cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Species distribution of new structures on fly antennae.

ANTENNAL receptors which mediate various stimuli are concentrated on three segments in higher Diptera1–3. The scanning electron microscope (Cambridge Stereoscan) has now disclosed previously undetected structures on the pedicel or second antennal segment of a number of common flies (Figs. 1a, b). (Specimens were gold coated at 200 A and the microscope was operated at from 3 to 10 kV with an aperture of 200µ.)
A Label-Free DNA Optical Fiber Sensor for Detection of Bacteria - F. tularensis

This paper presents a label-free DNA optical fiber sensor for detection of F. tularensis bacteria by detection of complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences. The sensor features cost efficiency, speed, and ease of use.
Spin relaxation in a Si quantum dot due to spin-valley mixing

We study the relaxation of an electron spin qubit in a Si quantum dot due to electrical noise. In particular, we clarify how the presence of conduction-band valleys influences spin relaxation. In single-valley semiconductor quantum dots, spin relaxation is through the mixing of spin and envelope orbital states via spin-orbit interaction. In Si, the relaxation could also be through the mixing of spin and valley states. We find that the additional spin relaxation channel, via spin-valley mixing and electrical noise, is indeed important for an electron spin in a Si quantum dot. By considering both spin-valley and intravalley spin-orbit mixings and Johnson noise in a Si device, we find that the spin relaxation rate peaks at the hot spot, where the Zeeman splitting matches the valley splitting. Furthermore, because of a weaker field dependence, the spin relaxation rate due to Johnson noise could dominate over phonon noise at low magnetic fields, which fits well with recent experiments.
716. Differential Effects of Secondary Structure on Antisense Oligonucleotide (AON) and Short Interfering RNA (siRNA) Mediated mRNA Cleavage

Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) impairs protein's synthesis by targeting its messenger RNA (mRNA). The antisense oligonucleotide (AON) and RNA interference (RNAi) pathways can both accomplish PTGS by hybridization of a reverse complementary oligonucleotide and subsequent degradation of the mRNA by an RNaseH mechanism. Here we investigate the influence of specific mRNA secondary structure on targeting efficiency bymonitoring AON and siRNA mediated mRNA cleavage in Drosophila embryo whole cell lysates. Structure was induced within a short mRNA target by annealing 2'|[ndash]|O|[ndash]|methyl oligonucleotides (2'OMe ON) followed by in vitro cleavage assays. We demonstrate that annealing a single 2'OMe ON upstream or downstream of a 21 nucleotide (nt) target site enhances mRNA cleavage within both PTGS pathways by 7% to 30%. Inducing structure on both sides of the target site with two or more 2'OMe ON resulted in 23% to 76%, or 18% to 92% more product formation for the siRNA and AON pathways respectively when compared to controls without induced structure. When two 2'OMe ON were annealed incrementally closer to the center of the target site from either side, it was found that AON retained 80% or more of their activity as long as eight or more nucleotides were unblocked. When less than 8nt remained available, AON activity was reduced to half of its potential. In the same fashion, it was found that the siRNA retained 90% of its activity when 16nt or more were available. Otherwise, siRNA catalyzed cleavage was reduced to 52% to 61% as more of the target site was encroached upon.
Image Processing to Automate Mesh Generation

Finite element modeling is now a standard approach used in the industry to minimize costly trials and help reduce the overall lead time in product and process design. However, building surface/solid models defining the product shape and generating finite element meshes for analyses still require a significant amount of the engineers’ time. In this paper, we present a new method for automatically generating a finite element mesh directly from bitmap images obtained from an artist’s concept of a label for an embossed aluminum beverage can, and demonstrate its application towards the building of tooling mesh models used in the modeling of the embossing process. This approach completely eliminates the need for creating a surface/solid model, thus resulting in a dramatic reduction in the time required for process design.
Centrally Acting Isosteric Mannich Bases

A number of N-heteroparaffinomethyl-1H-benzazoles is obtained by the Mannich and allied syntheses. Amine salts of all but the indoles are prepared. The degree of motricity and toxic levels are ascertained for the title compounds. Three major molecular modifications investigated cause variations in pharmacodynamic activity: substitution of the isosteric 1H-benzimidazole, 1H-indazole, and 1H-benzotriazole with 1H-indole; variation of the N-heteroparaffino-side chain moiety; and placement of the N-heteroparaffinomethyl substituents in different positions relative to the 1-nitrogen, depending on the particular benzazole. The 3-substituted indoles are most toxic and very active, while the 1-substituted benzimidazoles are best tolerated. Seven benzazoles (at least one from each chemical class) produce unusually high motility. Some general observations are reported. Methylpiperidino derivatives produce the greatest responses studied.
Effects of the form of representation and number of computer agents on conformity

In this paper, we demonstrate that the form of representation (character vs. text box) and the number (one vs. four) of computer agents affect people's conformity as well as attitudes toward the agent. A text box, as compared to a simple stick figure, induced more opinion change as well as eliciting more conformity. Interestingly, one text box was rated better than four text boxes in terms of social attractiveness, social presence, and trustworthiness, while the opposite was true of character.
Cheese: tracking mouse movement activity on websites, a tool for user modeling

Conventional web interfaces respond to and consider only mouse clicks when defining a user model. We have extended this and take into account all mouse movements on a page as an additional layer of information for inferring user interest. We have developed a straightforward way to record all mouse movements on a page, and conducted a user study to analyze and investigate mouse behavior trends. We found certain mouse behaviors, common across many users, which are useful for content providers in increasing the effectiveness of their interface design.
Perturbation of α-aminoisobutyric acid transport in human placental membranes: Direct effects by HgCl2, CH3HgCl, and CdCl2

Mercuric chloride, methylmercuric chloride, and cadmium chloride directly affect the human placental syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane. These heavy metals alter the facilitated diffusion of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) into vesicles of this membrane in microM concentrations. Mercuric chloride abolishes temporal kinetics of AIB transport, inducing an initial increase in AIB transport (27% at 100 microM) but subsequently lowering equilibrium values when compared to equilibrium time points in control. Methylmercuric chloride and cadmium chloride inhibited the initial rate of AIB transport (40% and 21%, respectively, at 200 microM), but did not affect the equilibrium value of AIB transported when compared to equilibrium levels in control. These effects were concentration dependent. Methylmercuric chloride was more potent in inhibiting AIB transport than cadmium chloride. Methylmercuric chloride and cadmium chloride effects on AIB transport were observed with minimal preincubation with placental vesicles. However, preincubation was necessary for mercuric chloride-induced perturbation of AIB transport. Cysteine protects against mercuric chloride- and methylmercuric chloride-induced effects on AIB transport but did not reverse these perturbations. Mercury- and cadmium-induced placental membrane toxicity result from interactions of these heavy metals with the placental plasma membranes.
Sarcophagid larval proteins: partial sequence homologies among three cuticle proteins and related structures of drosophilids

Three structural proteins from the larval cuticle ofSarcophaga bullata have been sequenced at the amino terminus for 30–40 residues. We observed a high degree of homology with related proteins ofDrosophila melanogaster, based on the previous findings of M. Snyder, J. Hirsh, and N. Davidson [(1981) Cell 25:165–177].S. bullata protein SC1 had 65% homology withDrosophila isolate CP1, and SC6 showed 49% homology with CPX and 54% with CP2a. The three sarcophagid polypeptides also resembled each other with respect to mapped products of tryptic cleavage. The sites of posttranslational arylation required for puparium formation, namely histidyl and lysyl residues, were asymmetrically distributed in the sarcophagid samples. In SC1 the bulk of the loci of putative crosslinks lay beyond the 43-residue fragment. In SC6 half the histidines fell within the first 25% of the primary chain.
Depressive symptoms among heavy cigarette smokers: the influence of daily rate, gender, and race.

INTRODUCTION Cigarette smokers experience higher levels of depressive symptoms and are more likely to be diagnosed with depressive disorders than nonsmokers. To date, the nature of the smoking-depression relationship has not been adequately studied among heavy smokers, a group at elevated risk for poor health outcomes. In this study, we examined depressive symptom expression among heavy smokers while considering the moderating roles of smoking status, gender, and race. We also explored whether amount of tobacco usually consumed had an impact. METHODS We extracted data from a large, highly nicotine-dependent, nontreatment cigarette smoking study sample (N = 6,158). Participants who consented were screened for major exclusions, and they completed questionnaires. RESULTS Smokers reported a higher, clinically meaningful level of depressive symptoms relative to nonsmokers (27.3% of smokers vs. 12.5% of nonsmokers) scored above the clinical cutoff on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale (p < .001), which differed among race × gender subgroups. Further, amount of daily intake was inversely associated with self-report of depressive symptoms. For every 10-cigarette increment, the likelihood of scoring above the CES-D clinical cutoff decreased by 62% (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS These findings improve our understanding of tobacco's influence on depressive symptom expression among heavy smokers, with implications for tailoring evidence-based tobacco treatments.
Uptake of99mTc-Sn-EHDP in beagles with advanced periodontal disease

Bone seeking radiopharmaceuticals were used in conjunction with skeletal imaging techniques to study bone mineral metabolism in beagle jaws. In beagles with chronic destructive periodontal disease, the tooth-supporting bone exhibited an increased uptake of technetium-99m-tin-diphosphonate when compared to control dogs. Scan images of soft tissue and vascular pools in the diseased jaws were normal. When quantitative densitometric data derived from bone scan images were compared, it was found that values reflecting radionuclide uptake in dogs with chronic destructive periodontal disease were six times greater than corresponding values in control dogs.
The fine line between mutualism and parasitism: complex effects in a cleaning symbiosis demonstrated by multiple field experiments

Ecological theory and observational evidence suggest that symbiotic interactions such as cleaning symbioses can shift from mutualism to parasitism. However, field experimental evidence documenting these shifts has never been reported for a cleaning symbiosis. Here, we demonstrate shifts in a freshwater cleaning symbiosis in a system involving crayfish and branchiobdellid annelids. Branchiobdellids have been shown to benefit their hosts under some conditions by cleaning material from host crayfish’s gill filaments. The system is uniquely suited as an experimental model for symbiosis due to ease of manipulation and ubiquity of the organisms. In three field experiments, we manipulated densities of worms on host crayfish and measured host growth in field enclosures. In all cases, the experiments revealed shifts from mutualism to parasitism: host crayfish growth was highest at intermediate densities of branchiobdellid symbionts, while high symbiont densities led to growth that was lower or not significantly different from 0-worm controls. Growth responses were consistent even though the three experiments involved different crayfish and worm species and were performed at different locations. Results also closely conformed to a previous laboratory experiment using the same system. The mechanism for these shifts appears to be that branchiobdellids switched from cleaning host gills at intermediate densities of worms to consuming host gill tissue at high densities. These outcomes clearly demonstrate shifts along a symbiosis continuum with the maximum benefits to the host at intermediate symbiont densities. At high symbiont densities, benefits to the host disappear, and there is some evidence for a weak parasitism. These are the first field experimental results to demonstrate such shifts in a cleaning symbiosis.
Effects of genetic and environmental host plant variation on the susceptibility of two noctuids to Bacillus thuringiensis

Two Apium graveolens var. rapaceum (L.) cultivars that differ in their suitability for the survival and growth of Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) and Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) were used to examine the effect of genetic and seasonal environmental variation in host plant suitability on the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Berliner). The effects of host plant genotype and B. thuringiensis were generally independent, so that B. thuringiensis efficacy was greatest on the resistant host plant cultivar. Host plant suitability varied within growing season for both insect species but, while host plant suitability decreased with increasing plant age for T. ni, the response of S. exigua to plant age was not as clear. Within season variation in host plant suitability affected B. thuringiensis efficacy and the interaction between B. thuringiensis and host plant cultivar for S. exigua but not for T. ni. Soluble protein and Folin-Denis phenolic concentrations of host plant tissue were not correlated with changes in host plant suitability to either insect species.
Inclusion complexes of proteins: Interaction of cyclodextrins with peptides containing aromatic amino acids studied by competitive spectrophotometry

The stability constants were measured of inclusion complexes formed from aromatic amino acids and their oligopeptides with α- andβ-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropylβ-cyclodextrin, and partially methylatedβ-cyclodextrin. The method of competitive spectrophotometry withp-nitrophenol as a competing reagent was used, and measurements were made at pH 7.4β-Cyclodextrin formed complexes of higher stability than the other hosts. The stability of complexes of oligopeptides containing L-phenylalanine was invariably higher than that of L-phenylalanine itself. A model for interaction of proteins with cyclodextrins is proposed, in which the most stable complexes are formed when the native functional form of proteins is unfolded and the nonpolar residues that are buried inside the structure are exposed to water. The complexation of the unfolded structure favors its formation; thus thermal denaturation of proteins is easier in the presence of cyclodextrins. On the other hand, this complexation prevents the intermolecular association of unfolded structures by noncovalent hydrophobic bonding between the exposed nonpolar residues; furthermore, the unfolded complexed forms may revert to the native functional form. This prevention of intermolecular association may explain the stabilizing effect of cyclodextrins on solutions of proteins: a return to the native form is achieved more easily from the complexed, unfolded form than from the unfolded, aggregated forms.
DETECTION OF WATER PROXIMITY TO TRYPTOPHAN RESIDUES IN PROTEINS BY SINGLE PHOTON RADIOLUMINESCENCE

Abstract We recently developed a single photon radioluminescence (SPR) technique to measure submicroscopic distances in biological samples [Bicknese et al., and Shahrokh et al., Biophys. J., 63 (1992) 1256–1279]. SPR arises from the excitation of a fluorophore by the energy deposited from a slowing beta decay electron. The purpose of this study was to detect 3 H 2 O molecules near tryptophan residues in proteins by tryptophan SPR. To detect small SPR signals, a sample compartment with reflective ellipsoidal optics was constructed, and amplified signals from a cooled photomultiplier were resolved by pulse-height analysis. A Monte Carlo calculation was carried out to quantify the relationship between SPR signal and 3 H 2 O-tryptophan proximity. Measurements of tryptophan SPR were made on aqueous tryptophan; dissolved melittin (containing a single tryptophan); native and denatured aldolase; dissolved aldolase, monellin, and human serum albumin; and the integral membrane proteins CHIP28 (containing a putative aqueous pore) and MIP26 using 3 H 2 O or the aqueous-phase probe 3 H-3- O -methylglucose (OMG). After subtraction of a Bremsstrahlung background signal, the SPR signal from aqueous tryptophan (cps · μCi −1 μmol −1 ± SE) was 8.6 ± 0.2 with 3 H 2 O and 7.8 ± 0.3 with 3 HOMG ( n = 8). With 3 H 2 O as donor, the SPR signal (cps · μCi −1 μmol −1 ) was 9.0 ± 0.3 for monomeric melittin in low salt (tryptophan exposed) and 4.6 ± 0.8 ( n = 9) for tetrameric melittin in high salt (tryptophans buried away from aqueous solution). The ratio of SPR signal obtained for aldolase under denaturing conditions of 8 M urea (fluorophores exposed) versus non-denaturing buffer (fluorophores buried) was 1.53 ± 0.07 ( n = 6). Ratios of SPR signals normalized to fluorescence intensities for monellin, aldolase, and human serum albumin, relative to that for d -tryptophan, were 1.42, 1.09, and 1.04, indicating that the cross-section for excitation of fluorophores in proteins is greater than that for tryptophan in solution. For the CHIP28 and MIP26 proteins in membranes, the ratio of SPR signal obtained with 3 H 2 O versus 3 HOMG was 1.35 ± 0.13 (CHIP28, n = 5) and 0.99 ± 0.02 (MIP26). These data are consistent with the existence of an aqueous channel through CHIP28 that excludes small solutes. We conclude that tryptophan radioluminescence in proteins is measurable and provides unique information about the presence of local aqueous compartments.
Uveodermatologic Syndrome in a Rat Terrier

A 4 yr old intact male rat terrier presented with severe bilateral nonresponsive panuveitis. Bilateral uveitis, blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, diffuse corneal edema, peripheral bullous retinal detachment, and secondary ocular hypertension were noted. Ocular lesions progressed despite aggressive medical treatment and were followed by cutaneous depigmentation and crusting along the nasal planum. Intensive oral and topical anti-inflammatory and topical antiglaucoma medications were administered, but the ocular disease progressed. A bilateral enucleation was performed. Uveodermatologic syndrome was diagnosed from histopathologic examination of a skin biopsy as well as histopathology of both globes after bilateral enucleation. To maintain control of the dermatologic lesions, oral azathioprine was initiated, but it was not well tolerated by this patient. Immunosuppressive doses of oral cyclosporine and anti-inflammatory doses of oral prednisone were used to control the depigmentation and crusting skin lesions.
Site Differentiation in Homolytic vs. Heterolytic Activation of Methane over Ba/MgO Catalysts

The present study was performed to obtain additional information about the relative importance of the two modes of methane activation on a series of previously characterized Ba/MgO catalysts that are very active and selective for oxidative coupling. The comparative poisoning effects of CO[sub 2] added to the separate reactant streams were used to differentiate the behaviors of the two types of methane-activating sites. The results demonstrate that although C-H bond breaking in methane may, in principle, occur heterolytically on certain sites under oxidative coupling conditions, such strongly basic sites are much more susceptible to deactivation by even trace amounts of CO[sub 2] than are the sites responsible for homolytic activation. 16 refs., 3 figs.
Myocardial failure with altered response to adrenaline in endotoxin shock.

1 There is a growing concensus that myocardial performance in the early stages of experimental endotoxic and septic shock is relatively normal; however, recent reports have identified an intermediate phase of shock when myocardial dysfunction is clearly apparent.2 The mechanism of dysfunction has become a subject of intense investigation. A current view is that altered myocardial responsiveness to circulating catecholamines may play an important role in the dysfunction observed after endotoxin administration. The present studies, in which an isolated working heart preparation of the dog was used, were designed to test this hypothesis. This particular experimental preparation was selected to provide an adequate interpretation of results; cardiac output, afterload, and concentrations of adrenaline reaching the coronary vascular bed were controlled in all experiments. Responses to infusions of adrenaline were recorded in the ;steady-state' condition. Control (non-shocked) heart responses to adrenaline were highly reproducible in terms of inotropic, chronotropic and coronary vascular behaviour.3 Results from the study document myocardial dysfunction within 4-6 h following an LD(70) endotoxin administration on the basis of increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), decreased cardiac power and myocardial efficiency, and depressed negative and positive dP/dt parameters.4 Findings suggest significantly altered responsiveness of the myocardium to infused adrenaline at rates of 1, 2, and 5 mug/min with concentrations between 10 and 1 ng/ml blood. LVEDP was elevated while calculated power and efficiency parameters remained significantly below control values during infusion of adrenaline in endotoxin-treated hearts. Depressions of responsiveness were interpreted to occur on the basis of failure to restore positive and negative dP/dt to normal values and depressed coronary blood flow responses during adrenaline administration. Increases in coronary flow were regularly less in experimental hearts than the controls. Heart rate responses to adrenaline in both failing and non-failing hearts were identical.5 In conclusion, it is suggested that myocardial contractile and relaxation characteristics and coronary vascular responses to adrenaline infusion are depressed in endotoxin shock during the period of demonstrated myocardial dysfunction. No distinct causal relationships were observed between the altered myocardial responsiveness and pathogenesis of heart dysfunction since myocardial dysfunction and altered responsiveness to adrenaline were generally observed together. Myocardial oedema formation after endotoxin as previously reported by this laboratory may bear a relationship to the depressed negative dP/dt response to adrenaline.
The Effect of Pin Load Distribution on the Strength of Pin Loaded Holes in Laminated Composites

An analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the assumed pin load distribution on the calculated strength and predicted failure mode of pin loaded holes in laminated composites. The calculat...
Aminoglycoside-Resistant Streptococcus and Enterococcus Species Isolated from Bovine Mammary Secretions

A total of 117 isolates representing four Streptococcus species and 20 isolates representing two Enterococcus species from bovine mammary secretions were examined for resistance to streptomycin, kanamycin, and gentamicin. Resistance to streptomycin (85.4%) was most prevalent, followed by kanamycin (19%) and gentamicin (2.2%). Minimum inhibitory concentration of streptomycin for most organisms examined ranged from 16 to 250 micrograms/ml. For kanamycin, the minimum inhibitory concentration for most organisms was .5 to 62.5 micrograms/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentration for gentamicin was lower than for kanamycin. Two strains each of Streptococcus uberis and Enterococcus faecalis had minimum inhibitory concentration for streptomycin of greater than 2000 micrograms/ml, and two strains of E. faecalis had similar minimum inhibitory concentration for kanamycin. The minimum bactericidal concentration for all organisms was one to four times higher than minimum inhibitory concentration. None of the organisms evaluated was found to carry plasmids. Transfer of antibiotic resistance in plasmid-free strains was not achieved by mobilization with the aid of plasmid pAD1, indicating the absence of conjugative transposons. These data suggest that expression of aminoglycoside resistance of Streptococcus and Enterococcus species of bovine origin is likely due to factors other than plasmids or conjugative transposons.
The One Best Way: Frederick Winslow Taylor and the Enigma of Efficiency

The article reviews the book “The One Best Way: Frederick Winslow Taylor and the Enigma of Efficiency,” by Robert Kanigel.
Poaching Cultural Property: Invoking Cultural Property Law to Protect Elephants

Traditional methods of fighting elephant poaching in Africa1E.g., Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, opened for signature Mar. 3, 1973, 27 U.S.T. 1087,...
Domain-wall dynamic transitions in thin films.

Two-dimensional domain-wall configurations and dynamics in thin films with the easy axis parallel to the film plane are calculated by using LaBonte-like energy minimization as well as solving the Landau-Lifshitz equation with phenomenological damping. Under a sufficiently small uniform field applied in the easy direction, the effective wall mass and the viscosity coefficient induced from a uniform wall motion are compared with theoretical values. For external fields much greater than the anisotropy field, the wall motion exhibits complex features, including periodic transitions between asymmetric Bloch and N\'eel wall structures and the emergence of multivortices, depending on the film thickness. The latter serves as a precursor to turbulent wall dynamics at even higher external fields. With a varying external field applied in the hard direction and parallel to the film surface, wall structure changes between asymmetric Bloch- and N\'eel-type walls are also seen. An irreversible transition is observed which causes a constricted hard-axis hysteresis loop. Dynamically, this hysteretic transition can be associated with wall creep.
Comparison of pregnant and non-pregnant occupant crash and injury characteristics based on national crash data

The objective of this study was to provide specific characteristics of injuries and crash characteristics for pregnant occupants from the National Automotive Sampling System/Crashworthiness Data System (NASS/CDS) database for pregnant women as a group, broken down by trimester, and compared to non-pregnant women. Using all NASS/CDS cases collected between the years 2000 and 2012 with at least one pregnant occupant, the entire pregnant data set included 321,820 vehicles, 324,535 occupants, and 640,804 injuries. The pregnant occupant data were compared to the characteristics of NASS/CDS cases for 14,719,533 non-pregnant females 13–44 years old in vehicle crashes from 2000 to 2012. Sixty five percent of pregnant women were located in the front left seat position and roughly the same percentage of pregnant women was wearing a lap and shoulder belt. The average change in velocity was 11.6 mph for pregnant women and over 50% of crashes for pregnant women were frontal collisions. From these collisions, less than seven percent of pregnant women sustained MAIS 2+ injuries. Minor differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant occupants were identified in the body region and source of injuries sustained. However, the data indicated no large differences in injury or crash characteristics based on trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, the risk of an MAIS 2+ level injury for pregnant occupants is similar to the risk of injury for non-pregnant occupants based on the total vehicle change in velocity. Overall this study provides useful data for researchers to focus future efforts in pregnant occupant research. Additionally, this study reinforces that more detailed and complete data on pregnant crashes needs to be collected to understand the risk for pregnant occupants.
Interethnic variability of ERCC2 polymorphisms.

Excision Repair Cross-Complementing Rodent Repair Group 2 (ERCC2) plays an important role in DNA repair by eliminating bulky DNA adducts produced by platinum agents during the nucleotide excision repair pathway. Several studies have associated polymorphisms in ERCC2 with response to platinum therapy, lung cancer risk, and DNA repair capacity. This study examined ERCC2 polymorphisms and haplotype structure across 18.9 kb in 95 European, 95 African, and 95 Asian individuals. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (ERCC2 −9164 A>T, −1989 A>G, −516 G>A, 468 C>A [Arg156Arg], 1737 C>T [Val579Val], 2133 C>T [Asp711Asp], and 2251 T>G [Lys751Gln]) were mined and mapped using Golden Path, PolyMAPr, and Promolign. Genotyping was performed using PCR and pyrosequencing. Allele frequencies ranged from 0 to 0.47 (Europeans), 0.05 to 0.72 (Africans), and 0 to 0.47 (Asians). The synonymous cSNP at codon 579 could not be confirmed in our populations. There were significant differences in haplotype structure and frequency between populations. This information on ERCC2 genomic structure will allow the construction of definitive studies to clarify the clinical role of this important gene.
The lady and the banyan tree: civil-law change in Indonesia

In 1960 the blindfolded lady with scales was replaced as Indonesia's symbol of justice by a stylized banyan tree, inscribed with the Javanese word Pengajoman-protection and succor.' It was generally agreed that the new symbolism struck a true note, despite cynical comment in private on the real deterioration of justice since the end of the revolution (1945-1950). The satisfaction may have been mainly esthetic, but substituting the Asian banyan tree for the European lady did reflect the concern of Indonesian leaders to return to their own traditions. It also represented a quickening of the process of transformation of the heritage of Dutch colonial law into Indonesian law. This was an awesome heritage, born of a plural legal order almost as intricate as the colonial society which it served. Colonial public policy in the Netherlands-Indies recognized the existence of distinct population groups: Europeans, Indonesians, Chinese, and other 'foreign orientals,' mostly Arabs. There were two separate secular judicial structures, one for Indonesians and one for Europeans. All population groups were subject to the same criminal code, promulgated in 1914, but according to two different procedural codes. In civil matters Indonesians followed the adat (customary) law, which itself varied from area to area of the great archipelago. European civil law was provided in copies of the originally Napoleonic Dutch civil and commercial codes. In the criminal law Chinese and Arabs were considered to be assimilated to Indonesians, in the commercial law to Europeans,
Relaxation of the Aorta During Hypoxia Is Impaired in Chronically Hypertensive Rats

Abstract We investigated mechanisms by which hypoxia produces relaxation of the aorta and tested the hypothesis that these mechanisms are altered during chronic hypertension. Tension of thoracic aortae from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) was measured in an organ bath under control conditions and at two levels of hypoxia. In WKY rats, mild and severe hypoxia produced relaxation of the aortae (precontracted with phenylephrine) by 33±4% and 82±3%, respectively (mean±SEM). Removal of endothelium or administration of N G -nitro-l-arginine (10 −4 mol/L), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, abolished relaxation of the aortae in response to mild hypoxia but did not affect relaxation during severe hypoxia. Glibenclamide (10 −6 mol/L), an inhibitor of potassium channels, attenuated relaxation of the aortae during mild and severe hypoxia by 49±16% and 74±4%, respectively. In SHRSP, mild hypoxia produced little relaxation of the aortae (3±4%, P
High-voltage, wavelength-discriminating light-activated GaAs thyristor

A GaAs thyristor with 35 V breakover has been fabricated that exhibits large discrimination between light and flash X-ray power levels for triggering. Approximately 108 times more X-ray than light power is needed to switch the device over a bias voltage range of 25 V. This discrimination property represents a form of radiation hardening for a lightactivated switch.
Using a shared, remote cluster for teaching HPC

Production clusters are a common environment for programming assignments in courses involving High Performance Computing, but they can present challenges, especially in the context of use by courses at institutions remote from these resources. In the context of the Oklahoma Cyberinfrastructure Initiative, the University of Oklahoma has been providing its centrally managed clusters for use by courses statewide. This paper explores mechanisms for using this shared, remote resource for teaching, and advocates in favor of such use.
Social Theory, Social Programs, and Program Evaluation: a Metatheoretical Note*

Program evaluation attempts to assess the consequence of deliberate efforts to intervene in ongoing social processes. Efforts to understand and explain social processes and social change constitute...
Teaching experimental psychology with on-line computers

The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of on-line computers in the teaching of experimental methodology. Computer models are featured.
On the dissociation energies and bonding in NiCO+ and TiCO+

Ab initio calculations on the NiCO(+) and TiCO(+) molecules are carried out using large Gaussian basis sets and extensive treatment of electron correlation. The NiCO(+) molecule is found to have a 2Sigma(+) ground state with a 2Delta state only 2.1 kcal/mole higher in energy. The Ni(+)-CO structure is about 11 and 28 kcal/mole more stable than the Ni(+)-OC and the T-shaped structures, respectively.
Analytical solutions of the atmospheric diffusion equation with multiple sources and height-dependent wind speed and eddy diffusivities

Abstract Three-dimensional analytical solutions of the atmospheric diffusion equation with multiple sources and height-dependent wind speed and eddy diffusivities are derived in a systematic fashion. For homogeneous Neumann (total reflection), Dirichlet (total adsorption), or mixed boundary conditions, the solutions for a single source are comprised of three components: a source strength, a crosswind dispersion factor, and a vertical dispersion factor. The two dispersion factors together constitute a Green's function—the concentration response due to a unit disturbance (source). When the general point source Green's functions are derived for a bounded domain (inversion effect) with various boundary conditions and arbitrary power-law profiles for wind speed and eddy diffusivities, previously published equations are found to be simplified versions of this more general case. A methodology based on the superposition of Green's functions is proposed, which enables the estimation of ambient concentrations not only from a single source, but also from multiple point, line, or area releases.
Mach: a system software kernel

The Mach operating system can be used as a system software kernel which can support a variety of operating system environments. Key elements of the Mach design which allow it to efficiently support system software include integrated virtual memory management and interprocess communication, multiple threads of control within on address space, support for transparent system trap callout, and an object programming facility integrated with the Mach IPC mechanisms. >
Economic Factors and Body Weight: An Empirical Analysis

With this study, we investigate the effects of changes in economic factors on body weight by constructing a utility theoretic model. The model is empirically estimated by combining data on individuals’ body weight, demographic and physical activity information, and statelevel measures pertaining to the prices of food away from home, food at home, and wages. By combining these data sources, we aim to estimate directly the weight effects of price and income changes. The empirical analysis suggests that decreasing the price of food at home could decrease body weight, a finding which has important public policy implications.
Switch recombination and somatic hypermutation are controlled by the heavy chain 3' enhancer region.

Both class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM) require transcription and the trans-acting factor activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and must be up-regulated during antigen-dependent differentiation of B lymphocytes. To test the role of the heavy chain 3′ enhancers in both CSR and SHM, we used a BAC transgene of the entire heavy chain constant region locus. Using Cre-loxP recombination to delete a 28-kb region that contains the four known 3′ heavy chain enhancers, we isolated lines of BAC transgenic mice with an intact heavy chain locus and paired lines in the same chromosomal insertion site lacking the 3′ enhancers. Intact heavy chain transgenes undergo CSR to all heavy chain genes and mutate their transgenic VDJ exon. In paired transgenes lacking the 3′ enhancer region, CSR to most heavy chain genes is reduced to ∼1% of the levels for intact heavy chain loci; SHM is also reduced. Finally, we find that in B cells with a transgene lacking the 3′ enhancers, interchromosomal recombination between the transgenic VDJ exon and the endogenous heavy chain C genes is more easily detected than CSR within the transgene.
Variation of fragmentation with chain length between two functional groups

A study has been made of the spectra of a series of compounds containing both a styryl and a benzoyl π-electron system separated by one to four methylene groups. Of particular interest is a fragmentation process which involves both functional groups, yet only proceeds when they are separated by at least four methylene units.
Initial Assessment, Surveillance, and Management of Blood Pressure in Patients Receiving Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling Pathway Inhibitors

Hypertension is a mechanism-based toxic effect of drugs that inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway (VSP). Substantial evidence exists for managing hypertension as a chronic condition, but there are few prospectively collected data on managing acute hypertension caused by VSP inhibitors. The Investigational Drug Steering Committee of the National Cancer Institute convened an interdisciplinary cardiovascular toxicities expert panel to evaluate this problem, to make recommendations to the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program on further study, and to structure an approach for safe management by treating physicians. The panel reviewed: the published literature on blood pressure (BP), hypertension, and specific VSP inhibitors; abstracts from major meetings; shared experience with the development of VSP inhibitors; and established principles of hypertension care. The panel generated a consensus report including the recommendations on clinical concerns summarized here. To support the greatest possible number of patients to receive VSP inhibitors safely and effectively, the panel had four recommendations: 1) conduct and document a formal risk assessment for potential cardiovascular complications, 2) recognize that preexisting hypertension will be common in cancer patients and should be identified and addressed before initiation of VSP inhibitor therapy, 3) actively monitor BP throughout treatment with more frequent assessments during the first cycle of treatment, and 4) manage BP with a goal of less than 140/90 mmHg for most patients (and to lower, prespecified goals in patients with specific preexisting cardiovascular risk factors). Proper agent selection, dosing, and scheduling of follow-up should enable maintaining VSP inhibition while avoiding the complications associated with excessive or prolonged elevation in BP.
A Snapshot of Tissue Glycerolipids

The lipid membrane is the portal to the cell and its first line of defense against the outside world. Its plasticity, diversity and powers of accommodation in a myriad of environments, mirrored by the varied make up of the cells it protects, are unparalleled. Glycerophospholipids are one of its major components. In cell membranes the extracellular layer is mainly made up of positively charged glycolipids, while the intracellular one's main components are negatively charged. Advances in mass spectrometry have allowed the direct probing of tissues, and thus a direct approach to probing membranes make up was developed. Until recently most studies have focused on proteins. An overview of the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) for the direct analysis of phospholipids in various tissue is presented. Molecular ions corresponding to phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylinositols and sulfatides were mapped.
Nonparametric log spectrum estimation using disconnected regression splines and genetic algorithms

This article proposes a new nonparametric procedure for estimating log spectra. This procedure consists of three major components: (1) a novel statistical model for modelling the unknown target log spectrum, (2) an AIC-based model selection criterion for choosing a 'best' fitting model, and (3) a genetic algorithm for effectively searching the 'best' fitting model. Numerical experiments are conducted to evaluate and compare the practical performance of the proposed procedure with some other common log spectral estimation procedures appearing in the literature. These other procedures include wavelet techniques, kernel smoothing and regression spline fitting. Empirical results suggest that the proposed procedure compares favourably against all these procedures, especially when the unknown log spectrum contains inhomogeneous structures.
Spinal and Paraspinal Fungal Infections Associated With Contaminated Methylprednisolone Injections

Background. A nationwide outbreak of fungal infections was traced to injection of Exserohilum-contaminated methylprednisolone. We describe our experience with patients who developed spinal or paraspinal infection after injection of contaminated methylprednisolone. Methods. Data were assembled from the Michigan Department of Community Health, electronic medical records, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports. Results. Of 544 patients who received an epidural injection from a contaminated lot of methylprednisolone at a pain clinic in southeastern Michigan, 153 (28%) were diagnosed at our institution with probable or confirmed spinal or paraspinal fungal infection at the injection site. Forty-one patients had both meningitis and spinal or paraspinal infection, and 112 had only spinal or paraspinal infection. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities included abscess, phlegmon, arachnoiditis, and osteomyelitis. Surgical debridement in 116 patients revealed epidural phlegmon and epidural abscess most often. Among 26 patients with an abnormal MRI but with no increase or change in chronic pain, 19 (73%) had infection identified at surgery. Fungal infection was confirmed in 78 patients (51%) by finding hyphae in tissues, positive polymerase chain reaction, or culture. Initial therapy was voriconazole plus liposomal amphotericin B in 115 patients (75%) and voriconazole alone in 38 patients (25%). As of January 31, 2014, 20 patients remained on an azole agent. Five patients died of infection. Conclusions. We report on 153 patients who had spinal or paraspinal fungal infection at the site of epidural injection of contaminated methylprednisolone. One hundred sixteen (76%) underwent operative debridement in addition to treatment with antifungal agents.
Developments towards an artificial kidney

This article reviews the present state of renal failure and its treatment in the industrialized world. Novel and experimental therapies for the treatment of renal failure are covered, with special emphasis on a hybrid bioartificial kidney currently undergoing clinical trials in the USA. Preclinical data, results from human trials and work on miniaturization of the bioartificial kidney for implantation are presented. Research on microfluidics and nanotechnology applied to dialysis is ongoing in many academic centers, and several promising approaches are discussed. After 10 years of incremental improvements in end-stage renal disease care, several revolutionary technologies are on the horizon and approaching the marketplace.
Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis and Preeclampsia Are Related Disorders

Objective: To elicit factors associated with the postpartum development of septic pelvic thrombophlebitis in a single large referral tertiary patient population. Methods: A nine‐year single institu...
A Photochemical Switch for Controlling Protein-Protein Interactions.

Incorporation of an unnatural amino acid containing a photolabile group in the side chain allows specific interactions between two proteins to be prevented. The photocaged ras protein in which Asp 38 has been substituted by its β-nitrobenzyl ester (Nb) is unable to interact with its effector protein p120-GAP (see drawing below) although it has the same intrinsic GTPase activity. After photocleavage of the Nb group, 50% of the p120-GAP-dependent GTPase activity relative to the wild-type protein is restored.
Overexpression of Catalase Targeted to Mitochondria Attenuates Murine Cardiac Aging

Background—Age is a major risk for cardiovascular diseases. Although mitochondrial reactive oxygen species have been proposed as one of the causes of aging, their role in cardiac aging remains unclear. We have previously shown that overexpression of catalase targeted to mitochondria (mCAT) prolongs murine median lifespan by 17% to 21%. Methods and Results—We used echocardiography to study cardiac function in aging cohorts of wild-type and mCAT mice. Changes found in wild-type mice recapitulate human aging: age-dependent increases in left ventricular mass index and left atrial dimension, worsening of the myocardial performance index, and a decline in diastolic function. Cardiac aging in mice is accompanied by accumulation of mitochondrial protein oxidation, increased mitochondrial DNA mutations and deletions and mitochondrial biogenesis, increased ventricular fibrosis, enlarged myocardial fiber size, decreased cardiac SERCA2 protein, and activation of the calcineurin–nuclear factor of activated T-cell pathway. All of these age-related changes were significantly attenuated in mCAT mice. Analysis of survival of 130 mice demonstrated that echocardiographic cardiac aging risk scores were significant predictors of mortality. The estimated attributable risk to mortality for these 2 parameters was 55%. Conclusions—This study shows that cardiac aging in the mouse closely recapitulates human aging and demonstrates the critical role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in cardiac aging and the impact of cardiac aging on survival. These findings also support the potential application of mitochondrial antioxidants in reactive oxygen species–related cardiovascular diseases. (Circulation. 2009;119:2789-2797.)