cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of the Drosophila gene encoding the TATA box binding protein, TFIID

To investigate the biochemical mechanisms involved in interactions between regulatory factors and the general transcription complex, we have cloned, expressed, and characterized the Drosophila gene encoding the TATA binding protein, dTFIID. Comparison of the protein sequences of the Drosophila and yeast TATA binding proteins reveals a bipartite organization consisting of a highly conserved, basic carboxy-terminal domain and a nonconserved amino-terminal region rich in Gln, Gly, Ser, and Met residues. Purified dTFIID protein binds specifically to the TATA sequence and activates basal-level transcription, and the conserved carboxy-terminal half of the molecule is sufficient for both activities. Partially purified TFIID from Drosophila cells mediates activation by the transcription factor Sp1. In contrast, purified dTFIID expressed from the cloned gene is unable to support Sp1-dependent activation, suggesting that other factors may be required to mediate interactions between upstream activators like Sp1 and the TATA binding protein.
Patterns of plant decomposition and nutrient cycling in natural and created wetlands

Functional assessment is important to determine whether restored and created wetlands are similar to natural ones. We investigated ecosystem processes (decomposition, biomass production) and some aspects of biogeochemical cycles (plant uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus, litter N immobilization) in a population of natural and created (mitigation) wetlands. Our goals were to quantify ecosystem processes and compare some biological and physical characteristics, in order to assess the relative performance of created wetlands. The biological and biogeochemical characteristics of the natural and created sites were substantially different. Decomposition rates for both in-situ and control litter and tissue nutrient concentrations were higher in the natural wetlands, with final decomposition rate constant values (k (d−1)) averaging 0.009 for natural and 0.006 for restored sites over approximately a one-year incubation period. Aboveground biomass production was also significantly higher in the natural sites, averaging 347 g m−2 compared to 209 g m−2. Concentrations of soil percent organic carbon, percent nitrogen, and plant available P (μgP g soil−1) were significantly higher in the natural sites. Lower soil nutrient content in the created wetlands appears to propagate through the system resulting in low tissue nutrient levels, less biomass accumulation, and slower rates of decomposition.
N-Phenacylthiazolium Bromide Reduces Bone Fragility Induced by Nonenzymatic Glycation

Nonenzymatic glycation (NEG) describes a series of post-translational modifications in the collagenous matrices of human tissues. These modifications, known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), result in an altered collagen crosslink profile which impacts the mechanical behavior of their constituent tissues. Bone, which has an organic phase consisting primarily of type I collagen, is significantly affected by NEG. Through constant remodeling by chemical resorption, deposition and mineralization, healthy bone naturally eliminates these impurities. Because bone remodeling slows with age, AGEs accumulate at a greater rate. An inverse correlation between AGE content and material-level properties, particularly in the post-yield region of deformation, has been observed and verified. Interested in reversing the negative effects of NEG, here we evaluate the ability of n-phenacylthiazolium bromide (PTB) to cleave AGE crosslinks in human cancellous bone. Cancellous bone cylinders were obtained from nine male donors, ages nineteen to eighty, and subjected to one of six PTB treatments. Following treatment, each specimen was mechanically tested under physiological conditions to failure and AGEs were quantified by fluorescence. Treatment with PTB showed a significant decrease in AGE content versus control NEG groups as well as a significant rebound in the post-yield material level properties (p<0.05). The data suggest that treatment with PTB could be an effective means to reduce AGE content and decrease bone fragility caused by NEG in human bone.
Effects of hypoxia on oxygen uptake and surfacing behavior in the giant aquatic salamander Siren lacertina

The greater siren (Siren lacertina) can acquire oxygen from both air and water (bimodal breathing). Currently, only physiological measurements have been made on bimodal breathing, with little work being done on the unique surfacing behaviors associated with this process. Flow-through respirometry was used to measure O2 uptake in increasingly hypoxic water. In addition, video recordings were made to capture and quantify the surfacing behavior of greater sirens in response to progressive hypoxia. Greater sirens showed an increase in aerial O2 uptake, a decrease in aquatic O2 uptake, and no change in total O2 uptake as the aquatic O2 tension decreased. Also, greater sirens shifted only the number of surfacing trips they made as the aquatic O2 tension decreased; all other surfacing behaviors remained unchanged. Greater sirens appear to maintain their metabolic rate despite the aquatic O2 tension solely by modifying the number of trips they take to the surface.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies: An Agenda for Otolaryngology

Over the past decade, there has been an emergence of interest in complementary and alternative medicine among many Western nations. It has been estimated that about 30% to 40% of Americans use various alternative therapies for many illnesses. 1,2 A similar prevalence has been reported in the United Kingdom. 3 One estimate of the financial impact is that more than $13 billion is spent annually on complementary and alternative techniques in the United States alone. 4
Evidence for Cell Surface Extracellular Matrix Binding Proteins in Hydra vulgaris

The present study was designed to identify and functionally characterize potential cell surface extracellular matrix binding proteins in Hydra vulgaris. Using [3H]-laminin as a probe, radioreceptor analysis of a dissociated mixed hydra cell preparation indicated that the average number of laminin binding sites per cell was about 10,000 with a dissociation constant of 1.49 nM. These binding sites could be displaced with unlabelled laminin in a dose-dependent manner and with high concentrations (500 nM) of unlabelled fibronectin. No displacement with type-IV collagen and type-I collagen was observed. Immunoscreerting studies with a battery of antibodies raised to mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM) binding proteins indicated potential cell surface binding sites for the anti-β1 integrin monoclonal antibody, mAb JG22. Cell adhesion studies indicated that mAb JG22 blocked binding of hydra cells to laminin, but did not affect their binding to fibronectin, type-IV collagen, or type-I collagen. Light and electro...
Attributional Measurement Techniques: Classification and Comparison of Approaches for Measuring Causal Dimensions

Abstract Despite the burgeoning literature on attributions, research on the reliability or validity of attributional measures has been meager. Several factors have inhibited research on measurement of attributions, including the lack of explicit criteria for determining validity and the lack of a framework for comparing attributions. A framework is presented for classifying attributional measures that includes three approaches: (a) open ended, (b) derived score, and (c) direct rating. Two studies were conducted with these approaches. The first demonstrated adequate test-retest correlations in the measurement of the dimensions internality, controllability, globality, and stability. The second compared the relative validity of these three approaches. The direct-rating technique was found to be superior to the open-ended and the derived-score technique in validity.
Early life of coronal mass ejections

Abstract Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are large-scale magnetized plasma structures ejected from closed magnetic field regions of the Sun. White light coronagraphic observations from ground and space have provided extensive information on CMEs in the outer corona. However, our understanding of the solar origin and early life of CMEs is still in an elementary stage because of lack of adequate observations. Recent space missions such as Yohkoh and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and ground-based radioheliographs at Nobeyama and Nancay have accumulated a wealth of information on the manifestations of CMEs near the solar surface. We review some of these observations in an attempt to relate them to what we already know about CMEs. Our discussion relies heavily on non-coronagraphic data combined with coronagraphic data. Specifically, we discuss the following aspects of CMEs: (i) coronal dimming and global disk signatures, (ii) non-radial propagation during the early phase, (iii) Photospheric magnetic field changes during CMEs, and (iv) acceleration of fast CMEs. The relative positions and evolution of coronal dimming, arcade formation, prominence eruption will be discussed using specific events. The magnitude and spatial extent of CME acceleration may be an important parameter that distinguishes fast and slow CMEs.
The framing of Calvin Klein: A frame analysis of media discourse about the August 1995 Calvin Klein Jeans advertising campaign

This study analyzes the media discourse about the August 1995 Calvin Klein jeans campaign which media critics characterized as “kiddie porn.” Though media placement of the campaign was limited, mainstream media reports of the nascent controversy surrounding the campaign brought it into the national spotlight. A frame analysis is used to deconstruct the kiddie‐porn media frame which the industry and mainstream media employed to characterize the campaign and Klein's promotional activities. The analysis examines how the kiddie‐porn frame produces and reproduces common‐sense beliefs about the nature of youth, youthful sexuality and youthful cultural and economic power. The findings suggest that the “kiddie‐porn” frame articulates a metadiscourse encompassing the politicized discourses of Generational Equity, middle‐class morality and patriarchy. Ultimately, this metadiscourse trivializes the issue of child pornography and obscures the cultural and economic influence of youth in the United States.
Heart-Lung Transplantation: Lessons Learned and Future Hopes

Since March, 1982, 33 patients have undergone cardiopulmonary transplantation. Nineteen were discharged from the hospital following the operation, and 16 continue to do well. Eight patients have survived 1 year, 5 patients 2 years, and 1 patient 3 years. Often survival has been influenced most by the selection of candidates, as no patient who had undergone a previous sternotomy survived (3 of 3). All 7 early (between 30 and 72 days) and 3 late (145 to 466 days) deaths were related to infection. Methods for ex vivo preservation of the heart-lung bloc have included storage at 4 degrees C, cardiopulmonary bypass and profound hypothermia, and autoperfusion of the heart-lung bloc. The last technique is original and currently is preferred for distant procurement. Because dehiscence of the tracheal anastomosis has occurred in 3 patients, a sutured line is now encircled with a wrap of omentum. Isolated rejection of the lung is frequent in the first three weeks following operation and has been controlled with methylprednisolone. Late survivors have shown a mild restrictive lung disorder that has not progressed between 6 and 24 months. Bronchoalveolar lavage has been useful for diagnosing infection and providing insight into the immunobiology of the transplanted lung. Although mortality and morbidity have been high, the experiences gained through this series will likely result in an improved outlook for future recipients.
Formation of Bridge-Methylated Decalins by Antibody-Catalyzed Tandem Cationic Cyclization

We report the antibody catalysis of an electrophilic tandem ring forming process that yields a bicyclic ring system at neutral pH. Three closely related decalin systems that represent rings A and B of the steroid nucleus account for 50% of the overall products. The linear diene substrate has been designed to mimic the first two isoprene units of 2,3-oxidosqualene, where the epoxide oxygen has been substituted by an arylsulfonate as leaving group. The hapten is based on a decahydroquinoline system with an N-oxide functionality as the key structure to elicit a combining site architecture capable of promoting leaving group release. The kcat for the formation of sulfonic acid in the catalyzed reaction was determined to be 0.021 min-1. The efficiency of the antibody-catalyzed process is underscored by the fact that the bicyclic products are not formed in the absence of the antibody catalyst under our mild conditions.
G-Quadruplex Folds of the Human Telomere Sequence Alter the Site Reactivity and Reaction Pathway of Guanine Oxidation Compared to Duplex DNA

Telomere shortening occurs during oxidative and inflammatory stress with guanine (G) as the major site of damage. In this work, a comprehensive profile of the sites of oxidation and structures of products observed from G-quadruplex and duplex structures of the human telomere sequence was studied in the G-quadruplex folds (hybrid (K+), basket (Na+), and propeller (K+ + 50% CH3CN)) resulting from the sequence 5′-(TAGGGT)4T-3′ and in an appropriate duplex containing one telomere repeat. Oxidations with four oxidant systems consisting of riboflavin photosensitization, carbonate radical generation, singlet oxygen, and the copper Fenton-like reaction were analyzed under conditions of low product conversion to determine relative reactivity. The one-electron oxidants damaged the 5′-G in G-quadruplexes leading to spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp) and 2,2,4-triamino-2H-oxazol-5-one (Z) as major products as well as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (OG) and 5-guanidinohydantoin (Gh) in low relative yields, while oxidation in the du...
Control and Applications of Immiscible Liquids in Microchannels

Photolithography was used in combination with photocleavable self-assembled monolayers to pattern surface free energies inside microchannels enabling the control of the boundary between immiscible liquids. While aqueous solutions are confined to the hydrophilic pathways by surface forces alone, organic liquids are confined to the hydrophobic region only if the aqueous liquid first occupies the hydrophilic region. In this way, stable liquid boundaries between immiscible liquids are possible as long as the pressures are maintained below critical values. The maximum pressures are determined by the interfacial tension of the aqueous solution and organic liquid, channel depth, and advancing contact angle (θa). Experimental results on maximum pressures are in good agreement with the analytical values. The ability to confine and position the boundary between immiscible liquids inside microchannels leads to a broad range of applications in microfluidic systems, which is exemplified by fabrication of a semipermeab...
A Value-Based Framework for Software Evolutionary Testing

The fundamental objective in value-based software engineering is to integrate consistent stakeholder value propositions into the full extent of software engineering principles and practices so as to increase the value for software assets. In such a value-based setting, artifacts in software development such as requirement specifications, use cases, test cases, or defects, are not treated as equally important during the development process. Instead, they will be differentiated according to how much they are contributing, directly or indirectly, to the stakeholder value propositions. The higher the contributions, the more important the artifacts become. In turn, development activities involving more important artifacts should be given higher priorities and greater considerations in the development process. In this paper, a value-based framework is proposed for carrying out software evolutionary testing with a focus on test data generation through genetic algorithms. The proposed framework incorporates general principles in value-based software testing and makes it possible to prioritize testing decisions that are rooted in the stakeholder value propositions. It allows for a cost-effective way to fulfill most valuable testing objectives first and a graceful degradation when planned testing process has to be shortened.
From ambiguities to insights in cancer diagnosis via query-based comparisons

Because clinicians cannot determine suspicious thyroid neoplasms' malignancy pre- or intra-operatively, they perform 55,000 US thyroid operations annually, cannot manage patients optimally and, thus, need better diagnostic markers. Though diagnostic ambiguity spurs research, the quest for molecular markers that distinguish benign from malignant thyroid tumor classes remains unfulfilled. That eight subtypes (four per class) define thyroid tumors introduces a degree of heterogeneity that presents the major analytic impediment. A novel query-based comparison approach can, however, reliably distinguish benign from malignant lesions by examining subtype relations in class-specific gene expression. We introduce this approach through microarray analysis of thyroid tumor subtypes.
Detecting Semantic Group Activities Using Relational Clustering

Existing approaches to detect modeled activities in video often require the precise specification of the number of actors or roles, or spatial constraints, or other limitations that create difficulties for generic detection of group activities. We develop an approach to detect group behaviors in video, where an arbitrary number of participants are involved. We address scene conditions with non-participating objects, an arbitrary number of instances of the behaviors of interest, and arbitrary locations for those instances. Our approach uses semantic spatio-temporal predicates to define activities, and relational clustering to identify groups of objects for which the relational predicates are mutually true over time. The algorithm handles conditions where object segmentation and tracking are highly unreliable, such as busy scenes with occluders. Results are shown for the group activities of crowd formation and dispersal on low-resolution, far-field video surveillance data.
Effect of Food on the Bioavailability of Prednisone

Two commercial prednisone tablets were studied which had previously been shown by Sullivan et al.5,6 to have the slowest and fastest in vitro rates of dissolution, and the slowest and fastest rise to peak plasma prednisolone concentrations in human beings. The effect of food on the adsorption of these two tablets was studied in a crossover study, which also repeated the fasting conditions used by Sullivan et al.6 Marked differences in mean prednisolone plasma concentrations during the 0- to 2-hour absorption phase were observed between the two tablets again, but food did not affect either tablet with respect to mean plasma prednisolone concentrations.
Evidence from e.s.r. studies for virtual immobility in niosomes derived from steroidal lariat ethers

Nitroxide radical probes exhibit correlation times which are 300 times longer in steroidal lariat ether-derived niosomes than are observed in egg lecithin vesicles and the membranes are so rigid that the spectra are almost identical to spectra observed for frozen systems.
A comparison of the Gibson posterolateral and Smith-Petersen iliofemoral approaches to the hip for vitallium mold arthroplasty

Abstract The history of the development of two surgical approaches to the hip joint is briefly reviewed. Results of 200 Vitallium mold arthroplasties, for half of which the posterolateral approach of Gibson was used and for half the iliofemoral approach of Smith-Petersen, have been critically analyzed and compared; all patients were operated on during a two-year period (June 4, 1948, to June 6, 1950). This paper has not been presented to take away any of the credit due Smith-Petersen who developed and taught us the principles of arthroplasty of the hip. We will ever be indebted to him for the development of the Vitallium mold and indeed for all his contributions to surgery of the hip and orthopedic surgery in general. There are often many ways of reaching the same end. At present we believe that for most open operations on the hip the posterolateral approach of Gibson is superior to the iliofemoral approach. Certainly all orthopedic surgeons should be well versed in both.
The 4-year evolution of a social and behavioral pharmacy course

Objective. To evaluate the impact of 3 sequential course revisions on student performance in and perceived value of a social science-based course.Design. The initial revision emphasized study of the primary literature and traditional assessments of student learning. Subsequent course revisions emphasized active learning and reflective assessment methodologies.Assessment. The syllabi, grade distributions, and course evaluations were collected at baseline and after each revision and compared. Student performance in and their perceived value of the course declined after the initial course revision, but significantly improved after subsequent revisions with performance measures returning to baseline.Conclusion. Positioning social science-based courses as a bridge to practice while using active-learning techniques to deliver content had a positive impact on students’ perceived value of this Social and Behavioral Pharmacy course without compromising performance measures.
Phosphorus kinetics of planktonic and benthic assemblages in a shallow subtropical lake

Summary 1. Phosphate uptake kinetics and uptake rates were calculated for planktonic (phytoplankton and bacterioplankton) and benthic (epiphyton and epipelon) assemblages in a large, shallow, subtropical lake. Samples were taken bimonthly over the period of 1 year at three different sites to examine spatial and temporal variability in these processes. 2. Two of the sites, located at the edge of the littoral zone next to the open water (ecotone sites), had low irradiance at the sediment surface and high total phosphorus (TP) concentration (annual mean TP = 112 μg L–1). The third site, located in the littoral marsh zone, had high irradiance at the sediment surface and low TP concentration (annual mean TP = 7 μg L–1). 3. Based on 32P-PO4 turnover time, P availability varied temporally and spatially. At the two high TP ecotone sites, P concentration was lowest in July and August. At the low TP marsh site, P limited algal production throughout the year. 4. The quotient of maximum uptake rate to half saturation constant (Vm/Ks) in the plankton increased by over two orders of magnitude during the P-limited (summer) period at the two ecotone sites, suggesting that plankton used the scarce phosphorus more efficiently. The specific uptake rate of plankton was significantly greater than that of periphyton at all sites, suggesting that the plankton were more efficient than periphyton at taking up phosphate. 5. Periphyton biomass, as well as absolute and percentage P uptake rate, was greater at the marsh site than at the ecotone sites, despite the lower P concentrations in the marsh. This was probably a result of rapid nutrient cycling, combined with high light availability in the marsh.
Microtubules and the development of the corkscrew region of a mealybug sperm bundle.

Abstract Two systems of microtubules appear to be functionally significant in the transformation of a small cell into an elongated, acellular ‘corkscrew’, which represents the anterior region of a sperm bundle of Pseudococcus obscurus. One system of microtubules lies within the cell; it is oriented parallel to the long axis of the cell, and may be important in the elongation of the cell. The other system of microtubules is outside of the cell, appears to form a multistranded helix around the cell, and may be related to the production of the helical contour of the corkscrew.
Impact of carbon value on the profitability of slash pine plantations in the southern United States: an integrated life cycle and Faustmann analysis

The emergence of voluntary carbon markets provides an additional income opportunity to nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners because of the carbon sequestered in forest biomass. This study...
Mesh algorithms for finding repetitions and partial symmetries in arrays

The two-dimensional mesh computer architecture has proven to be an appropriate means to apply parallel computation to problems in image processing. However, this is most often done using local-neighbourhood operations to accomplish image filtering and morphological transformations. The discovery of structures in an image such as repetitions and symmetries is another form of visual analysis, and yet relatively little has been done to apply mesh computers to this problem. In this paper, we apply the primitive operations of prefix scanning and sorting to efficiently implement a repetition finding algorithm for arrays. The computational complexity of the algorithm on a n×n mesh is O(n log k) where k is the width of the largest repeated block in the array. The algorithm was implemented on a MasPar MP-1 computer. We describe variations of the algorithm for solving several related problems including the detection of partial symmetries in an image and repetitions in images modulo pixel-value transformations.
Structure and sequence of the cellular gene homologous to the RSV src gene and the mechanism for generating the transforming virus.

Abstract We determined the nucleotide sequences of all coding regions and a significant part of the flanking regions of the chicken c-src gene, which is a cellular homolog of the v-src gene of Rous sarcoma virus. The c-src gene consists of 12 exons; the boundaries of the exons were determined by assuming that the amino acid sequence of its product, pp60 c-src , is basically the same as that of pp60 v-src . The deduced amino acid sequence of pp60 c-src was very similar to that of pp60 c-src , but the last 19 carboxy-terminal amino acids of pp60 v-src were replaced by a new set of 12 amino acids of pp60 v-src . The sequence encoding the carboxy-terminal sequence of pp60 v-src was found 900 bp downstream from the termination codon of the c-src gene. We suggest that the c-src sequence was captured by a virus through recombination at both sides of the c-src gene, and that the recombinations occurred at the level of proviral DNA.
The evolution of migration in subdivided populations. I. Haploids

A haploid model for the evolution of migration in subdivided populations is presented. Of two alternative genotypes A1 and A2, the first does not migrate and the second does. Conditions for protection of these two genotypes are given in terms of the relative subpopulation sizes and the patterns of natural selection and migration. Also investigated is the relationship between the mode of selection (hard- vs. soft-selection) and the maintenance of these alternative migratory phenotypes.
Super Toeplitz operators and non-perturbative deformation quantization of supermanifolds

The purpose of this paper is to construct non-perturbative deformation quantizations of the algebras of smooth functions on Poisson supermanifolds. For the examplesU1¦1 andCm¦n, algebras of super Toeplitz operators are defined with respect to certain Hilbert spaces of superholomorphic functions. Generators and relations for these algebras are given. The algebras can be thought of as algebras of “quantized functions,” and deformation conditions are proven which demonstrate the recovery of the super Poisson structures in a semi-classical limit.
The use of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase activity to select for human chromosome 9 in interspecies and intraspecies hybrid cells.

Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) is an enzyme that functions in a salvage pathway for adenine synthesis. The locus that encodes MTAP activity has been mapped to human chromosome 9 (9q12-9pter) by analysis of mouse × human somatic cell hybrids. Cells that have MTAP activity will stop proliferating, and eventually die in the presence of azaserine, an inhibitor of de novo purine synthesis, but can be rescued by the addition of methylthioadenosine (MTA) to the culture medium. Some mouse and human tumor cells lack MTAP activity and can not grow in the presence of azaserine and MTA. We fused MTAP competent human fibroblast cells to MTAP deficient mouse L-cells and selected for somatic cell hybrids, containing MTAP activity, in medium containing azaserine and MTA. In a separate experiment, a CHO cell × human fibroblast somatic cell hybrid, containing a normal copy of human chromosome 9, was used to prepare microcells, which were fused to an MTAP-deficient human leukemic cell line, CCRF-CEM. Somatic cell and microcell hybrids were shown to retain human chromosome 9 by fluorescence in situ hybridization using probes that hybridize to the interferon-alpha and-beta 1 genes on human chromosome 9 (9p21), and the centromere of human chromosome 9. This is the first report of complementation for MTAP activity being used to select for somatic cell hybrids and microcell hybrids that retain a human chromosome 9.
A transitional model of barrier methods compliance with unbalanced loss to follow-up.

Differential loss to follow-up can substantially influence the evaluation of treatment effects on a dichotomous outcome of interest in longitudinal trials. The use of transitional models incorporating loss to follow-up as an additional category of response and the nature of the correlated responses can provide a comprehensive view of a trial with unbalanced loss to follow-up. Under the Markov assumption, transitional models estimate the probability of changing from one outcome to another outcome between follow-up visits. Patterns of the response variable can be described by the estimated transition probabilities. The effects of intervention and covariates on the outcome of interest can also be estimated using a conditional likelihood function or a multinomial logit regression. Data from a randomized barrier method study designed to compare the proportion of participants using barrier methods consistently in two counselling groups are used to illustrate the proposed model.
Day-to-day reproducibility of anorectal sensorimotor assessments in healthy subjects.

Abstract The reproducibility of tests widely utilized to assess anorectal sensorimotor functions is not well established. Our aims were to assess the intra-individual day-to-day reproducibility of these parameters in healthy subjects. Anal sphincter pressures were assessed by perfusion manometry on two separate days in 19 healthy subjects. Rectal pressure–volume (p–v) curves and sensory thresholds were assessed in 12/19 subjects by inflating a highly compliant polyethylene balloon from 0 to 32 mmHg in 4 mmHg steps. Subjects also rated intensity of perception by visual analogue scale (VAS) during phasic distentions 8, 16 and 24 mmHg above operating pressure, in randomized sequence. Resting and squeeze anal pressures and rectal compliance were highly reproducible (rs ≥ 0.7) in the same subject on separate days. Pressure thresholds for urgency appeared less reproducible than thresholds for initial perception and the desire to defecate. VAS scores were highly reproducible only during the 24-mmHg distention. Thus, anal pressures and rectal compliance are highly reproducible within healthy subjects on separate days, while sensory thresholds are reproducible to a variable degree, dependent on the intensity of stimulation and the perception being assessed.
Stigma structure and variation in Bromeliaceae—Neglected taxonomic characters

Three distinct types of stigma architecture, designated as “simple-erect,” “conduplicate-spiral”, and “convolute-blade” were identified for Bromeliaceae. Structure of the conduplicate-spiral and convolute-blade stigma types is highly complex and previously unreported. Stigma morphology, largely neglected in Tillandsioideae until recently, promises to yield new characters valuable in interpreting systematic relationships in this subfamily. Data indicate that the putatively plesiomorphic state (simple-erect) is retained in some members of all three subfamilies. We found convolute-blade-type stigmas only in Tillandsioideae, though not in all members of the subfamily. Our sample indicates that Tillandsioideae stigmas are more like those of Pitcairnioideae than of Bromelioideae, which is consistent with Smith’s hypothesis of phylogenetic proximity of Tillandsioideae and Pitcairnioideae. Stigma architecture is proving to be a rich source of data for phylogenetic reconstruction and for classification at several infrafamilial levels.
The integration of nanowires and nanotubes with microstructures

A technique for the localised synthesis, self-assembly and direct integration of nanostructures with microstructures employing the localised synthesis of nanostructures onto Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) structures is demonstrated. The in-situ guided growth process of the nanostructures is accomplished using a locally applied electric-field realised by using the MEMS structures as electrodes. The self-assembly and self-terminated contact process of nanostructures is achieved when the hot nanostructure makes contact with the cold MEMS structure. This approach is flexible and both Silicon Nanowires (SiNWs) and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully integrated to form Nanoelectromechanical Systems (NEMS) devices. These systems are potentially available for sensing applications with or without further functionalisation. As such, this approach mitigates integration and manufacturing difficulties which currently plague the fabrication of nanoscale devices.
A 46-year-old woman with rigidity and frequent falls.

Her symptoms began 3 years ago and have progressed rapidly. Is it Parkinson disease, or is it another movement disorder?
Correlation between quantum charge fluctuations and magnetic ordering in multiferroic LuFe2O4

We examine the interplay between quantum charge fluctuations and magnetic ordering in multiferroic LuFe2O4 and show that this can couple spin and charge degrees of freedom in a LuFe2O4 bilayer below the Neel temperature TN. Our analysis supports the idea that the double exchange mechanism normally used in metallic systems can be applied to charge-ordered insulators. This causes ferrimagnetic spin order to reduce the transfer integrals between Fe2+ and Fe3+ in LuFe2O4, decreasing charge fluctuations and increasing the polarization in this system below TN. This work thus provides a more detailed understanding of the mechanism for spin-charge coupling in LuFe2O4.
Effects of irradiation on the transmission spectra of stressed fluorescent fibers

Abstract The effects of gamma irradiation and applied stress on the transmission spectra of commercially available fluorescent fibers were examined. All fibers tested showed significant losses in transmission due to both mechanical failure and radiation-induced color center formation.
Characterization of hydrocarbons in a subsurface oil-rich layer in the Sargasso Sea

Abstract The hydrocarbon composition of seawater samples collected within a subsurface oil-rich layer in the southwest North Atlantic Ocean (Sargasso Sea) during February–March, 1978, has been examined in detail. Chromatograms generated through gas chromatographs/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons are characterized by a narrow unresolved envelope (UCM or unresolved complex mixture) containing isoprenoids as major resolved peaks, suggesting a petroleum source which has undergone moderate biodegradative weathering. Distributions of terpanes, steranes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons corroborate the inferred fossil origin. Stable carbon isotopic compositions ( δ 13 C ) suggest that the source of these hydrocarbons is enriched in 13 C in comparison with most petroleums. The results support the previous suggestions (Harvey et al. , 1979) that this layer is part of a massive submarine oil seep originating somewhere on the Venezuelan shelf, although its origin cannot be attributed to seepage of a specific oil formation.
Implementing the inverted classroom (abstract only)

The Inverted Classroom is an exciting pedagogical technique where more passive information assimilation activities (e.g. lectures) are assigned as homework and class time is reserved for active applied problem solving and group activities. With current technology, instructors wishing to implement inverted classroom have a variety of options to create engaging and accessible learning modules. In this workshop, we will provide an overview of inverted classroom philosophy and some initial data from successful pilots of the inverted classroom. Participants will work in small groups to develop small inverted classroom activities using software and technology provided by the presenters. We will wrap up with presentations from the groups and a discussion about assessment. Laptop Recommended.
Planning for a group-randomized trial with American Indian youth.

Abstract Purpose To describe lessons learned working with tribal communities in the Northern Plains to plan and implement a group randomized trial of multimedia Circle of Life (mCOL), a sexual risk reduction program designed for American Indian (AI) youth. Methods Project records including emails, travel reports, and meeting minutes were reviewed and synthesized to describe participatory development of the project. Results Several challenges were identified including: discussing sexual health interventions for preteens with communities; developing a culturally appropriate research design; managing costs of conducting research in remote and culturally distinct tribal communities; and building research infrastructure of partner organizations. Opportunities for strengthening research partnerships included transparency, openness to bi-directional learning, planning for change, flexibility, and strategic use of technology. Conclusions Findings suggest that meaningful AI community participation in research trials is achievable and a critical step towards generating evidence for interventions in settings where they are most needed. Substantial investments in time, resources, and relationship-building are necessary.
A tectogenetic origin for the deep subsurface microorganisms of Taylorsville Basin: thermal and fluid flow model constraints

Thermophilic anaerobic bacteria extracted from Triassic, 230 million years old (Ma), sandstone and shale at 2800 m below the land surface in the Taylorsville Basin, Virginia, appear to be indigenous to the rock strata. The observed maximum growth temperatures of these bacteria, 65–75°C, are compatible with the current formation temperatures. Paleogeothermometers, however, indicate that the strata were exposed to temperatures of 160–200°C at 200 million years ago. This implies that the bacteria migrated to their current depth after this thermal pulse. A 2D paleofluid flow and heat transport model indicates that during uplift and erosion in the Jurassic, 200–140 Ma, topography drove groundwater deep into the subsurface at a rate of 1–100 mm/year. The estimated minimum time required for water to move from the surface to the microbially sampled horizons during this time interval ranges from 1 to 20 million years. The time required to migrate from a depth compatible with the growth range of microorganisms, approximately 1.3 km, to the microbially sampled horizons would be even less. The present-day groundwater flow rates, however, are 10–100 times less than those during the Jurassic and the minimum time required for water to reach the microbially sampled zones from the surface is 50–180 million years. Colonization of the deep subsurface, therefore, probably occurred during the basin's last major tectonic event in the Jurassic rather than today. For many regions of the earth's crust, the age of deep subsurface microbial communities may be equal to that of the last tectonic upheaval.
The impact of greed on academic medicine and patient care

To what extent is the increasing emphasis on profit generation at US academic institutions shackling intellectual freedom and compromising healthcare?
Enzyme alterations in neonatal heart muscle during development.

Time course changes in marker enzymes of respiration, glycolysis, glycogenolysis, and of myofibril ATPase were investigated in rodent neonatal heart muscle at different stages of development (day 7 to 42). Hexokinase activity increased by 25% during day 7 to 14, but it remained essentially constant thereafter. Phosphofructokinase increased by 30% during the first 4 weeks of age, and it also remained constant thereafter. Lactic dehydrogenase, which was sensitive to 10 m m pyruvate inhibition, increased in total activity by 50% over the 6 week period. On the other hand, citrate synthase and cytochrome c , markers of respiratory capacity, responded with 2.5- to 3-fold increases in levels during the 6 week period, approximating levels seen in adult hearts. Creatine phosphokinase underwent changes similar to that observed for the respiratory markers. Likewise, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ stimulated ATPase of purified myofibrils underwent 2-fold increases during the same period of growth. These findings suggest that cardiac muscle of rodents undergoes marked changes in the major systems involved in ATP synthesis and degradation, which may play an important role in augmenting the functional potential of the heart that is known to occur with development.
Efficient cascaded parameter scan approach for studying top-off safety in storage rings

We introduce a new algorithm, which we call the cascaded parameter scan method, to efficiently carry out the scan over magnet parameters in the safety analysis for top-off injection in synchrotron radiation storage rings. In top-off safety analysis, one must track particles populating phase space through a beam line containing magnets and apertures and clearly demonstrate that, for all possible magnet settings and errors, all particles are lost on scrapers within the properly shielded region. In the usual approach, if one considers $m$ magnets and scans each magnet through $n$ setpoints, then one must carry out ${n}^{m}$ tracking runs. In the cascaded parameter scan method, the number of tracking runs is reduced to $n\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}m$. This reduction of exponential to linear dependence on the number of setpoints $n$ greatly reduces the required computation time and allows one to more densely populate phase space and to increase the number $n$ of setpoints scanned for each magnet.
Early pleistocene habitat in member 1 Olorgesailie based on paleosol stable isotopes.

Abstract Stable carbon and oxygen isotope values from soil carbonates were used to determine the vegetation context of archaeological sites and local climatic conditions represented in a ∼0·99 Ma paleosol that is exposed laterally in the Olorgesailie basin, southern Kenya rift valley. As part of this landscape-scale project, samples of an upper Member 1 paleosol were analyzed along nearly 4 km of outcrop in three adjacent parts of the basin. Modern East African soil and plant community analogs are used to interpret the isotope ratios. The carbon isotopic composition of the paleosol carbonates indicates that the area supported a local biomass of about 75–100% C 4 plants during the period of soil formation. After averaging the data for each trench, an open C 4 grassland is represented by half of the carbon values, with wooded grassland more abundant across the paleolandscape than it is in the area now. This vegetational reconstruction is supported by the mammalian faunal assemblage, which has a high percentage of grazers. Although the relatively small sample size outside the main excavation area precludes firm characterization of vegetational diversity across the basin in upper Member 1 times, eastern and western localities in the study area may have had more woody C 3 plants than the widely sampled zone in between. Oxygen isotopes indicate that the lowland basin was slightly cooler and moister than today's semi-arid climate, with greater annual rainfall. Archaeological traces have a virtually continuous distribution across the paleolandscape, but vary in density of occurrence. With the strong evidence for C 4 grassland as the primary vegetation context across most of the study area, no habitat preference by the Acheulean toolmakers at Olorgesailie is shown in our initial comparison between carbon isotope values and stone/bone densities.
The relationship between extracorporeal circuit prime, albumin, and postoperative weight gain in children

Abstract Objectives: This study evaluated postoperative weight gain in children who received albumin versus crystalloid prime for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Design: A retrospective case-controlled study. Children whose extracorporeal (EC) circuit prime contained albumin (group 1) were matched with those whose prime contained only crystalloid (group 2) on the basis of age, weight, and surgical repair. Setting: A university-based medical center. Participants: Seventy-six children (newborn to 4 years of age) who underwent CPB for correction of a congenital heart anomaly from 1993 to 1995. Group 1 underwent surgery from October 1994 to September 1995, and group 2 from February 1993 to September 1994. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Group 1 had less weight gain on postoperative days (PODs) 1,2 and 3 compared with group 2 (p = 0.04 on POD 1). Albumin (grams per milliliter) prime and prime volume in milliliters per kilogram were the best predictors of weight gain (p Conclusion: Data suggest that adding albumin to the EC circuit prime and minimizing the prime volume will result in less postoperative weight gain. Further prospective study with a larger sample is warranted to determine whether albumin prime offers other clinical benefits.
Ceramic Matrix Composite Material in Highly Loaded Journal Bearings

Conventional sintered silicon carbide (SSiC) has been applied in journal bearings of pumps for more than 20 years with the pumped medium itself being the lubricant. High corrosion and wear resistance of SSiC have contributed to this success. The brittle failure of that material quite often is a problem, though, and limits the application of SSiC in highly loaded bearings. In contrast, ceramic matrix composites (CMC) based on C- or SiC-fiber-reinforced SiC-ceramics show strongly improved fracture toughness on the level of cast iron and are applicable in cases where conventional ceramics due to their lack of reliability cannot be used. These CMC-materials have been developed in several programs primarily for space and military applications and are also beeing successfully used in journal bearings for pumps in power plants [1] and for tubular casing pumps [2]. In power plant pumps, low viscosity water of up to 160°C can be the lubricant. In tubular casing pumps quite often water loaded with abrasive sand particles lubricates the bearings. CMC-journal bearings for pumps in cryogenic rocket engines for reusable launch vehicles (RLVs), where the lifetime of mechanical components is a critical issue, are presently tested. Journal bearings of the type introduced in water pumps could replace ball bearings presently in use. Improved stiffness and damping properties, reduced wear, increased reliability and no limitations in speed times diameter would be some of the expected advantages [3]. Journal bearings for hot hinges in re-entry systems are foreseen for the space vehicle CRV (crew rescue vehicle) and have successfully been tested under close to real conditions. They are envisaged to be flight-tested on the experimental NASA vehicle X38. The bearing faces run under dry conditions and temperatures of more than 1600°C in air of about 50 mbar pressure [4]. Presently, only CMCs based on carbon fibers have potential to operate successfully under such conditions.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Receiver Apprehension as a Function of Cognitive Backlog.

The present study examined the relevance of McReynoIds’ assimilation theory of anxiety as a conceptual framework for receiver apprehension theory and research. Specifically, the hypothesis that there is a significant positive correlation between cognitive backlog, or unassimilated material, and receiver apprehension was tested. Results confirmed the hypothesis.