cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and Properties of Diphosphopyridine Nucleotide-linked Isocitrate Dehydrogenase of Mammalian Liver

Abstract DPN-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase has been purified approximately 100-fold from extracts of porcine liver mitochondria. The purified enzyme is free of TPN-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, aconitase, and ATP-AMP transphosphorylase activity. ADP, 5'-AMP, and cyclic 3',5'-AMP are positive modifiers of the enzyme above pH 6.5; ADP is a better activator than the mononucleotides. The enzyme has optimal activity at pH 6.5 with low isocitrate concentration and without ADP; with ADP (0.5 to 1.5 mm) the optimum is at pH 7.3, with high or low concentrations of isocitrate. The interaction of isocitrate and DPN+ is that of a typical two-substrate system. At pH 7.2 with 1.3 mm Mn++, the limiting Michaelis constants of threo-d-isocitrate are 0.32 mm and 0.26 mm, and those of DPN+ are 0.06 mm and 0.09 mm, in the absence and presence of 0.67 mm ADP, respectively. While Kdpn, Kisocitrate, and Vmax are essentially unchanged by the presence of ADP, the ratio of complex constants, φ12/φ1 and φ12/φ2, are 4- to 7-fold larger in the absence than in the presence of ADP. The apparent Km of Mg++ is lowered by increased isocitrate concentration; ADP further decreases the value of this constant. DPNH and ATP inhibit activity competitively with DPN+, and TPNH synergistically enhances the inhibition by DPNH. The Ki of DPNH (0.016 mm) is essentially uninfluenced by the concentration of isocitrate or by ADP. The inhibition by 67 µm p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonate can be partially prevented by the presence of isocitrate and Mn++; however, the addition of DPN+ and all other medium components in the absence of isocitrate does not afford such protection. At pH 7.2 and with 1.3 mm Mn++, Michaelis kinetics has been observed over a wide range of concentrations of isocitrate and DPN+, with or without ADP. Inhibition by DPNH or ATP does not induce cooperative effects of substrates under these conditions. The possible regulatory role of various factors influencing DPN-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase activity in the metabolism of liver mitochondria is discussed.
The Times-Picayune in a Changing Media World: The Transformation of an American Newspaper

Much has been written about the challenges newspapers face in the digital age, with scholars pointing to everything from the Internet to declining advertising revenue as reasons why the metropolita...
Acyclovir‐Associated Fever: A Case Report

Drug-induced fever has been associated with many agents. We treated a patient who developed high, spiking fevers while receiving intravenous acyclovir. Rechallenge with the drug was not attempted. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of drug-induced fever in patients who receive systemic acyclovir.
The Effect of Small Oligomeric Protein Aggregates on the Immunogenicity of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Administered Antibodies

The role of aggregates in the immunogenicity of biologics is a major concern. A recent US FDA guidance on the issue suggests that a gap in knowledge exists regarding the type and size of aggregates involved in the immunogenicity of biologics. Furthermore, the guidance suggests that current techniques cannot capture the crucial stages of protein aggregation. Using a protein unfolding model developed earlier, we generated and classified aggregates of two therapeutic antibodies based on size and conformation. The immunogenic potential of these aggregates were then tested in a murine model. Our findings show that small native-like oligomeric aggregates (<100 nm) are more immunogenic toward the native protein than monomer and large non-native aggregates in the micron-size range, irrespective of route of administration [intravenous (i.v.) vs. subcutaneous (s.c.)]. Those smaller oligomeric aggregates represented 5%-20% of the total protein concentration in the test formulations. Furthermore, in vitro data suggest that TNF-α production by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells could serve as a predictive marker for increased immunogenic risk of aggregates after s.c. administration. The use of orthogonal techniques such as fluorescence anisotropy and quasielastic light scattering may be useful to detect these oligomeric aggregates.
Spatial Organization and Home Range Patterns of the American Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus)

Abstract The American hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus leuconotus) is an understudied mesocarnivore for which no extensive ecological studies have been conducted. We radio-collared 29 skunks (15 male, 14 female) at a site in west-central Texas, U.S.A. and used data from 14 (5 male, 9 female) to determine patterns of home range and spatial organization. Home range (95% fixed kernel) of males averaged three times that of females (1.9 km2 vs. 0.64 km2) and extensive intrasexual and intersexual overlap in home ranges was documented. Female home ranges and core areas differed significantly in their topography (changes with which were associated with habitat difference) from those of males. Home range sizes were correlated with body size and gender, but intersexual differences between home range sizes and their topography indicate space-use patterns between male and female American hog-nosed skunks are influenced by factors beyond metabolic requirements alone. Specifically, we believe male home ranges are large to ma...
Chapter 23 – RNAi: Take a RISC – Role the Dicer

Publisher Summary RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring mechanism for gene silencing induced by the presence of short interfering RNA (siRNA). RNAi is an endogenous catalytic pathway that is triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The trigger can occur naturally, as in the case of a cellular infection by a dsRNA virus, or by the intentional introduction of dsRNA to induce user-directed degradation of the cognate transcript(s). RNAi is fundamentally a two-step process. The first step involves the master enzyme in the RNAi process, a type III endoribonuclease aptly named Dicer. This enzyme is involved in the ATP-dependent digestion of longer dsRNA into 21 to 23 bp siRNA molecules with characteristic 3΄ dinucleotide overhangs on both strands. In the second step, siRNA, regardless of the source, becomes part of a multicomponent RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The use of RNAi as a means of studying the effects of gene expression in a cell or in an organism is occasionally called reverse genetics, the goal of which is to determine the consequences for a cell when a protein is not produced. In other words, the function of a gene can often be discovered by silencing it. The overall RNAi efficiency in an experiment is also a function of the abundance and the stability of both the target mRNA and the encoded protein, and the precise region of the mRNA targeted for scission.
Czochralski silicon pull rate limits

Abstract A detailed thermal model of the Czochralski silicon process was developed to predict maximum crystal pull rates as a function of crystal size and various puller parameters. Experimental data are presened which confirm the model validity. Extrapolations of the model are shown to provide guidance for possible tradeoffs in equipment design or operational mode.
Correlative imaging with monoclonal antibodies in colorectal, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) imaging has contributed greatly to the diagnosis and staging of both colorectal and ovarian cancers, and recently has been tested in patients with prostate cancer. Anatomic imaging modalities such as computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging have deficiencies in imaging each of these cancers that can be complemented or overcome by using radioimmunoscintigraphy. The management of patients with colorectal cancer, in particular, has been aided by developments in immunoscintigraphy. The new, safe, and easy-to-prepare MoAbs make possible an effective form of colon and rectal cancer imaging that has been used for (1) staging primary colorectal tumors in presurgical patients, (2) determining extent of disease, (3) continuing surveillence of patients at risk for recurrence of disease, (4) managing patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels (even those with otherwise negative workup results) and (5) imaging for occult disease in patients both before and after surgery. In ovarian cancer patients, MoAbs are promising as safe, sensitive imaging tools. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved 111 In satumomab pendetide (OncoScint CR/OV; Cytogen Corporation, Princeton, NJ) for use in imaging colorectal and ovarian cancer. Immunoscintigraphy is being refined and tested to locate bony and soft-tissue metastases in patients with prostate cancer. As both a complementary tool and, in some cases, the imaging modality of choice, MoAbs have proven to be safe, accurate imaging tools for many patients with cancer.
Thermal conductivity in amorphous solids at temperatures below 1 K

Recently derived distribution functions for the intrinsic two-level systems (ITLS's) of glasses are used to calculate the temperature power laws for the thermal conductivity (kappa) and specific heat (C/sub V/). The previously noted ''apparent'' discrepancy between the two power laws is shown to be the result of an insufficiently accurate approximation used in the averaging of kappa over the TLS distribution. Good agreement with the kappa and C/sub V/ data for vitreous silica is obtained when distribution-function parameters appropriate for ITLS's are employed.
Triple-velocity products in a channel with a backward-facing step

Attention is given to the evaluation of tripple velocity products in the reattaching and developing region behind a backward facing step. The change in tripple velocity products is significant in the wake region, yielding substantial variation in the diffusion rate of the Reynolds stresses. Four models of the third-order closure are examined, and the results are compared with the experimental data for Chandrsuda and Bradshaw (1980).
Gold surfaces for condensation heat transfer

Ever since the discovery of dropwise condensation by Ernst Schmidt (1) in 1930, engineers have sought to use the phenomenon commercially. Early attempts gave discouraging results and the subject became rather dormant for several decades. However, recent studies with gold surfaces have revived the interest. Some of the new findings are presented in this review article.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin induces p21 expression in human transitional carcinoma cell lines via an immediate early, p53 independent pathway.

Abstract Purpose Work by our group has shown that bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) induces cell cycle arrest at the G1/S interface in human transitional carcinoma cell lines. This study evaluated the effect of BCG on cell cycle regulatory proteins relevant to this effect. Materials and Methods The effect of BCG on selected cell cycle regulatory proteins, including cyclin D1, p27, and p21, was assessed in 2 human cell lines. After the identification of p21 as a candidate protein, p21 regulation was evaluated using a combination of Western, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and promoter-reporter analysis. The immediate early versus delayed nature of p21 induction was determined. Finally, given the known potential for p21 to be regulated by both p53 dependent and independent pathways, the role of p53 in BCG induced expression of p21 was evaluated. Results BCG increased p21 expression 2-fold relative to controls as measured by Western, and promoter-reporter analysis. Inhibition of protein synthesis had no effect on p21 messenger ribonucleic acid induction in response to BCG. T24 cells contained a previously reported mutation in p53. In the p53 wild-type 253J cells, deletion of one or both p53 response elements in the p21 reporter had no effect on BCG induced reporter transactivation. Conclusions BCG up-regulates expression of p21 in human transitional cell carcinoma lines. The transactivation of p21 in response to BCG occurs through an immediate early, p53 independent pathway. The finding of increased p21, together with the observation that BCG induces cell cycle arrest at the G1/S interface, supports a role for this protein in the biologic response to BCG.
Ethnicity and sexual orientation as PTSD mitigators in child sexual abuse survivors

Purpose and Potential benefits: Research, to our knowledge, has not examined the effect of demographic variables on PTSD symptoms among adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This study explores the relationship between demographic variables and scores of CSA survivors on the Impact of Scale (IES). Participants were 257 women CSA survivors entering outpatient treatment at a university-based mental health center. All participants reported a CSA history and presented with psychological difficulties associated with CSA. The demographic variables investigated were relationship status, religious affiliation, ethnicity, educational level, spousal educational level income, and sexual orientation. Significance tests were used to examine each variable and scores on the Total IES and Avoidance and Intrusion Subscales. Total IES and Intrusion scores differed for sexual orientation and ethnicity in accord with conventional standards of significance (alpha less than .05). Self-reported asexuals indicated fewer intrusive and total PTSD symptoms than heterosexuals, lesbians, and bisexuals. Likewise, Hispanics reported less intrusive PTSD symptoms than Non-Hispanic Caucasians. Our findings invite further exploration of the relationship between ethnicity and sexual orientation and the long-term effects of CSA. A question for empirical investigation is whether asexuality shields against the triggering of CSA memories by a sexual relationship. Another possible area of inquiry is whether particular characteristics of Hispanic culture as a whole serve to moderate the detrimental effects of CSA.
Phenotypic differences in individuals with autism spectrum disorder born preterm and at term gestation

The objective of the study was to characterize the phenotype of males and females with autism spectrum disorder born preterm versus those born at term. Descriptive statistical analyses identified differences between male and female autism spectrum disorder subjects born preterm compared to term for several phenotypic characteristics and comorbidities. Of the 115 (13.0% of 883) born preterm, a greater percentage of males had sleep apnea (13.8% vs 2.5%, p < 0.0001), seizure disorders (17.0% vs 8.5%, p = 0.01), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (14.9% vs 6.6%, p = 0.005). Females born preterm were more likely to be nonverbal (22.2% vs 4.6%, p = 0.001). In summary, phenotypic differences were observed, especially among males. The results may have implications for understanding the underpinnings of a subset of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and contribute to the development of focused treatments for autism spectrum disorder among children born preterm.
Construction of an ASD+ Expression-Cloning Vector: Stable Maintenance and High Level Expression of Cloned Genes in a Salmonella Vaccine Strain

An Asd+ expression-cloning vector was constructed for the purpose of high-level stable expression of foreign antigen genes in a Salmonella typhimurium vaccine strain. It possesses the asd+ gene of Streptococcus mutans as a unique plasmid marker and is stably maintained in Δasd mutants of S. typhimurium when using media lacking diaminopimelic acid. The recombinant Asd+ plasmid possessing the spaA gene of Streptococcus sobrinus, which is regulated by the trc promoter, produced the fused SpaA protein at high level in the S. typhimurium vaccine strain. The Asd+ vector/Δasd mutant host constructs represent a balanced lethal combination that eliminates the need for vector drug resistance markers, an essential attribute for live vaccines. This strategy also has applications whenever stable high-level expression by genetically modified bacteria, in the absence of external selection pressures, is desirable.
Experimental determination of the chromatic difference of magnification of the human eye and the location of the anterior nodal point

Theory predicts that retinal image size will vary with wavelength. However, this chromatic difference of magnification (CDM) is likely to be very small (< 1% between 400 and 700 nm) under natural viewing conditions. There has been only one attempt to measure CDM experimentally, and the results were inconsistent with optical theory. Using a technique described by Ogle [Research in Binocular Vision, Hafner, New York (1964)], which is sensitive to even small interocular differences in retinal image size, we measured the apparent tilts in the frontoparallel plane induced by interocular differences in wavelength. We obtained the ocular CDM by determining the afocal lens magnification necessary to cancel the apparent frontoparallel plane tilt caused by interocular differences in wavelength. We show that (1) the ocular CDM can be considerably less than theoretical model predictions, (2) the relationship among delta Rx (wavelength-dependent refractive error), CDM, and pupil position is consistent with our theoretical model, (3) CDM increases considerably when an artificial pupil in front of the eye is used, (4) the location of the anterior nodal point of the eye may be inferred from the data, and (5) unlike in the case for delta Rx, large intersubjective differences may exist for CDM. The results suggest caution in the use of artificial pupils experimentally with polychromatic stimuli because of amplification of CDM and concomitant losses of image contrast.
Fundamental studies of copper anode passivation during electrorefining: Part I. development of techniques

Anode passivation is an extremely important phenomenon in commercial copper electrorefining operations. Due to the electrochemical nature of the refining process, various electrochemical techniques have been applied to examine anode passivation behavior. In this investigation, cyclic voltammetry, linear potential sweep, and chronopotentiometry measurements were carried out on several commercial copper anodes, as well as on pure electrowon (EW) copper cathode, in synthetic electrolytes simulating the primary constituents for industrial operations. The important parameters associated with anode passivation were identified and compared for the three electrochemical techniques. Chronopotentiometry is an extremely sensitive technique and proved to be the most suitable for analyzing and characterizing copper anode passivation.
The genetics of the opioid system and specific drug addictions

Addiction to drugs is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that has major medical, social, and economic complications. It has been established that genetic factors contribute to the vulnerability to develop drug addiction and to the effectiveness of its treatment. Identification of these factors may increase our understanding of the disorders, help in the development of new treatments and advance personalized medicine. In this review, we will describe the genetics of the major genes of the opioid system (opioid receptors and their endogenous ligands) in connection to addiction to opioids, cocaine, alcohol and methamphetamines. Particular emphasis is given to association and functional studies of specific variants. We will provide information on the sample populations and the size of each study, as well as a list of the variants implicated in association with addiction-related phenotypes, and with the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for addiction.
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: clinical features and disease mechanisms

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder affecting approximately 1% to 3% of the world's population. A considerable proportion of patients with psoriasis will develop a form of inflammatory arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis whose prevalence is poorly defined. Significant advances have been made in determining the pathophysiology of both of these diseases, with recent findings strongly implicating T cells and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha in their pathogenesis. There exists an increasing array of therapies to benefit both skin and musculoskeletal manifestations. Newer therapies, such as the biologics, are providing more targeted approaches with potentially fewer systemic toxicities, providing control of disease symptoms and inhibiting progressive joint damage in those with arthritis, as well as improving long-term function and quality of life.
Comparison of MRI pulse sequences in defining prostate volume after permanent implantation.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the relative value of three MRI pulse sequences in defining the prostate volume after permanent implantation. Methods and Materials: A total of 45 patients who received a permanent 125 I implant were studied. Two weeks after implantation, an axial CT scan (2 mm thickness) and T 1 -weighted, T 1 -weighted fat saturation, and T 2 -weighted axial MRI (3-mm) studies were obtained. The prostate volumes were compared with the initial ultrasound planning volumes, and subsequently the CT, T 1 -weighted, and T 1 -weighted fat saturation MRI volumes were compared with the T 2 -weighted volumes. Discrepancies in volume were evaluated by visual inspection of the registered axial images and the registration of axial volumes on the sagittal T 2 -weighted volumes. In a limited set of patients, pre- and postimplant CT and T 2 -weighted MRI studies were available for comparison to determine whether prostate volume changes after implant were dependent on the imaging modality. Results: T 1 -weighted and T 1 -weighted fat saturation MRI and CT prostate volumes were consistently larger than the T 2 -weighted MRI prostate volumes, with a volume on average 1.33 (SD 0.24) times the T 2 -weighted volume. This discrepancy was due to the superiority of T 2 -weighted MRI for prostate definition at the following critical interfaces: membranous urethra, apex, and anterior base-bladder and posterior base-seminal vesicle interfaces. The differences in prostate definition in the anterior base region suggest that the commonly reported underdose may be due to overestimation of the prostate in this region by CT. The consistent difference in volumes suggests that the degree of swelling observed after implantation is in part a function of the imaging modality. In patients with pre- and postimplant CT and T 2 -weighted MRI images, swelling on the T 2 -weighted images was 1.1 times baseline and on CT was 1.3 times baseline, confirming the imaging modality dependence of prostate swelling. Conclusion: Postimplant T 2 -weighted MRI images provided superior prostate definition in all critical regions of the prostate compared with CT and the other MRI sequences tested. In addition to defining an optimal technique, these findings call two prior observations into question. Under dosing at the anterior base region may be overestimated because of poor definition of the prostate-bladder muscle interface. The swelling observed after implantation was lower on T 2 -weighted images as well, suggesting that a fraction of postimplant swelling is a function of the imaging modality. These findings have implications for preimplant planning and postimplant evaluation. As implant planning techniques become more conformal, and registration methods become more efficient, T 2 -weighted MRI after implantation will improve the accuracy of postimplant dosimetry.
Effects of Grass Seed Agriculture on Aquatic Invertebrate Communities Inhabiting Seasonal Wetlands of the Southern Willamette Valley, Oregon

Wetland loss throughout the United States has contributed substantially to landscape fragmentation and loss in biodiversity. In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, only 1 % of native-wet prairie habitat still exists, though seasonal wetlands are still common. These hydrogeomorphic Flats wetlands predominately occur on privately owned and actively farmed lands. We studied these wetlands in spring of 2009 and 2010 in order to quantify and compare aquatic invertebrate communities in two agricultural land-use groups (annual and perennial-grass-seed fields) with native-wet prairie habitat. Community composition in native-prairie, including higher taxa richness and greater diversity, differed from farmed wetlands. Invertebrate densities did not differ among land-uses. However, biomass in perennial-grass wetlands was greater than in annual-grass wetlands both years, and during 2009, it was more than in native-prairie. Lower turbidity, lower conductivity levels, and greater availability of rooted vegetation in native-prairie habitat were conditions associated with differences in invertebrate composition among land-uses. Though invertebrate communities in farmed wetlands differed from native-prairie, the importance of these seasonal wetlands in an altered and fragmented Willamette Valley landscape speaks to their potential contribution for the region’s biodiversity and to their inclusion for management of agricultural lands.
The role of pitch memory in pitch discrimination and pitch matching.

Summary Accurate control of vocal pitch (fundamental frequency) requires coordination of sensory and motor systems. Previous research has supported the relationship between perceptual accuracy and vocal pitch matching accuracy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of memory for pitch in pitch matching and pitch discrimination ability. Three experimental tasks were used. First, a pitch matching task was completed, in which the participants listened to target tones and vocally matched the pitch of the tones. The second task was a pitch discrimination task that required the participants to judge the pitch (same or different) of complex tone pairs. The third task was pitch discrimination with memory interference task that was similar to the pitch discrimination task except interference tones were added. Results of the pitch matching and pitch discrimination tasks yielded a significant correlation between these values. When there was memory interference, pitch discrimination ability was poorer, and there was no significant correlation between pitch discrimination and pitch matching. These results support earlier findings of a relationship between pitch discrimination and pitch matching abilities. The results also suggest a possible role of pitch memory in both tasks. These findings may have implications for abilities related to accurate pitch control.
Understanding teachers’ careers: Linking professional life to professional path

Abstract This research synthesis aims to more fully understand the current teacher retention crisis in the United States through a re-conceptualization of what is meant by a teaching career. Currently, research is divided into two broad categories: traditional research on teacher retention and traditional research on teachers’ professional lives. This synthesis identifies key studies in both fields and argues for greater coordination between the two in an effort to conceive of teachers’ careers along a continuum and utilize a range of methodologies for understanding those careers. The author points to select studies which begin to bring these two fields together and suggests potential future research directions.
Phase change optical media with time-shifted multipulse write strategy for 1X-2X dual speed Blu-ray disc system

We have developed phase change optical media with appropriate write strategy for 1X-2X dual speed Blu-ray Disc system and for the future high speed phase change optical data storage. For recording layer, eutectic-based Ge(Sb 70 Te 30 )+Sb material was used and Sb/Te ratio and Ge content were optimized to obtain proper erasability and archival stability of recorded amorphous marks. The recording layer is wrapped up in GeN interface layers to obtain reasonable overwrite cyclability and higher crystallization speed. In addition, we designed appropriate write strategy so-called time-shifted multipulse(TSMP) where the starting positions of multipulse parts are shifted from reference clock. With this write strategy, the overall jitter characteristics of the disc was improved and especially we found that trailing edge jitter was improved much more than leading edge jitter. Thus feasibility of 1X-2X dual speed applicable Blu-ray Disc and its write strategy was demonstrated.
ATS-6 Spacecraft Attitude Precision Pointing & Slewing Adaptive Control Experiment

The primary objective of the Spacecraft Attitude Precision Pointing and Slewing Adaptive Control (SAPPSAC) Experiment is to establish feasibility and evaluate capabilities of a ground-based spacecraft attitude control system, wherein RF command and telemetry links, together with a ground station on-line minicomputer, perform closed loop attitude control of the Applications Technology Satellite -6 (ATS-6). The ground processor is described, including operational characteristics and the controller software. Attitude maneuvers include precision pointing to fixed targets, slewing between targets, and generation of prescribed ground tracks. Test results show high performance and reliability for over 30 h of on-line control with no serious anomalies. Attitude stabilization relative to a prescribed target has been achieved to better than 0.007° in pitch and roll and 0.020° in yaw for a period of 43 min. Ground tracks were generated which had maximum latitude/longitude deviations less than 0.150 from reference.
Appearance or reality? Political parody on the web in campaign ‘96

The World Wide Web and other forms of Internet communication provide a new venue for political discourse. The present study surveyed Web postings relevant to the 1996 presidential race between Bill Clinton and Bob Dole. It identified two types of sites. Nonparodic or serious sites emulated traditional news such as is found in newspapers, periodicals, and television news documentaries. Parodic sites sought to entertain rather than inform the reader and to hold reader attention. Parodic sites ostensibly exposed candidates’ questionable practices by way of allegation, innuendo, expose, parody, and slander. To expose deceptive practices, the authors of parodic Websites themselves engaged in deception. Political parodic Websites presented a postmodern communication environment where the identity of the author, the stability of the text, and the audience itself were all fragmented. Browsing these political Websites was a recursive activity where one could participate in pseudo polls, sign bogus petitions, and p...
VRML general position diagrams of magnetic space groups

Three-dimensional general position diagrams of the superfamilies of all non-cubic magnetic space groups have been developed. The diagrams can be rotated and zoomed to aid in the visualization of the general position diagrams and include both the general positions of the atoms and the general orientations of the associated magnetic moments.
A class of matroids derived from saturated chain partitions of partially ordered sets

Abstract The simultaneously k - and ( k − 1)-saturated chain partitions of a finite partially ordered set P determine a matroid G k ( P ). This matroid is a gammoid. The identity on P induces a strong map from G k ( P ) to G k + 1 ( P ). This strong map has a linear representation.
Potentials and pitfalls of product marketing through group action by small-scale farmers☆

Group action by small-scale farmers is frequently proposed as a means for improving their economic well-being. The economic arguments supporting group marketing activities by producers involve economies of scale, bargaining power and vertical integration. Political and social goals may also provide the motivation for group action amongst small-scale farmers. Nevertheless, the potentials for successful group marketing activities amongst poor, small-scale producers are limited. Numerous pitfalls exist that frustrate private and public efforts to involve poor farmers in marketing. In many situations general programmes to improve the markets for agricultural products, inputs and rural consumer goods may be more effective than the promotion of group action by small-scale farmers. However, equity considerations may motivate the governments of developing countries to use small farmer marketing groups as a means of transferring resources to poor farmers.
Thermal conduction module: a high-performance multilayer ceramic package

Innovations in package design coupled with major advances in multilayer ceramic (MLC) technology provide a high-performance LSI package for the IBM 3081 Processor Unit. The thermal conduction module (TCM) utilizes a 90 × 90-mm MLC substrate to interconnect up to 118 LSI devices. The substrate, which typically contains 130 m of impedance-controlled wiring, provides an array of 121 pads fors older connections to each device and an array of 1800 pins for interconnection with the next-level package. A unique thermal design provides a cooling capacity of up to 300 W. This paper describes the TCM design and outlines the processes for fabrication of these modules. The TCM is compared to prior technologies to illustrate the improvements in packaging density, reliability, and performance.
Equations and monoid varieties of dot-depth one and two

Abstract Each level of the Straubing's hierarchy of aperiodic monoids can be parametrized in a natural way. This paper studies this parametrization for dot-depth one and two monoids. For level one, it is shown that the m th level is defined by a finite sequence of equations if and only if m = 1, 2 or 3. For level two, and for m ⩾ 1, a sequence of equations is given which is satisfied in the m th level and shown to ultimately define the 1st level.
The Time Course of Lemma Retrieval in Lexical Decision Tasks

The time course of lemma retrieval was assessed in lexical decision tasks with semantic and syntactic priming using monomorphemic English nouns, verbs, and ambiguous word forms. The results showed distinct processing patterns associated with different syntactic categories. The findings suggest that among other factors lemma retrieval is affected by different types of constraints working on entity/event construal. The findings can be used to propose a view according to which a lemma represents an activation state triggered by a number of processing factors, such as conventionalized conceptual architecture of a lexical item and its relative activation threshold.
Coping With Droughts

This book is a collection of selected papers from the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Droughts entitled “Drought Impact Control Technology,” held at the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering in Lisbon, Portugal, in June 1980. The editors of the book have chosen a nontraditional but successful approach to presenting the papers. Instead of including a verbatim proceedings of the institute, they assembled 21 papers presented by 14 of the institute's lecturers, reshaped and synthesized them, and supplemented them by five new papers that cover obvious gaps in topics. The result is enlightening reading and a more or less complete presentation of the subject. The edited material in the book was arranged around three central themes related to efforts needed to cope with or manage the droughts. In the process, the identity of individual contributors has been preserved.
Whether or not to defend? The influence of resource distribution

(1993). Whether or not to defend? The influence of resource distribution. Marine Behaviour and Physiology: Vol. 23, Behavioural Ecology of Fishes, pp. 137-153.
Hydrogenation of carbon monoxide over model rhenium catalysts: additive effects and a comparison with iron

Les alcalins abaissent la vitesse de reaction et augmentent la selectivite en hydrocarbures a chaines longues
The β α -Encoders for Robust A/D Conversion

The β-encoder, introduced as an alternative to binary encoding in A/D conversion, creates a quantization scheme robust with respect to quantizer imperfections by the use of a β-expansion, where 1<β<2. In this paper we introduce a more general encoder called the βα-encoder, that can offer more flexibility in design and robustness without any significant drawback on the exponential rate of convergence of the obtained expansion. Mathematically, the βα-encoder gives rise to a dynamical system that is both very interesting and challenging.
Extensive Alternative Splicing of the Repressor Element Silencing Transcription Factor Linked to Cancer

The repressor element silencing transcription factor (REST) is a coordinate transcriptional and epigenetic regulator which functions as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene depending on cellular context, and a truncated splice variant REST4 has been linked to various types of cancer. We performed a comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing (AS) of REST by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and PCR amplification of cDNAs from various tissues and cell lines with specific primers. We identified 8 novel alternative exons including an alternate last exon which doubles the REST gene boundary, along with numerous 59/39 splice sites and ends in the constitutive exons. With the combination of various splicing patterns (e.g. exon skipping and alternative usage of the first and last exons) that are predictive of altered REST activity, at least 45 alternatively spliced variants of coding and non-coding mRNA were expressed in a species- and cell-type/tissue-specific manner with individual differences. By examining the repertoire of REST pre-mRNA splicing in 27 patients with kidney, liver and lung cancer, we found that all patients without exception showed differential expression of various REST splice variants between paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues, with striking cell-type/tissue and individual differences. Moreover, we revealed that exon 3 skipping, which causes no frame shift but loss of a domain essential for nuclear translocation, was affected by pioglitazone, a highly selective activator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARc) which contributes to cell differentiation and tumorigenesis besides its metabolic actions. Accordingly, this study demonstrates an extensive AS of REST pre-mRNA which redefines REST gene boundary and structure, along with a general but differential link between REST pre-mRNA splicing and various types of cancer. These findings advance our understanding of the complex, context-dependent regulation of REST gene expression and function, and provide potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer.
Villain or Victim: Regional Variation and Ethnic Disparity in Federal Drug Offense Sentencing

Racial disparity and discrimination in drug offense sentencing continue to concern criminal justice policy makers, practitioners, and researchers. The growth of the drug offender population, coupled with the proliferation of newdrug offenses such as methamphetamine, warrants a new investigation of federal drug offenses. Despite the potential of uniformity under determinate sentencing, some groups of offenders are subject to more severe penalties than others are. This research maintains that variation in sentencing can best be understood through an examination of who is perceived as a “villain” and who is a “victim” in drug trafficking. This study (a) uses a multivariate analysis of federal drug offenses to evaluate regional sentencing differences and its impact on different racial and ethnic groups and (b) explains why Hispanics, more than any other ethnic group, receive the longest drug offense sentence.
Additional Features of an Adaptive, Multicategory Pattern Classification System

Some additional features of an adaptive, multicategory pattern classification system are presented. No a priori knowledge of the class probability densities or a priori probabilities of occurrence of the categories is required. The system utilizes a set of functions selected by the user to form discriminant functions. Adaptation of the system is accomplished using a set of independent pattern samples of known classification in such a manner that the system discriminant functions form minimum mean-square approximations to the Bayes discriminant functions as the number of samples of known classification increases. The convergence rate of the system is examined, and conditions are established under which the expected loss due to misclassification by the system is asymptotically equivalent to the minimum loss achievable when using the Bayes discriminant functions. In addition, a simulation of the system for a three-category problem is presented to demonstrate system performance for a finite number of adaptions.
Overcoming disciplinary solitude: The archaeology and geology of native copper in Eastern North America

Although native copper has attracted the scholarly attention of both geologists and archaeologists since the middle of the 19th century, it is only recently that native copper studies have benefited from interdisciplinary research. This history of disciplinary solitude can be traced to the professionalization of the two fields in the early 20th century, an era in which crossdisciplinary communication began to wane. The effects of this phenomena resulted in the development of a model of aboriginal native copper procurement by archaeologists that did not take into account the geological literature, which had long identified numerous—rather than a single—source of native copper in North America. In this article, the author discusses how this disciplinary solitude developed and how it resulted in the creation of a dominant model for native copper procurement that constrained our understanding of aboriginal lifeways for generations. The author also considers how increasing collaboration between geologists and archaeologists since the 1970s has led to the reevaluation of an old model of native copper procurement that has been uncritically accepted by most archaeologists for over a century and a half. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Contact With Individuals With Disabilities: Positive Attitudes and Majoring in Education

Attitudes toward and contact with individuals with disabilities have been topics of research for years. The major purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of contact with individuals with disabilities on attitudes and choosing to major in education. Participants were 211 undergraduate students who completed a survey of attitudes and contact with individuals with physical, developmental, and behavioral disabilities. Results demonstrated that lower misconceptions about disabilities mediated the relation between increased contact with individuals with behavioral disabilities and being an education major. The results of this study (a) can be used to determine how future teachers should be trained and (b) highlight the need for future teachers to engage in certain field experiences.
PHASE II STUDY OF PACLITAXEL AND CISPLATIN FOR ADVANCED UROTHELIAL CANCER

Purpose: We examined the role of paclitaxel and cisplatin as first line therapy for metastatic urothelial cancer.Materials and Methods: A total of 34 patients were enrolled in this study, and all were eligible for treatment and assessable for response. Patients received 135 mg./m.2 paclitaxel intravenously for 3 hours followed by 70 mg./m.2 cisplatin for 2 hours every 3 weeks to a maximum of 6 cycles.Results: Of the patients 70% experienced a major response to treatment, which was partial/regression in 38% and complete in 32%. Toxicity was manageable with no episodes of grade 4 leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. Nonhematological toxicities included primarily nausea, anorexia and neuropathy, which rarely were severe.Conclusions: This regimen of paclitaxel and cisplatin is effective, safe and convenient to administer in an outpatient setting for advanced urothelial cancer.
Rapid synthesis of highly stable silver nanoparticles and its application for colourimetric sensing of cysteine

A modified green approach for the synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using tea leaf extract is described. The method involves the reduction of silver salt by the polyphenols present in the green tea leaf extract and requires no additional capping/stabilising agents. Compared to other biogenic methods for the synthesis of AgNPs, the uniqueness of the approach described here lies in its simplicity, low-cost, and rapid synthesis rate; the reaction being completed within 10–15 min at room temperature. The reaction was carried out in alkaline medium without stirring and heating, and requires no special cleaning or drying of the glassware used. The synthesised AgNPs were characterised by UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that AgNPs with a strong surface plasmon resonance peak around 410 nm and particle size in the 5–30 nm range were prepared. The synthesised AgNPs show excellent chemical stability for more than six months in aqueous solution. Additi...
Enantioselective synthesis of 1-methoxy- and 1-deoxy-2′-methyl-Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinols: New selective ligands for the CB2 receptor

Abstract Two new series of cannabinoids were prepared and their affinities for the CB 1 and CB 2 receptors were determined. These series are the (2′ R )- and (2′ S )-1-methoxy- and 1-deoxy-3-(2′-methylalkyl)-Δ 8 -tetrahydrocannabinols, with alkyl side chains of three to seven carbon atoms. These compounds were prepared by a route that employed the enantioselective synthesis of the resorcinol precursors to the cannabinoid ring system. All of these compounds have greater affinity for the CB 2 receptor than the CB 1 receptor and four of them, (2′ R )-1-methoxy-3-(2′-methylbutyl)-Δ 8 -THC (JWH-359), (2′ S )-1-deoxy-3-(2′-methylbutyl)-Δ 8 -THC (JWH-352), (2′ S )-1-deoxy-3-(2′-methylpentyl)-Δ 8 -THC (JWH-255), and (2′ R )-1-deoxy-3-(2′-methylpentyl)-Δ 8 -THC (JWH-255), have good affinity ( K i = 13–47 nM) for the CB 2 receptor and little affinity ( K i = 1493 to >10,000 nM) for the CB 1 receptor. In the 1-deoxy-3-(2′-methylalkyl)-Δ 8 -THC series, the 2′ S -methyl compounds in general have greater affinity for the CB 2 receptor than the corresponding 2′ R isomers.
Testosterone mediates satellite cell activation in denervated rat levator ani muscle.

Denervation stimulates quiescent satellite cells in skeletal muscle to reenter the cell cycle. In the androgen-sensitive rat levator ani muscle (LA), this mitotic response to loss of neural input fails to occur in castrated animals. To elucidate the role of androgens in denervation-induced satellite cell proliferation, the denervated LA of castrated rats (Group A) was compared with that of animals infixed with testosterone implants after castration (Group B). Mean myofiber cross-sectional areas (Group A: 362.95 μm2 ± 27.74; Group B: 403.13 μm2 ± 53.87) and linear nuclear densities (Group A: 74.07 mm−1 ± 17.58; Group B: 104.13 mm−1 ± 4.06) were similar (P > 0.05) in both groups. The androgen-deprived myofibers of Group A, however, had a significantly lower nuclear content (271.0 ± 74.91 vs. 1,285.80 ± 81.74 in Group B; P < 0.05) on account of their considerably shorter mean length (3.44 mm ± 0.29 vs. 12.31 mm ± 0.92 in Group B; P < 0.05). The proportional representation of satellite cells in hormone-replaced, denervated muscle was more than twice that in the untreated group (Group B: 5.15 ± 0.83% vs. Group A: 2.28 ± 0.23%; P < 0.05). In absolute terms, the satellite cell number in Group B was approximately an order of magnitude greater than in Group A (408.4 × 103 vs. 38.08 × 103). The results confirm the absence of testosterone as the factor responsible for the inability of satellite cells in the LA of castrated rats to respond mitotically to the withdrawal of neural input after denervation. Anat Rec 263:19–24, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.