cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progress on Machine Learning Informed Design Optimization for Double Shell Capsule Graded Density Inner Layer Targets

Advances in machine learning have the ability to cut down design costs and enhance the design process for high-energy-density experiments. Machine learning can use expensive simulation data to search the design space efficiently for an optimal design of inertial confinement fusion experiments with a minimal number of simulations. Here we present work focused on indirectly driven double shell capsultes. The focus is optimizing graded density inner shell of the double shell target while reducing hydrodynamic instabilities and maintaining high yields. Graded layer inner shell targets have a vast parameter space that is too large to fully map out, which is why efficient exploration of the design space is not only beneficial but also necessary. Machine learning methods can use predictive physics simulations to identify graded layer designs with high predicted performance as well as novel designs with high uncertainty in performance that may hold unexpected promise. Here we present the application of cutting-edge Bayesian optimization to one dimensional design optimization of double shell graded inner shell targets. By applying machine learning tools to the simulation design, we aim to optimize the target geometry to mitigate the hydrodynamic instabilities and improve yield. Here we present our progress on laying the groundwork for a useful machine learning informed design tool for future NIF experiments with graded layer inner shell targets.
Veterinary Prescription Errors in a Community Pharmacy Setting: A Retrospective Review

ABSTRACT Background Community pharmacies are poised to see more veterinary prescriptions as a result of increased pet ownership especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concern has been raised about the lack of veterinary pharmacy training that community pharmacists receive, but no studies have evaluated the actual prevalence of errors in veterinary prescriptions including the prevalence of prescription writing errors. Objective(s) This study identifies the prevalence of errors in veterinary prescriptions at independent community pharmacies. Methods An electronic form was used to ensure required information was pulled from the pharmacy software systems in a consistent manner. Information was pulled from the hard copy image as well as the prescription label corresponding to that fill. Prescribing trends, such as species and errors were assessed using descriptive statistics for the overall sample. Error comparisons between written and verbal prescriptions, as well as between weight-based and non-weight based prescriptions were assessed using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests. Results Weight, although not legally required but clinically necessary for evaluation of veterinary prescriptions, was omitted from 97.8% of prescriptions. When evaluating the prevalence of errors between hand written and verbal prescriptions, it was more likely to see errors in prescriptions hand written by the veterinarian (105/119; 88%) compared to verbal prescriptions (257/389; 66%). Conversely, handwritten prescriptions were less likely to omit the required Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) number on controlled substance prescriptions. Conclusion Based on the number of errors seen in both hand written and verbal prescriptions, emphasis should be placed on training pharmacists to be competent in clinically evaluating veterinary prescriptions and training veterinarians on hand writing prescriptions to include both legally and clinically required information needed prior to dispensing.
Manipulation of T-Cell Populations to Abrogate Allograft Rejection

Selective intervention in the afferent or efferent arcs of the immune response in vivo has become a possibility because specific subsets of interacting cells can be identified by monoclonal antibodies directed to surface molecules that relate to specific functions. A subset of cells thus identified can be targeted for destruction, either by opsonization and/or complement-mediated lysis, or by internalization of toxins that have been conjugated to the antibody molecules. Other possibilities relate to the inhibition by specific monoclonal antibodies of cell surface receptors or interaction sites without actually destroying the cell, or to the neutralization of secreted molecules [e.g., interleukin 2 (IL-2) or interferon gamma (IFN-γ)].
African American Patients' Psychosocial Support Needs and Barriers to Treatment: Patient Needs Assessment.

This study assessed adult patient’s psychosocial support needs and treatment barriers in an urban diverse cancer center. A needs assessment was conducted with a convenience sample of adult oncology patients (n = 113; 71.7 % African American). Most patients were parenting school-age children and worried about them (96 %); 86.7 % would attend a family support program. Among patients who were married or partnered (68 %), 63.7 % were concerned about communication, coping, and emotional support; 53.9 % would attend a couple support program. Patients identified similar treatment barriers: transportation, babysitting for younger children, convenience of time/place, and refreshments. Findings suggest that behavioral health care providers should be available to screen cancer patients and improve access to appropriate psychosocial oncology support programs.
Lissencephaly type II.

Publisher Summary Lissencephaly type II is a group of complex brain malformations that anatomically consists of “cobblestone” cortex, abnormal white matter, enlarged ventricles, small brainstem, hypoplastic vermis, and cerebellar polymicrogyria. The spectrum varies from a mild disorganization of the brain layers to severely dysplastic brains. All these conditions are usually associated with eye malformations and congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC). This chapter reviews the syndromes that are associated with muscle pathology and focuses on the association between the genes or proteins and the brain in lissencephaly type II. Defects in glycosylation have been linked to all these conditions and the common mechanism is the defective post-translational processing of α-dystroglycan, a heavily glycosylated peripheral membrane component of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex. Mutations in the enzymes involved in the synthesis of O-linked glycans on α-dystroglycan indicate that these diseases are all congenital disorders of glycosylation in the form of O-mannosylation defects. The chapter also reviews some related disorders in the chronological order of biochemistry, cellular aspects, and molecular pathology.
Social Desirability Bias

Social desirability bias refers to the tendency of research subjects to give socially desirable responses instead of choosing responses that are reflective of their true feelings. The bias in responses due to this personality trait becomes a major issue when the scope of the study involves socially sensitive issues such as politics, religion, and environment, or personal issues such as drug use, cheating, and smoking. Whenever possible, it is desirable to measure the extent of the bias present in responses to a survey by incorporating a socially desirable scale in the survey. A number of methods to address this issue are suggested in the literature. Use of a well-trained interviewer or collection of data through methods that do not require presence involvement of an interviewer can help avoid this bias to some extent. Properly identified options to questions vulnerable to social desirability effect is another means of tackling this issue. Keywords: social desirability bias; social desirability scale; response bias; demand effects; social norms
Fractionation of Butter Oil by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Abstract The use of supercritical CO 2 to fractionate butter oil into various triglyceride groups with unique physical and chemical properties was investigated. Experiments were conducted at 40°C and at 10.3, 13.8, 17.2, 20.7, 24.1, and 27.6MPa in a continuous flow extraction system. Solubility of butter oil triglycerides in supercritical CO 2 of various temperatures (35, 40, 50, and 60°C) and pressures (10.3, 13.8, 17.2, 20.7, 24.1, and 27.6MPa) was also studied. Triglyceride extractability was enhanced by raising the pressure and lowering the temperature of extraction. The mean molecular weight of fractions, estimated by high performance gel permeation chromatography, ranged from 703amu (atomic mass unit; 40°C, 10.3MPa) to 794amu (40°C 27.6MPa). The fatty acid composition of triglycerides, determined by HPLC, showed that fractions extracted at lower pressure contained higher concentrations of short-chain C 4 to c 8 ) and medium-chain (C 10 to C 12 ) fatty acids and lower concentrations of long-chain (C 14 to C 18 ) fatty acids. Melting behavior of the various fractions, studied by differential scanning calorimetry, reflected the alterations in triglyceride composition. Fractions with unique melting behavior (i. e., a single narrow melting zone and a melting peak maximum of 8°C) were isolated. Fractions obtained at (40°C) 17.2 and 20.7MPa had lower cholesterol (1.07 and 1.76 mg/g), determined by enzymatic assay, compared with those obtained at 10.3 and 13.8MPa (2.96 and 2.78 mg/g). Supercritical CO 2 extraction may be a potential process for modifying butter oil into fractions with altered physical and chemical properties.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Deoxyribonucleic Acid XXXI. BINDING OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID TO DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID POLYMERASE

Abstract Binding of DNA and d(A-T) oligomers to DNA polymerase was studied by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. A single molecule of d(A-T) oligomer is bound by the enzyme, suggesting only one binding site for DNA. The binding is reversible, does not require Mg++, and is inhibited by high concentrations of phosphate. Polymerase binds at multiple sites along single-stranded DNA, but binds to helical DNA only at nicks or at ends of molecules.
Murax: Finding and Organizing Answers from Text Search

Information retrieval has traditionally focussed on matching word stems within the scope of individual documents or passages. The Murax system takes a different tack, directed to high-precision retrieval and an explicit organization of answer text which may be assembled from several different documents. For this, shallow linguistic analysis is deployed in a manner such that the robustness afforded by traditional retrieval techniques is maintained.
Response: Re: The Use of Medical Scribes in Health Care Settings: A Systematic Review and Future Directions

To the Editor: We thank Dr. Martel and Mr. Imdieke for their comments.[1][1] We agree that 1 potential benefit of medical scribes is improved documentation of a patient's medical complexity. The stakes for improved documentation are growing notably higher as more patients are enrolled in health
Unique continuation for Schrodinger operators with unbounded potentials

Abstract We consider unique continuation theorems for solution of inequalities ¦Δu(x)¦ ⩽ W(x) ¦u(x)¦ with W allowed to be unbounded. We obtain two kinds of results. One allows W ϵ Lploc( R n) with p ⩾ n − 2 for n > 5, p > 1 3 (2n − 1) for n ⩽ 5 . The other requires fW2 to be −Δ-form bounded for all f ϵ C0∞.
Competitive Employment and Service Management for Adolescents and Young Adults with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.

Summary Adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) pose difficult service delivery problems as they display the types of behaviors that are least tolerated inschool, work, and community settings. This population has (a) the highest drop-out rate (over 50%) and (b) the highest unemployment rate (52%) four years after leaving high school of all disability groups served by special education. Further, there are few transition programs and interventions with documented long-term benefit for this population and age group. Given the variety and severity of the complex problems associated with EBD (e.g., poverty, substance abuse, family planning, counseling, criminal activities, etc.), and the poor transition experiences of this population, it is imperative that a coordinated systern of vocational training and social support be afforded adolescents and young adults with EBD to have maximum effect. This article describes such a service model and summarizes preliminary data on the effect of the program.
G protein βγ complex translocation from plasma membrane to Golgi complex is influenced by receptor γ subunit interaction

On activation of a receptor the G protein βγ complex translocates away from the receptor on the plasma membrane to the Golgi complex. The rate of translocation is influenced by the type of γ subunit associated with the G protein. Complementary approaches — imaging living cells expressing fluorescent protein tagged G proteins and assaying reconstituted receptors and G proteins in vitro — were used to identify mechanisms at the basis of the translocation process. Translocation of Gβγ containing mutant γ subunits with altered prenyl moieties showed that the differences in the prenyl moieties were not sufficient to explain the differential effects of geranylgeranylated γ5 and farnesylated γ11 on the translocation process. The translocation properties of Gβγ were altered dramatically by mutating the C terminal tail region of the γ subunit. The translocation characteristics of these mutants suggest that after receptor activation, Gβγ retains contact with a receptor through the γ subunit C terminal domain and that differential interaction of the activated receptor with this domain controls Gβγ translocation from the plasma membrane.
A multidisciplinary approach to equine clinical behaviour practice

The utilisation of multidisciplinary teams and specialist referral is commonplace in veterinary medicine; however, in the field of behavioural medicine, specialist referral can often appear difficu...
Fibronectin fragment activation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase PYK2 mediates integrin signals regulating collagenase-3 expression by human chondrocytes through a protein kinase C-dependent pathway.

Fibronectin fragments (FN-f), including the 110-kDa fragment that binds the α5β1 integrin, stimulate collagenase-3 (MMP-13) production and cartilage destruction. In the present study, treatment of chondrocytes with the 110-kDa FN-f or an activating antibody to the α5β1 integrin was found to increase tyrosine autophosphorylation (Tyr-402) of the proline-rich tyrosine kinase-2 (PYK2) without significant change in autophosphorylation (Tyr-397) of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin A9, shown previously to block a PYK2-dependent pathway, blocked the FN-f-stimulated increase in MMP-13, whereas tyrphostin A25 did not. FN-f-stimulated PYK2 phosphorylation and MMP-13 production was also blocked by reducing intracellular calcium levels. Adenovirally mediated overexpression of wild type but not mutant PYK2 resulted in increased MMP-13 production. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulated PYK2 phosphorylation and MMP-13 production. MMP-13 expression stimulated by either phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or FN-f was blocked by PKC inhibitors including the PKCδ inhibitor rottlerin. Furthermore, PKCδ translocation from cytosol to membrane was noted within 5 min of stimulation with FN-f. Immortalized human chondrocytes, transiently transfected with MMP-13 promoter-luciferase reporter constructs, showed increased promoter activity after FN-f treatment that was inhibited by co-transfection with either of two dominant negative mutants of PYK2 (Y402F and K457A). No inhibition was seen after cotransfection with wild type PYK2, a dominant negative of FAK (FRNK) or empty vector plasmid. FN-f-stimulated MMP-13 promoter activity was also inhibited by chemical inhibitors of ERK, JNK, and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases or by co-transfection of dominant negative MAP kinase mutant constructs. These studies have identified a novel pathway for the MAP kinase regulation of MMP-13 production which involves FN-f stimulation of the α5β1 integrin and activation of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase PYK2 by PKC, most likely PKCδ
Differential distribution of vimentin and neurofilament protein immunoreactivity in NB2a/d1 neuroblastoma cells following neurite retraction distinguishes two separate intermediate filament systems

Mouse NB2a/d1 cells assemble all 3 neurofilament protein subunits (NFPs) into the detergent-insoluble cytoskeleton and segregate phosphorylated forms of the 200-kDa subunit (NFP-H) within neurites when differentiation is induced with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP). Before and after differentiation, these cells also incorporate vimentin into both the perikaryal and neuritic cytoskeleton (Shea et al., 1988, Dev. Brain Res., submitted). To determine whether NFPs and vimentin constitute separate intermediate filament systems or exist as heteropolymers, we perturbed cytoskeletal architecture by inducing the retraction of neurites with colchicine. After cells were exposed to colchicine, vimentin immunoreactivity partitioned into perikarya in the form of fibrous whorls that did not cross-react with antisera to NFPs. By contrast, NFP immunoreactivity remained dispersed throughout the cell body following neurite retraction. We interpret these different responses to colchicine to indicate that NFPs and vimentin are assembled into separate intermediate filaments in NB2a/d1 cells.
Biophysical scaling and the passive dispersal of fungus spores: relationship to integrated pest management strategies

Abstract Successful integrated pest management strategies depend on an accurate evaluation of ‘immigrant’ inoculum coming into a managed area. Dispersal of plant pathogenic fungus spores is comprised of a series of inter-connected events. Starting with spore production, dispersal depends, in turn, on spore release or removal from a substrate, spore escape from the canopy space, transport and dilution of a spore cloud by turbulent wind, loss of inoculum viability during transport, spore removal from the atmosphere by precipitation, spore deposition on host tissue, and the infection efficiency of deposited spores on susceptible host tissue. All of these components change in time and space, challenging the aerobiologist to identify critical biophysical processes that control disease spread. Some of these processes will be illustrated for two plant diseases: apple scab caused by the pathogen Venturia inaequalis and tobacco blue mold caused by the pathogen Peronospora tabacina. Both these pathogens are dispersed by airborne spores. Ascospores of the apple scab pathogen become airborne primarily during rain events, while P. tabacina sporangia become airborne primarily during dry, convective conditions. Initial success of dispersal depends on wind gusts which allow escape of spores from a crop canopy or the boundary layer of air just above the ground. Microclimatic conditions at the time (e.g. day or night, rain or no rain) and the location of spore release (upper or lower canopy) can have a significant effect on subsequent dispersal of pathogens. The rate of advance of a disease frontal boundary during long-distance disease spread can be as much as six times faster than the local rate of disease spread. This apparent anomaly will be discussed using tobacco blue mold as an example. The rate of movement of the disease front in a spatially heterogeneous distribution of hosts, is determined largely by the relative rate of local disease development, the length scale of the dispersal function, distance between regions of host plants, and the area of those host regions. Factors such as ground transportation of diseased transplants and changes in the pathogen’s sensitivity to fungicides can, at times, override the biophysical constraints on long-distance spore dispersal.
Coincidence of Apical Ballooning Syndrome (Tako-Tsubo/Stress Cardiomyopathy) and Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Potential Common Substrate and Pathophysiology?

Abstract Background Apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are recently described, seemingly unrelated, reversible conditions. The precise pathophysiology of these syndromes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of a unique series of patients with both ABS and PRES. Methods and Results In a retrospective study of 224 consecutive patients diagnosed with ABS between 2002 and 2010, 6 (2.7%) were also diagnosed with PRES. All were female with a mean age of 63.7 ± 12.5 years. All patients had preceding medical comorbidities and physical stress triggers that precipitated ABS and PRES. Mean peak troponin T levels and left ventricular ejection fraction at presentation were 0.47 ± 0.48 mg/dL and 31.5 ± 8.2%, respectively. Characteristic left ventricular wall motion abnormalities (regional wall motion score index 2.22 ± 0.37) were noted in all patients, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was significant for vasogenic edema, predominantly in the posterior circulation. All patients recovered left ventricular (ejection fraction at follow-up 60.2 ± 6.0%) and neurologic function with supportive management. Two patients had recurrence of ABS and 1 of PRES during follow-up. Conclusions ABS and PRES can occur simultaneously during an acute illness. Patients with ABS who develop neurologic dysfunction should be evaluated for PRES and vice versa. Because transient sympathetic overactivity and microvascular dysfunction have been observed in both reversible syndromes, we speculate that they may represent the shared pathophysiologic mechanism.
The multi-session bridge

Abstract The Multicast BackbONE (MBone) is heavily used to carry Internet video conferences. The low cost and ease-of-use have made the MBone and its associated tools such as sdr, vat, vic, and wb very popular. But HEP video conferences often require many-to-many sparse network topologies, an arrangement that cannot easily take advantage of MBone efficiencies. Moreover, many HEP sites do not support multicast and thus researchers at those sites are cut off from important meetings. In addition, the topology of the MBone can cause poor performance or lack of access for some sites. To solve these problems, HEPNRC has developed the Multi-Session Bridge (msb) and its companion tool vtc. The msb allows an arbitrary number of multicast and unicast sessions to be connected in one or more seamless video conferences. Multiple msb's can also be connected to form a conference virtual network. The msb also extends MBone sessions to non-MBone sites through unicast streams. The msb is being extended to provide secure communications.
Fluorometric measurement of aflatoxins

An accurate, precise and sensitive fluorometric method for quantifying purified aflatoxins in solution is proposed. After purification, aflatoxin samples are read in a fluorometer with a primary filter of 365 nm and a secondary filter of 435 nm for B1 and B2 and 465 nm for G1 and G2. The method is precise at as little as 0.0002 µg/ml B1 and G1 and 0.00006 µg/ml B2 and G2, and accurate at concentrations of 0.002 µg/ml B1 and G1 and 0.0006 µg/ml B2 and G2.
AQUALINDERELLA FERMENTANS GEN. ET SP. NOV., A PHYCOMYCETE ADAPTED TO STAGNANT WATERS. I. MORPHOLOGY AND OCCURRENCE IN NATURE

Aqualinderellafermentans is described as a new genus and species in the order Leptomitales of the biflagellate, aquatic phycomycetes. Based upon pure as well as gross cultures, an account is given of its germination, its bipolar, unicellular, vegetative thallus, and its reproductive structures. The genus is distinguished particularly by an exceptionally coarse, digitately divided and thickwalled extramatrical body. The species is unique among known true fungi in that it combinles a strictly fermentative metabolism with a requirement for high CO0. It is specially adapted to grow saprophytically in warm, stagnant waters on submerged fruits and has been found in equatorial Africa, Central America, and the southern United States.
Pesticide occurrence and aquatic benchmark exceedances in urban surface waters and sediments in three urban areas of California, USA, 2008–2011

Urban pesticide use has a direct impact on surface water quality. To determine the extent of pesticide contamination, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation initiated a multi-area urban monitoring program in 2008. Water and sediment samples were collected at sites unaffected by agricultural inputs in three areas: Sacramento (SAC), San Francisco Bay (SFB), and Orange County (OC). Samples were analyzed for up to 64 pesticides or degradates. Multiple detections were common; 50 % of the water samples contained five or more pesticides. Statewide, the most frequently detected insecticides in water were bifenthrin, imidacloprid, fipronil, fipronil sulfone, fipronil desulfinyl, carbaryl, and malathion. Bifenthrin was the most common contaminant in sediment samples. Key differences by area: OC had more pesticides detected than SAC or SFB with higher concentrations of fipronil, whereas SAC had higher concentrations of bifenthrin. The most frequently detected herbicides were 2,4-D, triclopyr, dicamba, diuron, and pendimethalin. Key differences by area: OC and SFB had higher concentrations of triclopyr, whereas SAC had higher concentrations of 2,4-D and dicamba. Detection frequency, number of pesticides per sample, and pesticide concentration increased during rainstorm events. In water samples, all of the bifenthrin, malathion, fipronil, permethrin, and λ-cyhalothrin detections, and most of the fipronil sulfone and cyfluthrin detections were above their lowest US EPA aquatic benchmark. Diuron was the only herbicide that was detected above its lowest benchmark. Based on the number of pesticides and exceedances of aquatic benchmarks or the high number of sediment toxicity units, pesticides are abundant in California surface waters.
A Bayesian method for using simulator data to enhance human error probabilities assigned by existing HRA methods

In the past several years, several international organizations have begun to collect data on human performance in nuclear power plant simulators. The data collected provide a valuable opportunity to improve human reliability analysis (HRA), but these improvements will not be realized without implementation of Bayesian methods. Bayesian methods are widely used to incorporate sparse data into models in many parts of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), but Bayesian methods have not been adopted by the HRA community. In this paper, we provide a Bayesian methodology to formally use simulator data to refine the human error probabilities (HEPs) assigned by existing HRA methods. We demonstrate the methodology with a case study, wherein we use simulator data from the Halden Reactor Project to update the probability assignments from the SPAR-H method. The case study demonstrates the ability to use performance data, even sparse data, to improve existing HRA methods. Furthermore, this paper also serves as a demonstration of the value of Bayesian methods to improve the technical basis of HRA.
Comparison of binge drinking among pregnant and nonpregnant women, United States, 1991-1995

Abstract Our goal was to measure the pregnancy-related reduction in the prevalence of reported binge drinking (≥5 alcoholic drinks per occasion) and to characterize binge drinkers among pregnant and nonpregnant women aged 18-44 years, in the United States, 1991-1995. We used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 46 states. We used the prevalence rate ratio between pregnant and nonpregnant women to determine the magnitude of the reduction in reported binge drinking and multiple logistic regression models to identify characteristics associated with binge drinking. Between 1991 and 1995, the prevalence of binge drinking among pregnant women increased significantly from 0.7% (95% confidence interval 0.2-0.9) to 2.9% (95% confidence interval 2.2-3.6), whereas among nonpregnant women the prevalence changed little (11.3% vs 11.2%). Over the study period pregnant women were one fifth (prevalence rate ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval 0.1-0.2) as likely as nonpregnant women to binge drink. Among various population subgroups of women, pregnancy-related reduction in binge drinking was smallest among black women and largest among women aged ≤30 years and among those who had quit smoking. Among pregnant women binge drinking was independently associated with being unmarried, being employed, and current smoking. Among nonpregnant women binge drinking was independently associated with age ≤30 years, nonblack race, college level education, being unmarried, being employed or a student, and current smoking. Clinicians serving women of childbearing age need to be aware of the recent rise in reported binge drinking during pregnancy, as well as the known risk factors for binge drinking. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1-7.)
Preparation and properties of the glycogen-debranching enzyme from rabbit liver.

Abstract The glycogen-debranching enzyme, oligo-α-1,4-glucan: α-1,4-glucan-4-glycosyl-transferase-amylo-1,6-glucosidase has been purified about 500-fold from rabbit liver. The enzyme preparation has been shown to have both transferase and glucosidase activities. In view of the fact that the protein moves as one band in discgel electrophoresis and possesses the two activities in constant ratio throughout its purification, it is concluded that one protein in fact possesses both activities. The molecular weight of the enzyme has been found to be about 179 000 by sucrose-density gradient centrifugation. The enzyme is strongly inhibited when assayed in Tris buffer and somewhat less so in imidazole buffer as compared with citrate or phosphate buffers in which the optimum for activity is at about pH 6 when a limit dextrin of glycogen, prepared by prior phosphorylase action, is the substrate. Enzyme activity is also reversibly inhibited by urea at concentrations below 2 M. Guanidine at 0.15 M produces 50% inhibition of glucose formation from a phosphorylase limit dextrin.
DNA Binding and Bending to Initiate Packaging of Phage λ DNA

Physical and genetic studies verify that the DNA binding domain of protein gpNu1 (which initiates packaging of phage λ DNA) is a winged helix-turn-helix (w HTH) and that gpNu1 dimers bind sites that are brought close through DNA bending.
Reply to the Comments by W. PFAB and R. NAST. on the paper, “polymorphism of calcium carbide”

The view is upheld that Cu2C2 may be structurally related to CaC2 at best as remotely as Cu2S is to CaS, and that, contrary to the reported density, the molar volume of Cu2C2 is not likely to be larger than that of CaC2. Unsere Ansicht, das sich Cu2C2 in struktureller Hinsicht zu CaC2 wie Cu2S zu CaS verhalt, sowie die daraus folgende Annahme, das das Molvolumen von Cu2C2 nicht groser als dasjenige von CaC2II sein kann, werden aufrechterhalten.
Age and anger.

Are older people less angry? I propose that age differences in roles, personal and social circumstances, the sense of control, health, and socio-emotional outlook explain the association. I use data from a 1981 representative sample of 951 physically disabled individuals from Southwestern Ontario, Canada and a 1996 national probability sample of 1,450 U.S. respondents--the General Social Survey (GSS). Both surveys show a negative association between age and anger. In the Ontario sample older people are more likely to occupy widowhood and retirement roles, live with fewer people, have less interpersonal estrangement, and have fewer life events; these characteristics explain their lower anger. Also, were it not for their lower control and worse health older people in the Ontario sample would report even lower anger. In the GSS sample, age differences in household composition, satisfaction with family life and financial circumstances, perceived time pressures in daily life, religious involvement, and socio-emotional outlook contribute to the lower anger among older adults. Collectively, my findings show that the psychosocial and structural environment--experienced differently by age--influences the risk of anger.
AL amyloidosis associated with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders : Frequency and treatment outcomes

AL amyloidosis, a systemic disorder characterized by widespread deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from monoclonal Ig light chains in organs and soft tissues, is typically caused by an underlying plasma cell dyscrasia. However, this disease can also be associated rarely with a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. In this report, we describe the presentation and clinical course of 16 patients with this association. Although amyloid-related organ involvement in these patients was typical of AL amyloidosis, the patients in this series were on average older and more likely to be female than patients with disease associated with a plasma cell dyscrasia. They were also more likely to have multisystem involvement. Treatment decisions were based primarily on the dominent hematopathologic features of the associated lymphoproliferative disorder. However, high-dose melphalan and stem cell transplantation was the primary therapy in 5 patients, and each of these patients had prolonged survival, ranging from 36 to 102 months.
Ricinoleate biosynthesis in castor microsomes

Abstract Oleoyl-12-hydroxylase is the enzyme responsible for ricinoleate biosynthesis in castor (Ricinus communis). The hydroxylase introduces the mid-chain hydroxyl group, resulting in a fatty acid with numerous chemical uses. To determine conditions for high levels of ricinoleate production, it is important to characterize the hydroxylase activity in isolation from interfering activities. However, progress in purifying this enzyme has been limited by the inability to solubilize and reconstitute the enzyme activity from microsomes. By using low levels of microsomal protein (12–35 μg) and following conversion of 14C-oleoyl-CoA to 14C-ricinoleate, the reaction is linear as a function of time and the rate is directly proportional to amount of protein. Moreover, at the lower levels of microsomal protein, microsomes treated under conditions that solubilize the hydroxylase recover full activity. This represents an important step in developing the ability to reconstitute the hydroxylase activity. Other factors involved in the high level of ricinoleate production by castor are the steady increase in hydroxylase activity throughout development and the decline in oleoyl desaturase. The glycol lipid oleoyloxyethyl phosphocholine is an effective inhibitor of hydroxylase activity, and should prove to be a useful tool in following the movement of labelled fatty acids through lipid pools.
Impact of surface current on perfect lens

We discuss the impact of possible non-zero surface current at the interface for negative index media where e=-1 and =-1. For the interface between air (e=1 and =1) and the NIM, the assumption of zero surface current may not always be correct and a non-zero surface current can resolve the otherwise self-contradictory boundary conditions. These new solutions for this type of NIM slab reveal that there would be no evanescent wave amplification and hence no perfect lens effect.
Synthesis and characterization of carbazole polymers exhibiting large nonlinear absorption and refractive index

Abstract Poly-(N-[1-butane 4-sulfonate benzyl triethylammonium],-3,6-carbozolyl), PNBSC, the corresponding propane sulfonate derivative, PNPSC, and poly-(N-[2-pyrimido] 3,6 carbazolyl), PCZP were synthetized as candidates for non-linear optical materials. The radical cations of these polymers were distinguished by absorbances at 850–900nm and 1300 nm which were assigned to intramer and intermer charge transfer in the carbazole radical cations. Solutions of PNBCZ and PNPCZ in 0.1 and 1 M aluminum chloride - nitrobenzene or nitromethane or 2:1 aluminum chloride-n-butyl pyridinium chloride solvents, exhibited a complex with a sharp absorption peak at 700 nm and a very broad absorption centered at 1100 nm. Since these absorption characteristics are very similar to those appearing for oxidation with one electron oxidants such as NO + in protonic acids, a similar complexation must be taking place in both cases. The nonlinear optical properties of the aluminum chloride based solutions of PNBCZ and PNPCZ and nitrobenzene solutions of the radical cation of PCZP were measured with a degenerate four wave mixing experiment at 568 nm at the minimum of the linear absorption spectrum using 10 nsec wide pulses from a dye laser. The monomer unit based, nonlinear susceptibilities γ xxxx (all beams copolarized) and γ xyyx (probe and reflected phase conjugate polarized perpendicular to the pump beams) were 3.5→2.8×10 −29 esu and 9.0→5.7 × 10 −30 esu, respectively. We thus estimate that the electronic and reorientational contributions to the x 3 is on the order of 10 −7 − 10 −8 esu. Significant nonlinear absorption was also observed at 1060 nm using 5 nsec pulses. The data could be matched to a simple linear intensity dependence of the absorption coefficient only at lower intensities, whereupon values between 10 −6 →10 −5 cm/W/M (monomer unit based) were obtained. We suspect that such large nonlinearities are obtained through the introduction of delocalized charge transfer states into the polymer chain.
Nonbacterial endocardial thrombosis in neonates: Relationship to persistent fetal circulation

Thirteen neonates with nonbacterial endocardial thrombosis are described. These infants demonstrated a distinctive coagulopathy characterized primarily by thrombocytopenia and widespread thromboembolism. There was also a statistically significant association of NBET with persistent fetal circulation. We postulate a relationship between hypoxia, disturbed hemodynamics, and activation of vasoactive and platelet proaggregatory substances as a pathogenetic mechanism for the observed association of PFC, thrombocytopenia, and NBET.
Indications of a biological and biochemical evolutionary trend during the archean and early proterozoic

Abstract Micropaleontological observations and organic geochemical analyses imply, but certainly do not prove, that life may not have been present ∼3,800 Ma ago in Southwestern Greenland; however, physiologically complex prokaryotes flourished by the Early Proterozoic in other locations. It is, of course, also possible that life may have appeared earlier in locations other than Greenland. Investigations of Precambrian biological and biochemical evolutionary trends require interdisciplinary efforts, up-to-date instrumentation and methodology (such as ultramicrochemical analyses of individual microfossils/microstructures), and caution in the interpretation of experimental results.
Treatment of radiation heat transfer in absorbing, emitting, scattering, two-dimensional cylindrical media

Abstract Radiative transfer in absorbing, emitting, isotropically scattering, two-dimensional cylindrical media bounded by diffusely emitting and diffusely reflecting walls is analyzed. The analysis is performed utilizing the integral form of the equation of transfer. The solution to this problem is constructed using power series expansions and a collocation method. Application of the method shows that highly accurate results are obtainable for the considered cases at a modest computational effort. Comparison of the results with those obtained from the Pt approximation reveals a significant discrepancy between the two solution techniques, whereas the results are in excellent agreement with the Monte Carlo method.
Enhancing the Productivity and Fruit Quality of Forced “Sweet Charlie” Strawberries Through Manipulation of Light Quality in High Tunnels

In winter months, the U.S. domestic strawberry supply is low, demand is high, and unit price for strawberries is at its highest point during the year. Forcing strawberries in high tunnels during this time might capture this niche market. ‘Sweet Charlie’ plugs were conditioned from 24 Aug. to 12 Sept. at 24 oC on a 12-hour day/night cycle, and were planted on 12 Sept. in fertilized plots in a high tunnel (29.3 m long × 4.3 m wide × 3.1 m high). Conditioned plants were also planted outside on mulched, drip-irrigated beds as a control. Red, yellow, and pearl ChromatiNets (24% shade factor: lowest intensity possible) were installed over the top of the high tunnel in 7.3 m wide swathes, and a no-net control plot was included. Plants were fertigated weekly with about 3.2 kg N/hectare per week from 15 N–30 P2O4–15 K2O. High tunnels were vented to maintain day temperatures in the range of 25 to 30 oC. Runners were removed and counted beginning 24 Sept. until 17 Nov. when runnering stopped. Runner production was 5...
Depth evoked potential and single unit correlates of vertex midlatency auditory evoked responses.

Abstract The rostral brainstem and thalamus of awake cats were studied for depth correlates of a surface-recorded midlatency auditory evoked potential, wave ‘A’, with a latency range of 17–25 ms. In response to clicks or pure tones, midlatency potentials were recorded from the level of the cuneiform nucleus (14–15 ms latencies) forward through the medial tegmentum to the level of the intralaminar thalamic nuclei centralis lateralis (CL) and center median (CM) (17–19 ms latencies). While this medial projection system to the thalamus involved primarily CL and CM, slightly longer latency responses were also found in nucleus ventralis anterior (VA) and ventralis lateralis (VL). A ventral diencephalic response was characterized by latencies averaging 0.5–1.2 ms less than those from the dorsal thalamic regions. Both surface and depth midlatency potentials showed comparable sensitivity to rate of stimulation. At click rates above 1/s, peak amplitudes diminished, and for rates greater than 10/s, both surface and depth midlatency responses were abolished. This rate sensitivity differs from that of the auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), which are essentially unchanged at rates of 20/s. Whereas ABRs are unaffected by surgical levels of sodium pentobarbital, the surface and depth midlatency potentials are replaced by a deep negativity within minutes following administration of anesthesia. Extracellular recordings of acoustically responsive single units in CL and CM demonstrated latencies comparable to the CL and CM field potential latencies. Both the units and field potentials were similarly rate sensitive. Each auditory unit showed a best frequency response, but none demonstrated somatosensory convergence. Bilateral aspiration of the inferior colliculus did not abolish the midlatency depth or surface responses. Rather, recordings in CL and CM suggested response enhancement over a two week postoperative period. Taken together these data suggest that the midlatency vertex potential, wave ‘A’, reflects a generator system which projects from cuneiform nucleus, through the medial tegmentum to the medial thalamus, particularly to CL and CM. The functional significance of this medial auditory projection system remains to be determined. It could mediate physiological correlates of ‘state’, modulate sensory input or motor output, or it could provide an integrative mechanism for the focusing of auditory attention.
The effects of thermal quenching on ion-beam-induced phase transformation detection by ion-beam-induced luminescence

Ion beam interactions with many ceramics produce strong luminescence, which may be collected and analyzed to observe radiation damage effects. Exposure to radiation in these environments can cause transitions between periodic and aperiodic microstructures, and thus affect the microstructural characteristics of the materials. However, little is known about the role of temperature and its effect on phase transformation during ion-irradiation. A new method for in situ analysis using photon emissions during heavy ion implantation was developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The ion-beam-induced phase transformation of alumina (Al2O3) was studied at room temperature. The results indicate that luminescence is strongly dependent on temperature during ion-irradiation.
Does PKM(zeta) maintain memory

Work on the long-term stability of memory has identified a potentially critical role for protein kinase Mzeta (PKMζ) in maintaining established memory. PKMζ, an autonomously active isoform of PKC, is hypothesized to sustain those changes that occurred during memory formation in order to preserve the memory engram over time. Initial studies investigating the role of PKMζ were largely successful in demonstrating a role for the kinase in memory maintenance; disrupting PKMζ activity with ζ-inhibitory peptide (ZIP) was successful in disrupting a variety of established associations in a number of key brain regions. More recent work, however, has questioned both the role of PKMζ in memory maintenance and the effectiveness of ZIP as a specific inhibitor of PKMζ activity. Here, we outline the research both for and against the idea that PKMζ is a memory maintenance mechanism and discuss how these two lines of research can be reconciled. We conclude by proposing a number of studies that would help to clarify the role of PKMζ in memory and define other mechanisms the brain may use to maintain memory.
Teaching with embedded Xinu: an inexpensive hands-on laboratory that promotes student engagement with operating systems, architecture, and networking curricula

The Nexos Project is an NSF-funded effort to develop inexpensive, hands-on, embedded system laboratory experiences with a high "wow factor" at multiple levels of the college computer science curriculum. This workshop will share ready-made curriculum resources that have been used successfully to teach hardware systems, operating systems, realtime/embedded systems, networking, and compilers with the Embedded Xinu platform at several colleges/universities. Commodity wireless router hardware or equivalent virtual machines, combined with freely-available software and tools, make for a powerful and flexible learning platform without having to fake any components. Come see what Nexos has to offer for your program.
Amodal completion and localization

In a three-line vernier acuity task, a central line was localized between two aligned line segments. Accuracy did not improve when the segments formed a unified amodally completed percept. In a two-line vernier acuity task, a line was localized below a target line placed next to a physically segmented flank stimulus. Shifts in mean points of subjective equality suggested that amodally completed segments influenced localization. Previous conflicting findings are explained by a representation that is available early to influence perceived alignment. However, position tuning is poor. This representation may be realized physiologically by interpolation responses between amodally completed segments.