cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning of a Phosphate-Regulated Hemolysin Gene (Phospholipase C) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Phospholipase C (heat-labile hemolysin) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a phosphate (P(i))-regulated extracellular protein which may be a significant virulence factor of this organism. The gene for this hemolytic enzyme was cloned on a 4.1-megadalton (Mdal) fragment from a BamHI digest of P. aeruginosa PAO1 genomic DNA and was inserted into the BamHI sites of the multicopy Escherichia coli(pBR322) and P. aeruginosa(pMW79) vectors. The E. coli and P. aeruginosa recombinant plasmids were designated pGV26 and pVB81, respectively. A restriction map of the 4.1-Mdal fragment from pGV26 was constructed, using double and single digestions with BamHI and EcoRI and several different restriction enzymes. Based on information from this map, a 2.4-Mdal BamHI/BglII fragment containing the gene for phospholipase C was subcloned to pBR322. The hybrid plasmids pGV26 and pVB81 direct the synthesis of enzymatically active phospholipase C, which is also hemolytic. The plasmid-directed synthesis of phospholipase C in E. coli or P. aeruginosa is not repressible by P(i) as is the chromosomally directed synthesis in P. aeruginosa. Data are presented which suggest that the synthesis of phospholipase C from pGV26 and pVB81 is directed from the tetracycline resistance gene promoter. The level of enzyme activity produced by E. coli(pGV26) is slightly higher than the levels produced by P. aeruginosa(pMW79) under repressed conditions. In contrast, the levels produced by P. aeruginosa(pVB81) are at least 600-fold higher than the levels produced by P. aeruginosa(pMW79) under repressed conditions and approximately 20-fold higher than those produced by P. aeruginosa(pMW79) under derepressed conditions. The majority (85%) of the enzyme produced by E. coli(pGV26) remained cell associated, whereas >95% of the enzyme produced by P. aeruginosa(pVB81) was extracellular. Analysis of extracellular proteins from cultures of P. aeruginosa(pMW79) and P. aeruginosa(pVB81) by high-performance liquid chromotography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the phospholipase C gene was cloned intact, and it is likely that several additional genes were cloned on the 4.1-Mdal fragment of DNA. It was also found that some of these genes encode proteins which are the same molecular weight as some previously described P(i)-repressible proteins of P. aeruginosa. The existence of a P(i) regulon of P. aeruginosa is proposed. It is likely that one of these genes also regulates the level of pyocyanin production by P. aeruginosa and that one or more play a role in transport or binding of P(i). The availability of the hybrid plasmids described herein will be useful in further studies on the role of this hemolysin in the virulence of P. aeruginosa and in the study of the genetics and physiology of P(i)-regulated proteins.
Temperament and Interparental Conflict: The Role of Negative Emotionality in Predicting Child Behavioral Problems

This study examined temperamental irritability and fearful distress as moderators of the association between interparental conflict and child behavior problems in a disadvantaged sample of two hundred and one 2-year-old children and their mothers. Using a multimethod, prospective design, findings revealed that the relation between interparental conflict and changes in child behavior problems over a 1-year period were moderated by temperamental irritability. Consistent with differential susceptibility theory, children high in irritable temperament not only exhibited poorer outcomes in contexts of high interparental conflict but also better adjustment in contexts of low levels of interparental conflict. Mediated moderation analyses revealed that fearful reactivity partly accounted for the greater susceptibility of irritable children, particularly in explaining why they fared better when interparental conflict was low.
Polyarthritis Associated with Salmonella Infection in Rats

Abstract Rats infected intravenously with Salmonella enteritidis develop a chronic destructive polyarthritis. The joint lesions resemble those of human rheumatoid arthritis in distribution and pathology. On the basis of histological and microbiological studies, involvement does not appear to be the result of intra-articular sepsis. Instead, the data favor the view that transient infection incites an immunological response that localizes in the joint and becomes destructive.
Radiation Induces Osteogenesis in Human Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells

Objective Irradiation of the chest or chest wall has been shown to cause calcific aortic stenosis. However, the mechanisms are unknown. Aortic valve interstitial cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis; they have been shown to change from the phenotype of a myofibroblast to an osteoblastlike cell. We therefore hypothesized that irradiation of human aortic valve interstitial cells induces an osteogenic phenotype. In isolated human aortic valve interstitial cells, our purpose was to determine the effect of irradiation on the production of osteogenic factors: (1) bone morphogenetic protein 2, (2) osteopontin, (3) alkaline phosphatase, and (4) the transcription factor Runx2. Methods Human aortic valve interstitial cells were isolated from normal aortic valves obtained from explanted hearts of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation (n = 4) and were grown in culture. The cells were grown to confluence, irradiated with 10 Gy using a cesium-137 irradiator, and then lysed 24 hours after irradiation. Cell lysates were analyzed via immunoblot and densitometry for bone morphogenetic protein 2, osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase, and Runx2. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance, with P Results Irradiation induced an osteogenic phenotype in human aortic valve interstitial cells. Irradiation induced a 2-fold increase in bone morphogenetic protein 2, a 7-fold increase in osteopontin, a 3-fold increase in alkaline phosphatase, and a 2-fold increase in Runx2. Conclusions Radiation induces an osteogenic phenotype in human aortic valve interstitial cells. The irradiated cells had a significantly increased expression of the osteogenic factors bone morphogenetic protein 2, osteopontin, alkaline phosphatase, and Runx2. These data offer mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of radiation-induced valvular heart disease.
High-order multiple pregnancy: is it a matter of inaction or a consequence of practice patterns?

Much has been written recently on the increasing incidence of multiple pregnancies as a consequence of the use of gonadotropins for fertility enhancement. Although few experts would argue that these drugs do not increase cycle fecundity, several have suggested that the dire medical and socioeconomic consequences of high-order multiple pregnancies associated with their administration in ovulation induction should preclude their use, except when the ultimate goal is IVF where the number of embryos to be transferred can be controlled (1).
Assessment of the Cooling and Lubricative Properties of Grinding Fluids

This paper summarizes elements of work undertaken at the University of Bristol by a succession of researchers that led to an improved understanding of the cooling and lubricative properties of grinding fluids. Experimental results are given which show that a criticel limitation to cooling is film boiling of the grinding fluid which occurred when the workpioco surfaco temperature reached about 130°C for water-based fluids and about 300°C for oil fluids. Prior to film boiling, the thermal partitioning values measured were much lower than those previously reported. Experimental results pertinent to the lubricative properties of grinding fluids are also given. These show the dependence of forces generated when grinding a stainless steel on grinding fluid composition, a dependence inextricably linked to the mechanism of redeposition of ground material onto the workpiece. Further results show that continuous dress techniques may be useful in Isolating the lubricative properly to give a more dependable means of generic assessment than hitherto possible.
Donnellan on Neptune

Donnellan famously argued that while one can fix the reference of a name with a definite description, one cannot thereby have a de re belief about the named object. All that is generated is meta-linguistic knowledge that the sentence “If there is a unique F. then N is F” is true. Donnellan's argument and the sceptical position are extremely influential. This article aims to show that Donnellan's argument is unsound, and that the Millian who embraces Donnellan's scepticism that the reference-fixer cannot secure the relevant de re belief faces a serious problem: Millianism about names plus scepticism about the reference-fixer's de re belief conflicts with what seems to be an analytical thesis about the relationship between semantic content and understanding. The upshot is that the Millian has good reason to seek an alternative to scepticism.
Low valency in lanthanides: A theoretical study of NdF and LuF

The ground and low-lying excited state potential energy curves of neodymium monofluoride were calculated using multireference (CASSCF) and single reference (EOM-CR-CCSD(T)) methods. Optimized bond lengths were obtained and accurate bond dissociation energies were computed. The EOM-CR-CCSD(T) method was used to determine the bond dissociation energy of lutetium monofluoride, and it is shown that core correlation is required to produce bond dissociation energies in agreement with experiment.
Richelieu in Arabic : The Catholic Printed Message to the Orient in the Seventeenth Century

Throughout most of the seventeenth century, the printer and publisher Antoine Vitre dominated the printing of Arabic in Paris. He produced mainly religious texts, intended for use by missionaries in the Orient. One of these books was the Arabic translation of Cardinal Richelieu's famous catechism Instruction du Chretien. This article looks at the story behind the preparation of the Arabic edition, its printing, and its use by missionaries. It explores the role written texts played in conveying a religious message to an essentially illiterate society. In addition, it uses the story of Richelieu's text in Arabic to attempt to explain why Middle Eastern societies declined to adopt mass printing before the nineteenth century, even though there were apparently no interdictions against its implementation.
Age Differences in Search Time for Two Over-Thecounter (OTC) Drug Label Formats

This study compared older and younger adults' knowledge acquisition and search times for information on older and newer over-the-counter (OTC) drug label formats. The results showed that younger adults were faster than older adults. The younger group performed significantly faster with the newer formatted labels than the older formatted labels, whereas the older adults yielded no difference between the two formats. Potential directions for future research are discussed.
A Variable Time-Increment Method for Queue Simulation

Abstract This paper presents an alternative to Chu and Naylor's method for simulating queues when time is incremented in variable (rather than fixed) units. The procedure permits the determination of a wider range of exogenous variables than the method explained in the earlier paper.
Comparison of Upscaling Methods in Poroelasticity and Its Generalizations

Four methods of upscaling coupled equations at the microscale to equations valid at the mesoscale and/or macroscale for fluid-saturated and partially saturated porous media will be discussed, compared, and contrasted. The four methods are: (1) effective medium theory, (2) mixture theory, (3) two-scale and multiscale homogenization, and (4) volume averaging. All these methods have advantages for some applications and disadvantages for others. For example, effective medium theory, mixture theory, and homogenization methods can all give formulas for coefficients in the up-scaled equations, whereas volume averaging methods give the form of the up-scaled equations but generally must be supplemented with physical arguments and/or data in order to determine the coefficients. Homogenization theory requires a great deal of mathematical insight from the user in order to choose appropriate scalings for use in the resulting power-law expansions, while volume averaging requires more physical insight to motivate the steps needed to find coefficients. Homogenization often is performed on periodic models, while volume averaging does not require any assumption of periodicity and can therefore be related very directly to laboratory and/or field measurements. Validity of the homogenization process is often limited to specific ranges of frequency—in order to justify the scaling hypotheses that must be made—and therefore cannot be used easily over wide ranges of frequency. However, volume averaging methods can quite easily be used for wide band data analysis. So, we learn from these comparisons that a researcher in the theory of poroelasticity and its generalizations needs to be conversant with two or more of these methods to solve problems generally.
The satellite cell bud and myoblast in denervated mammalian muscle fibers.

Satellite cells, rarely seen on normal muscle fibers, are located between the sarcolemma and the basement membrane of a muscle fiber. Limb muscles and the extraocular muscles of adult guinea pigs were denervated and studied from two to seven days after operation. Satellite cells are now frequently seen. A nucleus surrounded by a small amount of cytoplasm separates from a denervated muscle fiber and forms a satellite cell. A series of clefts and membranes forms in the periphery of the muscle fiber to make separation channels and pinch off the muscle cell nucleus and its cytoplasm from the parent fiber. This cell, now called a satellite cell bud, can be seen in the process of splitting off from the parent muscle fiber, with portions of the same cell separated from and still part of the muscle fiber. The sacs of endoplasmic reticulum in the satellite cell bud dilate markedly. Centrioles and a cilium form in the satellite cell bud. The bud elongates, and concentrations of ribosomes and polyribosomes appear in its cytoplasm. Small points of contact, with membrane thickenings, between bud and parent fiber allow the elongating bud to be kept longitudinally oriented under the basement membrane of its parent fiber. Muscle filaments form in the elongating bud, which is now a myoblast. Hence, satellite cells arise from portions of denervated muscle fibers themselves, elongate, and become myoblasts.
Order of the Finite-Temperature Phase Transition in the SU(4) Gauge Theory

Using Monte Carlo methods, we conclude that the SU(4) gauge theory has a first-order confinement transition at finite temperature. On a lattice with small timelike extent, the bulk transition of the Wilson action drives the finite-temperature transition. We used an action with plaquettes in the fundamental and adjoint representations in order to avoid the bulk transition while keeping the lattice size manageable.
Transcriptome analysis of a compatible response by Glycine max to Phakopsora pachyrhizi infection

Soybean is one of the top five agricultural products in the United States. Soybean rust is caused by the obligate fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow, an exotic pathogen in the U.S. Extensive screening of soybean germplasm has not identified soybean with resistance to all of the different isolates of soybean rust. A biotechnological approach may help to understand the plant host response at the molecular level and subsequently broaden resistance of soybean to this fungus. Using laser capture microdissection, we isolated susceptible soybean palisade and mesophyll cells showing signs of infection, extracted the RNA and performed transcriptome profiling. A total of 2982 genes were found to be differentially expressed, of which 685 were up-regulated, and 2297 were down-regulated. Eighty-eight percent of our regulated genes are unique to our time-point and our palisade cells. Gene expression data was overlaid on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes biochemical pathways. In general, up-regulated genes were associated with basic defense while down-regulated genes were associated with many metabolic pathways. These results demonstrate that soybean rust strongly affects plant metabolism at the latest stage of infection and that the plant futilely fights even at the end of the infection process to establish a resistance response.
Applications of a novel balloon catheter during coronary angioplasty

A new balloon catheter design utilizing multiple polymeric materials to produce noncompliant balloon ends and a compliant central portion has recently been released. We describe two cases, a discrete fibrotic lesion and final dilation of an intracoronary stent, in which this novel balloon catheter has potential advantages during coronary angioplasty. We conclude that this device may be useful in avoiding proximal or distal vessel dissection during high-pressure balloon inflations.
Electrical flow through an aquifer for contaminant source leak detection and delineation of plume evolution

Abstract A surface, electrical geophysical method first suggested in 1920 holds great promise as a tool to detect contaminant source leaks and to delineate evolving contaminant plumes in suitable hydrogeologic environments. This tool, known as the mise-a-la-masse method, involves the measurement of electrical current flow through the earth materials under investigation. Realization of the direct analogy between ground water flow and the flow of electricity through conductive media aids in the interpretation of electrical potential data derived by a modified mise-a-la-masse method presented herein. A modified mise-a-la-masse method was used to track the evolution of a conductive tracer plume over a period of 155 h. Voltage differences between 171 stationary, surface electrodes and a reference electrode were monitored over time to map the evolving tracer plume. For this particular experiment, the method proved to be about as sensitive as a portable, electrical conductivity meter to detect changes in the specific conductance of the ground water.
Globestrat: Designing product lines for global markets

In this paper we propose an analytical process to generate a set of simultaneously optimal new products for global markets.
Polarography of some tropolones

The polarographic behaviour of β,γ-benzotropolone, tropolone, β-methyltropolone, and β-methyltropolone methyl ether is described. Certain correlations between these compounds and the naturally occurring tropolones, colchicine and colchiceine, are pointed out. An explanation is offered for discrepancies between the present results for tropolone and data given by James and Speakman10) for this substance.
Bayesian Approaches in Medical Device Clinical Trials: A Discussion with Examples in the Regulatory Setting

Challenging statistical issues often arise in the design and analysis of clinical trials to assess safety and effectiveness of medical devices in the regulatory setting. The use of Bayesian methods in the design and analysis of medical device clinical trials has been increasing significantly in the past decade, not only due to the availability of prior information, but mainly due to the appealing nature of Bayesian clinical trial designs. The Center for Devices and Radiological Health at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has gained extensive experience with the use of Bayesian statistical methods and has identified some important issues that need further exploration. In this article, we discuss several topics relating to the use of Bayesian statistical methods in medical device trials, based on our experience and real applications. We illustrate the benefits and challenges of Bayesian approaches when incorporating prior information to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a medical device. We further present an example of a Bayesian adaptive clinical trial and compare it to a traditional frequentist design. Finally, we discuss the use of Bayesian hierarchical models for multiregional trials and highlight the advantages of the Bayesian approach when specifying clinically relevant study hypotheses.
Structure of late adenovirus 2 heterogeneous nuclear RNA

Abstract Late adenovirus 2 messenger RNAs are processed from a single transcriptional unit some 20,000 nucleotides in length. All of these cytoplasmic RNAs have multiple leaders spliced to their 5′ termini; the most common form is a tripartite leader set. Sequences complementary to the 5′ proximal leader lie adjacent to position 17, the site for initiation on this transcriptional unit. The structure of steady-state nuclear RNA in late adenovirus 2-infected cells has been analyzed both by electron microscopy of hybrids of nuclear RNA and restriction endonuclease cleavage fragments, and digestion of similar hybrids with single-strandspecific nucleases and resolving the protected DNA strands by electrophoresis in agarose gels. While all cytoplasmic mRNAs have three or more leader segments spliced together following excision of appropriate intervening sequences, long nuclear RNA contains some or all of these intervening sequences. Long completely colinear nuclear RNAs have 5′ termini at position 17 on the genome. All other nuclear RNA forms with one or two intervening segments excised have a structure consistent with the proposition that the 5′ proximal splice must occur before the second internal segment of intervening sequences can be excised. Long nuclear viral RNAs typically have unique 3′ termini, which map in the same position as the 3′ termini of cytoplasmic mRNAs. In general, the structure of steady-state nuclear late adenovirus 2 RNA is consistent with these molecules being intermediates in the intramolecular processing of mRNA from a much longer initial transcript.
EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN CHEMISTS IN INDUSTRIAL LABORATORIES.

In 65 chemical and pharmaceutical laboratories women comprised 22 percent of the professional personnel. The majority were in jobs requiring only B.S. degrees and in laboratories emphasizing long-range research. The overall turnover rate for women was much higher than for men, but within the upper grades the rate was only moderately higher, and within the lowest grade was no higher. Laboratory directors reported that turnover differentials did not inhibit the employment of women, provided they could be expected to remain for a certain minimum time.
Corrigendum to “Outpatient weight management in African-Americans: The Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Program (HELP) study” [Prev. Med. 41 (2005) 488–502]

a Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA b Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA c Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA
Sociological Criminology and the Mythology of Hispanic Immigration and Crime

Our sociological knowledge of crime is fragmented and ineffective in challenging and correcting mistaken public perceptions, for example, linking immigration and crime. These misperceptions are perpetuated by government reports of growing numbers of Hispanic immigrants in U.S. prisons. However, Hispanic immigrants are disproportionately young males who regardless of citizenship are at greater risk of criminal involvement. They are also more vulnerable to restrictive treatment in the criminal justice system, especially at the pre-trial stage. When these differences are integrated into calculations using equations that begin with observed numbers of immigrants and citizens in state prisons, it is estimated that the involvement of Hispanic immigrants in crime is less than that of citizens. These results cast doubt on the hypothesis that immigration causes crime and make more transparent the immigration and criminal justice policies that inflate the rate of Hispanic incarceration. This transparency helps to resolve a paradox in the picture of Mexican immigration to the United States, since by most measures of well-being, Mexican immigrants are found to do as well and sometimes better than citizens.
Effects of shock intensity on transfer of shock avoidance under unilateral spreading depression.

Abstract Rats trained on an active avoidance task under unilateral spreading depression typically show no transfer when trained with the contralateral hemisphere depressed. The lack of transfer could be due to the necessity of neocortex for learning this task or due to stimulus factors associated with left or right hemispheric depression. In the current study rats were trained on an active avoidance task under high (1.3 ma) or low (0.6 ma) shock. The high shock group showed marked transfer and the low shock group showed no transfer. The data indicate that the cortex is not needed for learning this task, but functions mainly to increase the sensitivity of the animal to external stimuli.
Tissue‐type plasminogen activator‐plasmin‐BDNF modulate glutamate‐induced phase‐shifts of the mouse suprachiasmatic circadian clock in vitro

The mammalian circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) maintains environmental synchrony through light signals transmitted by glutamate released from retinal ganglion terminals. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is required for light/glutamate to reset the clock. In the hippocampus, BDNF is activated by the extracellular protease, plasmin, which is produced from plasminogen by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). We provide data showing expression of proteins from the plasminogen activation cascade in the SCN and their involvement in circadian clock phase-resetting. Early night glutamate application to SCN-containing brain slices resets the circadian clock. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) blocked these shifts in slices from wild-type mice but not mice lacking its stabilizing protein, vitronectin (VN). Plasmin, but not plasminogen, prevented inhibition by PAI-1. Both plasmin and active BDNF reversed alpha(2)-antiplasmin inhibition of glutamate-induced shifts. alpha(2)-Antiplasmin decreased the conversion of inactive to active BDNF in the SCN. Finally, both tPA and BDNF allowed daytime glutamate-induced phase-resetting. Together, these data are the first to demonstrate expression of these proteases in the SCN, their involvement in modulating photic phase-shifts, and their activation of BDNF in the SCN, a potential 'gating' mechanism for photic phase-resetting. These data also demonstrate a functional interaction between PAI-1 and VN in adult brain. Given the usual association of these proteins with the extracellular matrix, these data suggest new lines of investigation into the locations and processes modulating mammalian circadian clock phase-resetting.
Multiple sclerosis genetics—is the glass half full, or half empty?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and severe CNS disorder that is characterized by myelin loss, chronic inflammation, axonal and oligodendrocyte pathology, and progressive neurological dysfunction. Extensive epidemiological data confirm that genetic variation is an important determinant of susceptibility to MS, and suggest that such variation also influences the timing of symptom onset, the course of the disease, and the treatment response. Multicenter international collaborations have allowed large and well-characterized sample collections to be assembled that, when coupled with high-powered laboratory technologies, afford the opportunity to analyze the genome with increasing resolution and detail. The seven MS genome-wide association screens that have been completed in the past 3 years have substantially lengthened the list of MS genetic risk associations. Nevertheless, our knowledge of MS genetics remains incomplete, with many risk alleles still to be revealed, although progress is likely to be rapid in the near future. The ensuing challenge will be to design effective functional studies that convincingly link genetic variation to the underlying pathophysiology of MS. Establishment of such connections might translate into clinically useful genetic biomarkers and reveal novel targets for therapy. This Review briefly summarizes well-established concepts of MS epidemiology and susceptibility, and discusses new knowledge emerging from genome-wide association studies.
The Analytic/Synthetic Distinction

The distinction between analytic and synthetic truths has played a major role in the history of philosophy, but it was challenged by Quine and others in the 20th century, and the distinction's coherence and importance is now controversial. This article traces the distinction's historical development and summarises the major arguments against it. Some post-Quinian accounts are discussed, and the article closes with a list of five challenges which any contemporary account of the distinction ought to meet.
Just What is a Policy, Anyway? And Who's Supposed to Make it? A Survey of the Public Administration and Policy Texts

Twenty administration and policy texts are surveyed with respect to two major questions: (1) How do they define the nature and boundaries of the "administrative policy making process "and (2) How do they understand politics? The author finds that the texts give us a picture of American politics that resembles the `formless void" of Arthur Bentley's Process of Government: distinctions and dichotomies have broken down; the "policymaking process" has become a phenomenon virtually without boundaries; and politics has been swallowed by administration.
Risk factors for new atherothrombotic brain infarction in 664 older men and 1,488 older women.

Abstract The relation between obesity and new ABI is also unclear. The Framingham Study found that relative weight was not a risk factor for new ABI in older men but was a weak risk factor for new ABI in older women.1 Barrett-Connor and Khaw6 found no association between body mass index and new ABI in older men or women. The present study showed that obesity was not a risk factor for new ABI in older men. Obesity was a risk factor for new ABI in older women by univariate analysis but not by multivariate analysis. However, because obesity is associated with other risk factors for ABI and new coronary events, we would try to lower weight in obese older men and women.
Pulse Powered Circuits

Methods of operating standard switching circuits in a Pulsed Power Circuit (PPC) mode in order to reduce power consumption and system complexity are discussed. The PPC concept involves gating the power supply ''on'' for short clocked time intervals. An interesting feature of the system is that multiple power clocks allow multiple numbers to be stored in the same circuits simultaneously.
Cholesterol Sensing in Membranes

Cholesterol levels in cells are maintained within narrow limits by a network of proteins that continuously measure cholesterol concentrations and adjust rates of its synthesis and uptake. The key protein of this network that acts as the master cholesterol sensor is Scap, a membrane protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The cholesterol concentration in the ER membrane is set at ∼5 mole%. The sensitivity of the Scap sensor is switch-like, allowing for complete shutdown of cholesterol synthesis and uptake in response to small increases in ER cholesterol concentration above the 5 mole% set-point.Our recent studies have shown that the binding of Perfringolysin-O (PFO), a cholesterol-dependent bacterial toxin, to purified ER membranes also shows the same switch-like behavior - no binding is seen below 5 mole% cholesterol, and close to complete binding is seen above 7 mole% cholesterol. This remarkable correlation suggests that PFO and Scap may sense ER cholesterol through a common mechanism related to the chemical activity of cholesterol in the ER membrane. Unfortunately, both Scap and PFO oligomerize in the membrane which could account for all or part of the sharp threshold-like response. In our latest studies we have engineered mutant forms of PFO that do not oligomerize. The binding of these mutant PFO molecules to model liposomes and ER membranes shows the same threshold behavior as wild-type PFO. This suggests that the chemical activity of cholesterol in the ER membrane controls its accessibility to proteins. The chemical activity of ER cholesterol is controlled by the ER phospholipid composition. This control of cholesterol accessibility is critical in triggering the recruitment of cholesterol-binding proteins to the membrane. It also allows us to study the initial cholesterol sensing reaction in isolation from subsequent oligomerization events.
Iterative learning control and repetitive control for engineering practice

This paper discusses linear iterative learning and repetitive control, presenting general purpose control laws with only a few parameters to tune. The method of tuning them is straightforward, maki...
Cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea

Clear rhinorrhoea is a common symptom in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which may worsen with nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment (nCPAP). However, rhinorrhoea can also be the presenting symptom of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is due to a communication between the subarachnoid space and the nasal cavity or sinuses. We report another case of a patient with OSA in whom CSF leak developed following the initiation of nCPAP treatment.
Immune response to influenza vaccine in healthy elderly: lack of association with plasma β-carotene, retinol, α-tocopherol, or zinc

Immunity and nutritional status are compromised with age, yet the relationship between them is unclear. Immune responses and plasma micronutrient levels of 61 healthy elderly (mean 81 years) and 27 young (mean 27 years) were assessed before and after immunization with trivalent influenza vaccine (FLU). FLU-induced proliferation and IFN-gamma levels of elderly were lower than young before and after immunization. Proliferation and IFN-gamma levels increased after immunization of young, but not elderly. FLU-induced IL-6 and IL-10 levels did not change after immunization of either group. While antibody titers to all three FLU components increased after vaccination of young and elderly, post-vaccination titers of elderly were lower than young. Although plasma retinol and zinc levels of young and elderly were similar before and after vaccination, elderly had higher plasma beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol levels at both assessments that increased after vaccination. Importantly, plasma micronutrient levels were comparable for elderly with or without intact (titers >/=40 and fourfold rise post-vaccination) antibody responses after vaccination. These results suggest that differences in these plasma micronutrients (1) are not required to observe decreased FLU responses of healthy elderly compared to young and (2) are not associated with differences in antibody responses among healthy elderly.
What Is Statistics

We use our experience in neuroscience as a source of defining issues for the discipline of statistics. We argue that to remain vibrant, the field must open up by taking a less restrictive view of what constitutes statistical training.
New Catalysts for Hydroprocessing: Bimetallic Oxynitrides: II. Reactivity Studies☆

Bimetallic oxynitrides of the typeMIMIIOxNywere used as catalysts in hydrotreating reactions at 3.1 MPa and 643 K. The catalysts were prepared by nitriding bimetallic oxide precursors, where MoO3or WO3was one of the components, as described in the companion paper. The reactions were studied in a three-phase trickle-bed reactor operated at 3.1 MPa and 643 K. The feed was a model liquid mixture containing 3000 ppm sulfur (dibenzothiophene), 2000 ppm nitrogen (quinoline), 500 ppm oxygen (benzofuran), 20 wt% aromatics (tetralin), and balance aliphatics (tetradecane). The activities of the bimetallic nitrides were compared to a commercial sulfided Ni–Mo/Al2O3catalyst tested at the same conditions. The bimetallic oxynitrides were active for HDN of quinoline with V–Mo–O–N showing higher HDN activity than the commercial sulfided Ni–Mo–S/Al2O3catalyst. The HDS activity of the bimetallic oxynitrides ranged from 9 to 37% with Co–Mo–O–N showing the highest HDS activity among the oxynitrides tested. X-ray diffraction analysis of the spent catalysts indicated that the oxynitrides consisting of early transition metals (Group 4–Group 6) were tolerant of sulfur, while catalysts involving metals of Group 7 and Group 8 showed bulk sulfide phases. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis of the catalysts before and after the reaction indicated the incorporation of sulfur on the surface of the catalysts after prolonged exposure to the reactants.
Base-of-tongue cancer: survival, function, and quality of life after external-beam irradiation and brachytherapy.

Objective: Base-of-tongue cancer has traditionally been treated by surgical resection followed by radiation therapy. Primary radiation therapy with brachytherapy has recently been proposed as an alternative. In a prior analysis, we found that patients with advanced tongue-base cancer treated by total glossectomy and postoperative radiation therapy can be cured while potentially maintaining good quality of life. Therefore, we designed the current study to assess survival, function, and quality of life in our patients with tongue-base cancer who were treated with primary radiation therapy and brachytherapy with neck dissection as indicated. Study Design: Consecutive case series. Methods: Twenty patients were treated between 1993 and 1997 using the approach just named. The T stages were T1 (3), T2 (10), T3 (6), and T4 (1). The N stages were NO (3), N1 (3), N2 (11), and N3 (3). At the time of brachytherapy catheter placement, neck dissections were performed in all 14 patients with N2 or N3 disease. Surviving patients completed a functional status survey and quality of life questionnaire. Results: The 3- and 5-year Kaplan-Meier corrected actuarial survival rates were 57% and 38%, respectively. Eight patients remained alive at the time of this writing and completed the functional status survey and quality of life assessment. Function and quality of life were well maintained in patients treated with external-beam irradiation followed by brachytherapy and neck dissection. However, none of our patients with T3 disease had long-term survival. Conclusion: Although we do not endorse external-beam irradiation and brachytherapy for advanced tongue-base cancers, this treatment should be strongly considered for patients with T1 or T2 tumors in whom preservation of function and quality of life is a priority.
Real-time container storage location assignment at an RTG-based seaport container transshipment terminal: problem description, control system, simulation model, and penalty scheme experimentation

We show how the overall productivity of an RTG-based seaport container terminal depends on the system used for automatically selecting storage locations for export containers in real time as they enter the terminal. Several real-time container storage systems are proposed and evaluated by a fully-integrated, discrete event simulation model of a vessel-to-vessel transshipment terminal. In this study, we introduce the problem; present a system for making real-time container storage decisions; describe the simulation model used for experimentation; and describe an experiment that illustrates some of the main trade-offs involved in container storage decisions.
The sticking probability of water on ice

Abstract A direct method to determine the sticking probability, or condensation coefficient, α c , of water molecules on ice has been developed. A high flux molecular beam of water vapour is impinged on an ice target supported by a cooled copper sheet suspended from a quartz spring. The sticking probability is obtained from the increase in weight of the target. The value found for α c is 0·83 ± 0·15 for the temperature range of −115° to −140°C.
Electronic Two-Dimensional Beam Steering for Integrated Optical Phased Arrays

This paper presents electrical beam steering in an integrated 4×4 2D optical phased array (OPA) on a silicon on insulator (SOI) process enabling fast and repeatable beam steering for next generation projection, tracking, and imaging.
Physical activity profiles of U.S. adults trying to lose weight: NHIS 1998.

ABSTRACTPurpose:Physical activity is an integral part of weight control programs, but recommended amounts vary. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence and characteristics of those who reported using exercise as a weight loss strategy (N = 14,716), and to determine the prevalenc
Inhibition of Ehrlich ascites tumour growth by surface-active agents.

A RECENT communication by Townsend, Morgan and Hazlett1 suggests that admixture of 10-hydroxy-δ2-decenoic acid with tumour cells will prevent growth of the cells on inoculation into mice. Similar results have been obtained by this group with other dicarboxylic acids2. In the course of work on the action of surface-active agents on tumour cell membranes3, we have noted similar inhibition of growth of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells.
Spatial Personas: A New Technique for Interpreting Colonial Encounters in Colonial North America

This article by proposing the theoretical tool of a ‘spatial persona’ hopes to situate space, its definition and movement within and across it, as a tool of understanding for the complex relations that exist within colonial contact. By taking a confused moment of interaction from the eighteenth century American southeast it will detail how spatial understandings can help unravel uncertainty to give a more nuanced explanation of European Native American interaction.
Alkaloids of the three subspecies of Argemone pleiacantha greene

Abstract The alkaloid contents of one population of Argemone pleiacantha Greene subsp. pinnatisecta Ownb., three populations of A. pleiacantha subsp. pleiacantha , and five populations of A. pleiacantha subsp. ambigua Ownb. were determined. Large differences in the kinds and amounts of alkaloids were found in most of the populations. Subspecies pinnatisecta was suggested to be the phylogenetically oldest of the three subspecies.
Bayesian inference network: applications to target tracking

Data fusion concepts have been applied in many disciplines, but a general systematic formulation has not been well developed. This paper is intended to provide a guideline in applying data fusion techniques to a practical problem, the fusion of target identification (ID) attributes measurements. Formation of a consensus function is first presented, and is followed by construction of a hierarchical probabilistic network for computing a joint probability density. An ID fusion processing approach is described and integrated into a generalized track/data association algorithm.
SOCIAL TYPING OF RELIGIOUS CHANGERS: THE IMPACT OF MOTIVATION ON THE STORIES OF ALTERNATORS AND CONVERTS

Work by Snow and Machalek (1983 1984) outline several key properties that could be used to define a religious convert including engaging in biographical reconstruction, adoption of a master attribution scheme, and embracing the master role of religious convert. The effectiveness of these properties are analyzed using data provided by a sample of 68 religious changers of various religious communities and traditions. Comparisons are made between changers classified as converts (who change based on a primarily religious motivation) and alternators (change religions based on some other primary motivation) based on the conversion stories and answers provided to identity based survey assessments.
The importance of the reinforcer as a time marker

Shifts in the psychometric function in the Free Operant Psychophysical Procedure (FOPP) have traditionally been explained by suggesting the pacemaker rate is proportional to the reinforcement rate (Behavioral Theory of Timing; BeT), or by direct associative competition between the two responses (Learning to Time; LeT). The application of these models assumes that the stimulus onset is the relevant time marker. Head-entries were reinforced in the second half of a stimulus (s1) and in the first half of a different stimulus (s2). During extinction, response times shifted earlier in s2 only, contrary to BeT. Competition between responses is an unlikely cause of the shift, contrary to LeT. We found a single-cycle correlation between the last food delivery and the time the rat stopped responding on s2. This correlation was also present in FOPP data. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the reinforcer, more than the stimulus onset, acted as the relevant time marker on this task.
Effects of early experience on adrenocortical reactivity

Abstract Unmanipulated control animals and rats that were exposed to handling or electric shock either pre- or post-weaning were subsequently stimulated by being placed into a novel environment for 5 sec or 3 min. Plasma corticosterone levels were sampled 5, 15, or 30 min following the cessation of this stimulation and in animals that received no such stimulation. The handled and shocked animals did not differ. As a group, however, the corticosterone response of the manipulated animals showed them to be less reactive than controls irrespective of the duration of stimulation.
A critical evaluation of US for the diagnosis of pediatric acute appendicitis in a real-life setting: how can we improve the diagnostic value of sonography?

Background We have observed that day-to-day use of US for acute appendicitis does not perform as well as described in the literature.
Effects of an Agropyron chromosome on endosperm proteins in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

An Agropyron chromosome having a gene conferring blue color on the aleurone layer of the kernel endosperm causes a 15% increase in total grain protein content when it is added to the common wheat (2n=42) complement. In contrast, there is no effect of this chromosome on total protein content if it replaced part of a wheat chromosome. Endosperm protein components of isolines having blue aleurone due to the Agropyron chromosome being added (2n=44) or translocated (2n=42) were compared to normal nonblue isoline counterparts. Gliadin proteins separated by aluminum lactate (pH 3.2) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in one or two dimensions showed greater staining intensity for the blue addition isolines (2n=44) than nonblue (2n=42) isolines. However, the 42-chromosome blue isoline did not show increased protein staining over the nonblue isoline, but at least five protein differences were detected between the lines. SDS-PAGE showed that blue and nonblue differences were expressed primarily in the gliadins, but also in the glutenin, globulin, and albumin proteins.
Transient analysis of organic electrophosphorescence. II. Transient analysis of triplet-triplet annihilation

In the preceding paper, Paper I [Phys. Rev. B 62, 10 958 (2000)], we studied the formation and diffusion of excitons in several phosphorescent guest-host molecular organic systems. In this paper, we demonstrate that the observed decrease in electrophosphorescent intensity in organic light-emitting devices at high current densities [M. A. Baldo et al., Nature 395, 151 (1998)] is principally due to triplet-triplet annihilation. Using parameters extracted from transient phosphorescent decays, we model the quantum efficiency versus current characteristics of electrophosphorescent devices. It is found that the increase in luminance observed for phosphors with short excited-state lifetimes is due primarily to reduced triplet-triplet annihilation. We also derive an expression for a limiting current density ${(J}_{0})$ above which triplet-triplet annihilation dominates. The expression for ${J}_{0}$ allows us to establish the criteria for identifying useful phosphors and to assist in the optimized design of electrophosphorescent molecules and device structures.