cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of tyrosine kinases in lymphocyte activation

Interaction of T- and B-cell antigen receptors with cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine protein kinases is critical to the activation of lymphocytes by antigen. Both the src-family tyrosine protein kinases Lck, Fyn, Lyn and Blk and the syk-family tyrosine protein kinases Syk and ZAP-70 play a role in lymphocyte activation. The antigen receptors are coupled to this cluster of kinases by the cytoplasmic tails of the gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, and eta subunits of the T-cell receptor, and the Ig-alpha and Ig-beta subunits of the B-cell receptor. Each of these proteins contains one or more 'tyrosine based activation motifs', with the amino acid sequence D/EX7D/EXXYXXL/IX7YXXL/I. This motif appears to allow binding of one or more src-like kinases, via their unique amino termini, before the onset of lymphocyte activation. Invariant tyrosines in the motif become phosphorylated following the triggering of lymphocyte activation, and this modification induces the binding of the src- and syk-family tyrosine protein kinases, and potentially other signalling molecules, through SH2 domains to the antigen receptors.
Estimating Free Energies of Formation of Titanate (MTiO) and Zirconate (MZrO) Pyrochlore Phases of Trivalent Lanthanides and Actinides

A linear free energy relationship was developed to predict the Gibbs free energies of formation (Δ𝐺0𝑓,MvX, in kJ/mol) of crystalline titanate (M2Ti2O7) and zirconate (M2Zr2O2) pyrochlore families of trivalent lanthanides and actinides (M3
Monoclonal antibodies to cyanogen bromide fragments of glycophorin A.

Eleven mouse monoclonal antibodies directed against epitopes on CNBr peptides of the major sialoglycoconjugate of the human red blood cell, glycophorin A, have been produced by hybridomas derived from P3-X63-Ag8.653 myeloma cells and spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with purified glycophorin. The monoclonal antibodies could be divided into four groups according to their reactivities with CNBr peptides in a direct ELISA assay: (1) one antibody (6B5) that binds solely to the aminoterminal octapeptide (CNBr3); (2) two antibodies (8F10 and 9C3) that bind to CNBr1 (residues 9–81); (3) two antibodies (3D2 and 4C6) that are reactive with CNBr2, The C-terminal portion of the molecule (residues 82–131); (4) six antibodies (1B4, 4C3, 4E7, 7B10, 7C11 and 9D6) which are cross-reactive with an epitope on both CNBr1 and CNBR3 glycopeptides. This cross-reactive epitope(s) appears to involve both carbohydrate and protein residues.
Anatomical Grading of Supratentorial Arteriovenous Malformations for Determining Operability

After the study of over 300 angiograms of supratentorial cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM's), the authors have formulated an anatomical grading scheme of I to IV to correspond to the degrees of surgical difficulty for total obliteration. The grading is based upon the number of directly participating arteries for which there is a standardized nomenclature. Occasionally, allowance for clinical grading, in addition to this anatomical grading, must be made. Also, for the anticipation of morbidity, but not mortality, the location of the lesion is important. The authors present the postoperative results in a series of 49 patients to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of the grading scheme.
Designing with traces

This paper draws on new materialist perspectives to introduce the analytic category of "material traces" to the field of human-computer interaction (HCI). Material traces reveal the dynamic and evocative nature of form by concretizing a unique location in time and space. Traces of skill, use, and time, for example, are valued for their emotional resonance in addition to the pragmatic goals in which they are embedded. Using this category, we develop a framework for design pedagogy that offers the lenses of attributes, entanglements, and trajectories as tools for gaining critical purchase on the objects produced. Mobilizing this framework within a classroom, design students envision poignant relationships to the non-human, engaged physics learning, and opportunities for reflection around breakage and repair. These design examples reveal how the category of material traces comes alive in practice and pedagogy. We end by discussing how this study of traces points to new opportunities for critical reflection in HCI.
An Analysis of the F Scale: II. Relationship to Standardized Personality Inventories

(1961). An Analysis of the F Scale: II. Relationship to Standardized Personality Inventories. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 293-301.
Trajectory queries and octagons in moving object databases

An important class of queries in moving object databases involves trajectories. We propose to divide trajectory predicates into topological and non-topological parts; extend the 9 intersection model of Egenhofer-Franzosa to a 3-step evaluation strategy for trajectory queries: a filter step, a refinement step, and a tracing step.The filter and refinement steps are similar to region searches. As in spatial databases, approximations of trajectories are typically used in evaluating trajectory queries. In earlier studies, minimum bounding boxes (mbrs) are used to approximate trajectory segments which allow index structures to be built, e.g., TB-trees and R*-trees. The use of mbrs hinders the efficiency since mbrs are very coarse approximations especially for trajectory segments. To overcome this problem, we propose a new type of approximations, "minimum bounding octagon prism" mbop. We extend R*-tree to a new index structure "Octagon-Prism tree" (OP-tree) for mbops of trajectory segments. We conducted experiments to evaluate efficiency of OP-trees in performing region searches and trajectory queries. The results show that OP-trees improve region searches significantly over synthetic trajectory data sets to TB-trees and R*-trees and can significantly reduce the evaluation cost of trajectory queries compared to TB-trees.
Identification of rumanite (Romanian amber) as thermally altered succinite (Baltic amber)

Romanian amber (rumanite) has been considered to be a separate species of fossil resin for more than a century. While earlier investigators held it to be very similar to succinite (Baltic amber), modern scholars have assigned it a distinctly different botanical origin. We have found that almost all of the constituents of the ether-soluble fractions of 13 specimens of authentic rumanite identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry have previously been reported in the soluble fraction of succinite, including succinic acid and its monoterpene esters. Additionally and significantly, the soluble fraction of rumanite contains a number defunctionalized compounds that do not preexist in succinite, but that are produced by pyrolysis of whole succinite or of its insoluble polymeric fraction. Simultaneous methylation pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of the polymeric fraction of seven of the rumanite specimens yielded further copious amounts of dimethyl succinate, a number of diterpene resin acid methyl esters, and additional defunctionalized compounds known to be pyrolysis products of succinite. The evidence shows conclusively that the botanical origin of rumanite is not distinct from that of succinite. Rather, rumanite is a succinite that has suffered partial thermal degradation in the course of the folding of the Oligocene Kliwa sandstone formation in which it is most commonly found.
Transvaginal ultrasonographic detection of congenital anomalies in the first trimester

Transvaginal ultrasonography enables detailed visualization of the first-trimester pregnancy. Thirty-three structural anomalies have been diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy during a 2-year study period. An understanding of normal embryonic development is essential before attempting diagnosis in this gestational period.
Wind erosion and intensive prehistoric agriculture: A case study from the Kalaupapa field system, Moloka'i Island, Hawai'i

Wind erosion is a major problem for modern farmers, a key variable affecting nutrient levels in ecosystems, and a potentially major force impacting archaeological site formation; however, it has received scant consideration in geoarchaeological studies of agricultural development compared with more easily quantifiable environmental costs, such as vegetation change or fluvial erosion. In this study, soil nutrient analysis is used in the Kalaupapa field system, Moloka’i Island, Hawai’i, to detect an increase in wind erosion attributable to intensive agriculture following the burning of endemic forest. This practice began on a small scale in the 13th century A.D., expanded around cal A.D. 1450–1550, and continued until the near total abandonment of the fields after European contact in the 18th century. Nutrients that naturally occur in high amounts in coastal windward areas due to the long-term, cumulative effect of sea spray were especially impacted. However, thanks to the unique landform of the Kalaupapa Peninsula, nutrient depletion in windward areas was offset by downwind enrichment and likely contributed to the long-term sustainability of the system as a whole. Future research on tropical and arid agriculture should consider the cumulative environmental cost of increased eolian erosion attributable to anthropogenic landscape modification. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parametric studies and characterization measurements of x-ray lithography mask membranes

The techniques used in the experimental characterization of thin membranes are considered for their potential use as mask blanks for x-ray lithography. Among the parameters of interest for this evaluation are the film's stress, fracture strength, uniformity of thickness, absorption in the x-ray and visible spectral regions and the modulus and grain structure of the material. The experimental techniques used for measuring these properties are described. The accuracy and applicability of the assumptions used to derive the formulas that relate the experimental measurements to the parameters of interest are considered. Experimental results for silicon carbide and diamond films are provided. Another characteristic needed for an x-ray mask carrier is radiation stability. The number of x-ray exposures expected to be performed in the lifetime of an x-ray mask on a production line is on the order of 107. The dimensional stability requirements placed on the membranes during this period are discussed. Interferometric techniques that provide sufficient sensitivity for these stability measurements are described. A comparison is made between the different techniques that have been developed in term of the information that each technique provides, the accuracy of the various techniques, and the implementation issues that are involved with each technique.
Effect of biaxial strain on acceptor-level energies in InyGa1-yAs/AlxGa1- xAs (on GaAs) quantum wells

Biaxial compressive strain produced in pseudomorphic epitaxy is known to alter the valence-band structure considerably. A theoretical formalism is presented to study the consequences of strain on carrier masses and hydrogenic acceptor levels in quantum wells. Using a nonvariational numerical method, we calculate the acceptor binding energy in an ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$As/${\mathrm{In}}_{\mathrm{y}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{y}}$As quantum well as a function of indium content and position of the acceptor impurity in the well. The acceptor-level energy is found to be a strong function of strain and could be used as a signature to study the valence-band structure.
The crystal structure of cholesteryl oleate

Abstract Crystals of cholesteryl oleate (C45H78O2) are monoclinic, space group P21, with a = 12.65(3), b = 9.13(3), c = 18.79(5) A , β = 93.3(3)° and have 2 molecules in the unit cell. The crystal structure has been determined by Patterson and Fourier methods at a resolution d min = 1.1 A , using 799 X-ray intensities (CuKα) measured by a diffractometer. Structure refinement by block-diagonal least squares gave R = 0.12. The oleate chains are almost straight except for a kink at the cis-double bond. The chains pack side by side but without a regular sub-cell structure, in a manner which might be similar to the arrangement within biological membranes. As in cholesteryl octanoate, the cholesteryl ring systems pack together with extensive overlap of anti-parallel nearest neighbours. Projecting methyl groups interlock.
Sociosexual strategies in tribes and nations

Extending the findings of this work: Tribal peoples need study. Monogamy as marital institution and monogamy as sociosexual orientation must be separated. Sociosexuality must be considered as an aspect of somatic as well as reproductive effort; third-party interventions in sociosexuality need attention; and multiple sociosexual orientations, with frequency-dependent fitness payoffs equal at equilibrium, need to be modeled.
Do diagnostic and treatment delays for colorectal cancer increase risk of death

Using 1998–2005 SEER-Medicare data, we examined the effect of diagnostic and treatment delays on all-cause and colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific death among US adults aged ≥ 66 years with invasive colon or rectal cancer. We hypothesized that longer delays would be associated with a greater risk of death. We defined diagnostic and treatment delays, respectively, as days between (1) initial medical consult for CRC symptoms and pathologically confirmed diagnosis (maximum: 365 days) and (2) pathologically confirmed diagnosis and treatment (maximum: 120 days). Cases (CRC deaths) and controls (deaths due to other causes or censored) were matched on survival time. Logistic regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment factors. Median diagnostic delays were 60 (colon) and 40 (rectal) days and treatment delays were 13 (colon) and 16 (rectal) days in 10,663 patients. Colon cancer patients with the longest diagnostic delays (8–12 months vs. 14–59 days) had higher odds of all-cause (aOR: 1.31 CI: 1.08–1.58), but not CRC-specific death. Colon cancer patients with the shortest treatment delays (<1 vs. 1–2 weeks) had higher odds of all-cause (aOR: 1.23 CI: 1.01–1.49), but not CRC-specific death. Among rectal cancer patients, delays were not associated with risk of all-cause or CRC-specific death. Longer delays of up to 1 year after symptom onset and 120 days for treatment did not increase odds of CRC-specific death. There may be little clinical benefit in detecting and treating existing symptomatic disease earlier. Screening prior to symptom onset must remain the primary goal to reduce CRC incidence, morbidity, and mortality.
Attempting to fathom the unfathomable: Descriptive views of spirituality

Objectives: To examine the various views of “spirituality” and its uses in the disciplines of philosophy, theology, psychology, and nursing. Data sources: Definitions and descriptions of spirituality and related terms from the disciplines of philosophy, theology, psychology, and nursing. Conclusion: Although it is widely accepted that holistic nursing care incorporates care of the spirit, nursing's view of spirituality is influenced by varying paradigms. Nursing researchers are exploring spirituality. Spiritual care that is ethical and sensitive is an invaluable part of total patient care. Implications for nursing practice: Appreciating various views of spirituality and recognizing the possible discrepancy between a nurse's and a patient's view of spirituality allows the reader to use such terms carefully and appropriately in providing sensitive patient care.
REFLECTIONS ON MIRROR FERMIONS

Abstract The survival principle is modified in a manner suggested by unified theories, which generally leave relic discrete symmetries, in addition to the SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1) gauge symmetry, unbroken down to low (⩽10 4 GeV) energies. Suitable discrete “mirror symmetries” of this type will make the existence of mirror fermions, required by several attractive theoretical speculations, consistent with phenomenology. We discuss phenomenological consequences of such schemes, paying special attention to the importance of apparent non-renormalizable interactions in the low energy effective theory. Unified theories based on SO(16) and SO(18) gauge groups provide examples; the latter appears particularly attractive.
Microprocessors In Spectroscopic Applications Of Imaging Devices: Design Requirements

AbstractThe philosophy of design in automating image detectors for use in spectroscopy is dictated by the charac-teristics of the detectors. The broad range of useful detectors forces general purpose spectroscopic systemsto be very flexible. A sample application of imaging detectors is used to present an example of how the de-vices are used. A multiple box approach was selected to match the above contraints. The detector controllersare preprogrammed state sequences. The computer box in the system was designed on the basis of data word size,data rate, computation requirements, and program support. A specially designed Direct Memory Access (DMA)channel is the key item of the floppy disk /RAM memory microcomputer. The design of the DMA is the key to al-lowing the detector timing to handle asynchronous events.IntroductionWhen considering image detectors and their application to spectroscopy, a number of different detectorsare usually considered: film, vidicons, Silicon Photodiode Arrays ( SPD's), Charge Coupled Devices (COD's), andimage dissectors. Before a detector is considered useful for spectroscopic applications, it must be examinedto determine if certain basic requirements are met. A list of required characteristics is presented in
Irrigation and Planting Date Effects on Seed Yield and Agronomic Traits of Early-Maturing Soybean

ABSTRACT Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growers in the mid-south United States have increasingly practiced early planting and double-cropping systems. Information on crop management is desired by soybean growers to improve production and profitability. Effects of irrigation and planting date on seed yield and other agronomic traits were investigated in soybean cultivars from eight maturity groups (MG) in 2002 and 2003 at two locations in Arkansas. The planting date (April, May, and June) and irrigation treatments significantly affected seed yield, plant height, and maturity. Significant effects were also observed for number of nodes, number of pods, and number of seeds per plant, whereas number of branches per plant was not affected by planting date and irrigation treatments. Irrigation improved seed yield by an average of 83% (986 kg/ha) in all experiments conducted across two years. Highest seed yield was achieved when soybeans were planted in May, followed by April and then by June planting. The MG V...
Cullin 4A Associates with the UV-damaged DNA-binding Protein DDB

The damaged DNA-binding protein (DDB) is believed to be involved in DNA repair, and it has been linked to the repair deficiency disease xeroderma pigmentosum. DDB also exhibits transcriptional activities. DDB binds to the activation domain of E2F1 and stimulates E2F1-activated transcription. Here we provide evidence that DDB or DDB-associated proteins are targets of cullin 4A (CUL-4A). CUL-4A is a member of the cullin family of proteins, which are believed to be ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligases (type E3). The CUL-4A gene has been shown to be amplified and up-regulated in breast carcinomas. In this study, we identify CUL-4A as one of the DDB-associated proteins. CUL-4A co-immunoprecipitates with DDB, but not with a naturally occurring mutant of DDB. Moreover, CUL-4A in HeLa nuclear extracts co-purifies with DDB, suggesting they are parts of the same complex. The observation provides insights how CUL-4A, through an interaction with DDB, might be playing a role in the development of breast carcinomas.
Esperanto and Esperantism: Symbols and Motivations in a Movement for Linguistic Equality

SUMARIOEsperanto y esperantismo: Simbolo y motivation en el mouimiento por la equidad linguisticaUna manera de lograr un mayor grado de equidad linguistica es el uso de una lengua auxiliar internacional creada con tal fin. El esperanto es la lengua artificial internacional mas evidente. Solo el esperanto, a diferencia de cientos de esquemas, ha devenido en lengua de una comunidad hablante significativa. ?Por que? En sus inicios el esperanto estuvo protegido de las tendencias reformistas y divisorias gracias (1 ) a la opinion general de que el volapuk, un proyecto anterior, fracaso debido a las constantes reformas y (2) al surgimiento del ido, una rama del esperanto, que alejo posibles reformadores del proprio movimiento esperantista, dejando a los visionarios sociales en vez de los visionarios linguistas. Actualmente (como en el pasado) las corresponencias simbolicas que asume en diferentes contextos sociales y culturales, son una clave importante para entender las diferencias de interes en el esperanto. Estas son discutidas especialmente en relacion al los Estados Unidos.RESUMOEsperanto kaj esperantismo: Simboloj kaj motivoj en movado por lingva egalecoUnu ilo por estigi lingvan egalecon estas intence kreita internacia helplingvo. La plej videbla artefarita internacia lingvo estas Esperanto. Nur Esperanto, malsimile al centoj da aliaj projektoj, fariĝis lingvo de signifa lingvokomunumo. Kial? Komence Esperanton kontraŭ disigaj tendencoj reformemaj ŝirmis (1) la ĝenerala kompreno, ke Volapuko malsukcesis pro konstantaj reformoj, kaj (2) la ekesto de Ido, kiu allogis reformemulojn. Tio lasis al la centra movado idealistojn sociajn, ne lingvistikajn. Hodiaŭ, samkiel antaŭe, grava ŝlosilo por kompreni la distribuon de intereso pri Esperanto estas ĝiaj simbolaj nuancoj en diversaj sociaj kaj kulturaj medioj. Tiuj ĉi pritraktiĝas rilate precipe al Usono.
The glycosphingolipids of rat sublingual and submaxillary glands.

Abstract 1. 1. Glycosphingolipids have been isolated from rat sublingual and submaxillary glands by the procedure involving lipid extraction, column fractionation and thin-layer chromatography. 2. 2. The major neutral glycosphingolipids in rat sublingual and submaxillary glands were monohexosylceramide, dihexosylceramide, tetrahexosylceramide and pentahexosylceramide. Both types of glands exhibited a low content of trihexosylceramide. The fucose-containing glycosphingolipids were not found. 3. 3. The acidic glycosphingolipids in rat sublingual and submaxillary glands were composed of monohexose sulfatide, dihexose sulfatide and monosialoand disialogangliosides of hematoside series. In addition, small quantities of gangliosides containing hexosamines were also present. 4. 4. The distribution of acidic and neutral glycosphingolipids was similar in the sublingual and submaxillary glands, except for the tetrahexosylceramide and sultatides. Sublingual glands contained 1.5 and 3.0 times as much tetrahexosylceramide and sulfatides, respectively, as did submaxillary glands. 5. 5. The glycosphingolipids of submaxillary and sublingual glands showed large similarity in fatty acid composition. The fatty acid composition of gangliosides resembled each other, but differed remarkably from those of sulfatides and neutral glycosphingolipids in the docosanoate content.
The effects of health and treatment perceptions on the use of prescribed medication and home remedies among African American and White American hypertensives

This study examines the relationships between health beliefs and the use of both prescribed medication and home remedies among a group of African American and White American hypertensives. Data were collected via telephone interviews with 300 individuals who had been medically diagnosed as having hypertension and had been prescribed at least one antihypertensive medication. Using the health belief model (HBM) as the theoretical framework, 4 primary hypotheses involving the perceptions of severity, susceptibility, benefits and costs of each treatment and compliance with prescribed mediation (Rx) and use of home remedies (HR) were tested. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that age, costs of Rx and benefits of HR predicted compliance with Rx. The primary predictors of use of HR were ethnicity, poverty status, education, severity, benefits and costs of HR. The differences in predictor variables for each treatment behavior are discussed and speculations about the nature and importance of these differences are offered. Study findings support the suggestion that patient beliefs about their disease and their evaluations of treatment options should be considered when developing therapeutic plans and when monitoring patient outcomes.
Flat panel detector-based cone beam CT lung imaging: preliminary system evaluation

The purpose of this study is to perform a preliminary evaluation of a newly constructed flat panel detector (FPD)-based system for cone beam CT imaging applications. A prototype flat-panel detector-based cone beam CT imaging system has been designed and constructed by modifying a GE HiSpeed Advantage CT scanner. The prototype consists of a modified GE CT HiSpeed Advantage CT gantry, an x-ray tube, a 397mm x 298mm Varian PaxScan 4030CB real time flat-panel detector mounted on the gantry, a CT table and an on-gantry PC to control image acquisition. Another PC workstation serving as an operating console controls the CT gantry and CT table, and sends trigger pulses to dedicated electronic interface modules to control radiographic exposure and to initiate data acquisition. Captured image data sets are first stored in the on-gantry computer and then downloaded from the on-gantry PC to the operating console for high-speed 3D image reconstruction. During data acquisition, the x-ray tube and the FPD can be rotated on the gantry over Nx360 degrees due to integrated slip ring technology. With a single scan, this device is able to acquire up to three hundred two-dimensional projections (1024 x 768 x 16 bits) for direct 3D reconstruction within 10 seconds. This system was used for a series of preliminary phantom studies and small animal studies. Using the continuous scan mode of the scanner, a few hundred projections were acquired for all volume scans. Direct 3D reconstructions were obtained to evaluate the system for cone beam CT for lung imaging applications. The preliminary results indicate that the newly built flat panel detector-based cone beam CT scanner works as expected and the low contrast resolution of the FPD-based CBCT system is approaching that of a multi-slice CT.
Lipids in cheese

Lipids are present in cheese at levels above 20% and are analyzed by several techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) are used to examine the microstructure, gas chromatography is employed to look at fatty acid composition, and differential scanning calorimetry is utilized to examine the melting profile. Differences resulting from storage, organic feeding regimen, substitution of milk from a different species, and homogenization may be determined.
Persister cells, dormancy and infectious disease

Several well-recognized puzzles in microbiology have remained unsolved for decades. These include latent bacterial infections, unculturable microorganisms, persister cells and biofilm multidrug tolerance. Accumulating evidence suggests that these seemingly disparate phenomena result from the ability of bacteria to enter into a dormant (non-dividing) state. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the formation of dormant persister cells are now being unravelled and are the focus of this Review.
Constrained Growth: How Experience, Legitimacy, and Age Influence Risk Taking in Organizations

Poor performance indicates that an organization's routines are not well suited for its environment and prompts decision makers to search for solutions. However, results conflict regarding how this search process influences risk taking in organizations. Managers in some organizations facing actual or expected performance shortfalls tend to take risks, while managers in other poorly performing organizations avoid risky changes. This conflict is interesting because some level of risk taking appears necessary for organizations to remain competitive, adapt to their environment, and improve performance. This study examines several mechanisms that moderate risk taking following performance shortfalls. First, I draw from organizational learning theories to argue that organizations with limited operating experience are less buffered from failure, and hence that poor performance constrains risk taking at these organizations. Second, I argue that organizations with poor legitimacy are also less buffered, and hence that performance shortfalls also lead to risk aversion at these organizations. Third, I draw from structural inertia theory to suggest that older organizations are less able to support risk taking following performance shortfalls. A test of these hypotheses on the capacity expansion behavior of U.S. railroad companies generally supports these hypotheses, although the effect of age is weaker. The findings contribute to theories of organizational learning and to several perspectives in organization theory more broadly.
DNA substrate specificity of DNA helicase E from calf thymus

DNA helicase E from calf thymus has been characterized with respect to DNA substrate specificity. The helicase was capable of displacing DNA fragments up to 140 nucleotides in length, but was unable to displace a DNA fragment 322 nucleotides in length. DNA competition experiments revealed that helicase E was moderately processive for translocation on single strand M13mp18 DNA, and that the helicase would dissociate and rebind during a 15 minute reaction. Comparison of the rate of ATPase activity catalyzed by helicase E on single strand DNA substrates of different lengths, suggested a processivity consistent with the competition experiments. The helicase displayed a preference for displacing primers whose 5' terminus was fully annealed as opposed to primers with a 12 nucleotide 5' unannealed tail. The presence of a 12 nucleotide 3' tail had no effect on the rate of displacement. DNA helicase E was capable of displacing a primer downstream of either a four nucleotide gap, a one nucleotide gap or a nick in the DNA substrate. Helicase E was inactive on a fully duplex DNA 30 base pairs in length. Calf thymus RP-A stimulated the DNA displacement activity of helicase E. These properties are consistent with a role for DNA helicase E in chromosomal DNA repair.
An exploratory investigation into institutional mistreatment

Abstract This article describes a unique system designed to investigate and evaluate the mistreatment of juveniles residing in institutions as well as describe the types of mistreatment and victim characteristics which are associated with mistreatment in institutions. Data were collected for fiscal years 1985–1986 and 1986–1987 ( N = 609). Implications of the results are briefly discussed.
The effect of canine macrophages on the adherence and growth of Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast: evidence of a soluble factor that enhances the growth of B. dermatitidis yeast.

Blastomycosis is a medically important systemic fungal infection of dogs and humans. Phagocytic cells are the first line of cellular defence against B. dermatitidis, and are a prominent feature in the lesions and exudate of canine blastomycosis. The adherence of B. dermatitidis yeast to canine phagocytes, and the effects of such adherence on the growth of B. dermatitidis yeast, has not been previously reported. The results of this study demonstrate that canine complement enhances the adherence of B. dermatitidis yeast to canine macrophages. Initiation of the canine complement cascade by B. dermatitidis yeast appeared to occur predominantly by the classical pathway. Adherence of B. dermatitidis yeast to canine macrophages enhanced the growth of the yeast. In the absence of macrophages, this effect could be duplicated by incubating yeast in conditioned medium from co-cultures of macrophages and yeast. This observation suggests that a soluble factor is involved in the growth enhancement of the yeast, These findings provide new insights into the adherence of B. dermatitidis yeast to canine macrophages, and how adherence influences the proliferation of B. dermatitidis yeast.
Invasive plants as feedstock for biochar and bioenergy production.

Abstract In this work, the potential of invasive plant species as feedstock for value-added products (biochar and bioenergy) through pyrolysis was investigated. The product yield rates of two major invasive species in the US, Brazilian Pepper (BP) and Air Potato (AP), were compared to that of two traditional feedstock materials, water oak and energy cane. Three pyrolysis temperatures (300, 450, and 600 °C) and four feedstock masses (10, 15, 20, and 25 g) were tested for a total of 12 experimental conditions. AP had high biochar and low oil yields, while BP had a high oil yield. At lower temperatures, the minimum feedstock residence time for biochar and bioenergy production increased at a faster rate as feedstock weight increased than it did at higher temperatures. A simple mathematical model was successfully developed to describe the relationship between feedstock weight and the minimum residence time.
An improved Thiessen grid for eastern Oregon: an interstation correlation study determining the effect of distance, bearing, and elevation between stations upon the precipitation correlation coefficient

Multiple regression analysis of approximately 2,500 interstation correlation coefficients of crop-year precipitation (October–June, inclusively) from 74 stations in eastern Oregon yielded significant (P < 0.01) regression coefficients for bearing and horizontal distance and a non-significant regression coefficient was obtained for elevation difference between stations. Higher correlation coefficients were found for stations oriented in a SW—NE direction than for stations lying in a SE—NW direction. Correlation coefficients between stations decreased as horizontal distance between them increased; however, this decrease was influenced by the bearing between stations. Construction of an isohomeotrope (line of equal correlation) diagram utilizing the two primary determinants provides opportunity to (1) select for any given area in eastern Oregon that station having the most similar fluctuations in precipitation, (2) project for any given station the area it represents for predetermined levels of r, and (3) permit the construction for eastern Oregon of a Thiessen-like grid depicting bounded areas of equal crop-year precipitation similarity.
Glucose-stimulated signaling pathways in biphasic insulin secretion

Glucose-stimulated biphasic insulin secretion involves at least two signaling pathways, the KATP channel-dependent and KATP channel-independent pathways, respectively. In the former, enhanced glucose metabolism increases the cellular adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate (ATP/ADP) ratio, closes KATP channels and depolarizes the cell. Activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels increases Ca2+ entry and [Ca2+]i and stimulates insulin release. The KATP channel-independent pathways augment the response to increased [Ca2+]i by mechanisms that are currently unknown. However, they affect different pools of insulin-containing granules in a highly coordinated manner. The β-cell granule pools can be minimally described as reserve, morphologically docked, readily and immediately releasable. Activation of the KATP channel-dependent pathway results in exocytosis of an immediately releasable pool that is responsible for the first phase of glucose-stimulated insulin release. Following glucose metabolism, the rate-limiting step for the first phase lies in the rate of signal transduction between sensing the rise in [Ca2+]i and exocytosis of the immediately releasable granules. The immediately releasable pool of granules can be enlarged by previous exposure to glucose (by time-dependent potentiation, TDP), and by second messengers such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and diacylglycerol (DAG). The second phase of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is due mainly to the KATP channel-independent pathways acting in synergy with the KATP channel-dependent pathway. The rate-limiting step here is the conversion of readily releasable granules to the state of immediate releasability, following which, in an activated cell they will undergo exocytosis. In the rat and human β-cell the KATP channel-independent pathways induce a time-dependent increase in the rate of this step that results in the typical rising second-phase response. In the mouse β-cell the rate appears not to be changed much by glucose. Potential intermediates involved in controlling the rate-limiting step include increases in cytosolic long-chain acyl-CoA levels, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and guanosine triphosphate (GTP), DAG binding proteins, including some isoforms of protein kinase (PKC), and protein acyl transferases. Agonists that can change the rate-limiting steps for both phases of insulin release include those like glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that raise cyclic AMP levels and those like acetylcholine that act via DAG. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Improved Convection Scheme Applied to Recombining Divertor Plasma Flows

A high-order finite volume convection scheme, in conjunction with a monotonicity preserving flux-limiter is applied to a combined tokamak edge plasma/Navier?Stokes neutral transport model. This is a highly nonlinear system of convection?diffusion?reaction equations which describe the partially ionized boundary layer plasma of a tokamak fusion reactor. The solutions of interest contain a sharp ionization front. The improved convective discretization is applied within the context of the existing matrix-free Newton?Krylov solution algorithm. More accurate convective differencing is shown to make a significant difference on a problem of current interest. It is demonstrated that a matrix-free Newton?Krylov implementation, where the preconditioner is derived using first-order upwind convective differencing, provides savings in both memory requirements and CPU time.
Patterns of perceived barriers to medical care in older adults: a latent class analysis

This study examined multiple dimensions of healthcare access in order to develop a typology of perceived barriers to healthcare access in community-dwelling elderly. Secondary aims were to define distinct classes of older adults with similar perceived healthcare access barriers and to examine predictors of class membership to identify risk factors for poor healthcare access. A sample of 5,465 community-dwelling elderly was drawn from the 2004 wave of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. Perceived barriers to healthcare access were measured using items from the Group Health Association of America Consumer Satisfaction Survey. We used latent class analysis to assess the constellation of items measuring perceived barriers in access and multinomial logistic regression to estimate how risk factors affected the probability of membership in the latent barrier classes. Latent class analysis identified four classes of older adults. Class 1 (75% of sample) consisted of individuals with an overall low level of risk for perceived access problems (No Barriers). Class 2 (5%) perceived problems with the availability/accessibility of healthcare providers such as specialists or mental health providers (Availability/Accessibility Barriers). Class 3 (18%) perceived problems with how well their providers' operations arise organized to accommodate their needs and preferences (Accommodation Barriers). Class 4 (2%) perceived problems with all dimension of access (Severe Barriers). Results also revealed that healthcare affordability is a problem shared by members of all three barrier groups, suggesting that older adults with perceived barriers tend to face multiple, co-occurring problems. Compared to those classified into the No Barriers group, those in the Severe Barrier class were more likely to live in a rural county, have no health insurance, have depressive symptomatology, and speech limitations. Those classified into the Availability/Accessibility Barriers group were more likely to live in rural and micropolitan counties, have depressive symptomatology, more chronic conditions, and hearing limitations. Those in the Accommodation group were more likely to have depressive symptomatology and cognitive limitations. The current study identified a typology of perceived barriers in healthcare access in older adults. The identified risk factors for membership in perceived barrier classes could potentially assist healthcare organizations and providers with targeting polices and interventions designed to improve access in their most vulnerable older adult populations, particularly those in rural areas, with functional disabilities, or in poor mental health.
Estimation of levels of metabolites of aromatic hydrocarbons in fish tissues by HPLC/fluorescence analysis

Aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) are extensively metabolized into oxidized products by fish and mammals. Some metabolites are more toxic than the parent AHs; however, currently there are no methods to screen tissues of fish or other marine species for the presence of AH metabolites. In the present study, a relatively rapid, semiquantitative method that combines enzymatic hydrolysis, methylene chloride extraction and hexane/potassium hydroxide partitioning with HPLC/fluorescence analysis, was developed for the estimation of the concentrations of polar fluorescent aromatic compounds (polar FACs; e.g., AH metabolites) in fish tissues. Liver and muscle from rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata) exposed to Prudhoe Bay crude oil in the laboratory were analyzed. Tissues from English sole (Parophrys vetulus) sampled at two sites (one nonurban reference and one AH-contaminated) in Puget Sound, WA were also analyzed. The concentrations of polar FACs in liver and muscle of PBCO-exposed rock sole were linearly proportional to dose. Also, in both species exposed to contaminants, the concentrations of polar FACs in liver were ∼15 times as great as those in muscle. Polar FACs, however, were not detected in muscle of English sole collected at either the contaminated or reference site, suggesting that polar FACs in naturally exposed animals may be present only at low concentrations unless exposed to high levels of contaminants such as AHs. Thus, the present method can detect, estimate and rank the relative concentrations of polar FACs (e.g., AH metabolites) in tissues, such as liver and muscle of fish. The method augments our ability to assess environmental exposure to potentially toxic contaminants such as AHs.
Exploring the association between board and organizational performance in nonprofit organizations

Note: This study investigated six dimensions of effective board performance, as suggested by Chait, Holland, and Taylor (1991), in relation to three theoretical explanations (agency theory, resource dependency theory, and group/decision process theory) of how board governance activities potentially influence organizational performance. Survey research findings revealed that strategic contributions from the board are more robust in organizations with higher financial performance. In addition, organizations that are judged to be higher performing also reported having high-performing boards across all dimensions. In particular, the interpersonal dimension provided a unique explanation of judgments of organizational performance.
Apical surgery may cause gingival recession.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Five-year changes in periodontal parameters after apical surgery. von Arx T, Alsaeed M, Salvi GE. J Endod 2011;37:910-8. Reviewer Simone Verardi, DDS, MSD Purpose/Question Does apical surgery affect periodontal parameters? Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Case series Level of Evidence Level 3: Other evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
A comparison of lycopene and canthaxanthin absorption: using the rat to study the absorption of non-provitamin A carotenoids

The purpose of this study was to validate the use of the mesenteric lymph duct cannulated rat to study the absorption of carotenoids which do not have provitamin Activity. The absorption of two carotenoids, a hydrocarbon carotenoid (lycopene) and a xanthophyll carotenoid (canthaxanthin), were investigated. In the first experiment, lipid emulsions containing lycopene (LYC) or canthaxanthin (CTX) were continuously infused into the duodenum, and lymph was collected for analysis at 2-h intervals. The time course for absorption of carotenoids and triacylglycerol (TAG) was similar. Carotenoids and TAG reached steady-state concentrations in the lymph by 6 h. There was no evidence for a delayed release of either carotenoid from the intestine relative to TAG. During a second experiment, emulsions containing increasing concentrations of LYC or CTX (5, 10, 15, 20 μmol/L) were infused. The LYC and CTX in the lymph increased in a dose-dependent manner. The average efficiency of CTX absorption was 16% while the efficiency of LYC absorption averaged only 6%. Efficiency of carotenoid absorption was not related to concentration infused. Finally, to test whether LYC and CTX interact during absorption both were added to a lipid emulsion at equal concentrations (20 μmol/L) and infused. The carotenoids did not significantly affect each other's absorption. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the rat as an animal model to study the absorption of non-provitamin A carotenoids.
Novel probabilistic dynamic safety metric formulations for flight path determination

This article details a novel method for the determination of safe flight paths dynamically following an in-flight distress event. The method is based on probabilistic safety metrics which also include the touchdown and evacuation/rescue phases after landing. Two case studies simulating in-flight distress events, one from the west and the other from the east coast are presented using these formulations for a quantitative analysis. It is found that the nearest landing sites are not always the safest ones showing the benefits of the newly developed safety metrics. Finally, the path safety levels are plotted as a function of mission safety probability values using innovative polar plots that provide useful information to pilots.
160Gb/s OTDM clock recovery using cascaded LiNbO3 modulator

In this paper, we demonstrate clock recovery from a patterned 160Gb/s optical-time-division-multiplexed (OTDM) return-to-zero (RZ) data stream. A cascaded LiNbO3 Mach-Zehnder modulator is employed as an efficient optical-electrical mixer. A phase-locked-loop (PLL) is used to lock the cross-correlation component between the optical signal and a local oscillating signal. As a result, clock signal at 10GHz is extracted from the 160Gb/s optical TDM signal. The measured root-mean-square (RMS) timing jitter of the 10GHz clock signal is ~ 130fs.
Use of Oral Contraceptives in Women with Cystic Fibrosis

Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) represent the most common contraceptive method among teenagers and young adults. Because many women with cystic fibrosis (CF) are now surviving into childbearing age and are at risk for the complications of pregnancy in CF, oral contraceptive use may be indicated. However, it has been suggested that OCP use by CF patients may be associated with deterioration in pulmonary function. Ten adolescent and young adult women with CF and moderate-to-severe obstructive lung disease were studied while taking a combination oral contraceptive pill (Ovral 28). No significant deterioration was found in clinical status or pulmonary function. Careful follow-up should nevertheless be continued to monitor for other adverse effects of oral contraceptive use in CF, such as cholelithiasis.
Nitrous Oxide from Soil Denitrification: Factors Controlling Its Biological Production

Increasing concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, and molecular oxygen enhanced production of nitrous oxide relative to molecular nitrogen during denitrification in soils. Soil acidity interacted with nitrate to increase the ratio of nitrous oxide to molecular nitrogen. In response to anoxic conditions, nitrous oxide production initially increased but nitrous oxide was then consumed, a pattern which resulted from the sequential synthesis of nitrogenous oxide reductases.