cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The putative mRNA for subunit II of human cytochrome c oxidase starts directly at the translation initiator codon

The gene for subunit II of cytochrome c oxidase (COII) in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is immediately contiguous, on its 5′-end side, to a tRNAAsp gene1. Since all eukaryotic mRNAs so far analysed have been shown to have a noncoding stretch, which is presumably used for ribosome attachment2,3 on the 5′-side of the coding sequence, it was reasonable to ask whether, in the case of the human COII mRNA, the above function is performed by the tRNAAsp sequence or a portion of it, or whether this mRNA lacks a 5′ noncoding stretch. We have sequenced a 5′-end proximal segment of the putative COII mRNA from HeLa cells of about 30 nucleotides and have aligned it with the COII coding sequence in human mtDNA. Our results show that this RNA starts directly at the AUG initiator codon.
Infrared Analysis of Pharmaceuticals II: A Study of the Cinchona Alkaloids in Potassium Bromide Disks

In the course of an investigation into the applicability of a quantitative potassium bromide disk method to various drugs and chemicals, the cinchona alkaloids, quinidine, quinine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine were studied. Under certain experimental conditions, possibly due to the formation of dimorphous and amorphous forms, anomalous spectra were obtained for quinidine and quinine. Cinchonine and cinchonidine did not exhibit significant variations in spectra under the conditions investigated.
A Kinetic Analysis of the Oligonucleotide-modulated ATPase Activity of the Helicase Domain of the NS3 Protein from Hepatitis C Virus: THE FIRST CYCLE OF INTERACTION OF ATP WITH THE ENZYME IS UNIQUE

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) helicase (E) formed spectrofluorometrically detectable complexes with a 16-mer and HF16 (a 16-mer with 5′-hexachlorofluoresceinyl moiety). The interaction of helicase with these effectors was investigated by kinetic techniques to determine if the complexes were kinetically competent for ATP hydrolysis. k cat values with the 16-mer and HF16 were 2.7 and 36 s−1, respectively. The maximal value of the rate constant for the approach of an intermediate to the steady-state level has to be at least 4-fold greater thank cat for it to be kinetically competent. This value was 1.2 s−1 with HF16 and “E·ATP” and was 1.82 s−1 with ATP and E·HF16. These values were too small for formation of these intermediates to be kinetically competent in ATP hydrolysis. Dissociation of “E·HF16·ATP” (0.34 s−1) was also too slow to contribute significantly to catalysis. Furthermore, theK m of E·HF16 for ATP (3 μm) was significantly less than theK m for ATP hydrolysis at a saturating concentration of HF16 (320 μm). HCV helicase has two nucleotide-binding sites per monomer. If the fluorescence changes observed were associated with structure changes preceding steady-state catalysis (isomerization), pre-steady-state data could be reconciled with the turnover data. Data for the 16-mer yielded similar conclusions.
A Method for Instant Assessment and Active Learning

Abstract A method that provides tremendous benefits to both instructors and students is described in this paper. The method is based on asking a multiple choice question after every 10 to 20 minutes of a lecture and getting responses from all the students. The students respond by raising a card which displays the letter corresponding to their choice of answer. The method is easy to implement in any traditional lecture setting. It provides instant assessment of student learning and lets an instructor take corrective measure, if necessary, in the same class period. The method allows all the students in a class to actively participate, evaluate their own performance, and reflect upon what they have learned. The method works well either in a small or a large class and it typically creates an atmosphere of fun and learning in the classroom.
The unique impact of changes in normal appearing brain tissue on cognitive dysfunction in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between cognitive functioning, whole brain magnetic transfer ratio (MTR) imaging, supratentorial 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (1HMRSI), and conventional T1 and T2 imaging in a homogenous sample of SPMS patients. Methods: Nineteen patients underwent a single 90-min imaging session that obtained T1-and T2-weighted images and MTR. 1HMRSI was obtained on 14 of these patients. Patients underwent a neuropsychological battery, which was used to create an integrated measure of cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was the dependent variable in two hierarchical multiple regression analyses in which T2 lesion load, T1 lesion load, and MTR or NAA/Cr were entered sequentially. Results: MTR was significantly related to cognitive functioning (ΔR2= 0.22, P= 0.02) after accounting for T2 lesion load (ΔR2=0.33, P= 0.01) and T1 lesion load (ΔR2= 0.00, P=0.98). NAA/Cr was not significantly related to cognitive functioning. Conclusions: ...
Why can't we all just get along? Integration needs more than stories

As astutely noted by the authors of this provocative article, it is time for evolutionary psychology (EP) to be incorporated into clinical and educational interventions. However, two issues from this article are raised in the current commentary: some historical misconceptions of the evolutionary label and a lack of clear and specific guidelines for developing or improving interventions based on EP.
Challenges of irradiance-mode spectral response measurements

Irradiance-mode spectral response measurements of solar cells are important because they provide a direct, reliable and accurate route for determination of the short circuit current (I sc ) of solar cells under air mass 1.5 standard reference spectrum. In this work, a monochromator-based approach was combined with a light emitting diode (LED) array-operated system based on an integrating sphere design to obtain the irradiance-mode SR curves for a variety of cells, including large-area cells with dimensions up to 155 mm. Challenges associated with these measurements, including light uniformity, collimation issues and light bias effects are discussed. I sc calculations using this approach and intercomparison with other laboratories confirm the accuracy of the outlined methodology.
Lamb Wave-Mode Tuning of Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring

An analytical and experimental investigation of the Lamb wave-mode tuning with piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWASs) is presented. The analytical investigation assumes a PWAS transducer bonded to the upper surface of an isotropic flat plate. Shear lag transfer of tractions and strains is assumed, and an analytical solution using the space-wise Fourier transform is reviewed, closed-form solutions are presented for the case of ideal bonding (i.e., load transfer mechanism localized at the PWAS boundary). The analytical solutions are used to derive Lamb wave-mode tuning curves, which indicate that frequencies exist at which the AO mode or the SO mode can be either suppressed or enhanced. Extensive experimental tests that verify these tuning curves are reported. The concept of "effective PWAS dimension" is introduced to account for the discrepancies between the ideal bonding hypothesis and the actual shear-lag load transfer mechanism. The paper further shows that the capability to excite only one desired Lamb wave mode is critical for practical structural health monitoring (SHM) applications such as PWAS phased array technique (e.g., the embedded ultrasonics structural radar (EUSR)) and the time reversal process (TRP). In PWAS phased array EUSR applications, the basic assumption of the presence of a single low-dispersion Lamb wave mode (SO) is invoked since several Lamb wave modes traveling at different speeds would disturb the damage imaging results. Examples are given of correctly tuned EUSR images versus detuned cases, which illustrate the paramount importance of Lamb wave-mode tuning for the success of the EUSR method. In the TRP study, an input wave packet is reconstructed at a transmission PWAS when the signal recorded at the receiving PWAS is reversed in the time domain and transmitted back to the original PWAS. Ideally, TRP could be used for damage detection without a prior baseline. However, the application of TRP to Lamb waves SHM is impended by the dispersive and multimodal nature of the Lamb waves. The presence of more then one mode usually produces additional wave packets on both sides of the original wave packet due to the coupling of the Lamb wave modes. The PWAS Lamb wave tuning technique described in this paper is used to resolve the side packets problem. Several tuning cases are illustrated. It is found that the 30 kHz tuning of the AO Lamb wave mode with a 16-count smoothed tone burst leads to the complete elimination of the side wave packets. However, the elimination was less perfect for the 290 kHz tuning of the SO mode due to the frequency sidebands present in the tone-burst wave packet.
SCHEDULING PARALLEL PROCESSORS WITH SETUP COSTS AND RESOURCE LIMITATIONS

An integer linear programming model is presented for the scheduling of n products on m identical machines. The particular problem studied is one that occurs frequently in the fiberglass and textile industries. The model incorporates setup costs, lost production costs, and overtime costs. Due to the structure of the model, integer solutions can be obtained by explicitly restricting only a small number of the integer variables. This allows those responsible for scheduling to solve realistically sized problems in an efficient manner. Computational results are provided for a set of generated test problems.
Determinants of the Growth of the State: War and Taxation in Early Modern France and England

Although the causal impact of war on state-making in the early modern era is now widely accepted, there is less consensus about the way in which war affects levels of taxation, and the factors that might strengthen or weaken the relationship. Two questions can be posed: Do individual wars produce immediate effects on taxes, or is the cumulative effect of long periods of warfare more important? How do variations in administrative capacity and the strength of representative institutions affect the extent to which war pushes the growth of the state? This article attempts to answer these questions with a quantitative analysis of the effects of war on taxation in early modern England and France. We find that the cumulative effect of war is strong in both cases, suggesting that war made states via a "ratchet effect," and that this effect is much stronger when the administrative capacity of states is improved by centralization and bureaucratization. Strong representative assemblies decrease the effect of war on state growth in France but increase it in England, due to the very different characteristics of these institutions in the two countries.
Comparative study of damage identification algorithms applied to a bridge: II. Numerical study

This paper extends the study of damage identification algorithms summarized in the accompanying paper `Comparative study of damage identification algorithms: I. Experiment' to numerical examples. A finite element model of a continuous three-span portion of the I-40 bridges, which once crossed the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, NM, was constructed. Dynamic properties (resonant frequencies and mode shapes) of the undamaged and damaged bridge that were predicted by the numerical models were then correlated with experimental modal analysis results. Once correlated with the experimental results, eight new damage scenarios were introduced into the numerical model including a multiple damage case. Also, results from two undamaged cases were used to study the possibility that the damage identification methods would produce false-positive readings. In all cases analytical modal parameters were extracted from time-history analyses using signal processing techniques similar to those used in the experimental investigation. This study provides further comparisons of the relative accuracy of these different damage identification methods when they are applied to a set of standard numerical problems.
Tacrolimus as an alternative to cyclosporine in the maintenance phase of immunosuppressive therapy for severe aplastic anemia in children

Objective Given the paucity of data on the use of agents other than cyclosporine (CsA) in the maintenance phase of immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) in children, we sought to describe our experience with tacrolimus in pediatric SAA, and to compare outcomes with a preceding series of patients who received CsA. Methods Eight patients with SAA diagnosed between 2003 and 2008 for whom no human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor was identified underwent tacrolimus-based IST. These children were compared with a previously described series of 13 patients who had undergone CsA-based IST at our institution between 1990 and 2003. All patients initially received equine antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and corticosteroids. Results Complete response (CR) rate was 88% for tacrolimus and 85% for CsA. Median time to CR was approximately 7 months in both groups. Median follow-up duration was 2.4 years for tacrolimus and 8.4 years for CsA. Among responders with de novo SAA, relapse rate was 25% (n = 1) at 2 years for tacrolimus and 0% at 2 years and 23% (n = 3) at 5 years for CsA; no significant difference in relapse-free survival was detected between the two groups (P = 0.07). Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria was seen in one patient on tacrolimus who had relapsed after CsA-based IST. Tacrolimus-based IST was well-tolerated. Conclusion These data provide evidence that tacrolimus may be a suitable alternative to CsA as part of an IST regimen for SAA in children who lack an HLA-matched sibling and may have a more favorable profile of side effects than CsA. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:626–630. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Anti-oncogenic and pro-differentiation effects of clorgyline, a monoamine oxidase A inhibitor, on high grade prostate cancer cells.

Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), a mitochondrial enzyme that degrades monoamines including neurotransmitters, is highly expressed in basal cells of the normal human prostatic epithelium and in poorly differentiated (Gleason grades 4 and 5), aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). Clorgyline, an MAO-A inhibitor, induces secretory differentiation of normal prostate cells. We examined the effects of clorgyline on the transcriptional program of epithelial cells cultured from high grade PCa (E-CA). We systematically assessed gene expression changes induced by clorgyline in E-CA cells using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays. Genes differentially expressed in treated and control cells were identified by Significance Analysis of Microarrays. Expression of genes of interest was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of 156 genes was significantly increased by clorgyline at all time points over the time course of 6 – 96 hr identified by Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). The list is enriched with genes repressed in 7 of 12 oncogenic pathway signatures compiled from the literature. In addition, genes downregulated ≥ 2-fold by clorgyline were significantly enriched with those upregulated by key oncogenes including beta-catenin and ERBB2, indicating an anti-oncogenic effect of clorgyline. Another striking effect of clorgyline was the induction of androgen receptor (AR) and classic AR target genes such as prostate-specific antigen together with other secretory epithelial cell-specific genes, suggesting that clorgyline promotes differentiation of cancer cells. Moreover, clorgyline downregulated EZH2, a critical component of the Polycomb Group (PcG) complex that represses the expression of differentiation-related genes. Indeed, many genes in the PcG repression signature that predicts PCa outcome were upregulated by clorgyline, suggesting that the differentiation-promoting effect of clorgyline may be mediated by its downregulation of EZH2. Our results suggest that inhibitors of MAO-A, already in clinical use to treat depression, may have potential application as therapeutic PCa drugs by inhibiting oncogenic pathway activity and promoting differentiation.
Altered Finger Representations in Sensorimotor Cortex of Musicians with Focal Dystonia: Precentral Cortex

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), finger representations were characterized in the precentral cortex of 11 normal musicians and 14 musicians with focal task-specific dystonia. Finger representations were identified from differential activation during repetitive movements of each finger relative to others. Despite group similarities in topography, abnormalities in representations of affected fingers were identified. For the finger showing chronic flexion (primary dystonic finger or PDF), the cortical “disparity” from its normal location and the distance to the adjacent finger were increased. By contrast, representational characteristics of the finger showing chronic extension (primary compensatory finger or PCF) did not differ significantly from the control group, but did differ from those of the PDF. Regardless of whether either finger's representation differed substantively from normal, the PCF consistently showed greater volume of activation than the PDF or other fingers. These findings reflect dysfunctional interactions between at least two fingers and their cortical representations.
Evaluation of a Correction for Photometric Errors in FT-IR Spectrometry Introduced by a Nonlinear Detector Response

For strongly absorbing bands measured with a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, the effects of a nonlinear detector response must be eliminated before Beer's law linearity can be achieved. An empirical method for greatly reducing the effect of detector nonlinearity on FT-IR Beer's law spectra measured by using an FT-IR spectrometer equipped with a mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) detector is investigated. This first-order analytical function has been applied to correct nonlinear vapor-phase spectra and statistically evaluated for validity for spectral regions above the detector cutoff. In addition, a series of second-order functions has been evaluated to investigate the possibility that the transmittance scale is slightly nonlinear even after the first-order correction has been applied. Any improvement caused by the second-order functions was not statistically significant.
Intranet portal model and metrics: a strategic management perspective

Although many corporations store a great deal of information in their corporate intranets, few have a reliable means of measuring the effectiveness of their intranet portals to use this information to meet specific business needs. Turning information into knowledge capital that corporations can leverage quickly for competitive advantage requires a model and supporting metrics. Most intranet portal measurements are based almost exclusively on usage statistics - with little or no thought given to design or user experience - and corporations apply them in a nonstandardized manner, providing no meaningful insight into how well intranets help corporations achieve their strategic objectives. What has been missing is a comprehensive model and methodology to base measurements on logically related groups of metrics, which, when measured periodically, provide actionable steps to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of intranet portals.
In vivo cloning of PCR products in E.coli

This report describes an efficient method to clone PCR products exploiting endogenous Escherichia coli enzymatic activities. PCR products are engineered to contain terminal sequences identical to sequences at the two ends of a linearized vector. PCR products and vector DNA are then simply co-transfected into E. coli strain JC8679, obviating the requirement for enzymatic treatment of the PCR product or in vitro ligation. The high rate of homologous recombination in this strain results in efficient incorporation of the insert into the vector, a process we refer to as in vivo cloning (IVC).
Role of guanine nucleotide regulatory protein in polyphosphoinositide degradation and activation of phagocytic leukocytes by chemoattractants

Leukocyte activation by Chemoattractants provides an important model to study the biochemical mechanisms of stimulus-response coupling in these cells. Well-defined chemotactic factors induce readily quantifiable responses in phagocytic leukocytes. These include directed migration and the production and release of toxic substances including oxygen radicals and lysosomal enzymes. The development of radiolabeled synthetic oligopeptides with potent chemotactic activity allowed the demonstration of chemoattractant receptors on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) as well as macrophages. In membrane preparations from these cells, these receptors exist in high- and low-affinity states which are regulated by guanosine di- and triphosphates. This suggested that chemoattractant receptors interact with guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (N or G proteins). Although Chemoattractants elicit a rapid but transient increase in intracellular cAMP levels, they neither stimulate nor inhibit membrane-bound adenylate cyclase, suggesting a novel role for N proteins in certain receptor-transduction mechanisms. Stimulation of phagocytes by Chemoattractants is also associated with a rapid increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) which appears to result from the production of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) as a consequence of the diesteric cleavage of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Treatment of phagocytes with pertussis toxin (PT), which ADP-ribosylates and thereby inactivates certain N proteins, abolishes the cells' responsiveness to chemoattractants. More direct evidence for a role of a PT-sensitive N protein in leukocyte activation was provided by the demonstration that chemoattractants stimulate the hydrolysis of PIPi in PMN membranes only in the presence of GTP. This receptor-mediated hydrolysis of PIPi is not observed in plasma membranes prepared from PT-treated PMNs. Therefore, these studies suggest that occupancy of chemoattractant receptors activates a PT-sensitive N protein. The activated N protein shifts the Ca2+ requirement for phospholipase C activity from supraphysiological levels to ambient cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. Cleavage of PIP2 results in the formation of the second messenger molecules, IP3 and 1,2-diacylglycerol, which can initiate cellular activation. These messengers also seem to activate responses which feed back to attenuate receptor stimulation of phospholipase.
Approximations for Quantitative Feedback Theory Designs

The computational requirements for obtaining the results summarized in the preceding section were very modest and were easily accomplished using computer-aided control system design software. Of special significance is the ability of the PDT to indicate a loop closure sequence for MIMO QFT designs that employ sequential loop closure. Although discussed as part of a 2 x 2 design, the PDT is obviously applicable to designs with a greater number of inputs and system responses.
Corporate Viewpoints---Interviews with Top Managers: Interview With William H. Wendel

Interview with William H. Wendel. William H. Wendel is President of The Carborundum Company, Niagara Falls, New York. He began his career with Carborundum in 1947 and attained his present position in 1962. He is a director of Marine Midland Banks, Inc., American Research and Development Corp., N. Y. Telephone Co., and Allegheny, Ludlum Industries, Inc. He received his education at the United States Naval Academy and the Harvard Business School. He is a trustee of the Committee for Economic Development, a member of the Executive Council of the Harvard Business School Association and numerous civic and charitable organizations.
Finite Element Approach for Coupled Striplines Embedded in Dielectric Material

In this paper, we present finite element method (FEM) to investigate the quasi-static analysis of two dimensional (2D) shielded two coupled stripline structures for microelectronic devices. In the proposed method, we specifically determine the values of capacitance per unit length and inductance per unit length of shielded two vertically coupled striplines and shielded two coupled striplines embedded in dielectric material. Extensive simulation results are presented, and some comparative results are given by other methods and found them to be in excellent agreement. Furthermore, we determine the quasi-TEM spectral for the potential distribution of these shielded two coupled striplines.
(Im)maturity of judgment in adolescence: Why adolescents may be less culpable than adults.

A crucial step in the establishment of effective policies and regulations concerning legal decisions involving juveniles is the development of a complete understanding of the many factors-psychosocial as well as cognitive-that affect the evolution of judgment over the course of adolescence and into adulthood. This study examines the influence of three psychosocial factors (responsibility, perspective, and temperance) on maturity of judgment in a sample of over 1,000 participants ranging in age from 12 to 48 years. Participants completed assessments of their psychosocial maturity in the aforementioned domains and responded to a series of hypothetical decision-making dilemmas about potentially antisocial or risky behavior. Socially responsible decision making is significantly more common among young adults than among adolescents, but does not increase appreciably after age 19. Individuals exhibiting higher levels of responsibility, perspective, and temperance displayed more mature decision-making than those with lower scores on these psychosocial factors, regardless of age. Adolescents, on average, scored significantly worse than adults, but individual differences in judgment within each adolescent age group were considerable. These findings call into question recent arguments, derived from studies of logical reasoning, that adolescents and adults are equally competent and that laws and social policies should treat them as such.
Metals in the causation and treatment of Wilson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and copper lowering therapy in medicine

Abstract It is clear that copper accumulation and toxicity is the cause of Wilson’s disease. It is also well established that zinc therapy is effective in treating Wilson’s disease by a mechanism of blocking intestinal copper absorption. An emerging hypothesis holds that ingestion of inorganic copper, such as from drinking water, plays a causal role in Alzheimer’s disease. The evidence behind this theory is discussed. There is good preliminary evidence that zinc therapy slows cognition loss in Alzheimer’s disease, either by repleting zinc in zinc deficient neurons, or by lowering the body’s free copper levels. Finally, evidence is presented on a variety of animal models and one human disease (primary biliary cirrhosis) that by lowering copper levels using a drug called tetrathiomolybdate, inflammatory fibrotic, and immune-modulated disease processes are benefitted.
Two‐lasers assisted ablation: A method for enhancing conventional laser ablation of materials

A new method for enhanced ablation by pulsed laser radiation has been demonstrated. The method utilizes an “impulse” ablation laser in conjunction with cyclical heating of the tissue by an auxiliary source: the “primer.” In this study we use an auxiliary laser as the “primer” heat source, which sets up a thermal and stress field modulation in the target material. The cyclical stress associated with the thermal modulation reduces material strength thus enhancing ablation (larger mass removed per pulse) by the “impulse” laser. Ablation rate enhancement of more than twice the single-laser value is demonstrated. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dynamical biocontrol systems: insights through mechanistic modelling

Dynamical biological systems can be modelled mathematically at many levels, from relatively macroscopic, i.e. aggregating many processes or components into subsystem blocks and associated equations characterizing overall behaviour, to microscopic, i.e. focusing on physical mechanisms at the level of individual molecules and associated unit-process equations reflecting such couplings. Here we examine some representative examples within this spectrum of approaches, illustrating the ways in which various investigators handle data-driven modelling problems associated with drug effects–from mostly blood-borne data; switch-like responses in cell signalling subsystems–from molecular biochemistry data; gene network regulation–from pharmacogenomics data; and tumour-suppressor protein regulation mechanisms–also from molecular biochemistry data. Special attention is given to the latter, as modelling of the potential mechanisms involved in this system is an ongoing investigation in our lab. The biosystem model repres...
A power electronic transformer with sinusoidal voltages and currents using modular multilevel converter

Power electronic transformer consisting of power converters and a high frequency transformer (HFT) can be used to interface a low voltage machine to a high voltage grid. A modular multilevel converter (MMC) is proposed as the power converter on the high voltage side to generate high frequency, adjustable magnitude sinusoidal voltages. A matrix converter (MC) is used on the low voltage side to synthesize three-phase adjustable frequency PWM AC at the machine terminals. With the leakage inductance of the transformer, a capacitor bank forms an LC filter to result in sinusoidal currents through the HFT. With sinusoidal voltages and currents through the transformer, there is significant reduction in transformer losses and also natural commutation of leakage energy is obtained. The magnitude of the output voltage requirement by the machine is met by controlling the output voltage of the MMC on the primary of the HFT, to result in reduced voltage stress and losses in the transformer, secondary side converter and the machine. The operating principle, modulation and control of the proposed PET is validated by simulations in MATLAB/Simulink.
Problems involved in pretesting the tendency of potatoes to darken after cooking

It was found that darkening after cooking was increased by boiling susceptible potatoes in water of 24 grains hardness in contrast to softened water of 1 grain hardness. This difference in color of potatoes may be small, but must be considered in setting standards of quality for the consumer. It was learned that in some samples of potatoes, the amount of darkening was increased by three weeks of room temperature storage after removal from cold storage. This was not a factor to cause much variation in these samples of potatoes which scored good or very poor, but sometimes occurred on borderline cases. This also must be considered in setting limits of color quality acceptable in an inspection program. Observations of discoloration and the assigning of scores is greatly aided by use of a series of photographs of wide range found in non-susceptible and susceptible potatoes. It is suggested that a grower-sponsord committee prepare such a standard and set limits of color quality for premium grade of potatoes.
Violence: Communication breakdown? Focus on recent publications

(1970). Violence: Communication breakdown? Focus on recent publications. Today's Speech: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 39-46.
Effect of progesterone on interleukin-8 production by endocervical and vaginal epithelial cells

AND VAGINAL EPITHELIAL CELLS MORGAN PELTIER, YANA BERLIN, BRIAN DAY, JOHN SMULIAN, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/ Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, New Brunswick, New Jersey OBJECTIVE: Pharmacological levels of progesterone (P4) have been proposed to prevent preterm birth but the mechanism(s) by which it does this is unclear. One possibility is that P4 suppresses immune responses to the bacteria that cause preterm birth during intrauterine infections. Less is known about how P4 may affect immune responses in the lower genital tract. Therefore, we performed a series of experiments to evaluate the effects of progesterone on interleukin-8 (IL-8) production by vaginal epithleilal and endocervical cells stimulated with heat-killed Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) or Escherichia coli (EC). STUDY DESIGN: Vaginal epithelial (VK2E6E7) and endocervical (ENDE6E7) cells were grown to about 90% confluence in 96-well plates. Cells were incubated with 5000 ng/ml P4 overnight and then stimulated with 0, 10, 10, 10 or 10 CFU EC or 0, 10, 5! 10, 10 or 2! 10 CFU GV. Conditioned medium was harvested and stored at 86 (C until assay for IL-8 by ELISA. Experiments were done in triplicate. RESULTS: P4 significantly increased the production of IL-8 by VK2E6E7 stimulated with 10 and 5 ! 10 CFU heat killed GV or 10, 10 or 10 CFU EC. IL-8 production was also enhanced by P4 in ENDE6E7 cells stimulated with 10 EC or 2 ! 10 CFU/ml GV. CONCLUSION: Superphysiologic doses of P4 enhance the production of IL-8 by vaginal epithelial and endocervical cells stimulated with heat-killed EC or GV. By enhancing immunity in the lower genital tract, P4 may decrease the potential for an infection to ascend into the upper genital tract.
Estimating interfacial tension via relaxation of drop shapes and filament breakup

Two methods are presented for calculating the interfacial tension between two immiscible Newtonian fluids. The procedures require only two measurements of the approximate interface shape during the low-Reynold-number interfacial-tension-driven transient motion of (i) the relaxation of a modestly elongated drop back to a spherical shape or (ii) the growth of capillary wave instabilities along the surface of a thread. The interfacial tension can be estimated by comparing the time differences between the two experimental measurements with tabulated and numerically generated results for the approximate shape evolution. The numerical results are generated using boundary integral method for similar model free-boundary problems at low Reynolds numbers. The tabulated results are presented for drop to suspending fluid viscosity ratios 0.01 to 10.
Information divergences and the curious case of the binary alphabet.

Four problems related to information divergence measures defined on finite alphabets are considered. In three of the cases we consider, we illustrate a contrast which arises between the binary-alphabet and larger-alphabet settings. This is surprising in some instances, since characterizations for the larger-alphabet settings do not generalize their binary-alphabet counterparts. For example, we show that f -divergences are not the unique decomposable divergences on binary alphabets that satisfy the data processing inequality, despite contrary claims in the literature.
Monte Carlo studies of an fcc Ising antiferromagnet with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor interactions

We have investigated, via Monte Carlo computations, the phase diagram of an ordering binary alloy-equivalent to an Ising spin system-on an fcc lattice with nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor pair interactions $H=J\ensuremath{\Sigma}{\mathrm{nn}}^{}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{i}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{j}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}J\ensuremath{\Sigma}{\mathrm{nnn}}^{}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{i}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{j}$, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{i}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$, $Jg0$. Our studies indicate that this system undergoes a first-order transition; i.e., there is a discontinuity in the energy and order parameters as a function of temperature, for values $\ensuremath{-}1\ensuremath{\lesssim}\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.25$. For larger values of $|\ensuremath{\alpha}|$ the transition appears to be continuous, without any metastable states. Our results are in good agreement with Kikucki's cluster variation method at the two values of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ at which it has been applied, namely, 0 and -0.25. For $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\lesssim}\ensuremath{-}0.5$ renormalization-group arguments strongly indicate that the transition is first order. If this is so, then our results indicate that the discontinuities for $\ensuremath{\alpha}l\ensuremath{-}1$ must be very small. The nature of the ground states changes at $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0 \mathrm{and} \ensuremath{-}0.5$. At these values of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ the ground states are infinitely degenerate. The structure of the low-temperature phases, at all values of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, is discussed.
Bovine somite development and vertebral anlagen establishment.

Serial sections of seventy four bovine embryos from 18 through 38 days gestation were studied to determine the processes and sequence of somite development and differentiation. Somites are formed from day 20 through day 32 or 33 depending upon the individual. Each newly formed somite consists of a discrete block of cells organized into a densely aggregated outer layer enclosing a core of loose mesenchymal cells. Each somite differentiates about 12 hours after its formation into sclerotome and dermamyotome. The ventral and medial surface layer becomes loosely mesenchymal continuous with the mesenchymal core while the rest of the surface layer remains unchanged as dermamyotome. Further change occurs during the next 24 hours as the dermamyotome flattens with somite growth to form a distinct surface layer of perpendicularly arranged cells, the dermatome, and an inner layer of longitudinally arranged cells, the myotome. By day 4 after a somite is formed a transitory artifact, the so-called “myocoele”, is often produced during dehydration for sectioning. The shrinkage artifact occurs progressively caudal through the sacral region until the cellular density of the myotomes equals that of the dermatomes. Vertebral development begins ventro-medial to somite pairs 6 through 12 on day 23 as sclerotomic cells form a continuous band beneath the notochord. Band production continues caudad progressively. The sclerogenic band is transformed into a continuous sclerogenic tube around the notochord at first ventro-medial to somite pairs 15 through 20 and then progressively cranial to somite pair 6 and caudal to somite pair 25 during day 26 as the dorsolaterally attached sclerotomes develop dense caudal halves. During day 27, sclerotomic cells from the caudal dense sclerotome halves form perichordal rings within the sclerogenic tube of the cervival and thoracic regions alternating with the blastemal centra which become vascularized during day 28. Neural and transverse processes develop during day 29 from the caudal dense sclerotome halves connected to the perichordal rings and cranial portion of the centra. Sclerotomes of the cervical through sacral regions disappear by day 31. The blastemal centra become procartilaginous (new term) during day 32 through 34. Precartilage is produced in the ribs during day 33, cervical and thoracic neural processes during day 35, lumbar and sacral neural processes and cervical and lumbar transverse processes during day 36, and sacral transverse processes during day 37.
On a variational formulation of a class of thermal entrance problems

Abstract It is shown that a class of constant property, unsteady, laminar flow thermal entrance problems, in which the velocity profile can be considered to be fully developed, may be formulated as a variational problem in the Laplace transformed domain. In turn the variational formulation allows the application of the powerful Ritz-Galerkin technique to generate approximate solutions. The technique proposed is illustrated by an application to the Graetz problem between semi-infinite parallel plates and to the entrance problem in which the wall temperature varies sinusoidally.
Topography of lobate scarps on Mercury: New constraints on the planet's contraction

Lobate scarps are landforms on Mercury that appear to have formed by thrust faulting and are thought to reflect global contraction due to cooling of the planet’s interior. Topographic data for 10 mercurian lobate scarps, derived from Mariner 10 images using photoclinometry and digital stereoanalysis, indicate a range in maximum relief of 0.1 to 1.5 km and a range in horizontal shortening of 0.3 to 3.2 km, assuming fault-plane dips ( θ) of 25°. Previous estimates of cumulative compressional strain recorded in the lobate scarps suggest a decrease in Mercury’s radius of 1 to 2 km. Our estimate of compressional strain based on these new topographic measurements is ~0.056% (θ = 25°). This suggests that Mercury’s radius decreased by <1 km.
Quantum chemical study of the mechanism of action of vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR)

Possible model, but simplistic, mechanisms for the action of vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) are investigated with quantum mechanical methods (B3LYP/6-311G**). The geometries of proposed model intermediates in the mechanisms are energy optimized. Finally, the energetics of the proposed (pseudo-enzymatic) pathways are compared. We find that the several pathways are all energetically feasible. These results will be useful for designing quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical method (QM/MM) studies of the enzymatic pathway once three-dimensional structural data are determined and available for VKOR. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Hyperfiltration of nonelectrolytes: dependence of rejection on solubility parameters

Abstract The dependence of hyperfiltration rejection of nonelectrolyte solutes in single-solute water solutions on solubility parameters is demonstrated using hyperfiltration results reported in the literature. The hyperfiltration systems are characterized by a solubility parameter derived empirically from the rejection-solubility parameter dependence. A criterion for high rejection follows.
Lyme arthritis outcomes in children: a single center cohort study

Methods Children evaluated in the pediatric rheumatology clinics of Penn State Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with Lyme arthritis between 2002 and 2010 were reviewed from initial contact to the most recent follow-up documentation available. The diagnosis of Lyme arthritis in all cases was based on the presentation of synovitis and/ or enthesitis in combination with positive Western blot assays by CDC criteria. Children with transient arthritis ( 3 mo) by presenting laboratory features and clinical features throughout their follow-up.
Expansion of Polystyrene Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: Effects of Molecular Weight, Polydispersity, and Low Molecular Weight Components

Closed cell foams of broad molecular weight distribution commercial polystyrene samples, prepared by expansion of supercritical-CO2-swollen specimens, exhibit cell diameters that are ∼3−10 times (1...
Preparing teachers for diversity: lessons learned from the US and South Africa

Abstract The world's predominant growth populations are largely students of color who have historically struggled for high-quality educational opportunities. Within this context, educational reformers around the globe are challenging teacher preparation programs to prepare teachers to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds. This article reports on a cross-national study that investigates a program designed to facilitate the development of teachers who are committed to teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students. It presents an analysis of US and South African teachers’ developing discourses that revealed differences in the development of commitment among teachers who engaged in talk-related activities in a teacher education program versus those teachers who engaged in talk-related activities in addition to theory–enacting activities within diverse classrooms. Through the analysis, I explore how teachers’ developing commitment can be facilitated by carefully designed classroom activities and show how those developing commitments are revealed in the teachers’ discourse practices. My intent in presenting this investigation is to help us better understand how applications of activity theory can assist us in addressing the global challenges that face teacher education programs.
Ad processing and persuasion: The role of brand identification

This article examines the relationship between ad learning and ad-based persuasion; it proposes that consumer identification of the advertising brand positively affects attitude toward the ad, which in turn enhances positive brand attitudes. A model integrating learning and attitudinal responses to ads was tested with aggregate readership recognition scores and attitudinal measures for different ads. Results suggested that identification of the advertiser is a crucial operation in ad processing. Ads that facilitated identification of the brand appeared credible, which contributed to enhancing their persuasive impact. Neither the degree of overall attention devoted to an ad previous to brand identification, nor subsequent extensive elaboration of the ad's copy, affected ad or brand attitudes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An In-Depth Look at Intergenerational Flows

The goal of this paper is to carefully document the characteristics of within-family monetary transfers in the United States, using all nine waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Using the HRS, we construct a novel child-level longitudinal dataset and augment it with detailed information at the parent level. Consistent with previous studies, we document that intra-family transfers are significant in their incidence and magnitude and that, on average, they flow downward, from parents to children. Since we observe families for as long as 18 years, we are able to document new facts and establish a link between the early parental transfers and children’s characteristics later in life. Among many facts we document, we find a strong incidence of parental transfers during child episodes of negative financial shocks, such as a job loss or divorce. We also find that children receiving larger transfers early in life are more likely to belong to a higher income class later. Parental giving is positively related to parental wealth, age, and liquidity, and children’s permanent income, while it is related negatively to children’s age and children’s income category at the time of giving. We find that providing parents with help and attention is not a significant determinant of parental transfers overall. However, after conditioning on the parental decision to give to at least one child, levels of attention and help provided by a given child are important determinants of the relative (to one’s siblings) parental transfers. Overall, we find that, independent of the motive for giving, parental transfers help improve children’s welfare.
Fundamental mechanisms of laser damage of dielectric crystals by ultrashort pulse: ionization dynamics for the Keldysh model

Abstract. Laser-induced ionization is a major process that initiates and drives the initial stages of laser-induceddamage (LID) of high-quality transparent solids. The ionization and its contribution to LID are characterized interms of the time-dependent ionization rate and conduction-band electron density. Considering femtosecondpulses of various durations (from 35 to 706 fs) and variable peak irradiances (from 0.01 to 60 TW∕cm 2 ), weuseasingle-rateequationtosimulatetimevariationsofconduction-bandelectrondensityandratesofthephoto-ionization and impact ionization. The photoionization rate is evaluated with the Keldysh equation. At low irra-diance, the electron density and total ionization rate demonstrate power scaling characteristic of multiphotonionization.Withtheincreaseofirradiance,thereisobservedasaturationofthephotoionizationrateduetophoto-ionization suppression by the Keldysh-type singularity during the increase in the number of simultaneouslyabsorbed photons by 1. A striking result is that the saturation is followed by a stepwise transition from the ion-ization regime which is completely dominated by the photoionization to a regime totally dominated by the impactionization.Thetransitionresultsintheincreaseoftheelectrondensitybyafewordersofmagnitudeinducedbyavariation of peak laser irradiance by about 15% to 20%. The physical effects that are involved are discussed.