cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Allosteric Effector Substances on the Structure and Catalytic Activity of Tryptophan Oxygenase

Abstract Interactions at the allosteric and catalytic sites of Pseudomonas tryptophan oxygenase were explored by measuring the effects of tryptophan, α-methyltryptophan, and indole on the catalytic, spectral, and structural properties of the native enzyme in the presence and in the absence of the anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). In the absence of effector substances, SDS treatment leads to an irreversible loss of catalytic activity and a profound hypochromicity in the Soret region of the absorption spectrum of tryptophan oxygenase. Either tryptophan or α-methyltryptophan antagonizes this effect of SDS, i.e. a higher concentration of SDS is required to produce an equivalent response in the presence of either effector substance. The competitive inhibitor indole, however, exerts no such protective effect. Sedimentation studies revealed that SDS promotes dissociation of the tetrameric form of the native enzyme into catalytically inactive subunits. α-Methyltryptophan markedly protects the native enzyme against the SDS-induced disruption of its quaternary structure. The structural changes elicited by the action of SDS correlate well with the catalytic and spectral changes effected by the detergent, indicating that both the catalytic and the chromophoric properties of the native enzyme are dependent upon an intact quaternary structure. These results are compatible with the view that the binding of tryptophan or α-methyltryptophan to allosteric sites mediates a conformational alteration in quaternary structure of such a nature that the noncovalent bonds between subunits are strengthened, thereby requiring a higher concentration of SDS to effect dissociation.
Surfaces of discontinuity in five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein cosmologies

Abstract Based on Israel's work on surface layers in general relativity, we study a 4-dimensional Robertson-Walker space-time as a singular hypersurface of discontinuity Σ embedded in a matter-free 5-dimensional Kaluza-Klein cosmology with non-vanishing cosmological constant. As in the case of vacuum bubbles in phase transitions, the 4-dimensional hypersurface Σ has contributions from a jump discontinuity and a δ-function singularity in the cosmological constant and the 5-dimensional stress-energy tensor, respectively. Since under this model our observable 4-dimensional space-time is considered to be the surface layer Σ, this identification yields dynamic evolution of our observable spatial sector in the fifth dimension due to the singular nature of Σ. An effective radiation content is typically present in the hypersurface due to the cosmological constant in the embedding and the evolution of the internal dimension. Even for the case when the effective radiation is continuous across Σ, this hypersurface will still be singular so long as there is a δ-function singularity in the 5-dimensional stress-energy tensor there. It is possible then to rewrite the projected 5-dimensional Einstein equations on the surface layer in a way similar to the 4-dimensional Einstein equations for a Robertson-Walker cosmology with independently specifiable matter sources. The freedom to specify the equation of state on the hypersurface allows in this sense a 4-dimensional expansion behavior, as measured by an observer on Σ, independent of the behavior of the fifth dimension.
Nanostructured materials -mind over matter-

Abstract Considerable interest is being exhibited in the novel and enhanced properties of nanostructured materials. These materials, with their constituent phase or grain structures modulated on a length scale less than 100nm, are now artificially synthesized by a wide variety of physical, chemical, and mechanical methods. Nanostructured materials with modulation dimensionalities of zero (clusters), one (multilayers), two (ultrafine-grained overlayers), and three (nanophase materials) are considered. The basic principles involved in the synthesis of these new materials are discussed in terms of the special properties sought using selected examples from particular synthesis and processing methodologies. Some examples of the property changes that can result from one of these methods, cluster assembly of nanophase materials, are presented.
Pathologic conditions mimicking osteonecrosis

MRI has become increasingly helpful in establishing an early diagnosis of avascular necrosis(AVN). AVN often demonstrates a classic pattern on MRI; findings earlier in the course of the disease are less specific. Many pitfalls can complicate interpretation, and a number of pathologic conditions can share features of early AVN on MRI and plain radiographs. These entities should be distinguished from AVN, because treatment and prognosis may differ significantly.
Direct VA mycorrhizal inoculation of colonizing plants by pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) on Mount St. Helens.

Stochastic events create and regulate the patterns of vegetation across communities (Gleason, 1926). Disturbances that range from ant mounds to catastrophic fires are unpredictable both in time and space and alter the affected communities by initiating succession in patterns that are controlled by the disturbing agent (e.g., Loucks et al., 1985). Often these disturbance processes are well known (Pickett and White, 1985). By contrast, events that promote succession such as dispersal of individual seeds might be just as important but are rarely documented. Succession can be regulated by organisms with infrequent abundance (MacMahon, 1981). In response to these small-scale processes, landscapes that appear to be quite uniform immediately following disturbance may form distinct patches as succession proceeds. Frequently, the particular sequence of events that trigger the development of these patterns is unknown. The blast area of Mount St. Helens, Washington, caused by the 1980 volcanic eruption, represented a unique opportunity to attempt to describe events regulating community recovery. One result of the eruption was that many areas were covered extensively with sterile tephra material (often greater than 20 m) with no surviving vegetation. Thus, visually, the landscape appeared quite uniform. By 1982, patches of lupines (Lupinus lepidus Dougl.) appeared in these areas. Some of these patches survived, being replaced, in turn, by patches of diverse vegetation (e.g., Franklin et al., 1985). Other plants did not survive and the areas where they initially grew were not subsequently colonized. Here we present data to describe some events that might explain the differential survival of some of these patches.
Kuiper Prize Lecture - Present and past climates of the terrestrial planets

An evaluation is undertaken of the current understanding of factors shaping the current climates of Venus, Mars, and the earth, in conjunction with the ways in which these planetary climates may have been different in the past. Attention is given to modeling approaches of various levels of sophistication which both characterize current climates and elucidate prior climatic epochs; these are assessed in light of observational data in order to judge degrees of success thus far and formulate major remaining questions for future investigations. Venus is noted to offer excellent opportunities for modeling the greenhouse effect.
The evolution of social and moral behavior: Evolutionary insights for public policy

Abstract This paper explores the evolution of humans as social beings and the implications of this for economic theory and policy. A major flaw in Walrasian economics is the assumption of “self-regarding” agents—economic actors make decisions independently of social context and without regard to the behavior of other consumers and firms. Truly other-regarding behavior, such as altruism and altruistic punishment, cannot be fully captured in the standard economic model. Standard economic assumptions about human behavior make pure altruism an irrational “anomaly” that cannot survive the evolutionary selection process. However, recent findings from neuroscience, behavioral economics evolutionary game theory and animal behavior have paved the way for a realistic, science-based, and policy-relevant foundation for economic theory. Other-regarding emotions such as altruism, love, and envy are an essential part of the human experience. We use the Price equation, showing the feasibility of the evolution of group selection of altruistic preferences, to explore some of the implications of this phenomenon for economic theory and policy. We explore evidence that the human capacity for empathy evolved from primates and suggest that this was the precursor for human morality. We suggest that if we drop the assumption that fitness is equated with the consumption of market goods, pure altruism is no longer fitness reducing, particularly in western societies. We also examine individual preferences for altruism in terms of their effect on well being.
Deactivation of Contraction by Quick Releases in the Isolated Papillary Muscle of the Cat: Effects of Lever Damping, Caffeine, and Tetanization

In the isolated cat papillary muscle, the time course of activation during isometric contraction was measured using instantaneous velocity of shortening after quick releases at constant contractile element length and controlled load. Activation rose and declined ahead of isometric force. This course of activation could be altered by the mode of the quick release. Undamped quick releases increasingly deactivated contraction with time. Deactivation was reduced by damping the rapid movement of the lever after the release and by increasing the afterloads to which the releases were made, thus lessening the extent of the releases. The curves of activation obtained from releases to different afterloads converged after the first half of the rising phase of the twitch. Deactivation from quick releases was eliminated by tetanizing the muscle. Hence, the instantaneous relation of force and velocity of shortening was not unique relative to time except when the muscle was tetanized. Deactivation was also reduced by lo...
Critical catalytic functional groups in the mechanism of aspartate‐β‐semialdehyde dehydrogenase

Aspartate-beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASADH) catalyzes the reductive dephosphorylation of beta-aspartyl phosphate to L-aspartate-beta-semialdehyde in the aspartate biosynthetic pathway. This pathway is not found in humans or other eukaryotic organisms, yet is required for the production of threonine, isoleucine, methionine and lysine in most microorganisms. The mechanism of this enzyme has been examined through the structures of two active-site mutants of ASADH from Haemophilus influenzae. Replacement of the enzyme active-site cysteine with serine (C136S) leads to a dramatic loss of catalytic activity caused by the expected decrease in nucleophilicity, but also by a change in the orientation of the serine hydroxyl group relative to the cysteine thiolate. In contrast, in the H277N active-site mutant the introduced amide is oriented in virtually the same position as that of the histidine imidazole ring. However, a shift in the position of the bound reaction intermediate to accommodate this shorter asparagine side chain, coupled with the inability of this introduced amide to serve as a proton acceptor, results in a 100-fold decrease in the catalytic efficiency of H277N relative to the native enzyme. These mutant enzymes have the same overall fold and high structural identity to native ASADH. However, small perturbations in the positioning of essential catalytic groups or reactive intermediates have dramatic effects on catalytic efficiency.
Risk Allocation by Law—Cumulative Impact of Change Orders

Change, defined as any event that results in a modification of the original scope, execution time, or cost of work, is inevitable on most construction projects due to the uniqueness of each project and the limited resources of time and money available for planning. There are many factors that may cause a change such as design errors, design changes, additions to the scope, or unknown conditions in the field. For each change, contractors are entitled to an equitable adjustment to the base contract price and schedule for all productivity impacts associated with the change. The focus of this paper is to outline the types of changes that can occur on a construction project and also to spell out the financial recovery possibilities that exist for the contractor for each type of change. There are many historical and current court decisions that shape the outcomes of such claims and determine who holds the risks associated with various project changes. Also, an effective cumulative impact claim contains certain vital elements upon which the final outcome will be determined by the legal system. Last, there are certain actions that a contractor and owner can do to either enhance or mitigate the effectiveness of a potential cumulative impact claim.
Optimal design issues in high-speed high-precision motion servo systems

Abstract High speed and precision requirements in servo driven multi-axis motion control systems are such that optimal design consideration of not just the servo motor, but all of the system components is necessary in order to achieve the best possible performance from the available technology. In general, speed and precision are conflicting requirements in incremental motion control systems. The current state of the art in servo systems, their performance characteristics, ultimate performance limitations, optimal design and selection criteria are discussed for high-speed high-precision incremental motion control applications such as assembly machines and x-y table based machines.
Blowing-up of solution for a nonlocal reaction-diffusion problem in combustion theory

Abstract In a nonlocal reaction-diffusion model in combustion theory the reaction function involves a physical parameter σ which is a measure of the strength of the reaction mechanism. The purpose of this paper is to show the existence of a critical value σ ∗ such that for σ ∗ a unique global time-dependent solution exists and converges to a steady-state solution as t → ∞, and for σ > σ ∗ the solution blows-up in finite time. A characterization as well as upper and lower bounds of σ ∗ are given.
Propidium as a probe of acetylcholine receptor binding sites.

Abstract The fluorescence of propidium was enhanced in the presence of acetylcholine receptor (AcChR) purified from Torpedo californica electroplax membranes. This fluorescence enhancement has been exploited to titrate the AcChR and to search for the effects of other cholinergic ligands on propidium binding by equilibrium and stopped-flow kinetic techniques. Propidium bound to half of the α-bungarotoxin binding sites on the AcChR with a Kd = 1.8 × 10−6, M and various bis-quaternary cholinergic analogs acted as competitors of propidium binding, the dissociation constant for these cholinergic ligands being obtained by competitive binding treatment of the data. Carbamylcholine did not displace propidium at concentrations corresponding to its known dissociation constant, but it affected the fluorescence yield of bound propidium in the proposed ternary complex. The site for propidium binding is likely to be a cationic binding site near one of the specific cholinergic neurotransmitter binding sites. The stopped-flow results allow calculation of the rates of dissociation (k−1 = 0.2 s−1) of propidium from AcChR-propidium complexes and estimation, to a first approximation, of the association rate constant value (k1 = 1 × 105, M−1 S−1).
On updating signal subspaces

The authors develop an algorithm for adaptively estimating the noise subspace of a data matrix, as is required in signal processing applications employing the 'signal subspace' approach. The noise subspace is estimated using a rank-revealing QR factorization instead of the more expensive singular value or eigenvalue decompositions. Using incremental condition estimation to monitor the smallest singular values of triangular matrices, the authors can update the rank-revealing triangular factorization inexpensively when new rows are added and old rows are deleted. Experiments demonstrate that the new approach usually requires O(n/sup 2/) work to update an n*n matrix, and that it accurately tracks the noise subspace. >
The Carkhuff model of counseling and religiousmetanoia

The article suggests some pastoral applications of a psychological counseling technique recently published by Robert R. Carkhuff and William A. Anthony. Specific attention is focused on the process of personal conversion ormetanoia. Theological implications are discussed.
Panic and phobic anxiety: Associations among neuroticism, physiological hyperarousal, anxiety sensitivity, and three phobias

A dimensional and psychometrically informed taxonomy of anxiety is emerging, but the specific and nonspecific dimensions of panic and phobic anxiety require greater clarification. In this study, confirmatory factor analyses of data from a sample of 438 college students were used to validate a model of panic and phobic anxiety with six content factors; multiple scales from self-report measures were indicators of each model component. The model included a nonspecific component of (1) neuroticism and two specific components of panic attack, (2) physiological hyperarousal, and (3) anxiety sensitivity. The model also included three phobia components of (4) classically defined agoraphobia, (5) social phobia, and (6) blood-injection phobia. In these data, agoraphobia correlated more strongly with both the social phobia and blood phobia components than with either the physiological hyperarousal or the anxiety sensitivity components. These findings suggest that the association between panic attacks and agoraphobia warrants greater attention.
Renormalizable massive Yang--Mills theory with intrinsic symmetry breakdown

We use the method of the Lagrange multiplier field to construct, within the framework of indefinite-metric field theory, a model of a massive Yang-Mills field, the mass of which derives from an intrinsic symmetry breakdown, rather than a spontaneous symmetry breakdown. The rules for the Feynman diagrams are given. The dynamica structure of the interacting fields is intrinsically related to a local non-Abelian gauge symmetry which renders the theory renormalizable by standard power counting. The part of the amplitude due to the interaction of unphysical particles in the intermediate states, which violates unitarity and gauge symmetry, is isolated and removed, leaving the unitary physical $S$ matrix. The unitarity of the resulting theory, together with its independence with respect to the parameter $\ensuremath{\xi}$, is demonstrated in calculations at the one-loop and the two-loop levels.
MORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL FINES PRODUCED UNDER DIFFERENT GRINDING CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT Minerals can be expected to fracture differently depending upon the grinding mechanism used and the mineralogical characteristics of the particles. In this study the effect of different types of comminution (ball milling, abrasion, and impacting) on the morphology, surface area, size distribution and packing were examined with quartz, limestone, graphite, and calcite. Differences obtained particularly with respect to morphology were significant for quartz and limestone.
Toward a U.S. Agricultural Export Policy for the 1980s

In a recent issue of Business Week, a special article on the restructuring of the American economy paid particular attention to the agricultural sector and how it likely would be the prime fuel for inflation in the 1980s. The rationale behind this outlook was the projection that international demand for U.S. agricultural exports would continue to grow rapidly, while a combination of slower domestic agricultural productivity growth and sharply increased production costs would temper a contemporaneous increase in output. The article concluded by saying that "we certainly will need a federal policy on exports and in the next few years there is going to be an intense debate on that" (p. 74). The purpose of this article is to open such a debate on an appropriate U.S. agricultural export policy for the 1980s. For the last decade, agricultural exports have comprised on the average roughly 20% of the total value of U.S. exports. Agricultural imports, on the other hand, have sharply and continuously declined in relative importance over the same period, from 15% of total U.S. imports in 1970 to 7% in 1980. The result has been a sharply growing agricultural trade surplus (from $1.5 billion in 1970, to $12.6 billion in 1975, to $23.9 billion in 1980) compared to a widening nonagricultural trade deficit (always in the red in the last decade and sharply increased in the last five years from -$20.7 billion in 1976 to -$47.2 billion in 1980). U.S. agricultural exports are largely concentrated in grains (42.6% of the total agricultural export value in 1979-80), soybeans and products (24.1%), and cotton (6.7%), while a variety of animal products and tobacco comprise the major part of the remainder. U.S. agricultural imports, on the other hand, are less concentrated. Noncompetitive items with U.S. production, like coffee, cocoa, rubber, and bananas, make up 41.8% of imports in 1979-80. Among the supplementary imports, the largest shares are occupied by beef and veal (18.9% of total supplementary imports by value in 1979-80) and sugar (14.9%), the remainder being comprised of a wide variety of products. Of particular importance to trade and the A erican balance-of-payment position is the growing share of U.S. agricultural production that is exported. Table 1 shows proportions of he major agricultural products and the share of t tal U.S. agricultural production exported from 1965-66 to 1978-79. Currently, about half of the total agricultural production is exported, while a decade ago the proportion was about one-third. The growing importance of trade for U.S. agriculture has implications that must be reckoned with in the 1980s.
Potentiometric titration of unidentified serum constituents

Abstract A procedure is presented for the potentiometric determination of unidentified serum constituents. A relatively high degree of precision is obtained by titrating an ultrafiltrate, at a constant ionic strength and temperature, and by correcting the titration curves for the presence of silicate and the normal constituents of serum. The unidentified constituents titrating between the pH limits of 3–6, 6–8, and 8–11, average 0.2, 0.5, and 0.6 mequiv./l. of serum, respectively.
Prevalence of Dry Eye Among the Elderly

Purpose To study the demographics and estimate the prevalence of dry eye among elderly Americans. Methods A population-based prevalence study was performed in 2,520 residents of Salisbury, Maryland, aged 65 years and older as of September 1993. The population was derived from the Health Care Financing Administration Medicare database. After completing a standardized questionnaire pertaining to dry eye symptoms, 2,420 subjects underwent Schirmer and rose bengal tests and anatomic assessment of the meibomian glands. Results In this population, 14.6% (363/2,482) were symptomatic, defined as reporting one or more dry eye symptoms often or all the time; 2.2% (53/2,448) were symptomatic and had a low Schirmer test result (≤5 mm), and 2% (48/2,432) were symptomatic and had a high rose bengal test score (≥5). Furthermore, 3.5% (84/2,425) were symptomatic and had either a low Schirmer score or a high rose bengal score, and 0.7% (17/2,420) were symptomatic and had both a low Schirmer score and a high rose bengal score. No association of symptoms or signs was seen with age, sex, or race. Although anatomic features of meibomianitis were associated with the presence of symptoms ( P = .01), 76% (67/88) of the individuals with these anatomic features were asymptomatic; 10.5% (260/2,480) reported that they currently use artificial tears or lubricants. Conclusions Symptoms and signs of dry eye are common among the elderly but were not associated with age, race, or sex in this population-based sample of elderly Americans. Extrapolating to the United States population aged 65 to 84 years, the study yields an estimate of 4.3 million who experience symptoms of ocular irritation often or all the time.
Exploring Bundle Selectivity of Myosin X Forced Dimer Constructs in vivo

Cells organize their contents and regulate cell shape and mechanics through molecular motors functioning on cytoskeletal filaments. Myosin X, an actin-based motor that concentrates at the distal tips of filopodia of mammalian cells, selects the fascin-actin bundle at the filopodial core for motility. While poorly processive on single actin filaments, it takes processive runs on actin bundled by fascin. Recently we showed that the post-IQ region is the main contributor to myosin X's selectivity. This region contains a charged single alpha-helix (SAH), which may impart unique mechanical or affinity properties to the motor. The structural character of this region was perturbed by insertion of a free swivel (GSGGSG flexible linker) after the SAH domain. The post-SAH swivel mutant showed no preference for bundled actin for motility in vitro, thus providing support to a selectivity model where the search space of the forward head for the next binding site is constrained to neighboring filaments in a bundle. Here we investigate if interrupting the “selectivity module” also has the described effect in live cells.We overexpressed in the U2OS cell line three fluorescently tagged forms of myosin X: the GCN4 forced dimer used in in vivo experiments, the post-SAH swivel mutant of GCN4 dimer and the wild type with a native dimerization domain. GCN4 forced dimer performs in the cell in the same manner as full- length myosin X. Introducing a free swivel in the SAH domain region affects the selective nature of myosin X in the natural cytoskeleton environment of the cell interior as co-localization of GFP labeled protein with filopodial tips does not occur for the Swivel mutant.
SECONDARY ANALYSIS IN SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH EDUCATION: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE PROMISE

This article reviews the emergence of secondary analysis of data (SA) as a methodology for examining questions of relevance for social work and its implications for student education. Given the rapid expansion of available data archives from agencies, governmental and research sources, and technological advances in accessibility and ease of use, secondary analysis now holds considerable promise for social work. The authors examine the current treatment of SA in social work research texts and review its strengths and weaknesses. They conclude with a discussion of enhanced educational training as a base for expanding the use of SA in social work research.
Coronary computed tomography angiography during arrhythmia: Radiation dose reduction with prospectively ECG-triggered axial and retrospectively ECG-gated helical 128-slice dual-source CT

Background Arrhythmia during coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) acquisition increases the risk of nondiagnostic segments and high radiation exposure. An advanced arrhythmia rejection algorithm for prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)–triggered axial scans using dual-source CT (DSCT) examinations has recently been reported. Objective We compared image quality and effective dose at DSCT examinations using prospectively ECG-triggered axial scanning with advanced arrhythmia rejection software (PT-AAR) versus retrospectively ECG-gated helical scanning with tube-current modulation (RG-TCM) during arrhythmia. Methods This was a retrospective case–control study of 90 patients (43 PT-AAR, 47 RG-TCM) with arrhythmia (defined as heart rate variability [HRV] > 10 beats/min during data acquisition) referred for physician-supervised coronary CTA between April 2010 and September 2011. A subset of 22 cases matched for body mass index, HR, HRV, and other scan parameters was identified. Subjective image quality (4-point scale) and effective dose (dose length product method) were compared. Results PT-AAR was associated with lower effective dose than RG-TCM (4.1 vs 12.6 mSv entire cohort and 4.3 vs 9.1 mSv matched controls; both P P 28 beats/min ( P Conclusions In patients with variable heart rates, prospectively ECG-triggered axial DSCT with arrhythmia rejection algorithm is feasible and can decrease radiation exposure by ∼50% versus retrospectively ECG-gated helical DSCT, with preserved image quality.
Applications of wavefront reversal by stimulated Brillouin scattering

Wavefront reversal (WFR) via stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) is shown to possess the capability to compensate for phase aberrations in laser media and also to temporally compress long laser pulses. Such techniques, which involve passive and lightweight conjugator elements, are believed to be simple and practical.
Value of right ventricular mapping in patients with postinfarction ventricular tachycardia

Background Postinfarction ventricular tachycardia (VT) typically involves the left ventricular endocardium. Right ventricular involvement in the arrhythmogenic substrate of postinfarction VT is considered unusual. Objective To assess the role of right ventricular mapping and ablation in patients with prior septal myocardial infarction. Methods From among 37 consecutive patients with recurrent postinfarction VT, 18 patients with evidence of left ventricular septal involvement of myocardial infarction were identified; these patients were the subjects of this report. In these 18 patients, 166 VTs (cycle length 372 ± 117 ms) were induced. Right ventricular voltage mapping was performed in all 18 patients with left ventricular septal myocardial infarction. Results Right ventricular voltage mapping showed areas of low voltage in 11 patients; pace mapping from these areas revealed matching pace maps for 17 VTs, and radiofrequency ablation from the right ventricular endocardium but not the left ventricular endocardium eliminated 14 of 17 VTs. VTs with critical components in the right ventricle had a left bundle branch block morphology that had similar characteristics as left bundle branch block VTs with critical areas involving the left ventricular septum. Patients with right ventricular VT breakthrough sites had a lower ejection fraction than did patients without VT breaking out on the right ventricular septum (18% ± 5% vs 33% ± 15%; P = .01). Conclusions Right ventricular mapping and ablation may be necessary in order to eliminate all inducible VTs in patients with postinfarction VT. More than half the patients with septal myocardial infarction have right ventricular septal areas that are critical for postinfarction VT and that cannot be eliminated by left ventricular ablation alone.
Rat liver mitochondrial contact sites and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I.

Abstract In hepatic mitochondria, the outer membrane enzyme, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I), appears to colocalize with contact sites. We have prepared contact sites that are essentially devoid of noncontact site membranes. The contact site fraction has a high specific activity for CPT-I and contains a protein at 88 kDa that is recognized by antibodies directed at two different peptide epitopes on CPT-I. Similarly long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (LCAS) specific activity is high in this fraction; a protein at 79 kDa is recognized by an antibody against LCAS. Although activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-II (CPT-II) is present, it is not enriched in the contact site fraction, and a protein of 68 kDa weakly reacted with anti-CPT-II antibody. Likewise, carnitine–acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) protein is present, but at a somewhat reduced level. Using an analytical continuous sucrose gradient, we demonstrate that the activities of CPT-I and LCAS and their associated immunoreactive proteins are present in a constant amount throughout the contact site subfractions. The enzymatic activity of CPT-II and its associated immunoreactive protein, as well as immunoreactive CACT, is absent in the lighter density gradient subfractions and is present in the higher density subfractions only in trace amounts. This heterogeneity of the contact site fraction is due to unvarying amounts of outer membrane and increasing amounts of attached inner membrane with increasing density of the subfractions.
Efficiently identifying max-gap clusters in pairwise genome comparison.

The spatial clustering of genes across different genomes has been used to study important problems in comparative genomics, from identification of operons to detection of homologous regions. A set of formal models and algorithms of so-called max-gap clusters have been proposed recently. These algorithms guarantee the completeness of the results, and the simplicity of the model enables a rigorous statistical test of significance. These features overcome the weakness of many previous methods, which are often heuristic in nature. We developed a very efficient algorithm to compute max-gap clusters in pairwise genome comparison. Our algorithm is an order-of-magnitude faster than the previous algorithm based on the same model under a number of different settings. In our evaluation on two bacterial genomes, we showed that our method could identify known operons as well as some novel structures in the genome. We also demonstrated that the current framework for conserved spatial clustering of genes can be used to ...
Bionomics and Instar Determination of Synanthedon rhododendri (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) on Rhododendron

Male moths generally emerged in advance of females and constituted 56% of the population. Mated females collected in the field produced a mean of 40 eggs. The egg of Synanthedon rhododendri (Beutenmuller) is bilaterally concave, has a mean length of 0.44 mm, and a mean width at the center of 0.22 mm. Eggs incubated at 26°C developed in 11.4 days; eggs held at ambient temperatures developed in 14 to 15 days. Seven groups of head widths were identified by morphometric analysis and separated with a scatter diagram. Head-capsule width increased instar by instar by a factor of 1.28. Head-width analysis indicated that all instars were present in late September and early October. Thus, some larvae may require a 2-year developmental period. Mean length of pupae is 7.10 mm for females and 6.78 mm for males. The venter of the pupal terminalia was examined by scanning electron micrographs and is illustrated. Female calling on the host plant is described as well as male behavioral response, and secondary host plant associates are listed.
Selective abstraction of 2H from C-5' of thymidylate in an oligodeoxynucleotide by the radical center at C-6 of the diradical species of neocarzinostatin: chemical evidence for the structure of the activated drug-DNA complex.

Abstract Use has been made of the mechanism of DNA deoxyribose damage by the ene-diyne-containing chromophore of the antitumor antibiotic neocarzinostatin to provide chemical evidence for the structure of the activated drug-DNA complex. Radical centers at C-2 and C-6 of the diradical form of the glutathione-activated chromophore abstract hydrogen atoms from C-1' of the C residue and C-5' of the T residue in AGC.GCT to generate a bistranded lesion consisting of an abasic site at C and a strand break at T. This laboratory has proposed a molecular model for the drug-DNA interaction in which the naphthoate moiety of the chromophore intercalates between A.T and G.C, placing the diradical core in the minor groove, so that the radical centers at C-6 and C-2 are close to C-5' of T and C-1' of C, respectively. To determine which radical center abstracts one of the hydrogen atoms from C-5', the self-complementary oligodeoxynucleotide GCAGCGCTGC was synthesized with 2H at both 5' positions of the T residue and treated with glutathione-activated chromophore. Sequencing-gel electrophoresis showed that drug attack was limited to the T and C residues and that abstraction of 2H from C-5' exhibited a small isotope selection effect of 1.25. 1H NMR spectroscopic examination of the reacted chromophore, isolated by HPLC, indicated that 2H was selectively abstracted by C-6, providing experimental corroboration of the model and further elucidating the chemical mechanism. Since direct strand breakage at the T residue exceeds (44% more) abasic site formation at the C residue, other models of drug-DNA interaction leading to only single-strand breaks are also considered.
The role of vowel transitions and frication noise in the perception of Polish sibilants

Abstract Polish is one of the few languages that contrast sibilant fricatives and affricates at three different places of articulation (dental, retroflex and alveopalatal). This paper examines the relative contribution of the information contained in the fricative noise and in the adjacent vowels to the recognition of these consonants by native speakers of the language. It is shown that while isolated fricatives of all types are identified reliably, the removal of transitional cues in the second vowel in VCV words makes alveopalatals and retroflexes very confusable. In addition, a detailed acoustic analysis of data from one native speaker is presented.
Effects of sudden, passive muscle shortening according to Grimaldi's method on patients suffering from multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effect of a therapeutical approach called “Grimaldi’s method.” The authors hypothesized that Grimaldi’s method would improve active muscle recruitment. The treatment was focused on hip abductors. The authors collected data of hip’s active range of motion against gravity (AROM), maximum isometric endurance (END), and maximum mechanical work (WORK). Participants and methods. Forty patients suffering from multiple sclerosis were randomized into 2 groups, 20 were allocated to the Grimaldi’s group and 20 to the control group. Results. After 3 sessions of Grimaldi’s treatment parameter, AROM increased from 21.4° to 37.2° in the experimental group; the improvement was statistically significant. Parameter END did not show any improvement, whereas mechanical work had a sharp increase: from 103.9 Nm to 149.6 Nm. Conclusion. The findings suggest that Grimaldi’s method could be useful in increasing muscular recruitment of hip abductors, improving ac...
Limiting Current Density on a Line Electrode in the Presence of Tangential, Oscillating Fluid Flow

Results of numerical simulations of the effect of an oscillating fluid flow on the limiting‐current distribution on a line electrode imbedded in an otherwise insulated plane are presented. The fluid motion is established by a parallel plate oscillating in its own plane. The simulation results agree with theory developed for large Peclet numbers and low oscillation frequencies. It is shown that the average mass‐transfer‐limited current density increases with Peclet number but decreases with dimensionless oscillation frequency. The time‐averaged spatial variation in the normalized distribution is always highly nonuniform, but the temporal variations of the spatially averaged flux decrease significantly with increasing oscillation frequency.
A chemical strategy to manipulate the intracellular localization of drugs in resistant cancer cells.

A number of multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells have been shown to have acquired an increased capacity to sequester weakly basic anticancer drugs in their lysosomes relative to drug-sensitive counterparts. In this report we have comparatively evaluated the concentrations of the anticancer agent daunorubicin (DNR) in intracellular compartments of drug-sensitive and MDR HL-60 cell lines, both of which do not express common efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein at the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that lysosomal sequestration plays a significant role in the emergence of MDR since it effectively limits the drug's ability to interact with target molecules located in the nucleus. Using a series of weakly basic structural isomers with variable basicity, we illustrate that the magnitude of the pK a value correlates with the degree of lysosomal sequestration. Accordingly, a series of structurally modified forms of DNR with reduced basicity were synthesized, and their intracellular distribution was evaluated. Consistent with model compounds, derivatives of DNR with lowered pK a values showed visibly reduced lysosomal sequestration in two separate MDR cell lines. Collectively, this work highlights the importance of understanding the intracellular localization of drugs and proposes a rational strategy to manipulate it.
Prenatal cocaine exposure and cranial sonographic findings in preterm infants.

Purpose Prenatal cocaine exposure has been linked with subependymal hemorrhage and the formation of cysts that are detectable on cranial sonography in neonates born at term. We sought to determine if prenatal cocaine exposure increases the incidence of subependymal cysts in preterm infants. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and cranial sonograms obtained during a 1-year period on 122 premature (< 36 weeks of gestation) infants. Infants were categorized into 1 of 2 groups: those exposed to cocaine and those not exposed to cocaine. Infants were assigned to the cocaine-exposed group if there was a maternal history of cocaine abuse during pregnancy or if maternal or neonatal urine toxicology results were positive at the time of delivery. Results Five of the 122 infants were excluded from the study because of insufficient medical and drug histories. The incidence of subependymal cysts in the 117 remaining infants was 14% (16 of 117). The incidence of subependymal cysts in infants exposed to cocaine prenatally was 44% (8 of 18) compared with 8% (8 of 99) in the unexposed group (p < 0.01). Conclusions We found an increased incidence of subependymal cyst formation in preterm infants who were exposed to cocaine prenatally. This result is consistent with results of similar studies in term infants. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 29:72–77, 2001.
L’intellettuale antisemita, edited by Roberto Chiarini

L’intellettuale antisemita, edited by Roberto Chiarini, Venice, Marsilio, 2008, 229 pp., €20.00, ISBN 978-883179635 Roberto Chiarini's volume is one of the latest contributions to the still intense...
Determination of the role of Li2O on the corrosion of lithium hydride

Abstract Lithium hydride (LiH) will efficiently react with moisture, forming lithium hydroxide (LiOH) on the surface. Typically, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy is used for studying the surface corrosion reaction. The presence of a surface lithium oxide (Li 2 O) layer will enhance hydroxide formation kinetics; however, interference in the DRIFT spectrum prevents the role of Li 2 O on the reaction kinetics from being fully understood. In the current study, Raman spectroscopy has been used to follow the reaction of LiH with moisture, with particular focus on the Li 2 O vibrational signature. Three vibrations were observed for Li 2 O after thermal decomposition of LiOH on the LiH surface in contrast to the single vibration at 515 cm −1 for pure Li 2 O powder. The multiple peaks are indicative on multiple Li 2 O chemical domains and are likely the substrate through which unstable LiOH domains are formed during subsequent hydrolysis of the LiH/Li 2 O system.
Cerium Oxide Slurries in CMP. Electrophoretic Mobility and Adsorption Investigations of Ceria/Silicate Interaction

The interaction between ceria particles and silicate ions was studied in order to further understand the mechanism of chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) of silicon-based materials. Electrophoretic mobility (zeta potential) and adsorption measurements were the techniques utilized. In the presence of silicate ions, the zeta potential of ceria particles changed from positive to negative; in addition, the isoelectric point IEP of the particles shifted to lower pH values with increasing silicate addition. The adsorption density of silicate ions on ceria was found to increase as the concentration of silicate ions in the system increased. Also, with increase in pH, silicate adsorption went through a maximum at about pH 9, then decreased rapidly at higher pH values. The adsorption and zeta potential results are rationalized by considering the solution chemistry of the dissolved silicate species, the protonation/deprotonation of ceria surface, and the accompanying surface complexation reactions. These experimental observations demonstrate a strong interaction between ceria particles and silicate ions. The implication is that adsorption of silicate ions on ceria may be directly involved in the removal mechanism of silicon-based materials during the CMP process. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Selective Role of G Protein γ Subunits in Receptor Interaction

Abstract Receptor stimulation of nucleotide exchange in a heterotrimeric G protein (αβγ) is the primary event-modulating signaling by G proteins. The molecular mechanisms at the basis of this event and the role of the G protein subunits, especially the βγ complex, in receptor activation are unclear. In a reconstituted system, a purified muscarinic receptor, M2, activates G protein heterotrimers αi2β1γ5 and αi2β1γ7 with equal efficacy. However, when the α subunit type is substituted with αo, αoβ1γ7 shows a 100% increase in M2-stimulated GTP hydrolysis compared with αoβ1γ5. Using a sensitive assay based on βγ complex stimulation of phospholipase C activity, we show that both β1γ5 and β1γ7 form heterotrimers equally well with αo and αi. These results indicate that the γ subunit interaction with a receptor is critical for modulating nucleotide exchange and is influenced by the subunit-type composition of the heterotrimer.
Mars as hellenistic lover: Lucretius, De rerum natura 1.29–40 and its subtexts

The passage discussed in this article has two kinds of Hellenistic subtext, one pictorial and the other poetic. The pictorial is represented by the fresco in the Villa of the Mysteries at Pompeii depicting Bacchus reclining on the bosom of a woman. The peotic subtext is the kind of Hellenistic epigram that describes the male lover as lying in the lap or on the bosom of the female beloved. Meleager and Philodemus provide examples. These, with the fresco, show that a Hellenistic model for the erotic schema of Mars and Venus was available to Lucretius. On this understanding, it becomes easier to explain the phrase tereti cervice (35), borrowed from Cicero's translation of the Phaenomena of Aratus. The conclusions to be drawn from this passage go counter to the prevailing view of a “sublime” Empedoclean Lucretius who had nothing in common with Hellenistic poetry.
Partial characterization of nonhistone nuclear proteins which are decreased in hepatomas of the rat

1. 1. Nuclear proteins which are soluble in 0.35 M NaCl were studied in Morris hepatomas and livers of tumor bearing rats. 2. 2. Isoelectric focusing revealed an increase in hepatomas of proteins having isoelectric points below pH 6 and a decrease in two proteins with isoelectric points of pH 8.2 and 8.5. 3. 3. The proteins which are decreased in hepatomas were studied with respect to [32P]phosphate incorporation, apparent molecular weights and amino acid composition. 4. 4. The amino acid compositions of these proteins distinguish them from histones and high mobility group proteins.
Drafting New York Civil-Litigation Documents: Part XXXV — Contempt Motions Continued

This article completes the discussion of contempt motions in the author's multi-part series on drafting civil-litigation papers for New York State courts.