cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification, characterization, and resolution of the in vivo phosphorylated form of the D1 photosystem II reaction center protein.

The chloroplast-encoded D1 protein of oxygenic photosynthetic organisms is a component of the photosystem II reaction center. Previously, we detected an electrophoretic variant of D1 which was generated in vivo in granal-localized reaction centers in a light dependent manner (Callahan, F.E., Ghirardi, M.L., Sopory, S.K., Mehta, A.M., Edelman, M., and Mattoo, A.K. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 15357-15360). In the present study, we identify this modified form as phosphorylated D1. The in vivo phosphorylation occurs on a threonine residue(s) localized within 1 kDa from the N terminus and is identical to the phosphorylation of D1 catalyzed in vitro by a redox-regulated thylakoid-bound protein kinase. While virtually all of the D1 protein present in thylakoids can be phosphorylated in vitro, the steady-state level of phosphorylated D1 in vivo varies with light intensity and did not exceed 20% of the total D1 under the conditions of this study.
On Software Diversification, Correlated Failures and Risk Management

The increasing dependence on information networks for business operations has focused managerial attention on managing risks posed by failure of these networks. In this paper, we develop models to assess the risk of failure of an information network due to attacks that exploits known software vulnerabilities. Software vulnerabilities arise from software installed on the nodes of the network. When the same software stack is installed on multiple nodes on the network, software vulnerabilities are shared among them. These shared vulnerabilities can result in correlated failure of multiple nodes resulting in longer repair times and greater loss of availability of the network. We show that considering positive network effects (e.g., compatibility) alone without taking the risks of correlated failure and the resulting costs due to lack of availability into account leads to over-investment in homogeneous software installations. The notion of using diversity to limit correlated failure is a widely accepted risk management strategy in many fields e.g. insurance and portfolio management. However, these approaches are advantageous only for risk-averse agents as the expected loss remains unchanged. Using software diversification as a managerial lever, we show that the expected loss under homogeneous software deployment is higher than the expected loss under diverse software deployment, making diversification appealing to even risk-neutral firms. Our analysis suggests that security risk is a cost that firms should take into consideration in developing their IT infrastructure. Exploiting characteristics unique to information systems, we present an analytical framework that allows us to quantify security loss faced by a firm as a function of investment in security technologies to avert attacks, software diversification to limit correlated failure under attacks and IT resources to repair failures due to attacks. We analyze the effectiveness of diversification strategy under different operating conditions.
An adaptive notch filter used for sinusoidal and transient modeling of speech signals

Tracking non-stationary narrow-band signals is an important problem in many DSP problems such as speech processing. We develop a method for modeling speech signals as sinusoids and transients using our previously developed frequency-transform based notch filter. The proposed method provides an efficient spectral peaks picking algorithm and good speech signal modeling.
In-situ OTDR measurements for single-mode optical networks with a standard VCSEL

We propose and experimentally demonstrate in-situ OTDR fault location using a conventional 850-nm VCSEL. The laser functions as both emitter and resonant-cavity photodiode receiver, enabling simplified monitoring of low-cost fiber networks. Theoretical detection limits are discussed.
Reply to Simmonds et al.: Codon pair and dinucleotide bias have not been functionally distinguished

Simmonds et al. (1) have criticized our paper (2). Two disagreements stand out. First, the authors suggest that our viruses are attenuated by increased “dinucleotide frequencies” (1, 3), but “codon pair deoptimization” they dismiss as “artefact” (3). We believe this is just semantic word juggling. When a protein is recoded, UpA/CpG dinucleotides available for change are largely at codon–codon junctions, where they define codon pairs. In mammals, many disfavored codon pairs have UpA or CpG at their junctions (4). Therefore, altering UpA/CpG dinucleotides simultaneously alters codon pairs, and vice versa. Accordingly, all of the viral constructs in question (1, 2) coordinately alter dinucleotides and codon pairs (see below) and so do not distinguish the phenomena. No mechanism is known for either phenomenon. Nothing about our results, conclusions, or the future uses of these attenuated viruses would change if we called them “dinucleotide deoptimized.”
The Interferometer Paradigm for Mammalian Binaural Hearing

Binaural (stereo) hearing in man and other mammals may be modelled by an interferometric array paradigm. The well known use of amplitude differences at the two ears is but one of several relevant observables, which also include phase delay and group delay differences, as well as their respective rates. This two element interferometer appears to be nonlinear and spectral. Beam synthesis occurs with the decoding of harmonic information and the generation of pseudo-UV coverage through cochlear overtone production. Diffraction limiting may be overcome through such overtone generation. The precision or ‘localization’ of the synthesized beam may be achieved through rapid (of order microseconds) beam nodding, with acuity limited by the delay resolution of the interferometric processing--this has been measured to be less than 10 microseconds in man. Interferometric rejection is used to distinguish particular sounds in a noisy environment (the ‘cocktail party effect’).
The missing millions: organized labor, business, and the defeat of Clinton's Health Security Act.

During the battle over comprehensive health care reform in the early 1990s, organized labor was not only unable to put together a winning coalition but also found itself divided and on the defensive as it struggled to prevent any further erosion of the private-sector safety net of the U.S. welfare state. Labor's relative ineffectiveness has deep institutional and political roots and was not merely a consequence of its dwindling membership base. Several key institutions of the private welfare state, notably the Taft-Hartley health and welfare funds and the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) preemption, brought the interests of organized labor more closely in line with those of large employers and commercial insurers and aggravated divisions within organized labor and between unions and public interest groups. In addition, several political factors conspired to reinforce labor's tendency to stick to a policy path on health care issues that was predicated on an employer-mandate solution and that had been charted primarily by business and leading Democrats. As a result, organized labor did not emerge from the 1993-1994 struggle with its political base fortified nor with a viable long-term political strategy to achieve universal health care and to shift the political debate over health policy in a more desirable direction.
Parents and Peers in Relation to Early Adolescent Problem Behavior

Concurrent and prospective associations between parent-youth dyadic hostility and adolescent externalizing and internalizing problem behavior were examined in a sample of 416 families. Parenting control parents well-being and youths affiliation with deviant peers were included as integral covariates. Information from multiple sources was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Concurrently youth externalizing problems were associated with dyadic hostility deviant peers inadequate parenting control and fathers well-being (inversely). Internalizing problems were associated with inadequate parenting control and lower levels of fathers well-being. Prospectively some of these relations continued over 2 years with a few new associations emerging. A process model is proposed in which parent-youth dyadic hostility during early adolescence influences parenting peer relations and parents well-being over time. (authors)
Das Lebenszyklus-Konzept von Volkswagen

Auf den Kraftstoffverbrauch zu schauen, ist sinnvoll, aber nur eine Seite der Medaille. Eine umweltgerechte Fahrzeugentwicklung muss ganzheitlich erfolgen. Um dies zu erreichen, mussen von Anfang an geeignete Instrumente zur Verfugung stehen – bei Volkswagen ist das die Umweltbilanz. Die Untersuchung des kompletten Produktlebenszyklus erfasst mehr als nur die Fahremissionen und unterstutzt so das Unternehmen auf dem Weg zu seinen selbst gesetzten Umweltzielen.
The behavioral effects of stimulating and ablating the reptilian amygdala (Caiman sklerops)

Abstract Stainless-steel electrodes were implanted in the amygdaloid complex of 25 caiman. Stimulation produced several responses including a flight response in which the animal flexibly avoided barriers placed in his path. Stimulation sites from which these responses were evoked were predominantly in the amygdaloid complex. In a second study, lesions were made in the amygdala of 32 caiman. An emotionality scale was devised to measure postoperative changes in attack-flight behavior. Bilateral lesions produced a drop in attack and retreat responses that correlated significantly with amount of damage to ventral medial nucleus. Attack and retreat motor patterns remained intact, but responses occurred less frequently, required more intense stimuli, and were without the vocalization, pupillary dilation, and hyperventilation that make up the affective display of the normal response. Correlations with total size of lesion and with amount of damage to other nuclei in the forebrain were not significant.
Morphological Analysis of the Transverse Carpal Ligament

Transection of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) for carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly performed, yet actual knowledge of TCL morphology is rudimentary and the anatomical terminology is inconsistently used. The purpose of this study was to perform a morphological analysis of the TCL, to redefine the anatomical terminology concerning the TCL and surrounding structures, and to evaluate any correlation between external, measurable hand dimensions, and TCL dimensions. A silicone casting technique and digitization were employed to measure the morphology of the TCL in cadaveric specimens and to construct a three-dimensional TCL model. The TCL was the thickest distally at the midline and ulnar segments and the thickest proximally at the radial segment. External hand dimensions did not significantly correlate with TCL dimensions. The TCL thickness distribution is variable along the radioulnar axis. The thickness of the TCL was 2.1 ± 0.8 mm, ranging from 1.3 to 3.0 mm.
Interface Segregating Fluoralkyl-Modified Polymers for High-Fidelity Block Copolymer Nanoimprint Lithography

Block copolymer (BCP) lithography is a powerful technique to write periodic arrays of nanoscale features into substrates at exceptionally high densities. In order to place these features at will on substrates, nanoim- print offers a deceptively clear path toward high throughput production: nanoimprint molds are reusable, promote gra- phoepitaxial alignment of BCP microdomains within their topography, and are efficiently aligned with respect to the substrate using interferometry. Unfortunately, when thin films of BCPs are subjected to thermal nanoimprint, there is an overwhelming degree of adhesion at the mold-polymer interface, which compromises the entire process. Here we report the synthesis of additives to mitigate adhesion based on either PS or PDMS with short, interface-active fluoroalkyl chains. When blended with PS-b-PDMS BCPs and sub- jected to a thermal nanoimprint, fluoroalkyl-modified PS in particular is observed to substantially reduce film adhe- sion to the mold, resulting in a nearly defect-free nanoim- print. Subsequent lithographic procedures revealed excellent graphoepitaxial alignment of sub-10 nm BCP microdo- mains, a critical step toward lower-cost, high-throughput nanofabrication.
Shark Cartilage Contains Inhibitors of Tumor Angiogenesis

Shark cartilage contains a substance that strongly inhibits the growth of new blood vessels toward solid tumors, thereby restricting tumor growth. The abundance of this factor in shark cartilage, in contrast to cartilage from mammalian sources, may make sharks an ideal source of the inhibitor and may help to explain the rarity of neoplasms in these animals.
Internal auditing effectiveness: an expansion of present methods

One of the three areas to which internal auditing is targeted is effectiveness. Yet we do not often determine whether the internal auditing function is itself operating effectively. We must identify the basic objective of internal auditing, define the goals to be accomplished, establish measures relative to achieving those goals, and finally evaluate the overall internal auditing process. We must separate the usual measures of output from the overall measures of outcome to determine the cost effectiveness and operational improvement aspects of the internal audit process. The former, the time‐honored internal audit output measures must be supplanted by internal audit effectiveness achievements.
Pretraining and discrimination reversal learning by rhesus monkeys

Groups of five to seven macaques were trained on repeated reversals of a visual (or spatial) discrimination habit after no pretraining, extended discrimination training, or repeated reversal training on spatial (or visual) cues. Neither sort of pretraining had a significant effect on reversal learning on the second cue. These results indicate that monkeys’ capacity to develop generalized “win-stay, lose-shift” hypotheses may have been exaggerated in previous experiments.
Clinical Applications of Cost Analysis of Diabetic Macular Edema Treatments

Objective To apply cost–benefit analyses in specific circumstances in which the results of multiple modalities of treating diabetic macular edema (DME) are similar, as a basis for considering economic ramifications in clinically relevant applications. Design A model of resource use, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness and utility. Participants There were no participants. Methods Results from published clinical trials (index studies) of laser, intravitreal corticosteroids, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, and vitrectomy trials were used to ascertain visual benefit and clinical protocols of patients with DME. Calculations followed from the costs of 1 year of treatment for each modality and the visual benefits as ascertained. Main Outcome Measures Visual acuity (VA) saved, cost of therapy, cost per line saved, cost per line-year saved, and costs per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) saved. Results Four specific situations were observed or analyzed: (1) Treatment results for DME causing VA loss Conclusions Cost-effectiveness analyses can be clinically relevant and may be considered when formulating and applying treatment strategies for some subsets of patients with DME. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Comparison of mail and telephone in assessing patient experiences in receiving care from medical group practices.

The medical group survey from the CAHPS® (formerly Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study) project, G-CAHPS, focuses on patient experiences in receiving care from their medical group practice. We compared mail and telephone responses to the GCAHPS survey in a sample of 880 patients fromfour physician groups. Patients were randomly assigned to mode. Analyses included comparison of response rates, missing data, internal consistency reliability of six multiitem scales, and mean scores. A total of 537 phone completes and 343 mail completes were obtained (54% response rate). There were no significant differences in internal consistency by mode. In addition, there was only one significant mode difference in item and composite means by mode of administration after adjusting for case-mix differences. This study indicates that mail and telephone modes of data collection for the G-CAHPS survey produce similar results.
The Advanced Lead/Acid Battery Consortium

Abstract The Advanced Lead/Acid Battery Consortium, the ALABC, has been organized in order to carry out research to optimize the performance of the lead/acid battery for electric vehicle (EV) applications. A research program has been laid out to develop valve-regulated battery technology for this application, which promises to be substantial due to legislation in the USA and environmental pressures in a number of Europe's largest cities. In order to carry out this program, the Consortium now consists of fourteen of the world's largest lead producers, twelve battery companies world-wide and several industry suppliers. A four-year program with a budget of some US $19.3 million is proposed, with half of that total coming from the ALABC and half proposed to come from various governmental sources from all parts of the world.
Alcoholic (beer) sialosis.

Sialosis, rather than sialadenosis, has been recommended by the World Health Organization as the correct diagnostic term for a unique form of salivary gland swelling characterized by persistent painless bilateral parotid swellings with the occasional involvement of the submandibular salivary gland. Sialosis is known to occur in a variety of conditions including alcoholism, diabetes, malnutrition, and even idiopathically. However, it is most frequently observed in relation to high alcohol intake. The parotid swellings are soft in tone, noninflammatory, non-neoplastic, and usually symmetrical. There is no sex predilection, and its highest incidence occurs after the age of 30. The swellings fill the depression in the auricular area between the mandibular ramus and the superior segment of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Although sialosis is generally associated with distilled liquor drinkers, beer may be causative as well. Because a thorough literature review did not reveal the occurrence of sialosis in beer drinkers, the authors wish to report such a case.
Wilbrand's knee: does it exist?

Abstract Objective In 1904, Hermann Wilbrand reported that nasal ON fibers form a loop into the contralateral ON, subsequently referred to as Wilbrand's knee. He had further theorized that a lesion affecting Wilbrand's knee would develop a distinct visual field defect characterized by an ipsilateral central scotoma with a contralateral superotemporal visual field defect. We present clinical evidence that disputes the existence of Wilbrand's knee. Methods A retrospective analysis of 3 patients whose ONs were divided at the ON–chiasm junction is presented. Two patients had an ONS meningioma and the other patient had sarcoidosis of the ON. Resection of the lesion and the ON up to the nerve-chiasm junction was done to prevent the disease from extending into the OC and the contralateral ON. The patients had detailed neuro-ophthalmologic evaluations preoperatively and postoperatively. Results After the resection of the ON at the ON–chiasm junction in the 3 patients, junctional scotoma could not be detected by visual perimetry. Conclusion No clinical perimetric evidence was found to support the existence of Wilbrand's knee in the anterior visual pathway.
Application of single‐ and multiphasic michaelis‐menten kinetics to predictive modeling for aquatic ecosystems

The transport, fate and effects of many toxic chemicals in aquatic ecosystems are largely mediated by microbial transformations. In our research, we have assumed that the transformations are a result of enzymatic reactions, and thus follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Using diverse field-collected and laboratory microcosm microbiota, we obtained sufficient experimental data to reach some general conclusions concerning the strengths and weaknesses of using Michaelis-Menten kinetics in making environmental predictions. We concluded that this approach is best suited to predicting microbial transformations for pollutant concentrations of approximately 10−7 M or lower. The approach also is applicable to high pollutant concentrations (saturated systems), provided that toxic effects of the pollutant and adaptation are considered. Unfortunately, most experiments have been conducted in the upper 10−7 to 10−4 M pollutant concentration range, which may approach saturation for a portion of enzymatic systems in a mixed population. This range is ideal for analytical purposes, but could be confounded by mixed-order and multiphasic kinetics, toxic effects of the pollutant and adaptation. Adaptation, mass-transport effects, multiphasic kinetics of pollutant uptake and transformation, and suppression of transformation by diauxie, biologically produced inhibitors, and other xenobiotic chemicals are some of the factors that we believe need to be more thoroughly evaluated to improve predictive modeling capabilities.
Investigation of the Properties of PEEK-Nanotube Composites Prepared by Solution Methods

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is an aromatic, very high temperature semi-crystalline polymer which exhibits a technologically useful combination of mechanical and chemical properties. In this study carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were used to prepare nanocomposites from PEEK using a polymer crystallization technique at intermediate temperatures. The solution processing technique was used to uniformly disperse the CNFs in the polymer solution and to prepare the nanocomposite samples with different loading of CNFs. Microstructural characterization shows dispersion at very low loading of CNFs, but agglomerates were formed at higher loading. Thermal analysis was used as a means to understand the effect of CNFs on the physical properties of the PEEK nanocomposites.
Similarities and differences between pathological gambling and substance use disorders: a focus on impulsivity and compulsivity

Rationale Pathological gambling (PG) has recently been considered as a “behavioral” or nonsubstance addiction. A comparison of the characteristics of PG and substance use disorders (SUDs) has clinical ramifications and could help advance future research on these conditions. Specific relationships with impulsivity and compulsivity may be central to understanding PG and SUDs.
PedHunter 2.0 and its usage to characterize the founder structure of the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County

Because they are a closed founder population, the Old Order Amish (OOA) of Lancaster County have been the subject of many medical genetics studies. We constructed four versions of Anabaptist Genealogy Database (AGDB) using three sources of genealogies and multiple updates. In addition, we developed PedHunter, a suite of query software that can solve pedigree-related problems automatically and systematically. We report on how we have used new features in PedHunter to quantify the number and expected genetic contribution of founders to the OOA. The queries and utility of PedHunter programs are illustrated by examples using AGDB in this paper. For example, we calculated the number of founders expected to be contributing genetic material to the present-day living OOA and estimated the mean relative founder representation for each founder. New features in PedHunter also include pedigree trimming and pedigree renumbering, which should prove useful for studying large pedigrees. With PedHunter version 2.0 querying AGDB version 4.0, we identified 34,160 presumed living OOA individuals and connected them into a 14-generation pedigree descending from 554 founders (332 females and 222 males) after trimming. From the analysis of cumulative mean relative founder representation, 128 founders (78 females and 50 males) accounted for over 95% of the mean relative founder contribution among living OOA descendants. The OOA are a closed founder population in which a modest number of founders account for the genetic variation present in the current OOA population. Improvements to the PedHunter software will be useful in future studies of both the OOA and other populations with large and computerized genealogies.
Band edge engineering of composite photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract As dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) transition from iodide/triiodide-based electrolytes to organometallic complex redox couples with higher rates of recombination with electrons in the semiconductor, there is a need for semiconductor nanostructures that can rapidly transport electrons out of the device while maintaining high surface areas for the semiconductor/dye/electrolyte interface. A previously reported composite, with TiO2 nanoparticles coating ZnO nanorods, met these criteria but suffered from a barrier to electron transfer from the TiO2 to the ZnO. Here, the band edge positions of the TiO2 and ZnO have been shifted by doping with Zr4+ and Co2+, respectively, to arrive at the desired energetic alignment. The materials were characterized using diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy and a three-electrode measurement of the open circuit photovoltage under bandgap excitation (OCV). The OCV measurement indicated that the doping moved the conduction band minimum of ZnO to a more positive potential than that of the TiO2, enabling electron transfer from dye-sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles to the underlying ZnO nanorods for efficient charge collection. However, DSSC devices fabricated with the composite nanostructures did not show improved performance. This paper details a methodology for producing and measuring band-edge shifts along with the benefits and limitations thereof.
Self-assembled thermoreversible gels of nonpolar liquids by racemic propargylic alcohols with fluorinated and nonfluorinated aromatic rings.

The synthesis and colloidal study of a new class of low molecular weight organogelators is reported. Racemic propargylic alcohols with perfluoroaryl and nonfluorinated aryl rings are capable of for...
Influence of temperature control limits on passively cooled computing system performance

Passively-cooled electronic systems such as tablet computers and cell phones commonly are thermally limited by the allowable touch temperature of their surfaces. These systems typically cannot cool maximum processor power in steady state and simultaneously meet surface temperature restrictions. The primary surface temperature control method for thin mobile devices is to limit power, typically resulting in lower computing performance. Improved thermal designs allow higher power dissipation and therefore increased computing performance. Thermal and mechanical design engineers typically operate in terms of temperature for a given power, and this is not usually translated to computing performance. It can be difficult to justify a better thermal design if it is not quantified in its utility to the user. This paper quantifies the tradeoffs between thermal solution performance/temperature control limits and computing performance for two tablet computers and one cell phone that all use the same type of SoC processor.
Synthesis of 7‐oxo‐8‐aza‐10a‐homoprost‐13‐enoic acid

The synthesis of a prostaglandin E1 analog, 7-oxo-8-aza-10a-homoprost-13-enoic acid, is reported.
Neck Pain in a 27-year-old Man

The institution of one or more of the authors (JMB, JX) has received, during the study period, funding from K2 M, Inc/Complex Spine Study Group (Malvern, PA, USA) and from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (Rosemont, IL, USA). One of the authors (JMB) has or may receive payments or benefits, during the study period, an amount of less than USD10,000 from CoreLink, Inc (St Louis, MO, USA), USD10,000 to USD100,000 from Globus Medical, Inc (Audubon, PA, USA), and USD10,000 to USD100,000 from Stryker, Inc (Mahwah, NJ, USA), USD10,000 to USD100,000 from DePuy, Inc (Warsaw, IN, USA), USD10,000 to USD100,000 from Globus Medical, Inc, less than USD10,000 from K2 M, Inc (Leesburg, VA, USA), less than USD10,000 from Medtronic, Inc. (Memphis, TN, USA). All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. Each author certifies that his or her institution approved or waived approval for the reporting of this case and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research. This work was performed at Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
The chemical combination of some irrigant solutions and gels with chelating agents during endodontic treatment may alter the success of the therapy.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Antagonistic interactions between sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, EDTA, and citric acid. Rossi-Fedele G, Dovgramaci EJ, Guastalli AR, Steier L, Figueiredo JA. J Endod 2012 Apr;38(4):426-31. Reviewer Analia Veitz-Keenan, DDS Purpose/Question To find evidence of the unwanted effects after the chemical combination between sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, and the chelating agents EDTA and citric acid used in endodontic therapy Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design Literature review Level of Evidence Level 3: Other evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Grade C: Consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series for studies of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or screening
Identification and Sequencing of a Novel Rodent Gammaherpesvirus That Establishes Acute and Latent Infection in Laboratory Mice

Gammaherpesviruses encode numerous immunomodulatory molecules that contribute to their ability to evade the host immune response and establish persistent, lifelong infections. As the human gammaherpesviruses are strictly species specific, small animal models of gammaherpesvirus infection, such as murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) infection, are important for studying the roles of gammaherpesvirus immune evasion genes in in vivo infection and pathogenesis. We report here the genome sequence and characterization of a novel rodent gammaherpesvirus, designated rodent herpesvirus Peru (RHVP), that shares conserved genes and genome organization with γHV68 and the primate gammaherpesviruses but is phylogenetically distinct from γHV68. RHVP establishes acute and latent infection in laboratory mice. Additionally, RHVP contains multiple open reading frames (ORFs) not present in γHV68 that have sequence similarity to primate gammaherpesvirus immunomodulatory genes or cellular genes. These include ORFs with similarity to major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), C-type lectins, and the mouse mammary tumor virus and herpesvirus saimiri superantigens. As these ORFs may function as immunomodulatory or virulence factors, RHVP presents new opportunities for the study of mechanisms of immune evasion by gammaherpesviruses.
The meaning of health among midlife Russian-speaking women.

Purpose: To explore the meaning of health among midlife Russian-speaking women from the former Soviet Union. Design and Methodology: A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used. Study participants included 12 Russian-speaking women ages 40–61, who also spoke English and had migrated to the United States after 1991. Findings: These themes were identified: health as being highly valued, though less of a priority during immigration; being a stranger and seeking the familiar; grieving and loss and building a new life; experiencing changes and transitions; trusting self; and the importance of hope. Conclusions: Although health was less of a priority during the immigration process, the women valued and were knowledgeable about health, participated in self-care practices, trusted their own abilities to make self-care decisions, and sought health-related information. This is a vulnerable population at risk for the onset of chronic medical conditions associated with the process of aging, past exposures, the tendency to avoid health screening, and current stressors related to immigration and family responsibilities. Implications include the need for interventions to build trust, assess self-care practices, and understand values and beliefs concerning health screening. Future research recommendations include replication with other samples within this population and exploring curative beliefs and practices more fully. Ultimately, this study design could be applied to other immigrant populations in Western cultures. Clinical Relevance: Midlife Russian speaking women from the former Soviet Union are a vulnerable group at risk for the onset of chronic medical conditions associated with aging, past exposures, the tendency to avoid health screening, and current stressors related to immigration and family responsibilities.
Ion association by time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract Time-of-flight mass spectra are normally obtained by averaging repetitive mass scans of ions accelerated from a pulsed source. In the present work, individual mass scans from each pulse were tested for probable associations between ions of different m/z , i.e., was the presence of one ion contingent upon the presence of the other in the same scan? The tendency for ions to be associated was evaluated statistically by testing data obtained from solid specimens of cesium iodide and the superconductor, YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . The individual ion pulses were produced by laser desorption using a 300 ps uv nitrogen laser. The laser energy density was maintained near the threshold for ion production so that only a few ions were generated per laser pulse.
The Remarkable Thermal Stability of Amorphous In-Zn-O Transparent Conductors†

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are increasingly critical components in photovoltaic cells, low-e windows, flat panel displays, electrochromic devices, and flexible electronics. The conventional TCOs, such as Sn-doped In{sub 2}O{sub 3}, are crystalline single phase materials. Here, we report on In-Zn-O (IZO), a compositionally tunable amorphous TCO with some significantly improved properties. Compositionally graded thin film samples were deposited by co-sputtering from separate In{sub 2}O{sub 3} and ZnO targets onto glass substrates at 100 C. For the metals composition range of 55-84 cation% indium, the as-deposited IZO thin films are amorphous, smooth (R{sub RMS} 90%). Furthermore, the amorphous IZO thin films demonstrate remarkable functional and structural stability with respect to heating up to 600 C in either air or argon. Hence, though not completely understood at present, these amorphous materials constitute a new class of fundamentally interesting and technologically important high performance transparent conductors.
Identification of the Composite Relaxation Modulus of Asphalt Binder Using AFM Nanoindentation

The use of nanoindentation to study asphalt is aimed at understanding the relationship between properties of asphalt binder at various length scales. A combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and nanoindentation is used to determine the relaxation moduli of bimodal and trimodal distributions of asphalt microphases to assess differences between macroscale and composite nanoscale viscoelastic behavior. The relaxation modulus values extracted from age-altered phases of the same asphalts provide important relationships between microstructural changes depicted in AFM images and changes in composite viscoelastic properties obtained from the measurements. This paper provides key information regarding asphalt microrheology, which will yield improved input values for asphalt prediction models and enhanced pavement performance. Based on comparison of the composite viscoelastic properties obtained from this study to values obtained at larger length scales, it is apparent that relaxation modulus values decrease as the length scale increases. This finding serves as the basis for ongoing studies by the authors and other researchers in the areas of asphalt nanomodification, chemical mapping, and modeling of nanodamage using AFM.
Novel Algae Biofilm Photobioreactor for Reduced Energy and Water Usage

This paper reports the design and performance of a novel photobioreactor that decreases the water requirements of algae cultivation and energy requirements of harvesting and downstream processing for biofuel production compared to conventional technologies. The photobioreactor cultivates algae as a biofilm, immobilized on carbonated concrete surface. In this study the well known lipid producer Botryococcus braunii was used. The nutrient solution was flown over the surface to enhance the mass transfer of nutrients in and metabolites out of the algae biofilm. The prototype featured a footprint area of 0.275 m2 and has been operated for 35 days. The algae concentration in the photobioreactor reached 30.73 kg/m3 with a maximum total lipid content of 12.3% by dry weight. The water requirement for cultivation was reduced up to by about 41.58 times and energy required for nutrient delivery was estimated to be reduced by about 230 times with respect to raceway ponds.© 2010 ASME
Space and Strategy: A Conceptual versus Policy Analysis

Despite increasing demand in the United States for the adoption of an overarching strategy for space, such calls often underestimate the difficulties of crafting an effective strategy. The conceptual demands of true strategy and the practical need for a political consensus to implement such ideas are often ill-suited to one another within a policy context. The case of nuclear strategy during the Cold War highlights the often unintended problems that can arise between theory and practice. In space, these challenges today are compounded by the growing number of space actors and the increasing risks posed by orbital debris, which make useful strategizing at the national level alone difficult. While the Obama Administration's 2010 space policy moves closer to identifying some of the causal relationships in space critical to the formulation of an effective strategy, the best advice for policymakers may simply be to “think more strategically” about space, including developing new means of dealing with emerging ...
Statistical Mechanics of Strings

In the usual statistical mechanical theory of strings the mean square potential energy of a string element is infinite. This is in contradiction with the assumption that the potential energy of a string element is small; this assumption is used to linearize the equations of motion. In this note, we show that the difficulty can be remedied if we take into account the finite thickness of the string, introducing thereby additional terms to the energy connected with bending.
Detection of antibody-forming cells and humoral antibody to horseradish peroxidase.

Abstract Two new simple methods for detecting antibody-forming cells by hemolytic plaque assay and hemagglutinating antibody to horseradish peroxidase have been developed in mice. Both techniques utilize as target, sheep erythrocytes coupled directly with horse-radish peroxidase. These assays are sensitive, antigen-specific and are useful to quantitate both direct and indirect antibody-forming cells and humoral antibodies.
Genome destabilization by homologous recombination in the germ line.

Genomic architecture can be markedly affected during meiosis by non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR), which generates chromosomal rearrangements that can lead to genome instability. Studies in yeast have provided insights into the mechanisms of NAHR and the strategies used to restrain it. Meiotic recombination, which promotes proper homologous chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division, normally occurs between allelic sequences on homologues. However, recombination can also take place between non-allelic DNA segments that share high sequence identity. Such non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) can markedly alter genome architecture during gametogenesis by generating chromosomal rearrangements. Indeed, NAHR-mediated deletions, duplications, inversions and other alterations have been implicated in numerous human genetic disorders. Studies in yeast have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of meiotic NAHR as well as the cellular strategies that limit it.
The role of inflammatory mediators in the pathophysiology of X‐ALD disease

CER is the most frequent clinical phenotype of the defective X-ALD (ALD; ABCD1) gene, which results in accumulation of VLCFAs (in plasma, brain, adrenal glands and testis), inflammatory demyelination and subsequent death in children. To understand the inflammatory mediators that play a role in the neuropathology of CER, we studied mRNA expressions of inflammatory mediators in CER brain by using super gene array. Total of nine tissue slices were taken from three different locations from CER brain starting with plaque, demyelinating edge (Plaque shadow) and normal looking area. Histopathological examinations showed intensive demyelination in plaque region and accumulation of infiltrates (Macrophages and T lymphocytes) in plaque and plaque shadow as compared to normal looking area. Biochemical studies indicated significant increase in the levels of VLCFAs (26 : 0) in plaque and plaque shadow regions in comparison to normal looking area. There was significant increase in the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, TNF-α and IL-6) in plaque shadow as compared with normal looking area and control brain tissue region. Other cytokines like IL-2, IL-3, GM-CSF, IL-11, IL-12A were found to be increased significantly (p < 0.01) in plaque shadow. There was significant (p < 0.01) increase in the expression chemokines; MCP-1, MCP-3, MIP-1β and MIP-2 in the plaque shadow in comparison with normal looking area of CER brain. Chemokines; Fractalkine, Eotaxin, SDF-2, MDC-2, HCC-4 were also observed to be higher in plaque shadow. Data was further evaluated using RT–PCR for MCP-1 and CCR-2, which showed elevated levels in plaque and plaque shadow. This study identified a group of inflammatory mediators that may play a role in pathophysiology of X-ALD disease. Acknowledgements: Supported by grants; NS-22526, NS-34741, NS-37766 and NS-40810.
Comparative In Vitro Activity of New Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Against Anaerobic Bacteria

Several new beta-lactam antimicrobial agents have been introduced in the last few years. In this investigation, the in vitro activities of several recently introduced cephalosporins (cefoperazone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftizoxime), moxalactam, and N -formimidoyl thienamycin were compared with those of cefoxitin, clindamycin, and metronidazole against 203 strains of anaerobic bacteria. At achievable serum levels, all of the antimicrobial agents were active against essentially 100% of the strains of anaerobic gram-positive cocci, Clostridium perfringens, Leptotrichia buccalis , and species of Selenomonas, Veillonella , and Eubacterium . Clindamycin, metronidazole, and N -formimidoyl thienamycin were the most active agents against the Bacteroides fragilis group, inhibiting all strains at concentrations which can be achieved in serum. Of the remaining agents tested against the B. fragilis group, cefoxitin (which required 64 μg/ml to inhibit 90% of the strains) was the most active, followed by cefoperazone (128 μg/ml), cefotaxime (128 μg/ml), moxalactam (128 μg/ml), ceftizoxime (256 μg/ml), and ceftazidime (>256 μg/ml). Important differences in cephalosporin susceptibility among species of the B. fragilis group were observed. Metronidazole and N -formimidoyl thienamycin were the most active drugs against species of clostridia other than C. perfringens ; the other antibiotics displayed poor activity, although this is partly due to inclusion of a relatively large number of strains of Clostridium difficile which were very resistant to several of the cephalosporins. Only metronidazole was active against all species of Fusobacterium . Clindamycin and N -formimidoyl thienamycin displayed excellent activity against gram-positive, non-spore-forming bacilli, requiring ≤8 μg/ml to inhibit 100% of the strains. Ceftazidime, cefoperazone, and moxalactam were bactericidal for 25 strains of B. fragilis at concentrations equal or close to those required for inhibition. On the basis of its activity in vitro, N -formimidoyl thienamycin appears to be the most promising of the new beta-lactam antibiotics for the treatment of infections involving anaerobic bacteria.
Organizational Characteristics as Predictors of Personnel Practices.

This study investigated the relationship between organizational context characteristics and personnel practices. The following organizational characteristics were hypothesized to influence personnel practices: industry sector, the pursuit of innovation as a competitive strategy, manufacturing technology, and organizational structure. In addition, organizational size and unionization were examined. Results based upon data obtained from 267 organizations provided support for the general hypothesis that personnel practices vary as a function of organizational characteristics. In addition to interorganizational differences in personnel practices, this study illustrates that large intraorganiza-tional differences exist with respect to the practices used for managerial and hourly employees. Implications and future research needs are described.
IQ and Blood Lead from 2 to 7 Years of Age: Are the Effects in Older Children the Residual of High Blood Lead Concentrations in 2-Year-Olds?

Increases in peak blood lead concentrations, which occur at 18–30 months of age in the United States, are thought to result in lower IQ scores at 4–6 years of age, when IQ becomes stable and measurable. Data from a prospective study conducted in Boston suggested that blood lead concentrations at 2 years of age were more predictive of cognitive deficits in older children than were later blood lead concentrations or blood lead concentrations measured concurrently with IQ. Therefore, cross-sectional associations between blood lead and IQ in school-age children have been widely interpreted as the residual effects of higher blood lead concentrations at an earlier age or the tendency of less intelligent children to ingest more leaded dust or paint chips, rather than as a causal relationship in older children. Here we analyze data from a clinical trial in which children were treated for elevated blood lead concentrations (20–44 μg/dL) at about 2 years of age and followed until 7 years of age with serial IQ tests and measurements of blood lead. We found that cross-sectional associations increased in strength as the children became older, whereas the relation between baseline blood lead and IQ attenuated. Peak blood lead level thus does not fully account for the observed association in older children between their lower blood lead concentrations and IQ. The effect of concurrent blood level on IQ may therefore be greater than currently believed.
Guard Ring Interactions and their Effect on CMOS Latchup Resilience

Latchup resilience is studied by considering interactions between multiple carrier collectors and N or P-type guard rings. It is shown that P-type taps and guard rings have a deleterious effect on latchup triggered by minority carriers. Physical explanations are provided based on measurements in 90 and 130 nm technologies as well as extensive device simulations.
Optical Signatures of Disordered Materials for Authentication Applications

Authentication is critical in applications such as provenance verification and tamper-indication. Optical signatures of disordered materials can provide unique information suitable for authentication. Several approaches such as transmission, reflection, fluorescence, and random lasing are reviewed.