cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Purification and properties of ATP:GTP 3'-pyrophosphotransferase (guanosine pentaphosphate synthetase) from Streptomyces antibioticus

Abstract Two forms of ATP:GTP 3'-pyrophosphotransferase (guanosine pentaphosphate synthetase) have been purified from Streptomyces antibioticus. The larger form has an M(r) of 88,000, while the M(r) of a smaller form is 47,000. Both synthetase forms are active in the formation of guanosine 5'-triphosphate, 3'-diphosphate in reaction mixtures containing methanol. Unlike the RelA protein from Escherichia coli, the synthetases from S. antibioticus do not use GDP efficiently as a substrate. Experiments using crude extracts of S. antibioticus mycelium and the 88,000-M(r) form of guanosine pentaphosphate synthetase strongly suggest that the 47,000-M(r) species is produced by proteolysis of the larger species. This conclusion is supported by the observation that antibody to either protein reacts with the other protein. Thus, the 88,000-M(r) species may be the catalytically relevant protein in vivo. Unlike the RelA protein, the 88,000-M(r) protein is not activated by ribosomes. Modest levels of guanosine pentaphosphate synthesis were observed in mycelial extracts derived from nine other actinomycetes.
Plaque progression and regression in atherothrombosis

Summary. Atherosclerotic disease is a pathological process characterized by the deposition of lipid and other blood-borne material within the arterial wall. The deposition of these materials and the subsequent thickening of the wall may significantly compromise the vessel lumen. Atherosclerosis is a diffuse disease with focal clinical manifestations that are the consequence of thrombotic complications on disrupted atherosclerotic lesions. Until recently, atherosclerosis development was envisaged as an incessant progressing process; however, new evidence has shown that atherosclerotic plaque homeostasis is not necessarily a constantly progressing process. There are many data showing that atherosclerotic plaque formation can be slowed, stopped or even reversed. Comprehension of the underlying mechanisms involved in the homeostasis of atherosclerotic plaque (progression/regression) should allow the development of interventions enhancing the regression pathway. Novel imaging technology has allowed the accurate evaluation of plaque progression, vital in the assessment of the efficacy of interventions. In this review we discuss the processes involved in the formation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions, the triggers for plaque disruption, as well as new therapies. We also deal with the potential pathways of plaque regression, as well as tools for accurate serial atherosclerotic quantification.
Electronic and optical properties of laterally composition-modulated Al x In 1-x As, Ga x In 1-x P, and Ga x In 1-x As alloys

Results of a systematic study of the band structure and optical properties of laterally-composition-modulated semiconductor alloys Al{sub x}In{sub 1{minus}x}As, Ga{sub x}In{sub 1{minus}x}P, and Ga{sub x}In{sub 1{minus}x}As are reported. [110] composition modulation occurs spontaneously during growth of (001) short-period superlattices or bulk epilayers of these alloys. The effect of this long-range lateral modulation is modeled using {bold k}{center_dot}{bold p} theory and the envelope-function approximation, while the vertical short-period superlattice is emulated by a uniaxial perturbation. We have studied the dependence of the electronic and optical properties of such structures on the modulation amplitude, profile, and negative feedback due to the coherency strain field. We find that (i) among the three-alloy systems, for a given modulation amplitude, the largest band-gap reduction can be achieved in Al{sub x}In{sub 1{minus}x}As, and the smallest in Ga{sub x}In{sub 1{minus}x}As, (ii) a step-function modulation gives a larger band-gap reduction than a sinusoidal modulation; (iii) when the coherency strain is tetragonal in the modulated direction, a strong in-plane optical anisotropy is expected and when it is tetragonal in the growth direction, a weak in-plane optical anisotropy is anticipated; (iv) the vertical short-period superlattice enhances the band-gap reduction, but reduces the in-plane optical anisotropy; and (v) the lateral compositionmore » modulation is inherently associated with a diminishing of the vertical short-period superlattice. The possibility and conditions of type-II band alignment in these modulated structures are discussed. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
Effect of abutment mobility, site, and angle of impact on retention of fixed partial dentures

Fixed partial dentures cemented to dies of adjustable mobility were subjected to repeated impacts at three different sites. Immobile abutments retained their prostheses longer than mobile abutments. Impacts that fell between the centers of rotation of the abutments were withstood longer than impacts that fell nearer the ends of the prostheses. This study failed to show a significant difference between the effect of impacts perpendicular to the occlusal plane and impacts angled 45 degrees toward the lingual plane. The results of this study suggest that (1) crowns that anchor rigid prostheses to mobile teeth require greater retentive ability than crowns on relatively immobile abutments and (2) occlusal impacts are best withstood when they fall on the areas of the fixed partial denture over and between the centers of rotation of the abutment teeth. If a fixed partial denture must withstand loading outside these areas, as is the case with cantilevered pontics and some tilted abutments, the retainer furthermost from the anticipated eccentric load must have exceptionally good retention.
Sex change in fishes: hypotheses, evidence, and objections

Ghiselin's size-advantage hypothesis has been used with considerable success to explain the adaptive significance of sequential hermaphroditism in fishes. If the expected number of offspring produced differs between the sexes with size, then an individual that changes sex can take advantage of these differences and have more offspring than an individual that remains exclusively male or female. Despite its success, the size-advantage hypothesis has been criticized as inadequate or incomplete, and some modifications have made it more consistent with common life-history theories. In general, individuals should change sex when the other sex has a higher reproductive value. Thus individuals may change sex and suffer an initial drop in reproductive success if this enhances their future expectations. The size-advantage model was formalized to identify the important variables that affect selection for sex change. Many of the assumptions made (e.g., a genetically fixed age of sex change) were for mathematical tractability and are not critical to the general premise. While the model can be used to specify the optimal size or age of sex change in a hermaphroditic species, it is necessary to state the factors likely to be affecting sex-specific reproductive values in the particular species in question. Inasmuch as these factors (e.g., mating system, local sex ratios, and size distributions) vary from species to species, the general model cannot and should not include them. For the same reasons, the model was also not intended to describe the precise cues that an animal might use to change sex. Any number of features might be used as a predictor of reproductive value, and the size-advantage model does not require that relative size be the actual criterion utilized. Several aspects of the model require further testing. Perhaps the most important problem is a refinement of the predictions for the occurrence of sex change from male to female.
Temperature sensitive pet mutants in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that lose mitochondrial RNA.

This is a description of a new class of temperature sensitive pet mutants in Saccharomyces cereviase that lose all or part of their mitochondrial RNA at the restrictive temperature. These mutants fall into 8 different complementation groups, mna1 to mna8, and 2 different classes based on their phenotype. Class I mutations, mna1-1 through mna5-1, cause complete or partial loss of mitochondrial RNA at the restrictive temperature. The mutation, mna1-1, is especially interesting since it causes a loss of both mitochondrial DNA and RNA when the mutant is grown on a fermentable carbon source at the restrictive temperature. However, when this mutant is grown at the permissive temperature on a non-fermentable carbon source then shifted to the restrictive temperature, only the mitochondrial RNA is lost. This indicates that the primary cause for the pet phenotype is due to the loss of mitochondrial RNA and not DNA. Class II mutations, mna6-1 through man8-1, cause complete loss of the 14S rRNA after growth at the restrictive temperature in a fermentable carbon source. This loss appears to be specific for the 14S rRNA, since all other transcripts probed by Northern analysis are normal.
Compatibility of the argon and ktp lasers with middle ear implants

Visible-spectrum lasers (argon, ATP) are becoming common tools in otology. Concern over transmission of disease by homograft tissue was focused attention on synthetic materials such as Silastic®, Polycel,hydroxylapatite, and Teflon®. This study sought to determine the effects of argon and ATP lasers on materials used in stapes and chronic ear surgery. Silastic sheeting, hydroxylapatite and polycel total ossicular replacement prostgeses (TORPs) and partial ossicular replacement prostgeses (PORPs), and platinum wire/Teflon stapes prostgeses were exposed to argon and ATP laser energy at clinical power settings. Effects of the two lasers were similar. The presence of pigment (char or blood) was necessary to produce any effect
Structural effects in electrocatalysis: electrooxidation of carbon monoxide on Pt3Sn single-crystal alloy surfaces

The kinetics of the electrochemical oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) and CO/hydrogen mixtures (0.1 and 2% CO) in sulfuric acid electrolyte at 25–62°C was studied on different surfaces of the ordered single crystal Pt3Sn alloy. Characterization of the surface composition and structure was determined in UHV using low energy electron diffraction (LEED), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and low energy ion scattering (LEIS) prior to determining the electrode kinetics using the classical rotating disk method (RDE) with CO dissolved in the electrolyte. Clean annealed and sputtered-cleaned but not-annealed surfaces of (110) and (111) orientation were studied. A remarkable difference in activity was observed between the annealed (111) surface and the sputtered but not-annealed (110) surface, with both surfaces having the same nominal surface composition, 20–25 at% Sn, but different local structures. The onset potential for CO oxidation on the (111) surface was shifted cathodically by 0.13 V relative to that for the sputtered (110) surface, and the onset comes remarkably close to 0 V on the reversible hydrogen potential scale. Relative to pure Pt surfaces (of any crystal structure), the potential shift is more than 0.5 V, corresponding to a catalytic activity that is higher by more than four orders of magnitude. Comparable shifts were observed for the oxidation of CO/H2 mixtures. Both the structure sensitivity and the high catalytic activity of the Pt3Sn surface are attributed to an adsorbed state of CO unique to this alloy and occurs at relatively high coverage on the (111) surface.
Loss of parvalbumin immunoreactivity defines selectively vulnerable thalamic reticular nucleus neurons following cardiac arrest in the rat

The thalamic reticular nucleus (NRT) is one of the most vulnerable structures to selective neuronal damage both in human cardiac arrest patients and in experimental rodent global cerebral ischemia models. The detailed distribution of neuronal injury within the NRT was examined following 10-min cardiac arrest in the rat with conventional Nissl staining, 45Ca autoradiography and immunocytochemistry of the calcium binding proteins parvalbumin (PV) and calretinin (CR). While Nissl staining was almost unable to show the exact boundary of the nucleus and of the lesion, immunocytochemistry of PV proved to be the most useful index of the exact location and extent of neuronal loss in the NRT after ischemia. Calcium autoradiography was a sensitive method for detecting the lesion, and showed a similar distribution to the loss of PV staining, but did not give optimal spatial resolution. Quantitative analysis of PV staining at 7 days of recirculation demonstrated cell loss restricted to the lateral aspect of the middle segment of the NRT, identical with the distribution of large fusiform neurons in the somatosensory component of the nucleus. CR-positive neurons in the NRT were completely spared, although not all surviving neurons contained CR. These studies provide the first detailed characterization of the distribution of vulnerable neurons within the NRT after experimental ischemia and suggest that immunocytochemistry of PV is a useful tool for quantitative analysis of the lesion for use in further experiments to elucidate the mechanisms of selective vulnerability of the NRT.
Competence, Nursing Practice, and Safe Patient Care

This article examines the topic of competency in nursing. It reviews the literature and examines the organization, systems, and career-long training designed to define and evaluate competencies. It looks at how competencies affect registered nurses and the organizations that employ them. The need for competencies based on patient safety outcomes and the dynamic, changing reality of nursing practice is highlighted.
TbFeCoCr magneto-optical media with high corrosion resistance

Abstract An attempt was made to obtain excellent corrosion resistant magneto-optical films with good magneto-optical properties by adding Cr to TbFeCo films at levels of more than 5 at%. Addition of Cr causes preferential decrease in sublattice magnetization of transition metals in rare-earth-transition metal amorphous alloys. As a result, Tb 19 Fe 45 Co 29 Cr 7 film was found to have high corrosion resistance with good Kerr rotation of 0.3° and also a high readout carrier to noise ratio (CNR) of 51 dB.
Designing Molecular Bistability in Ruthenium Dimethyl Sulfoxide Complexes

Compounds of the type [Ru(tpy)(L2)(dmso)](z+) (tpy is 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine; L2 can be 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmen), 2-pyridine carboxylate (pic), acetylacetonate (acac), malonate (mal), or oxalate (ox)) have been studied by X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, NMR, IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. When L2 is bpy, tmen, or pic, the dmso ligand can be intramolecularly isomerized either electrochemically or photochemically. Isomerization is not observed when L2 is acac, mal, or ox. Isomerization results in a drastic change in the absorption spectrum, as well as in the voltammetry. Absorption maxima shift by 3470 (419-490 nm), 4775 (421-527 nm), and 4440 cm(-)(1) (429-530 nm) for the bpy, pic, and tmen complexes, respectively. Reduction potentials for S-bonded and O-bonded complexes differ by 0.57, 0.75, and 0.62 V for the bpy, pic, and tmen complexes, respectively. Quantum yields of isomerization (phi(S)(-->)(O)) were determined for the bpy (0.024 +/- 1), pic (0.25 +/- 1), and tmen (0.007 +/- 1) complexes. In comparison of these data to photosubstitution quantum yields, it appears that the isomerization mechanism does not involve the ligand field states. This result is surprising given the importance of these states in the photochemistry of ruthenium and osmium polypyridine complexes. These results and details of the mechanism are discussed.
A bounded N-tuplewise independent and identically distributed counterexample to the CLT

A sequence of random variables X1,X2,X3,… is said to be N-tuplewise independent if Xi1,Xi2,…,XiN are independent whenever (i1,i2,…,iN) is an N-tuple of distinct positive integers. For any fixed N∈ℤ+, we construct a sequence of bounded identically distributed N-tuplewise independent random variables which fail to satisfy the central limit theorem.
Layered Learning: Student Consultants Deepening Classroom and Life Lessons.

The action research project reported on here took as its central problem of practice the absence of students from forums for faculty development in higher education. Findings suggest that, when undergraduate students are positioned as pedagogical consultants to college faculty members, multiple layers of learning unfold. After a brief overview of The Andrew W. Mellon Teaching and Learning Institute that serves as the context for this study, I present student reflections on the ways that student consultants gain a more informed critical perspective within and beyond classrooms and build greater confidence, capacity, and agency as learners and as people. The final portion of the discussion focuses on how the lessons student consultants learn inform my own learning and practice.
Regional differences in thyroid cancer presentation and survival: a SEER study.

Objective: The incidence of thyroid cancer has been steadily increasing. Several studies have identified gender and racial/ethnic differences in the incidence and prognosis of thyroid cancer. In th...
Path Dependence of Adsorption Behavior of Mixtures Containing Dipalmitoyl Phosphatidylcholine

The adsorption of aqueous phospholipid dispersions containing dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is investigated at 35-37 degrees C as a function of dispersion preparation technique. Systems studied in terms of surface pressure-time (pi-t) adsorption behavior were pure DPPC, 9:1 DPPC:dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine, 7:3 DPPC:egg phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and lipids extracted from cow lung lavage. The results show that pi-t characteristics can differ significantly depending on the technique by which the DPPC-containing mixtures are initially dispersed in 0.15 M NaCl solution. Examples of path dependence include the fact that DPPC, which will not adsorb at T = 35 degrees C when placed in powdered crystals on the subphase surface, exhibits measurable pi-t changes after subphase dispersion by sonication or by mechanical vortexing. For 7:3 DPPC:PG, dispersion by sonication on ice or by mechanical vortexing gives faster adsorption than dispersion by sonication without temperature control. The effect of heating to T = 45 degrees C, which is greater than the gel to liquid crystal transition temperature of DPPC (Tc = 41 degrees C), is found to be particularly detrimental to the adsorption of 7:3 DPPC:PG. Of the phospholipid mixtures studied, extracted cow lung lipids exhibited by far the greatest adsorption capability and also showed less path dependence than 7:3 DPPC:PG. Similarly, in terms of dispersion techniques investigated, sonication on ice tended to give the most rapid adsorption for a given phospholipid mixture.
WIDENING ACCESS TO UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

The Council for Industry and Higher Education, a remarkable body of over two dozen Company Chairmen, leavened by another dozen Vice‐Chancellors and Directors of Polytechnics, came into being to help develop a common voice. It has enabled some of our intellectual and business leaders to begin to mark out their common interests. We want to find a common language in which to contribute to higher education's important thinking about its future place in our economic life.
Examining predictors and outcomes of a career calling among undergraduate students

Abstract The current study examined predictors and outcomes of a career calling among 292 undergraduate students at two time points over a three-month period. Using structural equation modeling, a model was tested that examined the extent to which calling, life meaning, the search for life meaning, vocational clarity, and personal growth at Time 1 would predict these same variables at Time 2. Results showed that calling was a significant predictor of personal growth and life meaning and that life meaning, the search for life meaning, and vocational self-clarity significantly predicted the presence of a calling. Although findings demonstrating calling as a predictor variable are consistent with previous research, these results also demonstrate the potential reciprocal relation of calling to proximal work and well-being variables over time. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Encapsulation and reactivity of the enzyme oxalate oxidase in a sol-gel derived glass

The enzymes oxalate oxidase and peroxidase are encapsulated in stable, optically transparent, porous silica glass matrices synthesized under mild conditions using novel sol-gel synthetic techniques. The large enzymes are immobilized, but smaller molecules such as oxalate ions pass readily through the porous glass. Upon exposure to oxalate solutions, a colored glass is formed whose absorption spectrum and changes of absorbance with time are measured. The sensitivity of the response and the time-dependence of the response are discussed.
ELECTRICAL PROPULSION CAPABILITIES FOR LUNAR EXPLORATION

The logical result of a successful Apollo program can be expected to be a large scale operation involving manned lunar exploration and colonization. The potential role of electrical propulsion in such an operation is examined. Primary emphasis is placed on the identification of mission capabilities for providing logistic support. Electrical engine and nuclear-mechanical power conversion system experience is projected to the 1 to 10 Mw range and used to identify expected system characteristics. Both thermal arc and ion engines are considered. A basic mission profile is defined, and typical trajectory characteristics are discussed. The low thrust characteristic velocity requirement for the basic mission is identified and used to generate parametric mission performance characteristics for one-way, round-trip, and multitrip missions. These data indicate the interrelations between gross weight, power rating, specific impulse, and total propulsion time and their effect on payload capabilities. The resulting data then are compared with the capabilities of comparable chemical and nuclear rocket-propelled vehicles. (auth)
Abstract A60: Role of telomere dysfunction in the premature cellular senescence of Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome

Introduction: Telomere dysfunction promotes genomic instability and is often associated with loss of tumor suppressor gene function and tumorigenesis. Conversely, in aging, telomere dysfunction is hypothesized to mediate cellular senescence by activating intact tumor suppressor pathways. Hutchinson‐Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a premature aging syndrome caused by a dominant mutation in the nuclear lamina intermediate filament protein lamin A that leads to a truncated and permanently farnesylated protein termed progerin. Progerin expression is associated with early cellular senescence involving shortened telomeres and increased DNA damage. Herein, we investigated whether telomere dysfunction contributes to the DNA damage accumulation and premature cellular senescence phenotypes observed with cells from HGPS patients. Methods: Using HGPS cell lines from patients or normal fibroblasts ectopically expressing progerin, we investigated the effects of telomerase on cell growth, senescence, p53 and Rb tumor suppressor pathway activation, and DNA damage. We also determined whether progerin‐induced DNA damage localized to telomeres. Results: We demonstrate that addition of telomerase, which has been reported to immortalize HGPS fibroblasts, abrogated premature senescence, reduced p53 and Rb tumor suppressor pathway activation, and decreased the DNA damage phenotype. These effects of telomerase required both its catalytic and DNA binding activities. Furthermore, progerin‐DNA damage signaling localized to telomeres indicating that progerin causes damage at telomeres. Conclusions: These results establish that progerin causes a defect in telomere maintenance linked to a chronic DNA damage response that activates tumor suppressor genes and induces the HGPS premature senescence phenotype. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):A60.
Fishing gear substitution to reduce bycatch and habitat impacts: An example of social-ecological research to inform policy

This study examined the feasibility of gear substitution as a means to reduce bycatch and habitat impacts of fisheries, using a social–ecological systems approach. The U.S. west coast sablefish fishery is an excellent subject for this study, because it permits three different gear types and has a problem with bycatch of overfished species. Bycatch rates were highest in trawls and lowest in pots. Combining interview data with findings from a previous study, affirmed that habitat impacts were highest with trawls and lowest with longlines. Interviews with 44 individuals analyzed using grounded theory yielded several common themes in the opinions of gear substitution. Positive opinion themes included that it would allow better management of the fish populations by reducing bycatch and would allow more business options, flexibility, and increased profit for some trawlers. The main negative opinion theme was that gear substitution could decrease landings needed to support shoreside infrastructure. Most stakeholder groups saw some benefit in gear substitution. Notably, the trawlers voiced a unanimous preference for converting to pots rather than longlines. A scenario analysis revealed that the preferable management option would be long-term gear conversion, but incentives are likely to be an important means of encouraging gear conversion. This ecological impacts rapid assessment provided a regional evaluation of bycatch and habitat impacts that had never been conducted before for these gear types. It also provided scientific support for a regulatory change that legally allows trawlers to practice gear substitution.
Are Home-Based Sales Representatives Aware and Proactive Regarding Security Risks in the Internet Era?

This exploratory article researches the awareness, concern, and actions (proactivity) of home-based enterprise (HBE) representatives engaged in multilevel marketing (MLM) to protect themselves from Internet-based computer security risks. Analysis of a survey of 232 independent MLM representatives shows that while this specific segment of HBEs is highly aware of and concerned with existing threats, their level of action to guard against the threats is relatively low as is their willingness to pay for adequate protection. These findings are important to computer security service companies such as Norton, Symantec, and McAfee as they research and target this growing segment of HBE users. The conclusions will also interest the many parent MLM companies that utilize HBE representatives as their sales force.
Reflections on Teaching in Multicultural Settings.

(1995). Reflections on Teaching in Multicultural Settings. The Social Studies: Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 39-42.
Comparative urbanism in the Islamic Far West

Abstract During the past ten years, archeological research into the nature of medieval Islamic cities has been conducted in northern Morocco. The majority of this research has centered at the small port‐fortress of Qsar es‐Seghir on the Strait of Gibraltar. In the 13th century the town was enclosed within a circular fortification wall with twenty‐nine evenly spaced defensive towers and three double‐bent‐axis entry gates. By means of a systematic sampling program, we have located examples of the major social institutions: the congregational mosque, a public bath and the central market area. Evidence from portions of twenty houses we have excavated reveal a uniformity in certain design principles juxtaposed against a diversity of decorative and layout details. Quantitative analyses are being conducted to characterize the assemblage, refine the chronology, and elucidate the community structure. During the past few years the research focus of the project has been expanded to a regional level through test exca...
The localization of some phosphorus compounds in the egg of Ilyanassa obsoleta.

Abstract The distribution of total, acid-soluble, and phospholipid phosphorus to the egg, polar lobe, lobeless egg, AB and CD blastomeres was determined. The concentration of all three groups of phosphorus compounds was significantly greater in the polar lobe and CD blastomere than in the egg or any of the other isolates studied. The distribution of the acid-soluble phosphorus is correlated with the distribution of yolk to the polar lobe and blastomeres. The problem of choosing a reference unit for calculating the concentration of the acid-soluble phosphorus is discussed. The phospholipids were found to be equally distributed between the yolk and yolk-free cytoplasm, and as a result the concentration of the phospholipids could be reliably calculated. The concentration of phospholipids, as measured by their phosphorus content, in the polar lobe exceeded that of the AB blastomere by a factor of 1.90; the concentration of phospholipids in the CD blastomere was 1.27 times greater than in the AB blastomere.
Sequential treatment allocation in clinical trials

SUMMARY This paper is concerned with protocols for sequential clinical trials which meet the classical statistical criteria of significance and power and which tend to assign the majority of patients to the superior method of treatment. The object is to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in mean survival times associated with two treatments. It is assumed that survival times are exponential with parameters, death rates, which depend upon the treatment and that patients arrive sequentially over a period of time and are assigned immediately to a single treatment. The assignment rules utilize the data collected about patients already treated to choose the treatment for the next patient. The trials are terminated when the likelihood ratio crosses a given boundary. It is shown that the operating characteristic is insensitive to the assignment rule, and that the expected number of patients receiving the inferior treatment can be markedly reduced by the use of data-dependent rules.
Diversionary Role of the Georgia–Russia Conflict: International Constraints and Domestic Appeal

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 produced 15 newly independent states from the former Soviet republics. In the Soviet Union, they had shared every vital system or resource—the military, the...
Oligomeric structures of poliovirus polymerase are important for function.

Central to the replication of poliovirus and other positive-strand RNA viruses is the virally encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Previous biochemical studies have suggested that direct polymerase– polymerase interactions might be important for polymerase function, and the structure of poliovirus polymerase has revealed two regions of extensive polymerase–polymerase interaction. To explore potential functional roles for the structurally observed polymerase–polymerase interactions, we have performed RNA binding and extension studies of mutant polymerase proteins in solution, disulfide cross-linking studies, mutational analyses in cells, in vitro activity analyses and RNA substrate modeling studies. The results of these studies indicate that both regions of polymerase–polymerase interaction observed in the crystals are indeed functionally important and, furthermore, reveal specific functional roles for each. One of the two regions of interaction provides for efficient substrate RNA binding and the second is crucial for forming catalytic sites. These studies strongly support the hypothesis that the polymerase– polymerase interactions discovered in the crystal structure provide an exquisitely detailed structural context for poliovirus polymerase function and for poliovirus RNA replication in cells.
Ecto-5'-nucleotidase regeneration after chemical modification of the plasma membrane.

Treatment of the C6 glioblastoma cell with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) resulted in the selective inactivation of ecto-5′-nucleotidase under conditions which maintained cell viability. Cells respond to ecto-enzyme inactivation by replacing 80% of lost activity within 24 hrs. A lag time of 4–6 hrs before ecto-5′-nucleotidase replacement began and its complete blockage by cycloheximide indicated that the source of replaced enzyme was de novo synthesis and not an intracellular pool. Release of 5′-nucleotidase activity into culture medium in the form of membraneous vesicles slowed during the active recovery period and then steadily increased with time as the plasma membrane enzyme level approached normal. TNBS did not exert a direct inhibitory action upon the exfoliative process as release of vesicular GM1 and protein were little affected. Decrese in exfoliated 5′-nucleotidase activity may be due to a selective conservation of the enzyme in the exfoliative process.
The use of approved vendor lists

Abstract This article describes a research project that investigated the use of approved vendors lists. The study sampled purchasing managers in five different industries and sought information on their use of approved vendors lists and how they derived those lists. The results contain some useful information for industrial marketers.
Multiplex Control and Monitoring of a Large Accelerator

A time-sharing pulse multiplex system is described which will perform most of the control and monitoring functions for the Cornell 10-GeV electron synchrotron. Beyond the reduction in the number of cable runs and the more compact presentation of data at the control desk made possible by this system, the control language is also suited for communication with a computer. Operation of the accelerator under computer control is envisaged.
Cultural differences in responses to a likert scale

Cultural differences in responses to a Likert scale were examined. Self-identified Chinese, Japanese, and Americans (N=136, 323, and 160, respectively) recruited at ethnic or general supermarkets in Southern California completed a 13-question Sense of Coherence scale with a choice of either four, five, or seven responses in either Chinese, Japanese, or English. The Japanese respondents more frequently reported difficulty with the scale, the Chinese more frequently skipped questions, and both these groups selected the midpoint more frequently on items that involved admitting to a positive emotion than did the Americans, who were more likely to indicate a positive emotion. Construct validity of the scale tended to be better for the Chinese and the Americans when there were four response choices and for the Japanese when there were seven. Although culture affected response patterns, the association of sense of coherence and health was positive in all three cultural groups.
HIGH ORDER STAGE CALIBRATION FOR AN ANALYTICAL PLOTTER

An analysis is given of the modelling of XY stage errors in an analytical plotter by polynomial functions. This is discussed as an alternative to demanding strict mechanical accuracy in the stage construction. In an era of plentiful computational resources, it is concluded that apportioning more of the responsibility to the mathematical co-ordinate refinement is an effective strategy. A second degree polynomial is used for each of the two stages in an analytical plotter, modelling the systematic stage errors to within the variability of a single observation. A requirement for instrument stability is emphasized. Such techniques have application for other instruments such as image scanners. Resume On etudie la modelisation des erreurs des chariots XY ďun restituteur analytique en utilisant des fonctions polynomials. II s‘agit en fait de trouver une alternative a des exigences de precision mecanique tres strictes dans la realisation de ces chariots. A une epoque ouľon dispose ďune abondance de ressources en moyens de calcul, il apparait en effet relever ďune strategie efficace de s'appuyer davantage sur les traitements mathematiques pour ameliorer les valeurs des coordonnees. On utilise, pour chacun des deux chariots, un polynome du second degre pour modeliser les erreurs systematiques des chariots, et les rendre inferieures aux erreurs propres a une observation unique. On insiste sur la necessiteďune grande stabilitye instrumental. Ces processus peuvent egalement s'appliquer aďautres instruments comme les scanneurs ďimages. Zusammenfassung Es wird die Modellierung von Fehlern des xy-Wagens bei analytischen Auswertegeraten mit Hilfe von Polynomen analysiert. Des wird als Alternative zur Forderung nach einer strengen mechanischen Genauigkeit bei der Bildwagenkonstruktion diskutiert. Im Zeitalter hervorragender Computer-Ressourcen, so wird geschluβfolgert, ist es eine effektive Strategie, sich mehr der mathematischen Koordinatenverbesserung zuzuwenden. Ein Polynom 2. Grades wird fur jeden der 2 Bildtrager eines analytischen Auswertegerates genutzt, um die systematischen Fehler im Bereich der Variation von einzelnen Beobachtungen zu modellieren. Bezuglich der Stabilitat des Instruments wird eine Anforderung formuliert. Solche Verfahren kannen auch bei anderen Geraten, wie zum Beispiel Bildscanner angewendet werden.
Expected correlated responses in selecting dry beans for tolerance to soil compaction

Parents and F2 progenies of an 8×8 diallel cross were grown under non-compacted and compacted soil conditions. Soil compaction reduced yield, pods per plant, and seeds per pod; however, an increase in seed wieght and no effect for pod length were observed. With the exception of pods per plant, the remaining traits had larger genetic variances under non-compacted soil conditions. Phenotypic correlations involving yield and related traits were similar under the two conditions. Tolerance to soil compaction and mean performance over the two soil conditions were defined. Genetic correlations in terms of: (1) the ratio of genetic variances under the stress and non-stress conditions, and (2) the correlation between performance under the two conditions, were calculated and discussed.
Anterior cingulate dopamine turnover and behavior change in Parkinson’s disease

Subtle cognitive and behavioral changes are common in early Parkinson’s disease. The cause of these symptoms is probably multifactorial but may in part be related to extra-striatal dopamine levels. 6-[18 F]-Fluoro-L-dopa (FDOPA) positron emission tomography has been widely used to quantify dopamine metabolism in the brain; the most frequently measured kinetic parameter is the tissue uptake rate constant, Ki. However, estimates of dopamine turnover, which also account for the small rate of FDOPA loss from areas of specific trapping, may be more sensitive than Ki for early disease-related changes in dopamine biosynthesis. The purpose of the present study was to compare effective distribution volume ratio (eDVR), a metric for dopamine turnover, to cognitive and behavioral measures in Parkinson’s patients. We chose to focus the investigation on anterior cingulate cortex, which shows highest FDOPA uptake within frontal regions and has known roles in executive function. Fifteen non-demented early-stage PD patients were pretreated with carbidopa and tolcapone, a central catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor, and then underwent extended imaging with FDOPA PET. Anterior cingulate eDVR was compared with composite scores for language, memory, and executive function measured by neuropsychological testing, and behavior change measured using two informant-based questionnaires, the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version. Lower mean eDVR (thus higher dopamine turnover) in anterior cingulate cortex was related to lower (more impaired) behavior scores. We conclude that subtle changes in anterior cingulate dopamine metabolism may contribute to dysexecutive behaviors in Parkinson’s disease.
Polarization insensitive wavelength conversion techniques for 100Gb/s polarization-diversity signal

Wavelength conversion (WC) of high-speed polarization diversity phase modulated signals based on four-wave mixing (FWM) in high-nonlinear dispersion fiber (HNLF) with a polarization diversity and digital coherent detection is experimentally demonstrated. Different schemes to realize polarization insensitive WC are investigated. By using co-polarized dual-pump scheme, the in-band WC of sixteen channels of 112Gb/s polarization diversity-return to zero quadriphase shift keying (PD-RZ-QPSK) has been realized. Another scheme of dual-pump technique to use orthogonal-polarized pumps is also been investigated. By using this scheme, four converted 112-Gb/s PD-RZ-QPSK with BER≪ 1×10−4 has also been demonstrated. The third scheme is to use single pump polarize diversity scheme. By using this scheme, we have realized WC for the signals from C-band to L-band.
Thermal, structural, and diffraction analysis of a gallium-cooled x-ray monochromator

The next generation of synchrotron radiation sources will produce very high power and power density x-ray beams. For example, the Advanced Photon Source (APS) under construction at Argonne National Laboratory will produce beams containing up to 5 kW of power and peak normal power densities in excess of 150 W/mm2. Normally, the first optical component to intercept the x-ray beam is a crystal monochromator. This device typically uses a single crystal of silicon or germanium as a band-pass filter according to Braggs' law of diffraction. Under the severe heat loading of modern synchrotron beams, the performance of the monochromator is degraded by reducing the photon throughput and increasing the beam divergence. This paper describes the methods used to calculate the thermally induced deformations in standardly configured monochromator crystals using finite element analysis. The results of these analyses are compared to recent experiments conducted at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) using a high-performance, gallium-cooled crystal. Computer simulations can be used to evaluate the performance of high-heat-load x-ray optics for future synchrotron sources.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A time for reappraisal of "atypical" hemolytic uremic syndrome: should all patients be treated the same?

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) refers to the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury in the absence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli exposure or Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Currently, approximately 50 % of the atypical cases have demonstrable mutations in complement regulatory proteins. Historically, the diagnosis of atypical HUS portends a poor prognosis with a high rate of disease recurrence, progression to end-stage renal disease, and death. However, it is now evident that atypical HUS actually encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders, and there are reports suggesting that some cases of atypical HUS have a favorable prognosis, similar to that of diarrhea-associated disease. We present three patients with the atypical HUS phenotype who had complete renal recovery and no disease recurrence. We believe it is important to distinguish those cases of atypical HUS associated with disorders of complement regulatory proteins from other idiopathic causes of nondiarrheal HUS given the implications for prognosis and treatment. Conclusion: Given the heterogeneous nature and variable prognosis of atypical HUS, treatment should be carefully considered prior to the use of long-term plasma therapy and/or eculizumab.
CroFab® reconstitution in various media: an in vitro solubility study

Background. We investigated the solubility of Crotalidae Polyvalent Ovine Immune Fab antivenom (CroFab®, Savage Labs and Protherics Inc., Brentwood, TN, USA) in solutions not listed in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved product package insert. We also assessed whether adsorption to plastic tubing occurs with CroFab® preparations. Methods. Nine vials of expired CroFab® were divided into three groups according to the solution used for reconstitution. Assignment to the solution groups of normal saline, lactated Ringer's solution, or half-normal saline (NS, LR, 1/2NS) was blinded. The antivenom was diluted to a final volume of 75 mL of test solution. Protein concentration was measured after reconstitution, after storage at 4–6°C for 4 h, and after passage through plastic intravenous (IV) tubing. Results. Higher measured protein yields were noted when half-normal saline was used in comparison with normal saline at each step of the study. Lactated Ringer's solution yielded higher protein concentrat...
Effects of oxidation on mechanical and physical properties of ultra-high-modulus and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibres

Abstract The effects of oxidation on gel-spun ultra-high-modulus and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibres were investigated. The single-fibre tensile properties of the UHMWPE fibres were lowered by all chromic acid/potassium dichromate oxidation reactions studied. The tensile properties were highly reaction-time-dependent for the fibres treated in the acid-assisted reactions with CrO3 (I) and with K2Cr2O7 (IIa) at a higher H2SO4 concentration (or a 1:20 K2Cr2O7:H2SO4 weight ratio). The tensile properties of fibres treated in the acid-assisted reaction with K2Cr2O7 (IIb) at a lower H2SO4 concentration (or a 1:1.3 K2Cr2O7:H2SO4 weight ratio) and the base-catalysed reaction (III) were slightly lowered, but were independent of reaction time. The fractured fibre ends from reactions IIb and III remained fibrillated as observed on the untreated fibres, whereas brittle fractures were observed on those oxidized by reactions I and IIa. Experimental results indicated that the oxidative agents in reactions I and IIa penetrated more thoroughly into the fibrillar structures of the fibres than in the base-catalysed reaction III and reaction IIb. The changes in the tensile and fracture properties suggested different diffusion and oxidative mechanisms between chromic acid (I) and potassium dichromate (IIb) under similar sulphuric acid-assisted conditions. All oxidative reactions reduced superheating, which resulted in the increased heat of fusion but decreased melting temperatures and narrowed melting peak widths.
Concurrent administration of albumin with total parenteral nutrition in sick newborn infants.

The effects of concurrent administration of albumin with total parenteral nutrition were studied in 12 premature newborns (birth weight 1.26 ± 0.1 kg [mean ± SEM] and gestational age 30 ± 0.8 weeks [mean ± SEM]) compared with a control group of 12 premature newborns (birth weight 1.17 ± 0.2 kg and gestational age 29 ± 0.1 weeks) who received total parenteral nutrition. All newborns had a plasma albumin level below 3 g/dL and were in cardiorespiratory distress requiring assisted ventilation. Albumin supplementation of total parenteral nutrition resulted in a sustained increase in serum albumin concentration as well as increased mean arterial blood pressures in the study group. Slow albumin infusion had no observed effect on the severity of respiratory distress. Study group infants regained birth weight earlier than control group infants. These data suggest that the concurrent administration of albumin may be clinically beneficial in critically ill newborn infants. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutriti...
Recent taxonomic changes in the genus Enterococcus.

Recent taxonomic changes among the catalase-negative gram-positive cocci have led to the recognition of a separate genus for bacteria previously considered to be members of the genusStreptococcus. Presently, a total of 12 species of the genusEnterococcus have been described. The characteristics, taxonomy and nomenclature of these species, along with the possible clinical implications of revised enterococcal taxonomy, are discussed.
Assessing the On-Line Degree Program

As on-line degree programs are made available in greater numbers, the necessity of employing clearly articulated criteria for consistent evaluation across programs becomes increasingly evident. The best starting point for such assessment efforts is “Best Practices for Electronically Offered Degree and Certificate Programs,” developed by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.