cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics and mechanism of the hydrolysis of depsipeptides catalyzed by the beta-lactamase of Enterobacter cloacae P99.

The steady-state kinetics and mechanism of the hydrolysis and aminolysis of a series of acyclic depsipeptides, catalyzed by the class C β-lactamase of Enterobacter cloacae P99, have been studied in...
Reproductive Behavior, Incubation and Mortality of Eggs, and Postlarval Food Selection in the White Crappie

Abstract Observations of white crappie nests and spawning were made during 1965 and 1966 in pens built in a pond at the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, Yankton, South Dakota. Males exhibited territorial behavior, swept the spawning sites, and cared for eggs and prolarvae. A well defined nest depression was not constructed. No substrate preference for nesting was apparent, but fish appeared to select areas near objects or bottom vegetation. Polygamy and multiple spawnings by an individual fish occurred. Water depths over nests ranged from 20 to 97 cm; nests were in deeper water in 1965 than in 1966. Spawning occurred over a 20-day period in 1965 (14 May to 3 June) and a 29-day period in 1966 (17 May to 15 June). Water temperatures at spawning ranged from 14 to 23 C, with most spawning taking place at 16 to 20 C. Although April and May temperatures averaged 4.5 C lower in 1966 than in 1965, spawning in 1966 began only 3 days later than in 1965. Up to 50 spawning acts were observed during one spawning r...
Economic principles and across‐the‐board cuts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the irrationality of making budget decisions without awareness of the economic foundation of these decisions. It aims to propose that, in lieu of a universal economic principle, librarians should at least adopt the maxim, “first, do no harm.”Design/methodology/approach – The paper argues the need to review budgetary distribution models in terms of economic principles and the argument incorporates the author's recent implementation of material cuts at his institution.Findings – The paper finds that application of across‐the‐board materials cuts is inequitable and resembles a regressive flat‐tax.Research limitations/implications – The paper argues that sound economic principles are being ignored in budget decision making.Practical implications – Libraries should evaluate the economic principles they apply, especially when they involve distributions of available funds.Originality/value – The paper encourages readers to think about the economic impact of their...
A fluorometric assay for dihydrofolate reductase.

Abstract A recording fluorometric assay for dihydrofolate reductase is described. The technique measures the appearance of product, tetrahydrofolate, as the reaction proceeds. The assay can be accomplished with as little as 2 pmol of enzyme and is sufficiently sensitive to allow accurate kinetic studies using very low concentrations of substrate. Kinetic studies of both purified and crude preparations of enzyme are reported.
Mass spectrometric identification of some prenylaminopurines.

Abstract Mass spectral fragmentation patterns have been recorded for 6-geranylaminopurine, 6-farnesylaminopurine and 6-[di-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)amino]purine. The fragmentation patterns of these compounds were essentially the same. The data suggest that the assignment of structures to new H(C 5 H 8 ) n -substituted purines may not be made solely on the basis of mass spectral fragmentation patterns.
The Disjunction and Existence Properties for Axiomatic Systems of Truth

Abstract In a language for arithmetic with a predicate T ( x ), intended to mean “ x is the Godel number of a true sentence”, a set S of axioms and rules of inference has the truth disjunction property if whenever S ⊢ T ( \s#A ) ∨ T ( \s#B ), either S ⊢ T ( \s#A ) or S ⊢ T ( \s#B ). Similarly, S has the truth existence property if whenever S ⊢ ∃χ T ( \s#A(χ )), there is some n such that S ⊢ T ( \s#A ( n )). Continuing previous work, we establish whether these properties hold or fail for a large collection of possible axiomatic systems.
Effects of mental health reform on client characteristics, continuity of care and community tenure

This article examines the impact of mental health services reform on aspects of service delivery within the State of Washington. Data from the state Mental Health Division's information systems were used to examine client characteristics, continuity of care, and community tenure across a 2-year period spanning the early implementation of services reform. Findings were that (a) caseloads increased, (b) client characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, client priority status) did not change much, (c) continuity of services between state hospitals and community services improved a great deal, and (d) hospital admissions and readmissions changed only slightly, but discharges increased considerably. It was not clear whether there were changes in time in the community between admissions. These results suggest that there are no indications of deterioration in services, as might be expected to occur during major system changes, and that in some respects service delivery has been improved.
Adsorption of Nonpolar Solutes onto Neutral Polymeric Sorbents

Abstract Model nonpolar solutes were chosen to examine adsorption onto neutral polymeric sorbents. When n-hexane was used as the solvent hydrogen bonding appeared to play a predominant role in adsorption. Hydrogen bonds were presumably established between the carboxylic ester groups of the sorbent and either the -OH or -NH groups of the solutes. These results suggest that the specificity of hydrogen bonding can be exploited to selectively adsorb solutes from nonpolar solvents. When water was used as the solvent, adsorption increased with decreasing solute polarity; while hydrogen bonding between the solute and sorbent appeared to be less important. These results suggest that hydrophobic interactions play a major role in adsorption from aqueaous solutions, and thus the selectivity of adsorption may be limited by the nonspecific nature of hydrophobic interactions.
A stochastic model for beaconless IEEE 802.15.4 MAC operation

IEEE 802.15.4 is a popular choice for MAC/PHY protocols in low power and low data rate wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we develop a stochastic model for the beaconless operation of IEEE 802.15.4 MAC protocol. Given the number of nodes competing for channel access and their packet generation rates, the model predicts the packet loss probability and the packet latency. The model can also account for the impact of hidden nodes in certain situations. We compared the model predictions with NS2 simulation results and found an excellent match between the two for a wide range of the packet generation rates and the number of competing nodes in the network.
Attractin Is Elevated in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Malignant Astrocytoma and Mediates Glioma Cell Migration

Purpose: There are a limited number of noninvasive methods available for the monitoring of neoplastic disease in the central nervous system. The goal of our study was to find reliable markers that could be used for disease monitoring as well as to identify new targets for the therapeutic intervention for malignant astrocytoma (WHO grades 3 and 4). Experimental Design: We employed proteomic techniques to identify secreted proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid that were specific to patients with malignant astrocytoma. Results: Among 60 cerebrospinal fluid samples of patients with various central nervous system diseases, attractin was consistently found to be elevated in the samples of patients with malignant astrocytoma. To independently validate these results, we examined attractin expression in a new set of 108 normal and tumoral brain tissue specimens and found elevated expression in 97% of malignant astrocytomas, with the highest levels in grade 4 tumors. Using immunohistochemistry, we further showed that attractin is produced and secreted by the tumor cells. Finally, we showed that cerebrospinal fluid from brain tumor patients induces glioma cell migration and that attractin is largely responsible for this promigratory activity. Conclusions: Our results find attractin to be a reliable secreted marker for high-grade gliomas. Additionally, our migration studies suggest that it may be an important mediator of tumor invasiveness, and thus, a potential target in future therapies.
Feedstock Routing in the ExxonMobil Downstream Sector

ExxonMobil annually transports significant volumes of vacuum gas oil (VGO) from supply points in Europe to refineries in the United States. Optimizing these transportation costs by using modern mathematical programming technology can provide significant cost savings. We developed a mixed-integer programming formulation for VGO routing and inventory management, and we integrated it into a decision support tool to enable experienced traders and schedulers to further improve the performance of ExxonMobil's downstream supply chain.
Secure Data Collection in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Randomized Dispersive Routes

Compromised-node and denial-of-service are two key attacks in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, we study routing mechanisms that circumvent (bypass) black holes formed by these attacks. We argue that existing multi-path routing approaches are vulnerable to such attacks, mainly due to their deterministic nature. So once an adversary acquires the routing algorithm, it can compute the same routes known to the source, and hence endanger all information sent over these routes. In this paper, we develop mechanisms that generate randomized multipath routes. Under our design, the routes taken by the “shares” of different packets change over time. So even if the routing algorithm becomes known to the adversary, the adversary still cannot pinpoint the routes traversed by each packet. Besides randomness, the routes generated by our mechanisms are also highly dispersive and energy-efﬁcient, making them quite capable of bypassing black holes at low energy cost. Extensive simulations are conducted to verify the validity of our mechanisms.
Ocean-TUNE: a community ocean testbed for underwater wireless networks

This paper presents collective efforts from four institutions, University of Connecticut, University of Washington, University of California, Los Angeles, and Texas A&M University, on a community Ocean Testbed for Underwater Networks Experiments (Ocean-TUNE). This proposed community testbed will enable a wide range of research in the areas of underwater communications, networking, engineering, and marine science, and hence will promote unprecedented progress towards practical solutions in diverse aquatic applications.
Exploring Labor Reduction in Complex Manufacturing

Cost reduction in manufacturing is paramount in today's competitive environment. Consumers are demanding customized products at a fraction of the time it took just a few years ago. In order to meet these changing needs while reducing costs, many new methods of flexible manufacturing, new conceptual models, and advanced information technology have been developed and implemented. One aspect that is often overlooked is the human resource dimension and the possibility of enhanced performance based on improved labor usage. This paper examines the impact of labor reduction in complex manufacturing, specifically in semiconductor manufacturing. The result of this study assesses the impact of labor reduction on the efficiency and productivity of complex manufacturing
Quick Power Estimates for Comparing Proportions

Power estimates prior to data collection are an essential part of good research planning. The procedures for estimating power when comparing proportions or percentages are more complex than they are when comparing means. Current procedures for estimating power when comparing two independent proportions are found in sources with limited availability and are confusing to many researchers. Procedures for estimating the power for detecting a difference between two independent proportions require the arcsine transformation of proportions. This transformation is intimidating to many researchers who lack confidence in their mathematical skills. These factors no doubt account, in part, for the fact that power estimates are even less common when comparing proportions than they are when comparing means. In addition, the arcsine transformation robs the "effect size" of some of its intuitive appeal because this metric is unfamiliar and does not consistently correspond to differences in percentages or proportions; it ...
Second-Generation Thiazolidinediones and Hepatotoxicity

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of hepatotoxicity probably caused by pioglitazone, summarize case reports of hepatotoxicity induced by rosiglitazone or pioglitazone, and make recommendations regarding routine liver enzyme measurement in patients taking these agents.CASE SUMMARY:A 39-year-old black woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and congestive heart failure presented to a pharmacist-staffed diabetes comanagement service. She reported fatigue, dark brown urine, nausea, itching, and loss of appetite. Pioglitazone was promptly discontinued because her symptoms were consistent with those of hepatic dysfunction and pioglitazone was identified as a potential cause. The patient was referred to her physician. Liver enzyme levels were checked 13 days after initial presentation and found to be abnormal: alanine aminotransferase 490 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 360 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 851 U/L, total bilirubin 3.1 mg/dL, direct bilirubin 2.0 mg/dL, and indirect bilirubin 1.1 mg/dL. Within 21/2 ...
Simultaneous Administration of Two Human-Rhesus Rotavirus Reassortant Strains of VP7 Serotype 1 and 2 Specificity to Infants and Young Children

Two rotavirus vaccine strains representing VP7 serotypes 1 and 2 derived by reassortment between a rhesus rotavirus master strain, MMU18006, and either of two human rotavirus strains were administered simultaneously to infants and young children to assess potential interactions between strains. Children were observed in a day care setting for 10 days after vaccine administration for clinical symptoms, evidence of vaccine transmission, and patterns of viral shedding. Serum and local antibody responses were measured. The ratio of input virus strongly influenced the amount of each strain recovered from the child. Regardless of dose of virus administered, the neutralizing antibody response to the VP7 glycoprotein, the serotype determinant, was diminished in a bivalent preparation compared with a monovalent vaccine. Additional strategies must be sought to induce immunity against the multiple serotypes of human rotavirus before broad immunity will be established.
Bronchial vasodilation evoked by increased lower airway osmolarity in dogs.

Hyperosmotic saline solutions stimulate lower airway sensory nerves. To determine whether airway hyperosmolarity evokes neurally mediated changes in bronchial artery blood flow (Q˙br), we measured ...
Local tissue properties of human osteoarthritic cartilage correlate with magnetic resonance T1rho relaxation times

The objective of this study is to examine the local relationship between T1ρ relaxation times and the mechanical behavior of human osteoarthritic articular cartilage using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and local in situ microindentation. Seven human tibial plateaus were obtained from patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty due to severe osteoarthritis (OA). Three to six sites were selected from each sample for visual classification using the ICRS Outerbridge scale (a total of 36 sites). Samples were imaged by MR, and the local distribution of T1ρ relaxation times were obtained at these selected sites. The elastic and viscoelastic characteristics of the tissue were quantified nondestructively using dynamic microindentation to measure peak dynamic modulus, energy dissipation, and phase angle. Measured Outerbridge scores, MR T1ρ relaxation times, and mechanical properties were highly heterogeneous across each cartilage surface. Site-specific measures of T1ρ relaxation times correlated significantly with the phase angle (p < 0.001; R = 0.908), a viscoelastic mechanical behavior of the cartilage. The novel combination of high-resolution MR imaging and microindentation allows the investigation of the local relationship between quantitative MRI and biomechanical properties in highly heterogeneous OA cartilage. These findings suggest that MRI T1ρ can provide a functional assessment of articular cartilage. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1312–1319, 2011
Manufacturing technology challenges for low power electronics

SOI is an attractive technology option for low power, high performance semiconductors. A number of breakthroughs and developments are required to move the material into mainstream acceptance by manufacturers. It is too early to predict the future dominance of SOI technology. Next steps in the development of an SOI technology base are better understanding of how materials issues affect device/circuit operation, and which device design paradigms are best.
Sentence simplification for spoken language understanding

In this paper, we present a sentence simplification method and demonstrate its use to improve intent determination and slot filling tasks in spoken language understanding (SLU) systems. This research is motivated by the observation that, while current statistical SLU models usually perform accurately for simple, well-formed sentences, error rates increase for more complex, longer, more natural or spontaneous utterances. Furthermore, users familiar with web search usually formulate their information requests as a keyword search query, suggesting that frameworks which can handle both forms of inputs is required. We propose a dependency parsing-based sentence simplification approach that extracts a set of keywords from natural language sentences and uses those in addition to entire utterances for completing SLU tasks. We evaluated this approach using the well-studied ATIS corpus with manual and automatic transcriptions and observed significant error reductions for both intent determination (30% relative) and slot filling (15% relative) tasks over the state-of-the-art performances.
Optimization by reduction to maximum clique

MAX-CLIQUE is the optimization problem of finding a largest clique in a given graph. By reduction to MAX-CLIQUE, the following three NP-hard optimization problems in a binary weights Hopfield net special case are solved: minimum vertex and set cover, constraint satisfaction problems (N-queens), and Boolean satisfiability (using a recent reduction). The approximation performance is experimentally determined on uniformly-at-random generated instances. The author's optimizing dynamics are discrete and converge, independently of the problem, in O(number of units) unit-switches. Several problems are optimized in a single binary weights (0/-1) network, which, for all problems, admits no invalid solutions. All reductions, except one, are goodness-preserving in a formal sense. This is contrasted with the variety of handcrafted energy functions for the same individual problems in the literature, several of which admit invalid solutions. >
Design of reconfigurable electromagnetic bandgap surfaces as artificial magnetic conducting ground planes and absorbers

The research presented in this paper adapts the reconfigurable FSS technology to EBG AMC surface design, which utilizes a periodic array of fixed metallic cross-dipole elements connected by ideal switches. This structure can be reconfigured to achieve the AMC condition for various resonant frequencies. The introduction of loss into the FSS screen also allows the design of reconfigurable EBG absorbers.
What can vicariance biogeographic models tell us about the distributional history of subterranean amphipods

Because of taxonomic diversity, geographic isolation, and other considerations, subterranean groundwater amphipods would appear to make excellent candidates for biogeographic studies. Limted dispersal ability in combination with local endemism makes it likely that vicariance models will generally offer better explanations for present distribution patterns of subterranean amphipods than scenarios based on centers of origin and dispersal. Vicariance biogeography demands a knowledge of both phylogeny and area relationships, which are typically shown on biological area cladograms. To date most biogeographic studies on subterranean amphipods have been limited to cladograms of single taxonomic groups. Although useful in showing possible relationships between areas and nested subsets of taxa, these single taxon studies do not consider covariant patterns among different groups. However, in order to be fully effective, future biogeographic research will have to focus on analyses of congruence between biological area cladograms of amphipod taxa and other subterranean crustacean groups, such as isopods. To date many covariant distributions among groups of subterranean crustaceans have been recognized but not yet analyzed for congruence.
CSR and the Bottom Line: Analyzing the Link Between CSR and Financial Performance for Professional Teams

Despite the acknowledged importance of investigating the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP) within a single industry, very few studies have examined this relationship in the context of the sport industry. Using charitable giving data as a proxy of CSR, this study investigated if CSR would affect CFP of professional sport teams within the four major U.S. leagues. Although the positive CSR-CFP relationship was hypothesized based on instrumental stakeholder theory, CSR was found to have non-positive effects on CFP. These results are still notable since they may highlight the importance of the connectedness between CSR and team operations and the awareness of CSR activity among stakeholders in leveraging CSR benefits. Overall, through the use of improved methodology, the current study furthers the understanding of the CSR-CFP relationship among the U.S. professional teams.
The anti-inflammatory glycoprotein, CD200, restores neurogenesis and enhances amyloid phagocytosis in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Cluster of Differentiation-200 (CD200) is an anti-inflammatory glycoprotein expressed in neurons, T cells, and B cells, and its receptor is expressed on glia. Both Alzheimer's disease patients and mouse models display age-related or amyloid-β peptide (Aβ)-induced reductions in CD200. The goal of this study was to determine if neuronal CD200 expression restores hippocampal neurogenesis and reduces Aβ in the amyloid precursor protein mouse model. Amyloid precursor protein and wild-type mice were injected at 6 months of age with an adeno-associated virus expressing CD200 into the hippocampus and sacrificed at 12 months. CD200 expression restored neural progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in the subgranular and granular cell layers of the dentate gyrus and reduced diffuse but not thioflavin-S(+) plaques in the hippocampus. In vitro studies demonstrated that CD200-stimulated microglia increased neural differentiation of neural stem cells and enhanced axon elongation and dendrite number. CD200 also enhanced Aβ uptake by microglia. These data indicate that CD200 is capable of enhancing microglia-mediated Aβ clearance and neural differentiation and has potential as a therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease.
Assessment Of Student Performance And Attitudes For Courses Taught Online Versus Onsite

This paper assesses the differences in performance and attitudes of students taught online versus onsite. Students completed a course evaluation designed to determine student satisfaction in specific areas. Student performance was measured by means of a comprehensive exam that tested all material covered in the course. Results support the contention that students in online courses learn as much or more than students in traditional onsite courses and are as satisfied with the course and the instruction as their onsite counterparts.
The Unfinished Radio Revolution: Eight Perspectives on Wireless Interference

A collection of eight papers presented at a half-day conference in Washington, D.C. on Friday, November 12, 2010 to address the question: How should radio operating rights be defined, assigned, and enforced in order to obtain the maximum benefit from wireless operations? The event was organized by Silicon Flatirons, IEEE-USA, and ITIF, and co-sponsored by CTIA,New America Foundation, and FCBA. Reports summarizing the conference and the post-event roundtable discussion are available.
Use of clinical indicators to evaluate COPC projects.

BACKGROUND In 1989, Ramsey Family and Community Medicine Residency adopted a population-based focus for teaching and clinical activities based on the principles of community-oriented primary care (COPC). Evaluation and outcomes measurement proved problematic for each of the five COPC projects we implemented. METHODS Surrogate measures, or key clinical indicators, were used to monitor the following COPC projects at Ramsey Family Physicians clinic: preschool immunization, family-centered birth, intimate interpersonal violence, teenage pregnancy-sexually transmitted disease prevention, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening. RESULTS Between 1995 and 1998, we documented a decline in preschool immunization rates, an increase in preterm births and low-birth-weight infants, improved intimate interpersonal violence screening, a high but stable teenage pregnancy rate, a decrease in teenage chlamydia rate, and improved HIV prenatal screening. Our data collection and analysis were complicated by a lack of relevant indicators related to target goals, a shifting denominator, incomplete data and an unstable numerator, disconnected data sources, and missing comparison data. CONCLUSIONS COPC project evaluation is an evolving process, and measurement deficiencies become recognized with time. Even so, outcomes measurement legitimizes COPC interventions and provides a value-added component to resident education and clinical activities.
Aviation at sunrise: shortcomings of the American Air Forces in North Africa during TORCH compared to the Royal Air Force on Malta, 1941-42

This work examines the accidents and shortcomings inexperienced American pilots experienced during the opening days of Operation TORCH and attributes these mishaps to inadequate training and inexperience. Through a comparative approach, American training programs and text are contrasted against those of the British. By analyzing the base training methods of the RAF and observing their effectiveness when used in the North Africa and Mediterranean theatre at Malta provides a solid example where a well developed and battle exposure prove effective. This frame work served as a framework to compare the deficiencies of American airmen.
Bumble Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Oklahoma: Past and Present Biodiversity

Bumble bees (Bombus Latreille) provide indispensable ecosystem services for natural and agricultural systems by increasing crop yield and quality. With documented bumble bee declines throughout the world, the need for baseline data on these important insects becomes apparent. The bumble bees of Oklahoma have previously not been surveyed, hampering assessment of temporal change. The objectives of this study were to determine the past and present bumble bee species richness of Oklahoma and indicate possible temporal trends. Records were gathered from museum and university collections, as well as from a field survey of 46 sites in 21 counties. Historical records indicated ten bumble bee species in Oklahoma, four of which had fewer than ten total records. Only five species have been recorded since 2000, four being found in the targeted survey: B. pensylvanicus (DeGeer), B. griseocollis (DeGeer), B. fraternus (Smith) and B. impatiens (Cresson). The American bumble bee (B. pensylvanicus) has been, and continues to be, the most common bumble bee species in Oklahoma, despite showing clear patterns of decline in other regions of North America. Our results parallel several recent studies that failed to locate extant populations of the variable cuckoo bee, Bombus variabilis (Cresson), supporting possible extirpation in portions of its North American range. A targeted survey for this species is warranted, as its host, B. pensylvanicus, remains common in Oklahoma.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Values of Biopsies of the Pleura and Cytologic Evaluation of Pleural Fluids

Results of a comparison of the diagnostic efficacy of percutaneous needle biopsy of the parietal pleura with that of cytologic examination of pleural fluid sediment obtained concurrently from 166 patients with benign or cancerous pleural disorders are reported. Of 44 patients with confirmatory evidence of cancer involving the pleural surfaces, 43 had positive cytologic findings, whereas pleural biopsies were diagnostic in only 16 cases. Of a total of 122 patients with benign pleural diseases, cytology provided the diagnosis in two cases of eosinophilic pleurisy, and pleural biopsy contributed the diagnosis in four of ten cases of tuberculosis. The data indicate that percutaneous needle biopsy of the parietal pleura is less efficacious in the diagnosis of malignant pleural disease than is cytologic evaluation of the fluid sediment, whereas in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy, pleural biopsy proved superior.
Tribological Aspects of AlN-TiN Thin Composite Films

Physical properties, and the friction and wear are important issues in small-scale applications, it is therefore essential that the materials used have good micromechanical and tribological properties. The adhesion, fracture toughness and wear properties of AlN-TiN thin composite films is being investigated in this study. The multilayered structures are generated using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). The durability and functionality of thin films is subject to the adhesion between the coating and the underlying substrate in addition to it's resistance to cracking. The magnitude of the critical load during a scratch test is related to the adhesion of the substrate to the coating. In this test a Berkovich indenter is used for measurements and is drawn across the surface of a coating under an increasing load. The magnitude of the critical load will be studied for various films from a monolayer TiN film to different AlN-TiN films and those relative results compared to their facture toughness and their wear properties. Despite the adhesion, the critical load depends on several other parameters including the friction coefficient. The critical characteristic load is shown to depend on the number of layers and the relative AlN-TiN thickness. The fracture toughness showed a weak dependence on the layer characteristics.
Synthesis of hybrid bisnucleoside 5',5"'-P1,P4-tetraphosphates by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases, by means of a back reaction, are able to synthesize certain 5′, 5‴ - P1, P4 — bisnucleoside tetraphosphates of biological importance, such as ANA. Here it is shown that HisRS and TrpRS (Bacillus stearothermophilus) and AlaRS (E. coli) also synthesize the hybrid compounds Ap4G, Ap4C, and Ap4U. GInRS (E. coli) is unable to synthesize any of the above compounds. AlaRS synthesizes Ap4U very poorly, and Ap4C and Ap4G almost as effectively as Ap4A. HisRS and TrpRS synthesize Ap4G, Ap4U and Ap3U quite effectively, and Ap4C very poorly. The fact that hybrid bisnucleoside tetraphosphates can be made by the same enzymes, and at rates comparable to Ap4A, suggests that these compounds may also occur in vivo.
Food allergy quality of life and living with food allergy.

Purpose of reviewFood allergy quality of life (QoL) has emerged as a key outcome to understand how food-allergic individuals and their families live with disease. Food allergy QoL has been measured since the early 2000's, but in the past 10–12 years, the advent of disease-specific indices has better
Determination of serum 7 trace elements in the crowd with dyslipidemia by ICP-AES

Objective:To develop a method for the determination of trace elements in serum of dyslipidmia patients and explore the relation between the change of trace elements and dyslipidmia.Methods: Digested the serum samples by nitric acid and perchloric acid and analyzed the contents of Cu,Zn,Fe,Mn,Cr,Ca and Mg in serum of the blood lipid normal group and the blood lipid elevatory group by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES).Results: The contents of Mn,Cu and Zn in serum of the blood lipid elevatory group were significantly higher than those in the serum of the blood normal group,but the ratio of Zn/Cu was less.Conclusion: The contents of Mn,Cu and Zn in serum of the crowd with dyslipidmia are different from those of the crowd with normal blood lipid.The prevalence of dyslipidmia probably is related with the contents of Mn,Cu and Zn in serum.
Burn-out Characteristics of Oil Shale Blended with Semi-coke

Oil shale is a kind of low-grade fuel,with high ash and volatile but low calorific value,unsuitable for conventional ways of firing,but fit to serve zs a fuel for circulating fluidized bed boilers.The combustion process of oil shale has been theoretically analyzed with the help of a shrinking-core model;the burn-out characteristics of Huadian oil shale,blended with semi-coke,has been experimentally studied,in a home built circulating fluidized bed test rig,and effects of factors like bed temperature,rate of fluidizing and mixing ratio,on burn-out characteristics investigated.Results show that higher bed temperaure, higher fludizing rate and higher mixing ratio are all helpful for reducing the burn-out time,approaching conditions where the whole combustion process is being ruled by chemical kinetics.
Modeling the relation between obesity and sleep parameters in children referred for dietary weight reduction intervention.

Objectives Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have demonstrated that short sleep periods increase the likelihood of obesity in children. This study was designed to identify other less-clearly defined sleep and behavioral patterns associated with changes in body mass index (BMI) in obese children referred for interventions. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinic records of children with obesity and children at risk for developing obesity who were referred for counseling and weight loss. Information on sleep habits, pediatric quality of life, pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ), and the pediatric daytime sleepiness scale were analyzed, and children were distributed into three behavior groups using cluster analysis. Results Our sample contained 48 girls and 29 boys with an age range of 2.7 to 16.8 years. The mean BMI was 33.08 ± 7.37 kg/m(2), and mean sleep duration was 9.09 ± 1.09 hours. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant interaction between sleep duration and age when the child was older than 12 years. A 1-hour increase in sleep in older children was associated with a decrease in BMI of 1.263 kg/m(2). Higher (more abnormal) pediatric quality-of-life school scores, higher PSQ1 and PSQ2 scores, and higher pediatric daytime sleepiness scale scores were associated with an increased BMI in univariate analyses but not in the multivariate analysis using the behavior group as an independent predictor. Children who shared a bedroom had a lower BMI in univariate analysis but not in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions Longer sleep periods are associated with a decreased BMI, even in children who already meet the criteria for obesity. These children have poor-quality sleep, diurnal behavioral problems, and increased diurnal sleepiness. This study suggests that studies in obese children using questionnaires about sleep habits and quality of life provide useful information that could lead to better weight loss intervention studies.
The Expanded Role of Transureteroureterostomy in Pediatric Urology

AbstractTransureteroureterostomy was used in 31 patients as a component in urinary undiversions, salvage procedures for failed reimplants/reconstructions and diversions with a sigmoid antirefluxing conduit or end cutaneous ureterostomy, as well as an adjunct to reimplantation procedures complicated by an abnormal bladder that precluded reimplantation of more than 1 ureter. Reconstruction in 29 patients involved procedures that changed the drainage of the recipient ureters for various reasons, including obstruction, reflux, undiversion and diversion. A neurogenic bladder was present in 26 patients and an additional 4 patients had a significant bladder pathological condition. Both ureters were dilated in 17 patients, while 1 was dilated in another 6. This series illustrates the versatility and confirms the success of transureteroureterostomy in high risk, complicated reconstructive urological procedures in children.
Attitudes of the Elderly Toward their Portrayal in Advertisements

This paper reports the results of a study of elderly consumers attitudes toward advertising in general, their portrayal in such, and their response to this portrayal. The results generally indicate that the elderly as a whole hold "neutral” attitudes toward advertising in general, but dislike their portrayal by advertisers to the extent that some elderly may engage in "limited boycotting.” This is particularly true of elderly women and the elderly Black consumer.
Using game-based approaches to increase level of engagement in research and education

Improving student engagement in the classroom has the potential to increase academic success. Similarly, increasing participant engagement in experiments may allow researchers us to better study behavior. As a result, both educators and researchers would like to have tasks and activities that are interesting and engaging, and game-based approaches have been proposed as one way to achieve this goal. We describe a paradigm based on Minecraft that we have been using for basic research in psycholinguistics, the study of the cognitive processes underlying language use. This approach provides us with a task that is interesting for participants, elicits naturalistic language, and allows us to run controlled lab experiments. Moreover, it demonstrates that level of engagement can have large effects on behavior. This illustrates how platforms like Minecraft can provide us with a useful new tool for creating studies that are more engaging, allowing us to examine research questions that we have not been able to address using other techniques.
J.L. Shaw on Meaning

Professor Shaw wrote a battery of land mark articles and several books over four decades. There are several systems in Indian Philosophy and they have their own explanations on Meaning. Shaw is a devout Naiyāyika. By using Nyāya methodology, Shaw provides a new dimension to Western Philosophy. Saul Kripke criticized both Frege and Russell especially their theories of proper names. Shaw however, attempts to reconcile Kripke and Frege-Russellian views by the concept of “pravṛtti-nimitta” following Raghunātha Śiromoṇi. Russell’s theory of definite description is widely known in Western hemisphere. Following Gadādhara, Shaw reasons that Nyāya explanation of Proper name is better than that of Bertrand Russell. Shaw suggested that meaning may be discussed at six levels: etymological, conventional, deep structure (kāraka), causal, metaphorical and suggestive. In this context, Shaw gives an illuminating explanation of the metaphysical term, ‘Brahman’ (Absolute). Brahman is said to be ‘indescribable’. How does the word, ‘Brahman’ then refers to anything at all?
Theoretical Investigation of the Mechanisms of ERK2 Enzymatic Catalysis.

ERK2 are protein kinases that during the enzymatic catalysis, in contrast to traditional enzymes, utilize additional interactions with substrates outside of the active sites. It is widely believed that these docking interactions outside of the enzymatic pockets enhance the specificity of these proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms of how the docking interactions affect the catalysis remain not well understood. Here, we develop a simple theoretical approach to analyze the enzymatic catalysis in ERK2 proteins. Our method is based on first-passage process analysis, and it provides explicit expressions for all dynamic properties of the system. It is found that there are specific binding energies for substrates in docking and catalytic domains that lead to maximal enzymatic reaction rates. Thus, we propose that the role of the docking interactions is not only to increase the enzymatic specificity but also to optimize the dynamics of the catalytic process. Our theoretical results are utilized to describe ...
Insulin growth factor 1 like receptor (IGF-1R)

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and several other human cancers. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab that block EGFR signaling, have emerged as valuable molecular targeting agents in clinical cancer therapy. Prolonged exposure to cetuximab can result in cells acquiring resistance by a process that remains incompletely understood. In this study, we analyzed the immediate early molecular response of cetuximab on physical interactions between EGFR and Insulin growth factor 1 like receptor (IGF-1R) in head and neck cancer cells that are resistant to cetuximab. Co-immunoprecipitation, small molecule inhibitors against phospho-Src and IGF-1R, quantitative western blot of EGFR and Src phosphorylation, cell proliferation assays were used to suggest the role of IGF-1R mediated phosphorylation of specific tyrosine Y845 on EGFR via increased heterodimerization of EGFR and IGF-1R in cetuximab resistant cells. Heterodimerization of EGFR with IGF-1R was increased in cetuximab resistant HNSCC cell line UMSCC6. Basal levels of phosphorylated EGFR Y845 showed significant increase in the presence of cetuximab. Surprisingly, this activated Y845 level was not inhibited in the presence of Src inhibitor PP1. Instead, inhibition of IGF-1R by picropodophyllin (PPP) reduced the EGFR Y845 levels. Taken together, these results suggest that heterodimerization of EGFR with IGF-1R can lead to increased activity of EGFR and may be an important platform for cetuximab mediated signaling in head and neck tumors that have become resistant to anti-EGFR therapy. EGFR-IGF-1R interaction has a functional consequence of phosphorylation of EGFR Y845 in cetuximab resistant HNSCC cells and dual targeting of EGFR and IGF-1R is a promising therapeutic strategy.
Lecture 1: Race, Culture, and Democracy

This is the inaugural lecture of the series. In it Locke explores the unique situation of African descendant people throughout the Americas for advancing, not only the spread of democracy throughout the Americas, but the entire world. Afrodescendant people are also used as a paradigm case of the potential advantages and drawbacks of a racial minority influencing a larger national culture. Locke articulates a conception of cultural democracy, and argues for the necessity of counteracting racial and cultural chauvinism, parochialism and provincialism. Throughout the lecture Locke provides examples from the poetry, music, and art of Afrodescendant populations in the Americas, and the influential role that African descendent peoples played in the democratization of the American continent.
The process of creating an ethnodrama highlighting late life potential through nursing student and older adult collaboration

The purpose of this article is to describe the process of creating an ethnodrama focusing on possible selves. Twelve older adult residents of an assisted living facility were paired with 12 nursing...
The effects of cultural differences between the us and saudi arabia on emergency evacuation—Analysis of self reported recogntion/reaction times and cognitive state

Abstract Engineers rely on studies that publish building evacuation data from various occupancies when conducting an egress analysis; this usually includes the people’s pre-movement and movement times. However, much of the available data was collected in Western cultures, such as the U.S., which brings into question their validity to other non-Western cultures, such as Saudi Arabia. This study examines how cultural differences between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia can affect occupants’ self-reported recognition/reaction times, and the cognitive state of occupants during a fire drill. The results of this research indicate that the U.S. populations are more likely to recognize and react to a fire alarm faster than the Saudi populations during a fire drill.
Seasonal shifts in the solute ion ratios of vadose zone rock moisture from the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory

One of the greatest challenges in critical zone studies is to document the moisture dynamics, water flux, and solute chemistry of the unsaturated, fractured and weathered bedrock that lies between the soil and groundwater table. The central impediment to quantifying this component of the subsurface is the difficulty associated with direct observations. Here, we report solute chemistry as a function of depth collected over a full year across the shale-derived vadose zone of the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory using a set of novel sub-horizontal wellbores, referred to as the vadose zone monitoring system. The results of this first geochemical glimpse into the deep vadose zone indicate a dynamic temporal and depth-resolved structure. Major cation concentrations reflect seasonal changes in precipitation and water saturation, and normalized ratios span the full range of values reported for the world’s largest rivers.
A comparative analysis of bioethical issues from view points of religious affairs administration in Turkey, Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Judaism

The arguments set forth by religious authority are important since they play a crucial role in shaping the social values of the public and influence the decision of individuals in practice pertaining to bioethical issues. The Religious Affairs Administration (RAA) was established at the inception of the Republic of Turkey in 1924 to guide religious considerations moving out of the Ottoman caliphate to a secular bioethical framework. In this article, the bioethical views of the RAA under Islamic tradition is examined and contrasted with those influenced by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Judaic traditions. On bioethical deliberations related to the beginning and end-of-life, all three religious traditions justify sacredness of life and that of God's will in its preservation it. Assisted reproduction techniques between spouses is considered to be appropriate, although third party involvement is explicitly forbidden. Organ transplantation is approved by all three religious traditions, except uterine transplantation. Contraceptive practices are approved under certain conditions - views differ most on approaches to contraception and the appropriateness of methods. The RAA judgement on cloning is to prohibit it, like Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Judaism. In other topics, cosmetic surgery and gender determination are approved only for treatment.