cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Organization of Three-Phase Polydimethylsiloxane-Based Segmented Polyurethanes

Microphase separation is investigated for segmented polyurethane copolymers synthesized from 4,4‘-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol as the hard segments and poly(hexamethylene oxide diol) and hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane as soft segments. The neat PDMS-based diol exhibits two segmental relaxations corresponding to the principal repeating unit, Si(CH3)2O, and to the hydroxyl end-group segments. When incorporated in the polyurethanes, the siloxane units form their own phase, while the end-group segments are mixed with the second macrodiol and some short hard segment sequences. This is demonstrated by the results of dynamic mechanical analysis and wide-angle X-ray diffraction experiments. The microdomain morphology was characterized principally by small-angle X-ray scattering, and the scattering data were analyzed with a pseudo-two-phase model as well as a modified three-phase core−shell model.
Evidence for the binding of oxygen and carbon monoxide by succinic dehydrogenase.

Abstract Electron spin resonance (ESR) studies suggest that soluble succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) from beef heart may bind O2 in the presence of succinate at 30° and that the binding of CO may be recognized by its competitive action on O2. The binding of CO can be observed optically in the presence of dithionite.
Nitrogen assimilation and partitioning in two nitrogen-fixing cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Two cultivars of Phaseolus vulgaris L., one responsive (Mexico 309) and one less-responsive (Rio Tibagi) to nodulation with Rhizobium were grown in Leonard jars in a greenhouse. Bean plants were either inoculated with a strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli (UMR-1899), a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus (Glomus etunicatum) or were left non-inoculated (controls). At two harvests (21 and 28 days post-emergence), extracts containing soluble proteins and free amino acids were prepared from leaves, roots and nodules of field beans. Nodulated plants contained a significantly higher concentration of protein and amino acids in all plant parts. Nitrogen-fixing beans invested a significantly greater proportion of total N as protein-N and amino acid-N as compared to VAM or control beans. Abundant nodule-specific proteins (nodulins) were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), identified and quantified using scanning densitometry. Rio Tibagi nodules contained a significantly lower concentration of glutamine synthetase (GS) subunits than did Mexico 309 nodules. Glutamate synthase (GOGAT) and GS activities were low relative to other legumes. The transferase/synthetase ratio for GS was also low indicating that the synthetase activity was caturated and was operating at maximal level in these young N2-fixing associations. Specific nodule activity (SNA) and the level of GS were correlated (r=0.90, p<0.05) for both cultivars at both harvests. GS activity was only 8 or 24% higher than SNA in nodules of Mexico 309 or Rio Tibagi cultivars, respectively, under conditions where substrate was not limiting. This suggests that early in the functioning of this symbiosis N assimilation by GS is the rate-limiting step in N2 fixation by these two bean cultivars, each with a different symbiotic efficiency. Phaseolus breeding programs that attempt to improve N2 fixation in beans should identify germplasm that expresses elevated levels of nodule-specific GS or GOGAT, and this material should be used along with effective R. leguminosarum bv. phaseoli strains that have already been selected, to determine superior host-microsymciont associations.
Relations of Age and Sex to Integumentary Glandular Regions in Rocky Mountain Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus)

Microscopic studies were made on skin samples from seven specimens of Odocoileus hemionus hemionus collected at the beginning of the rutting season in northeastern Utah. Increases in thickness of sebaceous and sudoriferous gland layers with age were detectable in interdigital and tarsal glands. However, within any one glandular organ practically comparable levels of activity were evident in both sexes and at all ages. Lipofuscin-like pigment was found in some sudoriferous secretory cells of the preorbital sac lip and the interdigital glands, but not in those of metatarsal, tarsal, caudal or forehead areas. Deposits of this pigment, a well as nuclear abnormalities, were more common in older animals. Interdigital sudoriferous secretory cells of deer of all ages contained hyaline, eosinophilic, crystalloid bodies that tended to be larger and more numerous in older individuals. Behavior patterns associated with the skin gland areas appear at an early age, and comparisons of mule deer ( O. h. hemionus ) and black-tailed deer ( O. h. columbianus ) in these behaviors reveal possible differences primarily of a quantitative rather than qualitative nature.
The “problem” in and of management information systems

Abstract Management Information Systems uncritically draws upon a number of disciplines for its theoretical framework. In doing so it has imported a host of ontological, epistemological and behavioral assumptions which have shaped the theories, technologies and practices of information system analysis, design and implementation. This has taken place without careful reflection upon the historical emergence of these assumptions or upon the context within which attempts are made to operationalize them. This paper argues that the Management Information Systems field is in need of researching itself. It proposes that through a combination of genealogical and ethnographic research methodologies, the historical emergence of theoretical constructs and the organizational context within which information systems operate should be critically examined. In the following analysis, the historical emergence of the “problem” as a generic construct in the Management Information System literature is examined and contrasted to the manner in which a group of manufacturing managers defined problems within their organizational context. A critical tension is revealed which suggests that information systems researchers, analysts and designers need to at least broaden their assumption about the nature of organizational reality, human behavior, information processing and problem solving.
Communication of Tester Bias by Means of Modeling

Summary Twenty Es administered Rorschachs expecting Ss to give high or low total numbers of responses, high or low animal in relation to human percentages, and one or another extreme of select personality characteristics. Additionally, each tested a control S expecting “nothing remarkable.” Results indicated tester-bias and suggested that within each comparison group, one expectancy condition contributed disproportionately more to the bias effect than did the other. Video tapes of 20 sessions were analyzed to see whether a Bandura modeling paradigm could account for the mediation of bias; i.e., whether Es modeled their expectancies for the benefit of their Ss and whether Ss consequently imitated their models. This was not supported.
A Study of Hemolytic Streptococci from a Horse Treated with Sulfanilamide after Streptococcal Bacteriemia Developed during Immunization.

day after treatment was commenced and no hemolytic streptococci were found on direct microscopic examination. The microorganisms in pure culture were present, however, in specimens of blood taken daily thereafter. Since hemolytic streptococci could still be isolated from the blood after 7 days of therapy, the amount of the drug was increased to as much as 900 grains in 1 day, administered in 3 or 4 doses. Treatment was continued with varying amounts and doses until death. The concentration of free sulfanilamide in the blood rose to as high as 28 mg. per hundred cc. and the total sulfanilamide as high as 43 mg. In spite of this, the infection persisted as evidenced by temperatures above normal and the presence of streptococci in the blood. The horse died on the 11th day after treatment was commenced.** Hemolytic streptococci were obtained from the spleen and from a lesion on one of the heart valves.
Differential subcellular localization of the survival motor neuron protein in spinal cord and skeletal muscle.

To compare the expression pattern of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein in spinal cord and skeletal muscle, we generated a sheep polyclonal antibody against a bacterially expressed human SMN-fusion protein. On Western blots, the affinity purified anti-SMN antibody recognized a approximately 38 kDa protein band in extracts prepared from the mouse skeletal muscle, spinal cord, and brain that co-migrated with the bacterially expressed SMN protein. In immunohistochemical studies, the anti-SMN antibody labeled mostly the cytoplasm of the motor neurons in the anterior horn of mouse spinal cord. In contrast, predominant uniform labeling of the nuclei was observed in the mouse skeletal muscle. Thus, our results for the first time demonstrate that the SMN protein is differentially localized in mouse spinal cord and skeletal muscle.
The British Occupation of Egypt: Another View

Historians, among others, expose the lies and deceptions of politicians, dead and alive. But historians themselves often are deceived by the limitations of their own approaches to history. While they themselves may act emotionally or sometimes irrationally in their personal lives, they are too often committed to seek rational explanations for the behavior of statesmen. Grossly understimates in many instancees is the power of retionalization as a factor in the ‘decisionmaking process.’ Often great decisions have been made on the basis of inadequate or false information, with consequences that the decision-makers could not foresee. Sometimes decisions are the result of muddleheadedness. Sometimes a governmental decision seems to be the product of a succession of miscalculations. But it is the natural impulse of those in positions of authority to justify their decisions by some explanations that relate to their zeal for the ‘national interest.’ In so doing they do not necessarily deliberately lie; often they deceive themselves as well as others. Reasons developed after the fact provide a cerebral gloss for unintellingent decisions leading to unintended actions. The background for the occupation of Egypt in 1882 provides an illustration.
A PZT Array Actuator Using Buckling Strain Amplification and Preload Mechanisms

Displacement amplification mechanisms have been a topic of research for piezoelectric actuators for decades to overcome their significantly small strain, but still utilize their high power density, force, and efficiency. This paper further analyzes a nonlinear buckling mechanism to improve its efficiency, defined as the ratio of mechanical work output of the buckling actuator to the mechanical work output of the PZT actuator, as well as, employing two methods, preload and loading conditions, that improve its work output per cycle. This is accomplished by running a numerical analysis of the geometry of the flexure joints in the buckling mechanism which found a maximum mechanical efficiency of 48%. The preload is applied using shape memory alloy wire to exploit the low stiffness of the super elastic regime; which in turn allows a larger work output due to a loading condition supplied by a novel gear design. Finally, a prototype was fabricated to provide a baseline of comparison against these concepts.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Photochemical deterioration of poly(vinylbutyral) in the range of wavelengths from middle ultraviolet to the visible

Abstract Films of poly(vinylbutyral) (PVB) from two proprietary sources were tested for photochemical behavior upon exposure to UVB, UVA, BLB, and high-output “daylight” fluorescent (DLF) lamps. Discoloration and brittleness followed the buildup and subsequent decline of peroxide content. In the range of 60–89.9 °C, the onset of crosslinking and the loss of weight obeyed the Arrhenius relationship. At temperatures above the second-order-transition temperature, T g , crosslinking predominated; at temperatures below T g , chain breaking tended to prevail.
Comparative genomic sequence analysis of the Marek’s disease vaccine strain SB-1

Marek’s disease virus (MDV), an oncogenic alphaherpesvirus, induces a rapid onset T-cell lymphoma and demyelinating disease in chickens. Since the 1970s the disease has been controlled through mass vaccination with herpesvirus of turkeys [meleagrid herpesvirus type 1 (MeHV-1)]. Over time this vaccine’s efficacy decreased, and in the 1980s a bivalent vaccine consisting of MeHV-1 and a non-oncogenic gallid herpesvirus type 3 (GaHV-3) strain known as SB-1 was introduced. The complete DNA sequence (165,994 bp) of this GaHV-3 strain was determined using 454 pyrosequencing. A total of 524 open reading frames (ORFs) were examined for homology to protein sequences present in GenBank using BLAST (E-values <0.9). Of the 128 ORF hits, 75 ORFs showed homology to well-characterized alphaherpesviral proteins. Phylogenetically, this strain partitions in its own branch along with the GaHV-3 strain HPRS24 and shows more relatedness to MeHV-1 than gallid herpesvirus type 2 (GaHV-2, Marek’s disease virus). When comparing the GaHV-3 ORFs to their homologues in MeHV-1 and GaHV-2, a greater percentage of amino acid similarity was found with homologous ORFs in the genome of SB-1 than with those in the HPRS24 genome. Overall, twice as many of the 75 ORFs within the SB-1 genome showed greater sequence identities and similarities to homologous ORFs in the Marek’s disease genome than those within the HPRS24 genome. This paper describes the sequence difference between the two GaHV-3 genomes. Overall 19 ORFs differ in the number of predicted amino acids; of these, eight (UL3.5, UL5, UL9, UL28, UL30, UL36, UL37, and UL50) encode well-characterized alphaherpesviral proteins A sequence within the unique short region of the SB-1 genome exhibited significant sequence homology to long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences of avian retroviruses. This sequence was only found in the SB-1 genome and not the HPRS24 genome.
A case report of successful pregnancy in a patient with pure 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis

Objective To report a successful pregnancy in a patient with pure 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. Design Case report. Setting Academic reproductive endocrinology and infertility unit. Patient(s) A patient with pure 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis and a desire to become pregnant. Intervention(s) Laparoscopic gonadectomy, in vitro fertilization using donor oocytes, transfer of cryopreserved blastocysts, and cesarean delivery. Main Outcome Measure(s) Successful pregnancy and live birth. Result(s) Successful pregnancy and delivery of a healthy infant following in vitro fertilization using donor oocytes and embryo transfer. Conclusion(s) With the use of donor oocytes, patients with pure 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis can anticipate successful pregnancy.
850 GENETIC LOCALIZATION OF THE DOWN SYNDROME REGION IN THE MOUSE

Down Syndrome in humans is caused by trisomy for the distal portion of chromosome 21 (HSA 21). HSA 21 contains several genes which map to mouse chromosome 16 (MMU 16), establishing the presence of homologous linkage groups on the two chromosomes. The length and character of this conserved region and its position on MMU 16 are unknown. To define the DS region more precisely, we have undertaken genetic mapping studies in the mouse. Our results indicate that a segment of HSA 21 which includes the DS region is conserved on MMU 16. To map the homologous regions of HSA 21 and MMU 16, molecular probes specific to HSA 21 were hybridized to mouse DNA. Probes for superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD), which is proximal to the DS region, and pH33, a DNA fragment distal to the DS region on the q arm of HSA 21, hybridized strongly to mouse DNA. These probes also hybridized to somatic cell hybrids containing MMU 16 as the only mouse chromosome, indicating conserved linkage on MMU 16 and HSA 21. These probes were then used to detect restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) by hybridizing them to a panel of DNAs from eight different inbred mouse strains which had been digested with restriction endonucleases. The CBA strain demonstrated RFLPs different from BALB/c with the SOD and pH33 probes. The genetic distance between these sequences was determined by backcrossing the progeny of an Fl cross between these strains and calculating cross-over frequency.
Maintaining population diversity by maintaining family structures

The selection event algorithm introduced an interesting method of creating offspring from parents in a multi-generational manner with a period of fitness neutrality followed by an intense selection event. This algorithm did not have a focus on maintaining diversity in the population, so it had all of the same pitfalls as other algorithms lacking such a focus. However, due to the novel multi-generational growth structure a natural family tree is created in the population, allowing for an equally natural diversity maintenance to be implemented which does not require any artificial diversity constraints to be placed on the fitness function. Instead, diversity is maintained (and encouraged) in the population through the growth dynamics of each family.
Flow Measurements in a Human Femoral Artery Model With Reverse Lumen Curvature

Flow visualization and wall pressure measurements were made in a smooth reverse curvature model that conformed to the gentle "s" shape of a left femoral artery angiogram of a patient in a clinical trial. Observed lesion localization at the inner (lesser) curvatures appeared to be associated with secondary flows in the wall vicinity directed toward the inner curvatures that tended to reverse direction in the flow entering the reverse curvature region. Moderate flow resistance increases of about 20 percent above the Poiseuille flow relation were found at the higher physiological Reynolds numbers Re above about 600-700 and thus Dean numbers for steady flow. For pulsatile flow simulation, flow resistances did not increase up to the largest Re of 470 tested. Apparently, the large variations in velocity during the cardiac cycle disrupted the stronger secondary flow patterns observed at the higher Reynolds numbers for steady flow.
Self-correlation between assimilation and respiration resulting from flux partitioning of eddy-covariance CO2 fluxes.

Self-correlation between estimates of assimilation and respiration of carbon is a consequence of the flux partitioning of eddy-covariance measurements, where the assimilation is computed as the difference between the measured net carbon dioxide flux (NEE) and an estimate of the respiration. The estimates of assimilation and respiration suffer from self-correlation because they share a common variable (the respiration). The issue of self-correlation has been treated before, however, published studies continue to report regression relationships without accounting for the problem. The self-correlation is defined here (for example) as the correlation between variables A and B, where A ¼ x þ y and B ¼ x, and where x and y are random, uncorrelated variables (random permutations of the observations). In this case, any correlation found between A and B has no physical meaning and is entirely due to the self-correlation associated with the shared variable x. Estimates for the self-correlation are presented for a range of timescales using two different methods applied to a 6-yr dataset of eddy-covariance and soil chamber measurements from a ponderosa pine forest. Although the estimate of self-correlation is itself uncertain, it is not small compared to the observed correlation, and therefore it can reduce the strength of the relationship that can be demonstrated even though there is a strong apparent relationship in the observations and a strong causal relationship is expected based on tree physiology through coupling of photosynthesis and autotrophic respiration. We conclude that previous studies using eddy-covariance measurements and standard flux partitioning methods may have inadvertently overstated the real correlation between assimilation and respiration because they failed to account for self-correlation.
Disruptive nocturnal behavior in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease

Disruptive nocturnal behavior, often referred to as sundowning, is a commonly encountered clinical problem in most forms of dementia. This study compared disruptive nocturnal behavior in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Questionnaire data were collected from 60 AD and 48 PD caregivers. Respondents were asked to record the typical time of day when any of seven disruptive behaviors were evidenced in their patients, if at all. Two scores were computed: (1) a sundowning score (number of nocturnal disruptive behaviors, range 0-7), and (2) a total score (number of disruptive behaviors without regard to time, range 0-7). Results indicated PD patients were more likely than AD patients to exhibit disruptive nocturnal behavior. The dose, timing, or number of years on antiparkinsonian medication were not related to nocturnal disruptive behavior within the PD patient group. These findings raise the possibility that sundowning in PD patients may be a manifestation of dopaminergic depletion within the basal ganglia or other abnormalities involving the cholinergic, serotoninergic and/or noradrenergic systems in the brainstem.
Surgical specialty and outcomes for carotid endarterectomy: evidence from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Abstract Background Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been performed since the 1950s and remains one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. The procedure is performed by cardiothoracic, general, neurologic, and vascular surgeons. This study uses data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to examine the outcomes after CEA when performed by general or vascular surgeons. Materials and methods Data included 34,493 CEAs from years 2005 to 2010 recorded in the NSQIP database. Primary outcomes measured were length of stay, 30-d mortality, surgical site infection, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, and blood transfusion requirement. Secondary outcomes measured were the remaining intraoperative outcomes from the NSQIP database. Results After controlling for patient and surgical characteristics, patients treated by general surgeons did not have a significantly different LOS or 30-d mortality than those treated by vascular surgeons. Patients of general surgeons had nearly twice the risk of acquiring a surgical site infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.94; P = 0.012), >1.5 times the risk of cerebrovascular accident (OR = 1.56; P = 0.008), and >1.8 times the risk of blood transfusion (OR = 1.85; P = 0.017) than those of vascular surgeons. Patients of general surgeons had less than half the risk of having a myocardial infarction (OR = 0.34; P = 0.031) than those of vascular surgeons. Conclusions Surgical specialty is associated with a wide range of postoperative outcomes after CEA. Additional research is needed to explore practice and cultural differences across surgical specialty that may lead to outcome differences.
Thermal Diffusion of Water Vapour Through Glass Fiber Insulation

The flux of water vapour through glass fiber insulation depends on the gradients of the concentration of the water vapour and the temperature in accordance with a generalized form of Fick's Law, viz.JV/ρν=-α(1/ρν dρν/dx) - β(1/TdT/dx)The diffusion coefficient for the density gradient is related to the permeability obtained from an isothermal permeance test. The coefficient associated with the temperature gradient is derived from measured values of the heat flux through a specimen of fibrous insulation in both a wet and dry condition.
Human Paraoxonase-3 Is an HDL-Associated Enzyme With Biological Activity Similar to Paraoxonase-1 Protein but Is Not Regulated by Oxidized Lipids

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a secreted protein associated primarily with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and participates in the prevention of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Two other paraoxonase (PON) family members, namely, PON2 and PON3, have been identified. In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of the human PON3 gene from HepG2 cells. Tissue Northern analysis identifies an approximately 1.3-kb transcript for PON3 primarily in the liver. PON3-specific peptide antibodies detect an approximately 40-kDa protein associated with HDL and absent from LDL. Pretreatment of cultured human aortic endothelial cells with supernatants from HeLa Tet On cell lines overexpressing PON3 prevents the formation of mildly oxidized LDL and inactivates preformed mildly oxidized LDL. In contrast to PON1, PON3 is not active against the synthetic substrates paraoxon and phenylacetate. Furthermore, PON3 expression is not regulated in HepG2 cells by oxidized phospholipids and is not regulated in the livers of mice fed a high-fat atherogenic diet.
MtrB Is Required for Proper Incorporation of the Cytochromes OmcA and OmcB into the Outer Membrane of Shewanella putrefaciens MR-1

When grown under anaerobic conditions, Shewanella putrefaciens MR-1 synthesizes multiple outer membrane (OM) cytochromes, some of which have a role in the use of insoluble electron acceptors (e.g., MnO2) for anaerobic respiration. The cytochromes OmcA and OmcB are localized to the OM and the OM-like intermediate-density membrane (IM) in MR-1. The components necessary for proper localization of these cytochromes to the OM have not been identified. A gene replacement mutant (strain MTRB1) lacking the putative OM protein MtrB was isolated and characterized. The specific cytochrome content of the OM of MTRB1 was only 36% that of MR-1. This was not the result of a general decline in cytochrome content, however, because the cytoplasmic membrane (CM) and soluble fractions were not cytochrome deficient. While OmcA and OmcB were detected in the OM and IM fractions of MTRB1, significant amounts were mislocalized to the CM. OmcA was also detected in the soluble fraction of MTRB1. While OmcA and OmcB in MR-1 fractions were resistant to solubilization with Triton X-100 in the presence of Mg2+, Triton X-100 readily solubilized these proteins from all subcellular fractions of MTRB1. Together, these data suggest that MtrB is required for the proper localization and insertion of OmcA and OmcB into the OM of MR-1. The inability of MTRB1 to properly insert these, and possibly other, proteins into its OM likely contributes to its marked deficiency in manganese(IV) and iron(III) reduction. While the localization of another putative OM cytochrome (MtrF) could not be directly determined, an mtrF gene replacement mutant exhibited wild-types rates of Mn(IV) and Fe(III) reduction. Therefore, even if MtrF were mislocalized in MTRB1, it would not contribute to the loss of metal reduction activity in this strain.
Resampling analysis of participant variance to improve the efficiency of sensor modeling perception experiments

Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) Modeling and Simulation Division (MSD) sensor models, such as NV Therm IP, are developed through perception experiments that investigate phenomena associated with sensor performance (e.g. sampling, noise, sensitivity). A standardized laboratory perception testing method developed in the mid-1990's has been responsible for advances in sensor modeling that are supported by field sensor performance experiments.1 The number of participants required to yield dependable results for these experiments could not be estimated because the variance in performance due to participant differences was not known. NVESD and George Mason University (GMU) scientists measured the contribution of participant variance within the overall experimental variance for 22 individuals each exposed to 1008 stimuli. Results of the analysis indicate that the total participant contribution to overall experimental variance was between 1% and 2%.
Estimating nonlinear mixing effects for arid vegetation scenes with MISR channels and observation directions

A Monte-Carlo ray-trace model has been applied to simulated sparse vegetation desert canopies in an effort to quantify the spectral mixing (both linear and nonlinear) occurring as a result of radiative interactions between vegetation and soil. This work is of interest as NASA is preparing to launch new instrument such as MISR and MODIS. MISR will observe each ground pixel from nine different directions in three visible channels and one near-infrared channel. It is desired to study angular variations in spectral mixing by quantifying the amount of nonlinear spectral mixing occurring in the MISR observing directions.
A new method for the study of chylomicron kinetics in vivo

Our understanding of the metabolism of chylomicrons, the lipoprotein that transports dietary fat from the intestine to peripheral tissues, is incomplete. The present studies were conducted to deter...
Dynamic wavelength assignment for WDM all-optical tree networks

We develop an on-line wavelength assignment (WA) algorithm for a wavelength-routed WDM tree network. The algorithm dynamically supports all k-port traffic matrices among N end nodes, where k denotes an integer vector [k/sub 1/...,k/sub N/] and end node i,1/spl les/i/spl les/N, can transmit at most k/sub i/ wavelengths and receive at most k/sub i/ wavelengths. Our algorithm is rearrangeably nonblocking, uses the minimum number of wavelengths, and requires at most d/sup */-1 lightpath rearrangements per new session request, where d/sup */ is the degree of the most heavily used node. We observe that the number of lightpath rearrangements per new session request does not increase as the amount of traffic k scales up by an integer factor. In addition, wavelength converters cannot reduce the number of wavelengths required to support k-port traffic in a tree network. We show how to implement our WA algorithm using a hybrid wavelength-routed/broadcast tree with only one switching node connecting several passive broadcast subtrees. Finally, using roughly twice the minimum number of wavelengths for a rearrangeably nonblocking WA algorithm, we can modify the WA algorithm to be strict-sense nonblocking.
Potential use of auxiliary labels to promote patient awareness of pharmacogenetic testing

In this paper, we consider the advantages and disadvantages of using an auxiliary label for pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing to promote patient awareness. Auxiliary labels are typically used to highlight key information about medication use or risks. If information about PGx is displayed prominently on the medication container, this may motivate patients to consult with a pharmacist and/or contact their health provider to inquire about testing. Through a simple label, the patient becomes empowered to ask and acquire the knowledge that may improve treatment decisions and outcomes. With the increased understanding of the impact of genetic variants on drug response and subsequent development of clinical PGx tests [1], increasing patient awareness and understanding about testing will be important, yet challenging. Numerous patient education resources are available to help patients learn about their prescribed medications. However, some patients struggle to identify and understand their medication regimens and risks due to inadequate health literacy and numeracy, language, reduced cognitive ability in elderly patients, medication complexity and polypharmacy [2–4]. Patients are likely to be unfamiliar with PGx testing. Furthermore, the complexity of test outcomes and recommendations, as well as the limited amount of information about testing currently available for patients, may pose challenges to patients’ understanding. Thus, new educational strategies or integration into existing strategies are needed to promote patient awareness of PGx testing. In this paper, we consider the use of auxiliary labels as a tool to promote patient awareness of PGx testing.
On the Molecular Structure of the Gramicidin Transmembrane Channel

The primary structure of Gramicidin A (GA) was determined by Sarges and Witkop (1964, 1965a,b) to be HCO-L · Val1-Gly2-L · Ala3-D · Leu4-L · Ala5-D · Val6-L · Val7-D · Val8-L · Trp9-D · Leu10-L · Trp11-D · Leu12-L · Trp13-D · Leu14-L · Trp15NH-CH2 CH2OH. The common analogs are Gramicidin B (GB), which is L-Phe11 GA, and Gramicidin C (GC), which is L · Tyr11 GA. Also, there is a variation in residue-1 which can occur as Ile1 in GA, GB, and GC. These structures were further confirmed by the solid phase syntheses of Fontana and Gross (1972) and of Noda and Gross (1972). The amino terminus (N) will also be referred to as the formyl end or head and the carboxyl terminus (C) will also be referred to as the ethanolamine end or tail. In single-stranded helical structures of Gramicidin, possible end-to-end associations will be referred to as head-to-head, head-to-tail, and tail-to-tail. In double-stranded structures, parallel and antiparallel associations will be indicated by the proximity of the formyl (HCO) and ethanolamine termini.
Exploiting extension bias in polymerase chain reaction to improve primer specificity in ensembles of nearly identical DNA templates

Summary We describe a semi-empirical framework that combines thermodynamic models of primer hybridization with experimentally determined elongation biases introduced by 3′-end mismatches for improving polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequence discrimination. The framework enables rational and automatic design of primers for optimal targeting of one or more sequences in ensembles of nearly identical DNA templates. In situations where optimal targeting is not feasible, the framework accurately predicts non-target sequences that are difficult to distinguish with PCR alone. Based on the synergistic effects of disparate sources of PCR bias, we used our framework to robustly distinguish between two alleles that differ by a single base pair. To demonstrate the applicability to environmental microbiology, we designed primers specific to all recognized archaeal and bacterial genera in the Ribosomal Database Project, and have made these primers available online. We applied these primers experimentally to obtain genus-specific amplification of 16S rRNA genes representing minor constituents of an environmental DNA sample. Our results demonstrate that inherent PCR biases can be reliably employed in an automatic fashion to maximize sequence discrimination and accurately identify potential cross-amplifications. We have made our framework accessible online as a programme for designing primers targeting one group of sequences in a set with many other sequences (http://DECIPHER.cee.wisc.edu).
Role of FGF23 in vitamin D and phosphate metabolism: Implications in chronic kidney disease

FGF23 is a bone-derived hormone that regulates systemic phosphate homeostasis, vitamin D metabolism and α-Klotho expression through a novel bone-kidney axis. FGF23 inhibits renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate through mechanisms independent of PTH as well as reduces circulating 1, 25(OH)(2)D through its dual effects to suppress Cyp27b1 production and to stimulate Cyp24 catabolism of 1,25(OH)(2)D. 1,25(OH)(2)D and other factors regulating bone remodeling/mineralization are the major physiological regulators of FGF23 expression. FGF23 also suppresses the gene transcription of α-klotho by the kidney, which exists as a membrane and soluble protein. Membrane Klotho acts as a coreceptor for and dictates organ specificity of FGF23, whereas soluble Klotho act as an endocrine factor that regulates activity of cell surface glycoproteins and receptors in multiple tissues. Elevated FGF23 levels are responsible for several hereditary and acquired hypophosphatemic rickets disorders. FGF23 and Klotho deficiency have similar phenotypes characterized by hyperphosphatemia, elevated 1,25(OH)(2)D and tumoral calcinosis. FGF23 levels progressively increase during chronic kidney disease (CKD). FGF23 has been proposed to be the initial adaptive response leading to reductions in 1,25(OH)(2)D and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in CKD. The overall biological effect of this initial step may be to orchestrate a coordinated adaptation to protect the organism from the adverse effects of excess phosphate retention. The second step involves the effects of PTH on bone remodeling that further stimulates FGF23 production through both direct and indirect mechanisms related to alterations in extracellular matrix factors. PTH further amplifies FGF23 expression in later stages of CKD to compensate for the increased phosphate efflux from bone caused by excessive bone turnover. While many aspects of the regulation and functions of FGF23 remain to be established, the idea that FGF23 hormone is the initial adaptive hormonal response in CKD that suppresses 1,25(OH)(2)D, reduces gastrointestinal calcium and phosphate absorption and leads to a secondary HPT represents a paradigm shift in the conceptualization of the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism. In addition, the prevalent thought that CKD is a functional "vitamin D deficient state" requiring therapy with 1,25(OH)(2)D analogs is challenged by effects of FGF23 to potentially lower both 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)D by induction of Cyp24-mediated degradation. Finally, increments in FGF23 are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in CKD. Whether these effects represent direct effects of FGF23 or represent a marker of other abnormalities in CKD remains to be determined.
Teacher Efficacy and Content Literacy Implementation: An Exploration of the Effects of Extended Professional Development with Coaching

This study investigated the effects of yearlong professional development with coaching on sixth- and ninth-grade teachers’ efficacy for teaching literacy and collective efficacy. As well, it explored the relationship between teacher efficacy and implementation of a content literacy approach. A teacher survey was used to measure teachers’ efficacy before and after participation in the professional development, and classroom observations were used to measure teachers’ implementation of content literacy practices. Teacher interviews provided insight into the processes of teacher efficacy development and content literacy implementation. Survey results indicated significant improvements in teachers’ personal and general efficacy for literacy teaching and in teachers’ collective teaching efficacy. Teachers who demonstrated higher efficacy prior to participating in professional development were more likely to implement the recommended content literacy practices. Teacherinterviews indicated that coachingand collaboration were important factors in the development of teachers’ sense of efficacy with and implementation of content literacy strategies.
Pharmacological mobilization of endogenous stem cells increases wound tensile strength and reduces scarring in aged mouse model

for demographics and scores for QOL, fatigue and pain from the validated Linear Analog Self-Assessment questionnaire (LASA) during five time periods: preoperatively (baseline), 30 days postoperatively, 31-90 days, 91-180 days, and 181-360 days. For the 1-10 LASA scale, a QOL score of 7 denotes general population mean score, fatigue > 5 severe fatigue, 0.5 sd change from baseline mean is clinically meaningful. Statistical analysis was carried out with t-test, and ANOVA.
Baseball and the Rule of Law Revisited

This is a revised and updated version of my 1999 article "Baseball and the Rule of Law." In both articles, I argue that baseball is a highly legalistic game that can be used to help us understand how the rule of law operates in courts. The article notes that baseball is the only sport that requires a judicial ruling - a ruling by an umpire - for every play. No player is out or safe, no pitch is a strike or a ball until the umpire makes a ruling that is, in effect, a judicial determination. The article explains how the interpretation of baseball rules (umpires who call high strike zones or low strike zones for example) teach players and fans the nature of judicial interpretation. The article also examines briefly the controversy over the ownership of valuable baseballs caught by fans, the legal issues surrounding stadium franchises, baseball and antitrust, and the way in which baseball affected civil rights through the integration of the Major Leagues starting with Jackie Robinson in 1947.
Seeing and Saying as a Social Collective

Iris Marion Young's idea of social collectivity as articulated in her important essay Gender as Seriality is a useful way to think through groupness when dealing with the challenges of political organization, messaging, and collaboration. Looking at the long-term unemployed as a potential serial, I attempt to show two things: first, that the Sartrean concept as specified and expanded by Young, might be more useful as a basis of political action in the American case than a more robust notion of class identity, especially in light of the findings of Ira Katznelson. Second, that a group based upon an acknowledged shared relation to pratico-inert reality might offer a distinctly different demands, messages, and activity than those of a traditionally conceived identity group. In this way, a collectivity which conceives of its groupness in terms of a serial relation might be able to identify and create unique opportunities for speech and action in the political realm. Iris Marion Young's idea of social collectivity as articulated in her important essay Gender as Seriality is a useful way to think through groupness when dealing with the challenges of political organization, messaging, and collaboration. Looking at the long-term unemployed as a potential serial, I attempt to show two things: first, that the Sartrean concept as specified and expanded by Young, might be more useful as a basis of political action in the American case than a more robust notion of class identity, especially in light of the findings of Ira Katznelson. Second, that a group based upon an acknowledged shared relation to pratico-inert reality might offer a distinctly different demands, messages, and activity than those of a traditionally conceived identity group. In this way, a collectivity which conceives of its groupness in terms of a serial relation might be able to identify and create unique opportunities for speech and action in the political realm.
Severe Ischemic Injury to the Proximal Airway Following Lung Transplantation: Immediate and Long-term Effects on Bronchial Cartilage

Ischemia due to interruption of the bronchial circulation has been recognized as a cause of immediate postoperative anastomotic dehiscence in lung and heart-lung transplant recipients. Since patients do not ordinarily survive such major ischemic insults, the long-term effects of airway ischemia and the differentiation of these effects from those of transplant rejection and infection have not been clearly defined. We describe a patient who suffered extensive airway ischemia, necrosis, and subsequent diffuse airway stenosis. Loss of the bronchial circulation with variable ischemia may be a major cause of late airway abnormality responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients. (Chest 1993; 103:1899-1901)
Protein Content of Mature Corn Kernels Following Actual and Simulated Corn Earworm Damage, Heliothis zea (Boddie)

Experiments were conducted to investigate possible protein changes in mature corn kernels caused by the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie). Our objectives were to determine protein content of mature corn kernels sampled from corn ears infested by the corn earworm at various times after silking, and to compare these levels with the protein content of corn kernels sampled from ears with simulated corn earworm damage and from those that were not infested. Protein content of the corn kernels was estimated by using near-infrared reflectance. Protein content of corn kernels from ears subjected to corn earworm damage early in kernel development, 0–3 d, was significantly higher than that of undamaged ears or ears with later earworm damage. The protein content of kernels from ears with kernel damage, either earworm or mechanical, was higher than that of corn with no damage or husk damage only. Finally, protein content of corn kernels was higher in corn grown in 1982 than from corn grown in 1981.
A General Analysis of Steady State Photocarrier Grating Technique for the Determination of Ambipolar Diffusion Length

A general photoconductivity formula is derived for the case of a semiconductor steady state photocarrier grating (SSPG) 1 . It is shown that, under the condition of weak applied electric field, the ambipolar diffusion length can be determined by the SSPG technique 1 without the lifetime-regime restriction 2,3 if the lifetime of photocarriers is known. The general formula presented here is reduced to the simple lifetime-regime formula 1–3 under the condition of fast dielectric relaxation.
Cytokeratin 8 released by breast carcinoma cells in vitro binds plasminogen and tissue-type plasminogen activator and promotes plasminogen activation

Cell-surface activation of plasminogen may be important in diseases that involve cellular migration, including atherosclerosis and tumour invasion/metastasis. Cytokeratin 8 (CK 8) has been identified as a plasminogen-binding protein expressed on the external surfaces of hepatocytes and breast carcinoma cells [Hembrough, Vasudevan, Allietta, Glass and Gonias (1995) J. Cell Sci. 108, 1071-1082]. In this investigation, we demonstrate that a soluble form of CK 8 is released into the culture medium of breast cancer cell lines. The released CK 8 is in the form of variably sized polymers that bind plasminogen and promote the activation of [Glu1]plasminogen and [Lys78]plasminogen by single-chain tissue-type plasminogen activator (sct-PA). To assess the mechanism by which CK 8 promotes plasminogen activation, CK 8 was purified from rat hepatocytes and immobilized in microtitre plates. Immobilized CK 8 bound 125I-plasminogen and 125I-sct-PA in a specific and saturable manner. The KDs were 160 +/- 40 nM and 250 +/- 48 nM, respectively. Activation of plasminogen bound to immobilized CK 8 was accelerated compared with plasminogen in solution, as determined using a coupled-substrate fluorescence assay and SDS/PAGE. The ability of CK 8 to promote plasminogen activation may be important in the pericellular spaces surrounding breast cancer cells and at the cell surface.
Simultaneous Determination of Four Indandione Rodenticides in Cereal by High-performance Liquid Chromatography

To establish a simple,accurate and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of four indandione rodenticides in cereal by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The extraction condition was optimized by orthogonal test using ethonal and ethyl acetate(5 ∶95,by volume)as solvent in the phosphate buffer(pH 5.5).The separation of four indandione rodenticides was achieved on a ZORBAX SB C18 column(250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.,5 μm)using phosphate buffer(pH 6.3),acetonitrile and methanol as mobile phases by gradient elution.Optimal conditions include that the rodenticides were extracted by 5%(by volume)ethanol in ethyl acetate in the existence of phosphate buffer(pH 5.5)at 40 ℃ three times by ultrasonic,10 min each time;the column temperature was controlled at 30 ℃;and the wavelength of UV detection was set at 280 nm.The method showed good linearity for valone and pindon in the range of 0.25-50 mg/L,and diphacinone and chlorophacinone in the range of 0.50-100 mg/L with correlation coefficients more than 0.999 3.The detection limits were 0.1 mg/L for valone and pindon and 0.2 mg/L for diphacinone and chlorophacinone,respectively.The recoveries were 80%-95% for the four indandione rodenticides and RSDs were less than 8.0%.This method was sensitive,accurate and was suitable for the determination of trace indandiones in cereal.