cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment by a microprocessor of adherence to home-based moderate-intensity exercise training in healthy, sedentary middle-aged men and women☆

Abstract Research in exercise training of healthy persons, which has been conducted almost exclusively in supervised group programs, is relatively expensive for the investigator and inconvenient for the participant. To overcome these obstacles, self-monitored moderate-intensity home-based exercise training was prescribed for 28 middle-aged men and 26 middle-aged women. The median energy expenditure prescribed for each of 5 weekly exercise sessions was 4 cal/kg body weight, or 317 kcal for men and 265 kcal for women, corresponding to a median duration of 45 and 60 minutes, respectively. In the next 24 weeks, peak oxygen uptake increased 13.7% in men who exercised, from 31 ± 4 to 37 ± 4 ml/kg/min, and 10% in women who exercised, from 26 ± 4 to 29 ± 5 ml/kg/min (p
Speaker verification using committee neural networks

Security is a major problem in web based access or remote access to data bases. In the present study, the technique of committee neural networks was developed for speech based speaker verification. Speech data from the designated speaker and several imposters were obtained. Several parameters were extracted in the time and frequency domains, and fed to neural networks. Several neural networks were trained and the five best performing networks were recruited into the committee. The committee decision was based on majority voting of the member networks. The committee opinion was evaluated with further testing data. The committee correctly identified the designated speaker in (50 out of 50) 100% of the cases and rejected imposters in (150 out of 150) 100% of the cases. The committee decision was not unanimous in majority of the cases tested.
Axillary nerve injuries in contact sports : Recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation

Axillary nerve injuries are some of the most common peripheral nerve injuries in athletes who participate in contact sports. Resulting deltoid muscle paralysis is secondary to nerve trauma which occurs following shoulder dislocation or a direct blow to the deltoid muscle. Compression neuropathy has been reported to occur in quadrilateral space syndrome as the axillary nerve exits this anatomic compartment. The axillary nerve is also extremely vulnerable during any operative procedure involving the inferior aspect of the shoulder, and iatrogenic injury to the axillary nerve remains a serious complication of shoulder surgery. Accurate diagnosis of axillary nerve injury is based on a careful history and physical examination as well as an understanding of the anatomy of the shoulder and the axillary nerve in particular. Inspection, palpation and neurological testing provide the bases for diagnosis. A clinically suspected axillary nerve injury should be confirmed by electrophysiological testing, including electromyography and nerve conduction studies. During the acute phase of injury, the athlete should be rested and any ligamentous or bony injury should be treated as indicated. Patients should undergo an extensive rehabilitation programme emphasising active and passive range of motion as well as strengthening of the rotator cuff, deltoid and periscapular musculature. Shoulder joint contracture should be avoided at all costs as a loss of shoulder mobility may ultimately affect functional outcome despite a return of axillary nerve function. If no axillary nerve recovery is observed by 3 to 4 months following injury, surgical exploration is indicated. Athletes who sustain injury to the axillary nerve have a variable prognosis for nerve recovery, although the return of function of the involved shoulder is typically good to excellent. We recommend that athletes who sustain axillary nerve injury may return to contact sport participation when they achieve full active range of motion of the shoulder and when shoulder strength is documented to be good to excellent by isometric or manual muscle testing.
Ranks of Semigroups Generated by Order-Preserving Transformations with a Fixed Partition Type

Abstract The rank of a finite semigroup is the minimal size of its generating set. Let T n be the semigroup of all total transformations of the set {1, 2,…, n}, and let &#x1d4aa; n be the subsemigroup of T n of all the order-preserving transformations whose images consist of at most n − 1 elements. We study the subsemigroups S &#x1d4aa;(τ) of &#x1d4aa; n generated by the order-preserving transformations whose kernels are partitions of X n of a given partition type τ. We characterize idempotent-generated semigroups S &#x1d4aa;(τ), and show that S &#x1d4aa;(τ) is idempotent-generated precisely when it is regular, and that occurs if and only if the weight r of τ is n − 1 or 1. For arbitrary partition type τ of weight r we determine the Green's relations on S &#x1d4aa;(τ), and we show that its rank equals to .
Can histological assessment predict the outcome in interstitial cystitis

Summary— In a retrospective study we compared the outcome of 39 patients with interstitial cystitis to the histological findings at initial diagnostic bladder biopsy. The degree of inflammation and fibrosis and the mast cell counts were assessed on each biopsy. The prognostic relevance of the clinical features of age, duration of symptoms, frequency, nocturia, pain and bladder capacity was assessed. The study showed no statistical correlation between the severity of histological findings at diagnosis and the eventual outcome of the disease. Over 50% of patients with severe histological abnormalities responded to conservative treatment. Although the majority of patients with mild pathological changes responded to conservative treatment, some did require surgical intervention. The clinical features of pain, nocturia and bladder capacity showed significant differences between the 2 patient groups. However, the former 2 features are subject to many variables and the latter probably has too wide a range to be useful as a prognostic indicator. Only the response of patients to conservative treatment will indicate those who are not being helped and who may eventually require surgical treatment.
Minimal finite automata from finite training sets

This paper describes a solution to the following problem: Given a finite set of strings A over an alphabet Σ and a positive integer n, find a deterministic finite automaton (DFA) with a minimal number of states that recognizes the strings in the given set but does not recognize any other strings of length less than n. It turns out that, for some sets of strings A and integers n, the DFA is not uniquely determined.
Genetic diversity of Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 2 in mother–child pairs

Actinomyces naeslundii genospecies 2 (gsp-2) are members of the autochthonous oral flora. Chromosomal DNA fingerprinting (CDF) with SmaI revealed extensive genetic diversity among A. naeslundii gsp-2 strains within individual mothers and children. There was a low prevalence of genotype match among A. naeslundii gsp-2 strains between all mother and child pairs.
Highly Cooperative DNA Binding by the Coliphage HK022 Repressor

Abstract The CI repressor protein from the temperate lambdoid phage HK022 was purified to near homogeneity and used in DNase I footprinting analyses to identify six binding sites in this phage. All these sites contained homologous 15 bp inverted repeats. Three of these 15 bp inverted repeats were located between the cI and cro (OR1 to OR3), and the other three were 3′ to the cI gene (OL1 to OL3). Two of these sites were identified as operator sites for the repressor by DNA sequence analyses of virulent phage mutants. Almost all these mutations identified lay within the 15 bp inverted repeats comprising OR1 and OR2, and almost all were in the most highly conserved positions in the operators. The majority of virulent mutants contained mutations in both OR1 and OR2. Intrinsic affinities for individual operators were measured by DNase I footprinting analyses using DNA fragments which contained a single wild-type operator adjacent to two mutant operators. Comparison of these values with the affinity observed with these sites in the wild-type operator indicated that HK022 CI repressor bound cooperatively to OR1 and OR2 with a cooperativity parameter, ω, of almost 2000. Cooperative binding occurred in an alternative pairwise fashion, as previously seen with γ CI repressor. In addition to cooperative binding between two adjacent operators, the repressor also increased the affinity for adjacent non-specific DNA sites, resulting in a periodic pattern of binding termed "phasing". This phasing pattern extended beyond regions predicted for pair-wise interaction, but was significantly decreased on a template with two adjacent operators, suggesting that pairwise cooperativity interfered with phasing.
Clinical outcome in children with acute cerebellar encephalopathy and neuroblastoma

Acute cerebellar encephalopathy (ACE)—ataxia often associated with opsoclonus, polymyoclonus, and irritability—may be associated with neuroblastoma and should be suspected in a child who presents with ACE. The survival in ten children with ACE associated with neuroblastoma was 100%. Most of the tumors were ganglioneuroblastomas. The abdomen was the most common location for the tumor in this study although it also can be found in the mediastinum. All patients with this syndrome had a localized tumor. With ACTH therapy, ACE may resolve early postoperatively, but it tends to recur in most patients, continuing for as long as 3 years after the initial operation. Treatment with ACTH or prednisone modifies and rapidly clears the symptoms during the acute episode of recurrent ACE as well as helps to resolve subsequent neurologic sequelae. Significant neurologic sequelae persisted in seven of ten patients and included deficits in cognition or intellect, hyperactivity, impulsivity, emotional lability, and mild motor deficits. Seizures were seen in one patient.
Effect of exercise intensity on 24-h energy expenditure and nutrient oxidation

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of exercise at different intensities on 24-h energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation. Sixteen adults (8 men and 8 women) were studied on three occasions [sedentary day (Con), a low-intensity exercise day (LI; 400 kcal at 40% of maximal oxygen consumption) and a high-intensity exercise day (HI; 400 kcal at 70% of maximal oxygen consumption)] by using whole room indirect calorimetry. Both 24-h EE and carbohydrate oxidation were significantly elevated on the exercise days (Con < LI = HI), but 24-h fat oxidation was not different across conditions. Muscle enzymatic profile was not consistently related to 24-h fat or carbohydrate oxidation. With further analysis, it was found that, compared with men, women sustained slightly higher rates of 24-h fat oxidation (mg x kg FFM(-1) x min(-1)) and had a muscle enzymatic profile favoring fat oxidation. It is concluded that exercise intensity has no effect on 24-h EE or nutrient oxidation. Additionally, it appears that women may sustain slightly greater 24-h fat oxidation rates during waking and active periods of the day.
Overactive Bladder in Children. Part 1: Pathophysiology

Purpose: Detrusor overactivity is the most common voiding dysfunction in children. Detrusor overactivity is also known as overactive bladder syndrome, urge syndrome, hyperactive bladder syndrome, persistent infantile bladder and detrusor hypertonia. It has become apparent that the ideas that had been used to dictate the management of this problem in children were based on the foundation that this is a primary bladder problem and/or a delay in maturation in the nervous system of children. The expectation that children would outgrow the problems led many pediatric urologists and other practitioners to tell the parents of these children that they would not be wetting themselves on their wedding day. It has become apparent from recent studies in adults with voiding dysfunction that they had symptoms present as children. The recent findings of associations with lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction, and the association of voiding dysfunction and neuropsychiatric problems has opened up a new front...
Characterization of Escherichia coli D-arabinose 5-phosphate isomerase encoded by kpsF: implications for group 2 capsule biosynthesis.

In Escherichia coli, there are multiple paralogous copies of the enzyme API [A5P (D-arabinose 5-phosphate) isomerase], which catalyses the conversion of the pentose pathway intermediate Ru5P (D-ribulose 5-phosphate) into A5P. A5P is a precursor of Kdo (3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonate), an integral carbohydrate component of various glycolipids coating the surface of the OM (outer membrane) of Gram-negative bacteria, including LPS (lipopolysaccharide) and many group 2 K-antigen capsules. The K-antigen-specific API KpsF has been cloned from the uropathogenic E. coli strain CFT073 and its biochemical properties characterized. Purified recombinant KpsF [K-API (K-antigen API)] is tetrameric and has optimal activity at pH 7.8. The enzyme is specific for A5P and Ru5P, with Km (app) values of 0.57 mM for A5P and 0.3 mM for Ru5P. The apparent kcat in the A5P to Ru5P direction is 15 and 19 s−1 in the Ru5P to A5P direction. While most of the properties are quite similar to its LPS API counterpart KdsD, the catalytic constant is nearly 10-fold lower. K-API is now the second Kdo biosynthetic related gene that has been characterized from the kps group 2 capsule cluster.
Myocardial specificity for initiating endothelial-mesenchymal cell transition in embryonic chick heart correlates with a particulate distribution of fibronectin.

The early chick heart tube consists of myocardium and endothelium separated by a myocardially derived basement membrane (MBM). As development proceeds, the endothelium undergoes a transition into mesenchyme in a regionally specific manner; only the atrioventricular (AV) and outflow tract, but not the ventricular endothelium, is transformed into mesenchyme, the progenitor of heart septa and valves. Recent experiments have shown that an EDTA extract of MBM can initiate AV endothelium to form mesenchyme in an in vitro collagen gel culture system. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of AV region EDTA extracts showed potentially three isoelectric forms of fibronectin (Fn), while extracts from ventricle contained only two forms. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate the significance of these regional differences by testing of specific myocardial regions (AV vs ventricle) for their ability to induce endothelium to form mesenchyme in vitro, and to immunohistochemically determine if a regionally specific distribution of Fn exists in the MBM that can be correlated with previous electrophoretic data. Embryonic heart regions cultured on three-dimensional collagen gels showed that AV endothelium could only form mesenchyme if cocultured with AV myocardium. Coculture with ventricular myocardial explants did not initiate differentiation of AV endothelium. In contrast, ventricular endothelial cells did not form mesenchyme when cocultured with AV or ventricle myocardium. Immunohistochemical localization of Fn revealed three distinct morphological patterns of distribution in the AV-MBM, i.e., an intense lamina densa staining, diffuse staining in fibrils, and as particles. The Fn localized in particles (0.1 to 0.5 micron in diameter) appeared as a gradient of decreasing concentration extending from the myocardium toward the endothelium. In contrast, no particulate Fn staining was observed in the ventricular region. EDTA extraction selectively depleted the particulate form of Fn. Previous work has shown that this extract, which contains several lower Mr proteins in addition to Fn, is biologically active in initiating mesenchyme formation from AV endothelium in vitro. These results show that a regionally specific interaction of the myocardium with the endothelium is required to initiate the formation of prevalvular mesenchyme. This interaction may be mediated by a multicomponent complex involving Fn and other proteins which appear as a regionally distinct particulate only in areas of endothelial differentiation.
Simulating the Effects of Intergalactic Gray Dust

Using a high-resolution cosmological hydrodynamic simulation, we present a method to constrain extinction due to intergalactic gray dust based on the observed magnitudes of distant Type Ia supernovae. We apply several simple prescriptions to relate the intergalactic dust density to the gas density in the simulation, thereby obtaining dust extinctions that may be directly compared with the observed distribution of supernova magnitudes. Our analysis is sensitive to the spatial distribution of gray dust but is not dependent on its intrinsic properties, such as its opacity or grain size. We present an application of our technique to the supernova data of Perlmutter et al., who find that their high-redshift sample is approximately 0.2 mag fainter than the expectation for a nonaccelerating, low-density universe. We find that for gray dust to be responsible, it must be distributed quite smoothly (e.g., tracing intergalactic gas). More realistic dust distributions, such as dust tracing the metal density, are inconsistent with observations at the 1.5-2 sigma level. Upcoming observations and improved modeling of the dust distribution should lead to stronger constraints on intergalactic gray dust extinction.
Practical office strategies for weight management of the obese diabetic individual.

ABSTRACT Summary Obesity is a key component of the insulin- resistance syndrome of type 2 diabetes, and intensifies comorbidities underlying the increased cardiovascular risk of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss leads to dramatic beneficial effects, with reductions in blood glucose levels and improvements in lipid profiles and blood pressure that often necessitate reductions in medications. Successful long-term weight loss is difficult to achieve in patients with diabetes, as standard dietary approaches often have minimal long-term impact, and intensive management strategies designed to improve glycemic control often contribute to further weight gain in these patients. This article offers a review of newer strategies for enhancing lifestyle change and weight loss in the obese diabetic individual. Use of meal replacements provides structure with portion control, and increased intake of fruits and vegetables promotes a healthier eating style for these patients. Encouraging physical activity such as walking, stair climbing, and gardening can significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness and glycemic control, and helps patients maintain weight loss. Self-monitoring through lifestyle diaries can reinforce the healthy behaviors necessary for long-term management of obesity. Adjunctive antiobesity medication, medically-supervised intensive weight loss programs, and minimally invasive gastric bypass procedures are important options for patients unable to make significant progress with behavioral changes.
55K isoform of CDK9 associates with Ku70 and is involved in DNA repair.

Abstract Positive elongation factor b (P-TEFb) is a cellular protein kinase that is required for RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) transcriptional elongation of protein coding genes. P-TEFb is a set of different molecular complexes, each containing CDK9 as the catalytic subunit. There are two isoforms of the CDK9 protein – the major 42 KDa CDK9 isoform and the minor 55KDa isoform that is translated from an in-frame mRNA that arises from an upstream transcriptional start site. We found that shRNA depletion of the 55K CDK9 protein in HeLa cells induces apoptosis and double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs). The levels of apoptosis and DSBs induced by the depletion were reduced by expression of a 55K CDK9 protein variant resistant to the shRNA, indicating that these phenotypes are the consequence of depletion of the 55K protein and not off-target effects. We also found that the 55K CDK9 protein, but not the 42K CDK9 protein, specifically associates with Ku70, a protein involved in DSB repair. Our findings suggest that the 55K CDK9 protein may function in repair of DNA through an association with Ku70.
Computer-Based Graphical Displays for Enhancing Mental Animation and Improving Reasoning in Novice Learning of Probability.

OUR RESEARCH SUGGESTS static and animated graphics can lead to more animated thinking and more correct problem solving in computer-based probability learning. Pilot software modules were developed for graduate online statistics courses and representation research. A study with novice graduate student statisticians compared problem solving in five graphic versions: text, static visual, static motion cues, computer animated, and interactive computer animated. Groups were also compared on transfer problems with static graphics without motion cues. Level of animation in thinking was assessed as number of images and movement symbols in notes. All groups provided with graphic maps had more correct solutions than the text group. Displaying static motion cues, computer animated, and interactive animated maps resulted in more correct solutions and animation in notes than just text or static visuals without motion cues. Graphic maps with static motion cues or computer animated overlay resulted in equally more correct solutions and greater animation in notes. Graphic maps with static motion cues better prepared learners for solving less animated and more difficult problems. Imagery and movement in notes were significant predictors of correct training and transfer problem solutions.
Detection of FRNA coliphages in groundwater: interference with the assay by somatic salmonella bacteriophages

Groundwater samples from two sites in Alabama, USA were plaque assayed for F-specific RNA (FRNA) coliphages using Salmonella typhimurium WG49 as the host bacterium. While numerous plaques were detected with WG49 (a strain possessing Escherichia coli F pili), plaques were also observed with an F- control strain of Salm. typhimurium. Five isolates were plaque purified and examined by electron microscopy. All of the isolate particles were observed to be tailed, with five distinct particle types being differentiated. None of the isolate particles were consistent in morphology with the cubic FRNA coliphages. Host range evaluation supported classification of the isolates as salmonella phages. Somatic salmonella phages have previously been found to interfere with the assay of surface waters for FRNA coliphages. Their detection here demonstrates that such interference is also encountered in the assay of groundwaters.
High dose calibrations at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory

Abstract he need is increasing for both high radiation exposures and calibration measurements that provide traceability of such exposures to national standards. The applications of high exposures include: electronic component damage studies, sterilization of medical products and food irradiation. Accurate high exposure measurements are difficult to obtain and cannot, in general, be carried out with a single dose measurement system or technique because of the wide range of doses and the variety of materials involved. This paper describes the dosimetric measurement and calibration techniques used at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) that make use of radiochromic dye films, thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs), ionization chambers and calorimetric dosimeters. The methods used to demonstrate the consistency of PNL calibrations with national standards will also be discussed.
Turning neurogenesis up a Notch.

The key developmental regulator Notch was first characterized in flies but has since been implicated in diseases ranging from cancer to migraine. Experiments in a rat model now suggest that activation of Notch can also promote neurogenesis and healing after stroke.
Ecological Art: A Call for Visionary Intervention in a Time of Crisis

At a time when the world is beset by ecological crises, ecological art offers inspiration, insight and innovation. This essay provides an overview of the artistic and scientific roots of the practice and illustrates the significant role that ecoart can play in the formulation, development and promulgation of a culture of sustainability.
Effect of cocaine, ethanol or nicotine on ornithine decarboxylase activity in early chick embryo brain.

Abstract Fetal drug exposure causes multiple deficits in the developing child. For both humans and animal models, the single most common drug-related problem is fetal growth suppression. This defect is associated with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality and may also be related to significant behavioral problems appearing later in life. Studies focussed on the molecular mechanism of fetal drug effects in placental models are complicated by multiple interactions of the drug with mother, placenta and fetus. Using early (76–168 h) chick embryos as a non-placental model, and three common drugs of abuse (nicotine, ethanol and cocaine) it was found that each drug suppressed the peak in fetal brain ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity that normally occurs at 120 h of development. For each drug, the decrease in ODC activity at 120 h was followed by a small but significant increase in ODC. Thus, although the drug-treated embryos were smaller in size, they appeared to be undergoing compensatory growth and, in fact, became equal in weight to the vehicle-treated animals, if allowed to hatch.
Obligatory role of diastolic voltage oscillations in sino-atrial node discharge

Abstract The role of diastolic voltage oscillations in the initiation and maintenance of pacemaker discharge was studied in guinea pig-isolated sino-atrial (SA) node by means of a microelecrode technique. When [K + ] o is suitably increased, the maximum diastolic potential decreases and all action potentials (APs) assume the characteristics of dominant pacemakers (slow responses with U-shaped diastolic depolarization). Subsequently, as the slope and amplitude of diastolic depolarization (DD) decreases, the threshold is missed, unmasking the fused oscillatory potentials V os and ThV os . As high [K + ] o perfusion continues, the oscillatory potentials become separated, V os following the AP and ThV os appearing later on, when DD enters a less negative voltage range (oscillatory zone). ThV os grow in amplitude and attain the threshold, thereby insuring a slow discharge. If [K + ] o is further increased, the smaller ThV os miss the threshold and SA node becomes quiescent. On reducing high [K + ] o , ThV os re-appear, increase in size and initiate spontaneous discharge. As they occur progressively earlier during DD, ThV os eventually fuse with V os : at that stage, DD appears to continue directly into the upstroke (U-shaped DD) and the oscillations are no longer seen. During recovery in Tyrode solution, size and slope of V os and of ThV os further increase and cause a faster discharge. When APs assume a subsidiary configuration, their DD (no longer U-shaped) abruptly terminates into the upstroke. In high [K + ] o , increasing [Ca 2+ ] o or applying a fast drive increase the size and slope of V os and of ThV os , which in turn restore or accelerate discharge. In contrast, low [Ca 2+ ] o abolishes V os and ThV os and causes SA node arrest. Low [Ni 2+ ] (35.5 μM) increases the rate whereas high [Ni 2+ ] (0.73 mM) stops the SA node. Ryanodine eliminates V os and ThV os and markedly slows or stops discharge. Thus, ThV os and V os are separate voltage oscillations that play an obligatory role in the initiation and maintenance of SA node discharge, V os by steepening early DD and ThV os by attaining the threshold in the dominant pacemaker range, either by gradually increasing during late DD at slow rates or by fusing with V os at fast rates. Both V os and ThV os are Ca 2+ dependent, but apparently in different ways.
Long Range Interactions between Apoferritin Molecules

Recent light scattering experiments regarding the apoferritin molecules (the hollow shells of the iron-storage protein ferritin) indicated a surprising dependence of the repulsion between proteins on the electrolyte concentration (NaCH3COO). The second virial coefficient decreased to a value close to that corresponding to hard spheres for 0.15 M but increased to a very large value at 0.25 M. The results are difficult to be interpreted in the classical framework through the addition of double layer and hydration repulsive forces. While the double layer theory can predict the behavior of the virial coefficient at low electrolyte concentrations, only an abnormally large charge can explain the values of the virial coefficient at high ionic strengths. Alternatively, the traditional hydration force should increase with orders of magnitude between 0.15 and 0.25 M, to be consistent with experiment, and this is unlikely to happen. In this paper, it is shown that a unitary treatment of the repulsion (the double lay...
Estimating a Structured Covariance Matrix From Multilab Measurements in High-Throughput Biology

We consider the problem of quantifying the degree of coordination between transcription and translation, in yeast. Several studies have reported a surprising lack of coordination over the years, in organisms as different as yeast and humans, using diverse technologies. However, a close look at this literature suggests that the lack of reported correlation may not reflect the biology of regulation. These reports do not control for between-study biases and structure in the measurement errors, ignore key aspects of how the data connect to the estimand, and systematically underestimate the correlation as a consequence. Here, we design a careful meta-analysis of 27 yeast datasets, supported by a multilevel model, full uncertainty quantification, a suite of sensitivity analyses, and novel theory, to produce a more accurate estimate of the correlation between mRNA and protein levels—a proxy for coordination. From a statistical perspective, this problem motivates new theory on the impact of noise, model misspecif...
Biointeraction analysis by high-performance affinity chromatography: Kinetic studies of immobilized antibodies.

Abstract A system based on high-performance affinity chromatography was developed for characterizing the binding, elution and regeneration kinetics of immobilized antibodies and immunoaffinity supports. This information was provided by using a combination of frontal analysis, split-peak analysis and peak decay analysis to determine the rate constants for antibody–antigen interactions under typical sample application and elution conditions. This technique was tested using immunoaffinity supports that contained monoclonal antibodies for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Association equilibrium constants measured by frontal analysis for 2,4-D and related compounds with the immobilized antibodies were 1.7–12 × 106 M−1 at pH 7.0 and 25 °C. Split-peak analysis gave association rate constants of 1.4–12 × 105 M−1 s−1 and calculated dissociation rate constants of 0.01–0.4 s−1 under the application conditions. Elution at pH 2.5 for the analytes from the antibodies was examined by peak decay analysis and gave dissociation rate constants of 0.056–0.17 s−1. A comparison of frontal analysis results after various periods of column regeneration allowed the rate of antibody regeneration to be examined, with the results giving a first-order regeneration rate constant of 2.4 × 10−4 s−1. This combined approach and the information it provides should be useful in the design and optimization of immunoaffinity chromatography and other analytical methods that employ immobilized antibodies. The methods described are not limited to the particular analytes and antibodies employed in this study but should be useful in characterizing other targets, ligands and supports.
Water rearrangement around the Schiff base in the late K (KL) intermediate of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle

Previous FTIR studies at room temperature have distinguished KL (late K) from K (early K) as distinct photocycle intermediates of all-trans bacteriorhodopsin differentiated by the prominence of their hydrogen out-of-plane bending vibration (HOOP) bands at 985 and 957 cm-1, respectively. Earlier we showed that in the next photointermediate, L, the C15,N-HOOP appears as a set of several bands at around 1064 cm-1, which were shown to be due to the interaction of the Schiff base with water (Maeda et al. Biochemistry 2002, 41, 3803). The present study examines water rearrangement around the Schiff base in K and KL by analysis of the HOOP bands and the water vibration bands. (1) Studies of the thermal transformation of the primary photoproduct K formed at 80 K upon warming to 135 and 170 K confirm that a K-like photoproduct formed at 135 K is an intermediate between K and L. From its HOOP band at 985 cm-1, this photoproduct can be assigned to KL. (2) In KL, as in L, the C15,N-HOOP band is affected upon replacem...
Magma storage and mixing conditions for the 1953–1974 eruptions of Southwest Trident volcano, Katmai National Park, Alaska

Between 1953 and 1974, approximately 0.5 km3 of andesite and dacite erupted from a new vent on the southwest flank of Trident volcano in Katmai National Park, Alaska, forming an edifice now known as Southwest (or New) Trident. Field, analytical, and experimental evidence shows that the eruption commenced soon after mixing of dacite and andesite magmas at shallow crustal levels. Four lava flows (58.3–65.5 wt% SiO2) are the dominant products of the eruption; these contain discrete andesitic enclaves (55.8–58.9 wt% SiO2) as well as micro- and macro-scale compositional banding. Tephra from the eruption spans the same compositional range as lava flows; however, andesite scoria (56–58.1 wt% SiO2) is more abundant relative to dacite tephra, and is the explosively erupted counterpart to andesite enclaves. Fe–Ti oxide pairs from andesite scoria show a limited temperature range, clustered around 1000 °C. Temperatures from grains found in dacite lavas possess a wider range; however, cores from large (>100 μm) magnetite and coexisting ilmenite give temperatures of ∼890 °C, taken to represent a pre-mixing temperature for the dacite. Water contents from dacite phenocryst melt inclusions and phase equilibria experiments on the andesite imply that the two magmas last resided at a water pressure of 90 MPa, and contained ∼3.5 wt% H2O, equivalent to 3 km depth if saturated. Unzoned pyroxene and sodic plagioclase in the dacite suggest that it likely underwent significant crystallization at this depth; highly resorbed anorthitic plagioclase from the andesite suggests that it originated at greater depths and underwent relatively rapid ascent until it reached 3 km, mixed with dacite, and erupted. Diffusion profiles in phenocrysts suggest that mixing preceded eruption of earliest lava by approximately one month. The lack of a compositional gap in the erupted rock suite indicates that thorough mixing of the andesite and dacite occurred quickly, via disaggregation of enclaves, phenocryst transfer from one magma to another, and direct mixing of compositionally distinct melt phases.
A nanoparticle catalyst with superior activity for electrooxidation of formic acid

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of a series of Pt-based nanoparticle catalysts with high activity for formic acid electrooxidation. The catalysts were prepared using spontaneous deposition to decorate platinum nanoparticles with controlled amounts of palladium and palladium/ruthenium. Among all the catalysts investigated, the Pt/Pd catalyst shows the best performance; the steady-state formic acid oxidation current is ca. at 0.27 V vs. RHE. This current is two orders of magnitude higher than that obtained from pure platinum, and the catalyst is ideally suited to be an anode in the direct oxidation formic acid fuel cell. The enhancement in formic acid oxidation by the admetal addition does not correlate with the threshold for CO oxidative stripping (the CO tolerance). The Pt/Pd catalyst requires the highest potential to remove the CO, yet it is the most active. We suggest, therefore, that within the dual path mechanism of formic acid oxidation, the direct CO2 formation channel on Pt/Pd is much less affected by the CO chemisorption than on Pt, or on the Pt/Pd/Ru catalyst, also studied in this report.
Structure and properties of calcium aluminosilicate glasses

Abstract The structural role of aluminum in alkali silicate glasses has been a question of interest for some time. In spite of this interest, the question remains an unsettled one. The corresponding alkaline earth glasses have been much less studied, although it is probable that an understanding of the similarities and dissimilarities of these two families of glasses will provide some illumination of the structure and behavior of the alkali silicates. Here, a step is taken in this direction with a systematic study of the properties and spectra of a series of calcium aluminosilicates (Al2O3: 0–39 mol%; SiO2: 10–75 mol%; CaO: 13–65 mol%) as functions of composition. Results of measurements of density, refractive index, and microstructure are presented. No abrupt changes are observed in density or refractive index as functions of the molar ratio of Al2O3 to CaO. This may mean that aluminum ions are four-fold coordinated only in calcium aluminosilicate glasses. Minima in the molar volume of oxygen appear at lower silica content as the ratio of Al2O3 to CaO increases. TEM studies showed phase separation. FTIR spectra showed that the amount of non-bridging oxygens increased with the amount of excess lime. Again, no apparent evidence was found for the existence of six-fold coordinated aluminum ions.
Expectation Processes in Satisfaction Formation: A Field Study

Expectations of a novel restaurant dining experience were manipulated in a controlled field setting to test for the role and persistence of expectation and expectation-related effects within the expectancy disconfirmation and performance model. In an effort to ensure external validity, preconsumption expectations were manipulated via real-appearing reviews, actual service experience was recorded through protocol methods, and postconsumption perceptions were measured in the immediate postusage period. Results showed that the expectation manipulation and the expectations thereby created had an immediate but declining effect over the consumption period, that expectations acted as forward assimilation agents for performance, that retrospective expectations were partially influenced by performance observations in the manner of backward assimilation, that expectation-initiated performance comparisons (disconfirmation) and performance judgments were important satisfaction influences, and that the expectancy disc...
Loss of STAT3 in CD4+ T Cells Prevents Development of Experimental Autoimmune Diseases

Th17 cells are implicated in CNS autoimmune diseases. We show that mice with targeted-deletion of Stat3 in CD4(+) T cells (CD4(Stat3)(-/-)) do not develop experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) or experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Defective Th17 differentiation noted in CD4(Stat3)(-/-) mice is compensated by exaggerated increases in Foxp3-, IL-10-, IL-4-, and IFN-gamma-expressing T cells, suggesting critical roles of STAT3 in shaping Ag-specific CD4(+) T cell repertoire. In mice with EAU, a high percentage of IL-17-expressing T cells in their peripheral lymphoid organs also secrete IFN-gamma while these double-expressors are absent in CD4(Stat3)(-/-) and wild-type mice without EAU, raising the intriguing possibility that uveitis maybe mediated by Th17 and IL-17-expressing Th1 cells. Resistance of Stat3-deficient mice to EAU derives in part from an inability of uveitogenic Th17 and Th1 cells to enter eyes or brain of the CD4(Stat3)(-/-) mouse because of the reduction in the expression of activated alpha4/beta1 integrins on CD4(Stat3)(-/-) T cells. Adoptive transfer of activated interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein-specific uveitogenic T cells induced in CD4(Stat3)(-/-) mice a severe EAU characterized by development of retinal folds, infiltration of inflammatory cells into the retina, and destruction of retinal architecture, underscoring our contention that the loss of STAT3 in CD4(+) T cells results in an intrinsic developmental defect that renders CD4(Stat3)(-/-) resistant to CNS inflammatory diseases. STAT3 requirement for IL-17 production by Th17, generation of double positive T cells expressing IL-17 and IFN-gamma, and for T cell trafficking into CNS tissues suggests that STAT3 may be a therapeutic target for modulating uveitis, sceritis, or multiple sclerosis.
Effect of diets enriched in almonds on insulin action and serum lipids in adults with normal glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes

Background: Nuts appear to have cardiovascular benefits but their effect in diabetic patients is unclear. Objective: The objective was to assess effects of almond-enriched diets on insulin sensitivity and lipids in patients with normoglycemia or type 2 diabetes. Design: Study 1 assessed the effect of almonds on insulin sensitivity in 20 free-living healthy volunteers who received 100 g almonds/d for 4 wk. Study 2 was a randomized crossover study that compared 4 diets in 30 volunteers with type 2 diabetes: 1) high-fat, high-almond (HFA; 37% total fat, 10% from almonds); 2) low-fat, high-almond (LFA; 25% total fat, 10% from almonds); 3) high-fat control (HFC; 37% total fat, 10% from olive or canola oil); and 4) low-fat control (LFC; 25% total fat, 10% from olive or canola oil). After each 4-wk diet, serum lipids and oral glucose tolerance were measured. Results: In study 1, almond consumption did not change insulin sensitivity significantly, although body weight increased and total and LDL cholesterol decreased by 21% and 29%, respectively (P < 0.05). In study 2, total cholesterol was lowest with the HFA diet (4.46 ± 0.14, 4.52 ± 0.14, 4.63 ± 0.14, and 4.63 ± 0.14 mmol/L with the HFA, HFC, LFA, and LFC diets, respectively; P = 0.0004 for fat level). HDL cholesterol was significantly lower with the almond diets (P = 0.002); however, no significant effect of fat source on LDL:HDL was observed. Glycemia was unaffected. Conclusions: Almond-enriched diets do not alter insulin sensitivity in healthy adults or glycemia in patients with diabetes. Almonds had beneficial effects on serum lipids in healthy adults and produced changes similar to high monounsaturated fat oils in diabetic patients. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:1000‐6.
Estimation of wave parameters from accelerometry to aid AUV-shore communication

Commercial off-the-shelf autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are commonly equipped with short range radios (for high bandwidth, low-cost close range operation) and satellite modems (for low bandwidth, global operation). In a coastal observatory it should thus be possible to exploit an AUVs' proximity to the coast to use the short range radios when vehicles are within useful communication range of coastal base stations, and to use satellite communications otherwise. Measurements in the coastal ocean using a Slocum glider and a network of elevated, coastal base stations show that the useful communication range depends strongly on two parameters 1) the distance between the vehicle and the base station, and 2) the local sea state experienced by the vehicle. Here we describe measurements of communication quality in a coastal setting over 206 glider surfacing events at ranges between 2.4 and 16 km from the base station. The glider was instrumented with an accelerometer. At each surfacing, the accelerations experienced by the glider due to the local sea state were recorded concurrently with communication quality. Analysis of these measurements provides the first evidence that it is possible to predict communication quality from the sea state at a vehicle's location and the distance between the vehicle and the nearest base station. This enables a simple, yet useful, piece of logic that allows onboard decision making on whether the vehicle should use its short range radio or its satellite modem. We discuss how this finding enables online modification of low-level communication protocol parameters.
NO running on MT: regulation of zinc homeostasis by interaction of nitric oxide with metallothionein

the classical signaling pathway for nitric oxide (NO) is the binding and subsequent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. However, the number of pathophysiological pathways mediated by NO has been expanding to include processes that are independent of guanylate cyclase. A number of alternative
An experimental study of electro-osmotic flow in rectangular microchannels

Experimental studies were carried out on fully developed and steady electro-osmotic flow in a rectangular channel where the channel height $h$ is comparable to its width and the thickness of the electric double layer characterized by the Debye length is much less than $h$ . The nano-particle image velocimetry technique was used to measure the two components of the velocity field parallel to and within about 100 nm of the channel wall for $h\,{\leq}\,25\,\umu$ m. The mobility of the particle tracers was calculated from averaged velocity data for various electric field strengths. The experimentally determined mobility values are compared with analytical predictions for dilute aqueous solutions of sodium tetraborate.
Parenting and problem behaviors in children of substance abusing parents

BACKGROUND This study examined parenting practices, parental stress, and problem behaviors among urban Children of Substance Abusing Parents. METHOD One hundred and seven children completed the Child Rating Scale and the Children's Depression Inventory. Parents completed the Parenting Practices Scale-Parent Version, Parenting Stress Index, and internalizing and externalizing scales on the Parent Observation of Classroom Adaptation. RESULTS Structural Equation Modeling findings support an indirect effects pathway in which unfavorable parenting practices predict parental stress and parental stress predicts internalizing and externalizing behaviors. CONCLUSION The results argue for assessing parental stress and including activities to improve the parent-child bond in family intervention programs.
Midlatitude circulation patterns associated with decadal and interannual Pacific Ocean variability

[1] The exact nature of the interaction between the Pacific Ocean and the climate of the Northern Hemisphere is still in large part uncertain. To investigate these interactions, canonical correlation analysis is applied to relate midlatitude atmospheric circulation variability with Pacific Ocean SST variability. The leading mode corresponds closely to decadal PDO-like variability and the second mode is comparable to ENSO. Consequently, we identified different atmospheric circulation patterns related to the spatially similar, but temporally different modes of SST variability. Circulation variability over Eurasia is linked with the decadal SST variability, while the interannual SST variability is linked to circulation variability over the eastern Pacific. This suggests that decadal SST variability, in part, could be forced by the atmosphere. Furthermore, while the PDO switched back into its negative phase in the late 1990s, the decadal SST variability as related to circulation did not. Instead, the interannual mode has shifted into a negative phase, indicating a change in the nature of ocean-atmosphere interaction in the late 1990s.
Hierarchical multilevel potential preconditioner for fast finite-element analysis of microwave devices

A robust hierarchical multilevel preconditioning technique is presented for the fast finite-element analysis of microwave devices. The proposed preconditioner is based on a hierarchical multilevel scheme for the vector-scalar potential finite-element formulation of electromagnetic problems. Numerical experiments from the application of the new preconditioner to the finite-element analysis of microwave devices are used to demonstrate its superior numerical convergence and efficient memory usage.