cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) binding and its effect on in vitro transcription in friedreich's ataxia triplet repeats.

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are DNA mimics in which peptide-like linkages are substituted for the phosphodiester backbone. Homopyrimidine PNAs can invade double-stranded DNA containing the homologous sequence by displacing the homopyrimidine strand from the DNA duplex and forming a PNA/DNA/PNA triplex with the complementary homopurine strand. Among biologically interesting targets for triplex-forming PNA are (GAA/CTT)n repeats. Expansion of these repeats results in partial inhibition of transcription in the frataxin gene, 5causing Friedreich’s ataxia. We have studied PNA binding and its effect on T7 RNA polymerase transcription in vitro for short repeats (n=3) and for long repeats (n=39), placed in both possible orientations relative to the T7 promoter such that either the GAA-strand, or the CTT-strand serves as the template for transcription. In all cases PNA bound specifically and efficiently to its target sequence. For the short insert, PNA binding to the template strand caused partial transcription blockage with well-defined sites of RNA product truncation in the region of the PNA-binding sequence, whereas binding to the non-template strand did not block transcription. However, PNA binding to long repeats, whether in the template or the non-template strand, resulted in a dramatic reduction of the amount of full-length transcription product, although in the case of the nontemplate strand there were no predominant truncation sites. Biological implications of these results are discussed.
Hot spot formation on a catalyst

Abstract Stationary hot spots with an amplitude of 50–100 K were observed by an IR imager during hydrogen oxidation on supported niclel-on-alumina catalytic rings placed in a mixed vessel. These states were found under reactor conditions for which the uniform system is bistable, i.e. when both uniformly ignited and extinguished states exist. The nonuniform states were generated either by short, local heating of an extinguished state or by slow cooling of a sufficiently large ignited ring. The hot spot could be created at any location on the ring. The width of the temperature fronts connecting the high- and low-temperature zones was rather insensitive to variations in the thickness and diameter of the ring. Stationary hot spots of slightly different shapes, with up to 8% different levels of conversion in the reactor effluent, were observed under the same operating conditions following different initial conditions. The region of reactor temperature vs feed concentration in which hot spots exist increases with ring diameter, and its boundaries are sensitive to the intensity of mixing in the vessel. The hot spots are stabilized bya global interaction between the catalytic surface and the oxygen concentration in the mixed vessel.
Stress wave sorting of red maple logs for structural quality

Existing log grading procedures in the United States make only visual assessments of log quality. These procedures do not incorporate estimates of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of logs. It is questionable whether the visual grading procedures currently used for logs adequately assess the potential quality of structural products manufactured from them, especially those for which MOE is of primary concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of stress wave nondestructive evaluation techniques to sort red maple logs for the potential quality of lumber obtained from them. Ninety-five red maple logs were nondestructively evaluated using longitudinal stress wave techniques and sorted into four stress wave grades. The logs were then sawn into cants and lumber. The same procedure was used to obtain stress wave times in the cants and lumber. The lumber specimens were then dried and graded using a transverse vibration technique. The results of this study showed that good relationships existed between stress wave times measured in logs, cants, and the lumber produced from the logs. It was found that log stress wave grades have positive relationships with the lumber grades. Logs with high stress wave grades produced high-grade lumber. These findings indicate that the longitudinal stress wave technique has potential in sorting logs and cants for the production of high MOE products.
The impact of c4d pattern and donor-specific antibody on graft survival in recipients requiring indication renal allograft biopsy.

We examined the pattern of PTC C4d by immunohistochemistry and DSA in 297 kidney recipients with indication biopsies, and evaluated their predictive value for graft survival. Median biopsy time was 5.1 months posttransplant. Patients were followed for 17.9 ± 9.4 months postbiopsy. An 18.5% had focal and 15.2% had diffuse C4d, with comparable graft survival (adjusted graft failure HR: 2.3, p = 0.001; HR:1.9, p < 0.02, respectively). 31.3% were DSA+, 19.5% class I and 22.9% class II DSA. Only those with class II DSA had worse outcome (adjusted HR:2.5, p = 0.001 for class II only; HR:2.7, p < 0.001 for class I/II DSA). Among patients with <10%C4d, 23.9% had DSA, compared to 68.9% with diffuse staining. For patients biopsied in first-year posttransplant presence of DSA, regardless of C4d positivity in biopsy, was a poor prognostic factor (adjusted graft failure HR: 4.2, p < 0.02 for C4d−/DSA+; HR:4.9, p = 0.001 for C4d+/DSA+), unlike those biopsied later. We have shown that focal C4d had similar impact on graft survival as diffuse pattern. During the first-year posttransplant either class I or II DSA, and afterward only class II DSA were associated with worse graft survival. DSA was predictive of worse outcome regardless of C4d for patients biopsied in first year and only with C4d positivity afterward, supporting the importance of assessment of both DSA and C4d pattern in biopsy.
Through-Space hydrogen-fluorine, carbon-fluorine and fluorine-fluorine spin-spin coupling in 2-phenyl-3-alkyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazoles

1H, 13C and 19F NMR experiments for a series of 3-alkyl-2-phenyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazoles revealed a six-bond through-space coupling between the ortho-fluorine and the hydrogen or fluorine atom of the position 3-alkyl group. This was further supported by NOE experiments. Molecular mechanics calculations on a representative structure indicated that several low energy conformers met the fluorine-carbon distance constraint suggested by the NMR data, and dynamic annealing experiments produced a conformer which was in complete agreement with the NMR data. This through-space interaction is speculated to be a result of repulsion between N-1 of the tetrahydroindazole and the ortho-fluorine lone pair electrons.
Solid Phase Synthesis and Secondary Structural Studies of (1→5) Amide-Linked Sialooligomers1

A series of dimeric through octameric (1→5) amide-linked sialooligomers were prepared using solid-phase peptide methods on Rink resin with Fmoc protecting group chemistry. The oligomers were conjug...
Lever-pressing behavior in three species of kangaroo rats

Three species of kangaroo rats were conditioned under three schedules of reinforcement; continuous, S-D 10 and S-delta 30, and fixed interval 3 min. All three species of kangaroo rats tested gave scalloped cumulative records during continuous reinforcement, S-D 10 and S-delta 30 but smooth, negatively accelerated records during fixed interval schedules. This is directly opposite to the cumulative records usually obtained from the laboratory rat under these schedules.
Relative roles of convection and chemical reaction for the disposition of formaldehyde and ozone in nasal mucus.

The mucociliary apparatus is an important respiratory-tract defense system that may provide significant protection of the underlying epithelium from gases and vapors. Limiting-case calculations were performed to determine the significance of convective mucus transport and chemical reaction for formaldehyde (HCHO) and ozone (O3) in rat nasal respiratory epithelial mucus. Less than 4.6% of absorbed HCHO can be bound to amino groups (serum albumin) after 20 min of exposure. Thus, at the slowest measured mucus flow rates in rats, 1 mm/min, a fluid element of mucus could travel more than 2 cm before binding 5% of absorbed HCHO, by which time the element would probably leave the nose (the site of toxic responses). In other calculations, HCHO removed by chemical reaction from a volume of mucus exposed for longer times was determined to be less than 0.54% of that removed by mucus flow (convection). Given the solubility of HCHO in mucus (water) and estimates of total mucus flow, however, as much as 22-42% of inhal...
Using Presidential Election Returns To Measure Constituency Ideology A Research Note

Scholars studying the determinants of congressional voting behavior have always faced the problem of how to measure the effects of constituency influence. In place of random surveys in congressional districts, which are too costly to conduct nationwide, scholars have employed a variety of proxy variables to measure constituency attitudes. In this research note we review these proxies and test the reliability and validity of the most popular, that is, presidential election returns at the state and district level. The use of this proxy rests upon two assumptions: (a) short-term factors affecting the vote have a more or less uniform effect across subnational constituencies and (b) constituency ideology is the sole long-term factor affecting the vote. Both of these assumptions prove to be empirically questionable, leading us to conclude that presiden tial election returns should be used as a proxy for constituency ideology only with great caution.
Monte Carlo Studies of Dendrimers. Additional Results for the Diamond Lattice Model

Additional results have been determined for a previously developed model of dendrimers constructed on the diamond lattice. Accurate results are presented through G = 8 generations, and some suggestive results at G = 9 and G = 11 are also reported. The hydrodynamic radius and intrinsic viscosity have been computed according to a Monte Carlo technique that exploits analogies between transport physics and the physics of random walks. Accurate radial density profiles, pair correlation functions, and particle scattering functions are also reported. Ratios of the hydrodynamic and gyration radii change from values expected for linear chains at small G to values expected for spheres at large G. The intrinsic viscosity passes through a maximum at G = 6. Radial density profiles indicate extensive back-folding in this model, with end groups dispersed throughout the molecule. The particle scattering functions are in good qualitative agreement with neutron scattering experiments.
Delivery of upper-basin sediment to the lower neuse river, North Carolina, U.S.A.

Extensive storage of upper-basin Piedmont sediment and apparent low sediment supply to streams in lower-basin Coastal Plain areas generates questions as to the source of alluvium in lower reaches of rivers of the U.S. Atlantic drainage. This was investigated on the Neuse River, North Carolina, using a mineralogical indicator of sediment source areas. The utility of mica flakes for discriminating between Piedmont and non-Piedmont sources of sediment in the lower Coastal Plain reaches of the Neuse was established on the basis of an examination of the U.S. National Soils Database and of 26 soil surveys of the North Carolina Coastal Plain. From the Neuse River estuary to 48 km upstream there are no mica flakes in floodplain soils or in river bank and channel shelf sediments. Mica flakes become more common upstream. This suggests that a very small proportion of the sediment eroded in the Piedmont portion of the watershed is delivered to the river mouth. The small amounts which presumably do reach the lower Coastal Plain are so diluted by Coastal Plain-derived alluvium that no Piedmont origin can be discerned. This demonstrates a dominantly Coastal Plain source and underscores the importance of storage and discontinuous transport in fluvial sediment systems. More importantly, results suggest that upper- and lower-basin sediment dynamics are not only non-linearly related, but may be virtually decoupled.
Being faithful: Bakhtin and a potential postmodern psychology of self

Postmodern critique has found its way into the psychology of self largely by way of Gergen’s form of social constructionism. This view treats self as socially constructed and changeable, such that ...
Dexamethasone did not reduce mortality or neurologic sequelae in bacterial meningitis

Source Citation van de Beek D, Farrar JJ, de Gans J, et al. Adjunctive dexamethasone in bacterial meningitis: a meta-analysis of individual patient data. Lancet Neurol. 2010;9:254-63. 20138011
IBM S/390 parallel enterprise server G5 fault tolerance: a historical perspective

Fault tolerance in IBM S/390® systems during the 1980s and 1990s had three distinct phases, each characterized by a different uptime improvement rate. Early TCM-technology mainframes delivered excellent data integrity, instantaneous error detection, and positive fault isolation, but had limited on-line repair. Later TCM mainframes introduced capabilities for providing a high degree of transparent recovery, failure masking, and on-line repair. New challenges accompanied the introduction of CMOS technology. A significant reduction in parts count greatly improved intrinsic failure rates, but dense packaging disallowed on-line CPU repair. In addition, characteristics of the microprocessor technology posed difficulties for traditional in-line error checking. As a result, system fault-tolerant design, particularly in CPUs and memory, underwent another evolution from G1 to G5. G5 implements an innovative design for a high-performance, fault-tolerant single-chip microprocessor. Dynamic CPU sparing delivers a transparent concurrent repair mechanism. A new internal channel provides a high-performance, highly available Parallel Sysplex® in a single mainframe. G5 is both the culmination of decades of innovation and careful implementation, and the highest achievement of S/390 fault-tolerant design.
Effects of high fruit-vegetable and/or low-fat intervention on plasma micronutrient levels.

Objectives: Higher plasma micronutrient levels have been associated with decreased cancer risks. The objective of this study was to determine the relative effects of reduced fat and/or increased fruit-vegetable (FV) intakes on plasma micronutrient levels.Methods: Healthy, premenopausal women with a family history of breast cancer (n = 122) were randomized across four diet arms for one year in a 2 × 2 factorial design study: control, low-fat, high fruit-vegetable and combination low-fat/high FV diets. Levels of plasma micronutrients were measured in plasma at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months.Results: The high FV intervention, regardless of fat intake, significantly increased α-carotene, β-carotene and vitamin C levels in plasma. Only the combination high FV, low-fat intervention significantly increased plasma β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin levels over time. Although α-tocopherol was not affected, a potential concern is that the low-fat intervention resulted in significantly decreased both γ-tocopherol dietary intakes...
X-chromosome transcription in Drosophila

Duplications involving the X chromosome of Drosophila were used to produce individuals with 1.25, 1.50, 1.62 and 1.85 X chromosomes. Rates of transcription in polytene chromosomes were measured autoradiographically after pulse-labeling salivary glands with 3H-uridine. We conclude that: (1) the sum of all transcription occurring on the X elements is constant (relative to autosomal transcription) regardless of how much X-chromosome material is present; (2) this constancy is apparently achieved through a uniform reduction of the rate of synthesis over all X-chromosomal segments as the size of the duplication increases. -/3 Thus, the transcription of a given segment of the X is dependent not just on the number of copies of that segment but also on the number of copies of other regions of the chromosome.
Fitting parametric road models to spatio-temporal derivatives

We present an algorithm for extracting parametric descriptions of roads from motion cues inherent in static video of traffic. First, statistics of spatio-temporal derivatives are accumulated from a static video. We derive new energy terms for fitting B-spline snakes to roads by aligning their direction and speed to be maximally consistent with the spatio-temporal derivatives. Due to the constraint on the derivative of the snake, we are able to produce stable, open-ended snakes, without specifying the location of endpoints. We explore other energy terms, including terms to expand the width of the snake allowing it to cover the entire road.
An Ingenious Filter: the Structural Basis for Ion Channel Selectivity

At least two important avenues beckon for future research. The crystal structure of KcsA now provides a powerful springboard for addressing dynamic and energetic details of channel function, and a higher resolution structure will naturally enable even more detailed biophysical analyses. Second, another fascinating, structural puzzle unique to ion channels remains to be resolved: channel gating, which is fundamental to nervous system function. How channels couple conformational change to the transmembrane electric field is believed to involve the voltage-sensing S4 helix of voltage-gated ion channels (Figure 1Figure 1, the hatched helix in the inset). The crystallization of these larger ion channel proteins will provide important new insight into this mechanism. The structure of KcsA marks the start of a golden era for channel biophysics.*To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Making the case for off-axis ownship attitude symbology: we may not miss it until it's not there

There has been significant research completed attempting to optimize the portrayal of ownship attitude information (OAI) via the Helmet-Mounted Display and, there has simultaneously been resistance by the user community regarding the inclusion of OAI. The stated reason is usually because they find it unnecessary. This paper includes a review of both sides of this discussion and attempts to make the case that, similar to the evolution of the Head-Up Display as a primary flight reference, there are likely operational performance and safety-of-flight reasons to justify off-axis OAI within even limited field-of-view applications.
Automatic Data Collection Systems: Observed Benefits and Problems

The current goal of many US firms is to become the highest quality and lowest cost leaders in their markets. Achieving this goal requires major changes in how products and services are produced. Many systems have been developed to assist firms in accomplishing this goal; they include such diverse areas as Just‐in‐Time manufacturing (JIT), Material Resource Planning II (MRP II), Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), CAD/CAM, Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). One key element in the success of these systems is that accurate data concerning plant operations must be immediately available to those who need it. More and more frequently, this requirement is being addressed through the use of automatic data collection systems (ADC). Seeks to provide insights into the application of ADC systems in US industries. Considers the type of data collection system installed, the implementation and operational problems encountered,...
Economic Comparison of Breeding Dairy Cows Artificially Versus Naturally

Abstract Systems analysis was used to study costs and returns of breeding dairy cows artificially or naturally. In the analysis were costs of semen, detection of estrus for artificial insemination, days open, and maintaining bulls. Also included were genetic abilities of sires, discount rates on expected returns, and probability of a female offspring reaching lactation. Transmission of genetic superiority of sires used artificially over sires used naturally to both daughter and grand-daughter was considered. Daughters of sires used artificially were superior to daughters of natural service sires by 227, 454, or 682kg (mature equivalent) milk. Breeding was started 60 days into lactation and continued for 15 cycles (21 days each) or until 90% of the cows would be expected to have conceived. Conception rate from artificial service was decreased by 5% of its rate for each subsequent breeding. For comparing artificial insemination and natural service, an initial conception rate for artificial insemination of 50%, cost of keeping a bull of $15 per cow per yr, semen cost of $8 per unit, costs for detection of estrus of $10 per cow per yr, discount rate of 10%, a 40% chance of obtaining a lactating heifer replacement per conception, a cost of an additional day open of $1.50, and income over feed costs of $.099 per kg were applied. Calving interval was 365 days for breeding by natural service. Each increase in genetic superiority of bulls used artificially over natural service bulls of 227 kg meant that the calving interval from artificial insemination could be 10 days longer with the same expected returns. Other factors in the analysis had less effect on the comparison of artificial insemination with natural service than the genetic abilities of sires. Investment in herd health (reproductive) programs to increase breeding efficiency appeared economically sound.
Thiol-Derivatized Porphyrins for Attachment to Electroactive Surfaces

The attachment of porphyrin monomers and multiporphyrin arrays in controlled architectures on electroactive surfaces opens many opportunities for electrochemical studies. Toward this goal, we have developed routes for the preparation of thiol-derivatized porphyrin monomers and porphyrin building blocks that require minimal or no handling of free thiols. Routes to S-protected p-thiobenzaldehydes and m-(thiomethyl)benzaldehydes have been developed. Two sets of meso-substituted porphyrins with variation in electrochemical potentials have been prepared for vertical or horizontal orientation with respect to the electroactive surface. In one set, each porphyrin bears one S-protected p-thiophenyl unit and substituents at the three remaining meso-positions. In the other set each porphyrin possesses four S-protected m-(thiomethyl)phenyl units. Tuning the electrochemical potential in the former set has been achieved by variation of the meso substituents (mesityl, 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl, n-pentyl, pentafluorophenyl)...
Functional characterization of the Ca2+-gated Ca2+ release channel of vascular smooth muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

The Ca2+-gated Ca2+ release channel of aortic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was partially purified and reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers. Canine and porcine aorta microsomal protein fractions were solubilized in the detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulphonate (CHAPS) in the presence and absence of 3[H]-ryanodine and centrifuged through linear sucrose gradients. A single 3[H]-ryanodine receptor peak with an apparent sedimentation coefficient of 30 s was obtained. Upon reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers, the unlabelled 30 s protein fraction induced the formation of a Ca2+- and monovalent-ion-conducting channel (110 pS in 100 mM Ca2+, 360 pS in 250 mM K+). The channel was activated by micromolar Ca2+, modulated by millimolar adenosine triphosphate, Mg2+ and the Ca2+-releasing drug caffeine, and inhibited by micromolar ruthenium red. Micro- to millimolar concentrations of the plant alkaloid ryanodine induced a permanently closed state of the channel. Our results suggest that smooth muscle SR contains a Ca2+-gated Ca2+ release pathway, with properties similar to those observed for the skeletal and cardiac ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channel complexes.
Multiport model of a liquid crystal light valve

Development of optical information processing systems requires accurate models of the spatial light modulators employed in these systems. These models must recognize the multiport and non-linear nature of these devices. Here we describe the temporal characteristics of spatial light modulators by a quadratic multiport model. We use spectrum analysis and sinusoidal perturbation with synchronous detection to observe the nonlinear characteristics of a Hughes Model 4050 liquid crystal light valve. We present experimental results demonstrating some of the nonlinear characteristics.
Fractured oversight: The ABCs of cultural heritage in Palestine after the Oslo Accords

Palestine is a state in limbo—they lack full formal recognition as a sovereign land but possess a unique nation-state status that incorporates elements of a unified national consciousness and basic...
Abstract PR3: The cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol increases breast cancer tumor growth and metastasis

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The magnitude of this problem provides strong rationale for studies that may lead to the development of new chemopreventative strategies and/or lifestyle changes that reduce cancer incidence. It is of significance, therefore, that circulating cholesterol has been correlated to the development of breast cancer, and patients taking lipophilic inhibitors of 2-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (statins) demonstrate significantly lower breast cancer incidence, and decreased breast cancer recurrence. Therefore, our recent finding that 27-Hydroxycholesterol (27HC), a primary metabolite of cholesterol, exerts partial agonist activity on both the estrogen receptors (ERs) and liver X receptors (LXRs) suggests a potential, mechanistic link between hypercholesterolemia and breast cancer incidence. Importantly, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of cholesterol to 27HC (CYP27A1) is primarily expressed in macrophages, and it is well established that tumor infiltrating macrophages are associated with more aggressive tumors and worse patient outcome. Therefore, we initiated a series of studies to determine the impact of 27HC on breast cancer pathophysiology. Here, we demonstrate that (1) macrophage produced 27HC increases breast cancer cell proliferation, (2) elevation of exogenous 27HC increases in vivo tumor growth and lung metastases, and (3) genetic ablation of the enzyme responsible for 27HC synthesis increases latency, and reduces tumor growth and metastasis. Our ongoing work is aimed at identifying the mechanisms responsible for the 27HC induced increase in metastasis. In summary, our data thus far strongly indicate a role for macrophage produced 27HC in breast cancer pathophysiology and metastasis. The results provide additional support for the exploration of potential chemopreventative benefits of lower cholesterol diets, pharmacological inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase or CYP27A1, and macrophage ablative strategies. DOD Postdoctoral Award BC085585 (ERN), NIH 5R37DK048807 (DPM). This abstract is also presented as Poster B50. Citation Format: Erik Russell Nelson, Suzanne E. Wardell, Matthew K. Howe, Nicole J. Carver, Michihisa Umetani, Donald P. McDonnell. The cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol increases breast cancer tumor growth and metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr PR3.
Risk factors and obstetric complications associated with macrosomia.

Abstract Objective Macrosomia is associated with adverse maternal outcomes. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of macrosomia and related maternal complications. Method Live births (146,526) were identified between 1995 and 1999 in the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program's Northern California Region (KPMCP NCR) database. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed for risk factors and complications associated with macrosomia (birth weight >4500 g). Result Male infant sex, multiparity, maternal age 30–40, white race, diabetes, and gestational age >41 weeks were associated with macrosomia (p Conclusion Macrosomia was associated with adverse maternal outcomes in this cohort. More research is needed to determine how to prevent complications related to excessive birth weight.
Review Article: Understanding and Preventing Perinatal, Intracerebral, Peri- and Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Antenatal anticipation of problem pregnancies and improvements in resuscitation and care of newborns have led to increasing survival of babies born prematurely. Nevertheless, the potential for neurologic handicaps is significant in this population of children, and the prevention of intracerebral, peri- and intraventricular hemorrhages and associated brain lesions remains a high priority. In this review, we consider (1) the clinical problem of periventricular, intraventricular hemorrhage; (2) means of diagnosis; (3) the EEG and periventricular, intraventricular hemorrhage; (4) sequelae; (5) hypotheses of pathogenesis; (6) experimental approaches to understanding periventricular, intraventricular hemorrhage; (7) agents being tested for use in preventing hemorrhage; and (8) future areas for research toward the prevention of hemorrhage and other neonatal brain lesions. (J Child Neurol 1987;2:170-185).
Genotypic Microbial Community Profiling: A Critical Technical Review

Microbial ecology has undergone a profound change in the last two decades with regard to methods employed for the analysis of natural communities. Emphasis has shifted from culturing to the analysis of signature molecules including molecular DNA-based approaches that rely either on direct cloning and sequencing of DNA fragments (shotgun cloning) or often rely on prior amplification of target sequences by use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The pool of PCR products can again be either cloned and sequenced or can be subjected to an increasing variety of genetic profiling methods, including amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis, automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis, terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, temperature gradient gel electrophoresis, single strand conformation polymorphism, and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography. In this document, we present and critically compare these methods commonly used for the study of microbial diversity.
Handheld wireless point of sale systems in the restaurant industry.

Abstract As surprising as it may seem, handheld ordering systems have been around for over 20 years. The first handheld system that came on the market used numeric keypads to enter the PLU codes from items and infrared transmitter/receivers to relay the information between the handhelds and the point of sale (POS) system. Handheld wireless POS systems are a portable version of a POS system which is defined as the time and place in which a transaction is made. Point of sale computer systems include: cash registers, optical scanners, magnetic card readers, and special terminals. Handheld wireless POS systems used for hospitality, more specifically food service, will be the main focus for this paper. This includes events such as taking food orders and the inventory/ordering process. Customers are the reasons restaurants are in business, and the time saved by using a handheld device (versus waiting in line to place an order on a traditional POS system that averages over four minutes per order) can be used to ...
Prevention of Adolescent Reoccurring Violence and Alcohol Abuse: A Multiple Site Evaluation

“Prevention of Adolescent Reoccurring Violence and Alcohol Abuse: A Multiple Site Evaluation” is a multiple component alcohol abuse and violent behavior prevention strategy, targeted to adolescents ages 16–21 who have high levels of anger, or who are victims/perpetrators of violence, and their families. Three community centers located in upstate New York provided group participants (N = 210) known to have conduct disorder and substance abuse history. The centers were used as the intervention sites over a seven-week period with the youth assessment staff using objective screening measures. The participants were exposed to a two-pronged intervention, using a parental involvement cohort with approximately half of the study participants. The Teams, Games, and Tournaments strategy was the intervention method. Teams, Games, and Tournaments is a Social Learning Theory-based intervention with demonstrated empirical evidence of the model's effectiveness. A 2 × 3 factorial design with two follow-up points encompass...
On optimal operation of storage devices under stochastic market prices

Recent results in the literature have demonstrated the value of energy storage assets in increasing the efficiency of power grid. As operation of most assets in the grid is governed by their generated economic value to their owner, it is imperative to study the optimal operation of storage assets in response to pricing signals from the market. In this work we consider the problem of optimal operation of a generic energy storage device under stochastic energy prices. We show that under certain conditions, the optimal policy for operating the storage asset follows an extended threshold form and can be obtained in a computationally efficient manner.
Increased Meiotic Nondisjunction Follows Dilute Ethanol Treatment at Meiotic Prophase I

SUMMARYExposure of maize at meiosis to concentrated ethanol vapor is known to be erratically associated with various forms of abnormal chromosome behavior. Evidence is reported here that increased meiotic nondisjunction in cultured samples follows dilute ethanol treatment when it is applied at pachytene or at diplotene-diakinesis by way of the vascular system. On the basis of present and previous findings it is suggested that the ethanol treatment may cause disruption of fundamental processes which function in normal disjunction. These processes utilize structures and mechanisms which seem to have been strongly conserved and are probably similar in most eukaryotes. They are concerned with homologue synapsis and chiasma formation and maintenance, and also dyad maintenance for the second division. Evidence suggests that chiasmate association may be destroyed prematurely after crossing over is completed, and that dyad maintenance may also fail following treatment.
Adiabatic and diabatic dynamics in the photodissociation of CH2BrCl

The photodissociation dynamics of chlorobromomethane (CBM) were investigated between 193 and 242 nm by resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). Translational energy distributions, anisotropy parameters, and Br:Br* branching ratios were determined at 193 and 235 nm to explore the non-adiabatic dynamics near the avoided crossing. Additional measurements were made at intermediate wavelengths to characterize the wavelength dependence of the Br and Br* anisotropy parameters. The non-adiabatic crossing probabilities calculated by applying a one-dimensional Landau–Zener model were relatively insensitive to the excitation wavelength, indicating that the avoided crossing between 3A′ and 4A′ potentials lies in the exit channel. Additionally, we have determined the partial absorption cross sections for the excited states that contribute to the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of CBM.
Differentiation-dependent regulation of skeletal myogenesis by neuregulin-1.

Neuregulins comprise a group of growth factor proteins that regulate the differentiation of skeletal muscle. Here, we report that neuregulins are regulators of myogenic differentiation and stimulate mitogenesis in L6 skeletal myoblasts. The mitogenic response to neuregulin-1 was differentiation-dependent and observed only in aligned, differentiating cells. Treatment of these cells with neuregulin-1 increased [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation and cell proliferation by 2- to 5-fold, while a minimal increase was seen in proliferating myoblasts. Neuregulin-1 did not induce DNA synthesis in fused, multinucleated myotubes. The increased DNA synthesis correlated with downregulation of myogenin and inhibition of myoblast fusion and myotube formation. These data suggest that neuregulins may regulate skeletal myogenesis in vivo and that this regulation is dependent on the state of differentiation of the myocytes.
Rogers, Lazarus, and Shostrom in Content Analysis.

Subjected Shostrom's films of Rogers, Lazarus, and Shostrom working with the patient, Cathy to a content analysis using the system developed by Zimmer and Ccwles. Differences in verbal activity on the part of both the therapist and patient were noted, which seem consistent with the principles of the various therapies.
Advances in the management of depression: implications for the obstetrician/gynecologist

The selection of an appropriate medication is important for successfully treating depression in women. Although antidepressants do not differ in their efficacy for the treatment of major depression, they do differ in their side effect profiles, toxicity, and mechanisms of action. Tricyclics, heterocyclics, and newer agents such as bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine are used most commonly to treat depression in women. The dosages, side effects, indications, and precautions for these antidepressants are reviewed. Factors affecting selection of a particular antidepressant, as well as the general management of depression in women, are discussed.
Hopelessness Mediates the Relation between Insomnia and Suicidal Ideation

Introduction:A growing body of literature indicates that insomnia is related to suicidality. However, the mechanism through which insomnia correlates with suicide risk is unclear. The goal of the p...
Age and hypothyroidism affect dopamine modulation of breathing and D2 receptor levels

Abstract During and following hypoxic exposure young male hypothyroid hamsters treated with the dopamine D 2 receptor agonist bromocriptine increased breathing, while ventilation was depressed in bromocriptine-treated euthyroid hamsters. Moreover, D 2 receptor expression was increased in carotid bodies and striatum, but not in the nucleus tractus solitaries (NTS) of hypothyroid relative to euthyroid hamsters. Here ventilation was determined in older male hypothyroid and euthyroid hamsters given vehicle or bromocriptine, and exposed to baseline air, hypoxia, and then air. Bromocriptine without hypoxia served as a time control. Relative to vehicle, bromocriptine depressed ventilation in both groups exposed to air or to hypoxia, but hypothyroid bromocriptine-treated hamsters increased ventilatory responsiveness to hypoxia, while euthyroid hamsters decreased ventilatory responsiveness to hypoxia and exhibited post-hypoxic depression. Hypothyroidism had no effect on D 2 receptor expression in carotid bodies or striatum, but increased it in the NTS. Thus, in hamsters bromocriptine modulates breathing and expression of D 2 receptor depending on the length of hypothyroidism.
Modeling wound healing in bone

A previous model of wound healing in bone [1] is further analyzed numerically to derive the solution for given parameters. As in the previous model, the time-independent nonhomogeneous diffusion equation is solved for the equilibrium distribution of wound-induced growth factor over a hemispherical surface. The solution is then coded and implemented to produce graphical results.
Entropic effects of disulphide bonds on protein stability

To measure the thermodynamic consequences of the reduction in the number of polypeptide-chain conformations that accompanies protein folding, we developed a method called loop permutation analysis. In this approach, the stabilizing contributions of three engineered disulphide bonds were compared in extended and circularly permutated mutants of phage T4 lysozyme. The observed differences in disulphide contributions, although qualitatively consistent with theoretical estimates, were not solely proportional to the differences in loop length. These findings suggest that in addition to the length of the chain, the polypeptide sequence may influence the energetic consequences of conformational restrictions.
DEFINING, MEASURING AND DEFENDING LIBERTY: A REVIEW OF THE QUALITY OF FREEDOM BY MATTHEW H. KRAMER AND NORMS OF LIBERTY: A PERFECTIONIST BASIS FOR NON‐PERFECTIONIST POLITICS BY DOUGLAS B. RASMUSSEN AND DOUGLAS J. DEN UYL

The Quality of Freedom offers a precise, meticulously argued, non-moralised understanding of socio-political liberty as physical unforeclosedness. Norms of Liberty: A Perfectionist Basis for Non-Perfectionist Politics presents an innovative ‘metanormative defence’ of negative liberty rights that does not depend on atomism, a social contract or self-ownership.
Newer β-lactam antibiotics in the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis

Antistaphylococcal activity of three beta-lactam antibiotics, i.e. cefmenoxime, cefotaxime and latamoxef (moxalactam) was compared with that of nafcillin by studying cure rates of aortic valvular endocarditis caused by one of three clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in New Zealand white male rabbits. The animals were randomly allocated to a control and four antibiotic treatment groups. Each animal except the controls received 60 mg/kg of one antibiotic intramuscularly twice daily for two weeks, beginning 24 h after induction of endocarditis. The aortic valve was sterilized in 11 of 15 (73%) animals treated with cefmenoxime, nine of 13 (69%) treated with cefotaxime, 11 of 13 (85%) treated with latamoxef and 12 of 15 (80%) treated with nafcillin. All nine animals in the control group developed aortic valvular vegetations with an average of 2.4 X 10(9) cfu/g. The differences in sterility rates resulting from treatment with the four antibiotics were not statistically significant (P greater than 0.70).
Early brain injury in premature newborns detected with magnetic resonance imaging is associated with adverse early neurodevelopmental outcome.

Objective To determine the neurodevelopmental outcome of prematurely born newborns with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities. Study design A total of 89 prematurely born newborns (median age 28 weeks postgestation) were studied with MRI when stable for transport to MRI (median age, 32 weeks postgestation); 50 newborns were studied again near term age (median age, 37 weeks). Neurodevelopmental outcome was determined at 18 months adjusted age (median) using the Mental Development Index (Bayley Scales Infant Development II) and a standardized neurologic exam. Results Of 86 neonatal survivors, outcome was normal in 51 (59%), borderline in 22 (26%), and abnormal in 13 (15%). Moderate/severe MRI abnormalities were common on the first (37%) and second (32%) scans. Abnormal outcome was associated with increasing severity of white matter injury, ventriculomegaly, and intraventricular hemorrhage on MRI, as well as moderate/severe abnormalities on the first (relative risk [RR] = 5.6; P = .002) and second MRI studies (RR = 5.3; P = .03). Neuromotor abnormalities on neurologic examination near term age (RR = 6.5; P = .04) and postnatal infection (RR = 4.0; P = .01) also increased the risk for abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. Conclusions In premature newborns, brain abnormalities are common on MRI early in life and are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.
Leukemia inhibitory factor and homeobox a10 gene expression in an ectopic pregnancy model for implantation.

Abstract Objective We investigated the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor and homeobox a10 in endometrium that was derived from patients with concurrent ectopic pregnancies compared with nonpregnant luteal phase endometrium from the same patients. Study design Endometrial biopsy specimens that were obtained from women (n = 3) who underwent surgery for ectopic pregnancy were matched with biopsy specimens in a nonpregnant luteal phase from the same patients. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for leukemia inhibitory factor and homeobox a10 was performed. Polymerase chain reaction products were assayed with laser detection of nanogram quantities of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid. Ratios of each implantation marker to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as an internal standard were compared for quantification. Results Leukemia inhibitory factor expression is increased in endometrium from ectopic pregnancy; homeobox a10 is increased in luteal phase endometrium. Conclusion Leukemia inhibitory factor appears to be regulated by human chorionic gonadotropin or other factors of pregnancy; homeobox a10 is regulated by ovarian steroids of the luteal phase.
Improved Performance of Molecular Bulk‐Heterojunction Photovoltaic Cells through Predictable Selection of Solvent Additives

Solvent additives provide an effective means to alter the morphology and thereby improve the performance of organic bulk-heterojunction photovoltaics, although guidelines for selecting an appropriate solvent additive remain relatively unclear. Here, a family of solvent additives spanning a wide range of Hansen solubility parameters is applied to a molecular bulk-heterojunction system consisting of an isoindigo and thiophene containing oligomer as the electron donor and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) as the electron acceptor. Hansen solubility parameters are calculated using the group contribution method and compared with the measured solubilities for use as a screening method in solvent additive selection. The additives are shown to alter the morphologies in a semipredictable manner, with the poorer solvents generally resulting in decreased domain sizes, increased hole mobilities, and improved photovoltaic performance. The additives with larger hydrogen bonding parameters, namely triethylene glycol (TEG) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), are demonstrated to increase the open circuit voltage by ~0.2 V. Combining a solvent additive observed to increase short circuit current, poly(dimethylsiloxane), with TEG results in an increase in power conversion efficiency from 1.4 to 3.3%.
Pulsars in the NRAO VLA Sky Survey

The 1.4 GHz NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) was searched for phase-averaged radio emission from the 516 pulsars north of J2000 declination δ = -40° in the Taylor et al. catalog. We have identified 79 sources stronger than ~2.5 mJy as pulsars through positional coincidence. Fifteen of these pulsars were also identified with sources in the 325 MHz Westerbork Northern Sky Survey (WENSS). Our sample is free from period and dispersion selection effects beyond those of the original catalog, and we have attempted to characterize the effects of interstellar scintillation on the source flux densities reported by NVSS. We report spectral indices using both the WENSS 325 MHz and pulsar catalog 400 MHz flux densities. The NVSS positions may be used both to improve timing models and for VLA/VLBA phase-referencing observations. The flux densities for those pulsars not significantly affected by scintillation are quite accurate and may be used to calibrate future observations.
The temperature of a plate heated by a source of arbitrary motion and strength.

Temperature distribution for thin plate heated by source of arbitrary motion and strength and governed by Sturm-Liouville boundary conditions
Chronic constrictive pericarditis and rheumatic heart disease.

Abstract 1. 1. In a series of eighteen cases of chronic constrictive pericarditis, five had coexisting rheumatic valvular disease and are reported in detail. 2. 2. If constrictive pericarditis is suspected in patients with heart disease who have an atypical course, more cases will be discovered. 3. 3. Cardiac enlargement, normal intensity of heart sounds, and normal cardiac pulsations are not rare in patients with constrictive pericarditis. 4. 4. The presence of definite rheumatic heart disease does not exclude the existence of associated chronic constrictive pericarditis although there is no evidence that the two conditions are causally related. 5. 5. It is of significance that in three of the five cases in which constrictive pericarditis was associated with rheumatic heart disease, there was a history of another etiologic factor which may have played a role in the development of the disease.