cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PROBCONS: probabilistic consistency-based multiple alignment of amino acid sequences

Obtaining an accurate multiple alignment of protein sequences is a difficult computational problem for which many heuristic techniques sacrifice optimality to achieve reasonable running times. The most commonly used heuristic is progressive alignment, which merges sequences into a multiple alignment by pairwise comparisons along the nodes of a guide tree. To improve accuracy, consistency-based methods take advantage of conservation across many sequences to provide a stronger signal for pairwise comparisons. In this paper, we introduce the concept of probabilistic consistency for multiple sequence alignments. 'We also present PROBCONS, an HMM-based protein muhiple sequence aligner, based on an approximation of the probabilistic consistency objective function. On the BAliBASE benchmark alignment database, PROBCONS demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in accuracy compared to several leading alignment programs while maintaining practical running times. Source code and program updates are freely available under the GNU Public License at http://probcons.stanford.edu/.
Total dose testing of 10-bit low voltage differential signal (LVDS) serializer and deserializer

Commercial deep submicron (< 0.25 micron) CMOS technology exhibits excellent total dose hardness. National Semiconductor LVDS serializer and deserializer circuits, manufactured in this process, were tested to over 115 krd(Si) and 65 krd(Si) respectively, without failure. Testing proved to challenge traditional test techniques, as these parts ran at parallel data rates up to 40 MHz.
Mucin can enhance growth, biofilm formation, and survival of Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is a member of the dental plaque and is the primary causative agent of dental caries. It can survive extended periods of starvation, which may occur in different niches within the oral cavity. We have found that mucin compensated for the absence of amino acids to promote exponential growth and biofilm formation of S. mutans in minimal medium supplemented with glucose and sucrose, respectively. Mucin extended survival in conditions where there was no net growth provided the operon encoding the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex was intact. Mucin extended survival in conditions of amino acid sufficiency provided the tagatose pathway for galactose utilization was intact, suggesting that S. mutans can scavenge sufficient galactose from mucin to enhance survival, although not to serve as a primary carbon and energy source. The results suggest that mucin has a metabolic role in promoting survival of S. mutans.
Preschool Characteristics Influence the Success of Professional Development: Is Your Preschool Ready, Willing, and Able?

Institutional characteristics of preschool centers can influence the successful implementation of professional development programming. This article provides an overview of a dynamic Head Start teacher professional development program. The program, conducted by a well-respected theatre-in-education organization, was designed to help preschool teachers learn how to use educational drama strategies and techniques to foster children's language and social development. Factors that supported or inhibited the successful implementation of the program are identified. Preschool professionals should consider these factors before investing in teacher professional development initiatives.
Target patterns in reaction-diffusion systems

We consider the general reaction-diffusion system At = F(A) + @eD"M @?^2A + @eg(->x, A), 0 x, A) represents the effects of localized impurities. We assume that the system A"t = F(A) has a stable time-periodic solution. Then we construct stable target pattern solutions of the full system. For typical initial conditions we find that these target patterns will arise only if g(->x, A) @?0. Finally, we determine how target patterns interact and show that higher frequency target patterns eventually engulf neighboring lower frequency target patterns.
Rice Response to Nitrogen Fertilization under Stale Seedbed and Conventional Tillage Systems

Drill-seeded, delayed-flood rice (Oryza sativa L.) using fall-stale seedbed (FSS) tillage has risen in popularity over the past decade in the southern USA. Nitrogen research in rice has historically focused on conventional tillage (CT). The objective of the current study was to evaluate potential differences in agronomic characteristics, optimal N rate, N uptake, and N fertilizer recovery efficiency (RE) between the FSS and CT rice production systems. Two varieties ('Catahoula' and 'Neptune'), two tillage systems (CT and FSS), and nine N rates (0, 34, 67, 101, 134, 168, 202, 235, and 269 kg ha ―1 ) were evaluated. Rice emerged 4 d earlier and reached 50% heading 2 d later in CT as compared with the FSS; however, grain moisture at harvest was only slightly different between CT (169 kg ha ―1 ) and the FSS (163 kg ha ―1 ). Grain yield was 317 kg ha ―1 higher in the FSS as compared with CT. The rate of fertilizer N needed to achieve maximum yield as determined by the linear-plateau model was 157 and 151 kg ha ―1 for the FSS and CT, respectively. Nitrogen RE ranged from 54 to 63% across N rates but was not significantly affected by variety, tillage, N rate, or their interactions. These results validate current state university N recommendations for drill-seeded, delayed-flood rice production and suggest that N fertilizer recommendations should not be altered for rice grown using a FSS.
Self-Assembling Peptide Amphiphiles for DNA Binding and Nuclear Targeting

Peptide amphiphiles can be used to create multivalent, multifunctional, self-assembled nanostructures for applications such as immunotherapy, cancer treatment, and in this case gene therapy. We have conjugated di-C16 hydrophobic tails to bZip, a thirty-eight amino acid sequence derived from the transcription factor GCN4, to promote the formation of extended micelles in solution. The peptide amphiphile headgroups adopt a high degree of alpha-helical content in the micelle corona compared to the free peptide chains as shown by circular dichroism. The hydrophobic moiety facilitates the DNA binding of bZip amphiphiles in an orthogonal arrangement similar to the native protein, in contrast to the unmodified peptide which binds via electrostatic collapse onto DNA. The peptide amphiphiles bind DNA in a cooperative fashion but do not recognize the AP 1 sequence that GCN4 binds specifically, although further modification of the monomers may enhance their biofunctionality. To implement the DNA binding peptide amphiphiles in gene therapy applications, a nuclear targeting platform is being developed by appending a hydrophobic tail to a nuclear localization signaling (NLS) peptide. The tail enhances cellular uptake of the peptide and delivery to the nucleus of HeLa cells as observed by fluorescence microscopy. Incorporating NLS peptide amphiphiles into a mixed micelle displaying DNA binding peptides or other therapeutic agents may aid in targeted delivery to the nucleus.
Gene organization of a Plasmodium falciparum serine hydroxymethyltransferase and its functional expression in Escherichia coli.

The global emergence of drug-resistant malarial parasites necessitates identification and characterization of novel drug targets. Three reactions are involved in methylenetetrahydrofolate recycling: Thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT). Malarial bifunctional DHFR-TS is a well-studied, important target of established drugs such as pyrimethamine and cycloguanil. In sharp contrast, malarial SHMT remains largely uncharacterized. In the present study, a Plasmodium falciparum SHMT coding region was characterized. It had 1603 bp including two introns near the 5′-end of the gene: one 118 bp intron immediately after the start methionine and a 159 bp intron after an additional 34 amino acids. The three exons together coded for a 442 amino acid protein with 38-47% identity to SHMT sequences from other species. Expression of malarial SHMT coding sequence (minus the introns) into glyA mutants of Escherichia coli relieved glycine auxotrophy and permitted direct assay of SHMT catalytic activity in bacterial cell lysates. This is the first SHMT cloned and expressed from a protozoan parasite. The molecular tools developed in this study will be useful for developing potential antimalarials directed at SHMT.
A Catastrophe Theory Analysis: City Government Finances

This article utilizes a novel development in mathematics-catastrophe theory—to examine the finances of the top 48 U. S. cities. The conclusion is that all the cities are m situations comparable to New York's and Cleveland's, where the potential for catastrophe exists.
Reversible tuning of wetting behavior of polymer surface with responsive polymer brushes

We develop the route to fabricate mixed brushlike layers on polyamide substrates (PA-6, PA-6I, PA-66) by the “grafting from” approach. The PA substrates were functionalized by NH3 plasma. The azo initiator of radical polymerization was covalently bound to the functionalized PA surface. A two-step grafting procedure was applied to graft polystyrene in the first step and poly(2-vinylpyridine) in the second step. We found remarkable differences between grafting on Si wafers and on the PA substrates. “Grafting from” the PA surface results in a dramatic increase of the surface roughness of the film which can be explained by grafting in a swollen surface layer of PA. Because of this effect, we found a substantial amount of grafted polymers even on not functionalized PA substrates, which was explained by grafting via chain transfer reaction. The synthesized mixed polymer brushes form responsive coatings which switch their morphology due to the interplay between lateral and vertical phase segregation upon exposur...
A burnout safety condition for superconducting magnets and some of its applications

From the time evolution of the current in a superconducting coil during a quench, an upper limit can be computed for the temperature reached anywhere in the coil. A condition under which the danger of burnout is eliminated is derived here. It is used to show how the tests of superconducting magnets can be made safe against burnout and it provides constraints for the design of some type of magnets.
A relation between the brightness and hiding-power of white paint-pigments

Abstract 1. 1. A straight-line extrapolation of the brightness-hiding-power curve (from 70 per cent. brightness upwards) of a white paint, grayed with bone-black, passes through the point: 100 percent. brightness, zero hiding-power. Comparisons of the hiding-powers of different paints and pigments at equal brightness may be carried out. 2. 2. For the brightness range 75 per cent. to 83 per cent., the ratio of the percentage increase in hiding-power, to the percentage decrease in brightness = 5.0 for all white paints. 3. 3. At “complete hiding” a gray paint film is much more transparent (less opaque) than a corresponding white film. Caution must be exercised in drawing conclusions relative to hiding-power from opacity measurements. 4. 4. A modified cryptometer is described. The paint is prevented entirely from working under the areas of contact of the two plates. This investigation was begun at the Experimental Station of the E. I. du Pont de Nemours Company, and was completed at the Johns Hopkins University.
Strategies for computation of compound distributions with two-sided severities

Abstract The recursive scheme proposed by Panjer for the computation of discrete compound distributions whose counting distributions are Binomial, Poisson, or Pascal provides an extremely efficient alternative to an important actuarial problem where brute-force convolution methods or moment-based approximations are unsatisfactory. However, the scheme fails in the important case where the counts are Pascal and the severities are two-sided. As research is currently underway on this problem, the authors intend to present computational results on the following approaches: (1) iterative use of Panjer's formula: (2) approximation by splitting of positive and negative components: (3) use of analytically-derived tail approximations.
Gaussian approximation of non-linear measurement models on Lie groups

Extended Kalman filters on Lie groups arise naturally in the context of pose estimation and more generally in robot localization and mapping. Typically in such settings one deals with nonlinear measurement models that are handled through linearization and linearized uncertainty transformation. To circumvent the loss of accuracy resulting from the typical coordinate-based linearization, this paper develops a method for accurately describing the probability density associated with nonlinear measurement models by a second-order approximation of a distribution defined directly on the Lie group configuration space. We show that, like the case of linearized measurement models, this density can be described well as a Gaussian distribution in exponential coordinates (though with different mean and covariance than those that result from linearized measurement models). And therefore previously developed methods for propagation of uncertainty and fusion of measurements can be applied to this generalized formulation without the a priori assumption of linearized measurement. A case study using a range-bearing model in planar robot localization is presented to demonstrate the method.
Functional powers near a fixed point

Abstract It is proved that if a function F(z) is analytic in a neighborhood of a fixed point z0, and if 0 0 )¦ , then there exists a family of related functions F(p, z), each defined in a neighborhood of z0, which act as functional powers of F(z). In particular, F(0, z) = z, F(1, z) = F(z), and F(p, F(q, z)) = F(p + q, z). It is further demonstrated that the family of functions F(p, z) is identical with the set of nonconstant analytic functions with fixed point z0 which commute with F(z).
In vitro Metabolism of DL-AIanine-2-C-14 and Glycine-2-G-14 by Trichinella spiralis Larvae.∗:

Summary1. Trichinella spiralis larvae incorporated C14 when cultured in vitro in a serum-Rrebs-Ringer medium or Rrebs-Ringer medium containing either dl-alanine-2-C-14 or glycine-2-C-14. 2. Carbon-14 analysis of the larvae revealed a progressive uptake of the C14-labeled amino acids in both types of media through 48 hours of incubation. 3. The larvae incorporated more C14 activity (cpm) from glycine-2-C-14-labeled media than from dl-alanine-2-C-14-labeled media. 4. Of the total C14 incorporated by larvae cultured 48 hours in glycine-2-C-14-la-beled media about 70 to 84% was precipitable by tungstic acid, and was presumably chiefly in the proteins. Larvae cultured in the dl-alanine-2-C-14-labeled media incorporated about 32-57% of their total C14 content into material precipitable by tungstic acid.
Decay-accelerating Factor (DAF), Complement Receptor 1 (CR1), and Factor H Dissociate the Complement AP C3 Convertase (C3bBb) via Sites on the Type A Domain of Bb

The AP C3 convertase, C3bBb(Mg2+), is subject to irreversible dissociation (decay acceleration) by three proteins: DAF, CR1, and factor H. We have begun to map the factor B (fB) sites critical to these interactions. We generated a panel of fB mutations, focusing on the type A domain because it carries divalent cation and C3b-binding elements. C3bBb complexes were assembled with the mutants and subjected to decay acceleration. Two critical fB sites were identified with a structural model. 1) Several mutations centered at adjacent alpha helices 4 and 5 (Gln-335, Tyr-338, Ser-339, Asp-382) caused substantial resistance to DAF and CR1-mediated decay acceleration but not factor H. 2) Several mutations centered at the α 1 helix and adjoining loops (especially D254G) caused resistance to decay acceleration mediated by all three regulators and also increased C3b-binding affinity and C3bBb stability. In the simplest interpretation of these results, DAF and CR1 directly interact with C3bBb at α 4/5; factor H likely interacts at some other location, possibly on the C3b subunit. Mutations at the C3b·Bb interface interfere with the normal dissociation of C3b from Bb, whether it is spontaneous or promoted by DAF, CR1, or factor H.
Combined arterial switch and Senning operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: Patient selection and intermediate results

Abstract Objective: Late results after traditional methods of repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries are poor. The combined arterial switch and Senning (double switch) operation may improve outcomes by using the morphologically left ventricle and mitral valve in the systemic circulation. In this report we review patient selection and intermediate results after the double switch operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. Methods: Since 1993, a total of 35 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with two ventricles of adequate size and no valvular pulmonary stenosis were potential candidates for a double switch operation. Eleven were not yet in need of further treatment, and 1 died during evaluation. The remaining 23 patients were entered into a protocol leading to anatomic repair. Their hospital records were reviewed, and follow-up data were obtained to evaluate early and intermediate outcomes. Results: The 23 patients were candidates for anatomic repair because of right ventricular dysfunction or tricuspid regurgitation (n = 15) or associated uncorrected defects (n = 8). Pulmonary artery banding was performed in a total of 15 patients, either for left ventricular retraining (n = 11) or for congestive heart failure (n = 4). In 2 patients, aged 12 and 14 years, retraining was unsuccessful because of left ventricular dysfunction. Four patients with banding are currently awaiting repair. Eight patients proceeded to undergo double switch operations without preliminary pulmonary artery banding. To date, 17 patients have undergone double switch operations, with no early or late mortality. One patient required cardiac transplantation for progressive left ventricular failure after a preliminary banding and double switch operation done at 7 years of age. Ventricular function and tricuspid regurgitation remained stable or improved in all other cases. No patient has surgically acquired arrhythmias or significant residual hemodynamic conditions. All patients are alive and clinically well at a mean follow-up of 36 months (range 1 month-8 years). Conclusions: Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with a normal pulmonary valve and two adequate ventricles can be managed with combined arterial switch and Senning operation with excellent intermediate results. Reconditioning the left ventricle may not be suitable for older patients. Late follow-up will be necessary to determine whether this management strategy provides a survival advantage for these patients. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:500-7
On the tensile properties of a fiber reinforced titanium matrix composite. II: Influence of notches and holes

Abstract The effects of holes and notches on the ultimate tensile strength of a unidirectionally reinforced titanium matrix composite have been examined. During tensile loading, a narrow plastic strip forms ahead of the notch or hole prior to fracture, similar to that observed in thin sheets of ductile metals. Examination of the fibers following dissolution of the matrix indicates that essentially all the fibers within such a strip are broken prior to catastrophic fracture of the composite. The trends in notch-strength have been rationalized using a fracture mechanics-based model, treating the plastic strip as a bridged crack. The observations suggest that the bridging traction law appropriate to this class of composite is comprised of two parts. In the first, the majority of fibers are unbroken and the bridging stress corresponds to the unnotched tensile strength of the composite; in the second, the fibers are broken and the bridging stress is governed by the yield stress of the matrix, with some contribution derived from fiber pullout. This behavior has been modeled by a two-level rectilinear bridging law. The parameters characterizing the bridging law have been measured and used to predict the notch strength of the composite. A variation on this scheme in which the fracture resistance is characterized by an intrinsic toughness in combination with a rectilinear bridging traction law has also been considered and found to be consistent with the predictions based on the two-level traction law.
Analysis of immunodominance among minor histocompatibility antigens in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

In major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), donor responses are directed against multiple host minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAgs), producing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effects. We studied MHC-matched, mHAg-mismatched C3H.SW>C57BL/6 HSCT in which three mHAg are molecularly defined (B6dom1, H3, H13) to determine if there is a hierarchy of immunodominance among the mHAgs and to learn the contribution of each to GVHD. We found that B6dom1 was the immunodominant mHAg. B6dom1 did not block responses to the subdominant mHAgs H3 and H13. The mechanism of immunodominance was not mHAg avidity or affinity for class I. B6dom1 elicited a broader variety of Vbeta clonotypes than either H3 or H13. Severe GVHD could occur in the absence of a strong B6dom1 response. Alloreactivity to isolated B6dom1, H3 or H13 differences did not produce severe GVHD. We concluded that immunodominance is explained by both mHAg density on host cells and the repertoire of donor T cells capable of responding to the mHAgs. Clinically significant GVHD requires donor responses to multiple mHAgs. Modulation of responses to a single immunodominant mHAg is insufficient for the prevention of GVHD, while immunotherapies directed against isolated mHAgs may not provoke severe GVHD.
Distorted patterns of relationship in maltreating families: The role of internal representation models

Abstract Attachment theory postulates that a person's internal representational model of relationships (derived from past experiences with relationships) influences the relationships which he or she later forms. If such models exist and function as described, they could explain the infrafamilial and intragenerational dysfunction found in maltreating families. In this study, 124 maltreating and adequate families were observed for approximately 10 hours at home and in one laboratory visit. Data were gathered on the following current relationships: parent-child, parent-partner, parent-network, parent-professional. The Separating Anxiety Test was used to assess the parents' models of relationships as derived from childhood experiences. Data on the relationships were analysed to identify the underlying patterns. Each subject was then assigned to a pattern (separately for each relationship). The association of these patterns with the maltreatment groups was tested and substantiated. The data on the patterns wer...
Adsorption of3He on cesium

Adsorption isotherms of3He on cesium substrates have been measured in the temperature range from 0.2 K to 1.5 K. At liquid-vapor coexistence3He wets cesium at all temperatures studied. Step-like features are found in the isotherms which are similar to the prewetting transitions of4He on Cs substrates, but the width of these steps is ∼20 times wider for3He than for4He. In the case of3He on Cs, the steps are located at a chemical potential about 0.6 K below liquid-vapor coexistence. If the low temperature behavior is interpreted to be first order prewetting, the prewetting critical point temperature is 0.6±0.1 K.
Chemical reactivity analysis of the CO + OH and CO + HO2 reactions

Abstract The kinetics and reactivity associated with the CO + OH and CO + HO2 reactions were analyzed based on ab initio molecular orbital theory, with the interest of identifying the difference in their reaction dynamics that leads to the slower rate of the latter. Two hydrogen-bonded pre-reactive complexes, OOH···OC and OOH···CO, were found on the potential energy surface of CO + HO2, having energies that are higher than those of the entrance reactants by 1.2 and 2.9 kcal mol−1, respectively. Through intrinsic reaction coordinate analysis, it was further found that these two complexes hinder the forward reaction, HO2 + CO → products, by forcing a reorientation of the reactants. The configurations of the transition state structures in forming the trans/cis intermediates in the title reactions were rationalized by virtual representation of the electrostatic potentials of the reactants from self-consistent field calculations at the CCSD(T)/AUG-cc-pVTZ level, with the different reactivities of the two reactions ascribed to spatial interactions between the local electrostatic potentials of the entrance reactants. The energy gap of the frontier molecular orbitals for the CO + OH entrance channel was found to be ca. 29 kcal mol−1 lower than that of the CO + HO2 entrance channel by time-dependent coupled cluster theories, which quantitatively explains the difference in their reactivities. Furthermore, the condensed Fukui functions were calculated using Mulliken atomic charges through natural population analysis to identify the most reactive sites of the entrance reactants, with the results again supporting the slower reaction rate of CO + HO2.
Long-Term Outcomes of Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Auto Transplantation for Hereditary/Genetic Pancreatitis

Background Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease resulting from many causes. The subset with hereditary/genetic pancreatitis (HGP) not only has chronic pain, but also an increased risk for pancreatic cancer. Long-term outcomes of total pancreatectomy (TP) and islet autogeneic transplantation (IAT) for chronic pancreatitis due to HGP are not clear. Study Design We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of 484 TP-IATs from 1977 to 2012 at a single center. The outcomes (eg, pain relief, narcotic use, β-cell function, health-related quality of life measures) of patients who received TP-IAT for HGP (protease trypsin 1, n = 38; serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1, n = 9; cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, n = 14; and familial, n = 19) were evaluated and compared with those with non−hereditary/nongenetic causes. Results All 80 patients with HGP were narcotic dependent and failed endoscopic management or direct pancreatic surgery. Post TP-IAT, 90% of the patients were pancreatitis pain free with sustained pain relief; >65% had partial or full β-cell function. Compared with nonhereditary causes, HGP patients were younger (22 years old vs 38 years old; p ≤ 0.001), had pancreatitis pain of longer duration (11.6 ± 1.1 years vs 9.0 ± 0.4 years; p = 0.016), had a higher pancreas fibrosis score (7 ± 0.2 vs 4.8 ± 0.1; p ≤ 0.001), and trended toward lower islet yield (3,435 ± 361 islet cell equivalent vs 3,850 ± 128 islet cell equivalent; p = 0.28). Using multivariate logistic regression, patients with non-HGP causes (p = 0.019); lower severity of pancreas fibrosis (p Conclusions Total pancreatectomy and IAT in patients with chronic pancreatitis due to HGP cause provide long-term pain relief (90%) and preservation of β-cell function. Patients with chronic painful pancreatitis due to HGP with a high lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer should be considered earlier for TP-IAT before pancreatic inflammation results in a higher degree of pancreatic fibrosis and islet cell function loss.
Leadership Development for the Next Generation.

This chapter addresses the critical need for leadership development, the current options, and recommended solutions for meeting the training needs of a new generation of community college leaders.
Regulation of gastrointestinal motility—insights from smooth muscle biology

Gastrointestinal motility results from coordinated contractions of the tunica muscularis, the muscular layers of the alimentary canal. Throughout most of the gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscles are organized into two layers of circularly or longitudinally oriented muscle bundles. Smooth muscle cells form electrical and mechanical junctions between cells that facilitate coordination of contractions. Excitation-contraction coupling occurs by Ca(2+) entry via ion channels in the plasma membrane, leading to a rise in intracellular Ca(2+). Ca(2+) binding to calmodulin activates myosin light chain kinase; subsequent phosphorylation of myosin initiates cross-bridge cycling. Myosin phosphatase dephosphorylates myosin to relax muscles, and a process known as Ca(2+) sensitization regulates the activity of the phosphatase. Gastrointestinal smooth muscles are 'autonomous' and generate spontaneous electrical activity (slow waves) that does not depend upon input from nerves. Intrinsic pacemaker activity comes from interstitial cells of Cajal, which are electrically coupled to smooth muscle cells. Patterns of contractile activity in gastrointestinal muscles are determined by inputs from enteric motor neurons that innervate smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells. Here we provide an overview of the cells and mechanisms that generate smooth muscle contractile behaviour and gastrointestinal motility.
Anterior fixed partial dentures utilizing the acid-etch technique and a cast metal framework

A technique has been described which permits the fabrication and attachment of an anterior fixed partial denture without tooth preparation. The fixed partial denture is attached to the lingual surfaces of the abutment teeth utilizing a composite resin and acid-etched enamel. Conservation of tooth structure and minimal chair time and patient expense are the primary advantages of this technique.
Effects of aging on potassium homeostasis and the endocochlear potential in the gerbil cochlea

Previous work has shown that the endocochlear potential (EP) decreases with age in the gerbil. Concomitant with the EP decrease is an age-related loss of activity of Na,K-ATPase in the lateral wall and stria vascularis. We hypothesized that the EP decrease is associated with a similar decrease in the endolymphatic potassium concentration [Ke+]. This hypothesis was tested using double-barrelled, K(+)-selective electrodes introduced into scala media through the round window in young and quiet-aged gerbils. Results show that the means (+/- S.D.) of the [Ke+] in young and aged gerbils were not significantly different (178.2 +/- 14.2 mM and 171.2 +/- 34.4 mM, respectively), although the intersubject variability was much greater in the aged animals than in the young. These values of [Ke+] are slightly higher than those found for other mammals and may reflect the higher plasma osmolarity found in the gerbil. The concentration of perilymphatic potassium [Kp+] in scala tympani at the round window was also similar for the young and aged groups (3.57 +/- 1.17 mM and 4.18 +/- 2.03 mM, respectively). On the other hand, mean EP values in the young and aged gerbils were 92.0 +/- 5.7 mV and 64.8 +/- 15.8 mV, respectively and were statistically different (P < 0.001). Overall, EP and [Ke+] showed little correlation (R2 = 0.23), except that when [Ke+] fell below 150 mM, the EP was always less than 60 mV. An analysis of the chemical potential for Ke+ with respect to Kp+ shows that it was similar for young and aged gerbils (overall mean of 103.1 +/- 13.7 mV) and remained constant with respect to the EP, in spite of an overall electrochemical potential of Ke+ that varied from 120 to 210 mV. Thus, the system maintains Ke+ homeostasis at the expense of the EP, even when the EP is on the verge of collapse.
To Improve Public Policy

The authors explore the complexities of applying science in forming public policy and suggest means for making more effective use of research results.
STANDARD QUANTUM LIMITS FOR BROADBAND POSITION MEASUREMENT

I utilize the Caves-Milburn model for continuous position measurements to formulate a broadband version of the standard quantum limit (SQL) for monitoring the position of a free mass and illustrate the use of Kalman filtering to recover the SQL for estimating a weak classical force that acts on a quantum-mechanical test particle under continuous observation. These derivations are intended to clarify the interpretation of SQL’s in the context of broadband quantum measurement, with particular attention paid to the question of how it might be possible to verify that a given laboratory measurement does indeed achieve backaction-limited sensitivity. The method used to analyze force detection may be extended to the case of weak classical forces with arbitrary time dependence, including nonstationary and impulsive signals.
Evolution of a lamellar system with diffusion and reaction: A scaling approach.

We study, by means of computer simulation and scaling analysis, the time evolution of one-dimensional arrays of reactive lamellae described by various initial striation thickness distributions. An infinitely fast reaction /ital A/+/ital B//r arrow/2/ital P/ occurs at the junctures of the lamellae. As the reaction proceeds thin striations are eaten by thick neighboring striations altering the distribution. The system converges toward a universal striation thickness distribution.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the hip with a pelvic phased-array surface coil: a technical note.

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the capability of high-resolution images obtained with a commercially available pelvic phased-array surface coil to demonstrate normal hip anatomy. Design. We retrospectively analyzed the oblique coronal magnetic resonance (MR) images of hips of 36 consecutive patients acquired on a 1.5-T clinical imager using a pelvic phased-array coil as a receiver, a 16–20 cm field of view, and 5 mm slice thickness. Patients. Thirty-six patients were studied, age 15–81 years. There were 20 males and 16 females. Results and conclusions. The articular cartilage, cortex, superior labrum, and iliofemoral ligament were well visualized on proton density weighted fat saturation (PDF) images. The femoral and obturator vessels, obturator nerve, and various muscles were easily seen on T1-weighted images. High-resolution imaging of the hip is achievable in a reasonable amount of time using newer phased-array surface coils and may play an increasing role in the future evaluation of hip disorders.
Mask shop automation: station controllers for photomask manufacturing

Station Controllers have existed in Wafer FABs for well over a decade now. Until recently, relatively low volume of masks produced did not justify the added cost of enabling SECS/GEM on the tools and implementing full automation. Starting with a drive to improve yield and the need for advanced capabilities such as Excursion Protection, a combination of recent factors has driven the need for greater automation. This paper will discuss key capabilities, architectural highlights and strategies in implementation. In addition we will discuss the challenges faced and key learning in development and validation of the station controllers in a full production environment with minimum impact or interruption to the processing of WIP.
Structures and electronic spectra of CdSe-Cys complexes: density functional theory study of a simple peptide-coated nanocluster.

We present density functional theory (DFT) structures and time-dependent DFT electronic excitation energies of several small CdSe nanoclusters with the composition CdnSen (n = 3, 6, 10, 13). We examine the effects on the geometries and excitation spectra of the nanoclusters induced by two chemical changes: peptide-binding and ligand passivation. We use cysteine (Cys) and cysteine-cysteine dipeptide (Cys−Cys) as model peptides and hydrogen atoms as surface-bound solvent ligands (or stabilizing agents). By comparing the results calculated for bare, hydrogen-passivated (CdnSenH2n), as well as the corresponding Cys- and Cys−Cys- bound clusters (CdnSen−, CdnSenH2n, −Cys, −Cys−Cys), we find that peptide-binding blue shifts the electronic excitations of bare nanoclusters, but red shifts those of hydrogen-passivated nanoclusters. The carboxyl oxygen and the sulfur atom tend to form a four-centered ring with adjacent two Cd atoms when the CdSe cluster forms covalent bonds with Cys or Cys−Cys. Further, this type of...
Sarcoid-reaction mimicking metastatic malignant hepatopancreatobiliary tumors: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem chronic granulomatous disease found predominantly in the lungs and lymph nodes. Its pathologic hallmark is the presence of systemic non-caseating granulomas; however, a variation of this disease known as “sarcoid-like reaction” has been described in patients with underlying cancer. Sarcoid-like reactions in patients with hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) tumors are rare findings, with only 15 cases having been reported in the English language literature. These reactions can be found in local lymph nodes or in distant organs, and when present in patients with cancer, they can mimic metastatic disease on imaging, potentially resulting in incorrect cancer staging and management. We describe two cases of patients with HPB tumors who had distant organ disease on cross-sectional imaging suspicious for metastases, which on further workup were found to be sarcoid-like reactions. We also discuss malignancy-induced sarcoid-like reactions and provide a review of the literature of sarcoid-like reactions in the setting of HPB tumors.
A GENECOLOGICAL STUDY OF PUCCINELLIA MARITIMA HUDS. (PARL.) I. VARIATION ESTIMATED FROM SINGLE‐PLANT SAMPLES FROM BRITISH POPULATIONS

SUMMARY By means of a replicated clone trial of 56 plants taken at random from six geographical regions a preliminary assessment was made of variation in Puccinellia maritima (Huds.) Parl., the predominant grass species on British salt marshes. We found significant differences between genotypes in the mean values for 19 morphological and flowering characters. The variation between genotypes was further examined using a correlation matrix of these values (plus seed weight). The first three principal components extracted from the matrix defined variation trends in vegetative biotype, yield, and reproductive strategy respectively. Graphic representations revealed that variation on the vegetative biotype component, a measure of tillering rate, overall plant leaf size, and the tendency to produce either a few large or many small tillers, was associated with variation in growth habit (erectness) and that genotypes originally collected from grazed salt marshes tended to be fast-tillering, small, short-leaved, and prostrate. Variation in yield (dry-matter production) appeared to be related to the soil nutrient status of the site of collection, the relatively high yielding genotypes generally coming from mature marshes at higher elevations. There is no evidence of an effect of grazing on the reproductive strategy component, which measured the relative allocation of resources to flowering or vegetative tillers, but, probably through its association with date of ear emergence, variation on this component had an apparently regional basis. Estimates of genetic coefficients of variation and heritability suggested that much of the variation was genetically controlled and indicated, for example, that date of ear emergence was genetically more variable and had a higher heritability than date of anthesis. These results indicated that, in future trials, measurement on only three occasions of only eight characters would provide a reasonable estimate of the variation within and between populations of the species.
Comparing variance reduction to managing system variance in a job shop

Variance within the manufacturing system leads to uneven shop loads, long manufacturing lead times, and unreliable customer service. This study compares techniques that reduce system variance to techniques that manage system variance. The study is placed in a dual resource constrained job shop. Results indicate that reducing system variance improves flow time and customer service performance measures, such as mean tardiness and percent tardy jobs more than techniques that react to system variance.
The advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect calorimetry

Abstract Kleiber's definitions of what constitutes direct and indirect calorimetry are accepted as the beginning of a commentary on the advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect calorimetry in which calorimetry is divided into a number of categories based on the kind of calorimetric measurement. For non-reaction calorimetry such as entropy determinations and differential scanning calorimetry, the only means of measurement is by direct calorimetry. For reaction calorimetry, a preference of direct over indirect calorimetry depends on the accuracy needed and the ability of the experimenter to define the system. The data necessary to correct the observed heat loss in direct calorimetry are often all that are needed to make an indirect calculation of the true heat loss. In general, because they are convenient and inexpensive to use, indirect calorimetric methods are preferable to direct methods. However, when possible, one method can be used to verify the results of the other.
Camurati-Engelmann disease: a late and sporadic case with metaphyseal involvement

A 40-year-old white man with a 3-year history of mild to severe right thigh and knee pain was referred for radiographic investigation. Radiographs show a fusiform, bilaterally symmetrical enlargement of the diaphyses and metaphyses of the long bones (femur, tibia, fibula, radius and ulna). A narrowed medullary cavity is illustrated on CT scan of the femur. All bones show periosteal and endosteal bone formation. There is no history of familial involvement, trauma, infection or systemic illness. Blood chemistry could not point out any abnormality. Radiographic findings and clinical history suggest the diagnosis of Camurati-Engelmann disease, also known as progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (PDD). This case is of interest because of its rare metaphyseal involvement, mild form and sporadic presentation.
Iron Regulation in the Developing Rat Brain: Effect of In Utero Ethanol Exposure

: Fetal alcohol syndrome produces defects that parallel abnormalities associated with early iron deficiency. Hence, we examined the effects of prenatal exposure to ethanol on iron, transferrin, and ferritin concentrations. The subjects were the offspring of pregnant rats fed an ethanol-containing diet (Et), pair-fed an isocaloric control diet (Ct), or fed chow and water. The amounts of iron, transferrin, and ferritin were assessed in three CNS regions (cerebral cortex, subcortical forebrain, and brain-stem). In all three segments of the control rats, iron, transferrin, and ferritin levels decreased during the first 2 postnatal weeks, reached a minimum during week 3, and then rose to adult levels. This pattern was delayed by ethanol treatment, e.g., the minimal concentrations in iron, transferrin, and ferritin in the Et-treated rats were achieved later (3 days, 7 days, and 2 weeks, respectively) than they were in the Ct-treated rats. Ethanol-induced alterations in iron homeostasis persisted into adulthood; iron concentration was reduced, transferrin concentration was unaffected, and ferritin concentration was increased. The net result was that the timely delivery and bioavailability of iron were compromised by ethanol exposure. The defects in iron regulation are permanent and may underlie ethanol-induced abnormalities in iron-dependent growth processes such as myelination.
Statistical Considerations for the Efficacy Assessment of Clinical Studies of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy

The US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of New Drugs, Division of Reproductive and Urologic Products (DRUP) released its draft “Guidance for Industry: E...
Information Technology Revolutionising Supplier Development Performance in Indian Automotive Sector

1024x768 Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE 1024x768 Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE The growth of automobile production in the ASEAN region has in tandem spurred the growth of an automotive supplier industry. In today’s “hypercompetitive” business environment, most of global automobile OEMs have set up their manufacturing and sourcing operations in India to realize low cost advantage and skilled man power of India. Since the birth of 21st century, Indian automobile industry is not only going through a cut-throat completion and increasing sales volume but also has a challenge of supplying components at reduced cost and improved quality at par with global standards. Work-Culture of traditional businesses changed drastically by strong efforts of parent company on strategically, technological lean-manufacturing, training and development and usage of Information and communication technology for supplier development. Most of the auto OEMs being brand ambassadors having assembly lines, Green Supply Chain Management(GSCM) supported by Information and communication technology(ICT) is playing a vital role in meeting the procurement of auto components in most economical way . This study revolves around the change in the thought process by parent companies regarding supplier development from the last decade of twentieth century till first decade of twenty-first century where traditional manufacturing systems in Indian Automobile Industry were transforming to most modern system supported by Information and Communication Technology.ICT has still played a considerable role in QCD (Quality, Cost and Timely Delivery)and new concept of cloud computing is going to revolutionise the Indian Automobile Industry to be one of the most competitive supplier at global front in the coming future.
A generalized Armington trade model: Respecification

Abstract Even if the original version of the Armington model is simple and plausible in estimation, the single CES and homotheticity assumptions are too restrictive for practical application and give biased price elasticities. This paper develops a generalized Armington model, which relaxes the single CES and homotheticity restrictions, and includes the Armington model as a special case. The Armington and generalized Armington trade models are applied to the Japanese meat import demand to demonstrate their performance. The empirical results rejected the two assumptions imposed on the Armington model. The generalized Armington model provides an alternative to the restrictive but indispensable Armington model.
Bruner's Search for Meaning: A Conversation between Psychology and Anthropology.

We introduce a special issue of Ethos devoted to the work of Jerome Bruner and his careerlong attempts to seek innovative ways to foster a dialogue between psychology and anthropology. The articles in this special issue situate Bruner's meaning-centered approach to psychology and his groundbreaking work on narrative in the broader context of the developmental trajectory of both of fields of inquiry. Bruner's work has been enormously influential in the subfields of cultural psychology and psychological anthropology, especially because of his important contributions to our understanding of the intimate relationship between culture and mind. We examine Bruner's past and ongoing engagement with such luminary figures as Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, Alfred Kroeber, Claude Levi-Strauss, and Clifford Geertz to highlight points of convergence and tension between his version of cultural psychology and contemporary theorizing and practice in psychological anthropology. We also review his practical and theoretical contributions to the fields of medicine, law, and education.