cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Locality of information obtained from proximity-electron-tunneling spectroscopy

The locality of the information obtained by the technique of proximity-electron tunneling (PETS) is analyzed, with particular attention to the effects on the measured effective-phonon spectrum ${a}^{2}F(\ensuremath{\omega})$ of disorder or impurities near the surface of the superconductor electrode. As in conventional tunnel junctions it is determined that the (energy-dependent) electron mean free path determines the maximum depth of the superconductor of which the measured phonon spectrum is characteristic. An averaging length $L(E)$ is defined and found to be typically larger in proximity junctions than in conventional junctions. This can make PETS results inherently less susceptible than conventional results to surface disorder of the superconductor.
Altered gene expression patterns in muscle ring finger 1 null mice during denervation- and dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy

Muscle atrophy can result from inactivity or unloading on one hand or the induction of a catabolic state on the other. Muscle-specific ring finger 1 (MuRF1), a member of the tripartite motif family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, is an essential mediator of multiple conditions inducing muscle atrophy. While most studies have focused on the role of MuRF1 in protein degradation, the protein may have other roles in regulating skeletal muscle mass and metabolism. We therefore systematically evaluated the effect of MuRF1 on gene expression during denervation and dexamethasone-induced atrophy. We find that the lack of MuRF1 leads to few differences in control animals, but there were several significant differences in specific sets of genes upon denervation- and dexamethasone-induced atrophy. For example, during denervation, MuRF1 knockout mice showed delayed repression of metabolic and structural genes and blunted induction of genes associated with the neuromuscular junction. In the latter case, this pattern correlates with blunted HDAC4 and myogenin upregulation. Lack of MuRF1 caused fewer changes in the dexamethasone-induced atrophy program, but certain genes involved in fat metabolism and intracellular signaling were affected. Our results demonstrate a new role for MuRF1 in influencing gene expression in two important models of muscle atrophy.
Behavioral and biochemical effects of postnatal parathion exposure in the rat

The organophosphate insecticide, parathion, is a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase both in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Acute exposure to this pesticide can cause a number of physical symptoms which are ameliorated as tolerance develops (Costa et al., 1982). There is, however, evidence of continuing behavioral deficits in humans following chronic exposure (Clark, 1971). These effects include impairment in concentration, decreased cognitive abilities, memory impairment, depression and irritability (Levin and Rodnitsky, 1976).
Automatic Tracking of Pregenesis Tropical Disturbances Within the Deviation Angle Variance System

The deviation angle variance (DAV) method is an objective tool for estimating the intensity of tropical cyclones (TCs) using geostationary infrared (IR) brightness temperature data. At early stages in TC development, the DAV signal can be also a robust predictor of tropical cyclogenesis. However, one of the problems with using the DAV method at these early stages is that the operator has to subjectively track potentially developing cloud systems, sometimes before they are clearly identifiable. Here, we present a method that allows us to automatically track the evolution of cloud clusters using only the raw IR imagery and the resulting DAV maps. We have compared our objective method with results manually obtained on a limited data set spanning a 12-day period during the 2010 hurricane season in the western North Pacific and tuned the performance of the method to the manual results. The performance of the method was then tested by comparing the results with best track and invest files produced by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center for the four-year period 2009-2012. The long-term results agree well with the best track and invest files for the disturbances analyzed in terms of start time, end time, and locations of disturbances. The automatic tracking method presented in this letter may be used to reduce the dependence of tropical cyclogenesis DAV analyses on the expertise and ability of the operator.
Range Density Function for Active Sensor Imaging

In this paper, a generalised target density function (TDF) is studied for active imaging bysensors such as radar. This is achieved by estimating a new TDF which is called range densityfunction (RDF). It is proposed by utilising of a generalised range-angle density function forimaging. While the RDF is developed by a new approach based on inverse Wandermonde matrixcomputation, it is obtained by considering a new range and scanning angle plane different fromthe conventional methods.
Real time computer simulation of electron microscope images with tilted illumination: Grain boundary applications

Computer programs have been developed to simulate electron microscope images from digitized graphically represented model structures. Via a television rate image processing system, these programs allow real time, interactive modification of the microscope objective lens parameters, incident beam inclination, and incident beam energy. In addition to explaining the computational methods, the need for using tilted beam illumination is explored to extend microscope resolution. For this study, the subject of grain boundary imaging is analyzed for a copper sigma = 5, 36.9 degrees, (310) tilt boundary with a [001] common rotation axis. The Cu [200] lattice spacings of approximately 1.8A on both sides of the interface cannot be reliably resolved under axial illumination conditions in a 200 kV microscope. Therefore, either tilted beam modes or higher incident beam energies were explored and the types of image features correlated with atomic position data through the digital frame store system.
Impact of Grassland Radiation on the Nonmarine Silica Cycle and Miocene Diatomite

Abstract The Early Miocene rise of the grass-dominated ecosystem is a plausible trigger for a sharp Miocene increase in accumulation of nonmarine diatomaceous sediment as well as diversification of nonmarine diatoms. This grassland radiation introduced a biogeochemical mechanism for enhancing widespread and sustained mobilization of usable silica and other nutrients. Volcanism was probably responsible for episodic nonmarine diatomaceous sediments from the advent of the oldest known nonmarine diatoms in the Late Cretaceous through the Oligocene. Although prolific Miocene volcanism was undoubtedly still important in the development of many diatomites, feedback from grassland colonization of volcanic soils may explain why diatomaceous sedimentation surged in the Miocene following a more sparse pre-Miocene record. The initial rise of the grass-dominated ecosystem, increased nonmarine diatomite accumulation, and Early Miocene evolutionary radiations of nonmarine diatom taxa are at least approximately coeval. A...
Detection by electron microscopy of R-type virus-like particles in chemically-induced hamster lingual carcinomas

Abstract Electron microscopy revealed virus-like particles (VLP) in 5 of 12 squamous cell carcinomas induced in hamster tongue by topical application of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in acetone. The VLP morphology was characteristic of R-type VLP; VLP were exclusively within the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum of cancer cells. No VLP were detected in non-tumourous control tissues. On the basis of the ultrastructural appearances, a scheme of the morphogenesis of R-type VLP is proposed.
Changes in Mood, Cognitive Performance and Appetite in the Late Luteal and Follicular Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Women With and Without PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

Although it's been reported that women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) have increased negative mood, appetite (food cravings and food intake), alcohol intake and cognitive deficits premenstrually, few studies have examined these changes concurrently within the same group of women or compared to women without PMDD. Thus, to date, there is not a clear understanding of the full range of PMDD symptoms. The present study concurrently assessed mood and performance tasks in 29 normally cycling women (14 women who met DSM-IV criteria for PMDD and 15 women without PMDD). Women had a total of ten sessions: two practice sessions, 4 sessions during the follicular phase and 4 sessions during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Each session, participants completed mood and food-related questionnaires, a motor coordination task, performed various cognitive tasks and ate lunch. There was a significant increase in dysphoric mood during the luteal phase in women with PMDD compared to their follicular phase and compared to Control women. Further, during the luteal phase, women with PMDD showed impaired performance on the Immediate and Delayed Word Recall Task, the Immediate and Delayed Digit Recall Task and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test compared to Control women. Women with PMDD, but not Control women, also showed increased desire for food items high in fat during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase and correspondingly, women with PMDD consumed more calories during the luteal phase (mostly derived from fat) compared to the follicular phase. In summary, women with PMDD experience dysphoric mood, a greater desire and actual intake of certain foods and show impaired cognitive performance during the luteal phase. An altered serotonergic system in women with PMDD may be the underlying mechanism for the observed symptoms; correspondingly, treatment with specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remains the preferred treatment at this time.
Germination inhibition by 5,7-dihydroxychromone, a flavanoid decomposition product

5,7-Dihydroxychromone1 isolated from seeds ofPolygonum lapathifolium L. inhibits the germination of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic) seeds. Effective molar concentrations ranged from 1 mM to 6 mM. Flavanoids reported or suspected to cause inhibition were not active at concentrations above 10 mM. Compound1 is a flavanoid moiety and can be formed during catabolic degradation, but its role in the allelopathic activity attributed to flavanoids remains to be determined.
Diffusion of an isolated colloidal sphere confined between flat plates

Abstract Constrained diffusion of an isolated uncharged PMMA sphere (∼1 μm diameter) confined between two parallel flat walls was studied using video microscopy in combination with optical tweezers. This technique allows us to measure directly the hindered diffusive motion of the sphere as an explicit function of the distance of the sphere from a wall without interference of electrostatic interaction between the sphere and the walls, nor interference from sedimentation. The measured diffusion coefficients are used to test the predictions of the wall drag effect predicted by several approximate theoretical analyses. We find quantitative agreement with the behavior predicted using a hydrodynamic analysis that independently superposes the wall drag effects arising from each wall.
Chandra Observations of “The Antennae” Galaxies (NGC 4038/9)

We report the results of a deep Chandra ACIS pointing at the merging system NGC 4038/9. We detect an extraordinarily luminous population of X-ray sources, with luminosity well above that of XRBs in M31 and the Milky Way. If these sources are unbeamed XRBs, our observations may point to them being 10-(a few)100 M☉ black hole counterparts. We detect an X-ray bright hot ISM, with features including bright superbubbles associated with the actively star-forming knots, regions where hot and warm (Hα) ISM intermingle, and a large-scale outflow.
Antimicrobial activity of statistical polymethacrylic sulfopropylbetaines against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria

A series of statistical copolymers derived from 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate with four different hydrophobic comonomers (ethyl, butyl, cyclohexyl, and octyl methacrylates) have been prepared via conventional free radical copolymerization under bulk conditions. The copolymers have been subsequently modified, with 1,3-propanesultone to yield the corresponding polysulfoproylbetaine derivatives. Those copolymers exhibiting the requisite aqueous solubility have been screened with respect to their antimicrobial activity against two common and notorious pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). We show that certain copolymers do indeed exhibit antimicrobial activity. The extent of activity is related to the molecular characteristics of the materials such as the molar composition and structure of the hydrophobic comonomer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1036–1041, 2006
Laboratory-confirmed HIV and sexually transmitted infection seropositivity and risk behavior among sexually active transgender patients at an adolescent and young adult urban community health center

The sexual health of transgender adolescents and young adults who present for health care in urban community health centers is understudied. A retrospective review of electronic health record (EHR) data was conducted from 180 transgender patients aged 12-29 years seen for one or more health-care visits between 2001 and 2010 at an urban community health center serving youth in Boston, MA. Analyses were restricted to 145 sexually active transgender youth (87.3% of the sample). Laboratory-confirmed HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) seroprevalence, demographics, sexual risk behavior, and structural and psychosocial risk indicators were extracted from the EHR. Analyses were descriptively focused for HIV and STIs. Stratified multivariable logistic regression models were fit for male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) patients separately to examine factors associated with any unprotected anal and/or vaginal sex (UAVS). The mean age was 20.0 (SD=2.9); 21.7% people of color, 46.9% white (non-Hispanic), 21.4% race/ethnicity unknown; 43.4% MTF, and 56.6% FTM; and 68.3% were on cross-sex hormones. Prevalence of STIs: 4.8% HIV, 2.8% herpes simplex virus, 2.8% syphilis, 2.1% chlamydia, 2.1% gonorrhea, 2.8% hepatitis C, 1.4% human papilloma virus. Only gonorrhea prevalence significantly differed by gender identity (MTF 2.1% vs. 0.0% FTM; p=0.046). Nearly half (47.6%) of the sample engaged in UAVS (52.4% MTF, 43.9% FTM, p=0.311). FTM more frequently had a primary sex partner compared to MTF (48.8% vs. 25.4%; p=0.004); MTF more frequently had a casual sex partner than FTM (69.8% vs. 42.7% p=0.001). In multivariable models, MTF youth who were younger in age, white non-Hispanic, and reported a primary sex partner had increased odds of UAVS; whereas, FTM youth reporting a casual sex partner and current alcohol use had increased odds of UAVS (all p<0.05). Factors associated with sexual risk differ for MTF and FTM youth. Partner type appears pivotal to understanding sexual risk in transgender adolescents and young adults. HIV and STI prevention efforts, including early intervention efforts, are needed in community-based settings serving transgender youth that attend to sex-specific (biological) and gender-related (social) pathways.
Stereoselective metabolism of 6-bromobenzo[a]pyrene by rat liver microsomes: absolute configuration of trans-dihydrodiol metabolites.

Abstract Trans -4,5- and trans -7,8-dihydrodiols of 6-bromobenzo[a]pyrene (6-BrBP) were isolated by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as metabolites of 6-BrBP by liver microsomes from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated male Sprague-Dawley rats. 1H NMR spectral analyses indicate that both 6-BrBP dihydrodiols preferentially adopt quasidiaxial conformations which are different from the quasidiequatorial conformations observed with benzo[a]pyrene (BP) trans -4,5- and trans -7,8-dihydrodiols. 6-BrBP trans -4,5-dihydrodiol was converted by catalytic hydrogenolysis to BP trans -4,5-dihydrodiol which had a circular dichroism (CD) spectrum identical to that of BP (−) trans -4R,5R-dihydrodiol. 6-BrBP trans -7,8-dihydrodiol was converted by catalytic hydrogenolysis to BP 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro- trans -7,8-diol which was identical to (+)BP 7,8,9,10-tetrahydro- trans -7R,8R-diol with respect to its CD spectrum and its retention time on a chiral HPLC column. The results indicate that a bromo substituent at the 6-position of BP does not alter the stereoselective preference of rat liver microsomal enzymes toward the formation of 4R,5R- and 7R,8R-dihydrodiol metabolites.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PURCHASING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT'S PERCEIVED VALUE AND PARTICIPATION IN STRATEGIC SUPPLIER COST MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

As firms have placed more emphasis on their core competencies and outsourced production and services to suppliers, effective cost management of purchases has become a critical factor in achieving corporate success. The Purchasing and Supply Management (PSM) function is generally responsible for obtaining goods and services from outside suppliers. Techniques such as total cost of ownership, supplier cost structure analysis, and target costing have become important tools for PSM to manage inbound supply costs. Results of a survey indicate that the perceptions of PSM by peer functions and top management, in terms of PSM's importance and accountability, are related to implementing the strategic cost management activities of total cost of ownership, supplier cost structure analysis, and target costing.
Motivational counseling reduces future police charges in court referred youth

By the age of 18, between 16 and 27% of adolescents in the U.S. have been arrested for an offense and by the age of 23 this increases to a staggering 25-41%. Most youth that get into legal trouble have a substance abuse problem and many youth report high risk driving behaviors. Adjudication of adolescents for an offense may provide an opportunity to provide a secondary prevention program for such high risk behaviors. In this regard the primary aim of the present study was to test two hypotheses: (1) that interventions involving group motivational interviewing would decrease future legal charges beyond those achieved by the combination of sanctions and remedial actions otherwise mandated by the court; and (2) that the addition of a trauma room exposure to the group MI intervention would increase the effectiveness of MI in decreasing these future legal charges. Court mandated youth who have had a high risk driving police charge and/or alcohol related police charge and who are drivers (n=992) were randomly assigned to one of the three 20h interventions; enhanced prototypic community service (CS), Motivational Intervention with typical community service (MI), and Motivational Intervention with exposure to a hospital trauma center (MI-H). As hypothesized, the probability of being charged with an offense within the 6 months post-treatment was significantly less for participants in the combined MI groups than those in the CS group. The combined MI groups also had significantly fewer overall number of police charge events than the CS group at 6 months. Mediation analyses revealed that the relationship between MI vs. CS interventions and subsequent police charges was partially accounted for by the youth's experience of the MI component of the intervention. Despite fewer police charges at 6 months the combined MI group reported (1) significantly more hazardous drinking and (2) a greater amount of speeding and distracted driving than the control group over this same 6-month period. Hypothesis 2, that MI-H would be more effective than MI in reducing police charges, was not supported. This was so despite evidence supporting the hypotheses that (1) trauma room exposure would increase participants' emotional arousal during the intervention and (2) increased arousal would be predictive of fewer police charges. Despite support for the theorized causal pathway, the combination of trauma room exposure and MI did not result in better outcomes than MI combined with traditional community service. Given this discrepancy between empirical supports for the theory in the face of the absence of incremental effectiveness of the MI-H treatment condition, a better understanding of the participant's hospital experience will be necessary if we are to successfully utilize the trauma room exposure to increase the effectiveness of MI interventions for this target group to achieve better outcomes.
Rates, sample sizes, and the neutrality hypothesis for electrophoresis in evolutionary studies

It is shown that electrophoretic genetic distance estimates are highly correlated with albumin immunological distances between the same pairs of species. The bimodality of rates of electrophoretic differentiation at various loci is then documented and the electrophoretic clocks involved are calibrated. The differences between the systematics and population genetics uses of electrophoretic data are then discussed. Finally, a direct electrophoretic test of the neutral alleles hypothesis is presented and exemplified on a set of Thomomys bottae-umbrinus data.
An experimental laboratory environment for teaching embedded operating systems

This paper describes Marquette University's efforts to build an experimental embedded systems laboratory for hands-on projects in an operating systems course. Our prototype laboratory is now serving as the basis for a coherent sequence of class projects threaded throughout courses in hardware systems, operating systems, networking, and embedded systems. We describe the major components of our Embedded XINU laboratory environment, the operating systems course, and related improvements in other core courses of our curriculum.
A negative-norm least-squares method for time-harmonic Maxwell equations

Abstract This paper presents and analyzes a negative-norm least-squares finite element discretization method for the dimension-reduced time-harmonic Maxwell equations in the case of axial symmetry. The reduced equations are expressed in cylindrical coordinates, and the analysis consequently involves weighted Sobolev spaces based on the degenerate radial weighting. The main theoretical results established in this work include existence and uniqueness of the continuous and discrete formulations and error estimates for simple finite element functions. Numerical experiments confirm the error estimates and efficiency of the method for piecewise constant coefficients.
Teaching an active-participation university course in software reliability and testing

A large percentage of software development costs are spent on software reliability and testing. However, many practicing software engineers and graduate students in computer science have never taken a course in software reliability or software testing. A graduate-level software engineering course at North Carolina State University provides instruction in these topics to better prepare current and future software engineers for the software reliability and testing challenges. The course takes place in a laboratory setting such that students can learn testing and reliability theory and apply this theory immediately
Projected US distributions of transgenic and wildtype zebra danios, Danio rerio, based on temperature tolerance data

Abstract A genetically modified version of the south Asian, zebra danio, Danio rerio, a common aquarium fish, has become the first transgenic pet sold in the USA. Mean chronic lethal maxima of wildtype (39.8 °C, n = 16 ) and transgenic (39.3 °C, n = 10 ) zebra danios initially acclimated to 30 °C were statistically (but not dramatically) different as were mean chronic lethal minima of wildtype (5.3 °C, n = 16 ) and transgenic (5.6 °C, n = 20 ) zebra danios initially acclimated to 20 °C. These temperature tolerance values were used to estimate potential geographic distributions of the two varieties in the USA. Distributions of these D. rerio varieties in the USA should not be limited by their upper temperature tolerances, and low-temperature tolerance data suggest that both varieties are capable of overwintering in some southern and western US waters.
Thermodynamic System Drift in Protein Evolution

Proteins from thermophiles are generally more thermostable than their mesophilic homologs, but little is known about the evolutionary process driving these differences. Here we attempt to understand how the diverse thermostabilities of bacterial ribonuclease H1 (RNH) proteins evolved. RNH proteins from Thermus thermophilus (ttRNH) and Escherichia coli (ecRNH) share similar structures but differ in melting temperature (Tm) by 20°C. ttRNH's greater stability is caused in part by the presence of residual structure in the unfolded state, which results in a low heat capacity of unfolding (ΔCp) relative to ecRNH. We first characterized RNH proteins from a variety of extant bacteria and found that Tm correlates with the species' growth temperatures, consistent with environmental selection for stability. We then used ancestral sequence reconstruction to statistically infer evolutionary intermediates along lineages leading to ecRNH and ttRNH from their common ancestor, which existed approximately 3 billion years ago. Finally, we synthesized and experimentally characterized these intermediates. The shared ancestor has a melting temperature between those of ttRNH and ecRNH; the Tms of intermediate ancestors along the ttRNH lineage increased gradually over time, while the ecRNH lineage exhibited an abrupt drop in Tm followed by relatively little change. To determine whether the underlying mechanisms for thermostability correlate with the changes in Tm, we measured the thermodynamic basis for stabilization—ΔCp and other thermodynamic parameters—for each of the ancestors. We observed that, while the Tm changes smoothly, the mechanistic basis for stability fluctuates over evolutionary time. Thus, even while overall stability appears to be strongly driven by selection, the proteins explored a wide variety of mechanisms of stabilization, a phenomenon we call “thermodynamic system drift.” This suggests that even on lineages with strong selection to increase stability, proteins have wide latitude to explore sequence space, generating biophysical diversity and potentially opening new evolutionary pathways.
Time-resolved chirp measurement of electro-absorption and directly modulated lasers

Understanding the effects of chirp on the transmission of signals is of great importance to the system designer. Chirp can have two separate detrimental outcomes in a typical transmission system. The first is that the chirp can interact with the fiber dispersion to create a power penalty, which ultimately limits the number of channels or the distance over which the signal can propagate in today's WDM systems. The second is that chirp can broaden the transmitted spectrum limiting the channel spacing by interfering with adjacent channels even in a short-haul ultra-dense WDM environment. This paper covers time-resolved chirp measurements and the transient and adiabatic chirp properties of electro-absorption and directly modulated lasers. It also discusses methodologies to predict transmission path penalty from time-resolved chirp measurements.
Reoperative antireflux surgery for dysphagia

Troublesome dysphagia is a common indication for redo antireflux surgery (Re-ARS). This study is aimed to analyze the efficacy of Re-ARS in resolving dysphagia and to identify risk factors for persistent or new-onset dysphagia after Re-ARS. A prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients after Re-ARS. Dysphagia severity was graded on a scale of 0 to 3 before and after Re-ARS based on responses to a standardized questionnaire. Patients reporting grade 2 or 3 symptoms were considered to have significant dysphagia. Satisfaction was graded using a 10-point analog scale. Between December 2003 and July 2008, 106 patients underwent Re-ARS. Significant preoperative dysphagia was reported by 54 patients, and impaired esophageal motility was noted in 31 patients. Remedial surgery included redo fundoplication (n = 87), Collis gastroplasty with redo fundoplication (n = 16), and takedown of the fundoplication or hiatal closure alone (n = 3). At least 1 year follow-up period (mean 21.8 months) was available for 92 patients. For patients with significant preoperative dysphagia (n = 46), the mean symptom score declined from 2.35 to 0.78 (p < 0.0001). Persistent dysphagia was reported by 13 patients and new-onset dysphagia by 4 patients. No patients reported grade 3 dysphagia after Re-ARS. Dilations were used to treat 11 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified Collis gastroplasty (p = 0.03; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.74) and preoperative dysphagia (p = 0.01; adjusted OR, 6.80) as risk factors for significant postoperative dysphagia. The overall satisfaction score was 8.3, but certain subsets had significantly lower satisfaction scores. These subsets included patients with esophageal dysmotility (7.1; p = 0.04), patients who required Collis gastroplasty (7.0; p = 0.09), and patients with esophageal dysmotility who required Collis gastroplasty (5.0; p < 0.01). Although dysphagia is a common symptom among patients requiring Re-ARS, intervention provides a significant benefit. Patients with preoperative dysphagia, especially those requiring Collis gastroplasty, are at increased risk for persistent dysphagia and decreased satisfaction after Re-ARS.
A breakdown of symmetry in the folding transition state of protein L.

The 62 residue IgG binding domain of protein L consists of a central alpha-helix packed on a four-stranded beta-sheet formed by N and C-terminal beta-hairpins. The overall topology of the protein is quite symmetric: the beta-hairpins have similar lengths and make very similar interactions with the central helix. Characterization of the effects of 70 point mutations distributed throughout the protein on the kinetics of folding and unfolding reveals that this symmetry is completely broken during folding; the first beta-hairpin is largely structured while the second beta-hairpin and helix are largely disrupted in the folding transition state ensemble. The results are not consistent with a "hydrophobic core first" picture of protein folding; the first beta-hairpin appears to be at least as ordered at the rate limiting step in folding as the hydrophobic core.
Maize Kernel Set at Low Water Potential: I. Sensitivity to Reduced Assimilates during Early Kernel Growth

Plant water deficits during flowering and early kernel growth reduce the yield potential of maize (Zea mays L.) by decreasing kernel number per ear. Our objective was to determine if zygotic abortion, which increases in water-deficient plants, is caused by a decrease in assimilate supply to the ear. Plants were grown in soil/sand media in a controlled environment
Implicit responses and conceptual similarity: A repetition

This study offers further evidence to support the prediction that words presented first in a series of conceptually related words will be better recalled than those presented later. The facilitation of the early items is probably due to events taking place during the learning trial rather than during recall.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase activity is diminished in human prostate cancer cells and is enhanced by gene transfer

Abstract The hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1α,25(OH)2D) inhibits growth and induces differentiation of prostate cells. The enzyme responsible for 1α,25(OH)2D synthesis, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)–1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase), has been demonstrated in human prostate cells. We compared the levels of 1α-OHase activity in prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP, DU145 and PC-3 and in primary cultures of normal, cancerous and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) prostate cells. We observed a marked decrease in 1α-OHase activity in prostate cancer cells, including an undetectable level of activity in LNCaP cells. Transient or stable transfection of 1α-OHase cDNA into LNCaP cells increased 1α-OHase activity from undetectable to 4.95 pmole / mg ±0.69 pmole/mg and 5.8 pmole / mg ±0.7 pmole/mg protein per hour, respectively. In response to 25(OH)D, the prohormone of 1α,25(OH)2D, the transfected LNCaP cells showed a significant inhibition of 3 H -thymidine incorporation (37%±6% and 56%±4% at 10−8 M for transiently and stably transfected cells, respectively). These findings support an important autocrine role for 1α,25(OH)2D in the prostate and suggest that the re-introduction of the 1α-OHase gene to prostate cancer cells, in conjunction with the systemic administration of 25(OH)D, constitutes an endocrine form of gene therapy that may be less toxic than the systemic administration of 1α,25(OH)2D.
Pilot Car Wait-Time Notification System

The Kansas Department of Transportation does routine roadwork that requires traffic on two-lane highways to be narrowed to one lane. This operation usually involves use of a pilot car to direct the flow of traffic. The main objective of this research was to determine the most cost-effective method of informing drivers of delay time when approaching a pilot car operation at the two-lane rural highway work zones. Since most rural construction zones are outside existing commercially available communication systems, such as cellular coverage, success of the project hinges primarily on the acquisition of a low-cost, easily deployable work zone data communication system. The method employed in the design of the notification system involved using global positioning system receivers to track the pilot car, an algorithm to determine the time the pilot car would take to reach the two ends of the work zone and 900-Mhz radio transceivers to send the information to the display. The information was displayed on a light-emitting diode timer, mounted on a specially designed sign. The system worked as designed during a 2-hour test run at an actual work zone and was well accepted by the drivers that were surveyed.
Penalizing the reformers: Polish steel and European integration

Abstract This paper examines the effects of European integration on the Polish steel industry and finds that, contrary to expectations, the more successful firms are in fact being hurt by the process. As a result, productivity improvements are unlikely to be either as great or as efficiently distributed as proponents of integration suggest. This outcome is the product of a complicated and politically expedient bargaining process among steel-sector union confederations and central governments both in the EU and in Poland. The integration plan, which calls for government-controlled production quotas, enables politicians and union leaders on all sides to cover themselves politically with respect to their constituents. The main losers in the process are managers and employees of successful Polish firms.
EVA space suit proton and electron threshold energy measurements by XCT and range shifting

Abstract Construction of the International Space Station (ISS) will require more than 1000 h of extravehicular activity (EVA). Outside of the ISS during EVA, astronauts and cosmonauts are likely to be exposed to a large fluence of electrons and protons. Development of radiation protection guidelines and mitigation of risks requires the determination of the minimum energy of electrons and protons that penetrate the astronaut EVA suits at various locations. Measurements of the water equivalent thickness of both United States (US) and Russian EVA suits were obtained by performing X-ray computed tomography (XCT) scans. Selected regions of interest of the suits were further evaluated using a “differential range shift” technique. This technique involved measuring thickness ionization curves for 6 MeV electron and 155 MeV proton beams with ionization chambers using a constant source-to-detector distance. The thicknesses were obtained by stacking polystyrene slabs immediately upstream of the detector. The thicknesses of the 50% ionizations relative to the maximum ionizations were determined. The detectors were then placed within the suit and the stack thickness adjusted until the 50% ionization was re-established. The difference in thickness between the 50% thicknesses was then used with standard range tables to determine the threshold energy for penetration. This paper provides a detailed description of the experimental arrangement and the obtained results.
Teacher Education: Pre-Service and In-Service.

Earlier in my career as a teacher educator, I found myself somewhat perturbed at my colleagues who worked as teachers in the public and private sectors. They often complained about the quality and substance of their own teacher training programs and this was difficult to understand. After all, most of my fellow professors appeared to be doing an adequate job, applying new knowledge to the task and traveling when time allowed to schools for supervision of student teachers. This sufficed until I considered the quality of my own training, the kinds of relationships we carried on with fellow teachers, and the substance of what we professed.
Platelet-specific α-Granule Proteins and Thrombospondin in Bronchoalveolar Lavage in the Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Levels of platelet-specific α-granule proteins, PF, BTG, and TSP were measured in BAL fluids of patients with the ARDS, ILD, and normal healthy subjects, comprising two separate cohorts. In both groups BAL showed elevated levels of BTG and thrombospondin in ARDS patients. Low levels of PF 4 were found in BAL and did not differ between ARDS and control patients. The BTG:PF 4 ratio was 2:1 or greater in BAL of ARDS patients and of control subjects with other lung diseases, suggesting in vivo release. In ARDS patients, the ratio of TSP to BTG exceeded that usually found in plasma. In ARDS patients in group 2, BAL levels of TSP, BTG, and total protein correlated strongly with the composite injury scores that were used to quantitate their degree of lung injury. Elevated levels of platelet-derived proteins, which modulate chemotaxis of inflammatory cells and promote connective tissue reorganization, occur in the alveolar compartment of ARDS and ILD patients but are usually undetectable in BAL of healthy control subjects. Levels in these patients in BAL fluid are nonspecific indices of the severity of lung injury in patients with ARDS.
In vitro and in vivo studies on the development of the α-emitting radionuclide bismuth 212 for intraperitoneal use against microscopic ovarian carcinoma

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to develop the α-emitting radionuclide bismuth 212 for possible intraperitoneal use against microscopic ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: The radiobiologic effectiveness of bismuth 212 was compared in vitro to x rays and chromic phosphate phosphorus 32). The distribution, toxicity, and maximum tolerated dose of bismuth 212 were determined after intraperitoneal administration in animal models. Dose estimates in animals and humans were made. RESULTS: In in vitro studies bismuth 212 was three times more effective in eradicating tumor cells grown in monolayers and in 800 μm spheroids. In in vivo studies bismuth 212 was distributed uniformly after intraperitoneal administration. The maximum tolerated dose in rabbits was 60 mCi. There was reversible hematologic toxicity with minimal organ damage. Bismuth 212 prolonged survival and cured up to 40% of animals inoculated with Ehrlich carcinoma cells. Dose estimates made from these studies indicated that dosages administered were effective in eradicating tumor cells and were within the radiotolerance of normal human tissue. CONCLUSION: Bismuth 212 appears to be a suitable candidate for intraperitoneal use against microscopic ovarian cancer. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:833-41.)
MRI subcortical signal hyperintensities in Mania at first hospitalization

Recently, several investigators have reported an increased frequency of subcortical signal hyperintensities detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with bipolar disorder as compared to normal controls (Swayze et al 1990; Dupont et al 1987, 1990; Figiel et al 1991). The pathophysiologic significance of these neuroanatomic abnormalities has remained obscure, although it has been suggested that these lesions may be associated with the underlying pathogenetic process (Dupont et al 1987; Figiel et al 1991). However, the effects of illness chronicity (multiple episodes) and treatment on these findings is uncertain and may confound the analysis of these observations. Indeed, Dupont et al (1990) noted that those patients with signal hyperintensities on MRI had significantly more previous hospitalizations, although whether there is a relationship between treatment and subcortical signal hyperintensities is undetermined. Studying patients with bipolar disorder at the onset of the illness (prior to or very early in treatment) could control for these confounding variables and may lead to improved understanding of the pathogenesis of the disorder. If subcortical signal hyperintensities were present at the onset of the illness, then these abnormalities might have etiologic significance. With these considerations in mind, we have examined MRI scans for subcortical hypcfintcnsities from a sample of patients with first-episode mania compared to normal control subjects.
Yeast hemoglobin-reductase complex.

Summary Oxygen-binding pigment, so-called yeast hemoglobin was purified from Candida mycoderma in a complex form with a NAD(P)H-specific reductase system. The complex showed a single band by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100, and by electrophoresis either on cellulose acetate strip or SDS-polyacrylamide gel. The complex did not dissociate into hemoglobin and reductase system even in 8 M urea. Three prosthetic groups, protoheme, flavin and non-heme iron were identified by spectrophotometric and/or electron paramagnetic resonance measurements. The heme:flavin:iron ratios were approximately 1:1:1.
How to do Statistical Research

do not let anyone or anything impede you. Bowl them over if you can, sneak around them if you must, but do not let anyone stand in your way. Even if "statistical research" is not written into your position description, pursue your research with the keen interest of a passionate hobbyist. Statistics is unique among subject matters in that it does not seek to be an island unto itself. Statistics exists to aid in forming understandings of phenomena, through identifying patterns or relationships, generally based on quantitative representations. Specific statistical tools are used by people who profess profi ciency in a plethora of particular professions. Economists are basically specialized statisticians who assign dollar values to everything. Epidemiologists are statisticians who study disease trends. To be an effective statistical researcher, you should strive to learn all that you can about as many subject areas as possible. Pay close attention to the statistical techniques that are applied in each field. It is likely that you will learn something about statistics that you did not know before, and that you can modify to apply in another area. In my last position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, I was confronted with having to learn all that I could about animal agriculture, survey statistics, veterinary epidemiology, and agricultural production. While employed there, I pursued graduate study in agricultural economics. I learned the process of performing scientific research, the coin-of-the-realm of which is the scientific manuscript. To publish in a respectable scientific journal, a sophisticated-looking multivariate statistical model? to serve as a hook?is de rigueur. In my present position with the U.S. Department of Energy, because we have a tangible product and paying customers, we are under much less pressure to publish papers to prove our impor tance. I am involved in characterizing the properties of nuclear reference materials, and in analyzing sources of uncertainties and their impacts on measurement uncertainties. I am presently performing statistical research (as a hobby, in my spare time)
Primary CNS lymphoma in HIV positive and negative patients: comparison of clinical characteristics, outcome and prognostic factors

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) accounts for approximately 4% of all primary brain tumors and has a poor prognosis in both immunocompetent as well as in immunocompromised patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis to examine the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients with PCNSL and to assess the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) therapy on the outcome of HIV-positive patients. Patients diagnosed with PCNSL between 1999 and 2008 at our institution were divided into two groups based on their HIV status. Their demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using the chi-square test. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed employing the univariate log-rank test. Multivariate analyses of survival were performed by Cox proportional hazards models incorporating the prognostic factors identified in the univariate log rank test. Forty-one HIV-positive patients and 45 HIV-negative patients were identified. HIV-positive patients were younger, more likely to present with seizures and elevated serum LDH levels. There were significant differences in complete remission (CR) rates (P = 0.010) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.034) in favor of the HIV-negative group. In the HIV-positive group, OS was better in patients with KPS > 70 and patients who received HAART, but remained inferior to that in the HIV-negative patients. HIV-positive patients had a worse prognosis compared to HIV-negative patients despite similar clinical characteristics. Better performance status (KPS > 70) and treatment with HAART conferred better OS in HIV-positive patients.
Gastric cancer in American negroes.

A retrospective study of 150 consecutive Negro patients with histologically confirmed gastric carcinoma seen at Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, between 1960–1972 is described. The age and sex distribution of cases, histologic appearance of carcinoma, and operability rate were similar to series of predominantly Caucasian patients. However, 12 patients had coexistent peptic ulcer disease, 2 (1.33%) had an active duodenal ulcer; no patient had a history of pernicious anemia. In contrast to previous reports on blood groups and stomach cancer, blood group data revealed an excess of blood group B and a deficiency of blood group O, in Negro cancer patients (p > 0.01). According to the TNM staging system, 73% of Negro patients, and only 53% of control patients (a 79% Caucasian series) had Stage IV carcinoma (p > 0.005). Moreover, for any given stage of the disease, Negro patients had a shorter survival than Caucasians.
Radio newscasting in Latin America

What would it be like if radio news in the United States were faced with the needs and problems of 1966 and the facilities of thirty or more years ago? This is analogous to the situation today in Latin America, where shortages of money, training, and newsgathering facilities have created a situation strange to newsmen and broadcasters north of the Rio Grande. John F. Newman, Coordinator of Statewide Communications for the University of Wisconsin, wrote this article as a product of a year spent in Central and South America (particularly Ecuador) as Fulbright‐Hays Visiting Lecturer in broadcast journalism at the National University of Nicaragua and on a research grant from the University of Wisconsin. Professor Newman has been a broadcast newsman at several radio stations, and for the last decade has taught in this field.