cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CharProtDB: a database of experimentally characterized protein annotations

CharProtDB (http://www.jcvi.org/charprotdb/) is a curated database of biochemically characterized proteins. It provides a source of direct rather than transitive assignments of function, designed to support automated annotation pipelines. The initial data set in CharProtDB was collected through manual literature curation over the years by analysts at the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) [formerly The Institute of Genomic Research (TIGR)] as part of their prokaryotic genome sequencing projects. The CharProtDB has been expanded by import of selected records from publicly available protein collections whose biocuration indicated direct rather than homology-based assignment of function. Annotations in CharProtDB include gene name, symbol and various controlled vocabulary terms, including Gene Ontology terms, Enzyme Commission number and TransportDB accession. Each annotation is referenced with the source; ideally a journal reference, or, if imported and lacking one, the original database source.
Investigation of the Friction Stir Lap Welding of Aluminum Alloys AA 5182 and AA 6022

Friction stir lap welding of the similar and dissimilar aluminum alloys is investigated. AA 5182 and AA 6022 aluminum alloys (the widely used aluminum alloys for automobile applications) are selected for the feasibility studies. The friction stir lap welding shows that the placement of the aluminum alloys in the different orders over each other affect the final weld quality and its mechanical properties. The welding parameters such as rotational and traverse speeds and the penetration depth are key factors to affect the micro-structure soundness. The mechanical and the micro-structural characterization is performed on the joints formed with varying welding parameters and from the different order of placement of the AA 6022 and the AA 5182 sheets. The weld failure occurs on the advancing side during the peel tests indicating that the retreating side is relatively stronger. Measured temperatures indicate that the advancing side has higher developed temperature during the course of welding compared to the retreating side.
Neural-net based real-time control of capacitors installed on distribution systems

An expert system using a two-stage artificial neural network is proposed to control in real time multicap capacitors installed on a distribution system for a nonconforming load profile such that the system losses are minimized. The required input data are directly obtained from online measurements which include the active and reactive line power flows, voltage magnitudes, and the current capacitor settings at certain buses. The optimum control does not involve any iteration procedure; therefore, it is computationally very efficient. Studies on a 30-bus distribution test system show the expert system to have quite satisfactory results. >
Performance appraisal of the ATEQ CORE-2500 in production

The development of a high resolution laser lithography tool which utilizes a 0.6 NA 20X reduction lens, 364 nanometer exposure source and a four pass writing strategy provides the opportunity to evaluate an optical lithography tool for mask making that has removed some of the inherent complexity associated with E-Beam exposure systems. No high vacuum system is required and there is no need for grounding of the substrate to dissipate the charge induced by the exposure system. The plates are not carried in individual cassettes and therefore the system performance is not subjected to additive tolerances associated with this method of handling. Freedom from the adverse affects of these sub- systems should appear in the form of a product performance in the areas of registration and defect control. The production capability of the system is analyzed to determine what type of routine performance can be expected in terms of resolution, linewidth control, registration, defect additions and average print times. The primary goal is to determine if the performance in these areas is capable of meeting reticle requirements for 16 megabit design rules which are 0.5 micron geometries on the wafer. The evaluation revealed the basic capability exists, however, additional work must be done in the area of resist/process to achieve viable production performance for linewidth control.
Irradiation effect on (Bi-Pb) 2223superconductor

The superconducting material with nominal composition Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox has been subjected to irradiation with 500 KeV argon ions at two doses 1 × 1017 and 2 × 1017 ions/cm2. X-ray diffraction, resistivity and magnetic susceptibility examined before and after irradiation. Tc decreased after irradiation. This decrease could be explained to displacement of Bi-Pb.
Heritability of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background & Aims Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the United States. The etiology is believed to be multifactorial with a substantial genetic component; however, the heritability of NAFLD is undetermined. Therefore, a familial aggregation study was performed to test the hypothesis that NAFLD is highly heritable. Methods Overweight children with biopsy-proven NAFLD and overweight children without NAFLD served as probands. Family members were studied, including the use of magnetic resonance imaging to quantify liver fat fraction. Fatty liver was defined as a liver fat fraction of 5% or higher. Etiologies for fatty liver other than NAFLD were excluded. Narrow-sense heritability estimates for fatty liver (dichotomous) and fat fraction (continuous) were calculated using variance components analysis adjusted for covariate effects. Results Fatty liver was present in 17% of siblings and 37% of parents of overweight children without NAFLD. Fatty liver was significantly more common in siblings (59%) and parents (78%) of children with NAFLD. Liver fat fraction was correlated with body mass index, although the correlation was significantly stronger for families of children with NAFLD than those without NAFLD. Adjusted for age, sex, race, and body mass index, the heritability of fatty liver was 1.000 and of liver fat fraction was 0.386. Conclusions Family members of children with NAFLD should be considered at high risk for NAFLD. These data suggest that familial factors are a major determinant of whether an individual has NAFLD. Studies examining the complex relations between genes and environment in the development and progression of NAFLD are warranted.
High-Performance Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Dioxolane-Substituted Pentacene Derivatives†

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) containing red-light-emitting dioxolane-substituted pentacene derivatives are fabricated and characterized. The OLEDs feature guest–host emitting layers consisting of either 6,14-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-1,3,9,11-tetraoxa-dicyclopenta[b,m]pentacene (TP-5) or 2,2,10,10-tetraethyl-6,14-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-1,3,9,11-tetraoxa-dicyclopenta[b,m]pentacene (EtTP-5) dispersed in tris(quinolin-8-olato) aluminum(III) (Alq3). High external electroluminescence (EL) quantum efficiency (ηEL = 3.3 %), not far from the theoretical limit, is observed for an OLED device based on a dilute EtTP-5:Alq3 emitting layer (0.25 mol % EtTP-5). The proposed EL mechanism is a combination of Forster energy transfer and direct electron–hole recombination on the guest pentacene molecules, as inferred by changes in the EL versus photoluminescence spectra and the positions of the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap of the guest within that of the host (estimated via cyclic voltammetry). Further evidence of charge trapping is provided by increased operational voltages at increased guest-molecule concentration.
A Capabilities-Aware Programming Model for Asymmetric High-End Systems

In this research, we investigate and address the challenges of asymmetry in High-End Computing (HEC) systems comprising heterogeneous architectures with varying I/O and computation capacities. We focus on developing a flexible, scalable and easy-to-use programming model that automatically adapts to the capabilities of the system resources on largescale asymmetric clusters. Furthermore, we aim to develop innovative and efficient workload distribution techniques that bridge the asymmetry between system components. In particular, we intent to design tools and technologies that enable quick and efficient utilization of high-end asymmetric clusters in large-scale settings for modern scientific and enterprise computing.
CUES THAT ELICIT ANALYTIC-DEDUCTIVE METHODS IN CONCEPT ATTAINMENT.

In inference concept attainment some subjects draw conclusions about concepts (global-hypothesis method) and some subjects draw conclusions about the relevance or irrelevance of dimensions (analytic-deductive method). Experiments were performed to determine whether the presence or absence of certain cues accompanying inference concept attainment problems would affect the incidence of analytic-deductive methods in these problems. Two such cues were identified. One effective cue was a series of three ‘informational-analysis’ questions which asked the subject what information he had, whether he had enough information to guess the concept, and, if not, what information he needed. The other effective cue was the introduction of multiple-choice answers using only analytic-deductive terms like ‘relevant’ and ‘irrelevant’, but permitting both global-hypothesis conclusions and analytic-deductive conclusions to be drawn using these terms. Both of the cues that elicited analytic-deductive conclusions to inference problems produced positive transfer to a selection concept attainment problem in which totally different responses were required.
Conflict Self-Inflicted: Dispute, Incivility, and the Threat of Violence in an Indian Muslim Community

For the Muslim community of Androth Island, 1986 was a turbulent year. A loose band of ideologically affiliated clerics (ulema)-all Sunni traditionalists and proponents of Sufi piety-decided to form the island's first Islamic-law-protection committee, Jameyyathu Himayathi Shareeathil Islamiya (JHSI). Not long after its founding, the group issued an extraordinary fatwa. An innocuous legal ruling on obscure points of Islamic law this was not; rather, it was a provocative fatwa of condemnation leveled against fellow islanders. The target of the ulema's unusually opprobrious gesture was a nascent group of island Sufis known to its detractors as "the Shamsiyya."' Of the many allegations raised against the Shamsiyya, the most serious and curious was that its members worshipped the sun. According to the ten clerics who signed the fatwa, the consequence of such ritual innovation and other doctrinal errors was that the members of the Shamsiyya had become "unbelievers," or kafirs. In addition to its condemnation of the Shamsiyya, the ulema also condoned a policy of mosque expulsion. When the Shamsiyya resisted this injunction by trying
Experimental investigations of the influence of molecular weight distribution on melt spinning and extrudate swell characteristics of polypropylene

An experimental study of the influence of molecular weight distribution on the melt spinning and extrudate swell of a series of polypropylenes of varying molecular weight and distribution is reported. Emphasis is given to effects of variations of molecular weight distribution. Narrowing the molecular distribution increases the slope of the elongational viscosity–elongation rate curve, stabilizes the spinline relative to both random disturbances and draw resonance, and decreases both instantaneous and delayed extrudate swell. These results are interpreted in terms of viscoelastic fluid mechanics and earlier experimental studies by the authors of the influence of molecular weight distribution on rheological properties. The influences of these rheological factors on spinline structure development is discussed.
Predicting Controller Capacity in Supervisory Control of Multiple UAVs

In the future vision of allowing a single operator to remotely control multiple unmanned vehicles, it is not well understood what cognitive constraints limit the number of vehicles and related tasks that a single operator can manage. This paper illustrates that, when predicting the number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that a single operator can control, it is important to model the sources of wait times (WTs) caused by human-vehicle interaction, particularly since these times could potentially lead to a system failure. Specifically, these sources of vehicle WTs include cognitive reorientation and interaction WT (WTI), queues for multiple-vehicle interactions, and loss of situation awareness (SA) WTs. When WTs were included, predictions using a multiple homogeneous and independent UAV simulation dropped by up to 67%, with a loss of SA as the primary source of WT delays. Moreover, this paper demonstrated that even in a highly automated management-by-exception system, which should alleviate queuing and WTIs, operator capacity is still affected by the SA WT, causing a 36% decrease over the capacity model with no WT included.
Accuracy of ICD-9-CM coding to identify small for gestational age newborns.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis code for small for gestational age (SGA) recorded in administrative healthcare records using birthweight and gestational age information recorded in electronic medical records. Methods We used billing and medical records from women aged 13–55 years who delivered at a tertiary care center in the USA between 2004 and 2011. Information on birthweight, gestational age at birth, and ICD-9-CM code for SGA, 656.5x, was abstracted from the database. Each infant's birthweight percentile for gestational age was calculated on the basis of published US references; infants below the 10th percentile were classified as SGA. The performance characteristics of SGA ICD-9-CM diagnosis code against SGA classification based on birthweight and gestational age were calculated, for all deliveries and by strata of demographic and delivery characteristics. Results We identified 51 292 singleton live birth deliveries. The prevalence of SGA infants calculated from birthweight and gestational age at birth was higher (13%) than the prevalence based on ICD-9-CM code (2%). Sensitivity of the SGA ICD-9-CM code was 14.2%, specificity was 99.7%, positive predictive value was 86.8%, and negative predictive value was 88.4%. Stratification by demographic and delivery characteristics yielded similar results. Conclusions Identification of SGA infants using ICD-9-CM code, 656.5x, from administrative healthcare records has low sensitivity but high specificity; the accuracy did not differ across demographic and delivery characteristics. Thus, although this source of information would underestimate the prevalence of SGA, it could produce valid relative risk estimates. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CYTOLOGICAL AND CYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF GREEN MONKEY KIDNEY CELLS INFECTED IN VITRO WITH SIMIAN VIRUS 40

Cytological and cytochemical studies of green monkey kidney cells infected with SV40 virus indicated that the type of lesion produced was influenced by the multiplicity of infection and that the lesions appeared later and progressed more slowly when the inoculum was diluted. The earliest change consisted of enlargement of ribonucleoprotein-containing spherules in the nucleolus (nucleolini). This was followed by rarefaction, with or without condensation, of the chromatin and the appearance of one or more homogeneous masses of inclusion material containing DNA, RNA, and non-histone protein which eventually filled the nucleus. In some instances the chromatin appeared to be directly transformed into inclusion material. In the later stages of infection, the ribonucleoprotein of the nucleolini was no longer stainable and material resembling the nucleoprotein of the intranuclear inclusions was found in the nucleolar vacuoles and in the cytoplasm. The nucleic acids in the inclusions were stained by toluidine blue, toluidine blue-molybdate, the Feulgen stain, and by methyl green. The stainable material was extractable by nuclease digestion or by hot trichloroacetic acid. Green or yellowish green staining by acridine orange was apparently due to binding of dye by protein and not by nucleic acids since the staining reaction was not reduced by extraction of nucleic acids by hot trichloroacetic acid. Extraction with pepsin in combination with ribonuclease or deoxyribonuclease removed practically all the inclusions from the cells; consequently they could not be stained with acridine orange. The cytochemical studies suggest that the use of pepsin together with nuclease is not a meaningful technique.
Uncertainty-based essentiality in gene regulatory networks

In this paper, we propose a definition for the essentiality of regulatory relationships among molecules in a Boolean network model, which takes the regulatory relationships between the molecules into account, in addition to their connectivity. The proposed definition of essentiality is tightly related to the ultimate goal of designing intervention strategies to achieve beneficial dynamic changes in the network. Focusing on Boolean networks, we define the essentiality of each regulatory relationship as the difference between the expected performance of the Bayesian robust structural intervention over the uncertainty class of networks, which arises from the uncertainty in the given regulatory relationship, and the performance of the optimal structural intervention for the known network in which there is no uncertainty. For a specific regulatory relationship, a large difference in performance implies that the given relationship is critical for designing effective therapeutic strategies. On the other hand, small difference implies that the regulatory relationship under consideration may not be crucial in designing intervention strategies. This new definition of essentiality, grounded on the quantification of uncertainty in network dynamics, may provide a deep understanding of the robustness, adaptability, and controllability of gene regulatory networks.
Purification of a 43 000 dalton aggregate generated from α-crystallin

A procedure is presented for the purification of an aggregate of covalently linked polypeptides of α-crystallin. Using either iron catalyzed oxidation or UV irradiation, 6-12% of calf lens α-crystallin can be converted to a 43,000 Da aggregate containing non-reducible cross-linked polypeptides as indicated by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. The 43,000 Da aggregate generated by Fe2+ oxidation can be isolated to approximately 85% homogeneity with respect to its relative molecular weight on SDS-PAGE. The procedure can be performed in two steps; 1) gel filtration of the oxidized α-crystallin under deaggregating and reducing conditions, and 2) preparative SDS-PAGE of the 43,000 Da aggregate-enriched peak obtained by filtration. The 43,000 Da aggregate band can be recovered from the polyacrylamide gels using a new preparative electroelution technique. 1.0 ± 0.3 mg of purified 43,000 Da aggregate can be obtained from 100 mg of Fe2+ oxidized α-crystallin. The described methodology will facilitate further char...
The Central Nervous System in Deaf Adolescents

Studies were made on 100 pupils, recruited from occupational rehabilitation schools for the deaf in Krakow. They underwent general medical as well as specialist examinations. Deafness was found up to the age of 3 years in 75% of those examined. In 30% of the subjects, their vestibular system was paralysed, ophthalmological disorders were found in 95% of cases, neurological disturbances in 15% and pathological changes of the central nervous system in 65% of cases were recorded by EEC We did not look for evidence that deafness causes anatomical changes in the central nervous system, but the disturbances observed nevertheless indicate a correlation with congenital or early acquired deafness.
Al2O3 Atomic Layer Deposition with Trimethylaluminum and Ozone Studied by in Situ Transmission FTIR Spectroscopy and Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 using sequential exposures of Al(CH3)3 and O3 was studied by in situ transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS). The FTIR spectroscopy investigations of the surface reactions occurring during Al2O3 ALD were performed on ZrO2 particles for temperatures from 363 to 650 K. The FTIR spectra after Al(CH3)3 and ozone exposures showed that the ozone exposure removes surface AlCH3* species. The AlCH3* species were converted to AlOCH3* (methoxy), Al(OCHO)* (formate), Al(OCOOH)* (carbonate), and AlOH* (hydroxyl) species. The TMA exposure then removes these species and reestablishes the AlCH3* species. Repeating the TMA and O3 exposures in a sequential reaction sequence progressively deposited the Al2O3 ALD film as monitored by the increase in absorbance for bulk Al2O3 infrared features. The identification of formate species was confirmed by separate formaldehyde adsorption experiments. The formate species were tempera...
Bursts of transverse ion acceleration at rocket altitudes

High-time-resolution ion mass spectrometer distribution function measurements and wave data from a sounding rocket flight over an aurora have revealed the fine structure of the transverse ion acceleration mechanism in the upper ionosphere. The transversely accelerated ion (TAI) events can occur in a volume with a cross-field dimension as small as several tens of meters and thus appear as 50-100 ms ion bursts due to the rocket payload motion. Bulk heating to a characteristic energy of several eV and tail heating in the direction perpendicular to B of a few percent of ambient ions to a characteristic energy the order of 10 eV occur for both hydrogen and oxygen ions. The TAI at 90 deg pitch angle occur in localized regions of intense lower hybrid waves and in regions of density depletion. On close examination of the correlation between the wave bursts and the TAI it is believed that the waves produce the ion acceleration. The TAI occur during periods of field-aligned auroral electron bursts. Finally, near 1000 km altitude they occur about once every second. If the event presented here is considered average, the flux of TAI oxygen ions above 7 eV could account for the ion conic fluxes measured by the ISIS spacecraft.
CHARACTERIZATION OF DRUG INTERACTIONS WITH SERUM PROTEINS BY USING HIGH-PERFORMANCE AFFINITY CHROMATOGRAPHY

The binding of drugs with serum proteins can affect the activity, distribution, rate of excretion, and toxicity of pharmaceutical agents in the body. One tool that can be used to quickly analyze and characterize these interactions is high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC). This review shows how HPAC can be used to study drug-protein binding and describes the various applications of this approach when examining drug interactions with serum proteins. Methods for determining binding constants, characterizing binding sites, examining drug-drug interactions, and studying drug-protein dissociation rates will be discussed. Applications that illustrate the use of HPAC with serum binding agents such as human serum albumin, α1-acid glycoprotein, and lipoproteins will be presented. Recent developments will also be examined, such as new methods for immobilizing serum proteins in HPAC columns, the utilization of HPAC as a tool in personalized medicine, and HPAC methods for the high-throughput screening and characterization of drug-protein binding.
Moving with Mediocrity and Excellence

Through the use of story, this article explores the notion of moving with mediocrity and excellence. Insights gleaned from the stories presented are identified for nursing and healthcare. Parse’s humanbecoming community change model and family model are utilized as the perspectives for developing a deeper understanding of mediocrity and excellence.
Payoffs Versus Process: Expanding the Paradigm for Park/People Studies Beyond Economic Rationality

The sustainability of protected areas relies heavily upon their abilities to broker positive relationships with local populations. A good deal of mainstream conservation efforts today are still based primarily within a dominating paradigm of economic rationality, best exemplified within Garrett Hardin's classic 1968 treatise on the tragedy of the commons. Strategies based upon this paradigm, which tend to characterize local residents as rational actors aiming solely to maximize anticipated benefits versus potential costs, have met considerable resistance from local actors. They have thus often failed to achieve conservation goals. This is not because people do not think rationally or economically. Rather, it is because individuals' analyses of the costs and benefits associated with protected areas are only one part of the process through which they formulate their reactions to them. Interviews and participant observation with local residents living in and around three national parks—Great Smoky Mountains ...
On diffraction contrast effects at extrinsic grain boundary dislocations

Extrinsic grain boundary dislocations (GBDs) in types 304 and 316 austenitic stainless steels, introduced by plastic deformation, were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The disappearance of contrast under certain diffracting conditions was investigated, from which it was concluded that the displacement vector of the GBD is not necessarily unique. Instead, two vectors are required to characterize the displacements in the crystals on either side of the grain boundary. A series of systematic contrast experiments were also performed to determine the conditions for reversal of GBD contrast. It was established that the image of the GBD reverses from black to white, and vice versa, whenever the grain boundary in which it lies is the lower surface of the strongly diffracting grain. If the grain boundary is the upper surface of the strongly diffracting grain contrast reversal does not occur. This rule applies when one of the two grains on either side of an inclined grain boundary is oriented for two-beam diffracting conditions. Storstellen-Korngrenzenversetzungen (GBD) in rostfreiem Austenit-Stahl vom Typ 304 und 316, die durch plastische Deformation erzeugt wurden, werden mittels Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie untersucht. Das Verschwinden des Kontrasts unter gewissen Beugungsbedingungen wurde untersucht und geschlossen, das der Verschiebungsvektor der GBD nicht notwendig einzig ist. Statt dessen werden zwei Vektoren gefordert, um die Verschiebungen in den Kristallen an jeder Seite der Korngrenze zu charakterisien. Eine Serie von systematischen Kontrastexperimenten wurde ebenfalls durchgefuhrt, um die Bedingungen fur die Umkehr von GBD-Kontrast zubestimmen. Es wird gefunden, das das Diagramm der GBD sich von dunkel nach hell umkehrt und umgekehrt, wenn immer die Korngrenze, in der sie liegt, die untere Oberflache des stark beugenden Korns ist. Wenn die Korngrenze die obere Flache des stark beugenden Korns ist, tritt Kontrastumkehr nicht auf. Diese Regel gilt, wenn eines der beiden Korner an beiden Seiten einer gekippten Korngrenze fur Zwei-Strahl-Beugungsbedingungen orientiert ist.
The 'OFF' response of the human electroretinogram does not contribute to the brief flash 'b-wave'.

It has been assumed that the ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ responses of the human electroretinogram (ERG) interact to produce a single waveform when brief flashes are used. To test this assumption, we examined the separate effects of stimulus intensity, the level of retinal illuminance and stimulus duration on the ERG. Both ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ response amplitude decreased as stimulus intensity was decreased and as the level of retinal illumination was reduced. When stimulus duration was reduced, the amplitude of the ‘OFF’ response decreased; however, the amplitude of the ‘ON’ response increased. Summing of the ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ response waveforms could not account for the increased amplitude in response to brief stimuli or for the changes in ERG wave shape. These results indicate that there is not a significant corneally recordable ‘OFF’ response elicited by brief stimuli, such as those commonly used to record the flash ERG.
Predicting relationship quality from self-verification of broad personality traits among romantic couples

Abstract Self-verification – how much two individuals agree about one of the individual’s attributes – has been found to be related to higher romantic relationship quality, primarily among married couples ( Swann, De La Ronde, & Hixon, 1994 ). The current research replicates and extends this finding in dating, cohabiting, and married couples within the domain of Big Five personality traits. The prediction of relationship quality from self-verification was analyzed using the actor–partner interdependence model ( Campbell & Kashy, 2002 ). Self-verification – as assessed with overall profile correlations, distinctive profile correlations, and difference scores – predicted higher relationship quality. Self-verification most consistently predicted quality among married couples, supporting the theory that self-verification may be more important for quality among married couples than among other types of couples.
Fluorescence polarization study of DNA--proflavine complexes.

The binding of proflavine to DNA has been studied by measuring the polarization and intensity of emission of DNA–dye complexes. Such measurements also permit the determination of the fluorescence of the bound dye as a function of the degree of binding. Techniques of emission spectroscopy permit the study of complexing at high phosphate to dye ratios, and we have examined complexes formed at up to 12,300:1 phosphates to dye. At high phosphate to dye ratios, we find that equilibrium plots of the binding data show only one type of binding. Reports in the literature of multiple binding constants are shown to be due to the incorrect assumption that the fluorescence of the bound dye is independent of the amount bound. The emission properties can be qualitatively accounted for by assuming that nearest-neighbor interaction between bound dyes quenches the fluorescence. We report that, within experimental error, the binding constant is insensitive to the base content of the DNA. The DNA-dye complexes show a temperature dependent depolarization, the cause of which is, as yet, unknown. Heat denaturation of the DNA–dye complex may be followed on a Perrin plot.
Conifer invasion of forest meadows transforms soil characteristics in the Pacific Northwest

In many areas, chemical and biological characteristics of soils change when trees colonize meadows. To determine if the invasion of high meadows by forests in the central Cascade Mountains of Oregon altered soil properties, we measured soil properties along transects from mountain meadows through transition zones, where trees were becoming established, into mature forest. The differences observed in this study support the view that N is more available in meadow soils than in forest soils and that N pools and cycling change markedly when trees invade mountain meadows. β-Glucosidase activity in the transition zone soil was close to that in the forest soil and much lower than that in the meadow soil, suggesting qualitative changes in microbial populations as microorganisms adjusted to changes in litter quality. High correlations between litter depth and most variables in meadow soil, which were not observed in transition zone soil or mature forest soil, suggest that litter may control other aspects of biogeochemical cycling in meadows. With the exception of laboratory respiration, the values observed in the transition zone soil lay between those in meadow soil and those in forest soil; in most cases, they were closer to those in forest soil. This suggests that soil properties shift rapidly toward those found in forests as trees invade meadows. These rapid changes may alter soils so that they are more likely to support trees than grass.
Optical anisotropy of the human cornea determined with a polarizing microscope

We have investigated the optical anisotropy of the human cornea using a polarizing microscope normally used for optical mineralogy studies. The central part of the cornea was removed from 14 eyes (seven donors). With the sample placed on the microscope stage, we consistently observed hyperbolic isogyres characteristic of a negative biaxial material. The angle between the optic axes, generally similar in both eyes, ranged from 12° to 40° (mean±SD=31°±8°). The optic axial plane always inclined downward in the nasal direction at 1°-45° below the horizontal (mean±SD=22±13°). The retardance produced by the corneas was estimated to be less than 200 nm. In conclusion, the human cornea possesses the anisotropy of a negative biaxial material. Both the angle between the optic axes and the retardance were fairly constant among the majority of samples, suggestive of uniformity in corneal structure.
Reduced specificity of hippocampal and posterior ventrolateral prefrontal activity during relational retrieval in normal aging

Neuroimaging studies of episodic memory in young adults demonstrate greater functional neural activity in ventrolateral pFC and hippocampus during retrieval of relational information as compared with item information. We tested the hypothesis that healthy older adults-individuals who exhibit behavioral declines in relational memory-would show reduced specificity of ventrolateral prefrontal and hippocampal regions during relational retrieval. At study, participants viewed two nouns and were instructed to covertly generate a sentence that related the words. At retrieval, fMRIs were acquired during item and relational memory tasks. In the relational task, participants indicated whether the two words were previously seen together. In the item task, participants indicated whether both items of a pair were previously seen. In young adults, left posterior ventrolateral pFC and bilateral hippocampal activity was modulated by the extent to which the retrieval task elicited relational processing. In older adults, activity in these regions was equivalent for item and relational memory conditions, suggesting a reduction in ventrolateral pFC and hippocampal specificity with normal aging.
ANALYTICAL DESCRIPTION OF DYNAMIC AND STATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTOR: A CLASSICAL CONTROL THEORY APPROACH

ABSTRACT The growing use of ac motors in variable-speed control systems indicates a need for adequate analytical tools and design methods for such systems. In this work, a mathematical model of a three-phase induction motor is developed in the form of a block diagram, and some dynamic and static characteristics of the motor which are useful for control system design are derived. In the description of motor dynamics, the electromagnetic processes in the stator and rotor, are considered steady state, i.e., periodic. Standard classical control theory techniques of block-diagram transformation are used for reduction of the block diagram of the motor to a per-phase simple form. The reduced block diagram is then used to derive the dynamic characteristic of the motor — the quasi-transfer function — and its static characteristic — the lorque-speed relation — in analytical form. The concept of a parametric transfer function is used. In the appendix, the derivation of the Laplace Transform of the motor torque is pr...
Pharmacoeconomics of medical abortion: a review of cost in the United States, Europe and Asia

Procedures for the termination of pregnancy have existed for many years. Vacuum aspiration, otherwise referred to as ‘surgical’ abortion, is a very common and safe procedure. Its efficacy and acceptability has been established and its complication rate is low. Medical abortion is a much more recent phenomenon. It is defined as early pregnancy termination with the use of abortion inducing medications, without surgery [1]. In contrast to surgical abortion, medical abortion is not as routinely offered, nor are many providers comfortable with its use. Medical abortion regimens currently available throughout the world include mifepristone (Mifeprex™, Aventis Pharma AG) and a prostaglandin analogue (usually misoprostol), methotrexate and misoprostol and misoprostol (Cytotec™, CD Searle & Co.) alone. In the US, minimal information exists directly comparing medical to surgical abortion. Most abortion surveillance data was collected by the Centers for Disease Control prior to the approval of mifepristone. In contr...
Induction, acceleration or prevention of autoimmunity by molecular mimicry

The hypothesis that cross-reactivity between microbial and self determinants recognized by the adaptive immune system could induce autoimmune diseases is very intriguing. However, definite proof in humans is very difficult to achieve and evidence is frequently circumstantial. Therefore, animal models are instrumental for understanding, how and when mimicry could be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. In this article, we will discuss experimental scenarios, where mimicry between foreign and self determinants does not cause disease per se, but rather aggravates a pre-existing yet sub-clinical autoimmune condition. We would like to propose that molecular mimicry is more likely to impact on an already existing autoimmune process rather than precipitate novel disease by breaking of tolerance from the beginning. Already activated autoreactive cells might be easier re-activated and primed for effector functions by cross-reactive ligands than naive lymphocytes.
A natural human IgM that binds to gangliosides is therapeutic in murine models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, fatal neurological disease that primarily affects spinal cord anterior horn cells and their axons for which there is no treatment. Here we report the use of a recombinant natural human IgM that binds to the surface of neurons and supports neurite extension, rHIgM12, as a therapeutic strategy in murine models of human ALS. A single 200 µg intraperitoneal dose of rHIgM12 increases survival in two independent genetic-based mutant SOD1 mouse strains (SOD1G86R and SOD1G93A) by 8 and 10 days, delays the onset of neurological deficits by 16 days, delays the onset of weight loss by 5 days, and preserves spinal cord axons and anterior horn neurons. Immuno-overlay of thin layer chromatography and surface plasmon resonance show that rHIgM12 binds with high affinity to the complex gangliosides GD1a and GT1b. Addition of rHIgM12 to neurons in culture increases α-tubulin tyrosination levels, suggesting an alteration of microtubule dynamics. We previously reported that a single peripheral dose of rHIgM12 preserved neurological function in a murine model of demyelination with axon loss. Because rHIgM12 improves three different models of neurological disease, we propose that the IgM might act late in the cascade of neuronal stress and/or death by a broad mechanism.
Survival predictors in second-line chemotherapy for metastatic gastric cancer

e15575 Background: Many patients (pts) with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) are in good condition after first line chemotherapy (chemo) and are offered further treatment. However there is no establ...
Epithelial localization of a reptilian Na+/H+ exchanger homologous to NHE-1

Basolateral membranes of turtle (Pseudemys scripta) colon epithelial cells exhibit robust Na+/H+ exchange activity that can be activated by cell shrinkage and is blocked by amiloride [M. A. Post and D. C. Dawson. Am. J. Physiol. 262 Cell Physiol. 31):C1089-C1094, 1992]. The colonic epithelium actively absorbs Na+ and secretes K+ and HCO3-, but the role of basolateral Na+/H+ exchange, if any, in transepithelial transport is unknown. The current studies were undertaken to identify the gene product(s) responsible for the observed basolateral Na+/H+ exchange activity and to determine the cellular localization of the reptilian Na+/H+ exchange protein. We cloned and sequenced partial-length cDNAs that are likely to encode a reptilian homologue of the mammalian NHE-1 Na+/H+ exchanger isoform. The partial-length cDNAs were > 80% identical to mammalian NHE-1 homologues at the nucleotide level and recognized a transcript (approximately 5.8-6.0 kb) in RNA isolated from turtle colon, small intestine, stomach, kidney, urinary bladder, heart, and liver. In situ hybridization showed that mRNA encoding the reptile homologue of NHE-1 was expressed predominantly in the epithelial cells of these tissues. Immunofluorescent localization of the reptilian Na+/H+ exchanger protein using an antibody raised against a human NHE-1 fusion protein confirmed that protein expression paralleled abundant mRNA expression in epithelial cells of turtle stomach and colon, as well as in some nephron segments, and showed that the reptile NHE-1 homologue was localized exclusively to the basolateral membranes of these cells. The relatively high level of NHE-1 expression in epithelial cells, particularly those of the colon and stomach, suggests that NHE-1 function is important for the maintenance or regulation of ion transport processes that occur in these cell types.
Blistered: a gene required for vein/intervein formation in wings of Drosophila

We have characterized the blistered (bs) locus phenotypically, genetically and developmentally using a set of new bs alleles. Mutant defects range from wings with ectopic veins and intervein blisters to completely ballooned wings where the distinction between vein and intervein is lost. Mosaic analyses show that severe bs alleles behave largely autonomously; homozygous patches having vein-like properties. Developmental analyses were undertaken using light and electron microscopy of wild-type and bs wings as well as confocal microscopy of phalloidin- and laminin-stained preparations. bs defects were first seen early in the prepupal period with the failure of apposition of dorsal and ventral wing epithelia. Correspondingly, during definitive vein/intervein differentiation in the pupal period (18-36 hours after puparium formation), the extent of dorsal/ventral reapposition is reduced in bs wings. Regions of the wing that fail to become apposed differentiate properties of vein cells; i.e. become constricted apically and acquire a laminin-containing matrix basally. To further understand bs function, we examined genetic interactions between various bs alleles and mutants of two genes whose products have known functions in wing development. (i) rhomboid, a component of the EGF-R signalling pathway, is expressed in vein cells and is required for specification of vein cell fate. rhove mutations (lacking rhomboid in wings) suppress the excess vein formation and associated with bs. Conversely, rho expression in prepupal and pupal bs wings is expanded in the regions of increased vein formation. (ii) The integrin genes, inflated and myospheroid, are expressed in intervein cells and are required for adhesion between the dorsal and ventral wing surfaces. Loss of integrin function results in intervein blisters. Integrin mutants interact with bs mutants to increase the frequency of intervein blisters but do not typically enhance vein defects. Both developmental and genetic analyses suggest that the bs product is required during metamorphosis for the initiation of intervein development and the concomitant inhibition of vein development.
Fine Mapping of a QTL Associated with Kernel Row Number on Chromosome 1 of Maize

The genetic factors underlying changes in ear morphology, and particularly the inheritance of kernel row number (KRN), have been broadly investigated in diverse mapping populations in maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we mapped a region on the long arm of chromosome 1 containing a QTL for KRN. This work was performed using a set of recombinant chromosome nearly isogenic lines (RCNILs) derived from a BC2S3 population produced using the inbred maize line W22 and teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) as the parents. A set of 48 RCNILs was evaluated in the field during the summer of 2013 in order to perform the mapping. A QTL for KRN was found that explained approximately 51% of the phenotypic variance and had a 1.5-LOD confidence interval of 203 kb. Seven genes are described in this interval. One of these candidate genes may have been the target of domestication processes in maize and contributed to the shift from two kernel row ears in teosinte to a highly polystichous ear in maize.
β-Diketiminato Nickel Imides in Catalytic Nitrene Transfer to Isocyanides

The β-diketiminato nickel(I) species [Me3NN]Ni(2-picoline) (1) serves as an efficient catalyst for carbodiimide (RN═C═NR′) formation in the reactions of a range of organoazides N3R with isocyanides R′NC. [Me3NN]Ni(CNR)2 (R = tBu, Ar (Ar = 2,6-Me2C6H3)) species provide carbodiimides RN═C═NAr′ upon reaction with Ar′N3 (Ar′ = 3,5-Me2C6H3). Nitrene transfer takes place via the intermediacy of nickel imides. Reaction of [MexNN]Ni(2-picoline) (x = 2 or 3) with Ar′N3 gives the new dinickel imides {[MexNN]Ni}2(μ-NAr′) (4 (x = 3) and 5 (x = 2)) as deep purple, diamagnetic substances. The X-ray structure of {[Me2NN]Ni}2(μ-NAr′) (5) features short Ni–Nimide distances of 1.747(2) and 1.755(2) A along with a short Ni–Ni distance of 2.7210(3) A. These dinickel imides 4 and 5 react stoichiometrically with tBuNC to provide the corresponding carbodiimides tBuN═C═NAr′ in good yield. Azide transfer takes place upon reaction of 1 with TMS-N3 to give the square planar nickel(II) azide [Me3NN]Ni(N3)(2-picoline) (7). Stoichiome...
Association of adiposity and muscle quality with physical function differs in young and old women.

OBJECTIVE This study aims were to investigate whether age differentially impacts the relationships between adiposity, muscle quality (MQ), and lower-extremity physical function in young and older women. METHODS Women aged 20 to 30 years (YOUNG group; n = 37) and women aged 64 to 80 years (OLD group; n = 39) were assessed for body composition via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Isokinetic strength at 60 deg/second was assessed on a dynamometer. MQ was calculated as Nm / mineral-free lean mass (kg). Lower-extremity physical function was determined by an up-and-go (UPGO) challenge. RESULTS YOUNG women had lower relative adiposity (%Fat), greater leg lean mass, greater MQ, and faster UPGO time compared with OLD women (all P < 0.01). On linear regression analyses, mineral-free upper leg lean mass was the strongest predictor of UPGO performance in YOUNG women and independently explained 36% of the variance; in OLD women, age and adiposity were the strongest predictors and explained 57% and 40% of the variance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Predictors of lower-extremity physical function differ between young and old women. These findings suggest that body composition and muscle capacity factors associated with function might change across the age span.
Ex vivo chemical cytometric analysis of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity in single human airway epithelial cells.

We describe a novel method for the measurement of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity in single human airway epithelial cells (hAECs) using capillary electrophoresis. This technique involved the microinjection of a fluorescent phosphopeptide that is hydrolyzed specifically by PTPs. Analyses in BEAS-2B immortalized bronchial epithelial cells showed rapid PTP-mediated dephosphorylation of the substrate (2.2 pmol min–1 mg–1) that was blocked by pretreatment of the cells with the PTP inhibitors pervanadate, Zn2+, and 1,2-naphthoquinone (76%, 69%, and 100% inhibition relative to PTP activity in untreated controls, respectively). These studies were then extended to a more physiologically relevant model system: primary hAECs cultured from bronchial brushings of living human subjects. In primary hAECs, dephosphorylation of the substrate occurred at a rate of 2.2 pmol min–1 mg–1 and was also effectively inhibited by preincubation of the cells with the inhibitors pervanadate, Zn2+, and 1,2-naphthoquinone (9...
A Partition Function Connected with the Göllnitz–Gordon Identities

We use the celebrated circle method of Hardy and Ramanujan to develop convergent formulae for counting a restricted class of partitions that arise from the Gollnitz–Gordon identities.