributed to competition among associations to a concept. Alternatively, the mental-model theory (Radvansky & Zacks, 1991) suggests that the fan effect disappears when the related concepts are organized into a single mental model. In the present study, attentional focus was manipulated to affect the mental model to be constructed. One group of participants focused on the person dimension of personlocation pairs, whereas the other group focused on the location dimension. The result showed that the fan effect with the focused dimension was greater than the fan effect with the nonfocused dimension, which is contrary to the mental-model theory. The number of associations with a concept is indeed crucial during retrieval, and the importance of the information seems to be accentuated with attentional focus.
Highly Ordered Vertical Silicon Nanowire Array Composite Thin Films for Thermoelectric Devices

The fabrication and characterization of silicon nanowire (NW) array/spin-on glass (SOG) composite films for thermoelectric devices are presented. Interference lithography was used to pattern square lattice photoresist templates over entire 2 cm × 2 cm n-type Si substrates. The photoresist pattern was transferred to a SiO2 hard mask for a single-step deep reactive ion Si etch. The resulting Si NW arrays were 1 μm tall with 15% packing density, and the individual NWs had diameters of 80 nm to 90 nm with vertical sidewalls. The Si NW arrays were embedded in SOG to form a dense and robust composite material for device fabrication and thin-film characterization. The thermal conductivity of the Si NW/SOG composite film was measured to be a constant 1.45 ± 0.2 W/m-K from 300 K to 450 K. An effective medium model was then used to extract a thermal conductivity of 7.5 ± 1.7 W/m-K for the Si nanowires from the measured Si NW/SOG values. The cross-plane Seebeck coefficient of the Si NWs was measured to be −284 ± 26 μV/K, which is comparable to −310 μV/K for bulk Si. Power generation from the combined Si NW/SOG and substrate devices is also presented, and the maximum generated power was found to be 29.3 μW with ΔT of 56 K for a 50 μm × 50 μm device.
Taming XML: Objects first, then markup

Processing markup in object-oriented languages often requires the programmer to focus on the objects generating the markup rather than the more pertinent domain objects. The BetterXML framework aims to improve this situation by allowing the programmer to develop a domain-specific object model as usual and later bind this model to preexisting or newly generated markup. To this end, the framework provides two types of object trees, XElement and NaturalXML, for representing XML documents. XElement goes beyond DOM-like automatic parsing of XML by supporting the custom mapping of elements to domain objects; NaturalXML allows the mapping of existing domain objects to XML elements using class metadata. Both types of object trees can be inflated and deflated by means of a common intermediate representation in the form of an event stream. Finally, the framework includes the XML Intermediate Representation (XIR), a lossless record-oriented representation of XML documents for efficient streaming and other types of data exchange.
Synthesis strategy: building a culturally sensitive mid-range theory of risk perception using literary, quantitative, and qualitative methods.

Aim This article presents a discussion of development of a mid-range theory of risk perception. Background Unhealthy behaviours contribute to the development of health inequalities worldwide. The link between perceived risk and successful health behaviour change is inconclusive, particularly in vulnerable populations. This may be attributed to inattention to culture. Data sources The synthesis strategy of theory building guided the process using three methods: (1) a systematic review of literature published between 2000–2011 targeting perceived risk in vulnerable populations; (2) qualitative and (3) quantitative data from a study of Samoan Pacific Islanders at high risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Discussion Main concepts of this theory include risk attention, appraisal processes, cognition, and affect. Overarching these concepts is health-world view: cultural ways of knowing, beliefs, values, images, and ideas. This theory proposes the following: (1) risk attention varies based on knowledge of the health risk in the context of health-world views; (2) risk appraisals are influenced by affect, health-world views, cultural customs, and protocols that intersect with the health risk; (3) strength of cultural beliefs, values, and images (cultural identity) mediate risk attention and risk appraisal influencing the likelihood that persons will engage in health-promoting behaviours that may contradict cultural customs/protocols. Implications Interventions guided by a culturally sensitive mid-range theory may improve behaviour-related health inequalities in vulnerable populations. Conclusions The synthesis strategy is an intensive process for developing a culturally sensitive mid-range theory. Testing of the theory will ascertain its usefulness for reducing health inequalities in vulnerable groups.
VLSI architectures for a high-speed tunable digital modulator/ demodulator/bandpass-filter chip set

An all-digital multirate CMOS chip set architecture is presented for implementing tunable digital modulators, demodulators, and bandpass filters with a projected throughput rate of 200 Msamp/s in a 1.0- mu m CMOS process. The proposed three-chip set will accommodate center frequencies up to 90 MHz and selectable bandwidths from a few kHz up to tens of MHz. The first chip consists of a Hilbert transformer to implement a double-sideband to single-sideband conversion. The second chip consists of a quadrature oscillator and a complex multiplier to implement frequency translation, and the third chip consists of a multistage decimation/interpolation lowpass filter with selectable bandwidths. The authors discuss the architecture techniques used to achieve a 200-MHz throughput rate in a modest CMOS technology. >
Association of vimentin intermediate filaments with the centrosome.

SW-13 cells that lack cytoplasmic intermediate filaments (IFs) were stably transfected with a human vimentin cDNA expression vector. Isolated subclones displayed two prevalent patterns of vimentin distribution as observed by indirect immuno-localization: (1) cytoplasmic filaments characteristic of a vimentin IF network; and (2) a distinct, juxtanuclear focus with limited filamentous extensions. Comparative analysis of two subclones that uniquely segregated these patterns of vimentin organization indicated that vimentin accumulated as a perinuclear focus in cells that expressed a 4-fold lower level of the protein. The observed variation in cellular organization was not due to detectable differences in vimentin protein modification, as determined by two-dimensional gel analysis. Increasing the amount of vimentin in a low expressing clone by a secondary transfection with human or mouse vimentin cDNA resulted in well-dispersed, cytoplasmic filaments, suggesting that the distinct juxtanuclear organization of vimentin arose due to lower cellular vimentin levels. Employing anti-gamma-tubulin and anti-vimentin antibodies, dual immunofluorescence together with confocal microscopy revealed that the juxtanuclear focus of vimentin was located in the centrosomal region. Electron microscopy showed a spheroidal, filamentous structure with at least some filaments closely associated with the pericentriolar material (PCM). Because vimentin IF organization is at least partially dependent on microtubules, the effects of nocodazole and taxol on perinuclear vimentin foci were examined. Neither drug affected the juxtanuclear localization of foci, although taxol (10 microM, 5 hours) caused a release of pericentriolar gamma-tubulin from the nuclear region in 50–60% of the cells. These studies indicate that lower, in vivo, levels of vimentin fail to form extended IFs but rather are organized as a perinuclear aggregate. Moreover, the PCM of the centrosome appears to possess attachment sites for vimentin IFs.
Gene expression profiling of potential PPARγ target genes in mouse aorta

Diminished activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and vascular dysfunction. To better understand what genes are regulat...
SHAPE DESIGN SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION FOR STRUCTURAL DURABILITY

SUMMARY In this paper, a design sensitivity analysis (DSA) method for fatigue life of 3-D solid structural components of mecanical systems with respect to shape design parameters is presented. The DSA method uses dynamic stress DSA obtained using an analytical approach to predict dynamic stress increment due to design changes; computes fatigue life of the component, including crack initiation and crack propagation, using the predicted dynamic stress; and uses the di⁄erence of the new life and the original life at the same critical point to approximate the sensitivity of fatigue life. A tracked vehicle roadarm is presented in this paper to demonstrate accuracy and eƒciency of the DSA method. Also, this method is applied to support design optimization of the tracked vehicle roadarm considering crack initiation lives as design constraints. ( 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proposed Lease Accounting For Lessees

On August 17, 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued exposure drafts proposing a new accounting model for leases. This paper explains how a lessee would account for leases under this proposal.
Long-Term Mammalian Herbivory and Nutrient Addition Alter Lichen Community Structure in Alaskan Dry Heath Tundra

Mammalian herbivores in arctic tundra often alter plant species composition and lichen abundance, with effects dependent on grazing season and herbivore preference. We investigated how long-term mammal exclosures designed to exclude large mammals (caribou) alone, large and medium-sized mammals (e.g., ground squirrels), or all mammals (including voles and lemmings) affected lichen abundance and species composition as well as the vascular plant community. The exclosures were partly established in combination with long-term soil nutrient additions to investigate the interaction between mammal activity and nutrient availability. Our study was conducted in dry heath tundra in northern Alaska, dominated by dwarf evergreen shrubs and lichens. Excluding mammals for 17 years allowed the lichen community to increase in biomass, particularly within the genus Cladonia, which also had more intrageneric diversity in the exclosures; after 10 years, results were subtler. Fertilization, however, almost eliminated the lichens, regardless of herbivore treatment. This coincided with a dramatic shift in vascular vegetation toward a more palatable grass-dominated community, similar to studies of other arctic heaths. Our results suggest that with greater soil nutrient availability that occurs with climate warming, lichens will decrease in abundance, and this effect may be exacerbated by increased mammalian herbivory.
An Analysis of the Use of Blacks in Magazine Advertisements: 1965-1975

During the 1950s and 1960s, several studies were performed to determine the incidence of black models in magazine advertisements and to examine changing patterns in the use of blacks in these advertisements. The purpose of the research effort reported here was to determine the incidence of blacks in magazine advertisements between 1965 and 1975 and to ascertain whether or not there were significant differences between 1965 and 1970 and between 1970 and 1975.
Subgroups A1 and A2: Qualitative and/or Quantitative Distinctions?

In this editorial that was published in Immunological Communications, Special Issue on Immunohematology, volume 9, number 2, 1980, the authors unintentionally overlooked an important paper, which provides strong independent support for the interpretation of a structural, hence, qualitative, difference between subgroups A1 and A2. It is as follows:
Individual Differences in Strategic Processing in a Dynamic Spatial Reasoning Task

A previous study of dynamic spatial reasoning using a two-object arrival time task (Law et. al., 1990) suggested that individual differences in strategic processes might account for a significant portion of overall accuracy on the task. Specifically, some subjects appear to favor a decision strategy that favors distance information while disregarding speed information. Four experiments examining individual differences in subject strategies on the arrival time task are reviewed. The results support the hypothesis that decision strategies are an important individual difference performance factor for the experimental task, and that these strategies are subject to modification and improvement via explicit feedback. The results also show that the ability to benefit from performance feedback is mediated by an individual's ability to make speed judgements like those called for by the arrival time task.
Predicting when Two-Sided Ads will be More Effective than One-Sided Ads: The Role of Correlational and Correspondent Inferences:

Two-sided ads often are more credible than one-sided ads because they admit that the advertised brands have shortcomings. Findings about the effectiveness of such ads have been inconclusive, howeve...
Effects of TiN particle size on mechanical properties of Si3N4/TiN particulate composites

Si3N4/10vol% TiN particulate composites with six TiN particle size distributions (average size: 0.3-13.6μm) were sintered at 1850°C for 4h in 0.9MPa N2 atmosphere, and Young's modulus, fracture toughness and microstructure of the composites were examined. Although all the composites were densified up to >98% theoretical density, Young's modulus of the composites with larger TiN particles decreased due to the pre-existing microcracks. Fracture toughness of the composites showed a maximum value at the particle size of TiN of about 4μm, which is smaller than the predicted critical size. It is suggested that the presence of the grain-boundary phases in the composite favors the formation of microcracks at smaller TiN particles.
Microstructural characterization and recrystallization kinetics modeling of annealing cold-rolled vanadium microalloyed HSLA steels

Abstract In this study, we investigated the microstructural evolution and recrystallization kinetics during the annealing of cold-rolled Vanadium microalloyed HSLA (denoted as HSLA-V) steels using both experimental characterization techniques and theoretical model analysis method. Our experimental results indicate that the recrystallization kinetics can be quantified with the evolution of volume fraction of recrystallization as a function of annealing time, and is strongly dependent on the processing parameters (i.e., cold-rolling reduction and annealing temperature) of the HSLA-V steels. Validated by experimental data, our physics-based model analysis revealed that the recrystallization process in the HSLA-V steels consisted of an early stage with both nucleation and grain growth processes and a later stage with grain growth only. Moreover, the growth of the recrystallized grains was found to follow one dimensional preferential growth mechanism, owing to the dispersed V(C,N) precipitates, in the HSLA-V steels. Consequently, our new analysis model is demonstrated to be useful to gain insights into the recrystallization kinetics in the annealed cold-rolled HSLA-V and even other microalloyed steels.
Electromigration Behavior in Layered Ti/AlCu/Ti Films and its Dependence on Intermetallic Structure

A sputtered aluminum-low copper (Cu concentration < 2wt.%Cu), multilayered, submicron, device interconnect metallurgy consisting of two TiAl3 layers (∼,0.1μm thick) under and over an Al-Cu alloy conductor (0.95μm thick) with either an Al-Cu or TiN cap layer (0.05μm thick) has been developed. These films were patterned by reactive ion etching, and showed both a low susceptibility to corrosion and a low resistivity. Electromigration lifetime data on Al, Al-Cu, and both dc magnetron sputtered and electron gun evaporated multilayered fine lines, fabricated and tested in the same laboratory, are included for a direct comparison. Outstanding electromigration behavior was measured for sputtered, multilayered, submicron films with copper concentrations between 0.12 – 2wt.%Cu. In contrast, electromigration lifetimes of evaporated, multilayered films were found to degrade rapidly at < 2wt.%Cu. This anomalous electromigration behavior was attributed to structural differences in the Ti-Al intermetallics formed. It is proposed that defects present in the Ti-Al superlattice phase cause decreased electromigration performance compared to films in which TiAl3 exclusively forms. Multilevel structures, consisting of CVD W interlevel vias, were also investigated and found to have significantly degraded electromigration performance compared to planar samples. This was attributed to geometric and material flux divergences at the via/conductor interfaces.
Serum complement mediates endotoxin-induced cysteinyl leukotriene formation in rats in vivo.

To investigate potential mediators responsible for cysteinyl leukotriene formation during endotoxemia, male Fischer rats received an intravenous bolus injection of 5 mg/kg Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin and cysteinyl leukotrienes were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The biliary excretion of leukotriene (LT) C4 (0.20 +/- 0.02 pmol.min-1.g liver-1) and N-acetyl-LTE4 (0.37 +/- 0.07 pmol.min-1.g-1) was increased by 190 and 1,000%, respectively, during the first 30 min after endotoxin injection. Endotoxin also caused a temporary reduction of hepatic ATP levels by 84%. Depletion of serum complement almost completely abolished the endotoxin-induced increase of cysteinyl leukotrienes in bile without affecting the biliary excretion mechanism. Intravenous injection of activated complement factors caused cysteinyl leukotriene formation and reduced the hepatic ATP content similar to endotoxin. Depletion of glutathione in the liver prevented cysteinyl leukotriene formation and the complement-induced ATP depletion. It is concluded that endotoxin-induced cysteinyl leukotriene generation in vivo is mediated predominantly through activation of complement. The vasoconstrictive cysteinyl leukotrienes are then responsible for ATP depletion in the liver.