cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biological significance of essential fatty acids/prostanoids/lipoxygenase-derived monohydroxy fatty acids in the skin.

The skin displays a highly active metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Dietary deficiency of linoleic acid (LA), an 18-carbon (n-6) PUFA, results in characteristic scaly skin disorder and excessive epidermal water loss. Although arachidonic acid (AA), a 20-carbon (n-6) PUFA, is metabolized via cyclooxygenase pathway into predominantly prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGF2α, the metabolism of AA via the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) pathway, which is very active in skin epidermis and catalyzes the transformation of AA into predominantly 15S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15S-HETE). Additionally, the 15-LOX also metabolizes the 18-carbon LA into 13S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13S-HODE), respectively. Interestingly, 15-LOX catalyzes the transformation of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), derived from dietary gamma-linolenic acid, to 15S-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (15S-HETrE). These monohydroxy fatty acids are incorporated into the membrane inositol phospholipids which undergo hydro-lytic cleavage to yield substituted-diacylglycerols such as 13S-HODE-DAG from 13S-HODE and 15S-HETrE-DAG from 15S-HETrE. These substituted-monohydroxy fatty acids seemingly exert anti-inflammatory/antiproliferative effects via the modulation of selective protein kinase C as well as on the upstream/down-stream nuclear MAP-kinase/AP-1/apoptotic signaling events.
Oxidation kinetics of manganese (II) in seawater at nanomolar concentrations

Abstract Manganese oxidation rates were determined at low (∼ 20 nM) concentrations in seawater by measuring dissolved manganese (Mn(II)) using flow injection analysis with chemiluminescence detection. Mn(II) was measured in samples that had been filtered (0.2 μm) and kept in the dark under controlled temperature and pH conditions for time periods up to 6 months. Eight 9 L carboys with mean pH values ranging from 8 to 8.7 were held at 25°C, another carboy (pH = 9.32) was kept at 5°C. Oxidation followed the Morgan (1967) homogeneous rate equation (d[Mn(II)]/dt = k1 [O2][OH−]2[Mn(II)]). The mean rate constant k1 = 1.7 ± 0.7 × 1012 M−3 d−1 (95% CI), determined using hydroxide ion activities determined with pH measurements on the NBS scale, was in agreement with work by Morgan (1967; k1 = 4 × 1012 M−3 d−1) and Davies and Morgan (1989; k1 = 1.1 × 1012 M−3 d−1) in dilute solutions. The rate constant at 5°C was 1.3 ± 0.3 × 1012 M−3 d−1. If free hydroxide concentrations (based on the free proton pH scale) are used, then the rate constant at 25°C was k 1 ∗ = 0.34 ± 0.14 × 10 12 M−3d−1. Autocatalytic increases in Mn(II) oxidation rates, as predicted by a heterogeneous reaction mechanism (Morgan, 1967) (d[Mn(II)]/dt= k2′[Mn(II)][MnO2]) were not observed, indicating that the homogeneous reaction dominates Mn(II) oxidation at low nM concentrations in seawater. Bacteria were enumerated by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining during the experiments. No significant correlation between bacterial concentrations and Mn(II) oxidation rates was found.
Complications of percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy: usefulness of real-time 3-dimensional technology

M l p IN ADDITION TO 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) s becoming a valuable complementary tool in providing accuate diagnosis, guiding different percutaneous procedures, nd accurately managing and diagnosing possible complicaions. This report describes the case of a patient with sympoms of rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) who developed acute evere mitral regurgitation (MR) after percutaneous mitral alloon valvotomy (PMBV).
Cycloalkylpiperazines as HIV-1 protease inhibitors: enhanced oral absorption

Abstract A series of HIV-1 protease inhibitors containing various acyclic or cyclic alkylpiperazine derivatives were prepared. They exhibit excellent potency in the enzyme inhibition assay and in a whole cell assay demonstrating the lowest CIC 95 IC 50 ratios observed in the hydroxyethylpiperazine class of inhibitors. Oral pharmacokinetic studies in dogs have been carried out on two compounds in this series and an excellent oral absorption profile was obtained for inhibitor 13, which possesses a cyclopropylpiperazine unit.
Access to leave benefits for primary caregivers of children with special health care needs: a double bind.

Abstract Objective Family leave benefits are a key tool that allow parents to miss work to care for their ill children. We examined whether access to benefits varies by level of childcare responsibilities among employed parents of children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Methods We conducted telephone interviews with 3 successive cohorts of employed parents of CSHCN, randomly sampled from a California children's hospital. At Wave 1 (November 2003 to January 2004), we conducted 372 parent interviews. At Wave 2 (November 2005 to January 2006), we conducted 396 parent interviews. At Wave 3 (November 2007 to January 2008), we conducted 393 parent interviews. We pooled these samples for bivariate and multivariate regression analyses by using wave indicators and sample weights. Results Parents with more childcare responsibilities (primary caregivers) reported less access to sick leave/vacation (65% vs 82%, P P P Conclusions Due in part to employment and gender differences, leave benefits among parents of CSHCN are skewed away from primary caregivers and toward secondary caregivers. Thus, primary caregivers may face particularly difficult choices between employment and childcare responsibilities. Reducing this disparity in access to benefits may improve the circumstances of CSHCN and their families.
Antioxidant-Like Properties of Zinc in Activated Endothelial Cells

Objective: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that zinc deficiency in endothelial cells may potentiate the inflammatory response mediated by certain lipids and cytokines, possibly via mechanisms associated with increased cellular oxidative stress. Our experimental approach was to compare conditions of cellular zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation with oxidative stress-mediated molecular and biochemical changes in vascular endothelial cells.Methods: To investigate our hypothesis, porcine pulmonary artery-derived endothelial cells were depleted of zinc by culture in media containing 1% fetal bovine serum for eight days. Subsequently, endothelial cells were exposed to media enriched with or without zinc (10 μM) for two days, followed by exposure to either tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF, 500 U/mL) or linoleic acid (90 μM), before measurement of oxidative stress (DCF fluorescence), activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) or activator protein-1 (AP-1) and production of the inflammatory cyt...
Test of Divisibility by any Prime

IN NATURE of May 30 (p. 115), Mr. Tucker has given the formula:— N = 21M + 10n-1(7Q) = 7Q´.
Self-regulation, alcohol consumption, and consequences in college student heavy drinkers: a simultaneous latent growth analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Lower levels of self-regulation have been associated with higher rates of alcohol-related consequences. Self-regulation refers to the effortful ability to plan and achieve delayed adaptive outcomes through goal-directed behavior, and this skill may play a role in adaptive behavioral change. The purpose of this prospective, longitudinal study was to test predictions from self-regulation theory about the relationship among self-regulation and weekly alcohol consumption and alcohol-related consequences over 12 months. METHOD: Participants were 170 heavy drinking college students who provided data on alcohol use and consequences at baseline and at 1-, 6-, and 12-month assessments. RESULTS: Using a simultaneous latent growth model, self-regulation ability predicted the amount of initial alcohol-related consequences, the rate of change for alcohol-related consequences, and the rate of change for drinks per week. In contrast, self-regulation was not related to the initial level of alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest that lower self-regulation ability functions as a risk factor for experiencing alcohol-related consequences and attenuates naturally occurring reductions in alcohol use and consequences over time for heavier drinking college students. Language: en
An integrated paradigm for cellulosic biorefineries: utilization of lignocellulosic biomass as self-sufficient feedstocks for fuel, food precursors and saccharolytic enzyme production†

Simultaneously achieving economic, environmental and social sustainability is a major challenge for the emerging renewable fuel industry. We approach this problem by demonstrating a cellulosic biorefinery paradigm which produces ethanol and food precursors using lignocellulosic biomass as the exclusive source for carbohydrates and minerals. Enzymatic hydrolysate from Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX)-pretreated corn stover at 18% w/w solids loading was found to be nutrient-rich. This hydrolysate was fermented completely within 48 h in two stages to produce ethanol and native yeast cells. An in-house saccharolytic enzyme production using AFEX-pretreated corn stover as carbohydrate source greatly reduces the dependence on commercial enzymes. The inducer mixture is 2.5–7 times more potent than lactose, a common enzyme inducer. Economic analysis indicates that the proposed paradigm is substantially more cost-effective relative to the 2005 NREL model. This improvement is largely attributed to the native yeast cells co-production and the reduction of enzyme cost through the in-house production.
Rethinking common belief, revision, and backward induction

Abstract Whether rationality and common belief in rationality jointly entail the backward inductive outcome in centipede games has long been debated. Stalnaker’s compelling negative argument appeals to the AGM belief revision postulates to argue that off-path moves may be rational, given the revisions they may prompt. I counter that the structure of common belief and the principles of AGM justify an additional assumption about revision. I then prove that, given my proposed constraint, for all finite, n -player, extensive form, perfect information games with a unique backward inductive solution, if there is initial common belief in rationality, then backward induction is guaranteed.
Oncology Nurse Navigators and the Continuum of Cancer Care

Objectives To discuss the role and challenges of the oncology nurse navigator working within a multidisciplinary team caring for patients with various types of cancers. Data Sources Published empirical research and critical analysis articles. Conclusion The experienced oncology nurse in the role of navigator has the disease-specific knowledge necessary to provide patient-centered care throughout the cancer continuum and promote positive patient outcomes. The role of the oncology nurse navigator has a positive impact on both the patient and the cancer team by providing continuity of care and improved communication. Implications for Nursing Practice Oncology nurse navigators need a concrete definition of their role and function as they serve not only the patient but the cancer care system in which they work. Acknowledging foundational concepts as a guide, programs can then develop and expand. The role needs to be flexible as the health care system changes. Future development of the role can be guided by oncology nurse navigators who evaluate their programs and identify common challenges and system barriers.
Friction Compensation for Enhancing Transparency of a Teleoperator With Compliant Transmission

This paper presents a model-based compensator for canceling friction in the tendon-driven joints of a haptic-feedback teleoperator. Unlike position-tracking systems, a teleoperator involves an unknown environment force that prevents the use of tracking position error as a feedback to the compensator. Thus, we use a model-based feedforward friction compensator to cancel the friction forces. We provide conditions for selecting compensator parameters to ensure passivity of the teleoperator and demonstrate performance experimentally.
Altered expression and activity of G1/S cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases characterize squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

Progressive deregulation of the cell-division cycle is thought to contribute to the establishment and progression of neoplasia. Previously, we have documented the in vivo inactivation of p16INK4A, an inhibitor of G1 cyclin-dependent kinases, in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region. In the present study, we extend these findings by examining the expression and functional activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their regulatory subunits using a model system of cell lines derived from squamous cell carcinomas. Increased activity of CDK4 and 6 was universal in tumor cells compared with normal keratinocytes, reflecting over-expression of either or both kinases. In contrast to other studies, over-expression of cyclin D1, a regulatory subunit of CDK4 and 6, was not observed. Increased activity of CDK2 was less frequent and was related to over-expression of cyclin A and/or E. All tumor cell lines showed increased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen compared to normal keratinocytes. Four SCC cell lines, including one tumor-metastasis pair derived from a single patient, failed to express the p15INK4B transcript. Western blot analysis of cell lysates revealed normal or reduced levels of p27KIP1 in tumor cells compared to normal keratinocytes. However, failure to express wild-type p53 was not reflected by lower levels of p21WAF1. Our data suggest that cell-cycle deregulation is likely to occur by multiple mechanisms during the genesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Furthermore, p16INK4A is likely to be the primary target for inactivation on chromosome 9p21 in these tumors as p15INK4B loss occurs less frequently.
The Properties of Rabbit α1-Macroglobulin upon Activation Are Distinct from Those of Rabbit and Human α2-Macroglobulins

We have characterized native and activated forms of rabbit alpha1M and compared them to rabbit and human alpha2M. Similar to human alpha2M, rabbit alpha1M is a tetramer associated via disulfide bonds and non-covalent interactions that exhibits autolysis into two fragments when heated. Like human alpha2M, rabbit alpha1M is cleaved by trypsin at one site; however, rabbit alpha1M shares characteristics with rabbit alpha2M that are different from the properties of human alpha2M. Amine or trypsin treatment of rabbit alpha-macroglobulins does not result in a significant conformational change or cleavage of four thiolester bonds. Full thiolester cleavage is only observed for rabbit alpha1M after exposure to both trypsin and a small amine. Additionally, amine-treated rabbit alpha-macroglobulins retain trypsin inhibitory potential and do not fully shield bound proteinases. Methylamine and trypsin treatment of rabbit alpha1M results in two dissimilar conformations that display differing exposure of the receptor-recognition site. While ammonia- and methylamine-modified rabbit alpha1M bind to macrophages with similar affinity to that of human alpha2M, trypsin-treated rabbit alpha1M exhibits dramatically lower affinity. This suggests that rabbit alpha1M may not play the same proteinase-inhibiting physiological role as human alpha2M.
Finite Difference Time Marching in the Frequency Domain: A Parabolic Formulation for the Convective Wave Equation

An explicit finite difference iteration scheme is developed to study harmonic sound propagation in ducts. To reduce storage requirements for large 3D problems, the time dependent potential form of the acoustic wave equation is used. To insure that the finite difference scheme is both explicit and stable, time is introduced into the Fourier transformed (steady-state) acoustic potential field as a parameter. Under a suitable transformation, the time dependent governing equation in frequency space is simplified to yield a parabolic partial differential equation, which is then marched through time to attain the steady-state solution. The input to the system is the amplitude of an incident harmonic sound source entering a quiescent duct at the input boundary, with standard impedance boundary conditions on the duct walls and duct exit. The introduction of the time parameter eliminates the large matrix storage requirements normally associated with frequency domain solutions, and time marching attains the steady-state quickly enough to make the method favorable when compared to frequency domain methods. For validation, this transient-frequency domain method is applied to sound propagation in a 2D hard wall duct with plug flow.
Books Worth Reading

The Great Brain Race: How Global Universities are Reshaping the World. Ben Wildavsky. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2010. 248 pages, $26.95 hardcover, and e-book. The Challenge of Bolo...
Product Cycling With Uncertain Yields: Analysis and Application to the Process Industry

We formulate the dynamic product-cycling problem with yield uncertainty and buffer limits to determine how much product to produce at what time to minimize total expected switching, production, inventory storage, and backorder costs. A “restricted” Lagrangian technique is used to develop a lower bound and a model-based Lagrangian heuristic. We also develop an operational heuristic and a greedy heuristic. The operational heuristic has been implemented at seven refineries at Cerestar, Europe's leading manufacturer of wheat-and corn-based starch products in the food-processing industry. This has already reduced total costs by around 5 percent or $3 million annually at these sites. Tests of the Lagrangian heuristic on data from these refineries during this period have shown the potential to further reduce total costs by at least 2 percent or about $1 million. In addition, the Lagrangian heuristic has provided an objective basis to evaluate the economic impact of several strategic decisions involving issues such as buffer expansion, variability reduction, and product selection.
The dynein stalk contains an antiparallel coiled coil with region-specific stability.

The dynein motor proteins interact with microtubules at the distal end of an unusual 12−15 nm stalk, which communicates with the sites for nucleotide hydrolysis and microtubule binding in a cyclical, bidirectional manner. Here, we report that the stalk shaft of rat cytoplasmic dynein is an antiparallel α-helical coiled coil, the stability of which is markedly altered by changes at its proximal and distal ends, consistent with a structure capable of rapid, cyclical rearrangement during the dynein cross-bridge cycle.
The seen, the scene and the obscene: Commodity fetishism and corporeal ghosting

(2005). The seen, the scene and the obscene: Commodity fetishism and corporeal ghosting. Women & Performance: a journal of feminist theory: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 243-261.
Demand-Side Management in the Smart Grid: Information Processing for the Power Switch

Over the course of several decades after their introduction, power systems merged into large interconnected grids to introduce redundancy and to leverage on a wider pool of generation resources and reserves. As the system grew in size and complexity, a cyberphysical infrastructure was progressively developed to manage it. Traditionally, general-purpose computing and communication resources have been used in power systems, specifically to serve two needs: 1) that of monitoring the safe operation of the grid and logistics of power delivery, and 2) that of gathering information required to dispatch the generation optimally and, later on, to operate the energy market.
Enzymatic conversion of trans-(+)-S-1-propenyl-l-cysteine S-oxide to the bitter and odor-bearing components of onion

Abstract Trans -(+)- S -1-Propenyl- l -cysteine S -oxide, hitherto reported to be enzymatically transformed into the lachrymatory substance of freshly comminuted onion tissue, has now also been found to be the sole precursor of the substance responsible for the bitter taste in onion macerates. From a consideration of its concentration in onion, its properties as a substrate for enzyme action, and the relatively strong sensory responses elicited from such enzyme action, it is concluded this propenyl derivative is to a large degree responsible for the development of all of the sensory attributes perceived upon comminution of onion tissue.
Antibiotic releasing polymers

Abstract Catheters with two different antibiotic coating systems were evaluated. The first was a simple coating of an antibiotic (dicloxacillin) complexed with a quaternary amine. The second combined the latter with a polyurethane matrix. Both were coated onto polyurethane catheter substrates for testing. The objective of such systems is to deliver prophylactic antibiotic in high concentrations to the vascular access entry site and to the surrounding microenvironment of the insertion tunnel. By using a Kirby-Bauer technique and measuring inhibition zone size, it was found that both coating systems were effective in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus. However, the half-life of the catheter antibiotic activity for the antibiotic-polymer matrix was 100% longer (24 h vs. 12 h) than the simple antibiotic-complex coated catheters. In vivo subcutaneous mouse model studies confirmed in vitro results of antimicrobial inhibition. These studies suggest that antibiotic releasing vascular access devices can decrease the potential for vascular access site infections.
Technical developments in the WIPP program

More than five years of site specific studies have led to the conclusion that radioactive wastes can be safely isolated in the bedded salt of the Delaware Basin in southeast New Mexico. Aspects of particular concern for site integrity, such as regional or local dissolution processes and salt deformation, have been thoroughly evaluated and are not believed to present hazards to the repository. Hydrology of the site area has been shown to possess many desirable features with respect to transport of radioisotopes to the biosphere in the event of a repository breach. Natural resources, potash and hydrocarbons, are present in the area of the site but can be exploited with appropriate precautions without jeopardy to the repository. Safety analyses have considered the consequences of their possible attraction to future man. Repository behavior and interactions between waste and the host rock have been studied in the laboratory, in field tests and by calculational methods. In particular, such issues as brine migration and canister corrosion may be shown to have little detrimental impact if modest and practical engineering measures are adopted. Calculated salt deformation and room closure rates indicate that a salt repository must be carefully designed in order to assure ready retrieval of emplaced waste over long periods of time. Safety assessment calculations, performed to determine the consequences of assumed repository failure scenarios, showed that even the most dire credible (but improbable) natural failure scenarios are benign in their consequences to man. Direct penetration by unknowing, future man could result in significant exposures to the specific individuals involved but would not cause significant population effects.
Comparison of DEMS derived from USGS DLG, SRTM, a statewide photogrammetry program, ASTER GDEM and LiDAR: implications for change detection

Many digital elevation models (DEMs) now exist, enabling quantitative assessments of topographic change through DEM subtraction. However, many of these DEMs are inherently different – their source data, preprocessing, and interpolation procedures introduce varying amounts of error, which are partially correlated with the local topographic situation (e.g. slope, aspect, and elevation of any given location). Understanding of these differences and potential errors is necessary prior to change detection analysis in order to incorporate the inherent uncertainties into the analysis of topographic change. This study evaluated available DEMs in the Mud 7.5′ United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic quadrangle in West Virginia, USA. We compare DEMs derived from the USGS digital line graphs (DLGs), the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), a statewide photogrammetric DEM, and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) Global DEM v2, to a LiDAR DEM. Using the LiDAR data as a referenc...
The growth of (001) YBa2Cu3O(7-δ) thin films on (001) MgO by pulsed organo-metallic beam epitaxy with controlled in-plane orientation

Abstract Thin films of (001) YBCO are grown on epitaxially polished (001) MgO by pulsed organo–metallic beam epitaxy. The in-plane orientation of the film is controlled by the thickness of a BaO layer, grown in situ, prior to the YBCO growth. For thin BaO layers ( ≈1.1×1015 Ba cm−2) the films grow [100]YBCO|[100]MgO. For YBCO films grown with thin BaO layers (>≈0.7 times 1015 Ba cm−2), ex situ, low energy Ar+ ion sputtering of the MgO surface prior to film growth will also induce a change of in-plane orientation from [110]YBCO|[100]MgO on epitaxial polished MgO to [100]YBCO|[100]MgO on Ar+ sputtered MgO. A mechanism that relates the change in YBCO in-plane orientation to a change in the structure of the initial BaO layers with BaO thickness is described.
Synthesis and characterization of sodium vanadium oxide gels: the effects of water (n) and sodium (x) content on the electrochemistry of NaxV2O5·nH2O

Sodium vanadium oxide gels, NaxV2O5·nH2O, of varying sodium content (0.12 n > 0.01) and interlayer spacing were found to be inversely proportional to the sodium level (x), thus control of sodium (x) content provided a direct, chimie douce approach for control of hydration level (n) and interlayer spacing, without the need for high temperature treatment to affect dehydration. Notably, the use of high temperatures to modify hydration levels can result in crystallization and collapse of the interlayer structure, highlighting the distinct advantage of our novel chimie douce synthesis strategy. Subsequent to synthesis and characterization, results from an electrochemical study of a series of NaxV2O5·nH2O samples highlight the significant impact of interlayer water on delivered capacity of the layered materials. Specifically, the sodium vanadium oxide gels with higher sodium content and lower water content provided higher capacities in lithium based cells, where capacity delivered to 2.0 V under C/20 discharge ranged from 170 mAh/g for Na0.12V2O5·0.23H2O to 300 mAh/g for Na0.32V2O5·0.01H2O. The capacity differences were maintained as the cells were cycled.
A Likelihood Ratio Test of Price Volatilities: Comparing Stock Index Spot and Futures

This paper uses three methods to estimate the price volatility of two stock market indexes and their corresponding futures contracts. The classic variance measure of volatility is supplemented with two newer measures, derived from the Garman-Klass and Ball-Torous estimators. A likelihood ratio test is used to compare the classic variance measure of price volatilities of two stock market indexes and their corresponding futures contracts during the bull market of the 1980s. The stock market volatilities of the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) indexes were found to be significantly lower than their respective futures price volatilities. Since information may flow faster in the futures markets than in the corresponding stock market, our results support Ross's information-volatility hypothesis. It was also noted that the NYSE spot volatility was lower than the S&P 500 spot volatility. If the rate of information flow and firm size are positively related, then the lower NYSE spot volatility is explained by the size effect. The futures price volatilities for the two indexes were insignificantly different from each other. With stock index spot-futures price correlations approaching unity, one implication of our results for index futures activity is that smaller positions in futures contracts may suffice to achieve hedging or arbitrage goals.
Synthesizing alternative sequences via a P-graph-based approach in azeotropic distillation systems

Abstract The present work proposes a P-graph based approach capable of systematically generating all combinatorially feasible alternative sequences for both continuous and batch azeotropic distillation systems when the feeds, products, and operating units and their concomitant intermediate materials are known. To facilitate synthesis, a highly effective method has been established to identify processing or operating units necessary for constructing azeotropic-distillation systems by means of first principles and logical sequencing of such units. The materials represented in the space of the residue curve map are partitioned into lumped materials bounded by thermodynamic boundaries and pinches, e.g. distillation boundaries and liquid–liquid phase equilibrium envelope. Subsequently, the operating units are identified on the basis of these lumped materials. The proposed approach automatically discards the operating units and intermediates whose inclusion will lead to infeasible sequences. The efficacy of the approach is illustrated with a realistic example.
Graded levels of phytase past industry standards improves broiler performance

This study evaluated the overall performance of 0-to-16-d-old, mixed-sex, Cobb x Cobb broiler chicks when dietary phytase levels were supplemented in excess of industry standards. The experimental diet used consisted of a basal corn-soybean meal diet that contained an analyzed 22.2% CP, 0.88% Ca, a deficient total P (tP) level of 0.46% (phytate P = 0.272%), and calculated ME of 3.123 kcal/g diet on an as-is basis. In addition to a positive control diet [0.70% tP], the dietary phytase levels evaluated were 0, 93.75, 187.5, 350, 750, 1,500, 3,000, 6,000, and 12,000 U/kg of diet. Supplementing phytase from 0 to 12,000 U significantly increased body weight gain from 287 to 515 g/chick, feed intake from 381 to 595 g/chick, gain to feed from 0.755 to 0.866, plasma P from 2.5 to 7.1 mg/100 mL, tibia ash from 26 to 41%, tibia ash weight from 0.200 to 0.601 g/tibia, tP retention from 51 to 80%, phytate P disappearance from 40% to 95%, apparent N retention from 58 to 78%, AMEn from 3,216 to 3,415 kcal/kg diet, and reduced P rickets from 80 to 3%. Using nonlinear regression analysis on log-transformed phytase levels, gain to feed, apparent N retention, and AME, responded linearly with respective R2 values of 0.76, 0.82, and 0.72, whereas body weight gain, feed intake, plasma P, P rickets, tP retention, phytate P disappearance, tibia ash percentage, and tibia ash weight responded quadratically with respective R2 values of 0.93, 0.88, 0.85, 0.84, 0.91, 0.96, 0.96, and 0.98. Few statistical differences existed between response data for broilers consuming the positive control diet or diets containing 1,500 to 12,000 U of phytase (P > 0.05). This finding indicates that broilers consuming a tP-deficient corn-soybean meal diet can achieve maximum performance when phytase is supplemented to 12,000 U/kg diet and that current phytase supplementation levels within the poultry industry may need to be reevaluated.
Commuting quasi-order relations

Abstract In this paper we generalize a theorem of Dubreil-Jacotin characterizing commuting equivalence relations. We define the notion of commuting quasi-order relations on a set S , and we obtain a structure theorem for pairs of commuting quasi-order relations.
Re-expression of the methylated EDNRB gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma attenuates cancer-induced pain

Endothelin-1 is a vasoactive peptide that activates both the endothelin A (ET(A)) and endothelin B (ET(B)) receptors, and is secreted in high concentrations in many different cancer environments. Although ET(A) receptor activation has an established nociceptive effect in cancer models, the role of ET(B) receptors on cancer pain is controversial. EDNRB, the gene encoding the ET(B) receptor, has been shown to be hypermethylated and transcriptionally silenced in many different cancers. In this study we demonstrate that EDNRB is heavily methylated in human oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions, which are painful, but not methylated in human oral dysplasia lesions, which are typically not painful. ET(B) mRNA expression is reduced in the human oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions as a consequence of EDNRB hypermethylation. Using a mouse cancer pain model, we show that ET(B) receptor re-expression attenuates cancer-induced pain. These findings identify EDNRB methylation as a novel regulatory mechanism in cancer-induced pain and suggest that demethylation therapy targeted at the cancer microenvironment has the potential to thwart pain-producing mechanisms at the source, thus freeing patients of systemic analgesic toxicity.
Stark Fields from Ions in a Plasma

A method is described here for determining the probability of obtaining a given electric field on an ion in a plasma. This quantity is essential for computing the broadening of spectral lines from neighboring ions and therefore for their contributions to the opacity. The Pines-Bohm method of separation into longrange Coulomb interactions has been employed. It is argued that the formulas give the line width for iron at one kilovolt and normal density to \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3%.
A new look at meningomyeloceles.

To the Editor .— Rintoul et al1 reviewed the records of 297 patients born after 1983 with an open meningomyelocele whose lesion was closed at their hospital and who were subsequently followed in their spina bifida clinic, to describe clinical outcomes. The authors are to be commended for documenting the results of conscientious and comprehensive care. I have, however, reservations about using their cross-sectional survey for their stated purpose “to serve as a comparison group … to assess the efficacy” of in utero (fetal) surgery for meningomyelocele. First, I do not believe that their rate of placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt for treatment of hydrocephalus (81%) or that from any cross-sectional survey can serve as a “gold standard” against which the rate of developing hydrocephalus after fetal surgery can be compared. The decision about who among infants with spina bifida and hydrocephalus requires placement of a VP shunt is arbitrary and the prevalence of shunting varies from clinic to clinic. For instance, in a cohort study performed by our clinic some years ago, we found that 95% of patients had been shunted.2 Likewise, there is a significant difference in the rate of VP shunt placement in the 2 series of patients who underwent fetal surgery for meningomyelocele, as acknowledged by the authors. In the series of patients who had fetal surgery reported from the authors’ institution, reported by Sutton et al,3 only 1 of 9 (11%) had VP shunt placement, but Bruner et al,4 doing fetal surgery on patients at a slightly more advanced gestational age, shunted 59%. We now follow a patient who had fetal …
Psychoanalytic Perspectives On Emptiness

A clinical example illustrates the thesis that the experience of feeling empty, like any other mental event, can be understood in terms of the conflicting wishes, prohibitions , compromises, and gratifications that color any experience in ways that clarify its meaning. Theoretical hypotheses which explain mental events and experiences as the result of deficiencies of structures are difficult to translate into therapeutic practices. This is especially true in the case of the experience of emptiness which, in and of itself and often vigorously, asserts an absence of content. The equating of deficiencies of structures, however formulated, with deficiencies in mental content or activity can result in unconsciously joining the empty patient in repudiating important aspects of internal life, maintaining ultimately pathological gratifications , and often contributing to treatment stalemates in which the "absence of content" is often preferred to the presence of frightening wishes, fantasies, and memories.
Viral Proteins Formed in a Cell-Free RABBIT Reticulocyte System Programmed with RNA from a Temperature-Sensitive Mutant of Sindbis Virus

Viral messenger RNA was isolated from BHK cells infected with a temperature-sensitive mutant of Sindbis virus and was further purified using an oligo(dT) column. Addition of this mRNA cell-free extracts from rabbit reticulocytes led to formation of discrete authentic viral capsid protein when the reaction was performed at 29 C. However, this same protein-synthesizing system failed to make discrete viral capsid when incubated with the viral RNA at 39 C. Instead, larger-molecular-weight polypeptides that contained the viral capsid peptide sequences were produced. The inability to make a separate viral capside protein in vitro at elevated temperatures by the mRNA from this mutant exactly mimics the phenotype of this ts mutant in viral-infected cells. Three mechanisms are discussed that might account for a temperature-sensitive release of capsid. One of these is based on a model in which there are multiple sites for initiation of translation of polypeptides on a polycistronic viral mRNA.
Single calcium channels on a cholinergic presynaptic nerve terminal.

Abstract The calyx-type synapse of the chick ciliary ganglion was used to examine single calcium channels in a vertebrate cholinergic presynaptic nerve terminal by means of the cell-attached, patch-clamp technique. Calcium channels were recorded on the internal, transmitter-release face of the nerve terminal, but were not detected on the external face. These channels were recruited at −30 mV, with maximum activation at about +30 mV, and were sometimes clustered at high densities. Single-channel conductance estimates with voltage-pulse or-ramp techniques gave values of 11–14 pS with 110 mM barium, which is in the intermediate, N-type range for calcium channels on a control neuron. This nerve terminal calcium channel, termed the N PT -type, may link action potentials to transmitter release at many vertebrate fast-transmitting synapses.
The role of the mesenchyme in mouse neural fold elevation. II. Patterns of hyaluronate synthesis and distribution in embryos developing in vitro

Hyaluronate (HA) distribution patterns were examined in the cranial mesenchyme underlying the mesencephalic neural folds of mouse embryos maintained in roller tube culture. Using standard image-processing techniques, the digitized images of Alcian blue-stained or 3H-glucosamine-labeled sections digested with an enzyme specific for HA, were subtracted from adjacent, undigested sections. The resultant difference picture images (DPI) accurately depicted the distribution of stained or labeled HA within the cranial mesenchyme. 3H-glucosamine-labeled HA was distributed uniformly throughout the cranial mesenchyme as 12, 18, and 24 hr of culture. By contrast, the mesenchyme was uniformly stained with Alcian blue at 12 hr, but stain intensity decreased in the central regions of the mesenchyme at 18 and 24 hr. HA distribution patterns were also examined in the cranial mesenchyme of embryos cultured in the presence of diazo-oxo-norleucine (DON), a glutamine analogue that inhibits glycosaminoglycan and glycoprotein synthesis. In DON-treated mesenchyme, Alcian blue staining of HA was decreased from that in controls at 12, 18, and 24 hr. However, incorporation of 3H-glucosamine into HA was increased. The distribution of labeled HA within treated mesenchyme as 12, 18, and 24 hr resembled that in controls at 12 hr. These results indicate that the distribution of HA withinmore » the cranial mesenchyme of normal mouse embryos during neural fold elevation and convergence is not determined solely by regional differences in HA synthesis. We propose that HA distribution patterns result from the expansion of the HA-rich extracellular matrix of the central mesenchyme regions. This expansion may play a major role in fold elevation. These results also suggest that DON treatment reversibly inhibits HA synthesis.« less
Protein-protein docking with reduced potentials by exploiting multi-dimensional energy funnels.

We propose a new computational approach for protein docking exploiting energy funnels in the 6-dimensional space of translations and rotations of the ligand with respect to the receptor. Our approach consists of a series of translational and orientational moves of the ligand towards the receptor. Each move is performed using a global optimization method we have developed - the Semi-Definite Underestimation (SDU) method - which can exploit a funnel-like energy function. We compared our approach with Monte Carlo on a set of 10 protein complexes using two residue-level potentials. To achieve the same level of performance (produce a near-native ≤ 3 ˚
Nodule Parenchyma–Specific Expression of the Sesbania rostrata Early Nodulin Gene SrEnod2 Is Mediated by Its 3′ Untranslated Region

The early nodulin Enod2 gene encodes a putative hydroxyproline-rich cell wall protein and is expressed exclusively in the nodule parenchyma cell layer. The latter finding suggests that the Enod2 protein may contribute to the special morphological features of the nodule parenchyma and to the creation of an oxygen diffusion barrier. The Enod2 gene of the stem-nodulating legume Sesbania rostrata (SrEnod2) is induced specifically in roots by the plant hormone cytokinin, and this induction occurs at a post-transcriptional level. Here, we characterize the cis determinant(s) in the SrEnod2 locus responsible for nodule parenchyma-specific expression and show that the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the SrEnod2 gene is both required and sufficient for directing chimeric reporter gene expression in the nodule parenchyma of transgenic Lotus corniculatus plants. Moreover, we show that the SrEnod2 3' UTR does not act as a tissue-specific enhancer element. By conducting a detailed deletion analysis of the 5' and 3' SrEnod2 regions, we delimited the minimal promoter of the SrEnod2 gene, and it appears that the 5' flanking sequences are not essential for nodule parenchyma-specific expression. This finding is in contrast with the report that the 5' upstream region of the soybean Enod2 gene directs nodule parenchyma-specific expression, indicating that different mechanisms may be involved in regulating the expression of these two genes. We definitively demonstrate that the cis element(s) for tissue-specific expression is located within the 3' UTR of a plant nuclear gene.
Spatial frequency processing in inferred PC- and MC-pathways

The goal of this study was to investigate the role of inferred parvocellular (PC) and magnocellular (MC) pathways in spatial contrast sensitivity. Localized, spatially narrow-band patterns (sixth derivatives of Gaussians, D6s) were presented at various peak spatial frequencies. When the D6 appeared on a pulsed luminance pedestal (Pulsed-Pedestal Paradigm), the spatial contrast sensitivity showed a band-pass shape with good contrast sensitivity at medium spatial frequencies. When the D6 appeared on a steady luminance pedestal (Steady-Pedestal Paradigm), the spatial contrast sensitivity showed a low-pass shape with decreased sensitivity at high spatial frequencies. The band-pass CSF was interpreted as reflecting PC-pathway mediation; the lower spatial frequency region of the low-pass CSF as reflecting MC-pathway mediation.
Social Influence on Political Judgments: The Case of Presidential Debates

Four experiments investigated the extent to which judgments of candidate performance in presidential debates could be influenced by the mere knowledge of others’ reactions. In Experiments 1 and 2 participants watched an intact version of a debate or an edited version in which either “soundbite” one-liners or the audience reaction to those soundbites were removed. In Experiment 3 participants saw what was supposedly the reaction of their fellow participants on screen during the debate. Participants in Experiment 4 were exposed to the reactions of live confederates as they watched the last debate of an active presidential campaign. In all studies, audience reactions produced large shifts in participants’ judgments of performance. The results illustrate the power of social context to strongly influence individuals’ judgments of even large amounts of relevant, important information, and they support the categorization of presidential debates as ambiguous stimuli, fertile ground for informational social influence.
Phenomenology without correlationism : Husserl's hyletic material

The thrust of the argument presented in this paper is that phenomenological ontology survives the criticism of "correlationism" as advanced by speculative realism, a movement that has evolved in continental philosophy over the past decade. Correlationism is the position, allegedly occupied by phenomenology, that presupposes the ontological primacy of the human subject. Phenomenology survives this criticism not because the criticism misses its mark, but because phenomenology occupies a position that is broader than that of correlationism. With its critique of correlationism, speculative realism rightly identifies a battle that no longer needs to be fought: the battle against 19th century brands of mechanical realism. Free from the impatient and defensive posturing against the mechanization of the human, phenomenology is also free to explore the world beyond its emphasis on human experience. Doing so requires a return to Husserl's discussion of hyle and the "twofold bed" of phenomenology. Phenomenology may emphasize hyle - that is, material; or it may emphasize nous - the world as it appears to or is transformed by consciousness. By returning to Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception, a case is made for hyletic phenomenology. Hyletic phenomenology allows for ontological reversibility and recognizes the "unhuman" elements in things. It is hyletic phenomenology that grounds phenomenological ontology after the critique of correlationism has been assessed.
Intensifying Beef Production on Utah Private Land: Productivity, Profitability, and Risk

It is hypothesized that Utah beef producers in certain locations could intensify private land use via improved forages and irrigation. Although intensification could increase ranch productivity and help compensate for any future restrictions in public grazing, is the approach profitable and sustainable in a dynamic environment? We investigated the efficacy of intensification using linear programming for three size-classes of model ranches. Model solutions maximize returns net of forage costs; outputs include brood-herd dynamics, optimal forage mixes, and net returns. The model is driven by 11-year risk scenarios combining high or low precipitation with high or low beef prices. We then consider current or no access to public grazing—a policy uncertainty. In general, results support the idea that intensification could be profitable, sustainable, and strategically useful under several sets of conditions. Modeled brood-herds expand and contract in response to precipitation. Optimal forage use is dominated by reliance on treated, improved, and irrigated forages. Critical irrigated forages include alfalfa hay and improved pasture. Profitability generally increases with operation size, but when public grazing is eliminated, herd sizes and profitability drop. Small and medium-sized operations respond to loss of public grazing by using more irrigated pasture and alfalfa hay, while larger operations use a wider variety of irrigated and nonirrigated forages. Sensitivity analysis indicates that optimal forage mixes for all operations remain stable even when input costs for fossil fuels double. Further increases in fuel costs, however, begin to reduce the contributions from irrigated pasture and alfalfa hay. Low precipitation (drought) has very large and negative effects on profitability in general. When drought combines with restricted access to public grazing, profitability of small and medium-sized operations drops further while profitability of large operations increases. Empirical research is needed to test model results and examine what the limiting assumptions reveal about real-world production constraints.