cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis due to Neospora hughesi and equine motor neuron disease in a mule.

Case description A 23-year-old female mule was presented for bilateral ocular abnormalities and an abnormal pelvic limb gait. Clinical findings Anisocoria, unilateral enophthalmos, medial strabismus, ptosis, pupillary light reflex deficits, and bilateral reticulated pigmentary retinopathy were observed on ophthalmic examination. Neurologic abnormalities included right-sided facial nerve paralysis, extensive symmetric muscle atrophy, and asymmetric pelvic limb ataxia with an abnormal pelvic limb gait. A positive titer (1:40) for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) associated with Neospora hughesi was obtained from cerebrospinal fluid with minimal (<1 red blood cell/μL) blood contamination. Muscle biopsies of the sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis muscle revealed predominantly type I neurogenic muscle atrophy, consistent with a diagnosis of equine motor neuron disease (EMND). Treatment and outcome Treatment included a 2-month course of ponazuril (5 mg/kg PO q24 h), vitamin E (8000 IU PO q24 h), and selenium (2 mg PO q24 h). Clinical improvement was not observed after 2 months although the mule remained stable. Clinical deterioration was reported upon discontinuation of the ponazuril after a 2-month course. Conclusion Concurrent disease with EPM associated with N. hughesi and EMND should be considered in cases demonstrating cranial nerve abnormalities, pronounced symmetric muscle atrophy, unusual asymmetric gait abnormalities, and reticulated pigmentary retinopathy.
The Revenge of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate

Supporters of geographic education have two recent books to celebrate. A new edition of Harm de Blij’s Why Geography Matters,Oxford University Press, 2012, and Robert Kaplan’s The Revenge of Geogra...
Users' preferences among different techniques for displaying the evaluation of LISP functions in an interactive debugger

Two experiments investigated various techniques for displaying the evaluation of LISP functions in an interactive debugger. The studies examined three techniques of highlighting the flow of evaluation in a LISP function and two display formats for displaying LISP function information. The subjects in both experiments included highly experienced LISP programmers and occasional LISP users with moderate to little LISP experience. The dependent measure was the subjects' preference rating for each display technique. The results showed that occasional LISP users preferred range highlighting, an interlaced display of evaluation results, and a simultaneous display of called functions. However, expert LISP programmers had no differential preferences for highlighting techniques.
Function optimization using a lattice of neurons

Summary form only given. A lattice structure of formal neurons is used to search for optimal solutions. A solution vector, encoded by a column of neural units, is associated with each positron in the lattice. A general form of an updating algorithm is presented which modifies solution vectors based on their local comparison with neighborhood solutions. Simulations are performed on four examples. >
Space‐charge wave propagation in inhomogeneous waveguides

In this paper, an account is presented of an investigation into the propagation of large amplitude space‐charge waves in an inhomogeneous waveguide. The study is motivated by the possibility of using these waves for the collective acceleration of ions. Measurements are reported that show an increase in the wave phase velocity as the guide diameter, and hence the effective plasma frequency is decreased. Results are also presented which show that the wave phase velocity is a function of its amplitude, and that large amplitude, nonlinear waves propagate more slowly than those described by linear theory. The results demonstrate that it is possible to control the wave propagation characteristics, and therefore indicate the electron‐beam‐supported slow space‐charge waves provide a suitable medium for collective ion acceleration. Finally, a summary is given of possible advantages of an electron beam‐wave accelerator over those using externally generated rf fields.
Termination of very early pregnancy by vaginal suppositories-(15S)-15-Methyl prostaglandin F2a Methyl Ester

A new approach to terminate very early pregnancy was tried on 49 healthy women who were proven to be pregnant from 31 to 47 days from their last menstrual period. All pregnancies were confirmed either by UCG or serum HCG-B subunit. (15S)-15-Methyl PGF2 alpha Methyl Ester in a suppository form was administered in two separate doses: 1.0 mg initial dose followed by 3.0 mg one hour later. Patients were kept under observation for 8 hours. Blood sampling for progesterone, HCG-B, and prostaglandin levels were assayed at 0 degree, 30', 1 degree, 4 degrees, 8 degrees and 14 days. Patients were re-examined at a two week follow-up visit. Pelvic examination and pregnancy tests were performed to confirm whether the pregnancy was successfully terminated. There were no significant changes in serums progesterone and HCG-B levels during the 8-hour observation period. Both levels declined significantly to very low levels at 14 days post-therapy, confirming the clinical impression of successful termination of pregnancy. Plasma prostaglandin levels rose as early as 30 minutes after initiation of therapy, peaked at 4 hours and declined gradually afterwards. Most side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps, although clinically manageable, were still bothersome. One patient experienced an episode of vasovagal syncope. The majority of patients required medical observation up to 6 hours. Clinical implications of this new approach of termination of very early pregnancy are discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of pyridine- and thiophene-based platinacyclynes

Abstract Seven heterocyclic macrocycles, including the first platinacycles with pyridine and thiophene rings incorporated into the cyclyne system, are reported. Pt-acetylide cyclynes were assembled via tin transmetallation or amine-mediated oxidative addition with stoichiometric PtCl2(PEt3)2 and CuI. The organometallic cyclynes exhibited enhanced electronic properties compared to previously described platinabenzocyclynes.
Technical saturation and magnetization steps in diluted magnetic semiconductors: Predictions and observations

A model for the high-field magnetization of II-VI semimagnetic compound semiconductors at low temperatures is presented. It applies for low Mn concentrations. The model explains quantitatively and without adjustable parameters the magnetization of ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Te}$, ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Se}$, ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{S}$, ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Se}$, and ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{S}$ near 100 kOe for $Tl2$ K. At higher magnetic fields, magnetization steps are predicted. The first step is observed in ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Se}$ and ${\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Se}$, and is used to determine the nearest-neighbor exchange constant. The results support a random distribution of Mn ions.
Drivers' Attitudes, Understanding, and Acceptance of Passing Lanes in Kansas

Traditionally, highway improvement project evaluation is done without incorporating highway users' views. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) wants drivers to be satisfied and have "good feelings" about its passing lanes program. KDOT needs input to decide whether passing lanes are efficient, safe, and acceptable to the public. Drivers' views were solicited via a questionnaire survey which was part of a comprehensive study on passing lanes in Kansas. Generally, drivers support the passing lane program and suggest construction of more passing lanes. Drivers think that passing lanes are more beneficial for improving safety than for saving time. They are equally divided on the length of passing lanes between "too short" and "just right," although the provided lengths are within the recommended optimum lengths found in the literature. The "too short" responses could be due to existing passing lane spacings, preference of four-lane highways over two-lane highways, and difference in local conditions ...
Findings of a Berlin Questionnaire survey: comparison between patients seen in an asthma clinic versus internal medicine clinic.

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma are common and share similar nocturnal symptoms. We hypothesized that the prevalence of OSA symptoms would be greater in asthmatics compared to a general internal medicine population. Methods Patients in the Asthma Clinics ( n =177) and Internal Medicine Clinics ( n =328) at MetroHealth Medical Center, an urban academic institution, were surveyed for OSA risk. Patients completed the Berlin Questionnaire, a validated questionnaire with a positive predictive value (ppv) of 0.89 for determining the presence of OSA in primary care populations. All asthmatics had spirometry performed. Results The asthma group had more females ( p =0.01) and a higher mean body mass index (33.2 vs. 31.2kg/m 2 , p =0.02). However, the percentage with a body mass index >30kg/m 2 was not different between the groups ( p =0.19). The internal medicine group had a much higher rate of hypertension ( p =0.002) and diabetes ( p p p =0.01). OSA risk, as determined by the Berlin Questionnaire, was higher in the asthma group than in the internal medicine group (39.5% vs. 27.2%, p =0.004). In the asthma group, risk for OSA did not correlate with asthma severity ( p =0.183). Conclusions This study suggests a possible association between asthma and OSA. There is a higher prevalence of OSA symptoms in an asthmatic population when compared to a primary care population, independent of the severity of the asthma.
Automatic ellipsometer. Automatic polarimetry by means of an ADP polarization modulator III.

An analytical and experimental study of an automatic ellipsometer is reported. The polarized beam is modulated simultaneously by two ADP cells, and the corresponding two signals are separated and are used to adjust polarizer and analyzer settings in any of the four zones. The reproducibility of the setting has been demonstrated to be of the order of 0.01°.
Age and sex differences in discrimination learning

The present study tested the hypothesis of a decreasing ontogenetic trend in the rate of learning a discrimination as a function of age. A three-phase optional shift design was employed. One hundred and twenty male and female subjects from three age groups, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 years and older, were tested. The results indicated that, with advancing age, more trials were required to meet the learning criterion in the initial and shift discrimination phases. Female subjects learned the initial discrimination significantly faster than did male subjects. Although subjects aged 70 years and older were less likely than those in the younger age groups to choose a reversal shift in the test phase, they chose the reversal and extradimensional shifts at comparable rates. The finding of a reversed ontogenetic trend as a function of age is discussed in terms of both the mediation and attention theories.
Observations on the Desoxyribonucleic Acid Component of Pigmented Skin Tumors1

The fundamental role played by the nucleic acids in the economy of the cell has become increasingly apparent in recent years, despite the fact that their precise mode of action has not been satisfactorily explained. Although many investigators from widely separated fields of endeavor have contributed to the general fund of knowledge regarding the nucleic acids, relatively little work has been done on these compounds as they pertain to pigmented skin tumors. In succeeding paragraphs will be presented first an introduction to the subject of the nucleic acids, followed by an account of observations on the desoxyribo-nucleic acid component of pigmented skin tumors.
Models of blood coagulation.

Abstract Our research aims to provide quantitatively transparent, biologically realistic descriptions of the processes involved in hemostasis which will permit predictions of the behavior of the coagulation system in normal and pathologic states. We use four models of coagulation: (1) numerical approximations of the tissue factor (Tf) pathway of thrombin generation based upon mechanism and dynamics; (2) Tf activation of the “blood coagulation proteome” from isolated cells and proteins; (3) Tf activated contact pathway inhibited whole blood in vitro; and (4) blood shed from standardized microvascular wounds in vivo. The results from these models are integrated in interactive assessments aimed at achieving convergence of biochemical rigor and biological authenticity. Microvascular injury is the most biologically secure but least accessible to mechanistic study. Numerical models while quantitatively transparent are biologically limited. By the integrated analyses of all four models, we establish observations which require inclusion or discovery of new parameters to achieve mechanistically interpretable biological reality. Discoveries made in this fashion have included thrombin's role in the initiation phase, TFPI/ATIII/APC synergy interactions, rfVIIa in fVII deficiency, the roles of fVIII and fIX in the Tf reaction, and the cleavage of fIX by fXa membrane. Ideally, our results will provide descriptions which predict the behavior of the biological blood coagulation system under normal and pathologic conditions.
Stoichiometry of binding of mature and truncated forms of the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase-binding protein to the dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase core of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase-binding protein (E3BP), a component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complexes, anchors an E3 homodimer inside each of t...
Solution assembly of organized carbon nanotube networks for thin-film transistors.

Ultrathin, transparent electronic materials consisting of solution-assembled nanomaterials that are directly integrated as thin-film transistors or conductive sheets may enable many new device structures. Applications ranging from disposable autonomous sensors to flexible, large-area displays and solar cells can dramatically expand the electronics market. With a practical, reliable method for controlling their electronic properties through solution assembly, submonolayer films of aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) may provide a promising alternative for large-area, flexible electronics. Here, we report SWNT network TFTs (SWNTntTFTs) deposited from solution with controllable topology, on/off ratios averaging greater than 105, and an apparent mobility averaging 2 cm2/V·s, without any pre- or postprocessing steps. We employ a spin-assembly technique that results in chirality enrichment along with tunable alignment and density of the SWNTs by balancing the hydrodynamic force (spin rate) with the s...
Cholanoic acids and cholesterol 7-α-hydroxylase activity in human leucocytes☆

Abstract Evidence is presented for the identification of cholanoic acids and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity in human leucocytes. Mononucleated cells contained most of the detectable cholanoic acids. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity was present only in the mononuclear cells. These data suggest that cholanoic acids in leucocytes may have originated by local biosynthesis. Because of their lipid solubilizing properties, the cholanoic acids might have a function in the phagocytic activity of leucocytes.
Post-earthquake Prioritization of Bridge Inspections

Abstract Bridge damage reports from the 2001 Nisqually earthquake were correlated with estimates of ground-motion intensity at each bridge site (obtained from ShakeMaps) and with bridge properties listed in the Washington State Bridge Inventory. Of the ground-motion parameters considered, the percentage of bridges damaged correlated best with the spectral acceleration at a period of 0.3 s. Bridges constructed before the 1940s, movable bridges, and older trusses were particularly vulnerable. These bridge types were underestimated by the HAZUS procedure, which categorizes movable bridges and older trusses as “other” bridges. An inspection prioritization strategy was developed that combines ShakeMaps, the bridge inventory and newly developed fragility curves. For the Nisqually earthquake, this prioritization strategy would have made it possible to identify 80% of the moderately damaged bridges by inspecting only 481 (14%) of the 3,407 bridges within the boundaries of the ShakeMap. To identify these bridges u...
Texting, sexting, and attachment in college students' romantic relationships

In this study, we explored how texting and sexting practices are related to attachment in college students' (n=744) committed romantic relationships. Participants completed a survey containing questions about their texting and sexting practices and attachment styles with relationship partners. Results showed that texting and sexting are relatively common in young adult romantic relationships, and texting and sexting are both significantly related to attachment style. However, whereas text messaging was more common among those with secure attachments (i.e., those with less attachment avoidance), sexting (both texts and pictures) was more common among those with insecure attachments, particularly those with higher attachment avoidance. Whereas anxious attachment predicted variance in sending sex text messages only, attachment avoidance contributed unique variance in sending both sex texts and pictures. This relationship was moderated by gender-avoidant men were more likely than avoidant women to send sex text and picture messages to relationship partners.
Incorporation of serine into the phospholipids of phosphatidylethanolamine-depleted Tetrahymena☆☆☆

Abstract Phosphatidylserine formation and decarboxylation are decreased in Tetrahymena in which phosphatidylethanolamine has been replaced by its isosteric analog 3-aminopropylphosphonolipid (1,2-diacylglyceryl-3- O -(3-aminopropylphosphonate)). The combined activity of the phosphatidylethanolamine: serine phosphatidyltransferase/ phosphatidylserine decarboxylase complex in isolated mitochondria from lipid-altered cells [J. D. Smith and D. A. Giegel (1981) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 206 , 420–423] is about 20% of the activity in mitochondria from control cells. The enzyme activity in the lipidaltered mitochondria is stimulated by the addition of exogenous phosphatidylethanolamine to the assay system while the enzymes of the control mitochondria are not. In vivo the lipid-altered cells are able to incorporate radioactivity from [3- 14 C]- or [3- 3 H]serine into phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine in amounts comparable to normal cells. Thus, under conditions of “stress” (e.g., the depletion of phosphatidylethanolamine), the phosphatidyltransferase is apparantly capable of utilizing other phospholipids besides its normal substrate phosphatidylethanolamine.
A sensorless sliding mode observer with improper speed input using an alternative state-space model of the induction motor

The paper discusses the problem of flux estimation for the induction motor (IM) drive and presents a sensorless observer. The objective is to estimate the fluxes of the IM in the stationary reference frame and to obtain the magnitude and the angle of the rotor flux. In a typical sensorless IM scheme, both these estimates are needed. The paper first presents an alternative state-space model of the IM. Using this, a Sliding Mode (SM) observer is designed. The paper first assumes that the speed of the motor is measured and develops a sensored observer; this is later transformed into a sensorless observer by feeding it with a speed estimate. This approach eliminates the need to measure the speed; instead, the speed estimate is an input of the SM observer. The paper studies the behavior of the observer under these conditions, finds a favorable tuning and shows that the resulting estimates are quite insensitive to the speed mismatch. The proposed design allows accurate estimation of the magnitude and angle of the flux. Previous observers developed under the same conditions based on the traditional IM model were capable of estimating only the angle of the flux (but not the magnitude). The advantage of this method is that it also yields an accurate flux magnitude. The equilibrium point of the observer with improper speed input is studied and conclusions are drawn. The theoretical developments and observations are supported by the simulations.
Comparison of intradermal and subcutaneous hyperalgesic effects of inflammatory mediators in the rat

Abstract In recent studies, the superfusion of the corium side of the skin with inflammatory mediators failed to produce sensitization of nociceptors to mechanical stimuli. We have studied the effects of intradermal (i.d.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and bradykinin (BK) in a behavioral model of hyperalgesia. PGE 2 or BK was injected into the rat hind-paw, and paw-withdrawal thresholds in response to noxious mechanical stimulation before and after the drug were compared. Subcutaneous injection of PGE 2 (1 1000 ng), a hyperalgesic inflammatory mediator, did not significantly alter paw-withdrawal thresholds, under the same conditions in which i.d. injections dose-dependently lowered paw-withdrawal thresholds. Similarly, BK (1–1000 ng), another hyperalgesic mediator, given s.c. failed to significantly alter paw-withdrawal thresholds while i.d. injections dose-dependently lowered paw-withdrawal thresholds. The prostaglandin E-type, EP 1 receptor antagonist SC19220 (750 ng), given s.c. prior to PGE 2 (i.d.) did not significantly change PGE 2 -induced hyperalgesia. However, SC19220 significantly attenuated PGE 2 hyperalgesia when both were injected i.d. Also, s.c. administration of the mu-opioid antagonist. DAMGO, before PGE 2 did not inhibit PGE 2 -induced hyperalgesia as opposed to i.d. injection. These results suggest that the inability of s.c. injection of PGE 2 or BK to reach its receptor site on the terminals of primary afferent nociceptors may be responsible for the ineffectiveness of these hyperalgesic mediators to sensitize cutaneous nociceptors to mechanical stimuli in the rat and underscore the importance of the site of application and site of action of hyperalgesic agents in the study of hyperalgesic mechanisms.
Adsorption of boron on Si(111): Its effect on surface electronic states and reconstruction.

Adsorption of B induces a (\ensuremath{\surd}3 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} \ensuremath{\surd}3 )R30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} reconstruction on Si(111). By combining scanning tunneling microscope topographs and spectra with first-principles calculations we are able to follow the different stages of B incorporation in the Si surface and the corresponding changes to the surface electronic states. We find that the thermodynamically stable configuration consists of a B substitutional atom directly below a Si adatom at a ${T}_{4}$ site. The stability of this configuration is due to the relief of subsurface strain by the short B-Si bonds and the passivation of the surface obtained through charge transfer from the Si adatom to the substitutional B.
2,2'',3,3'',4,4'',5,5''-Octaphenyl-1,1':4',1''-terphenyl and 2',3',5',6'-tetrafluoro-2,2'',3,3'',4,4'',5,5''-octaphenyl-1,1':4',1''-terphenyl.

The title compounds, C66H46, (I), and C66H42F4, (II), are polyphenyl­ated aryl­enes synthesized by one-step Diels–Alder cyclo­addition reactions. In both structures, all mol­ecules lie on crystallographic inversion centers. In the case of (I), there are two half-mol­ecules present in the asymmetric unit, (IA) and (IB); the geometry of each half-mol­ecule differs principally in the magnitudes of the dihedral angles between mean planes fitted through the central aryl ring and the pendant phenyl rings. The crystal used was a non-merohedral twin, with a refined twin scale factor of 0.460 (8). The dihedral angle between the plane of the central tetra­fluorinated ring and the adjacent tetra­phenyl­ated ring in (II) is 83.87 (4)°, significantly greater than the dihedral angles of 49.89 (12) and 54.38 (10)° found in the two half-mol­ecules in (IA) and (IB), respectively, and attributed to inter­molecular C—H⋯F hydrogen bonding in (II). Inter­molecular C—H⋯π bonding is found in (I). Two inter­actions have the C—H bond oriented towards the centroid (Cg) of a butadiene fragment of a phenyl ring; both H⋯Cg distances are approximately 2.68 A and the inter­actions connect adjacent mol­ecules into stacks in the c-axis direction. The composition of the stacks alternates, i.e. (IA)–(IB)–(IA)–(IB) etc. A third, weaker, C—H⋯π inter­action and a phen­yl–phenyl close contact connect each end of the long mol­ecular axes of (IB) with an adjacent mol­ecule of (IA) into chains which run perpendicular to the (140) and (\overline{1}40) planes. C—H⋯F inter­actions in (II) have the most profound influence on the mol­ecular and crystal structure, the main effect of which is the above-mentioned increase in the dihedral angle between the plane of the central tetra­fluorinated ring and the adjacent tetra­phenyl­ated ring. C—H⋯F inter­actions have refined H⋯F distances of 2.572 (15) and 2.642 (16) A, with approximate C—H⋯F angles of 123 and 157°, respectively. These form a hydrogen-bonded ribbon structure which propagates in the b-axis direction.
Checkpoint—Restart for APL applications

The crash proofing of APL programs is relatively simple in an APL system having a file sub-system. The method is the classical Check Point and Restart to which has been added Completion Codes. It can be used for single user programs or multiple user interactive programs with critical sections. It assures recovery for such external generated failures as CPU, terminal, telephone line drop, or network crashes. The method can be used on already written programs by simple insertion in the existent code. It is particularly useful in application programs where the users are laymen.
Morbidity of cytoreductive surgery in the elderly.

Abstract Objectives While ovarian cancer is often seen in elderly patients, such women are often not treated as aggressively as younger patients. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and morbidity of cytoreductive surgery in the elderly. Study design A retrospective review was performed of all patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma who underwent exploratory laparotomy. Patients were stratified by age into those younger than 70 years of age and those 70 years of age and older. Results A total of 175 patients, 129 (74%) in the younger cohort and 46 (26%) in the older cohort, were identified. Optimal cytoreduction to a largest tumor diameter of P =1.00). The stage distribution, complication rate, duration of hospital stay, and survival were similar between the groups. Conclusion Aggressive surgical cytoreduction is both safe and feasible in elderly patients. Advanced age should not be considered a contraindication to cytoreductive surgery.
The superfluid transition temperature of liquid 3He

Abstract The superfluid transition temperature, T c , is calculated from a scattering amplitude (constructed from the polarization potentials of Aldrich and Pines) which has been shown to yield agreement with experiment for transport properties. Our calculated values agree with experiment at all pressures up to 34 atm.
The RNA polymerase III-recruiting factor TFIIIB induces a DNA bend between the TATA box and the transcriptional start site

TFIIIB, the RNA polymerase III-recruiting factor of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, may be assembled upstream of the transcriptional start site, either through the interaction of its constituent TATA-binding protein (TBP) with a strong TATA-box, or by means of the multisubunit assembly factor, TFIIIC. Missing nucleoside interference analysis of TFIIIC-dependent TFIIIB-DNA complex formation revealed enhanced complex formation at 0 degreesC when the DNA is missing nucleosides in two broad 7-10 bp regions centered around base-pairs -17 and -3 relative to the transcriptional start site; no effect of missing nucleosides was evident at 20 degreesC. The implication of these results for required DNA flexure in TFIIIC-mediated TFIIIB-DNA complex formation was pursued in a TFIIIC-independent context, using DNA with a suboptimal 6 bp TATA box (TATAAA). A unique missing nucleoside at the downstream end of the TATA box, corresponding to the position of one of two TBP-mediated DNA kinks, significantly enhances TBP-DNA complex formation. In contrast, TFIIIB displays a broad preference for missing nucleosides within an approximately 15 bp region immediately downstream of the TATA box. Consecutive mismatches (4-nt loops), either at the sites of TBP-mediated DNA kinking at both ends of the TATA box or within the identified region where missing nucleosides promote TFIIIB-DNA complex formation, also result in enhanced and specific TFIIIB assembly; 4-nt loops further downstream do not lead to preferential placement of TFIIIB. We conclude that TFIIIB induces an additional DNA deformation between the TATA box and the start site of transcription that is likely to be more extended than the sharp kinks generated by TBP.
Historical perspectives on adolescent pregnancy and education in the United States

Adolescent births in early America often were viewed as part of broader concerns about premarital sexual activity and out-of-wedlock births in general. In the second half of the 20th century, adolescent pregnancies and teen out-of-wedlock births were seen as special challenges to American society. There is growing unease about the lack of high-quality education received by young mothers. Periodically, the federal government has taken an active interest in trying to reduce unintended adolescent pregnancies as well as to provide more educational opportunities for everyone. Many of those initiatives have had only limited impact so far.
Analyses of deformation and texture as functions of fabrication in mandrel- drawn tubing.

Present-day light-water power reactors require large amounts of high-quality tubing as cladding for the UO2 pellet fuel presently in use. A typical 1000 MWe boiling water reactor requires almost 500,000 ft of nominally l/2-in.-diam Zircaloy tubing per core loading. The production of such tubing is potentially a very large-scale operation with the advent of increasing numbers of power reactors. We are presently concerned with the effects that fabrication can have on the mechanical properties of Zircaloy tubing. It has been found that texture, or crystallographic orientation, in this anisotropic material has a large effect on the properties of the material.1 It has also been shown that texture is profoundly affected by deformation.2,3 Most commercial tubing manufacturers in this country use combinations of extrusion, tube reducing (rocking), and drawing to produce their tubing. The types of tooling used, the die designs, the reductions per pass, etc., vary among manufacturers and are generally proprietary.
Effects Of Silencing Synapse Associated Protein-97 On Cardiac Potassium Currents

Introduction: Synapse associated protein-97 (SAP97) is a scaffolding protein expressed in cardiac myocytes. Previous studies have suggested that SAP97 interacts with and modifies properties of ion channels. We have investigated the functional effect of silencing SAP97 on major repolarizing currents in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs). Methods: SAP97 was silenced using a shRNA expressing adenovirus. The standard patch clamp technique was used to investigate the effects of this silencing on potassium currents in ARVMs. Control experiments were carried out in ARVMs infected with a GFP expressing adenovirus. Results: Western blot analysis showed that SAP97 was silenced in ARVM after 3 days in culture. In SAP97 silenced ARVMs, IK1 density was reduced by ∼50% when measured at -100 mV (Holding potential (HP) = -50 mV). Average current density was -1.85±0.3 pA/pF, n=12 as compared to -3.76±0.5 pA/pF, n = 6 in control cells. Depolarization-activated (at +60 mV, HP = -70 mV) currents in the ARVM were fitted with a two-exponential function for analysis. Amplitude and kinetic analysis of the fits showed that there was a 30% decrease in the current density of the first component in SAP97 silenced ARVMs (9±1.9 pA/pF, n=5) as compared to control (13.5±0.9 pA/pF, n=4). SAP97 silencing however did not significantly change the kinetics of the first component. Time constants averaged 68±12 msec and 1.1±0.1 sec in control versus 121±24 msec and 1.47±0.21 sec in SAP97 silenced cells. Compared to the control cells, there was no change in the current density of the second component in SAP97 silenced cells. Current amplitude averaged 3.1±0.4 pA/pF (n=5) and 3.7±0.2 pA/pF (n=4), respectively for SAP97 silenced ARVMs and control. These results suggest that the silencing of SAP97 has differential effects on potassium currents in adult cardiac myocytes.
Activation of Inhibitors by Sortase Triggers Irreversible Modification of the Active Site

Sortases anchor surface proteins to the cell wall of Gram-positive pathogens through recognition of specific motif sequences. Loss of sortase leads to large reductions in virulence, which identifies sortase as a target for the development of antibacterials. By screening 135,625 small molecules for inhibition, we report here that aryl (β-amino)ethyl ketones inhibit sortase enzymes from staphylococci and bacilli. Inhibition of sortases occurs through an irreversible, covalent modification of their active site cysteine. Sortases specifically activate this class of molecules via β-elimination, generating a reactive olefin intermediate that covalently modifies the cysteine thiol. Analysis of the three-dimensional structure of Bacillus anthracis sortase B with and without inhibitor provides insights into the mechanism of inhibition and reveals binding pockets that can be exploited for drug discovery.
Transpiration from a multi-species deciduous forest as estimated by xylem sap flow techniques

Abstract Thermal dissipation probes inserted into hydro-active sapwood were used to measure rates of xylem sap flow for six major hardwood species growing in an upland oak forest of east TN. Species-specific estimates of sap flow were combined with total sapwood area for trees of the forest overstory and understory, and daily rates of stand transpiration were derived. A seasonal analysis of sap flow for nine chestnut oak (Quercus prinus L.) trees measured in 1996 showed that radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and fractional leaf area index (LAI) were sufficient to describe rates of daily transpiration. Application of an empirical model to climatic data collected in 1997 and maximum daily rates of sap flow for white oak (Quercus alba L.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) indicated that stand transpiration peaked at 2.2 mm day−1 in mid-May prior to canopy closure. Total transpiration during the season was 267 mm; 221 mm from overstory trees and 46 mm from understory saplings. Transpiration from the overstory was dominated by red maple (59 mm) and black gum (49 mm). Chestnut oak, which accounted for 27% of the stand basal area, contributed only 35 mm or 16% to total overstory transpiration. The relative contribution of each species to stand transpiration was driven largely by sapwood area per unit ground area and to a lesser extent by species-specific differences in daily water use. Such information should prove useful in exploring the impact of harvest operations on site water balance and in understanding the ecological basis for how species composition affects forest water use.
Imaging through scattering media: performances and technical concerns of range-gated equipment

After a brief comparison between acoustics and optics in underwater imaging and a short description of optical propagation in scattering media, different methods of imaging with a blue-green laser source are described. As examples, description of two experimental mock-ups are shown: point by point scanning imager and global TV. Possible enhancement by polarimetric analysis is mentioned. The main technical constraints for operational lidar imagers are further discussed.
Enhancement of the echogenicity of flowing blood by the contrast agent perflubron

Rationale and objectives Perflubron, or perfluorooctylbromide, is an effective ultrasound and computed tomography contrast agent in a lecithin emulsion form. The authors studied acoustical properties of perflubron emulsion in static human and flowing porcine blood for concentrations from 0% to 30% weight per volume. Methods Propagation velocity (c), the intensity attenuation coefficient (mu), density (rho), and particle size were measured directly. Because the backscatter of flowing blood is dependent on shear rate, relative echogenicity was measured as a function of perflubron concentration in whole porcine blood, in a laminar flow system, at shear rates of 16.0 to 68.5 sec-1 for realtime sector scanner images obtained at 7.5 MHz. Results Neat perflubron is a colorless liquid with density of 1.93 g.mL-1 and velocity of 630 m.sec-1. The following values were obtained at 4.7 MHz in static human blood (hematocrit 44%) at expected human in vivo blood concentrations of 3.1% perflubron versus pure human blood: rho = 1.11 versus 1.05 g.mL-1, c = 1,480 versus 1,576 m.sec-1, mu = 1.00 versus 0.36 dB.cm-1. The mean echogenicity of whole porcine blood increased substantially with perflubron concentration and was inversely proportional to blood shear rate. Conclusion Adding 3.1% concentration of perflubron increased image echogenicity at all shear rates studied, ranging from 70% at 68.5 sec-1 (16.3 cm.sec-1) up to 180% at 16.0 sec-1 (3.8 cm.sec-1). Perflubron enhancement of blood is marked and demonstrates shear rate dependence like that of whole blood.
Collagen Fiber Re-Alignment in a Neonatal Developmental Mouse Supraspinatus Tendon Model

Collagen fiber re-alignment is one postulated mechanism of tendon structural response to load. While collagen fiber distribution has been shown to vary by tendon location in the supraspinatus tendon, changes in local re-alignment behavior have not been examined throughout postnatal development. Postnatal tendons, with immature collagen fibrils, may respond to load in a much different manner than collagen fibers with mature fiber-fiber and fiber-matrix connections. Local collagen fiber re-alignment is quantified throughout tensile mechanical testing in a developmental mouse supraspinatus tendon model and corresponding mechanical properties measured. Collagen fiber re-alignment occurred during preconditioning for 28 day old tendons, at the toe-region for 10 day tendons and at the linear-region for 4 day tendon midsubstance. Mechanical properties increased with developmental age. Linear modulus was lower at the insertion site compared to the midsubstance location at all time points. Local differences in collagen fiber distributions were found at 10 and 28 days for all mechanical testing points (except the 10 day transition point). This study found that collagen fiber re-alignment depends on developmental age and suggests that collagen fibrillogenesis may influence the tendon’s ability to structurally respond to load. Additionally, results indicate that the insertion site and tendon midsubstance locations develop differently.
Complexes of Hydroperoxyl Radical with Glyoxal, Methylglyoxal, Methylvinyl Ketone, Acrolein, and Methacrolein: Possible New Sinks for HO2 in the Atmosphere?

Structures and energetics of complexes of HO2 with glyoxal, methylglyoxal, methylvinyl ketone, and methacrolein have been calculated using density functional theory. The hydroperoxy radical was fou...
Characteristics, insights, decision making, and preparation of ED triage nurses.

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics, insights, and decision making of expert emergency nurses practicing in a triage environment. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study design was used. A purposive sample of 10 expert nurses from 2 midwestern emergency departments was recruited for 2 separate focus groups. After transcribing from audiotapes, the data were collapsed to reflect the responses of participants from each focus group to each of the 6 questions asked. Results: A variety of themes emerged from the data to describe the decision-making characteristics of triage nurses from the perspective of the expert emergency nurse. Discussion: Expert triage nurses discussed the characteristics that they deemed important in themselves and in those they worked with, such as intuition, assessment abilities, good communication, and critical thinking. The participants strongly verbalized the need for more formal education and emergency nursing experience for new triage nurses. Positive reinforcement from management for timely and accurate decision making was also an important topic.
Profitable Positioning for Retailers

This article has considered the nature and role of positioning among retailers. The positioning of retail stores was defined as the perceived image consumers have of one store in relation to competitive outlets within the same trading area. And profitable positioning for retailers was identified as a strategy for developing and projecting unique store images for increasing the retailer’s total profits.
Alcohol involvement in recreational boating: implications for safety regulation

The intent of the recently enacted federal anti-alcohol recreational boating legislation is to reduce boating accidents by reducing alcohol consumption by boat operators. This legislation implicitly assumes that alcohol consumption by operators is a determinant of operators being at fault in boating accidents. The results of this paper, based on a multivariate analysis of microdata, support this assumption for non-fatal but not for fatal boating accidents. However, alcohol involvement was found to be a significant determinant of the severity of boating accidents (i.e. fatal versus non-fatal accidents). These results suggest that alcohol involvement causes boating fatalities but does not cause the operator to be at fault in fatal boating accidents. A policy implication is that laws proscribing intoxication during boating should be directed not just at operators, but at all water recreationists.
A super-emissive self-heated cathode for high-power applications

A superemissive cathode for high-power glow-discharge applications, such as high-current thyratrons, based on a self-heated thermionic emission mechanism is reported, and the mechanism is discussed. The results suggest that high-brightness cathode design for glow-discharge switches can be significantly improved. By tailoring the area of ion-beam heating, it should be possible to optimize operating conditions according to pulse length, current risetime, voltage falltime, peak current and electrode material. The superemission characteristics which are approximately=2 orders of magnitude larger than typical thermionic emitters, suggest that there are a number of important applications. >
The Virasoro algebra

Three theroems are proved. With suitable hypotheses in each case, characterizations are found for the Virasoro algebra, for some of its representations, and for the Ramond-Neveu-Schwarz superalgebra built around the Virasoro algebra.
Analogical 'Leveling' from Outside the Paradigm: Stem-Vowel Changes in the German Modals

SUMMARYAmong the many changes that have occurred in the stem vowels of the German modal verbs is one set that has led to the partial or complete elimination of morphophonemic alternations between present and preterite in five of the modals in modern times. Analogical leveling is usually seen as playing an important role in the motivation for these changes. By examining the details of the changes in the standard language and in a large number of dialects, I show that they must be attributed to a number of factors, and that the leveling usually invoked appears to have played very little role. These findings are consistent with the predictions of several recent theories of morphological change and underline the need to distinguish between analogical leveling as a paradigm-internal motivation for change and the elimination of alternations due to paradigm-external and extra-morphological forces.RESUMEParmi les changements qui ont eu lieu dans les vocales radicales des verbes modales en allemand, il y a un groupe qui, pendant la periode moderne, a mene a 1'elimination partielle ou totale des alternances morpho-nologiques entre le present et le preterit. Normalement, on presume que l'harmonisation par analogie a joue un role important dans la motivation de ces changements. En examinant les details des changements dans la langue standard et dans un grand nombre de dialectes, je montre qu'il faut les attribuer a plusieurs facteurs et que l'harmonisation par analogie qui est habituellement invoque a eu tres peu d'importance. Ces resultats sont en accord avec les predictions de quelques theories recentes de la morphologie diachronique et soulignent la necessite de distinguer entre l'harmonisation par analogie en tant que motivation des changements qui est interne au paradigme, d'un cote, et l'elimination des alternances a cause des facteurs externe au paradigme et meme externe a la morphologie, de 1'autre.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGZu den vielen Veranderungen, die in den Stammvokalen der deutschen Modalverben stattgefunden haben, gehort eine Reihe, die in der Neuzeit zur partiellen oder vollstandigen Tilgung von morphonemischen Wechseln zwischen Prasens und Prateritum in funf Verben gefuhrt haben. Meistens wird angenommen, dass analoger Ausgleich eine wichtige Rolle bei der Motivation fur diese Entwicklungen gespielt hat. Durch eine genaue Unter-suchung der Details von diesen Entwicklungen in der Standardsprache sowie in einer grosen Anzahl von Dialekten beweise ich, dass viele Faktoren bei diesen Veranderungen mitgespielt haben, und dass der oft erwahnte analoge Ausgleich sehr wenig damit zu tun hatte. Diese Ergebnisse stimmen mit den Voraussagen von einigen neueren Theorien des morphologischen Wandels uberein, und sie unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit, zwischen analogem Ausgleich als innerparadigmatischer Motivation fur Sprachwandel und der Tilgung von Lautwechseln durch auBerparadigmatische und auBermorpholo-gische Faktoren zu unterscheiden.
Insulin-like peptides in the Lobster Homarus americanus III. No glucostatic role

Lobsters contained insulin immunoreactivity ranging from 3.4 +/- 0.6 to 7.2 +/- 0.5 microU ml-1 hemolymph. Experimental results indicated that the hemolymph insulin immunoreactive peptides have no glucostatic function. With an increase in exogenous glucose in the hemolymph no increase in hemolymph immunoreactive insulin was observed. Also, injection of hepatopancreas extract did not increase the rate of glucose removal from the hemolymph.
Frequency of Nitrogen Fertilizer Carryover in the Humid Midwest

Soil tests for residual NO 3 − can improve prediction of crop N fertilizer requirements in the humid Midwest, but their adoption as a standard procedure in fertilizer N recommendation programs depends on the frequency of significant profile NO 3 − −N carryover. Data from a 25-yr crop sequence experiment (1967 to 1991) on a Rozetta silt loam soil (finesilty, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalf) at Lancaster, WI, were used to estimate the frequency and extent of N fertilizer carryover. Sequences studied included unfertilized oat (Avena sativa L.) grown after corn (Zea mays L.) that received a range of N rates. Oat yields were influenced by the residual effects of the previous year's N application in 21 of the 15 yr, with yield responses varying from 500 to 1500 kg ha −1