cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast dynamics in aqueous polyacrylamide solutions.

We have investigated the ultrafast dynamics of aqueous polyacrylamide ([−CH2CH(CONH2)−]n, or PAAm) solutions using femtosecond optical heterodyne-detected Raman-induced Kerr effect spectroscopy (OHD-RIKES). The observed aqueous PAAm dynamics are nearly identical for both Mw = 1500 and 10 000. Aqueous propionamide (CH3CH2CONH2, or PrAm) solutions were also studied, because PrAm is an exact model for the PAAm constitutional repeat unit (CRU). The longest time scale dynamics observed for both aqueous PAAm and PrAm solutions occur in the 4−10 ps range. Over the range of concentrations from 0 to 40 wt %, the picosecond reorientation time constants for the aqueous PAAm and PrAm solutions scale linearly with the solution concentration, despite the fact that the solution shear viscosities vary exponentially from 1 to 264 cP. For a given value of solution concentration in weight percent, constant ratios of measured reorientation time constants for PAAm to PrAm are obtained. This ratio of PAAm to PrAm reorientation...
How retroviruses select their genomes

As retroviruses assemble in infected cells, two copies of their full-length, unspliced RNA genomes are selected for packaging from a cellular milieu that contains a substantial excess of non-viral and spliced viral RNAs. Understanding the molecular details of genome packaging is important for the development of new antiviral strategies and to enhance the efficacy of retroviral vectors used in human gene therapy. Recent studies of viral RNA structure in vitro and in vivo and high-resolution studies of RNA fragments and protein–RNA complexes are helping to unravel the mechanism of genome packaging and providing the first glimpses of the initial stages of retrovirus assembly.
Passion Play: Will Wright and Games for Science Learning.

Researchers and instructional designers are exploring the possibilities of using video games to support STEM education in the U.S., not only because they are a popular media form among youth, but also because well-designed games often leverage the best features of inquiry learning. Those interested in using games in an educational capacity may benefit from an examination of the work of video game designer Will Wright. Wright designs through a constructivist lens and his open-ended, sandbox games (SimCity, The Sims, Spore) present wide “possibility spaces” that allow players to exercise their critical thinking and problem solving skills. His games invoke a delight in discovery that inspire creative acts and interest-driven learning both during and outside of the game. Finally, he reminds us that failure-based learning is a viable strategy for building expertise and understanding.
Verification of AFLP kinship methods of entomological evidence by sequencing

Kinship analysis allows the determination of sibship based on the individuals' genetic profile. In a recent empirical study, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was proposed as a test to determine kinship between Phormia regina individuals useful in inferring postmortem transport of a corpse. In order to validate this technique, mitochondrial DNA gene cytochrome oxidase II was sequenced for all individuals used in the previous study. Then, the relatedness coefficient based on AFLP profiles was determined for the pairs of individuals that had different haplotypes, and thus could not be full siblings, to determine a conservative false positive error rate of this proposed test. A majority, 96%, of pair wise comparisons of individuals with different haplotypes had relatedness coefficients <0.41 supporting the conclusion that AFLP analysis for full sibship is a valid and robust technique and thus useful for the detection of postmortem movement of a corpse.
Justice in Lüritz: Experiencing Socialist Law in East Germany

Of the many academic books this reviewer has read, Inga Markovits’s Justice in Luritz was one of the most interesting, informative and enjoyable, but also one of the most perplexing. It is an excel...
The relationship of cognition and affect in the orientation process.

Abstract This paper investigates the process of orientation to time, place, and person as a systematic cognitive function. Previous studies of orientation have focused on its implications as an indicator of gross psychological impairment evident in psychosis. The study presented here assesses individual variation in the orientation function within the normal range as well as in psychosis, and also examines the implications of this variation for memory retrieval and emotional expression. The pattern and latency of orientation were measured in a brief spoken description of a personal experience for 53 normal and 22 psychiatric subjects. The pattern of orientation was highly systematic for the normals but not for the psychiatric sample, suggesting the presence of a cognitive mechanism for orientation which may be impaired in psychosis. For all subjects, early orientation to time, place and person was significantly related to higher levels of imagery and emotion expressed in the spoken narrative; this indicates the role of the orientation function in the organization and retrieval of experiential schemata.
Sulfate formation in point source plumes: A review of recent field studies

Abstract Data in twelve power plant and smelter plumes reported by eight different organizations have been reviewed in an attempt to establish the existence of recognizable patterns concerning the extent and rates of sulfate formation. The data reviewed here were collected in Australia, Canada and the U.S., during warm as well as cold seasons, and during day and night. The primary variables examined and compared are S p / S T , the paniculate fraction of excess sulfur sampled in the plume, and the corresponding plume age. The variation of the extent of sulfate formation ( S p / S T ) is also examined in terms of plume exposure to solar radiation dose during transport. In spite of wide geographical, seasonal, background and source variations, a distinct difference is observed in day and night sulfate formation. During the daytime, there exists a substantial variability in sulfate formation rates (typically 0–5% h −1 ) and extent (typically up to 25%) for any given physical plume age. This variability is significantly less for plumes with similar exposure to sunlight dose, showing that environmental factors linked to solar radiation strongly influence the rate and extent of sulfate formation in point-source plumes. The diurnal and seasonal co-variance of all insolation-related factors makes it difficult to distinguish the roles of specific environmental factors or conversion mechanisms. Night-time data show that S p / S T seldom exceeds 3% even after 5–10 h of plume transport. A surprising result is observed related to geographical variability of the conversion rate. Except in the case of the data of the Navajo coal-fired power plant plume collected as part of the VISTTA study, all other data fall within an identifiable envelope ranging over 15–30% sulfate formation ( S p / S T ) corresponding to solar dose equivalent to one July day in St. Louis. The Navajo data yield about an order of magnitude lower conversion. Evidently, factors other than those related to insolation are also important.
Applications of laboratory robotics in spectrophotometric sample preparation and experimental optimization

Abstract Optimal experimental conditions for spectrophotometric solution-preparation procedures for determinations of iron(III) and phosphate were determined by a completely robotic application of the SIMPLEX algorithm, factorial design methods, and response surface fitting. The overall reliability of the approach, the precision observed and its significance are discussed.
Effects of posterior neocortical lesions on wavelength, light/dark and stripe orientation discrimination in ground squirrels

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Citellus tridecemlineatus) were trained on three two-choice visual discrimination problems: light/dark, color and stripe orientation. After posterior neocortical lesions in one or two stages, they were tested on all three discriminations. The results demonstrate that animals with large posterior neocortical lesions which produced retrograde changes throughout the dorsal lateral geniculate (LGNd) were capable of light/dark and wavelength discrimination. These animals were not able to discriminate stripe orientation. It is proposed that wavelength discrimination depends on extrageniculostriate mechanisms in posterior neodecorticates of this species.
Short-Term Toxicity (One-and Ten-Day Gavage) of Barium Chloride in Male and Female Rats

To assess adverse effects that might be caused by an event resulting in high levels of barium in drinking water, rats were gavaged with barium chloride (BaCl2 at dosage levels of 30, 100, and 300 m...
Index Structure of Fiber Bragg Gratings and Paramagnetic Defects in Ge-SiO2 Core Fibers

The physical structures of UV-induced refiactive index changes associated with fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) in Ge-SiO2 core fibers reported to date are reviewed and discussed. They are (1) induced mechanical property changes: volume changes (densification or dilation) and core-cladding interfacing tension changes, and (2) induced color centers: Ge E', Ge( 1) and Ge(2) paramagnetic defects, and GeH non-paramagnetic defects. Conflicting structural models of the paramagnetic defects proposed in the literature can be resolved by taking into account their different contributions to the refiactive index of FBGs.
Influence of 2,4-dinitrophenol on myocardial metabolism and hemodynamics☆

Abstract The metabolic and hemodynamic changes have been studied during the intravenous infusion of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) in dogs under morphine-chloralose anesthesia. Because of the similar metabolic effects of hyperthyroidism and DNP administration, and the tissue hypoxia resulting from arterial hypoxemia and that due to DNP administration, the data were compared to information obtained under identical conditions in hyperthyroid and hypoxemic animals. DNP increased myocardial O 2 consumption less than total body O 2 consumption, while the increase in coronary blood flow exceeded that of cardiac index. The extraction of O 2 by the myocardium and the coronary sinus O 2 content remained unchanged, O 2 extraction by the total body increased, and O 2 content of mixed venous blood diminished. Neither heart rate nor blood pressure changed significantly but stroke volume increased. The increase in cardiac index was brought about by an increased stroke volume in the DNP-treated dogs, and an increased heart rate in the hyperthyroid or hypoxemic animals. Myocardial removal of free fatty acids (FFA), lactate and O 2 were increased by about 120 per cent mostly because of an increase in coronary blood flow of similar magnitude. Myocardial R.Q. and the contribution of FFA and lactate to myocardial CO 2 production remained unchanged. In contrast to hyperthyroidism, myocardial metabolism was quantitatively increased but qualitatively not altered during DNP administration. These effects differed from those observed in another condition, hyperthyroidism, which is also characterized by hypermetabolism.
Effects of Microsomal Enzyme Induction on Toxicity of p-N, N-Bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenyl Alkyl Ethers in Mice and Survival Times in L-1210 Leukemic Mice

Four alkyl ethers of p-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenol were selected to study the effects of microsomal enzyme induction by phenobarbital on the toxicity changes as reflected by LD50 and alteration of survival times in L-1210 leukemic mice. In the phenobarbital pretreated mice the LD50 for the ethyl ether of p-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenol was decreased from 1641 to 1213 microns/kg. This result suggests that O-dealkylation is the major metabolic pathway. The LD50 for the propyl ether of p-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenol was increased by the pretreatment from 605 to 678 microns/kg. The LD50 for the butyl ether was increased from 714 to 910 microns/kg. An additional metabolic pathway, (omega-1)-hydroxylation, is suggested for the propyl and butyl ethers. The hexyl ether appeared to be unaffected by the pretreatment; thus, O-dealkylation was ruled out as a major pathway. In the survival studies, the pretreatment reduced the antitumor effectiveness of the ethyl and the butyl ethers. The survival times were increased for some dose levels for the propyl ether. No significant trend in survival times was observed for the hexyl ether in the pretreated mice.
Intraseasonal Oscillations in the Extratropics: Hopf Bifurcation and Topographic Instabilities

A potential vorticity model in a beta-channel is used to analyze the resonant response of equivalent-barotropic flow to topography in the presence of a forced zonal jet with arbitrary meridional structure. The nonlinear dynamics near different resonances is studied considering both wave-wave and wave-zonal flow interactions. It is shown that Hopf bifurcations from stationary to periodic flows are possible due to the nonlinear instability of nonzonal, topographically forced flow. Low-frequency, finite-amplitude oscillations arise due to a combination of two factors: (1) nonlinear wave-wave interactions, which tend to reduce the Rossby wave frequency; and (2) wave-zonal flow interactions, which reflect the importance of wave momentum transport in shifting the westerly jet and of the topographic form drag. The physical mechanism of atmospherically realistic Hopf bifurcations depends crucially on the meridional profile of the mean zonal flow giving rise to a dipole-shaped resonance.
Selective control of calcium levels by naloxone

Abstract Acute treatment with morphine sulfate produces a selective loss of calcium from synaptosomal particulate fractions of rat brain. No changes in sodium, potassium or magnesium content were observed for myelin, synaptosomal particulate or mitochondrial fractions. Acute opiate treatment (90 min.) while causing calcium loss, produced no changes in regional brain content for sodium, potassium or magnesium. Naloxone, in the presence of morphine, reversed the calcium loss in both regional brain areas and synaptosomal particulate fractions. An hypothesis is offered that naloxone may bind to synaptosomal membranes protecting a morphine sensitive calcium pool, or may reverse the calcium loss seen after opiate agonist treatment.
Nonlinear free energy relations for adiabatic proton transfer reactions in a polar environment. II. Inclusion of the hydrogen bond vibration

A free energy relationship (FER) between the activation free energy ΔG⧧ and the reaction asymmetry ΔGRXN was derived in the preceding paper for acid ionization proton transfer (PT) reactions in a polar environment, in which the proton is treated quantum mechanically, but does not tunnel. In the present paper, the inclusion of the proton donor−acceptor vibrationthe vibration of the hydrogen (H−) bondand its impact on the FER are analyzed. The structure of the resulting FER, which includes quantization of both the proton and the H-bond coordinates, is found to be identical to that for the fixed donor−acceptor case, but with a re-interpretation for certain components, which reflects a significant coupling that exists between the H-bond vibration and the solvent reaction coordinate. This coupling derives from the increased mixing of the reactant and product valence bond electronic structures as the transition state is reached. Analytical expressions for the FER ingredients including these features are obtaine...
Design, Synthesis, Biology, and Conformations of Bicyclic α-Melanotropin Analogues

Seven side chain-constrained bicyclic alpha-melanotropin (alpha-MSH) analogues were designed and synthesized, their conformations analyzed, and their biological properties examined in the frog skin and lizard skin bioassays. The structure of these analogues is based on the central sequence Ac-Cys4-Xaa5-His6-DPhe7-Arg8-Trp9-Cys10-Lys11 -NH2 (Xaa5 = Asp or Glu) and has been extended on the N-terminal with the amino acids Ser1-Tyr2-Ser3 and on the C-terminal with Pro12-Val13 to more closely resemble the native hormone alpha-MSH. The analogue Ac-Cys4-Asp5-His6-DPhe7-Arg8-Trp9-Lys10-Cys11 -NH2 also was synthesized, and its conformational and biological properties were examined. Design of these analogues was based upon the previously identified superpotent monocyclic peptides [Cys4,DPhe7,Cys10]alpha-MSH(4-10)-NH2 and [Nle4,Asp5,DPhe7,Lys10]alpha-MSH(4-10)-NH2 with the rationale of increasing conformational constraints to restrict the available backbone conformations as a means to identify the conformations that facilitate biological activity. Computer-assisted conformational analysis of the central tetrapeptide residues 6-9 identified beta-turns which varied with respect to the residue in the i + 1 position. Each highly constrained peptide contains D-Phe7 and a 23-membered ring which has previously been identified as crucial to produce prolonged acting peptides with superagonistic activities. The bicyclic peptides reported in this study are full agonists and are 25-400-fold less potent than alpha-MSH in the frog and lizard skin bioassays.
Task-specific effects of d-amphetamine and blindness on BALB/cj mice

Optic enucleation increases activity in the photocell box and open Held upon first exposure, but shuttlebox activity changes onlyoccur after number of shocks/day decreases. Amphetamine did not affect open-field, photocell box, or shuttlebox activity scores when shocks were absent. In the presence of shock, with or without learning contingencies, amphetamine did increase activity.
Traumatic Brain Injury May Increase the Risk for Frontotemporal Dementia through Reduced Progranulin

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TAR-DNA-binding protein inclusions (FTLD-TDP) is the most common pathological subtype of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Mutations leading to a loss of function in the progranulin gene (PGRN) are the most common known cause of FTLD-TDP. In agreement with the proposed loss of function disease mechanism, several groups have reported decreased plasma levels of PGRN in patients carrying PGRN mutations compared to individuals without PGRN mutations. We propose that traumatic brain injury (TBI), an environmental factor, may also increase the risk of FTD by altering PGRN metabolism. TBI may lead to an increase in the central nervous system levels of microglial elastases, which proteolyze PGRN into proinflammatory products called granulins causing a reduction in PGRN levels. Hence, inhibiting microglial activation may have an important implication for the prevention of FTD in patients with TBI.
Pathogenicity of Listeria monocytogenes Scott A After Oral and Oculonasal Challenges of Day-Old Turkey Poults

SUMMARY. Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous, environmental pathogen that has contaminated poultry ready-to-eat products resulting in large-scale recalls. Research is needed to determine the source of product and processing plant contamination with L. monocytogenes. The purpose of this study was to compare the oral and oculonasal routes of infection on the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes in turkey poults under different housing conditions. One-day-old turkey poults were challenged by either route with the Scott A strain of L. monocytogenes and placed either in paper-lined battery-brooder cages for 1 wk or in floor pens on fresh pine-shaving litter. On day 7, birds challenged in battery cages were transferred to floor pens. Challenge by the oculonasal route resulted in higher mortality (P 5 0.05) and lower body weights (P , 0.0001) compared with both nonchallenged controls and those challenged by the oral route. Birds contained in battery cages for 1 wk had higher mortality (P 5 0.002) and higher body weights (P , 0.0001) compared with floor-pen–reared birds. Using direct plating, the challenge strain was isolated from the gall bladder, brain, and knee joint of only one dead poult challenged by the oculonasal route. These results suggest that day-old turkey poults may be more susceptible to an oculonasal challenge with L. monocytogenes than to an oral challenge and that containment in battery cages for the first week increased contact exposure to the challenge. RESUMEN. Patogenicidad de Listeria monocytogenes Scott A luego del desafo ´o oral y oculonasal de pavitos de un do ´a de edad.
The calculated performance of forest structure and biomass estimates from interferometric radar

Abstract Vertical structure and biomass are key characteristics of the forest random medium. This paper calculates the power and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) sensitivity to tree height and vegetation density as it manifests in extinction, using a homogeneous, random-volume model of the forest medium, and accounting for speckle and thermal noise. Tree height and extinction are both related to biomass within the context of this simple model. Signal and noise calculations show that InSAR coherence and phase are more sensitive than radar power to structure and biomass to 10% variations in structure parameters over a wide range of medium to high density forests. For example, for extinctions of 0.2 db m−1 and other parameters as noted in the text, the sensitivity of InSAR coherence to 10% changes in tree height exceeds observation errors for trees shorter than about 37 m, as opposed to 14 m for radar power. InSAR phase sensitivity to 10% structural and associated biomass changes exceeds obse...
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Neuropsychiatric disturbances are common in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Depression and apathy may identify a subset of MCI subjects at higher risk of progression to
The FBI's domestic intelligence operations: Domestic security in limbo

(1990). The FBI's domestic intelligence operations: Domestic security in limbo. International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 443-473.
Epithelial Stem Cells: An Epigenetic and Wnt-Centric Perspective

Epithelial stem cells, such as those present in mammalian skin, intestine, or mammary gland, are tissue stem cells capable of both long-term self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. Here we review studies implicating epigenetic control mechanisms in mammalian epithelial stem cell development and homeostasis. We also provide an update of recent progresses in the involvement of canonical Wnt signaling and note an interesting link between the Wnt pathway and chromatin regulation in epithelial stem cells. We anticipate that epigenetic and epigenomic studies of these cells will increase exponentially in the near future.
Channel Adjustments to Historical Disturbances Along the Lower Brazos and Sabine Rivers, South-Central USA

Historical channel adjustments are documented and discussed in context with anthropogenic disturbances along two meandering, coastal plain rivers — the lower Brazos and Sabine Rivers in the south-central United States. Hard-copy streamflow-measurement notes of the U.S. Geological Survey were utilized to render historical cross sections (1925–2007) at nine gauging stations, which were complemented with repeat photographs and flood-frequency analysis to assess trajectories of channel change and interpret causative mechanisms. Downstream- and upstream-propagating disturbances caused episodes of channel-bed incision and aggradation at different locations for distinct time periods along both rivers. Incision associated with upstream dams is detected, but channels are compensated downstream with sediment inputs from lateral channel migration and tributaries. In one case, temporary aggradation along the Brazos River at Waco was likely caused by a combination of dam construction and regional soil erosion. Channel-bed incision on the lowermost Brazos River is unrelated to dams, but is associated with instream aggregate extraction, possibly in conjunction with downstream channelization. On the Sabine River, extensive aggradation during the 1930s might be associated with logging activities (1880s–1930s), but whether the cause is pervasive regional-scale hillslope erosion or local-scale mill-site activities is indeterminate. Following passage of this sediment, the river generally recovered to pre-disturbance conditions and has exhibited stability despite a mainstem reservoir. Translation of this sediment slug is attenuated by a transition to a flood-prone, distributary-dominated system downstream of the Holocene–Pleistocene terrace onlap position. Additional findings include cross-channel hingepoints separating thalweg incision from simultaneous point-bar or bank accretion at meander bends, which indicates channel adjustment occurs along non-cohesive beds in preference to cohesive or artificially reinforced banks. Also, flood reduction has resulted in bankfull stages that are higher than levels associated with the post-regulation 2-year return period. Finally, vegetation encroachment along banks since the 1970s coupled with reduced flooding along the lower Brazos River has promoted bank accretion deposits that, when fully developed, serve as morphologic indicators of the post-regulation 1- to 2-year return period stage.
High-order corrections to the binding energy of image states

Calcul des corrections d'ordre superieur a l'energie de liaison d'un electron dans un etat de surface induit par potentiel d'image par l'approche generale de Zheng
Photographic Equipment Field Maintenance

AbstractDust, moisture, insects, rodents, explosives and cleaning solutions are among the major problems thatcause equipment failure. There are others; improper use, abuse, aging and disasters, but this paper dealswith those methods that will keep a camera system operating by properly maintaining it.IntroductionAlmost every equipment manufacturer has a recommended preventative maintenance program. If these pro-grams were faithfully followed there would be few problems with equipment; however, it is not possible todetermine all the conditions which photographic equipment is exposed to.Proper maintenance will do these things:Extend equipment life. . Increase on -the -job safety. Reduce costly "emergency" repair calls. . Reduce equipment dawn time.Reduce operating costs.In establishing maintenance procedures each area should be considered individually: I. Optical elements II. Mechanical assemblies III. Vacuum lines TV. Liquid r_eserviors and piping V. Electronic components VI. Electra- static elimination system
A 20b clockless DAC with sub-ppm-linearity 7.5nV/vHz-noise and 0.05ppm/°C-stability

DACs without continuous clocking are often favored in applications such as medical imaging and scientific instrumentation. The DACs in these high-precision systems are commonly endpoint-calibrated. After this calibration, a non-ideal DAC contributes three main sources of error: noise, temperature drift, and INL. The segmented voltage-mode R-2R DAC is an attractive architecture for reducing the first two of these error sources. Resistor Johnson noise is fixed by the DAC's code-independent output resistance, which is readily lowered by the combination of several parallel segments. The complete signal path can be built using opamps that have a minimal noise gain of unity. This architecture also benefits from inherently zero endpoint error, avoiding any gain or offset drift over temperature. However, this preferred architecture for noise and temperature drift suffers from several sources of INL including: resistor mismatch, voltage losses across CMOS switches, and the nonlinearity of each resistor.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for perioperative support in neonatal and pediatric cardiac transplantation.

Currently there is a lack of consensus on guidelines in the clinical application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in neonatal and pediatric cardiac transplantation patients. In this context, given the limited data presently available through the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry, we conducted a preliminary survey to specifically evaluate the practice of using ECMO as a bridge to cardiac transplantation or as posttransplantation therapy for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass or graft failure. We received responses to our questionnaire from 95 of 118 (81%) centers located in the U.S.A. and abroad. Of the 95 centers that responded, 36 were performing neonatal/pediatric cardiac transplants, with 29 centers reporting the concomitant use of ECMO to support cardiac transplant patients. There was wide variability in the responses from the 29 centers to a selected list of relative ECMO contraindications. However, only 7 centers had specific ECMO entry criteria for cardiac transplant patients. Fifteen of the 29 centers provided relevant data on cardiac transplant patients including the proportions of neonatal (11 of 37) and pediatric (63 of 217) patients requiring ECMO; neonatal (2 of 5) and pediatric (16 of 27) patients surviving to transplant; and neonatal (1 of 5) and pediatric (12 of 27) patients surviving to hospital discharge. These findings confirm the important role of ECMO in providing perioperative support in neonatal and pediatric cardiac transplantation patients. However, the lack of consensus among centers contributes to uncertainty in the decision making process to offer ECMO and to utilize ECMO effectively in this high risk population. We recommend that institution-specific information be collected, either using the ELSO Registry (or by a similar multicentric database) to develop specific guidelines for ECMO applications in cardiac transplant patients, and to carefully monitor and follow up EMCO treated patients to further evaluate the efficacy of this limited resource.
Assignment of protein function in the postgenomic era

Genome sequencing projects have provided researchers with an unprecedented boon of molecular information that promises to revolutionize our understanding of life and lead to new treatments of its disorders. However, genome sequences alone offer only limited insights into the biochemical pathways that determine cell and tissue function. These complex metabolic and signaling networks are largely mediated by proteins. The vast number of uncharacterized proteins found in prokaryotic and eukaroyotic systems suggests that our knowledge of cellular biochemistry is far from complete. Here, we highlight a new breed of 'postgenomic' methods that aim to assign functions to proteins through the integrated application of chemical and biological techniques.
Are employers constrained in the use of employee participation groups by section 8(a)(2) of the National Labor Relations Act

Employee participation groups (EPGs) are increasingly used by American employers (Eaton, 1994; Finding 3 of S. 295 ]TEAM Act, 1997]). Some EPGs have a specific and narrow purpose, such as continuous improvement of product quality, while others are broader and less defined. EPGs are often found in firms that have trimmed management jobs, flattened their organizational structure, and embraced employee empowerment. The increased use of such groups, a 20-year trend still in progress, also coincides with the American labor movement's membership decline.
DNA Interstrand Cross-Linking Activity of (1-Chloroethenyl)oxirane, a Metabolite of β-chloroprene

With the goal of elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of chloroprene toxicity, we examined the potential DNA cross-linking of the bifunctional chloroprene metabolite, (1-chloroethenyl)oxirane (CEO). We used denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to monitor the possible formation of interstrand cross-links by CEO within synthetic DNA duplexes. Our data suggest interstrand cross-linking at deoxyguanosine residues within 5'-GC and 5'-GGC sites, with the rate of cross-linking depending on pH (pH 5.0 > pH 6.0 > pH 7.0). A comparison of the cross-linking efficiencies of CEO and the structurally similar cross-linkers diepoxybutane (DEB) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) revealed that DEB > CEO > or = ECH. Furthermore, we found that cytotoxicity correlates with cross-linking efficiency, supporting a role for interstrand cross-links in the genotoxicology of chloroprene.
Bacteroides uniformis Is a Putative Bacterial Species Associated with the Degradation of the Isoflavone Genistein in Human Feces

Inter-individual variation in isoflavone absorption depends on gut microbial degradation and affects the efficacy of these compounds. We hypothesized that inter-individual variation in fecal isoflavone disappearance coincided with variation in bacterial species. In vitro anaerobic fecal disappearance of isoflavones was measured from 33 participants by HPLC. Fecal microbial 16S rRNA variable region PCR products were obtained from 4 participants with the greatest and least genistein or glycitein degradation and were subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. DNA bands with a homology of 90-95% to Bacteroides uniformis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were present in greater intensities in fecal samples showing a genistein disappearance rate constant of 1.47 ± 0.14 h(-1) compared with those with a genistein disappearance rate constant of 0.15 ± 0.03 h(-1) (P < 0.05). Human fecal bacterial species with DNA sequences 90-100% homologous to Tannerella forsythensis and 4 other species were present in greater intensities in fecal samples showing a glycitein disappearance rate constant of 0.57 ± 0.30 h(-1) compared with fecal samples with a glycitein disappearance rate constant of 0.08 ± 0.03 h(-1) (P < 0.05). In high degraders, B. uniformis may be a candidate for genistein degradation and T. forsythensis for glycitein degradation, based on fecal isoflavone degradation in the presence of these species. Bacteroides acidifaciens increased isoflavone disappearance in anaerobic human fecal incubations under nutrient-rich and -depleted conditions, suggesting this species as one responsible for the generally high degradation of isoflavones by humans. These fecal microbes are candidate biomarkers for interindividual variation in isoflavone uptake and efficacy.
Tobacco Use Treatment at the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Designated Cancer Centers

INTRODUCTION Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer, and continued use after cancer diagnosis puts patients at greater risk for adverse health outcomes, including increased risk for cancer recurrence. This study surveyed National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Centers to assess the availability of tobacco use treatment (TUT) services. METHODS Directors and oncology providers of 58 NCI-designated Cancer Centers received invitations to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire asked about attitudes, awareness, policies, and practices related to TUT; barriers to treatment provision; and factors likely to increase services. RESULTS All 58 Cancer Centers participated. Twelve (20.7%) Centers reported no TUT services for their patients. Of the remainder, 34 (58.6%) reported a TUT program within their Center and 12 (20.7%) reported external TUT services in their health care system or affiliated university. Only 62% of Centers reported routinely providing tobacco education materials to patients, just over half reported effective identification of patient tobacco use, and less than half reported an employee dedicated to providing TUT services or a clear commitment to providing TUT services from Center leadership. The 34 centers with internal TUT programs reported significantly greater services and administration support for TUT Services. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate a national need for Cancer Centers to embrace and incorporate recommended standards for TUT. Tying TUT services to NCI recognition and providing stable funding for TUT services in Cancer Centers could lead to better health outcomes, treatment efficacy, and satisfaction for all U.S. Cancer Centers and their patients.
Non-additive interaction between nicotinic cholinergic and P2X purine receptors in guinea-pig enteric neurons in culture

1. Acetylcholine (ACh)-activated currents and their interaction with ATP-activated currents were studied in primary cultures of myenteric neurons from guinea-pig small intestine using patch clamp techniques. Peak currents caused by co-application of ACh (1 mM) and ATP (300 microM) were 78 +/- 2 % of the sum of currents activated by each agonist alone (P 0.05). Currents caused by GABA (1 mM), acting at GABAA receptors, and ACh (3 mM) or ATP (1 mM) were also additive (105 +/- 4 or 100 +/- 3 %, respectively, of the sum of currents activated by GABA and ACh or GABA and ATP applied separately; P > 0. 05). 3. Single channel currents caused by ACh and ATP in the same outside-out patches were less than additive (85 +/- 10 % of the predicted sum, P < 0.05). 4. P2X receptors and nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) are linked in a mutually inhibitory manner in guinea-pig myenteric neurons. The functional interaction does not involve ligand binding sites, Ca2+-dependent mechanisms, a change in the driving force for Na+ or cytoplasmic signalling mechanisms.
Observational Learning of Academic and Social Behaviors During Small-Group Direct Instruction:

Many studies have shown that small-group direct instruction is effective and efficient for teaching students with and without disabilities, although relatively few studies have been conducted with heterogeneous groups of preschool participants. In addition, previous studies have primarily assessed whether observational learning occurred for academic behaviors directly taught to peers. In this study, we assessed target and observational learning of both academic and sharing behaviors. Results show that children with and without disabilities learned all of their own target academic behaviors and at least some of their peers’ target academic behaviors, that children without disabilities learned to share by observing their typically developing peers do so, and that most participants generalized sharing to contexts similar to classroom activities.
Analysis of Multilayered Microelectronic Packaging Under Thermal Gradient Loading

An accurate estimation of interfacial and axial stresses in multilayered structures is important in the design process of microelectronic packaging because these stresses drive the failure modes in the package. During manufacturing, microelectronic packaging devices usually suffer from severe thermal gradients. Design engineers often simplify the thermal gradient case as an isothermal loading case by averaging the temperature of the top and bottom of the microelectronic packaging device. Such simplification usually underestimates the stress level in the devices. With the analytical model presented in this paper, the stresses in multilayered microelectronic packaging devices subjected to thermal gradient loading can easily be predicted. It is shown that ignoring the thermal gradient in the package leads to underestimation of stresses
A Unified Language Model Architecture for Web-based Speech Recognition Grammars

Supporting popular language model grammar formats, such as JSGF and XML-SRGS, has been an important step forward for the speech recognition community, particularly with respect to integration of human language technology with Internet-based technologies. Industry standard formats, though conceptually straightforward implementations of context free grammars, contain restrictions that pose serious challenges when applied to aspects of the speech recognition problem. This paper compares and contrasts these formats, discusses the implications for speech recognition systems, and presents a unified language model architecture to support transparent conversion between various language model formats. This architecture requires the conversion of higher-level grammar specifications such as the JSGF and SRGS into lower-level theoretical structures such as Augmented Backus-Naur form and Standard Backus-Naur form. The public domain implementation of this architecture provides a framework for future advancements in language model conversion and web-based speech recognition applications.
One hundred years of superconductivity: science, technology, products, profits and industry structure

Superconductivity was empirically discovered 100 years ago. While scientific efforts were rewarded by no fewer than seven Nobel Prizes, there has been only one major application: MRI. The unfulfilled potential of other electrical and electronic applications resulted in the acquisition of the MRI division of Oxford Instruments by Siemens in 2002 and of IGC by Philips in 2006. In this paper, we review the evolution of superconductivity during the past 100 years and conclude with a forecast of the industry's future. We offer policy recommendations for continuing research, development and engineering in this promising but, as of today, still unexploited field of applied science.
Involvement of sigma-1 receptors in the antidepressant-like effects of dextromethorphan.

Dextromethorphan is an antitussive with a high margin of safety that has been hypothesized to display rapid-acting antidepressant activity based on pharmacodynamic similarities to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine. In addition to binding to NMDA receptors, dextromethorphan binds to sigma-1 (σ1) receptors, which are believed to be protein targets for a potential new class of antidepressant medications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether dextromethorphan elicits antidepressant-like effects and the involvement of σ1 receptors in mediating its antidepressant-like actions. The antidepressant-like effects of dextromethorphan were assessed in male, Swiss Webster mice using the forced swim test. Next, σ1 receptor antagonists (BD1063 and BD1047) were evaluated in conjunction with dextromethorphan to determine the involvement of σ receptors in its antidepressant-like effects. Quinidine, a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 inhibitor, was also evaluated in conjunction with dextromethorphan to increase the bioavailability of dextromethorphan and reduce exposure to additional metabolites. Finally, saturation binding assays were performed to assess the manner in which dextromethorphan interacts at the σ1 receptor. Our results revealed dextromethorphan displays antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test that can be attenuated by pretreatment with σ1 receptor antagonists, with BD1063 causing a shift to the right in the dextromethorphan dose response curve. Concomitant administration of quinidine potentiated the antidepressant-like effects of dextromethorphan. Saturation binding assays revealed that a Ki concentration of dextromethorphan reduces both the Kd and the Bmax of [3H](+)-pentazocine binding to σ1 receptors. Taken together, these data suggest that dextromethorphan exerts some of its antidepressant actions through σ1 receptors.
Inhibition of rat gut reperfusion injury with an agent developed for the mouse. Evidence that amplification of injury by innate immunity is conserved between two animal species.

Murine reperfusion injury follows binding of specific IgM natural antibodies to neo-antigens exposed in ischemic tissue. Peptides that mimic the site of antibody binding in the injury prevent IgM binding when administered intravenously before reperfusion. To determine whether this pathogenic sequence is restricted to mice, we have tested the ability of the peptide to prevent reperfusion injury in a dissimilar species, the rat. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 40 min of mesenteric ischemia followed by 180 min of reperfusion. The peptide mimic was administered intravenously prior to reperfusion. Gut injury was quantified using a scoring system based on the hematoxylin-and-eosin section. 125I-labeled albumin was used to assess local (gut) and remote (lung) injury. The macroscopic appearance of bowel from peptide-treated animals was less edematous and hemorrhagic. Microscopic analysis showed a significantly reduced injury score in peptide-treated animals. Permeability data indicated a significant reduction in local and remote injury in peptide-treated animals. The data demonstrate attenuation of rat gut microvillus injury, of gut edema, and of remote injury following mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion due to administration of an intravenous peptide mimic of a murine ischemia neo-antigen, indicating a second species uses a similar ischemia neo-antigen and corresponding natural antibody specificity to amplify reperfusion injury to the point of necrosis. This mechanism of inflammation is potentially applicable to higher species.
Ultrafast dual-band optical switching device with a negative-index metamaterial

We demonstrate an ultrafast (600 fs) dual-band optical switching device using a negative-index metamaterial. A large switching ratio is achieved at both the fundamental (70%) and higher order coupling bands (20%) of the negative-index resonance.
High selectivity in anion exchange reactions of the anionic clay, cobalt hydroxynitrate

The selective uptake of fluoride ions from a mixture of halide ions and the selective uptake of chloride ions from a mixture of chloride, bromide and iodide ions were observed in the competitive anion exchange reactions of cobalt hydroxynitrate. In the case of divalent anions, the selective uptake of carbonate ions from a mixture of carbonate, oxalate and sulfate ions and the selective uptake of oxalate ions from a mixture of oxalate and sulfate ions were observed.
Interaction between ethanol and contraceptive steroids on clotting activity in the rat

Female rats were given either ethinyl estradiol or norethindrone in conjunction with water or 5% ethanol. Hematological parameters measured included the prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), factors II, V, VII, VIII, X, and XII activity; plus the platelet count (PLT) and hematocrit (HCT). The data indicates that norethindrone together with water produces the greatest number of changes in clotting activity.
The effects of oxidative stress on female reproduction: a review

Oxidative stress (OS), a state characterized by an imbalance between pro-oxidant molecules including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and antioxidant defenses, has been identified to play a key role in the pathogenesis of subfertility in both males and females. The adverse effects of OS on sperm quality and functions have been well documented. In females, on the other hand, the impact of OS on oocytes and reproductive functions remains unclear. This imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants can lead to a number of reproductive diseases such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and unexplained infertility. Pregnancy complications such as spontaneous abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preeclampsia, can also develop in response to OS. Studies have shown that extremes of body weight and lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and recreational drug use can promote excess free radical production, which could affect fertility. Exposures to environmental pollutants are of increasing concern, as they too have been found to trigger oxidative states, possibly contributing to female infertility. This article will review the currently available literature on the roles of reactive species and OS in both normal and abnormal reproductive physiological processes. Antioxidant supplementation may be effective in controlling the production of ROS and continues to be explored as a potential strategy to overcome reproductive disorders associated with infertility. However, investigations conducted to date have been through animal or in vitro studies, which have produced largely conflicting results. The impact of OS on assisted reproductive techniques (ART) will be addressed, in addition to the possible benefits of antioxidant supplementation of ART culture media to increase the likelihood for ART success. Future randomized controlled clinical trials on humans are necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms through which OS affects female reproductive abilities, and will facilitate further explorations of the possible benefits of antioxidants to treat infertility.