cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symbols of Relationship Identity in Relationship Cultures

Relationships are unique mini-cultures in which the parties construct meaning systems in a variety of ways, including ritual enactments, stories and symbols. This study examines the content features and functions of the symbols by which relationship parties identify their relationships. A group of 108 randomly selected respondents from a university population was interviewed with regard to the relationship symbols for either a romantic relationship or a friendship relationship. Results indicated a total of 499 symbols which were distributed among five basic forms: behavioural actions, prior events/times, physical objects, special places and cultural artefacts. These types differed in their perceived importance, with Places and Events/Times perceived as the most important. Respondents attributed nine substantive functions to their relationship symbols, the most frequent of which were prompting recollection, indicating intimacy, promoting communion, providing stimulation/fun and affording seclusion from oth...
What's love got to do with it? Why some marriages succeed and others fail

This essay summarizes a 13-year longitudinal study carried out in the United States that challenges conventional wisdom about courtship and the early marital roots of connubial distress and divorce. The study traced relationships from courtship, to the early years of marriage, to parenthood (for most), and to divorce (for some). The essay describes the germination of the study, how it was implemented, and what it reveals about why some marriages succeed and others fail. Couples' courtship and early marital experiences foreshadow: (a) whether they stay married or divorce, (b) whether they sustain satisfying unions if their marriage lasts, and (c) how quickly marriages that end in divorce break apart. Mutually satisfying marriages are differentiable from those that fail in that they both promise marital consanguinity and deliver on the promise.
Deuteration of cycloalkynes

When treated with the lithium salt of 1,3-diaminopropane, triple bonds in cyclic alkynes undergo multiple degenerate rearrangements. By employing the N,N,N′,N′-d4, reagent, the course of the isomerization is followed as the triple bond circumnavigates the ring. Cycloalkynes are readily perdeuterated with this novel methodology.
Sigmoidoscopy use among primary care physicians.

Background. Despite endorsement by a variety of professional societies, screening sigmoidoscopy is performed on a small minority of patients. We performed a survey of primary care physicians in Allegheny County to examine in detail their current practice and attitude toward screening sigmoidoscopy. Methods. Physicians were surveyed by mail or telephone. Eligible respondents were required to practice in the county and perform direct patient care. Results. Of 732 adult primary care physicians in Allegheny County, 400 were randomly selected for sampling and 279, or 70%, responded. Over 88% of physicians agreed completely or partly with current American Cancer Society recommendations for screening sigmoidoscopy, but only 34% (95% CI 29-39%) reported they regularly refer or schedule patients for screening. Physicians who screen were more likely to be from internal medicine or family practice (P < 0.001) and to be trained in (P < 0.001) or to personally perform (P < 0.001) sigmoidoscopy. The greater the number of barriers to screening cited by physicians, including cost, patient discomfort, equipment availability, low probability of finding a lesion, time it takes to do sigmoidoscopy, and the risk of the procedure, the lower the screening rate (P = 0.002). Conclusion. (a) Although primary care physicians in Allegheny County report that they support screening sigmoidoscopy, only one-third regularly refer or schedule patients, (b) physicians who are trained in or who perform sigmoidoscopy are more likely to screen patients, and (c) further education and training of primary care physicians in sigmoidoscopy will be required to increase screening rates.
Cumulative Cancer Risk from Air Pollution in Houston: Disparities in Risk Burden and Social Disadvantage

Air toxics are of particular concern in Greater Houston, home to one of the world's largest petrochemical complexes and a quarter ofthe nation's refining capacity. Much of this complex lies along a navigable ship channel that flows 50 miles from east of the central business district through Galveston Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous communities, including both poor and affluent neighborhoods, are located in close proximity to the 200 facilities along this channel. Our aim is to examine the spatial distribution of cumulative, air-pollution-related cancer risks in Houston and Harris County, with particular emphasis on identifying ethnic, economic, and social disparities. We employ exposure estimates from NATA-1999 and census data to assess whether the cumulative cancer risks from air toxics in Houston (and Harris County) fall disproportionately on certain ethnicities and on the socially and economically disadvantaged. The cancer risk burden across Harris County census tracts increases with the proportion of residents who are Hispanic and with key indicators of relative social disadvantage. Aggregate disadvantage grows at each higher level of cancer risk. The highest cancer risk in Harris County is concentrated along a corridor flanking the ship channel. These high-risk neighborhoods, however, vary markedly in relative disadvantage, as well as in emission source mix. Much of the risk they face appears to be driven by only a few hazardous air pollutants. Results provide evidence of risk disparities from hazardous air pollution based on ethnicity and social disadvantage. At the highest levels of risk the pattern is more complex, arguing for a neighborhood level of analysis, especially when proximity to high-emissions industries is a substantial contributor to cumulative cancer risk.
Rigid and flexible control of eating behavior in a college population

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between rigid control (RC) and flexible control (FC) of eating behavior and their relationship to traditional weight, eating, and affective measurements in a large heterogeneous population. Participants were 639 underweight to obese male and female college students. Multiple regression analyses (MRA) revealed that high RC was associated with high Body Mass Index (BMI) and high Disinhibition (DIS), and high FC was associated with low BMI and low DIS in women. In men, high RC was associated with high BMI and high DIS, whereas FC was not related to BMI or DIS. Multiple regression analyses of BMI on RC and FC in the female subsample revealed that the control variables interact in such a way that the relationship between RC and BMI is stronger when FC is lower. In men, there was no interaction between these
Role of protein kinase C as a cellular mediator of ischemic preconditioning: a critical review

Protein kinase C (PKC) has been proposed as a primary cellular mediator of ischemic preconditioning. However, the role of PKC in eliciting cardioprotection remains controversial. In this review, we summarize the evidence for and against the 'PKC hypothesis' of preconditioning, discuss the important technical limitations currently hampering PKC research, and suggest new approaches (i.e. PKC isoform-specific biochemical assays combined with immunoblotting techniques) that might aid in the definite resolution of this issue.
Comparison of the teratogenic effects of the isomeric forms of aminophenol in the Syrian golden hamster.

Abstract para -Aminophenol ( p -AP), recently demonstrated to be a metabolic product of the analgesic-antipyretic agent, acetaminophen, was evaluated for teratogenicity. Also included for evaluation were the other isomeric forms of aminophenol, meta and ortho -aminophenol ( m -AP) and o -AP, respectively). Timed pregnant Syrian golden hamsters (SGH; LKV strain) were used. On the morning of Day 8 of gestation (8 days following the evening of breeding), the SGH received a dose of 100 to 200 mg/kg (ip) of p -AP, m -AP, or o -AP. The dams were killed on Day 13 of gestation. A significant teratogenic response was elicited by p -AP and o -AP. A dose-effect phenomenon was evident by a rise in the frequency of litters with one or more malformed fetuses. The number of fetuses with one or more malformations also increased with dose, as did the resorption response. Frequently observed malformations were exencephaly, encephalocele, eye defects, rib fusion, tail defects, spina bifida, limb defects, and umbilical hernia. Other rare malformations were also noted. Although conclusive evidence regarding the teratogenicity of m -AP was not obtained, the data support the conclusion that p -AP and o -AP are teratogenic in the SGH without compromising maternal health.
Hemorrhagic chickenpox associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation

Disseminated intravasuclar coagulation (DIC) or consumption coagulopathy has been well documented in children with bacterial septicemia but infrequently reported in viral disease. Fibrin thrombi have been noted with the malignant form of varicellazoster virus infections and there is laboratory evidence that DIC may be present in hemorrhagic smallpox. It is the purpose of this report to describe the changes in the coagulation mechanism in 4 children with severe varicella infection, 3 of whom had hemorrhagic chickenpox. All cases had a malignant disease at the time of their viral infection; 2 with acute leukemia in remission, I acute leukemia in relapse, and I with metastatic retinoblastoma. All were receiving an antineoplastic drug but none were on corticosteroids. None had bacterial sepsis or shock at the time of their chickenpox. Hemorrhagic varicella only occurred in the 3 leukemic patients, and all 3 died. The non-hemorrhagic case survived. The coagulation data revealed that the patients with the hemorrhagic form demonstrated thrombocytopenia, reduced levels of coagulation factors II, V, and VIII, hypofibrinogenemia, positive fibrin split products, and normal euglobulin lysis. In the non-hemorrhagic patient all studies were normal. Heparin therapy was given to one patient with questionable improvement only noted in the fibrinogen level. Although hepatic necrosis may be found in fatal cases of varicella the coagulation data suggest that the multiple defects were due to DIC. In addition, the data furhter suggest that the mechanism by which this virus elicits DIC is different from bacterial sepsis since the DIC was clearly present in the absence of hypotension or shock.
A locality-aware similar information searching scheme

In a database, a similar information search means finding data records which contain the majority of search keywords. Due to the rapid accumulation of information nowadays, the size of databases has increased dramatically. An efficient information searching scheme can speed up information searching and retrieve all relevant records. This paper proposes a Hilbert curve-based similarity searching scheme (HCS). HCS considers a database to be a multidimensional space and each data record to be a point in the multidimensional space. By using a Hilbert space filling curve, each point is projected from a high-dimensional space to a low-dimensional space, so that the points close to each other in the high-dimensional space are gathered together in the low-dimensional space. Because the database is divided into many clusters of close points, a query is mapped to a certain cluster instead of searching the entire database. Experimental results prove that HCS dramatically reduces the search time latency and exhibits high effectiveness in retrieving similar information.
Wavelet-based image compression using randomized quantization

We applied dithered quantization to image compression using a wavelet transform, scalar quantization method. The results indicate that dithered quantization could change the noise characteristics of the reconstructed image.
Taste mixtures: Is mixture suppression related to compression?

Abstract In mixtures of substances with different taste qualities, the components can still be recognized but are usually perceived as less intense than when unmixed. When the components are equally intense if unmixed, sourness is suppressed the least, if at all, and sweetness, saltiness, and bitterness are suppressed to greater extents. Psychophysical functions (relating taste intensity to stimulus concentration) are said to show compression when successive concentration increments produce progressively smaller psychological increments. Sour substances show the least compression and sweetness, saltiness, and bitterness are compressed to greater extents. That is, substances which show the least compression when added to themselves also show the least suppression when other substances are added to them. Antidromic inhibition might mediate both compression and suppression.
Early vasopressin reduces incidence of new onset arrhythmias.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to determine the effect of early vs late vasopressin therapy on catecholamine dose and duration. Materials and methods We conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review of adult patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit between January 2010 and December 2011 with septic shock requiring catecholamine and vasopressin therapy. Patients were included in the early group if vasopressin was initiated within 6 hours and the late group if vasopressin was initiated between 6 and 48 hours of catecholamine(s). Results Duration of catecholamine and vasopressin therapy was similar between the 35 patients in the early group and the 36 in the late group. Vasopressin therapy was associated with a decrease in catecholamine requirements in both groups. Early vasopressin was associated with fewer new onset arrhythmias (37.1% vs 62.9%, P P = 1; 14 vs 10 days, P = .48; 9 vs 7 days, P = .71, respectively). Conclusions Early initiation of vasopressin therapy in adult critically ill patients with septic shock was associated with no difference in total catecholamine requirements but decreased incidence of new onset arrhythmias.
Disparate behavior of ketones and thioketones on reaction with organolithiums

Abstract The reactions of alkyllithiums with ketones and thioketones proceed in fundamentally different ways. Whereas alkyllithiums add to the carbonyl carbon of ketones to give tertiary alcohols, the reaction with thioketones proceeds to give secondary thiols by reduction of the C S group. Transition states for the addition and reduction reactions of acetone and thioacetone in ethereal solution have been located and the computed activation free energies are in agreement with the observed behavior of ketones and thioketones in reactions with alkyllithiums.
Water quality and zooplankton of the Ogba River, Benin City, Nigeria

Water quality and zooplankton were investigated using standard methods at four stations in the Ogba River, Benin City, Nigeria, from January to April 2008 (dry season) and from May to August 2008 (rainy season). Nigerian water quality standards were used to assess the water quality. There were elevated values of flow velocity, BOD5, sulphate, phosphate, nitrate and sodium concentrations at Station 2, the municipal wastewater entry point, in relation to other stations. Fourteen zooplankton species, including five cladocerans, eight copepods and one rotifer, were recorded, with the quantitative distributions in the order Copepoda > Cladocera > Rotifera. Station 2 had the highest values, 10 taxa and 114 ind. l–1. The water quality parameters were within the acceptable limits of the Nigerian water quality standards, and the zooplankton was normal in abundance and diversity for such an environment.
Distraction index as a risk factor for osteoarthritis associated with hip dysplasia in four large dog breeds.

Objective: To determine if age, breed, gender, weight or distraction index (DI) influenced the risk of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) in four common dog breeds; the American bulldog, Bernese mountain dog, Newfoundland and standard poodle. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional prevalence study with 4349 dogs. Canine hips were evaluated using 3 radiographic projections: the hip-extended view, the compression view and the distraction view. The hip-extended view was examined for the presence of OA. The PennHIP distraction view was utilized to calculate the DI. For all breeds, a multiple logistic regression model incorporating age, weight, gender, and DI was created. For each breed, disease-susceptibility curves grouping dogs on the basis of age were constructed. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were developed for each breed regardless of age. Results: For all breeds, DI was the most significant risk factor for the development of OA associated with CHD. Weight and age were also significant risk factors in all four breeds, but gender was not. Clinical Significance: Results from this study support previous findings, that irrespective of breed, the probability of radiographic OA increases with hip joint laxity as measured by the DI. Breed-specific differences in this relationship, however, warrant investigation of all breeds affected by CHD to determine inherent dependency of hip OA on joint laxity. Such findings guide veterinarians in helping dog breeders to make evidence-based breeding decisions and in informing dog owners to implement preventative treatments for CHD for dogs found to be at risk.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition reduces muscle inflammation and necrosis in modified muscle use

The objective of this study was to determine the role of nitric oxide in muscle inflammation, fiber necrosis, and apoptosis of inflammatory cells in vivo. The effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition on the concentrations of neutrophils, ED1+ and ED2+ macrophages, apoptotic inflammatory cells, and necrotic muscle fibers in rats subjected to 10 days of hindlimb unloading and 2 days of reloading were determined. Administration of NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) significantly reduced the concentrations of neutrophils, ED1+ and ED2+ macrophages, and necrotic fibers in soleus muscle relative to water-treated controls. The concentration of apoptotic inflammatory cells was also significantly lower for L-NAME-treated animals compared with water-treated controls. However, the proportion of the inflammatory cell population that was apoptotic did not differ between L-NAME-treated and control animals, suggesting that L-NAME treatment did not decrease inflammatory cell populations by increasing the frequency of apoptosis. Thus, nitric oxide or one of its intermediates promotes muscle inflammation and fiber necrosis during modified muscle use and plays no more than a minor role in the resolution of muscle inflammation by inducing apoptosis of inflammatory cells.
Active control and digital rights management of integrated circuit IP cores

We introduce the first approach that can actively control multiple hardware intellectual property (IP) cores used in an integrated circuit (IC). The IP rights owner(s) can remotely monitor, control, enable, or disable each individual IP on each chip. The approach introduces a paradigm shift in the microelectronic business model, nurturing smaller businesses, and supporting the design-reuse paradigm. The IPs can be controlled by the original designer or by the designers who reuse them. Each IP has a built-in functional lock that pertains to the unique unclonable ID of the chip. A control structure that coordinates the locking and unlocking of the IPs is embedded within the IC. We introduce a trusted third party approach for issuing certificates of authenticity, in case it is required for the applications. We present methods for safeguarding the approach against two attack sources: the foundry (fab), and the reuser. Experimental results show that our approach can be implemented with low area, power, and delay overheads making it suitable for embedded systems. The introduced control method is also low overhead in terms of the added steps to the current design and manufacturing flow.
Syntheses and properties of a series of cationic water-soluble phthalocyanines.

A series of symmetrical cationic phthalocyanines (Pcs) with either Zn(II) or Si(IV) metal ions and two bulky axial ligands on the silicon complexes was synthesized in high yields. The photophysical (absorption, emission, fluorescence, and singlet oxygen quantum yields) and cellular (uptake, toxicity, and subcellular localization) properties of this series of Pcs were investigated. The Si(IV)−Pcs exist mainly as monomers in aqueous media and have higher fluorescent quantum yields in protic solvents (methanol and water) than the Zn(II)−Pcs. The presence of eight short PEG groups at the periphery of a Zn(II)−Pc significantly increases its solubility in protic solvents, but a centrally chelated silicon ion and associated bulky axial ligands were more efficient in preventing aggregation of the Pc macrocycles. The singlet oxygen quantum yields for this series of Pcs in DMSO are in the range 0.09–0.15. All Pcs were readily taken up by human HEp2 cells, and the extent of their accumulation within cells depends on...
Site‐directed mutagenesis analysis of the structural interaction of the single‐strand‐break repair protein, X‐ray cross‐complementing group 1, with DNA polymerase β

Human X-ray cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) is a single-strand DNA break repair protein which forms a base excision repair (BER) complex with DNA polymerase β (β-Pol). Here we report a site- directed mutational analysis in which 16 mutated versions of the XRCC1 N-terminal domain (XRCC1-NTD) were constructed on the basis of previous NMR results that had implicated the proximity of various surface residues to β-Pol. Mutant proteins defective in XRCC1-NTD interaction with β-Pol and with a β-Pol–gapped DNA complex were determined by gel filtration chromatography and a gel mobility shift assay. The interaction surface determined from the mutated residues was found to encompass β-strand D and E of the five-stranded β-sheet (βABGDE) and the protruding α2 helix of the XRCC1-NTD. Mutations that included F67A (βD), E69K (βD), V86R (βE) on the five-stranded β-sheet and deletion of the α2 helix, but not mutations within α2, abolished binding of the XRCC1-NTD to β-Pol. A Y136A mutant abolished β-Pol binding, and a R109S mutant reduced β-Pol binding. E98K, E98A, N104A, Y136A, R109S, K129E, F142A, R31A/K32A/R34A and δ-helix-2 mutants displayed temperature dependent solubility. These findings confirm the importance of the α2 helix and the βD and βE strands of XRCC1-NTD to the energetics of β-Pol binding. Establishing the direct contacts in the β-Pol XRCC1 complex is a critical step in understanding how XRCC1 fulfills its numerous functions in DNA BER.
Identification and comparative analysis of sixteen fungal peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase repertoires

The peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) class of proteins is present in all known eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and archaea, and it is comprised of three member families that share the ability to catalyze the cis/trans isomerisation of a prolyl bond. Some fungi have been used as model systems to investigate the role of PPIases within the cell, however how representative these repertoires are of other fungi or humans has not been fully investigated. PPIase numbers within these fungal repertoires appears associated with genome size and orthology between repertoires was found to be low. Phylogenetic analysis showed the single-domain FKBPs to evolve prior to the multi-domain FKBPs, whereas the multi-domain cyclophilins appear to evolve throughout cyclophilin evolution. A comparison of their known functions has identified, besides a common role within protein folding, multiple roles for the cyclophilins within pre-mRNA splicing and cellular signalling, and within transcription and cell cycle regulation for the parvulins. However, no such commonality was found with the FKBPs. Twelve of the 17 human cyclophilins and both human parvulins, but only one of the 13 human FKBPs, identified orthologues within these fungi. hPar14 orthologues were restricted to the Pezizomycotina fungi, and R. oryzae is unique in the known fungi in possessing an hCyp33 orthologue and a TPR-containing FKBP. The repertoires of Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus nidulans were found to exhibit the highest orthology to the human repertoire, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae one of the lowest. Given this data, we would hypothesize that: (i) the evolution of the fungal PPIases is driven, at least in part, by the size of the proteome, (ii) evolutionary pressures differ both between the different PPIase families and the different fungi, and (iii) whilst the cyclophilins and parvulins have evolved to perform conserved functions, the FKBPs have evolved to perform more variable roles. Also, the repertoire of Cryptococcus neoformans may represent a better model fungal system within which to study the functions of the PPIases as its genome size and genetic tractability are equal to those of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whilst its repertoires exhibits greater orthology to that of humans. However, further experimental investigations are required to confirm this.
The effect of conspecific attraction on metapopulation dynamics

Random dispersal direction is assumed in all current metapopulation models. This assumption is called into questionby recent experiments demonstrating that some species disperse preferentially to sites occupied by conspecifics. Weincorporate conspecific attraction into two metapopulation models which differ in type of dispersal, the Levins model and atwo-dimensional stepping-stone model. In both models, conspecific attraction lowers the proportion of occupied habitat patcheswithin a metapopulation at equilibrium.
Impacts of an extreme early-season freeze event in the Interior Pacific Northwest (30 October-3 November 2002) on Western juniper woodlands

In mid-autumn 2002, an exceptional 5-day cold spell affected much of the interior Pacific Northwest, with minimum temperatures averaging 13[degree]C below long-term means (1953-21)112). On 31 October, minimum temperature records occurred at 98 of the 106 recording stations, with records lowered in some locations by 9[degree]C. Calculation of recurrence intervals of minimum temperatures shows that 50[percent][percent] of the stations experienced a >500-yr event. The synoptic conditions responsible were the development of a pronounced high pressure ridge over western Canada and an intense low pressure area centered in the Intermountain West that promoted strong northeasterly winds. The cold spell occurred near the end of the growing season for an ecologically critical and dominant tree species of the interior Pacific Northwest--western juniper--and followed an extended period of severe drought. In spring 2003, it became apparent that the cold had caused high rates of tree mortality and canopy dieback in a species that is remarkable for its longevity and resistance to climatic stress. The cold event altered western juniper dominance in some areas, and this alteration may have long-tern impacts on water budgets, fire intensities and frequencies, animal species interrelationships, and interspecific competition among plant species.
DoubleCheck: Multi-path verification against man-in-the-middle attacks

Self-signed certificates for SSL and self-generated hosts keys for SSH are popular zero-cost, simple alternatives to public key infrastructure (PKI). They provide security against man-in-the-middle attacks, as long as the the client connecting to those services knows the certificates or host keys a priori. A simple solution used in practice is to trust the certificate or the host key when the client connects to a server for the first time. This approach is susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, a fact exploited by adversaries in a variety of attacks against unsuspecting users. We develop a simple and scalable solution named DoubleCheck to protect against such attacks. Our solution is achieved by retrieving the certificate from a remote host using multiple alternate paths. Our scheme does not require any new infrastructure; we make use of the Tor anonymity system to reach the destination using multiple independent paths. Hence our solution is easy to deploy in practice. Our solution does not introduce any privacy concerns. We have implemented DoubleCheck as SSH and Firefox extensions, demonstrating its practicality. Our experimental evaluation shows that the impact of DoubleCheck on performance is minimal, since the Tor network is used only for retrieving the certificate for the first time, while the data transfer and subsequent connection establishment follow normal routing rules. Our scheme is an effective way of mitigating the impact of man-in-the-middle attacks without requiring new infrastructure and at low overhead.
Integrative network alignment reveals large regions of global network similarity in yeast and human

Motivation: High-throughput methods for detecting molecular interactions have produced large sets of biological network data with much more yet to come. Analogous to sequence alignment, efficient and reliable network alignment methods are expected to improve our understanding of biological systems. Unlike sequence alignment, network alignment is computationally intractable. Hence, devising efficient network alignment heuristics is currently a foremost challenge in computational biology. Results: We introduce a novel network alignment algorithm, called Matching-based Integrative GRAph ALigner (MI-GRAAL), which can integrate any number and type of similarity measures between network nodes (e.g. proteins), including, but not limited to, any topological network similarity measure, sequence similarity, functional similarity and structural similarity. Hence, we resolve the ties in similarity measures and find a combination of similarity measures yielding the largest contiguous (i.e. connected) and biologically sound alignments. MI-GRAAL exposes the largest functional, connected regions of protein–protein interaction (PPI) network similarity to date: surprisingly, it reveals that 77.7% of proteins in the baker's yeast high-confidence PPI network participate in such a subnetwork that is fully contained in the human high-confidence PPI network. This is the first demonstration that species as diverse as yeast and human contain so large, continuous regions of global network similarity. We apply MI-GRAAL's alignments to predict functions of un-annotated proteins in yeast, human and bacteria validating our predictions in the literature. Furthermore, using network alignment scores for PPI networks of different herpes viruses, we reconstruct their phylogenetic relationship. This is the first time that phylogeny is exactly reconstructed from purely topological alignments of PPI networks. Availability: Supplementary files and MI-GRAAL executables: http://bio-nets.doc.ic.ac.uk/MI-GRAAL/. Contact: natasha@imperial.ac.uk Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Molecular and Ionic Hydrogen Bond Formation in Fluorous Solvents

There are only a few studies of noncovalent association in fluorous solvents and even fewer that are quantitative. A full understanding, particularly of stoichiometry and binding strength of noncovalent interactions in fluorous solvents could be very useful in improved molecular-receptor-based extractions, advancements in sensor technologies, crystal engineering, and supramolecular chemistry. This work investigates hydrogen bonding between heterocyclic bases and a perfluoropolyether with a terminal carboxylic acid group (Krytox 157FSH (1)), chiefly in FC-72 (a mixture of perfluorohexanes). In particular, we were interested in whether or not proton transfer occurs, and if so, under what conditions in H-bonded complexes. Continuous variations experiments show that in FC-72 weaker bases (pyrazine, pyrimidine, and quinazoline) form 1:1 complexes with 1, whereas stronger bases (quinoline, pyridine, and isoquinoline) form 1:3 complexes. Ultraviolet and infrared spectral signatures reveal that the 1:1 complexes ...
A Wireless Sensor Interrogator Design for Passive Resonant Frequency Sensors Using Frequency Modulation Spectroscopy

This paper presents a wireless sensor interrogator design based on frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS). The wireless sensor interrogator is capable of wireless detection and tracking of the resonant frequency of a passive inductor-capacitor circuit. The wireless interrogator has been successfully simulated and implemented in hardware. Compared to other wireless sensor interrogation techniques, FMS enables not only detection, but also tracking of the sensor's changing resonant frequency over time. The theory of FMS is discussed briefly, followed by the results from both the simulation and the hardware implementation. The hardware implementation of the wireless sensor interrogator is able to lock onto and track the resonant frequency of a passive inductor-capacitor resonant circuit.
High-precision reflectometer for submillimeter wavelengths

A high-precision reflectometer has been designed and implemented to measure directly the specular reflectance (R) of materials in the submillimeter (SM) region of the spectrum (300 GHz < ν < 3000 GHz). Previous laser-based measurement systems were limited to an uncertainty in R of ± 1.0% because of a number of issues such as lack of an absolute reflection standard, difficulties in the interchange of sample and standard in the laser beam, and instabilities in the laser system. We realized a SM reflection standard by ellipsometrically characterizing the complex index of refraction of high-purity, single-crystal silicon to a precision such that its SM reflectivity could be calculated to better than ±0.03%. To deal with alignment issues, a precision sample holder was designed and built to accommodate both sample and silicon reflection standard on an air-bearing rotary stage. The entire measurement system operated under computer control and included ratioing of the reflected signal to a reference laser signal, measured simultaneously, to help to eliminate short-term laser instabilities. Many such measurements taken rapidly in succession helped to eliminate the effects of both source and detector drift. A liquid-helium-cooled bolometer was modified with a large area detecting element to help to compensate for the slight residual misalignment between sample and reflection standard as they were positioned into and out of the laser beam. These modifications enabled the final measurement precision for R to be reduced to less than 0.1%. The major contribution to this uncertainty was the difficulty in precisely exchanging the positions of sample and standard into and out of the laser beam and was not due to laser or detector noise or instabilities. In other words, further averaging would not help to reduce this uncertainty. This order-of-magnitude improvement makes possible, for the first time to our knowledge, high-precision reflectance measurements of common metals such as copper, gold, aluminum, and chromium whose predicted reflectivities exceed 99% in the SM region. Furthermore, precise measurement of the high-frequency losses in high-temperature superconducting materials is now also possible. Measurements reported here of metals at a laser wavelength of λ = 513.01 μm (ν ≈ 584 GHz) indicate a slight discrepancy between experimental and theoretically predicted values, with measured results falling 0.1–0.3% below predicted values.
17.5: High current density and long life nanocomposite scandate dispenser cathode fabrication

S c2 O 3 -doped W powder for use in high current density thermionic cathodes has been made by the sol-gel method with different particle sizes. S c2 O 3 -W matrix cathodes have been prepared from these powders, and have shown excellent emission properties. A space charge limited current density of 80 A/cm2 at 1150°C, 50 A/cm2 at 1050°C have been obtained by using 500 nm Sc 2 O 3 -doped W powders. Life testing is ongoing with a continuously pulsed loading of 50 A/cm2 at 1050°C after 5448 hours. The maximum current density of the cathode made from 1–2 micro size S c2 O 3 -doped W powder can reach 106 A/cm2 at 1150°C.
Context representations, context functions, and the parahippocampal–hippocampal system

Psychologists and neurobiologists have a long-standing interest in understanding how the context surrounding the events of our lives is represented and how it influences our behavior. The hippocampal formation emerged very early as a major contributor to how context is represented and functions. There is a large literature examining its contribution that on the surface reveals an array of conflicting outcomes and controversy. This review reveals that these conflicts can be resolved by building Nadel and Willner's dual-process theory of context representations. Two general conclusions emerge: (1) There are two neural systems that can support context representations and functions-a neocortical system composed primarily of perirhinal and postrhinal cortices and a hippocampal system that includes perirhinal, postrhinal, entorhinal cortices, and the hippocampal formation. (2) These two systems are not equivalent-some context representations and functions are uniquely supported by the hippocampal system. These conclusions are discussed in the context of canonical ideas about the special properties of the hippocampal system that enable it to make unique contributions to memory.
Cadaveric biomechanical analysis of the distal radioulnar joint: influence of wrist isolation on accurate measurement and the effect of ulnar styloid fracture on stability.

Purpose Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability can be tested using biomechanical cadaveric models, but inadequate isolation of the DRUJ during instability testing may introduce measurement error. The first goal of this investigation was to develop an effective model for isolating the DRUJ during biomechanical cadaveric testing. The second goal was to use this model to measure the effect of ulnar styloid fracture and subsequent repair on DRUJ kinematics in cadaveric specimens. Methods Five fresh cadaveric arms were tested using a Biodex System 3 device. The humerus was clamped firmly, the forearm rotated freely, and the hand/carpus was attached to the Biodex device. Three methods of DRUJ isolation were tested. In method 1, the specimen was firmly clamped at the midshaft humerus and the hand/carpus was clamped. In method 2, the distal radius was additionally fixed to the carpal clamp to reduce carpal motion. In method 3, proximal fixation of the olecranon to an elbow rest was added. Testing was done before ulnar styloid osteotomy (group 1), after osteotomy through dorsal capsulotomy (group 2), and after styloid fragment repair with a screw (group 3). Twelve pronation-supination cycles were performed while work of rotation, maximum pronation torque, and maximum supination torque for each method and group were recorded. Results Analysis of clamping methods showed work of rotation, maximum pronation torque, and maximum supination torque for method 3 were greater than those for methods 1 and 2. Analysis of groups showed the following statistically significant trends for work of rotation: group 1 >>> group 3 > group 2. Maximum supination torque similarly showed statistically significant differences: group 1 >>> group 3 > group 2. Maximum pronation torque showed a similar trend: group 1 >>> group 3 > group 2. However, in contrast with work of rotation and maximum supination torque, group 3 maximum pronation torque was not statistically different from that of group 2. Conclusions Increased work of rotation represents decreased joint laxity. Maximum supination torque and maximum pronation torque assess soft tissue restraints at joint end points. Method 3 showed the greatest values in these variables, indicating reduced elbow and carpal motion and better DRUJ isolation. Work of rotation and maximum supination torque in group 3 were increased from those of group 2 but not restored to group 1 values. Styloid fixation restores some soft tissue tension but laxity persists. Maximum pronation torque in group 3 was not increased significantly from that of group 2, perhaps from dorsal capsulotomy causing soft tissue injury and laxity not corrected with fixation. The influence of ulnar styloid fracture on dynamic DRUJ kinematics can be demonstrated in this model.
A Control system for Modern Multiple- Unit Rapid-Transit Cars

Operating the series motors of a street railway car as series generators is a convenient way of providing electric braking, but, since thle motors are self-excited while braking, they are very sensitive to changing speed and load conditions. This is particularly true of modern small highspeed motors which operate at relatively low-flux densities. Control systems are available and in use, however, which provide a smooth, responsive and flexible electric brake which has replaced the air brake as the pricipal means of braking modern cars in street railway service. The use of such a control system with electric braking has been extended to multiple-unit rapid-transit cars by adapting the equipment of the PCC car to conform to the requirements of remote control without sacrifice in safety or reliability, and by providing special features in recognition of the distinctive operating conditions encountered in rapid-transit service.
Show car activation: a practitioner's recommendation for increasing brand equity

A show car program has become a common, if under-utilised, form of sponsorship activation. Show cars are replica race cars, complete with vehicle graphics, which allow race fans an up-close experience in the sport. A well-designed show car operation increases brand equity, strengthens brand-consumer connections and affinity, improves brand-consumer communication and provides a stream of revenue. An effective show car program is not a stand-alone effort but should be integrated into a broader sport marketing plan. This paper is written from a practitioner's point of view. It offers guidance to optimise this brand initiative via strategic planning, scheduling, staffing, advertising, public relations and sales promotion.
Characterization of gold nanoparticle binding to microtubule filaments

Microtubule (MT) protein filaments were used as templates for fabricating Au nanowires as a bottom-up approach for fabricating building blocks for future integrated circuits. Photochemical reduction methods were employed to form Au nanoparticles which bind and uniformly cover the MT filaments. Synthesis of the MT-templated Au nanowires was characterized using UV/vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, binding between the MT filaments and Au nanoparticles was investigated using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to establish the nature of the binding sites. A variety of functional groups were identified by SERS to interact with the Au including imidazole, sulfur, aromatic rings, amine, and carboxylate. The imidazole ring in the histidine is the most prominent functional group for Au binding. The results from these studies provide better understanding of the binding between Au and the biotemplate and give insight concerning methods to improve Au coverage for MT-templated Au nanowires.
THE LIFE SPAN OF IgA PLASMA CELLS FROM THE MOUSE INTESTINE

Tritiated thymidine was injected during the neonatal period into conventional CBA mice. The disappearance rate of tritium-labeled IgA plasma cells was followed by a technique combining immunofluorescence with autoradiography which permitted the identification of the immunoglobulin class of plasma cells with labeled nuclei. In this way, it was possible to calculate that the major population of intestinal IgA plasma cells have a half-life of 4.7 days under physiological conditions of stimulation. It was also found that the maximum life span of both intestinal IgA plasma cells and the IgA, IgG, and IgM plasma cells from the spleen is of the order of 7–8 wk.
Analysis of Gold Hoard from Late Roman/Early Byzantine Period Found in Jordan

Thirty-four gold solidi coins and two pairs of gold/jewel earrings were discovered at an archaeological site in Jordan, Tell Nimrin. The coins have stamped images of six late Roman/early Byzantine emperors who reigned from 346 AD to 518 AD. These objects were analyzed by X-ray radiography, SEM/EDS and density measurements to find the gold content for comparison with other coins ofthat period to support their authenticity and to see whether debasement of coinage had occurred. The average surface gold content was found by EDS to be 98.1 wt %--typical of the period--but the bulk content calculated from density values was 1 to 3 wt % lower. The reason offered is that when a molten gold-copper or gold-silver alloy solidifies, the region in contact with the blank coin mold freezes first and is gold-enriched. Small “silvery” specks were observed on the obverse (”heads”) side of several coins and found by EDS to be Os-Ir-Ru alloys, which come from placer mining and indicate that the gold also came from placer mining.
Parties in non-partisan boston†

How the Good Government Association replaced the Republican party as the antagonist of hte Democratic “organization,” and why parties will continue under the non-partisan ballot.
Flow through granular materials

Summary—This paper outlines a rational method of attack on the problem of stream-line and turbulent flow through granular materials. It relates the friction coefficient f, and Reynolds' number Re, to the terms applied to flow in pipes, and compares experimental results with the theory.
Examining the energy cost and intensity level of prenatal yoga.

Context: A popular form of pregnancy physical activity (PA) is prenatal yoga. However, little is known about the intensity and energy cost of this practice. Aims: To examine the energy cost and intensity level of prenatal yoga. Methods: Pregnant women in a prenatal yoga class (n = 19) wore a Sense Wear Armband during eleven 60 min classes each, and self-reported demographic variables, height and weight, prepregnancy weight, and PA behaviors and beliefs. Sense Wear Armband data included kilocalories, metabolic equivalent (MET) values, and time spent in various intensities. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were utilized to describe energy expenditure and intensity. Results: Energy expenditure averaged 109 ± 8 kcals, and the average MET value was 1.5 ± 0.02. On average, 93% and 7% of classes were sedentary and moderate intensity PA, respectively. Conclusions: Time spent in a prenatal yoga class was considered to be primarily a sedentary activity. Future research should utilize larger samples, practice type, and skill level to increase generalizability.
Phylogenetics of tribe Anthocercideae (Solanaceae) based on ndhF and trnL/F sequence data

Abstract Tribe Anthocercideae (Solanaceae) is an Australian endemic group comprising 31 species in seven genera. Recent phylogenetic work has placed the Anthocercideae sister to Nicotiana. Two chloroplast DNA regions, ndhF and trnL/F, were analyzed and the phylogeny was used to test the tribe's monophyly, discover relationships within the tribe, and make inferences on character evolution and biogeography. The relationship between Nicotiana, Symonanthus, and the rest of tribe Anthocercideae is unresolved. Anthocercis, Anthotroche, Grammosolen, and Symonanthus are found to be monophyletic, while Cyphanthera and Duboisia are not (Crenidium is monotypic). Several characters were inferred to be derived within the Anthocercideae, including unilocular stamens with semicircular slits, ebracteolate flowers, and baccate fruits. Ancient colonization occurred in southwestern Australia followed by several radiation events eastward.