cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteomics of Streptococcus gordonii within a model developing oral microbial community

Streptococcus gordonii is one of several species that can initiate the formation of oral biofilms that develop into the complex multispecies microbial communities referred to as dental plaque. It is in the context of dental plaque that periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis cause disease. We have previously reported a whole cell quantitative proteomics investigation of P. gingivalis in a model dental plaque community of S. gordonii, P. gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Here we report the adaptation of S. gordonii to the same model. 1122 S. gordonii proteins were detected in S. gordonii control samples, 915 in communities with F. nucleatum, 849 with P. gingivalis, and 649 with all three organisms. Quantitative comparisons showed extensive proteome changes in association with F. nucleatum or P. gingivalis individually or both P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum together. The changes were species specific, though the P. gingivalis interaction may be dominant, indicated by large differences between the proteomes with F. nucleatum or P. gingivalis but limited changes between communities with P. gingivalis or both P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum. The results were inspected manually and an ontology analysis conducted using DAVID. Extensive changes were seen in nutrition pathways with increases in energy metabolism and changes in the resulting byproducts, while the acid and sugar repressed PTS (phosphoenolpyruvate dependent phosphotransferase system) sugar transport systems showed decreases. These results were seen across all the multispecies samples, though with different profiles according to the partner species. F. nucleatum association decreased proteins for the metabolic end products acetate and ethanol but increased lactate, the primary source of acidity from streptococcal cultures. P. gingivalis containing samples had a reduction in levels of proteins for ethanol and formate but increased proteins for both acetate and lactate production. The communities also showed increases in exopolysaccharide synthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, and oxidative stress protection and decreases in adhesion and transporter proteins. This study showed that S. gordonii demonstrates species specific responses during interactions with F. nucleatum or P. gingivalis. Extensive changes were seen in energy metabolism and byproduct production implicating nutrient transfer as an important community interaction.
Steam generator mock-up for assessment of inservice inspection technology

A steam generator mock-up has been assembled for round-robin (RR) studies of the effectiveness of currently practiced inservice inspection technology for detection of current-day flaws. The mock-up will also be used to evaluate emerging inspection technologies. The 3.66 m (12 ft)-tall mock-up contains 400 tube openings, each consisting of nine test sections that can be used to simulate current-day field-induced flaws and artifacts. Included in the mock-up are simulations of tube support plate (TSP) intersections and the tube sheet (TS). Cracks are present at the TSP, TS, and in the free span sections of the mock-up. For initial evaluation of the RR results, various eddy current methods, as well as multivariate models for data analysis techniques are being used to estimate the depth and length of defects in the mock-up. To ensure that the RR is carried out with procedures as close as possible to those implemented in the field, input was obtained from industry experts on the protocol and procedures to be used for the exercise. One initial assembly of the mock-up with a limited number of flaws and artifact has been completed and tested. A second completed configuration with additional flaw and artifacts simulations will be used for the round robin.
Incentivizing Wellness in the Workplace Sticks (Not Carrots) Send Stigmatizing Signals

Companies often provide incentives for employees to maintain healthy lifestyles. These incentives can take the form of either discounted premiums for healthy-weight employees ("carrot" policies) or increased premiums for overweight employees ("stick" policies). In the three studies reported here, we demonstrated that even when stick and carrot policies are formally equivalent, they do not necessarily convey the same information to employees. Stick but not carrot policies were viewed as reflecting negative company attitudes toward overweight employees (Study 1a) and were evaluated especially negatively by overweight participants (Study 1b). This was true even when overweight employees paid less money under the stick than under the carrot policy. When acting as policymakers (Study 2), participants with high levels of implicit overweight bias were especially likely to choose stick policies-often on the grounds that such policies were cost-effective-even when doing so was more costly to the company. Policymakers should realize that the framing of incentive programs can convey tacit, and sometimes stigmatizing, messages.
Remote underwater electrochemical sensing system for detecting explosive residues in the field

A mobile remote underwater electrochemical sensing system is described in this paper for detecting the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in the marine environment. The detection technology relies on using a carbon fiber as the working electrode, and applying a rapid and sensitive square-wave voltammogram for scanning. This submersible, pulsed-voltammetric, 3-electrode electrochemical sensor is mounted to a remotely operated surface vehicle with vision detection capability. The use of vision enhances the sensor package by allowing detection of and placement below detection limits. A wireless communication unit provides the ability to monitor and detect in real time. The detection scheme is based upon a stepwise reduction of the nitro aromatic groups on the explosive molecule first to hydroxylamines, and then followed by the conversion of the later to amine groups. The reduction potentials provide the method selectivity for a specific explosive, and the current required per unit time determines the concentration of the targeted explosive in an aqueous media. Successful field test data have been obtained which are comparable to those measured with laboratory instruments.
New U‐Cut Algorithmic Trimming for Lightning Protection

Large ohm film resistors that guard sensitive telecommunication devices against the hazards of lightning require a set of exacting characteristics for tolerance, endurance, and productivity. These characteristics largely depend on how the resistor is trimmed. Conventional laser trimming is unable to provide all the requirements for this important resistor application. A new technique developed by Teradyne Inc. called Algorithmic Trimming employs an algorithm and data base to calculate real‐time trim vectors that are used in a trimming hardware processor to overcome the drawbacks of conventional trimming. With this new technique 50‐ohm film resistors were trimmed to specification with 0·1% tolerance while attaining high resistor stability and a trim time of 300 milliseconds.
Unusual complication of retrograde dissection to the coronary sinus of valsalva during percutaneous revascularization: a single-center experience and literature review.

Background While coronary dissection, which is one ofthe most frequently occurring complications during interventionalprocedures, has various forms, extensive coronary dissection retrogradeto the coronary sinus of Valsalva (CSV) is very rarely observed. Methods and results Within the last 5 years, weretrospectively reviewed our experience with 4,700 consecutive patientswho underwent angioplasty procedures, 7 of whom (0.15%) developedextensive coronary dissection retrograde to the CSV. Six of the sevenpatients developed retrograde dissection of the right CSV duringangioplasty to the right coronary artery. One of the seven patentsdeveloped retrograde dissection of the left CSV during angioplasty tothe left anterior descending artery. Retrograde dissection, whichextended to the ascending aorta in two patients, was observed bytransthoracic echocardiography and surgical findings, respectively. Five patients were successfully treated by coronary stenting. However, this complication caused four patients to have acute myocardialinfarctions, resulting in emergency surgery for one patient andin-hospital death for another. Conclusions Ourexperience increased our understanding of this very rarecomplication. However, this complication may be lifethreatening, and patients in this clinical setting may have a potentialrisk for acute myocardial infarction, emergency surgery, or even suddencardiac death. Therefore, it is important to learn how to promptlydiagnose and manage this complication.
Stable-isotope probing with multiple growth substrates to determine substrate specificity of uncultivated bacteria

Abstract Stable-isotope probing (SIP) has been used to determine which microorganisms in a complex environmental sample are capable of metabolizing a labeled substrate. We hypothesized that DNA-based stable-isotope probing with a combination of a 13 C-labeled carbon source and a second, unlabeled carbon source could be combined with analyses of the entire gradient of separated DNA to provide information concerning the utilization of a mixture of environmentally relevant compounds by uncultivated organisms. As a test of the method, we evaluated the response of a microbial community in a laboratory bioreactor treating contaminated soil to two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The compounds were added either individually as [U– 13 C]phenanthrene or [U– 13 C]pyrene, or as a mixture in which one was labeled with 13 C and the other was unlabeled. After ultracentrifugation of DNA extracted from a given incubation, fractions containing DNA enriched with varying levels of 13 C were examined by denaturing-gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for 16S rRNA genes belonging to organisms in groups of bacteria previously associated with PAH degradation by single-compound SIP. Four groups of bacteria (three uncultivated) were followed in this study. Two of the uncultivated groups showed evidence for simultaneous or sequential utilization of both compounds while the remaining two appeared to assimilate carbon from only one of the compounds. DNA-based SIP therefore appears to be useful to evaluate the selectivity among substrates in a mixture by uncultivated microbes.
MC4: A Hypothetical Three-Dimensional Organometallic Net with Metal−Metal Bonding and Polyacetylene Substructures

The chemical bonding in an intriguing hypothetical organometallic three-dimensional structure, the realization of a (3,4)-connected net, is analyzed by band-structure calculations. The net, stoichiometry FeC4, has a structure which consists of infinite linear chains of Fe atoms that are cross-linked through kinked polyacetylene-like chains of carbon atoms. Densities of states and calculations (using the extended Huckel approximate molecular orbital method) of a number of related one-dimensional infinite and molecular models are used to describe the bonding characteristics in the carbide. When combined in a three-dimensional framework, carbon and metal chains do not show any tendency to undergo the simple pairing distortions which are characteristic of isolated metal and carbon chains. That these separated chains lose their driving force toward distortion upon fusion is explained by charge transfer from the carbon π-system to the metal d block and a more rigid σ-bonded framework. If one moves to MC4 with M...
Studies on the Glycoprotein Nature of the Thyrotropin Receptor: Interaction with Lectins and Purification of the Bovine Protein with the Use of Bandeiraea (Griffonia) simplicifolia I Affinity Chromatography

The TSH receptor from Triton-solubilized bovine microsomal membranes was found to bind to a substantial extent to columns of the immobilized lectins Bandeiraea (Griffonia) simplicifolia I, Ricinus communis I, wheat germ, and Concanavalin A, whereas it was not retained by Dolichos biflorus. Elution of TSH receptor activity from these lectins could be achieved with the appropriate saccharides in all cases except Concanavalin A. The most extensive adsorption of the receptor occurred on B. simplicifolia I-agarose (84%), and the terminal α-d-galactosyl specificity of this interaction was substantiated by its susceptibility to α-galactosidase treatment. Whereas TSH itself was not bound to this immobilized lectin, a complex of this hormone with its receptor did interact and could be eluted with methyl-α-d-galactoside. Purification (800-fold) of the bovine TSH receptor was achieved by a combination of TSH and B. simplicifolia I affinity chromatographies. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified TSH rece...
Case Studies from Group II

In this chapter we present four case studies where the method and approach to the analysis are straightforward, but the context of the problems raises some interesting statistical and scientific issues. In some of the case studies, a meaningful interpretation of the statistical results may prove quite difficult. The case studies are listed below by section.
First-Order Structure Function Analysis of Statistical Scale Invariance in the AIRS-Observed Water Vapor Field

AbstractThe power-law scale dependence, or scaling, of first-order structure functions of the tropospheric water vapor field between 58°S and 58°N is investigated using observations from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). Power-law scale dependence of the first-order structure function would indicate that the water vapor field exhibits statistical scale invariance. Directional and directionally independent first-order structure functions are computed to assess the directional dependence of derived first-order structure function scaling exponents (H) for a range of scales from 50 to 500 km. In comparison to other methods of assessing statistical scale invariance, the methodology used here requires minimal assumptions regarding the homogeneity of the spatial distribution of data within regions of analysis. Additionally, the methodology facilitates the evaluation of anisotropy and quantifies the extent to which the structure functions exhibit scale invariance.The spatial and seasonal dependence of the ...
Subunit Interactions and Organization of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Intraflagellar Transport Complex A Proteins

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii intraflagellar transport (IFT) particles can be biochemically resolved into two smaller assemblies, complexes A and B, that contain up to six and 15 protein subunits, respectively. We provide here the proteomic and immunological analyses that verify the identity of all six Chlamydomonas A proteins. Using sucrose density gradient centrifugation and antibody pulldowns, we show that all six A subunits are associated in a 16 S complex in both the cell bodies and flagella. A significant fraction of the cell body IFT43, however, exhibits a much slower sedimentation of ∼2 S and is not associated with the IFT A complex. To identify interactions between the six A proteins, we combined exhaustive yeast-based two-hybrid analysis, heterologous recombinant protein expression in Escherichia coli, and analysis of the newly identified complex A mutants, ift121 and ift122. We show that IFT121 and IFT43 interact directly and provide evidence for additional interactions between IFT121 and IFT139, IFT121 and IFT122, IFT140 and IFT122, and IFT140 and IFT144. The mutant analysis further allows us to propose that a subset of complex A proteins, IFT144/140/122, can form a stable 12 S subcomplex that we refer to as the IFT A core. Based on these results, we propose a model for the spatial arrangement of the six IFT A components.
The effect of methylmercuric chloride on arachidonic acid metabolism by platelet lipoxygenase.

Abstract It has been reported that the addition of nonaggregating concentrations. of collagen, epinephrine, thrombin or arachidonic acidto platelets potentiatetheir responses to subsequent subthreshold concentrations of aggregating agents. We have previously reported that low concentrations of methylmercury will potentiate human platelet ATP secretion and that this effect is blocked by aspirin. Using rat platelets we have examined the effect of low concentrations of methylmercury on the metabolism of arachidonic acid. Low concentrations of methylmercury (20–100 μM) inhibit washed platelet lipoxygenase activity. In experiments using platelet rich plasma a higher concentration of methylmercury was required to produce a comparable inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism. At these concentrations no inhibition of platelet thromboxane synthetase was seen. These findings suggest that methylmercury potentiates platelet aggregation and secretion by reducing the inhibitory effect of 12 HPETE on thromboxane biosynthesis.
Biosimilars: Policy, clinical, and regulatory considerations

Purpose. The regulatory background surrounding biosimilars (biopharmaceuticals that are considered similar in composition to an innovator product, but not necessarily clinically interchangeable); equivalence, interchangeability, and unique considerations associated with biopharmaceuticals; the biopharmaceutical protein production process; scientific facts for use in the policy discussion about biosimilars; the European Union system for biosimilars; and the current status of biosimilars legislation in the United States are described. Summary. An abbreviated regulatory pathway for the approval of biosimilars, and a process for safely demonstrating the therapeutic interchangeability of these proteins, has the potential to provide meaningful cost savings. This economic advantage to patients can translate into important public health benefits. But to date, no formal regulatory process exists in the United States for bringing these drugs to market. In addition, the current tools for fully characterizing biopharmaceuticals are not—in certain cases—well developed, especially for proteins that have complex structures or are heavily glycosylated. In addition, using “similar” but not completely “identical” proteins interchangeably raises concerns about potentiating immunogenicity. The bottom line is that demonstrating therapeutic equivalence and interchangeability for biosimilars is not a straightforward matter—it cannot be based on the same criteria as for conventional small-molecule drugs. The science, while obtainable, is more complex. For example, it is assumed that showing that a biosimilar protein can be safely used interchangeably with an innovator protein would require, at the least, some limited clinical data and interchangeability studies. Notwithstanding the more complex scientific and clinical issues particular to protein products, most believe that a process for enabling the approval of safe and effective biosimilar proteins is not only possible, but an important public health goal. The European Union system for biosimilars may provide a model for anticipating and resolving the scientific and policy issues related to biosimilars in the U.S. However, biosimilars legislation is unlikely to be passed before the 2008 presidential election. Conclusion. The legal and regulatory status of biosimilars remains to be resolved in the United States as policymakers address the scientific and policy issues surrounding product manufacturing, patent terms, and clinical use.
Techniques of coiling cerebral aneurysms.

BACKGROUND More than 200 aneurysms have been coiled at the UIC Medical Center within the last 5 years. We describe in detail the technical factors that increase the chance of complete occlusion of a cerebral aneurysm with coils. Aneurysms selected for coiling have good geometry or are in a location that is difficult to reach surgically. Patients with medical conditions that preclude surgical treatment may also undergo coiling. METHODS Patients with aneurysms, either ruptured or unruptured, are treated under general anesthesia, fully anticoagulated and deeply paralyzed. Coiling is done under simultaneous biplane roadmapping. After the first coil has created a mesh, the aneurysm is densely packed with soft coils of decreasing diameter, until no more coils can be deployed into the aneurysm. RESULTS The morbidity and mortality rates associated with the coiling procedure have continuously decreased over the last 5 years. The morphological outcomes have improved, due to extensive use of the remodeling technique and to advancements in materials, such as refinements in the coils themselves or the availability of over-the-wire balloon catheters in different sizes and hydrophilic wires with complex tip configurations. Twenty-one percent of the aneurysms were considered to be incompletely occluded immediately after coiling. Of this group, one-third of the aneurysms were found to be completely occluded on follow-up angiograms by 6 months; these have remained occluded. One-third were more than 95% occluded after the coiling procedure; in these patients, the dome was completely occluded, but there was a small neck remnant, which has remained stable in all patients on control angiograms obtained at 6 months and 1, 2, and 4 years; none have rebled. These patients are followed medically. The remaining one-third of the aneurysms in this subgroup were less than 95% occluded, although the dome was completely thrombosed. None of them have rebled, but the neck remnant in most has regrown over a period ranging from 6 months to 2 years. These patients have undergone a second treatment-either surgical clipping, permanent occlusion of the parent vessel, or repeat coiling using the remodeling technique. The overall rebleeding rate of incompletely occluded aneurysms is extremely low (less than 1%). CONCLUSION The low morbidity and mortality rates and the good morphological outcome obtained in most cases make coiling a reasonable alternative to surgical clipping in properly selected cases.
Atrioventricular nodal gap conduction as a manifestation of dual nodal pathways

Abstract Electrophysiologic studies were performed in a 76 year old patient for evaluation of sinus bradycardia. Atrial extrastimuli were induced during sinus rhythm at progressively decreasing coupling (A 1 -A 2 ) Intervals. At an A 1 -A 2 interval of 420 msec, right bundle branch block developed, and at 370 msec conduction failed below the His bundle. When the interval was reduced to 320 msec, conduction resumed with a normal QRS pattern with an abrupt increase in A-H intervals from 165 to 305 msec. These findings are interpreted as type I or atrioventricular (A-V) nodal gap conduction physiologically related to conversion from a rapid to a slow A-V nodal conduction mode.
The improvement in the reliability problem for air current breaker's over current protect function

Almost all plants have the experience of ACB's overcurrent relay (OCR) unexpectedly trip event. Each accident will cause a huge production loss. But manufacturers of OCR can't afford the cost-effective solution of problem. The most used solution is to install an additional relay (ex. ABB Relay B) to replace the function of the ACB's OCR or to adopt a new ACB to replace the old one. These two uneconomical solutions are not only high cost but also time consumption on annual PM. Thus, authors proposed a novel solution by interlocking the main ACB's relay and the feeder ACB's OCR function to prevent the ACB tripped by OCR false tripping signal. This method does not require additional relay and current transformer. Therefore, it is a cost-effective and time saving solution.
The transmission of pressure in artesian aquifers

The water in artesian aquifers is confined under pressure. Under ideal conditions in a perfectly rigid artesian reservoir a change of pressure in one part of the reservoir should produce a corresponding change of pressure in all other parts of the reservoir. Theoretically, the transmission of pressure should take place rapidly and without any movement of water other than the small amount resulting from the compressibility of water. However, observations under natural conditions show that the transmission of pressure is not always rapid and that the rate of transmission appears to be determined in great part by the distance traversed and the magnitude of the change of pressure. There are many reasons for believing that artesian aquifers and their confining beds are not perfectly rigid but that they are elastic and capable of compression and dilation (O. E. Meinzer, Compressibility and elasticity of artesian aquifers, Econ. Geol., v. 23, pp. 263–291, 1928). This appears to be the cause of the lack of rapidity of transmission of pressure in artesian aquifers.
Reliable identification of counterfeit medicine using camera equipped mobile phones

The sale of counterfeit medicine is a continuously growing global problem costing billions of dollars and effecting hundreds of thousands of precious human lives annually. Consumers of medicine have no reliable and simple way of distinguishing genuine medicine from counterfeit. In this paper we analyzed existing techniques of counterfeit medicine identification on the bases of usability, security and scalability. Different shortcomings and security weaknesses of these reviewed solutions are identified. Based on these observations, a set of requirements is determined. These requirements address different aspects of a complete solution, such as usability by end users, security of the system against various types of attacks and scalability of the solution. We then propose a framework for reliably ensuring the fidelity of purchased medicine. The proposed framework is simple to use for consumers and does not require specialized equipment, training or technology. The proposed framework will enable the consumers to verify the legitimateness of their purchased medication by using their mobile phones. Data matrix is used to make the verification code machine readable.
Cellobiose hydrolysis using acid-functionalized nanoparticles

Mineral acids have been used effectively for the pretreatment of cellulosic biomass to improve sugar recovery and promote its conversion to ethanol; however, substantial capital investment is required to enable separation of the acid, and corrosion-resistant materials are necessary. Disposal and neutralization costs are also concerns because they can decrease the economic feasibility of the process. In this work, three acid-functionalized nanoparticles were synthesized for pretreatment and hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. Silica-protected cobalt spinel ferrite nanoparticles were functionalized with perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid (PFS), alkylsulfonic acid (AS), and butylcarboxylic acid (BCOOH) groups. These nanoparticles were magnetically separated from the reaction media and reused. TEM images showed that the average diameter was 2 nm for both PFS and BCOOH nanoparticles and 7 nm for AS nanoparticles. FTIR confirmed the presence of sulfonic and carboxylic acid functional groups. Ion exchange titration measurements yielded 0.9, 1.7, and 0.2 mmol H+/g of catalyst for PFS, AS, and BCOOH nanoparticles, respectively. Elemental analysis results indicated that PFS and AS nanoparticles had 3.1 and 4.9% sulfur, respectively. Cellobiose hydrolysis was used as a model reaction to evaluate the performance of acid-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for breaking β-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. Cellobiose conversion of 78% was achieved when using AS nanoparticles as the catalyst at 175°C for 1 h, which was significantly higher than the conversion for the control experiment (52%). AS nanoparticles retained more than 60% of their sulfonic acids groups after the first run, and 65 and 60% conversions were obtained for the second and third runs, respectively.
Murine BAFF-receptor residues 168-175 are essential for optimal CD21/35 expression but dispensable for B cell survival.

BAFF-R (B cell-activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family receptor) regulates B lymphocyte survival, maturation, homeostasis, and self-tolerance through signaling mechanisms that are not completely understood. A spontaneous BAFF-R mutation, Bcmd-1 , disrupts BAFF-R signaling. However, it is not clear why the Bcmd-1 -encoded BAFF-R fails to adequately support B cell survival, optimal CD21/35 expression, and B-cell tolerance to dsDNA, since it is 95% identical to the wild-type (wt) BAFF-R and retains the only known signaling motif. A retrotransposon insertion in A/WySnJ strain mice generated the Bcmd-1 allele, replacing the eight C-terminal BAFF-R residues with 21 retrotransposon-encoded residues. New data reported here show that the displaced residues, previously thought to have no signaling role, are essential for optimal CD21/35 expression but contribute little to B cell survival signaling. Analysis of wt Baffr or Bcmd-1 homozygous (A/WySnJ X B6. BCL2 )F2 mice confirmed that BCL2 complemented Bcmd-1 for B cell survival but not CD21/35 expression. Through in vivo retroviral transduction experiments, we show that Baffr complemented Bcmd-1 for B cell survival but not CD21/35 expression, whereas the BaffrΔ103 – 175 deletion mutant lacking the BAFF-R cytoplasmic domain failed to support these functions. Importantly, we show that the BaffrΔ168-175 deletion mutant lacking the retrotransposon-displaced residues, and a BaffrT170A mutant lacking a critical threonine, supported B cell survival but failed to support optimal CD21/35 expression. These data provide the first evidence for a possible bifurcation at the receptor level in the BAFF-R signaling pathway. We suggest that discrete BAFF-R cytoplasmic domains may interact with distinct downstream pathways to provide fine control over B cell survival, maturation, and tolerance induction.
Diffusivities of Ni, Zr, Au, and Cu in amorphous Ni-Zr alloys

The chemical interdiffusion coefficient was measured in an amorphous ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{33}$${\mathrm{Zr}}_{67}$ -${\mathrm{Ni}}_{61}$${\mathrm{Zr}}_{39}$ bilayer sample. With the use of an "inert" marker layer of Au at the interface, and the regular solution approximation, tracer diffusivities for the constituent elements of the alloy were determined. In addition, tracer diffusivities of Au in this alloy, and of Au and Cu in homogeneous ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{50}$${\mathrm{Zr}}_{50}$ amorphous alloys, were measured. The tracer diffusivities of Cu and Ni were much greater than those of Zr and Au suggesting that atomic radii strongly influence diffusion in this alloy. A preliminary value of \ensuremath{\cong} 105 kJ/mol for the activation enthalpy of Ni diffusion was deduced. Similarities between diffusion in $a\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{NiZr}$ alloy and $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Zr}$ are discussed.
A probabilistic framework to predict protein function from interaction data integrated with semantic knowledge

The functional characterization of newly discovered proteins has been a challenge in the post-genomic era. Protein-protein interactions provide insights into the functional analysis because the function of unknown proteins can be postulated on the basis of their interaction evidence with known proteins. The protein-protein interaction data sets have been enriched by high-throughput experimental methods. However, the functional analysis using the interaction data has a limitation in accuracy because of the presence of the false positive data experimentally generated and the interactions that are a lack of functional linkage. Protein-protein interaction data can be integrated with the functional knowledge existing in the Gene Ontology (GO) database. We apply similarity measures to assess the functional similarity between interacting proteins. We present a probabilistic framework for predicting functions of unknown proteins based on the functional similarity. We use the leave-one-out cross validation to compare the performance. The experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm performs better than other competing methods in terms of prediction accuracy. In particular, it handles the high false positive rates of current interaction data well. The experimentally determined protein-protein interactions are erroneous to uncover the functional associations among proteins. The performance of function prediction for uncharacterized proteins can be enhanced by the integration of multiple data sources available.
Motion-free volumetric retinal imaging with adaptive optics spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We report first observations of the three-dimensional morphology of cone photoreceptors in the living human retina. Images were acquired with a high-speed adaptive optics (AO) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) camera. The AO system consists of a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor and bimorph deformable mirror (AOptix) that measure and correct the ocular and system aberrations at a closed-loop rate of 12 Hz. Unlike previous AO-OCT and AOSLO instruments, the bimorph mirror was strategically positioned between the XY mechanical scanners and the subject's eye so as to avoid beam distortion at the pupil plane, which is created when the mirror compensates for the refractive error of the eye. This new configuration is evaluated empirically and with commercial ray tracing software. The SDOCT system consists of a superluminescent diode and a 512 pixel line scan charge-coupled device (CCD) that acquires 75,000 A-scans/sec. This rate is more than two times faster than that previously reported. Retina motion artifiacts were minimized by quickly acquiring small volume images of the retina with and without AO compensation. Camera sensitivity was sufficient to detect reflections from all major retinal layers. The distribution of bright spots observed within C-scans at the inner segment / outer segment (IS/OS) junction and at the posterior tips of the OS were found to be highly correlated with one another and with the expected cone spacing. No correlation was found between the IS/OS junction and either the plexiform layers or the layers immediately behind the OS posterior tips.
Mitochondrial granules in the normal and rachitic rat epiphysis.

Growth plates of rachitic, pair-fed control, normal and Vitamin D2- and phosphate-treated rachitic rats were studied with the electron microscope. Mitochondrial granule distribution was modified in the rachitic tissue; granules were noted only in a few cells adjacent to the zone of provisional calcification. Control rats demonstrated a gradient of granules throughout the growth plate. Supplementation of the rachitogenic diet with either phosphate, Vitamin D2, or both was able to re-establish the granule density and distribution found in control animals. It is suggested that one specific modification induced in mitochondria of chondrocytes by a low phosphate, Vitamin D2-deficient diet is the reduced ability to form mineral-containing mitochondrial granules.
χ″ peaks, flux pinning, and the irreversibility line in high-temperature superconductors

Abstract Physical processes that produce various peaks in the adsorption component χ″ of the AC susceptibility of high-temperature superconductors are described. It is shown that for good YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x crystals twinning planes are the main source of flux pinning and the primary determinant of the reported irreversibility line (IL) position in the H–T plane. In other situations, particularly ones involving weaker pinning, the apparent IL is found to lie much lower in the H–T plane. Ambiguous results from experiments designed to produce pinning sites by irradiation are discussed in the context to this new observation.
Detection of sex of fetuses by the incidence of sex chromatin body in nuclei of cells in amniotic fluid.

A technique for determining fetal sex by counting the number of sex chromatin bodies in the nuclei of amniotic fluid cells is described. The mean incidence of sex chromatin body in nuclei in the fluid of female fetuses was 4-6 times that found in male fetuses. The minimum incidence of sex chromatin in females was approximately twice the maximum incidence in male fetuses. The interpretive technique is discussed.
Diverse Virus-Host Interactions Influence RNA-Based Regulation during γ-Herpesvirus Infection

Post-transcriptional, RNA-based regulation is a major contributor to alterations in gene expression, and γ-herpesviruses interface with the host RNA targeting machinery in a variety of ways. Several of these interactions involve coordination with cellular ribonucleases, for example to direct non-canonical processing of viral microRNAs or widespread degradation of cellular messenger RNAs. Conversely, select viral transcripts use both cis-acting and trans-acting mechanisms to evade degradation. The diversity of mechanisms used by these viruses to both engage and escape the cellular RNA decay machinery underscores the influence these pathways exert on cellular and viral gene expression. Further research in this field should help reveal new mechanisms of RNA-based regulation in both infected and uninfected cells.
Genotype-dependent consumption of hypertonic saline in mice.

The parameters of an interaction between genotype and concentration of saline solution consumed were investigated. Mice of three different strains, C57BL/Ibg, BALB/cIbg, and DBA/2Ibg, were tested at each of six different concentrations of saline. The C57BL strain was found to increase saline consumption as a function of concentration to a peak at 0.3 M . The BALB/c strain gradually reduced and the DBA/2 strain rapidly reduced the amount they drank as the solution became stronger. The amount of water consumed following the saline tests was an increasing linear function of (prior) saline concentration for all strains. Possible explanations of the observed interaction are suggested.
Two distinct mechanisms of B-lymphocyte tolerance

Abstract Based on the different characteristics of “pure” B-lymphocyte tolerance induction by polymeric and nonpolymeric antigens, it is proposed that there are two fundamentally distinct mechanisms by which mature B cells are tolerized: Polymeric antigens inhibit the expression of surface receptors irrespective of surface Ig isotype, whereas nonpolymeric antigens act by an unknown mechanism in which surface IgD is critically important in rendering cells “resistant” to tolerance induction. Further experiments to validate this hypothesis are highlighted.
Essential Role of AKT-1/Protein Kinase Bα in PTEN-Controlled Tumorigenesis

PTEN is mutated at high frequency in many primary human cancers and several familial cancer predisposition disorders. Activation of AKT is a common event in tumors in which the PTEN gene has been inactivated. We previously showed that deletion of the murine Pten gene in embryonic stem (ES) cells led to increased phosphatidylinositol triphosphate (PIP(3)) accumulation, enhanced entry into S phase, and better cell survival. Since PIP(3) controls multiple signaling molecules, it was not clear to what degree the observed phenotypes were due to deregulated AKT activity. In this study, we mutated Akt-1 in Pten(-/-) ES cells to directly assess the role of AKT-1 in PTEN-controlled cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, cell survival, and tumorigenesis in nude mice. We showed that AKT-1 is one of the major downstream effectors of PTEN in ES cells and that activation of AKT-1 is required for both the cell survival and cell proliferation phenotypes observed in Pten(-/-) ES cells. Deletion of Akt-1 partially reverses the aggressive growth of Pten(-/-) ES cells in vivo, suggesting that AKT-1 plays an essential role in PTEN-controlled tumorigenesis.
An Intervention to Address Gender Issues in a Course on Design, Engineering, and Technology for Science Educators

My interest in engineering education and engineering in the K-12 system began when I started to collaborate with engineers in a center housed in the College of Engineering on my campus. We were writing grants and thinking about ways to get engineering practices into the K-12 classroom.
Bulimia and borderline personality disorder

Female patients with bulimia or atypical eating disorder (n = 31) were compared on dimensions of psychiatric symptomatology (SCL-90) and measures of eating problems (Eating Disorder inventory, Diagnostic Survey for Eating Disorders) with 10 similar patients who were also diagnosed as having borderline personality disorder. In addition to greater symptom severity and higher levels of distress (p < .05), the borderline subgroup scored higher on SCL-90 scales for interpersonal sensitivity, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and depression (p < .05), with no differences on the scales for bulimia and body-related concerns. The borderline subgroup of eating disorder patients did not differ on any SCL-90 scales from another comparison group of borderline patients without eating disorder (n = 32). The differential self-perceptions of the borderline subgroup may have implications for the formation of a therapeutic relationship.
Direct Atomic Absorption Analysis of Powdered Whole-Coal Slurries

Abstract A procedure has been developed which permits the direct analysis of powdered whole-coal samples by atomic absorption or atomic emission methods using conventional instrumentation, thereby eliminating time-consuming ashing and sample-digestion procedures. Linear plots of the absorption signal intensity versus the elemental concentration of analyzed whole-coal samples were obtained for several elements. Preliminary results indicate this method is applicable for the estimation of both minor-level (eg., Fe and Ca) and trace-level (eg., Pb and Zn) constituents.
Therapeutic Massage Impacts Quality Of Life For University Female Faculty In Teacher Education

Stress is a part of everyone’s life. Depending on the level of stress, it may affect people’s health and lives. Stress in the workplace may come from many different sources, however for the purpose of this study, the focus was on female faculty working in a Teacher Education program at a small north central, North Dakota university. Stress is repeatedly prevalent among female faculty. They typically spend long hours at work, and thus have less time for other things. Stressed female faculty may feel emotionally taxed and thus produce nominally. Stress may deteriorate social and family relationships and ultimately may take a toll on their health. Therapeutic massage has been proven to be a stress reliever and thus may be helpful in enhancing the quality of life among the female faculty. This study examined whether therapeutic massage reduces stress and improves the overall quality of life of female faculty working in a Teacher Education program. Specific questions posed by the study have been answered by exploring perceptions of quality of life and clinical outcomes of therapeutic massage treatments. The results of the study were shared in presentations at the North Dakota American Massage Therapist Association conference in Bismarck, North Dakota and at the national Teaching Professors’ conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Occurrence of Transformation Products in the Environment

Historically, most environmental occurrence research has focused on the parent compounds of organic contaminants. Research, however, has documented that the environmental transport of chemicals, such as pesticides and emerging contaminants, are substantially underestimated if transformation products are not considered. Although most examples described herein were drawn from research conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, such results are generally reflective of those found in other parts of the world. Results from a study of 51 streams in the Midwestern United States found that transformation products were seven of the ten most frequently detected pesticide compounds in late spring runoff (after application of pre-emergent herbicides), and nine of the ten most frequently detected compounds in fall season runoff (during and after harvest). In fact, 70% of the total herbicide concentration in water from the Mississippi River Basin was from transformation products. Results from a study of 86 municipal wells in Iowa found the frequency of detection increased from 17%, when pesticide parent compounds were considered, to 53%, when both parents and transformation products were considered. Transformation products were 12 of the 15 most frequently detected compounds for this groundwater study. Although studies on transformation products of synthetic organic compounds other than pesticides are not as common, wastewater treatment plant discharges have repeatedly been shown to contribute such transformation products to streams. In addition, select detergent transformation products have been commonly found in solid waste in the 1000's mg/kg. These findings and many others document that transformation products must be considered to fully assess the potential environmental occurrence of chemical contaminants and their transport and fate in various compartments of the hydrologic system.
A family of linear complexity likelihood ascent search detectors for CDMA multiuser detection

We propose a family of likelihood ascent search (LAS) detectors that achieve maximum likelihood detection in a subset of hypotheses whereas their expected per-bit computational complexity is linear in the number of users. The LAS detectors monotonically increase likelihood at every search step, and thus monotonically decrease error probability, and converge to a fixed point in a finite number of steps with probability one. It is proved that the thresholds set up in the LAS detectors are necessary and sufficient for monotonic likelihood ascent for an arbitrary signature crosscorrelation matrix with probability one. Among the LAS detectors, the set of wide-sense sequential LAS (WSLAS) detectors is shown to be a set of local maximum likelihood (LML) detectors defined with neighborhood size one. The properties of the fixed points and their observation regions are studied. Simulations are carried out and verify analytical results.
A SIMPLE WICKSELLIAN MACROECONOMIC MODEL

This paper describes a simple Wicksellian macroeconomic model that can be used in undergraduate macroeconomics courses. It is designed as an alternative to the Romer (2000) model that is slowly replacing IS-LM/AS-AD in many textbooks. The chief advantages of the Wicksellian model over the Romer model are that it accounts for the term structure of interest rates, and it uses the federal funds rate as a freely-determined monetary policy instrument rather than imposing a monetary policy rule. The model can be used to analyze a number of interesting issues in monetary policy that are difficult to handle in the IS-LM/AS-AD or Romer model framework involving permanent versus temporary expenditures shocks, anticipated expenditures shocks, and shocks to the term structure of interest rates. The model can easily be simplified for use in a principles course or extended for use in upper-level macroeconomics courses.