cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on Methyl-deficient Methionine Transfer Ribonucleic Acid from Escherichia coli

Multiple functions of methyl-deficient tRNA m et, including those specific for initiator tRNA, were investigated and compared with normal tRNA m et. A comparison of the chromatographic properties of normal and methyl-deficient methionyl-tRNA showed identical elution profiles on methylated albumin-Kieselguhr, benzoylated o-(diethylaminoethyl)cellulose, and reverse phase chromatography (isoamylacetate) columns, but resolved a unique peak of methyl-deficient methionyl-tRNA on a reverse phase chromatography (Freon) column. We were unable to recover active pure methyl-deficient tRNA from this column, so that most subsequent studies had to be done on unfractionated methyl-deficient tRNA preparations. The only abnormality noted for methyl-deficient tRNA m et was a low velocity of acylation for the unique methyl-deficient peak. This was exhibited by examining the different patterns obtained on reverse phase chromatography for partially acylated compared to fully acylated tRNA m et. In all other ways tested the methyl-deficient tRNA m et functioned normally. Coding with AUG and GUG triplets was indistinguishable from normal as was the stimulation of this binding by purified initiation factors. Extent and rate of formylation, exclusion from recognition by bacterial elongation factors and function in NH2-terminal dipeptide synthesis all appeared to be normal in the methyl-deficient tRNA. Of peripheral interest was the finding that tRNA m etm appears to be acylated about 2.2 times more rapidly by purified methionyl-tRNA synthetase than tRNA m etf.
Emotionality and Aging

Much has been written about mood, emotionality, and emotional behavior in humans, but rarely has this topic been addressed from an adult developmental perspective. Indeed, the major theorists on the determinants of human emotions (James, 1890; Cannon, 1927; Schachter & Singer, 1962; Pribram & Melges, 1967; Tomkins, 1962, 1963; Izard, 1972) have had little to say about emotionality through middle and old age. Likewise, major textbooks on adult development and aging, including the Handbook of the Psychology of Aging (Birren & Schaie, 1977), devote little space to the discussion of this topic. It is unclear whether this neglect is due to oversight, to the unavailability of relevant data, or to the assumption that age, beyond adulthood, is an irrelevant dimension with respect to emotionality. In any case, it is the aim of this discussion to focus on issues of emotionality and aging. It may be that the neglect of this topic is justified and that a synthesis of the literature on adult development and emotionality does little to enrich either, but it is more likely that there are important questions and answers to be found in such a synthesis.
Preliminaries: Vector Spaces and Complex Variables

Our goal is the treatment of complex analysis from the point of view of topological vector spaces. Here we present the basic definitions and some well-known facts.
Answer to August 2015 Photo Quiz

Answer: Borrelia species causing recurrent fever. Borrelia is a Gram-negative bacterium (0.2 to 0.5 μm by 5 to 20 μm) which causes tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) and louse-borne relapsing fever. Symptoms consist of recurring episodes of fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and nausea ([1][1
Empowerment for Whom? The Impact of Community Renewal Tax Incentives on Employment, Establishment Openings and Closures in Urban Neighborhoods

Some postulate that spatially targeted grants and tax cuts stimulate jobs, establishment openings, and reduce closures in distressed urban neighborhoods. Scholarly literature is mixed and mostly argues that at best these programs have no impact and at worst raise land rents spurring gentrification. The United States designated three rounds of Renewal Communities, Empowerment Zones or Enterprise Communities (RC/EZ/EC) to receive wage credits or grants. While other researchers have estimated the impact of Round I EZ/ECs, this article will contribute by estimating the impact of more recent rounds in Tennessee and California on job and businesses using propensity score matching. Data are presented by RC/EZ for retail, very small, and minority establishments. Jobs increased in target areas compared to control areas during the wage credit period, in particular for businesses with five or fewer employees. In general, establishment closures and openings both fell. Policy recommendations end the article.
The Dollar and the United States' Exorbitant Power to Sanction

With the Trump administration's reimposition of financial sanctions on Iran, the power of the weaponized dollar is yet again making headlines—and putting distance between the United States and its allies. The dollar's special status as the world's key currency affords the United States an unrivaled sanctioning power. Because access to dollars is a near-necessity for multinational businesses and financial institutions, the United States can unilaterally impose costly sanctions by denying such access to a target—whether a state, company, or individual. This capability is one form of the “exorbitant privilege” afforded to the United States by the dollar's international role. This essay considers why the dollar's status affords the United States this sanctioning power and how the United States exercises it. I first summarize the nature of the dollar's role. Next, I explain the means by which the United States has weaponized that role, especially through financial sanctions. I conclude by offering some potential limitations on that power and exploring the ways in which other countries might seek to erode it.
Vintage Games 2.0: An Insider Look at the Most Influential Games of All Time

Super Mario Bros. Doom. Minecraft. It’s hard to imagine what life would be like today without video games, a creative industry that now towers over Hollywood in terms of both financial and cultural impact. The video game industry caters to everyone, with games in every genre for every conceivable electronic device--from dedicated PC gaming rigs and consoles to handhelds, mobile phones, and tablets. Successful games are produced by mega-corporations, independent studios, and even lone developers working with nothing but free tools. Some may still believe that video games are mere diversions for children, but today’s games offer sophisticated and wondrously immersive experiences that no other media can hope to match. Vintage Games 2.0 tells the story of the ultimate storytelling medium, from early examples such as Spacewar! and Pong to the mind blowing console and PC titles of today. Written in a smart and engaging style, this updated 2nd edition is far more than just a survey of the classics. Informed by hundreds of in-depth personal interviews with designers, publishers, marketers, and artists--not to mention the author’s own lifelong experience as a gamer--Vintage Games 2.0 uncovers the remarkable feats of intellectual genius, but also the inspiring personal struggles of the world’s most brilliant and celebrated game designers--figures like Shigeru Miyamoto, Will Wright, and Roberta Williams. Ideal for both beginners and professionals, Vintage Games 2.0 offers an entertaining and inspiring account of video game’s history and meteoric rise from niche market to global phenomenon. Credit for the cover belongs to Thor Thorvaldson.
Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus draft genome sequence, annotation, and preliminary characterization of pathogenicity determinants

Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus is recognized as a pathogen of commercially‐relevant Chlorella species. Algal infection and total loss of productivity (biomass) often occurs when susceptible algal hosts are cultivated in outdoor open pond systems. The pathogenic life cycle of this bacterium has been inferred from laboratory and field observations, and corroborated in part by the genomic analyses for two Arizona isolates recovered from an open algal reactor. V. chlorellavorus predation has been reported to occur in geographically‐ and environmentally‐diverse conditions. Genomic analyses of these and additional field isolates is expected to reveal new information about the extent of ecological diversity and genes involved in host‐pathogen interactions. The draft genome sequences for two isolates of the predatory V. chlorellavorus (Cyanobacteria; Ca. Melainabacteria) from an outdoor cultivation system located in the Arizona Sonoran Desert were assembled and annotated. The genomes were sequenced and analyzed to identify genes (proteins) with predicted involvement in predation, infection, and cell death of Chlorella host species prioritized for biofuel production at sites identified as highly suitable for algal production in the southwestern USA. Genomic analyses identified several predicted genes encoding secreted proteins that are potentially involved in pathogenicity, and at least three apparently complete sets of virulence (Vir) genes, characteristic of the VirB‐VirD type system encoding the canonical VirB1‐11 and VirD4 proteins, respectively. Additional protein functions were predicted suggesting their involvement in quorum sensing and motility. The genomes of two previously uncharacterized V. chlorellavorus isolates reveal nucleotide and protein level divergence between each other, and a previously sequenced V. chlorellavorus genome. This new knowledge will enhance the fundamental understanding of trans‐kingdom interactions between a unique cosmopolitan cyanobacterial pathogen and its green microalgal host, of broad interest as a source of harvestable biomass for biofuels or bioproducts.
Making Sense of Corporate Criminals: A Tentative Taxonomy

This article proposes a taxonomy to delineate different strategies defending the extension of an ostensibly moralized practice (the criminal law) to ostensibly non-moral agents (corporations). My proposal is to classify strategies for justifying corporate criminal law into three groups: (1) Economic theories reject the unique moral character of criminal law, treating corporate criminal liability as no different than any other type of enforcement regime; (2) moral agency theories identify characteristics necessary for praise and blame and then consider whether corporate agents are capable of satisfying them; and (3) political theories take the criminal law to be a uniquely moralized legal institution, but then deny that corporate criminal liability thereby requires an account of corporate moral responsibility. While the focus of this article is to trace the contours of this conceptual distinction, I offer some tentative reasons to think that the third category — political theories — has gone undertheorized but nevertheless offers the most promising avenue for an ultimate justification of corporate criminal law. This article appears as part of a symposium on the Ethics of Corporate Moral Agency, organized by the Georgetown Institute for the Study of Markets and Ethics and the Carol and Lawrence Zicklin Center for Business Ethics at Wharton.
Dynamic Classification in Web Archiving Collections

The Web archived data usually contains high-quality documents that are very useful for creating specialized collections of documents. To create such collections, there is a substantial need for automatic approaches that can distinguish the documents of interest for a collection out of the large collections (of millions in size) from Web Archiving institutions. However, the patterns of the documents of interest can differ substantially from one document to another, which makes the automatic classification task very challenging. In this paper, we explore dynamic fusion models to find, on the fly, the model or combination of models that performs best on a variety of document types. Our experimental results show that the approach that fuses different models outperforms individual models and other ensemble methods on three datasets.
Defining "Complete Cytoreduction" After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for the Histopathologic Spectrum of Appendiceal Carcinomatosis.

The completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score, which quantifies residual tumor, is a major prognostic factor when treating appendiceal carcinomatosis with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). Both CC-0 and CC-1 are considered complete cytoreductions (CC-0/1) and associated with the best outcomes. We analyzed if the CC-0/1 definition is reliable across appendiceal histopathologic subtypes. A prospective database of CRS/HIPEC patients with appendiceal carcinomatosis from 1998 to 2019 was reviewed to identify patients with CC-0/1. Kaplan–Meier overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) by CC-score for each histopathology were calculated. Overall, 297 patients had CC-0/1. Mean age was 54 ± 12 years with 67% females. Histopathologic subtypes were 45% low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei (LGMCP), 27% high-grade MCP (HGMCP), 20% HGMCP with signet ring cells (HGMCP-S), and 8% goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCAC). CC-0 and CC-1 occurred in 57% and 43% of LGMCP, 65% and 35% of HGMCP, 68% and 32% of HGMCP-S, and 79% and 21% of GCAC, respectively. OS and PFS were statistically longer for CC-0 versus CC-1 in HGMCP-S (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively) and GCAC (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), but not in LGMCP (p = 0.098 and p = 0.398) or HGMCP (p = 0.167 and p = 0.356). Survival outcomes for CC-0 and CC-1 after CRS/HIPEC are different for HGMCP-S and GCAC but not for LGMCP and HGMCP. In HGCMP-S and GCAC, only CC-0 should be considered a complete cytoreduction and analyzed separately from CC-1. This distinction is key to understand disease behavior, accurately address patient prognosis, and explore new treatment strategies.
(How) Do Risky Perks Benefit Firms? The Case of Unlimited Vacation

This paper addresses the recent trend of offering unlimited vacation to employees. While potentially useful for acquiring human capital benefits, unlimited vacation is a risky perk for firms due to...
Hybrid Co@Ni12P5/PPy microspheres with dual synergies for high performance oxygen evolution

Abstract Electrochemical water splitting could be an efficient alternative route for clean and renewable energy storage. However, widespread application of this technique is hindered by the high overpotential required for the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this contribution, we report that novel N based conducting polymers exhibit excellent charge transfer properties with earth abundant transition metals. A strong interaction between Ni and N from polypyrrole (PPy) was identified via XPS, resulting in higher amounts of Niδ++ sites at the interface. Electronegative N from PPy shell, covering Ni12P5 microspheres, interacts with Ni on the inner edge and electrodeposited Co on the outer edge, establishing a dual synergic effect. This hybrid catalyst, with Co-N and Ni-N active interfaces, demonstrates faster OER kinetics owing to improved electrophilicity towards hydroxyl ions. With dual M-N sites, Co@Ni12P5/PPy displays a low Tafel slope of 40 mV/dec and stability up to 7 h of electrochemical cycling. This work enables discovery of a new class of anode materials based on metal-PPy analogs for alkaline OER.
Metabolic flexibility maintains proliferation and migration of FGFR signaling-deficient lymphatic endothelial cells.

Metabolic flexibility is the capacity of cells to alter fuel metabolism in response to changes in metabolic demand or nutrient availability. It is critical for maintaining cellular bioenergetics and is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. However, the regulation and function of metabolic flexibility in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) remain unclear. We have previously shown that glycolysis is the predominant metabolic pathway to generate ATP in LECs and that fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling controls lymphatic vessel formation by promoting glycolysis. Here, we found that chemical inhibition of FGFR activity or knockdown of FGFR1 induces substantial upregulation of fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) while reducing glycolysis and cellular ATP generation in LECs. Interestingly, such compensatory elevation was not observed in glucose oxidation and glutamine oxidation. Mechanistic studies show that FGFR blockade promotes the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), a rate-limiting enzyme of FAO; this is achieved by dampened extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase activation, which in turn upregulates the expression of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor alpha. Metabolic analysis further demonstrates that CPT1A depletion decreases total cellular ATP levels in FGFR1-deficient rather than wildtype LECs. This result suggests that FAO, which makes a negligible contribution to cellular energy under normal conditions, can partially compensate for energy deficiency caused by FGFR inhibition. Consequently, CPT1A silencing potentiates the effect of FGFR1 knockdown on impeding LEC proliferation and migration. Collectively, our study identified a key role of metabolic flexibility in modulating the effect of FGFR signaling on LEC growth.
Ergebnisse der Standardauswertung des 1000-Dächer-Programms

Die Begrenztheit der Energieressourcen sowie die Gefahr von Umweltschadigungen und Klimaveranderungen durch das Verbrennen fossiler Energietrager fordern rasch wirksame Masnahmen zum effizienten Umgang mit Energie, zur betrachtlichen Energieeinsparung und zur Erschliesung CO2-freier Energiequellen. Als eine der vielen Moglichkeiten dazu kann die Photovoltaik, die Technik der direkten Umwandlung von Sonnenlicht in elektrischen Strom angesehen werden /1/.
Apprendi and the Dynamics of Guilty Pleas

Professors Nancy King and Susan Klein devote most of their Commentary to a single subsection of my recent article.1 My entire article argued that Apprendi v. New Jersey2 exemplified criminal procedure's misguided focus on jury trials at the expense of the real world of guilty pleas. Professors King and Klein focus on my narrower point that Apprendi undercuts due process by making it harder for many defendants to secure judicial hearings after they plead guilty. In summary, I argued that defendants used to be able to get the massive benefits of pleading guilty while still enjoying enhancement hearings at sentencing. Now that enhancements are issues for jury trials, defendants cannot gain both benefits. They must either allocute to and concede these enhancement issues to gain guilty-plea benefits or go to trial on enhancement issues and forfeit these plea benefits. Professors King and Klein claim that defendants face no additional pressure to give up hearings under this scheme. But they fail to see how prosecutorial and judicial behavior reinforce the pressures to plead guilty, making hearings harder to secure for many defendants.
Protein S-glutathionylation enhances Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release via the IP3 receptor in cultured aortic endothelial cells.

Key points • In non-excitable cells, oxidative stress increases inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) activity, which can cause Ca2+ oscillations under basal conditions and enhance agonist-stimulated changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. • Protein S-glutathionylation, the reversible modification of cysteine thiols by glutathione, is elevated in response to oxidative stress, but the consequence of glutathionylation for IP3R function is not known. • In this study we provide evidence that Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release (CICR) via the IP3R is enhanced by oxidant-induced glutathionylation in cultured aortic endothelial cells. • Our results suggest glutathionylation may represent a fundamental mechanism for regulating IP3R activity during physiological redox signalling and during pathological oxidative stress. Abstract In non-excitable cells, thiol-oxidizing agents have been shown to evoke oscillations in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by increasing the sensitivity of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) to IP3. Although thiol modification of the IP3R is implicated in this response, the molecular nature of the modification(s) responsible for changes in channel activity is still not well understood. Diamide is a chemical oxidant that selectively converts reduced glutathione (GSH) to its disulfide (GSSG) and promotes the formation of protein–glutathione (P-SSG) mixed disulfide, i.e. glutathionylation. In the present study, we examined the effect of diamide, and the model oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), on oscillations in [Ca2+]i in fura-2-loaded bovine (BAECs) and human (HAECs) aortic endo-thelial cells using time-lapse fluorescence video microscopy. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, acute treatment with either diamide or H2O2 increased the number of BAECs exhibiting asynchronous Ca2+ oscillations, whereas HAECs were unexpectedly resistant. Diamide pretreatment increased the sensitivity of HAECs to histamine-stimulated Ca2+ oscillations and BAECs to bradykinin-stimulated Ca2+ oscillations. Moreover, in both HAECs and BAECs, diamide dramatically increased both the rate and magnitude of the thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ transient suggesting that Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) via the IP3R is enhanced by glutathionylation. Similar to diamide, H2O2 increased the sensitivity of HAECs to both histamine and thapsigargin. Lastly, biochemical studies showed that glutathionylation of native IP3R1 is increased in cells challenged with H2O2. Collectively our results reveal that thiol-oxidizing agents primarily increase the sensitivity of the IP3R to Ca2+, i.e. enhanced CICR, and suggest that glutathionylation may represent a fundamental mechanism for regulating IP3R activity during physiological redox signalling and during pathologicalical oxidative stress.
Deliberation in Grocery Shopping

By using the conceptual framework of shopping deliberateness paradigm, investigates prospects for the adoption of supermarkets in Saudi Arabia. Results raise some questions on the efficacy of deliberate shopping behaviour as a correlate of supermarket adoption.
The Black–Scholes Option Pricing Formula

The models that we have been studying are discrete-time models, because changes take place only at discrete points in time. On the other hand, in continuous-time models, changes can take place (at least theoretically) at any real time during the life of the model.
The immediacy of the artist's mark in shape computation: from visualization to representation

Approaches to shape computation and algorithmic art-making within the fields of shape grammars and computer graphics still do not consider the immediacy of the artist's mark in drawing and painting. This research examines the canvas, or 2D picture plane, as the expressive and dynamic problem space of the artist who naturally reframes both the problem and the solution with each successive mark. The fluidity of the artist's mark is the most important element in transforming the blank canvas into an image. In this research, I use my own traditionally drawn and painted artwork as the baseline corpus for analysis. From my analysis, I define a nonsymbolic, formal grammar for the synthesis of images in the style of the baseline corpus and develop software prototype "sketches" to support the geometric representation of freehand sketching consistent with mark-making. Curve generation is critical to the expressive marks of the artist. The result of this research is a curvilinear shape grammar that supports both explicit and implicit shape recognition while affording the artist the ability to draw (shape union) and erase (shape difference) computationally. I compare the results of the synthesis phase with my traditional sketches showing that it is possible to compute imagery consistent with the evolving style of the artist's own hand. Additionally, the analysis phase of the research supports the supposition that formal algorithmic understanding of one's artistic process has directive and positive influences on the evolution and refinement of the style. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Wo(men) and bears: The gifts of nature, culture and gender revisited

Kailo, Kaarina (Ed.). (2008). Wo(men) and bears: The gifts of nature, culture, and gender revisited. Toronto: Inanna Publications and Education Inc., 387 pp., ISBN 978-0-9782233-6-6, USD 34.95.
Evaluating the novel-environment test for measurement of exploration by bird species

Novel-environment tests are the most widespread experimental technique for characterizing exploration, yet detailed evaluation of their performance among species is lacking. We compared the test for eight bird species by combining three well-known metrics of behavior: movement frequency, proportion of features visited, and scanning. In both overall and species-level analysis of our multi-group principal component analysis, all three metrics loaded strongly and similarly on one principal component, explaining comparable ranges of variation. We conclude that novel-environment tests are a robust means of quantifying exploration and that scanning behavior may be an important but under-used metric for exploration behavior.
The critical role of friends in networks for countering violent extremism: toward a theory of vicarious help-seeking

Who would be the first to notice, and able to intervene, with individuals considering acts of violent extremism? Study 1 found evidence that those best positioned to notice early signs of individuals considering acts of violent extremism might be those individuals’ friends: perhaps more so than school counselors, clergy, or family members. Furthermore, participants indicated that the predominant reason underlying individuals’ reluctance to reach out to countering violent extremism (CVE)-relevant service providers was fear of the potential repercussions for such actions. Additionally, that fear generalized not only to a reluctance to reach out to law enforcement agencies, but also to others within prospective CVE-relevant networks (i.e. religious officials, or family members). An option for addressing such reluctance (via an evidence-based, anonymous, texting-oriented crisis hotline for associate-gatekeepers) is discussed. Given that reluctance, what factors might affect individuals’ willingness to interve...
Comparative gene expression study of the chronic exposure to clozapine and haloperidol in rat frontal cortex.

Abstract Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are effective in treating some of the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. APDs take time to achieve a therapeutic effect which suggests that changes in gene expression are involved in their efficacy. We hypothesized that there would be altered expression of specific genes associated with the etiology or treatment of schizophrenia in frontal cortex of rats that received chronic treatment with a typical APD (haloperidol) vs. an atypical APD (clozapine). Rats were administered clozapine, haloperidol, or sterile saline intraperitoneally daily for 21 days. Frontal cortices from clozapine-, haloperidol-, and saline-treated rats were dissected and subjected to microarray analysis. We observed a significant (1.5 fold, p
The Homogenized Energy Model for Characterizing Magnetization and Strains in Ferromagnetic Materials

Ferromagnetic materials exhibit rate-dependent hysteresis, creep and constitutive nonlinearities due to their inherent domain structure. For model-based control applications, these non-linear attributes must be incorporated in a models in a manner that facilitates model calibration and real-time control implementation. In this paper, we present a homogenized energy model for these materials. This is a multiscale framework that quantifies energy at the domain level and then employs stochastic homogenization techniques to provide macroscopic models that are highly efficient to implement. The accuracy of models will be validated using a variety of experimental data.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Determination of background pyruvic acid concentrations in onions, Allium species, and other vegetables

Abstract Background pyruvic acid concentration is a critical factor to determine onion pungency but greatly different values have been reported. This study was initiated to measure accurate background pyruvic acid levels in onion cultivars, other Allium species, and non-Allium vegetables using an HPLC method. A microwaving time of 2 min per 100 g was sufficient to deactivate alliinase and further degradation of pyruvic acid was not observed up to 6 min. Five percent trichloro acetic acid was suitable for both fresh and frozen tissues, while 80% ethanol did not stop the alliinase activity completely. The background pyruvic acid concentrations in various onion cultivars were less than 0.34 μmol ml−1, while garlic and onion sprouts were 0.84–0.95 μmol ml−1. Non-Allium vegetable also showed very low levels (0.09–0.34 μmol ml−1) of pyruvic acid in the microwaved tissues. This study confirmed that background pyruvic acid levels in onion were minimal and could be disregarded in a routine analysis. Previous reports of high levels of the background pyruvic acid may need to be reviewed for accuracy.
Air flow measurement during phonation

Abstract One hundred ninety-one patients with various laryngeal diseases were examined with the aid of a pneumotachograph system to measure the air flow during phonation. The results confirm that the mean flow rate indicates the overall laryngeal dysfunction. Higher mean flow rates correspond to hypotensive conditions in the larynx, e.g. unilateral laryngeal paralysis, while lower mean flow rates suggest hypertensive conditions, such as contact ulcer granuloma. Irregularities of the air flow during phonation reflect the disturbances in the acoustic signals. These fluctuations may be closely related to the pathologic changes in the vocal cords, even in patients with apparently normal mean flow rates. This study further suggests that the mean flow rate during phonation and especially the degree of air flow fluctuation provide useful quantitative measures of laryngeal dysfunction.
Sugar-Assisted Glycopeptide Ligation

The chemical synthesis of glycopeptides and glycoproteins from readily available materials presents an attractive route to homogeneous products for structural and functional studies. Chemical synthesis of glycopeptides and glycoproteins based on native chemical ligation represents one of the useful methods for the synthesis of natural glycopeptide structures. Here we describe a method that allows for the synthesis of glycopeptides from cysteine-free peptides. This method utilizes a peptide thioester and a glycopeptide in which the sugar moiety is modified with a thiol handle at the C-2 position. Upon completion of the ligation reaction, the thiol handle can be reduced with H2/metal to the acetamide moiety, furnishing the unmodified glycopeptides. Together, this sequence of reactions displays an attractive potential in glycopeptides and glycoproteins synthesis.
Megakaryocyte-osteoblast interaction revealed in mice deficient in transcription factors GATA-1 and NF-E2

Mice deficient in GATA-1 or NF-E2 have a 200–300% increase in bone volume and formation parameters. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts generated in vitro from mutant and control animals were similar in number and function. Osteoblast proliferation increased up to 6-fold when cultured with megakaryocytes. A megakaryocyte-osteoblast interaction plays a role in the increased bone formation in these mice. Introduction: GATA-1 and NF-E2 are transcription factors required for the differentiation of megakaryocytes. Mice deficient in these factors have phenotypes characterized by markedly increased numbers of immature megakaryocytes, a concomitant drastic reduction of platelets, and a striking increased bone mass. The similar bone phenotype in both animal models led us to explore the interaction between osteoblasts and megakaryocytes. Materials and Methods: Histomorphometry, μCT, and serum and urine biochemistries were used to assess the bone phenotype in these mice. Wildtype and mutant osteoblasts were examined for differences in proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteocalcin secretion. In vitro osteoclast numbers and resorption were measured. Because mutant osteoblasts and osteoclasts were similar to control cells, and because of the similar bone phenotype, we explored the interaction between cells of the osteoblast lineage and megakaryocytes. Results: A marked 2- to 3-fold increase in trabecular bone volume and bone formation indices were observed in these mice. A 20- to 150-fold increase in trabecular bone volume was measured for the entire femoral medullary canal. The increased bone mass phenotype in these animals was not caused by osteoclast defects, because osteoclast number and function were not compromised in vitro or in vivo. In contrast, in vivo osteoblast number and bone formation parameters were significantly elevated. When wildtype or mutant osteoblasts were cultured with megakaryocytes from GATA-1- or NF-E2-deficient mice, osteoblast proliferation increased over 3- to 6-fold by a mechanism that required cell-to-cell contact. Conclusions: These observations show an interaction between megakaryocytes and osteoblasts, which results in osteoblast proliferation and increased bone mass, and may represent heretofore unrecognized anabolic pathways in bone.
Tree-structured risk stratification of in-hospital mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction : A report from the New York State percutaneous coronary intervention database

Background Previous risk scores have shown excellent performance. However, the need for real-time risk score computation makes their implementation in an emergent situation challenging. A more simplified approach can provide practitioners with a practical bedside risk stratification tool. Methods We developed an easy-to-use tree-structured risk stratification model for patients undergoing early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction. The model was developed on the New York State PCI database for 1999 to 2000 (consisting of 5385 procedures) and was validated using the subsequent 2001 to 2002 database (consisting of 7414 procedures). Results Tree-structured modeling identified 3 key presenting features: cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure, and age. In the validation data set, this risk stratification model identified patient groups with in-hospital mortality ranging from 0.5% to 20.6%, more than a 20-fold increased risk. The performance of this model was similar to the Mayo Clinic Risk Score with a discriminative capacity of 82% (95% confidence interval, 79%-84%) versus 80% (95% confidence interval, 77%-82%), respectively. Conclusion Patients undergoing PCI for acute myocardial infarction can be readily stratified into risk categories using the tree-structured model. This provides practicing cardiologists with an internally validated and easy-to-use scheme for in-hospital mortality risk stratification.
Psychologic considerations in complete denture prosthodontics.

Abstract The prosthodontist is not a psychiatrist and should not attempt to give psychiatric treatment. However, to study human behavior and apply this knowledge when dealing with his associates and patients is evidence that he is conscious that his endeavors involve the whole patient and not just the oral cavity.
Student Rating of Teaching.

E must agree that teaching should be good teaching. Our aim here is to propose but one of many available means which can contribute to this goal, a means of letting the cooks know how the guests respond to the food. The 1965 Byrne Report, commissioned by the Forbes Committee of the University of California Board of Regents, says: There are a wide variety of devices available for ap praising the competence of teachers, including ratings by students [italics ours], former students, graduate assistants and departmental colleagues, classroom visits by ad hoc committees, and careful scrutiny of reading lists, examina tion questions, and laboratory assignments. These tech niques are not, however, usually employed. Instead, de partment chairmen are asked to evaluate candidates for promotion on the basis of whatever evidence they can easily accumulate. They are not asked to rate a man's teaching ability in comparison to other teachers in the department. The net result is that almost all appraisals of teaching ability tend to be favorable, and candidates for promotion and salary increments are accepted or rejected on the basis of their published work. This fact is known to faculty, and in some cases has very likely had a negative effect on the amount of effort devoted to classroom per formance. This method of selecting faculty may also pre vent some talented teachers from obtaining tenure, al though the number of such cases is probably low. It is also true that neither the Regents nor any other group has tried to establish monetary rewards for outstanding teach ing comparable to those for outstanding research. Token awards of a few hundred dollars have been tried at Berkeley, but no serious effort involving the budgeting of hundreds of thousands of dollars required to have a major impact has been made. (Text . . ., 1965, p. 7.) We concern ourselves here with the use of ratings by students for the use of faculty (and perhaps administrators). The purposes of student evaluation are:
The transforming growth factors

Abstract Transforming growth factors are hormonally active polypeptides that induce phenotypic transformation in normal cells. Two types of transforming growth factors, TGF-α and TGF-s, from both humans and rodents have recently been purified, characterized and cloned. With the identification of cellular receptors for TGF-α and TGF-s we now have more approaches available to address their mode of action and their role in normal and malignant cell proliferation.
The Evaluation of Lattice Sums for Cubic Crystals

A method is presented of evaluating the sums which arise in calculating the total long-range interaction energy between a semi-infinite crystal and a particle placed above its surface. For example, if the particle is an ion and the crystal is polarizable, this method facilitates the calculation of the polarization and Van der Waal's energies. It is pointed out that many calculations within a solid can be reduced to a combination of cases each of which is of the above type. As an illustration, we obtain the total interaction at an interior lattice point for a simple-cubic structure with an individual atom-pair interaction of $\ensuremath{\lambda}{r}^{\ensuremath{-}n}$.
The Arc Spectrum of Germanium.

Wave-lengths and classification of the lines of the Ge arc spectrum.---The wavelengths of lines in the germanium arc spectrum have been measured in the region above 1870A with an accuracy of at least 0.03A. From these lines the relative energy levels have been determined and transitions corresponding to 73 lines have been identified. In the normal state the germanium atom contains two $p$ valence electrons which give rise to the lower levels ${^{3}P^{\ensuremath{'}}}_{012}^{1}D_{2}^{1}S_{0}$, with ${^{3}P^{\ensuremath{'}}}_{0}$ lying deepest as predicted by the theory of Hund. The next higher levels arise from the configurations $\mathrm{ps}$ and $\mathrm{pd}$. Data on the persistence of germanium lines were of great value in identification of the levels. At least two members of each of 11 series have been found and approximate limits have been calculated to be 65,300 for $^{2}P_{2}$ and 63,600 for $^{2}P_{1}$. The first resonance potential is 4.65 volts and the ionization potential determined by the limit $^{2}P_{1}$ is 7.85 volts. The similarities in the arc spectra of Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb are pointed out and the relative term values for these spectra are brought together in a single diagram.
Transfer of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) from the maternal to the fetal circulation is not dependent upon a functional G-CSF-receptor.

Abstract Administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), a haematopoietic growth factor, to pregnant rats increases neutrophil production in the pups. The mechanism for the placental transfer is unknown, but it has been speculated to involve the placental G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR). The purpose of this study was to test that hypothesis. Pregnant mice were treated with a single subcutaneous dose of 50 μg/kg recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF). Mice with an intact G-CSFR (‘wild type’, WT) and those with a homozygous deletion in the G-CSFR gene (G-CSFR deficient, ‘knock-out’, KO) were studied. At intervals after injection, fetuses were delivered and maternal blood, amniotic fluid (AF) and fetal blood collected. G-CSF concentrations were measured using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay specific for human G-CSF. Thirty minutes after injection, G-CSF was measurable in the AF (167±50 versus 445±217 pg/ml, mean± sem , WT versus KO) and fetal plasma (774±673 versus 427±121 pg/ml, WT versus KO). Peak concentrations occurred 2 h after injection in WT dams (572 542±41 262 pg/ml) and 4 h in KO dams (616 100±96 300 pg/ml). Therefore, in mice, a functional G-CSFR is not essential for the transfer of rhG-CSF from pregnant dams to their fetuses.
Substance use and abuse in trauma: implications for care

Trauma long has been associated with substance use and abuse. Caring for trauma patients who are intoxicated, withdrawing, or otherwise experiencing the negative outcomes of their substance use is difficult under the best of circumstances. The burden of this association can be described in many terms, from economic consequences, to health outcomes, to personal problems. Evidence indicates that untreated substance-associated trauma carries with it extended hospital stays, diminished quality of life, repeat emergency department use, and significant mortality and morbidity. No matter how one examines the burden of the association between substance use and trauma, one is left with the awareness that nurses can improve patient care through better screening, assessment, intervention, an evaluation. Because of the complex nature of the association between substance use and trauma, nursing care for these patients is difficult. Fig. 1 provides an overview of the factors to consider when planning care for these patients. Nurses need to focus on issues of temporality, directionality, and correlates of care as they plan for the needs of their patients. Only with careful considerations of these factors can the nurse clarify the confounding clinical presentation of the trauma overlaid on substance use. Evidence supports the need for all trauma patients to be screened for substance use and for those who have positive screens to receive early intervention. Although there is almost universal awarenes of the of the association between substance use and trauma and of the value of screening, screening rates for trauma patients are surprisingly low. Screening for substance use followed by BMI intervention is cost effective and should be implemented routinely. The high prevalence of substance-associated trauma, coupled with the heterogeneous nature of that association, warrants more study, particularly nursing research, to determine best-care practices. More research is needed to increase the understanding of patterns of use, etiologic models, and effective clinical care strategies. The need for this research is heightened by the awareness that substance-associated trauma is preventable, and the risk is modifiable. Nurses, everyday, are faced with the daunting challenge of meeting the health needs of trauma patients who have associated substance use. More research is needed to help nurses separate out the confounding health needs of these complex patients. That work has begun, and it assuredly will continue to support the need for high-quality nursing interventions to improve the health of trauma patients.
Pediastrum species (Hydrodictyaceae, Sphaeropleales) in phytoplankton of Sumin Lake (Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland)

During studies of phytoplankton in Sumin Lake (Łeczna-Wlodawa Lakeland), conducted from May till September 2001 and 2002, 15 taxa of the genus Pediastrum (Hydrodictyaceae, Sphaeropleales) were found. Among them there were common species as Pediastrum boryanum , P. duplex , P. tetras and P. simplex , but also rare species as P. integrum or P. kawraiskyi . An especially interesting species was P. orientale , the taxon that until now has not been noted in phytoplankton of Polish water bodies. The paper gives descriptions of the genus Pediastrum coenobia and physico-chemical conditions of the habitat. The original documentation of Pediastrum taxa is added.
IR & MMW Sensor Fusion For Precision Guided Munitions

Sensor fusion techniques are currently being investigated for potential application to a variety of smart weapon systems. Primary sensor candidates include active and passive millimeter wave as well as active and passive infrared configurations. Improved overall dual-mode sensor performance must be carefully traded off with hardware complexity, packaging challenges, and increased costs associated with the sensor fusion process. An additional factor of significance is the selection of sensor geometry, side-by-side, or common aperture.
Blood pressure indexes and end-stage renal disease risk in adults with chronic kidney disease.

Background Few studies have compared different blood pressure (BP) indexes for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) risk among individuals with chronic kidney disease.
BUYING VERSUS BUILDING COMPETENCE: ACQUISITION PATTERNS IN THE INFORMATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY 1995–2000

Acquisitions are widely argued to be an increasingly common solution for technology needs. This paper uses the information and telecommunications industry as background for assessing how technical knowledge and absorptive capacity, the rate of invention and prior acquisition experience affect the likelihood of acquisition. The results indicate that in this standards-based industry, even firms with relevant patent portfolios and R&D expenditures are as likely as less knowledgeable firms to acquire rather than enter the market with internally developed products. The strong predictors of acquisition are experience in acquisitions and the ability to pay. Thus, while the number of acquisitions has increased dramatically, the use of this approach is limited to a small group of firms and is not a widespread solution.
Chronic cyclosporine administration induces renal P-glycoprotein in rats

The effect of cyclosporine doses on renal P-glycoprotein expression was examined. Rats were given cyclosporine orally at 2, 10, 30 mg/kg/day or subcutaneously at 1, 5, 15 mg/kg/day for 28 days with or without 14 days of additional vehicle dosing. Following cyclosporine dosing, renal function and P-glycoprotein expression were measured. Renal function was reduced in rats receiving oral cyclosporine and the highest subcutaneous dose, 15 mg/kg/day. Western blot analysis showed that cyclosporine administered orally at 10 and 30 mg/kg/day and subcutaneously at 15 mg/kg/day induced significantly renal P-glycoprotein expression. After discontinuation of cyclosporine, renal P-glycoprotein returned to pre-dosing levels in oral groups, whereas the return was incomplete in subcutaneous groups. These results indicate that cyclosporine induces renal P-glycoprotein overexpression a dose-dependent manner.
A Case of the Nutcracker Syndrome Developed after Delivery

We report a case of nutcracker syndrome that developed after delivery. A 32-year-old woman visited our clinic complaining of gross hematuria 4 months after delivery. Urethrocystoscopic examination failed to show hematuria coming from the ureteral orifice; however, enhanced computed tomography revealed the compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery. Therefore, we diagnosed her with nutcracker syndrome and conservatively observed her. The macrohematuria disappeared by itself after 1 month. This is the first report to describe a case of nutcracker syndrome that developed after delivery.