cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The 3' untranslated region of the rabies virus glycoprotein mRNA specifically interacts with cellular PCBP2 protein and promotes transcript stability.

Viral polymerase entry and pausing at intergenic junctions is predicted to lead to a defined polarity in the levels of rhabdovirus gene expression. Interestingly, we observed that the rabies virus glycoprotein mRNA is differentially over-expressed based on this model relative to other transcripts during infection of 293T cells. During infection, the rabies virus glycoprotein mRNA also selectively interacts with the cellular poly(rC)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2), a factor known to influence mRNA stability. Reporter assays performed both in electroporated cells and in a cell-free RNA decay system indicate that the conserved portion of the 3′ UTR of the rabies virus glycoprotein mRNA contains an RNA stability element. PCBP2 specifically interacts with reporter transcripts containing this 72 base 3′ UTR sequence. Furthermore, the PCBP2 interaction is directly associated with the stability of reporter transcripts. Therefore, we conclude that PCBP2 specifically and selectively interacts with the rabies virus glycoprotein mRNA and that this interaction may contribute to the post-transcriptional regulation of glycoprotein expression.
Role of the structural domains of linker histones and histone H3 in the chromatin fiber structure at low-ionic strength: scanning force microscopy (SFM) studies on partially trypsinized chromatin

Chromatin fibers have been hydrolyzed by trypsin and examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) and scanning force microscopy (SFM). At early points of hydrolysis, when mostly only the tails of the linker histones have been cleaved, nucleosomes appear to pile upon each other within a fiber. Later, once significant hydrolysis of the N-terminal tail of histone H3 has occurred, fibers exhibit an open, three-dimensional arrangement of nucleosomes. Linker DNA between adjacent nucleosomes is observed for the first time. Adjacent nucleosomes appear to have a 'zig-zag' arrangement. Finally, when all the tails of the linker histones and the N-terminal tails of H3 have been cleaved, then the fibers exhibit (i) a flat two- dimensional arrangement of nucleosomes, (ii) linker DNA between nearly all nucleosomes, and (iii) a zig-zag arrangement among some nucleosomes. We suggest that (i) the linker histone globular domains help fix the angle of the DNA entering and exiting the nucleosome, (ii) the angle, however, is not sufficient to maintain the three-dimensionality of the fiber, and (iii) the N-terminal tails of histone H3 ares necessary for the three-dimensional conformation of the fiber at low ionic strength.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tyvan cher eezi and the socioecological constraints of supernatural agents' minds

The specific concerns attributed to supernatural agents vary considerably across populations. Evidence from evolutionary psychology suggests that commitment to supernatural agents facilitates prosocial behavior, and ecological studies have shown that costly rites can increase trust and cooperation. While there has been little systematic treatment of what the gods will know and care about, the contents of supernatural agents' minds seem to rest on a continuum between concerns of ritual behavior and concerns of interpersonal social behavior. In the Tyva Republic, many regions and resources are believed to possess protective “masters of the place” (cher eezi). Tyvans offer their appreciation for cher eezi at ritual cairns by offering food, prayer ties, and/or money. Survey and free-list data demonstrate that spirit-masters are neither omniscient nor concerned with morality, but are acutely concerned with ritual behavior and conservation practices. Moreover, their knowledge breadth is primarily limited to the...
Optical mapping of the Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis genome.

Background Infection of cattle with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M. ap) causes severe economic losses to the dairy industry in the USA and worldwide. In an effort to better examine diversity among M. ap strains, we used optical mapping to profile genomic variations between strains of M. ap K-10 (sequenced strain) and M. ap ATCC 19698 (type strain).
Chemical inventory and its relationship with the service level in an analytical lab

inventory of chemicals in an analytical laboratory is dependent upon the number of samples brought in and the types of analyses performed. Different analyses use different amount and kind of chemicals. The service level of an in-house analytical laboratory is very important to a company. If chemicals are not in stock and analyses not performed, it may cause loss of customers or products in the process development stages. With growing competition, proper control over the chemical inventories is absolutely essential. This paper discusses inventory policies for chemicals designed to maintain a desired service level in an analytical laboratory.
Rearing infant rhesus together.

To analyze the antecedent conditions of the together-together syndrome, 6 subjects were reared in pairs, 6 in pairs separated on alternate weeks, 6 in pairs which changed in composition weekly, 6 in a group of 6, and 6 in individual cages. When tested in groups of 6 during the first year of life and with infants, juveniles, and adults during the second year of life, it was found that (a) self-play and social play increased and self-cling and aggression decreased as an increasing function of the number of rearing partners; (b) social cling was greatest in subjects reared constantly with the same animals, and was independent of the amount of play exhibited by a group.
Activation and Routing of Membrane-tethered Prohormone Convertases 1 and 2

Many peptide hormones and neuropeptides are processed by members of the subtilisin-like family of prohormone convertases (PCs), which are either soluble or integral membrane proteins. PC1 and PC2 are soluble PCs that are primarily localized to large dense core vesicles in neurons and endocrine cells. We examined whether PC1 and PC2 were active when expressed as membrane-tethered proteins, and how tethering to membranes alters the biosynthesis, enzymatic activity, and intracellular routing of these PCs. PC1 and PC2 chimeras were constructed using the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain of the amidating enzyme, peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM). The membrane-tethered PCs were rerouted from large dense core vesicles to the Golgi region. In addition, the chimeras were transiently expressed at the cell surface and rapidly internalized to the Golgi region in a fashion similar to PAM. Membrane-tethered PC1 and PC2 exhibited changes in pro-domain maturation rates, N- glycosylation, and in the pH and calcium optima required for maximal enzymatic activity against a fluorogenic substrate. In addition, the PC chimeras efficiently cleaved endogenous pro-opiomelanocortin to the correct bioactive peptides. The PAM transmembrane domain/cytoplasmic domain also prevented stimulated secretion of pro-opiomelanocortin products in AtT-20 cells.
Acute myeloid leukemia with t(9;11) (p22;q23) and synchronous Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

We present here the first report of an adult patient with simultaneous LCH and AML with t(9;11).5
Patterns of fuzzy rule-based inference

Abstract Processing information in fuzzy rule-based systems generally employs one of two patterns of inference: composition or compatibility modification. Composition originated as a generalization of binary logical deduction to fuzzy logic, while compatibility modification was developed to facilitate the evaluation of rules by separating the evaluation of the input from the generation of the output. The first step in compatibility modification inference is to assess the degree to which the input matches the antecedent of a rule. The result of this assessment is then combined with the consequent of the rule to produce the output. This paper examines the relationships between these two patterns of inference and establishes conditions under which they produce equivalent results. The separation of the evaluation of input from the generation of output permits a flexibility in the methods used to compare the input with the antecedent of a rule with multiple clauses. In this case, the degree to which the input and the rule antecedent match is determined by the application of a compatibility measure and an aggregation operator. The order in which these operations are applied may affect the assessment of the degree of matching, which in turn may cause the production of different results. Separability properties are introduced to define conditions under which compatibility modification inference is independent of the input evaluation strategy.
Bilateral trade, dynamic bargaining and nonrenewable resources

Abstract In addition to the theory of comparative advantage and the theory of economies of scale with product differentiation, this paper formalizes a third reason of trade, namely the differences in nonrenewable resource endowments of two trading parties. The paper also examines the division of the gains in trade in a dynamic bargaining framework which requires consistent action by both bargaining parties. A contribution of this paper is to provide a special case under which dynamic bargaining results in efficient resource utilization in bilateral trade.
A study on the numerical convergence of the discrete logistic map

Abstract Clocking convergence is an important tool for investigating various aspects of iterative maps, especially chaotic maps. In this work, we revisit to the numerical convergence of the discrete logistic map x n + 1 = rx n ( 1 - x n ) gauged with a finite computational accuracy. Most of the previous studies of the discrete logistic map have been made for r ∈ [ 3 , 4 ] and r ∈ [ - 2 , - 1 ] due to the rich complexity of the map in these regions. In this work, we consider regions with simple fixed points, i.e. r = [ - 1 , 3 ] for which no particular geometric structures are known, as well as the period-doubling regions. We numerically investigate the speed of convergence in these regions to expose underlying complexity. The convergence speed is mapped to the phase space with different finite precisions. Patterns generated through this map are investigated over r. Numerical results show that there exists an interesting geometric pattern in r ∈ [ - 1 , 3 ] when convergence is gauged with a finite computational precision and also show that this pattern cascades into the period-doubling areas.
Short term preservation of porcine livers.

Abstract Hypothermic asanguineous perfusion of porcine livers using cryo-precipitated plasma was consistently effective up to 10 hours. When the period of preservation was extended to 24 hours, most of the animals died within 24 hours because of a bleeding diathesis, probably due to hepatic endothelial cell damage, secondary to inadequate regional hepatic perfusion.
Solvent effects on 51V NMR chemical shifts: characterization of vanadate and peroxovanadate complexes in mixed water/acetonitrile solvent

Abstract The majority of 51 V NMR studies on V(V) complexes have been reported in water, which currently limits the usefulness of 51 V NMR in identifying V(V) species in non-aqueous solvents. In this report, the 51 V NMR spectra have been obtained for vanadate and peroxovanadate complexes that exist at pH ≤ 7 in solutions containing 2–90% water in acetonitrile. Millimolar vanadate and peroxovanadate solutions in acetonitrile containing as little as 2% water were prepared by diluting a conc. aq. solution of vanadate (Bu 4 N + salt) with acetonitrile. As with simple oxovanadate oligomers and peroxovanadate complexes in aqueous solutions, the species present in acetonitrile solution are a function of vanadium, acid and peroxide concentrations. The 51 V resonances for several species can be assigned by correlating changes in chemical shifts as a function of water concentration. Species definitively characterized include VO 2 + , H x VO 4 x −3 , HV 2 O 7 3− , V 4 O 12 4− , V 5 O 15 5− , V 10 O 28 6− , VO(O 2 ) + , VO(O 2 ) 2 − and V 2 O 2 (O 2 ) 3 . While the chemical shift for every assigned species moves downfield as water concentration is decreased, the magnitude of the downfield shift is highly dependent on the vanadium species. The assignments provided herein from the foundation for establishing the reactivity patterns for peroxovanadate in non-aqueous media.
Formation of metal disilicide layers contacting ion beam-synthesized, buried 3C–SiC layers in silicon

Abstract Large-area heteroepitaxial Si/SiC/Si structures can be formed by ion beam synthesis. In this paper, the conversion of the Si top layer of such structures into a metal disilicide contact layer by high-dose titanium ion implantation is described. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and electrical measurements are used to characterize the resulting layer systems. It is shown that by proper adjustment of the ion dose—taking into account the sputtering rates of Si and Ti atoms—well-conductive textured C54–TiSi2 contact layers can be formed in a single fabrication step. These layers are structurally and electrically stable up to 900 °C or higher. The surface roughness is determined by the grain size of the formed silicide and can be controlled via the implantation temperature. It is shown that at overly high doses, metal-rich silicides are formed. In this case, Si diffusion from the substrate to the metallization layer via strain-induced macrodefects in the SiC thin film leads to cavity formation at the lower SiC/Si interface.
The association of large ovarian cysts with cloacal exstrophy

Abstract Background/Purpose: Cloacal exstrophy can now be managed with excellent survival rates and reasonable long-term outcomes with many of these patients living into their late teens and early adulthood. In this report, the authors describe for the first time the association of large ovarian cysts with cloacal exstrophy. Methods: From 1974 to 1996, 12 patients with cloacal exstrophy have been treated at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Massive ovarian cysts developed in four of these. These patients represent the subjects of this study. Results: All four patients have been followed up beyond puberty and massive ovarian cysts have developed, which have caused significant morbidity. Three patients have required surgical intervention. All the patients had reached menarche before the development of the cysts. In all cases, the presentation was severe pelvic pain. Urinary tract obstruction from the large pelvic cysts developed in three of the four. The cysts were bilateral in three of four patients and measured 8 to 10 cm in diameter on ultrasound scan or computed tomography (CT). Cyst aspiration was attempted in two cases and was unsuccessful. Three of the four patients have required bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The indications for surgery were uncontrollable pelvic pain in one and urinary obstruction and uncontrollable pelvic pain in two. Surgical findings demonstrated massive thin-walled cysts with essentially no normal ovarian tissue in association with duplicated mullerian structures. The pathology findings were corpus luteal cysts in two and mucinous cystadenoma in one. The fourth patient with an 8- × 10-cm unilateral cyst is being followed up. Conclusions: The authors have described, for the first time, the association of massive ovarian cysts with cloacal exstrophy. These cysts can lead to severe pelvic pain and urinary tract obstruction. Bilateral oophorectomy has been required in most of these patients.
Are Presynaptic Proteins Predisposed to Self-Assemble?

Tight control of synapse formation ensures that neurons connect to appropriate targets. In this issue of Neuron , Klassen et al. identify ARL-8 GTPase as a regulator of presynaptic assembly. Without ARL-8, presynaptic material aggregates en route to its destination, suggesting that ARL-8 acts like a dispersant to prevent premature synaptic assembly in the axon.
Prairie Grass Establishment on Calcareous Reclaimed Mine Soil

Reclaimed Appalachian surface mined lands have difficulty in sustaining native deciduous forest communities. Establishing prairie communities could increase ecosystem function; however, a native model system does not exist. We evaluated establishment of 15 North American prairie grasses as monocultures on reclaimed mine soil in southeast Ohio in four randomized complete blocks planted May 2005 and 2006. Population density was assessed 30 d after planting (30 DAP) and in October of the planting year (YR1) and second year following planting (YR2) and expressed as percentage of viable seeds sown (PVSS). Canopy cover of nonnative species reestablishing in the plots was measured in 2007. Eastern gamagrass ( L.) population was >50 PVSS in all censuses. Western wheatgrass [ (Rydb.) A. Love] was initially 7 PVSS at 30 DAP, but increased to 154 PVSS by YR2 from rhizomes spreading into gaps. Big bluestem ( Vitman) was 7 PVSS at 30 DAP and 4 PVSS at YR2. Blue grama [ (Willd. ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths] and sideoats grama [ (Michx.) Torr.] did not survive past YR1. Gaps left from poor stand establishment were primarily recolonized by nonnative Kentucky bluegrass ( L.) in the 2005 planting and birdsfoot trefoil ( L.) in the 2006 planting, but was least in eastern gamagrass and tall dropseed [ (P. Beauv.) Kunth]. This research demonstrates the potential for increasing diversity and species richness on mine soil habitats with regionally native grasses that could increase functional quality through ecological resilience.
The concept of a strong theodicy

Question 1 or some version thereof rather than the questions of whether God's existence is logically consistent with evil would appear to be one of Hume's main concerns in his Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, a concern recently revived by William Rowe.1 This question has also been the focus of a number of papers by philosophers sympathetic to a Christian response to the problem of evil. They believe that responding to the issue of consistency is not as much as Christians can do in response to the problem of evil given the distinctive prespective on good and evil implicit in the Christian tradition.2
Distribution of immunoreactive glia maturation factor-like molecule in organs and tissues.

Abstract Using the monoclonal antibody G2-09 raised against bovine glia maturation factor (GMF), we screened various rat organs and tissues for GMF-like immunoreactivity. In the adult animal, with the exception of the heart, GMF was found exclusively in the nervous system, with the cerebellum exhibiting higher specific activity than other brain regions. The nature of the immunoactivity in the heart is presently unclear. None of the body fluids collected from humans, including serum and cerebrospinal fluid, possessed detectable GMF immunoactivity. A phylogenetic comparison revealed the presence of GMF in the brain of all vertebrates studied, from fish to primates. GMF was absent from bacteria and yeast. An ontogenetic study on rats showed the highest GMF level in the fetal brain, with a gradual but steady decrease after birth. However, a substantial amount of GMF persisted even in older animals. GMF was localized in astrocytes and Bergmann glia in the rat brain, using immunostaining at the light microscopic level.
Synthesis, properties, and NMR studies of a C8-phenylguanine modified oligonucleotide that preferentially adopts the Z DNA conformation.

Carcinogenic aryl hydrazines produce C8-arylated purine adducts. The effect of these adducts on DNA conformation and their role in hydrazine carcinogenesis are unknown. Here, we describe a new synthetic route to produce these adducts that is also compatible with the synthesis of the corresponding phosphoramidites needed for oligonucleotide synthesis. Two oligonucleotides were prepared, an unmodified oligonucleotide, d(5‘CGCGCGCGCG3‘), and a C8-phenylguanine modified oligonucleotide, d(5‘CGCGCG*CGCG3‘) (G* = 8-phenylguanine). These oligonucleotides were compared using thermal denaturation, circular dichroism, NMR, and molecular modeling. The phenyl modification destabilizes the B DNA form and stabilizes the Z DNA form such that the B:Z ratio is near one under physiological conditions. In light of recent studies that show a role for Z DNA in gene expression and cell transformation, Z DNA stabilization by C8-arylguanine formation from aryl hydrazines may be relevant to their role in carcinogenesis.
Relation of late potentials to site of origin of ventricular tachycardia associated with coronary heart disease

Signal-averaged electrocardiograms and endocardial catheter mapping were performed in 41 patients with coronary artery disease and sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) to determine the relation between signal-averaged late potentials (SA-LPs) and catheter-mapped late activity (CM-LA) to the site of origin of VT. The 41 patients had 79 morphologically distinct VTs. Either CM-LA or SA-LP was present during sinus rhythm in 37 of 41 patients (90%). Twenty-two out of 30 patients (73%) had CM-LA corresponding to SA-LP during normal sinus rhythm. Patients with SA-LP had a significantly greater number of sites of CM-LA, which were later and longer in duration than patients without SA-LP present during sinus rhythm. In a select group of patients, those with both SA-LP and CM-LA, the site of origin of VT was located at or adjacent to a site of CM-LA during sinus rhythm in 38 of 44 (86%); however, 36 of 78 sites (46%) of CM-LA were clearly distant from the site of origin of VT. In conclusion, CM-LA corresponding to SA-LP in patients with VT is sensitive but not specific for the site of origin of VT.
Evaluation of the energetic contribution of interhelical Coulombic interactions for coiled coil helix orientation specificity.

Coiled coils are formed by two or more α-helices that align in a parallel or an antiparallel relative orientation. The factors that determine a preference for a given relative helix orientation are incompletely understood. The helix orientation preference for the designed coiled coil, Acid-a1-Base-a1, was measured previously. This model system therefore provides a means for the experimental determination of the energetic contribution of a variety of interactions to helix orientation specificity. The antiparallel preference for Acid-a1-Base-a1 is imparted by a single buried polar interaction. Interhelical Coulombic interactions between residues at the e and g positions have been proposed to influence helix orientation preference. In the Acid-a1-Base-a1 heterodimer, potentially attractive Coulombic interactions are expected in both orientations. To determine the energetic consequences of Coulombic interactions for helix orientation preference, we have positioned a single charged residue in each peptide such that exclusively favorable interhelical Coulombic interactions can occur only in the parallel orientation. In contrast, two potentially repulsive interactions are expected in the antiparallel orientation. Because the buried polar interaction can occur only in the antiparallel orientation, interhelical Coulombic interactions favor the parallel orientation and the potential to form a buried polar interaction favors the antiparallel orientation. We find no clear preference for an antiparallel orientation in the resulting heterodimer, Acid-Ke-Base-Eg, suggesting that interhelical Coulombic interactions and a buried polar interaction are of approximately equal importance for helix orientation specificity. Stability measurements indicate that maintenance of all favorable electrostatic interactions and/or avoidance of two potentially repulsive interactions contributes approximately 2.1 kcal/mol to helix orientation preference.
Regulation of gene expression and nitric oxide production in murine macrophages by the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid

LPS-stimulated macrophages produce cytokines which, at appropriate levels, direct successful immune responses against harmful pathogens. However, excessive cytokine production, as seen in endotoxemia, results in pathophysiological damage to the host. Therefore, understanding mechanisms of cytokine regulation may aid the development of strategies designed to control cytokine production during an ongoing immune response. We have examined the role of okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatases in the production of cytokines and nitric oxide by macrophages. Okadaic acid induces TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-β, and IP-10, but not IL-10 or IL-12 (p40) mRNA. Okadaic acid differentially regulates the expression of LPS-inducible IL-10 and IL-12 (p40) mRNA. These findings suggest that okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatases are key regulators of cytokine production in unstimulated and immune-activated macrophages. Finally, okadaic acid inhibits iNOS mRNA and nitric oxide production by macrophages activated by LPS and IFN-γ.
Aquifer response to stream-stage and recharge variations. II. Convolution method and applications

Abstract In this second of two papers, analytical step-response functions, developed in the companion paper for several cases of transient hydraulic interaction between a fully penetrating stream and a confined, leaky, or water-table aquifer, are used in the convolution integral to calculate aquifer heads, streambank seepage rates, and bank storage that occur in response to stream-stage fluctuations and basinwide recharge or evapotranspiration. Two computer programs developed on the basis of these step-response functions and the convolution integral are applied to the analysis of hydraulic interaction of two alluvial stream–aquifer systems in the northeastern and central United States. These applications demonstrate the utility of the analytical functions and computer programs for estimating aquifer and streambank hydraulic properties, recharge rates, streambank seepage rates, and bank storage. Analysis of the water-table aquifer adjacent to the Blackstone River in Massachusetts suggests that the very shallow depth of water table and associated thin unsaturated zone at the site cause the aquifer to behave like a confined aquifer (negligible specific yield). This finding is consistent with previous studies that have shown that the effective specific yield of an unconfined aquifer approaches zero when the capillary fringe, where sediment pores are saturated by tension, extends to land surface. Under this condition, the aquifer's response is determined by elastic storage only. Estimates of horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity, specific yield, specific storage, and recharge for a water-table aquifer adjacent to the Cedar River in eastern Iowa, determined by the use of analytical methods, are in close agreement with those estimated by use of a more complex, multilayer numerical model of the aquifer. Streambank leakance of the semipervious streambank materials also was estimated for the site. The streambank-leakance parameter may be considered to be a general (or lumped) parameter that accounts not only for the resistance of flow at the river–aquifer boundary, but also for the effects of partial penetration of the river and other near-stream flow phenomena not included in the theoretical development of the step-response functions.
Complementary DNA Cloning and Sequencing of the Chicken Muscle Ecto-ATPase HOMOLOGY WITH THE LYMPHOID CELL ACTIVATION ANTIGEN CD39

The ecto-ATPase from chicken gizzard (smooth muscle) was solubilized, and the 66-kDa cell membrane ecto-ATPase protein was purified. The protein was then subjected to both enzymatic and chemical cleavage, and the resultant peptides were purified by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography and sequenced. Several of these internal peptide sequences were used to design oligonucleotides to screen a chicken muscle library to identify the cDNA encoding the ecto-ATPase. Two overlapping partial clones were sequenced, yielding the complete coding region and a long 3'-untranslated sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence is in agreement with the N-terminal and peptide sequences obtained from the purified protein. The chicken muscle ecto-ATPase is a slightly basic (predicted pI = 7.93) 494-amino acid protein (54.4 kDa), containing a single transmembrane domain at each end of the protein. The majority of the protein is predicted to be extracellular, making it a Type Ia plasma membrane protein. There are four putative N-glycosylation sites, a single potential cAMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site, as well as a single putative tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site. Analysis of the sequence using the BLAST programs demonstrated homology with other ecto-ATPases and ecto-apyrases, including those from the parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, potato tubers, and garden pea, as well as a guanosine diphosphohydrolase from yeast. However, the most striking homology observed was to the human and mouse lymphoid cell activation antigen 39 (CD39), a molecule now known to have apyrase activity. The chicken ecto-ATPase showed considerable amino acid sequence homology with CD39 over the entire length of the sequence, excluding about 30-40 amino acids at the extreme ends of the protein (which include the two membrane-spanning helices). The sequence homology between the gizzard ecto-ATPase and CD39 was confirmed by Western blots demonstrating immunocross-reactivity between mono- and polyclonal antibodies raised against the chicken ecto-ATPase and two commercially available monoclonal antibodies against the human CD39 protein. The results suggest that the muscle ecto-ATPase may be involved in cell adhesion, since the highly homologous CD39 protein is involved in homotypic adhesion of activated B lymphocytes.
The effects of feedback consistency and feedback favorability on self-perceived task competence and perceived feedback accuracy

Abstract The present study, employing a 2 × 2 true-experimental design and regression analyses assessed the main and interactive effects of feedback consistency (consistent vs inconsistent), and feedback favorability (acceptable vs superior), for feedback given at two time periods on measures of perceived feedback accuracy and self-perceived task competence. Among the study's findings were that (a) the perceived accuracy of feedback at the second period was a function of the favorability of feedback received at the first time period, (b) the self-perceived task competence levels of subjects were jointly determined by the favorability of feedback received at both time periods, and (c) the perceived accuracy of feedback was a function of its consistency. Organizational implications of the study's results are offered.
Temperature measurements of Al containing nano-thermite reactions using multi-wavelength pyrometry

Abstract Thermite reactions with nano-scale particles have attracted much study due to their high flame temperatures and combustion velocities. The mechanism by which the reaction propagates is not well understood. The reaction temperature, the heating rate, and the reaction zone thickness are critical parameters to understanding the mechanism. Measurements of the reaction temperature for the Al/CuO, Al/MoO 3 , and Al/Fe 2 O 3 nano-thermite systems were made using multi-wavelength pyrometry for two experimental configurations. In one experiment, the radiative emission from the reaction of a small, unconfined pile (∼10 mg) of reacting nano-thermite is collected over a 50 ms integration time and the temperature is measured. In a second experiment, the radiative emission was collected from a single spot, with a diameter of 1.5 mm, on a transparent tube filled with the nano-thermite as the combustion wave passes and the spectrum is temporally resolved using a streak tube and detected using an intensified CCD camera. Temperature traces from these experiments show a temperature ramping period followed by a plateau in temperature. For Al/CuO, the average temperature from the unconfined pile experiment was 2390 ± 150 K, and the average plateau temperature for the temporally resolved measurements was approximately 2250 ± 100 K. For Al/MoO 3 , the unconfined pile experiment yielded an average temperature of 2150 ± 100 K, and the average plateau temperature was the same. The temperature measured from the Al/Fe 2 O 3 unconfined pile experiment was 1735 ± 50 K. The measured temperatures suggest that the gases generated during the reactions are primarily from the decomposition or vaporization of the various metal oxides. Furthermore, for Al/CuO and Al/MoO 3 , which can be classified as ‘fast’ nano-thermites, it was shown that the length scale associated with the temperature rise is much longer than classical conduction driven reactions.
The Relationship between Antidepressant Use and Smoking Cessation in Pregnant Women in Treatment for Substance Abuse

Background: Bupropion's efficacy for smoking cessation in pregnant women is unknown. Objectives: To determine if substance-dependent women prescribed bupropion smoked fewer cigarettes/day than those prescribed citalopram/escitalopram or no antidepressant medication. Methods: Comparison of smoking in bupropion (n = 11), citalopram/escitalopram (n = 17), and no antidepressant (n = 28) groups. Results and Conclusions: Trend for greater decrease in smoking for the bupropion vs. citalopram/escitalopram group [−6.4 vs. −.4 cigarettes/day (p = .276)], although the bupropion decrease was similar to that seen in the no antidepressant group [−5.3 cigarettes/day]. Scientific Significance: Data support continued study of bupropion in depressed pregnant substance-dependent smokers.
Scientific ballooning payload termination loads

NASA's high altitude balloon borne scientific payloads are typically suspended from a deployed flat circular parachute. At flight termination, the recovery train is pyrotechnically separated at the parachute apex and balloon nadir interface. The release of elastic energy stored in the parachute at zero initial vertical velocity in the rarefied atmosphere produces high canopy opening forces that subject the gondola to potentially damaging shock loads. Data from terminations occurring at altitudes to 40 km with payloads up to 2500 kg on parachutes up to 40 m in diameter are presented. Measured loads are markedly larger than encountered via packed parachute deployment for similar canopy loadings. Canopy inflation is significantly suppressed in the early stages and then accelerated during final blossoming. Data interpretation and behavioral phenomena are discussed along with proposed shock attenuation techniques.
Late Elongation of the Cranial Base

A single logistic curve was fitted to serial data for three cranial base lengths (S-N, Ba-N, and Ba-S) in 33 boys and 26 girls. Elongation during pubescence plus adolescence is greater in boys than girls for each length. The maximum rate of pubescent elongation occurs earliest in Ba-N. There are no consistent sex differences in the maximum rates of elongation but they occur considerably earlier in girls. Similarly, girls reach 95% of their adult lengths at younger ages than boys.
Detecting the Snake in the Grass Attention to Fear-Relevant Stimuli by Adults and Young Children

Snakes are among the most common targets of fears and phobias. In visual detection tasks, adults detect their presence more rapidly than the presence of other kinds of visual stimuli. We report evidence that very young children share this attentional bias. In three experiments, preschool children and adults were asked to find a single target picture among an array of eight distractors. Both the children and the adults detected snakes more rapidly than three types of nonthreatening stimuli (flowers, frogs, and caterpillars). These results provide the first evidence of enhanced visual detection of evolutionarily relevant threat stimuli in young children.
An on-line UPS system with power factor correction and electric isolation using BIFRED converter

This paper presents design consideration and performance analysis of an on-line, low-cost, high performance single-phase Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system based on Boost Integrated Flyback Rectifier/Energy storage DC/DC (BIFRED) converter. The system consists of an isolated AC/DC BIFRED converter, a bi-directional DC/DC converter, and a DC/AC inverter. It has input power factor correction, electric isolation of the input from the output, and control simplicity. Detailed circuit operation, analysis, as well as simulation and experiment results are presented.
Agent-based Modeling and Computational Experiments in Industrial Organization: Growing Firms and Industries in silico

‘‘y So much remained to be done. Everything was still in an imperfect state. It was like fishing in a virgin lake: a whopper at every cast, but so many lovely new specimens that the palate never cloyed.’’ [Paul A. Samuelson in his introduction to the enlarged edition of Foundations of Economic Analysis [2003]]
MR Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy typically associated with chronic liver disease and is a leading cause of mortality among these patients. Prognosis is improved when detected early. MRI is the best imaging examination for accurate diagnosis. Although arterial enhancement with delayed washout, increased T2-weighted signal intensity, delayed capsular enhancement, restricted diffusion, and tumor thrombus are typical features, not all lesions demonstrate these findings. The radiologist must be familiar with these typical imaging characteristics, and less common appearances and associated findings of HCC, and must be able to differentiate them from those of lesions that mimic HCC. Knowledge of therapeutic options and how those are related to imaging findings is imperative to assist clinicians in managing these patients.
Saffman–taylor Influence On Flame Propagation In Thermoacoustically Excited Flow

Abstract Flame propagation may be influenced by thermoacoustic instabilities that develop when acoustic fluctuations of the flow are enhanced by the heat release of the flame. The nature of these instabilities depends on the thermodynamic and transport properties of the reactive mixture, including the heat of combustion, the equivalence ratio, and the Markstein number, as well as on the acceleration of gravity. In addition, the Saffman–Taylor instability, resulting from the disparity between the viscosities of the reactant and product mixtures, influences flame propagation between two closely separated walls. Analytical formulation presented in the present study redefines previously established thermoacoustic stability regimes by taking into account the influence of the Saffman–Taylor instability. The results predict elimination of the dynamically stable planar-flame regime when the wall-separation distance is sufficiently small, which is consistent with elimination of the influence of gravity in these cases.
Range-Doppler Imaging of Rotating Objects

During the integration time required to obtain fine Dopplerfrequency resolution in a range-Doppler imaging radar, a point on a rotating object may move through several range and Doppler resolution cells and produce a smeared image. This motion can be compensated by storing the appropriately processed return pulse, and the angular coordinates are determined by the angular coordinates of the radar antenna. The resulting stored data represents the three-dimensional Fourier transform of the object reflectivity density, and hence can be processed by an inverse Fourier transformation. Also included is an analysis of the three-dimensional radar/object geometry with separate source and receiver locations. The effects of various system aberrations are investigated and experimental results from a microwave test range which demonstrate the image improvement are presented.
Extraordinary Performances at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Abstract While the design tactics and systems of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies are well documented, its performance remains less explored. Based upon extended in situ observation, I present an account of the building in terms of its day-to-day performances as well as cumulative evidence of its performance over its forty-year history. Contrary to accounts that focus on the building's extraordinary qualities, this article argues that in the end, it is ordinary details and systems that engender its most consequential performances. Central to this account is an approach that integrates organizational, technical, and aesthetic performance parameters for a polyvalent understanding of performance in architecture.
The Genus Chrysopilus in New Caledonia (Diptera: Rhagionidae)

Abstract Seventeen new species of Chrysopilus Macquart are described from New Caledonia with illustrations of the male head, wing, and genitalia. The new species are C. bicoloratus sp. nov., C. brunneabdominalis sp. nov., C. caliginosus sp. nov., C. chazeaui sp. nov., C. everti sp. nov., C. irwini sp. nov., C. frankmcalpinei sp. nov., C. mandjelia sp. nov., C. melinus sp. nov., C. noumea sp. nov., C. petersoni sp. nov., C. plautifrons sp. nov., C. sarramea sp. nov., C. shewelli sp. nov., C. teskeyi sp. nov., C. vockerothi sp. nov., and C. woodi sp. nov. Keys are provided to identify the species from New Caledonia.
Why are some individuals resistant to the cardioprotective effects of aspirin? Could it be thromboxane A2?

It has been slightly more than 100 years since the synthesis, development, and commercialization of acetylsalicylic acid, the most widely consumed drug in the world. It is estimated that 35 000 kg are consumed daily in the United States and 6000 kg in the UK.1 Who would have ever thought that this widely consumed drug would achieve significant uses other than as an analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory. The first report of a possible antithrombotic effect of aspirin appeared in 1953 in the Mississippi Valley Medical Journal .2 Dr Craven noticed that the patients who took Aspergum had a tendency to bleed more easily. He concluded that aspirin must be thinning the blood and because thrombosis of the coronary arteries led to myocardial infarction, if his patients took aspirin, they might be less prone to experiencing a myocardial infarction. See p 1650 These prescient observations were succeeded by the discovery by numerous investigators that aspirin could significantly decrease platelet function. In 1971, the mechanism by which aspirin inhibited platelet function began to unfold when Smith and Willis3 demonstrated that aspirin inhibited platelet prostaglandin synthesis. It was subsequently shown that aspirin irreversibly acetylated serine-529 close to the active site of the fatty acid cyclooxygenase (COX).4 In the case of the anucleate platelet, the enzyme is rendered inactive for its lifetime. Samuelsson and co-workers5 demonstrated that thromboxane A2 along with prostaglandin H2 were the arachidonic acid metabolites responsible for activation of the platelet. Thromboxane A2 is also a very effective vasoconstrictor and mitogenic substance. After the discovery of thromboxane A2, numerous studies followed that investigated its potential role in thrombotic cardiovascular diseases. Platelet thromboxane A2 synthesis is increased in acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, thrombolysis therapy, percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty, and …
Protein identification problem from a Bayesian point of view

We present a generic Bayesian framework for the peptide and protein identification in proteomics, and provide a unified interpretation for the database searching and the de novo peptide sequencing approaches that are used in peptide identification. We describe several probabilistic graphical models and a variety of prior distributions that can be incorporated into the Bayesian framework to model different types of prior information, such as the known protein sequences, the known protein abundances, the peptide precursor masses, the estimated peptide retention time and the peptide detectabilities. Various applications of the Bayesian framework are discussed theoretically, including its application to the identification of peptides containing mutations and post-translational modifications.
Thermal methodology for evaluating the performance of microelectronic devices with non-uniform power dissipation

Non-uniform power consumption across different functional units is commonly found in the contemporary microprocessor architectures. In such integrated circuit (IC) design, certain regions of the chip can dissipate a significant fraction of the total power while other regions of the die may dissipate little or no power. This non-uniformity of power dissipation results in non-uniform die temperature distribution with localized hot spots that may exceed the critical operating junction temperature (T/sub j/) and severely affect the microprocessor performance, production yield as well as product reliability. This trend directly drives an increasing importance of investigating thermal interactions of heat sources in the silicon chip. An important area of research is on the development of a methodology for evaluating the thermal impact of the non-uniform power concentration in microelectronic devices. The objective of this paper is to present the thermal analyses carried out to investigate the applicability of the superposition concept for predicting the temperature distribution of the silicon chip with non-uniform power dissipation patterns. In this investigation, the average chip temperature due to multiple heat sources within the silicon chip was defined as the reference temperature for evaluating the Tj rise of the particular chip segment. Verification of the methodology was carried out using the results obtained from finite element analysis (FEA). A heat sink thermal design was modeled to simulate a typical thermal design of a microprocessor. Key thermal parameters investigated are the heat source placement distance, convection heat transfer mode, and level of heat dissipation. Results of the verification show that the proposed approach offers a practical methodology for the thermal evaluation of microelectronic packages with nonuniform power dissipation.
Compact nano-antenna emitters for optical phased array applications

We propose and experimentally demonstrate nano-antenna emitters coupled to a dielectric waveguide. Initial measured emitter efficiencies are 4.9–13% with simulations predicting > 50% efficiencies with bandwidths exceeding 300nm in more advanced and ideally fabricated geometries.
Medical Management of Brain Tumor Patients

Brain tumors can present challenging medical problems. Seizures, peritumoral edema, venous thromboembolism, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction can complicate the treatment of patients who have primary or metastatic brain tumors. Effective medical management results in decreased morbidity and mortality and improved quality of life for affected patients.