cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A shared but complex bridge.

Transcriptional activators bind to specific DNA sequences and activate transcription by RNA polymerase. But they often don't contact the polymerase directly, and the biological signals to activate transcription are relayed through so-called mediators. A number of such mediators have been identified and, surprisingly, many of them contain the same protein subunits.
Dopamine Quinone Formation and Protein Modification Associated with the Striatal Neurotoxicity of Methamphetamine: Evidence against a Role for Extracellular Dopamine

Methamphetamine-induced toxicity has been shown to require striatal dopamine and to involve mechanisms associated with oxidative stress. Dopamine is a reactive molecule that can oxidize to form free radicals and reactive quinones. Although this has been suggested to contribute to the mechanism of toxicity, the oxidation of dopamine has never been directly measured after methamphetamine exposure. In this study we sought to determine whether methamphetamine-induced toxicity is associated with the oxidation of dopamine by measuring the binding of dopamine quinones to cysteinyl residues on protein. We observed that administration of neurotoxic doses of methamphetamine to rats resulted in a two- to threefold increase in protein cysteinyl-dopamine in the striatum 2, 4, and 8 hr after treatment. When methamphetamine was administered at an ambient temperature of 5°C, no increase in dopamine oxidation products was observed, and toxicity was prevented. Furthermore, as shown by striatal microdialysis, animals treated with methamphetamine at 5°C showed DA release identical to that of animals treated at room temperature. These data suggest that the toxicity of methamphetamine and the associated increase in dopamine oxidation are not exclusively the result of increases in extracellular dopamine. Because dopamine-induced modifications of protein structure and function may result in cellular toxicity, it is likely that dopamine oxidation contributes to methamphetamine-induced toxicity to dopamine terminals, adding support to the role of dopamine and the evidence of oxidative stress in this lesion model.
Subtilisin Carlsberg. V. The complete sequence; comparison with subtilisin BPN'; evolutionary relationships.

Evidence is presented for the complete amino acid sequence of subtilisin Carlsberg. The protein consists of a single peptide chain of 274 residues. Comparison with subtilisin BPN' shows 84 amino acid differences and 1 additional residue in BPN'. The 84 differences can be accounted for on the basis of single or double nucleotide replacements. Within the subtilisins, there are a number of distinct repetitions of sequence; this suggests that the proteins may have evolved from shorter peptide chains by some process of extension of the sequence. The subtilisins differ in structure from other proteinases sensitive to diisopropyl fluorophosphate, as well as from proteinases of other types.
Dell's Working Capital

SUBJECT AREAS: Capital, Financial management CASE SETTINGS: Round Rock, TX; High technology; 1997 Dell Computer Corp. manufactures, sells, and services personal computers. The company markets its computers directly to its customers and builds computers after receiving a customer order. This build-to-order model enables Dell to have much smaller investment in working capital than its competitors. It also enables Dell to more fully enjoy the benefits of reduction in component prices and to introduce new products more quickly. Dell has grown quickly and has been able to finance that growth internally by its efficient use of working capital and its profitability. This case highlights the importance of working capital management in a rapidly growing firm.
White-Collar Criminals: The ‘Kinder, Gentler’ Offender?

Even though white-collar criminals (WCCs) cause financial damage and, at times, emotional and physical harm to individuals, organisations, and consumers, their crimes are viewed as being less harmful than street-level crimes. Misperceptions that WCCs commit financial crimes because of a temporary moral lapse that represents an ‘out of character’ act for the offender still permeate the criminal justice system and academic venues. Yet, research shows that WCCs may display a pattern of criminal thinking that parallels street-level offenders coupled with the same behavioural traits that serve as risk factors for offences to occur. Furthermore, the belief that WCCs are non-violent is misguided, as there is a subgroup of WCCs who are willing to resort to violence, namely homicide, to prevent their fraud schemes from being discovered and revealed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer applications of high temperature superconductivity

Abstract The new high temperature superconductors open up possible applications in magnets, power transmission, computer interconnections, Josephson devices and instrumentation, among many others. This paper presents a case study of one of these applications — the use of superconducting interconnects in 77 K CMOS semiconducting chips and packages. Significant leverage vis-a-vis normal metal interconnects at 77 K appears primarily in the packaging (rather than on-chip) and only at high performance (high frequency). As in other applications, this encourages a long-term view of the impact of high temperature superconductivity.
Absence of catalase reduces long-term survival of Helicobacter pylori in macrophage phagosomes.

Background. Some Helicobacter pylori strains can survive within macrophage phagosomes for up to 24 hours. The factors that play a role in this survival remain ill-defined. Therefore, the contribution of catalase in mediating the survival of H. pylori following phagocytosis was investigated in vitro. Methods. An isogenic, catalase-deficient strain of H. pylori was generated and tested for sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide and susceptibility to macrophage-mediated killing. Results. The isogenic, catalase-deficient strain of H. pylori was effectively killed by hydrogen peroxide within 3 minutes compared to wild-type H. pylori which maintained 100% survival up to 21 minutes. The catalase-deficient mutant was also significantly more susceptible to macrophage-mediated killing than the parent strain, even when the ratio of bacteria to macrophage was increased. Conclusion. These results indicate that although some strains of H. pylori are capable of survival within the macrophage phagosome, survival is dependent on virulence factors such as catalase for evasion of innate host defense.
Middle Ear (ME) Invasion by Different Respiratory Viruses During Acute Otitis Media (AOM) † 922

Background. AOM usually occurs concurrently with, or just after, a viral upper respiratory infection (URI). It is generally believed that viruses play a role in the pathogenesis of AOM by causing eustachian tube dysfunction, which leads to invasion of bacteria from the nasopharynx into the ME. We have previously shown that many respiratory viruses can also invade the ME and that viruses enhance the production of inflammatory mediators induced by bacteria in the ME. In this study of children with AOM and a documented, concurrent viral URI, we sought to determine whether the rates of ME invasion are different between common respiratory viruses.
Characterizing the Wave Aberration in Eyes with Keratoconus or Penetrating Keratoplasty Using a High–Dynamic Range Wavefront Sensor

Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize aberrations in 2 populations of eyes, namely those with keratoconus (KC) and those having undergone penetrating keratoplasty (PK), using a large–dynamic range Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor. Design Prospective comparative case series. Participants Twenty-one people with ocular pathologic features (either KC or PK) were recruited for this study. A previously compiled population of 190 people with no pathologic features other than refractive error was used as a means for comparison. Methods Thirty-three abnormal eyes (19 with KC and 14 PK) were measured using a high–dynamic range wavefront sensor, and Zernike coefficients were computed over a 6-mm pupil. The data then were used to characterize the populations by themselves, as well as to compare them with the population of normal eyes. Main Outcome Measures Root mean square (RMS) higher-order aberration (HOA), percent of higher-order or total aberration variance, and magnitude of individual Zernike modes (in micrometers). Visual benefit of correcting higher-order aberrations was used when comparing pathologic and normal populations. Results The keratoconic eyes exhibited 2.24 μm of HOA RMS on average. Vertical coma accounted for 53±32% (mean±standard deviation [SD]) of the HOA variance and was the most dominant higher-order aberration. The PK subjects had an average higher-order RMS of 2.25 μm, and trefoil dominated in this population with an average HOA variance contribution of 38±23% (mean±SD). The KC and PK higher-order aberrations represented 16±20% and 16±13% (mean±SD) of the total aberration variance, whereas the ratio was only 1±1% in the normal population. A visual benefit calculation on 15 KC eyes and 14 PK eyes yielded a result of 4.4±2.0 and 6.0±1.5 (mean±SD), respectively, whereas the normal population had a visual benefit of only 2.1±0.4. Conclusions Eyes with KC and PK have higher-order aberrations that are approximately 5.5 times more than what is typical in normal eyes. Vertical coma is the dominant higher-order aberration in people with KC, whereas PK eyes are dominated by trefoil, spherical aberration, and coma. Correcting these aberrations may provide substantial improvements in vision beyond what is possible with conventional correction methods.
Structure and Dynamics of Highly PEG-ylated Sterically Stabilized Micelles in Aqueous Media

Molecular assemblies of highly PEG-ylated phospholipids are important in many biomedical applications. We have studied sterically stabilized micelles (SSMs) of self-assembled DSPE–PEG2000 in pure water and isotonic HEPES-buffered saline solution. The observed SSM sizes of 2–15 nm largely depend on the solvent and the lipid concentration used. The critical micelle concentration of DSPE–PEG2000 is ∼10 times higher in water than in buffer, and the viscosity of the dispersion dramatically increases with the lipid concentration. To explain the experimentally observed results, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of solvated SSMs. Our modeling revealed that the observed assemblies have very different aggregation numbers (Nagg ≈ 90 in saline solution and Nagg < 8 in water) because of very different screening of their charged PO4– groups. We also demonstrate that the micelle cores can inflate and their coronas can fluctuate strongly, thus allowing storage and delivery of molecules with different ...
Gathering Rage: The Failure of 20th Century Revolutions to Develop a Feminist Agenda

Combining anecdotes with analysis, Margaret Randall describes how, in 20th century revolutionary societies, women's issues were gradually pushed aside. Randall shows how distorted visions of liberation and shortcomings in practice left a legacy that not only shortchanged women but undermined the revolutionary project itself. Finally, she grapples with the ways in which women themselves often retreated into more traditional roles and the rage that this engenders.
Life History and Fecundity of Mountain Whitefish from Utah Streams

Abstract This paper describes aspects of the life history of mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni from a high-elevation stream, the West Fork of Blacks Fork River, Utah (2,835–2,926 m), and summarizes fecundity of mountain whitefish from five northeastern Utah streams (Blacks Fork, Blacksmith Fork, Logan, Provo, and Weber rivers). The standing crop of mountain whitefish in a 0.14-ha reach of the Blacks Fork River was 224.5 kg/ha or 2,375 fish/km. These fish attained a maximum age of 12 years and grew from a mean total length of 72 mm at age 1 to 347 mm at age 12, growing more slowly than fish from other stream populations. Spawning in Blacks Fork River began in mid-October. All males were sexually mature by age 4 (181 mm or longer); females reached sexual maturity at 201–251 mm (ages 5–7). The ratio of mature males to females was 1.6:1. Fecundity (772–4,860 eggs) was correlated to female body size (215–361 mm and 86–372 g, respectively). Fecundity of 190 mountain whitefish from the five streams was al...
Scaling analog circuits

Summary form only given. Analog circuits perform critical operations in any modern integrated circuit. Digital integrated circuits require analog circuits for logic or I/O clock generation, as well as for temperature monitoring or supply regulation. In mixed signal products, analog circuits perform the critical translation of information from the physical (analog) world to the digital world of ones and zeros. Analog-to-digital converters are typically preceded by signal conditioning circuits, including filtering and amplification, while digital-to-analog conversion needs to be followed by some form of analog signal conditioning.
A-priori analysis of conditional moment closure modeling of a temporal ethylene jet flame with soot formation using direct numerical simulation

Abstract Modeling soot formation in turbulent nonpremixed combustion is a difficult problem. Unlike most gaseous combustion species, soot lacks a strong state relationship with the mixture fraction due to unsteady formation rates which overlap transport timescales, and strong differential diffusion between gaseous species and soot. The conditional moment closure model (CMC) has recently been applied to the problem of turbulent soot formation. A challenge in CMC modeling is the treatment of differential diffusion. Three-dimensional direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a nonpremixed ethylene jet flame with soot formation has been performed using a 19 species reduced ethylene mechanism and a four-step, three-moment, semi-empirical soot model. The DNS provides full resolution of the turbulent flow field and is used to perform a-priori analysis of a recent CMC model derived from the joint scalar PDF transport equation. Unlike other approaches, this CMC model does not require additional transport equations to treat differentially diffusing species. A budget of the terms of the CMC equation for both gaseous species and soot is presented. In particular, exact expressions for unclosed terms are compared to typical closure models for scalar dissipation, cross-dissipation, differential diffusion, and reactive source terms. The differential diffusion model for gaseous species is found to be quite accurate, while that for soot requires an additional model for the residual term.
Genome-wide analysis of SREBP-1 binding in mouse liver chromatin reveals a preference for promoter proximal binding to a new motif

Lipid homeostasis in vertebrates is regulated by 3 sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) isoforms. Here, we identify targets of SREBP-1 in mammalian liver using chromatin immunoprecipitation–high-throughput DNA sequencing. Antisera to SREBP-1 were used with liver chromatin from mice fed a high-carbohydrate diet after a fast, which leads to superinduction of hepatic SREBP-1c expression. SREBP-1–DNA complexes were subjected to massive parallel DNA sequencing using the Illumina Genome Analyzer II, resulting in 5.7 million sequence reads. Mapping these reads to the mouse reference genome identified 426 peaks of SREBP-1 binding vs. a control antibody. These binding peaks show a striking enrichment in proximal promoter regions, with 52% located within 1 kb upstream of a transcription start site. A previously undescribed sequence motif (5′-ACTACANNTCCC-3′) was present in 76% of the total peaks, and we show that it is a functional SREBP-1 response element. Our analysis also reveals that an Sp1 consensus site is present as a “coregulatory” motif in 50% of the SREBP-1 binding peaks, consistent with previous functional studies. SREBP-1 bound not only to many well-characterized SREBP-1 target genes but to several other previously unknown targets in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism as well as many putative target genes in other diverse biological pathways.
Group B streptococcal urinary tract infection in an infant.

To the Editor.— We read St Laurent-Gagnon and Weber's report of a 6-week-old infant with group B streptococcal urinary tract infection (240:1269, 1978). At the time of the article's publication, we were treating a 3-week-old infant with a similar infection. Report of a Case.— The baby was the product of a full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy, and his birth weight was 4,400 g. His neonatal course was uncomplicated, and he was discharged at the age of 3 days. He had done well until 24 hours before admission, when fever, vomiting, loose stools, and irritability developed. The 4.4-kg patient had a height and weight at the 50th percentile. His temperature was 39.2 °C; blood pressure was 80 mm Hg by palpation. The findings from his examination were otherwise unremarkable. Laboratory study values included a hematocrit reading of 38% and a WBC count of 15,600/cu mm, with two juvenile cells, 17 band forms,
Theoretical and experimental studies of stratified thermocline storage of hot water

Abstract A theoretical calculation of the degradation of heat in stratified thermocline storage has been carried out based on a conduction model. Since this neglects mixing, eddy currents and other degradation mechanisms, it provides an upper limit to the performance of a stratified thermocline storage tank. The calculation can be carried out for any selection of dimensions, temperatures, and choice of insulation. The results indicate that heat conduction through the insulation to the ambient can be a larger loss mechanism than conduction across the thermocline, except in large diameter tanks with very heavy insulation. With a properly designed tank (length/diameter > 10, diameter > 1.5 ft, insulation resistance > 20 hr ft2 °F/B.t.u.) efficient storage of heat through a daily cycle should be routinely simple based on conduction. Experiments were carried out in static and dynamic modes. In the static experiments, a fixed thermocline was established, and temperatures were monitored at spatial intervals above and below the thermocline. Some mixing occurred during formation of the thermocline, which caused an initial broadening not present in the calculations. Aside from this, it was found that the spreading of the thermocline was only slightly faster than predicted by conduction theory. If a thinner wall tank had been available, agreement between experiment and theory probably would have been closer. Dynamic experiments were conducted with a moving thermocline (both upward and downward). The results indicate preservation of the initial thermocline was excellent at linear flow rates below about 0.2 ft/min. It is believed that stratified thermocline storage has been shown to be technically viable.
RIVER CHANNEL CHANGE WITH TIME: AN EXAMPLE

Monumented channel cross sections were resurveyed over a period of 20 yrs (1953 to 1972) to determine the amount and kind of change of channel area and position on a 3.7-sq-mi basin, Watts Branch near Rockville, Maryland. For the first 12 yrs, the channel progressively but slowly became smaller as urbanization of the basin gradually proceeded. After 1966, a threshold of change apparently was passed and, probably as a result of an increased rate of land alteration upstream, large amounts of sediment were deposited within the channel and overbank. The number of floods exceeding channel capacity increased dramatically from an average of two to more than ten per year. Simultaneously, the channel area began to increase. Despite the trend toward increasing cross-sectional area, the net result after 20 yrs was a channel smaller by 20 percent than it had been originally. Urbanization did not alter the rate of channel migration.
A Re-examination of Yardstick Competition

I observe that yardstick competition does not assist a regulator when lump-sum transfers are not costly and the regulator does not care about the distribution of income. Yardstick competition discourages investment that would make efficient operation possible. I characterize optimal regulatory schemes in a simple model and demonstrate that it is generally optimal to limit the amount of information available to the regulator.
Studies on the induction and phosphorylation of xanthine dehydrogenase in cultured chick embryo hepatocytes

Chick embryo hepatocytes, cultured in a chemically defined medium, were used to investigate hormonal requirements for xanthine-dehydrogenase induction and to determine whether the enzyme is phosphorylated. Triiodothyronine is found to be required to induce the synthesis of active enzyme. Inclusion of sodium tungstate in the medium resulted in the complete loss of enyme activity but no decrease of immunochemically detectable levels of enzyme. Immunoprecipitated xanthine dehydrogenase from cell extracts migrates with enzyme purified from adult chicken liver on SDS/PAGE. Both the native 150-kDa subunit and the 130-kDa form of the enzyme is observed. N-terminal sequence analysis of the 150-kDa subunit shows the following; Ala-Pro-Pro-Glu-Thr-Gly-Asp-Glu-Leu-Val-Phe-Phe-Val-Asn-Gly-Lys-Lys -Val-Val which is similar to the published N-terminal sequences of rat, mouse and insect xanthine dehydrogenases. Autoradiography of denaturing gels of xanthine dehydrogenase isolated from 32Pi-labeled hepatocytes demonstrates that the 150-kDa and the 130-kDa forms of the enzyme are phosphorylated. Chemical phosphate analysis of acid-precipitated, electrophoretically pure chicken liver xanthine dehydrogenase also shows the presence of covalently bound phosphate. Phosphoamino acid analysis of both 32-P labeled forms of the enzyme demonstrates the presence of phosphoserine. Thus, chicken liver xanthine dehydrogenase contains a phosphoserine residue as found previously in bovine milk xanthine oxidase [Davis, M. D., Edmondson, D. E. & Muller, F. (1984) Eur. J. Biochem. 145, 237–250].
A Modern Approach to Drill Optimisation

The drilling process in the manufacture of printed circuit boards is one where there is a wide variation in the optimum parameters used by each printed circuit board manufacturer. The reason for this is probably due to variation in the definition of what is required and noise in the experiments used to determine them. The author has used a fresh approach by combining the use of Taguchi Methods to design a fractional factorial experiment together with a fibre‐optic temperature probe to measure the temperature of the drill bit under different experimental conditions. The Taguchi experiment demonstrates: (1) The high temperature rise with stack height; (2) the difference between woodpulp and phenolic back‐up/entry material; and (3) those parameters that have little effect on drill temperatures. Further work demonstrates: (1) The variation between drills and drill suppliers, and (2) how the use of a dry lubricant can minimise the variation in drilling temperature as well as extending drill life and increasing productivity.
The Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale: Revision and Psychometric Analysis

Objective: The Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management scale (MSSM) was developed to provide a multidimensional and psychometrically sound assessment of self-management knowledge and behavior among adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). This article describes recent revisions to the scale and presents the results of subsequent analyses of the factor structure and psychometric adequacy of the revised MSSM. Method: Participants were 197 adults with MS randomly selected from mailing lists of 3 chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Participants completed mailed questionnaires including the MSSM and several additional instruments measuring constructs associated with selfmanagement. Results: Factor analysis of the revised MSSM revealed 5 psychometrically sound factors. Construct validity was supported by factor analysis and correlation of the MSSM with constructs related to self-management. Specifically, the MSSM was significantly positively correlated with MS selfefficacy and quality of life ratings, and significantly negatively correlated with psychological and physical impact of MS, as measured with the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale. Internal consistency reliability for the scale was acceptable ( .85). Conclusion: The MSSM, as revised, is a brief, psychometrically sound, and multidimensional self-management scale for research and clinical applications.
The establishment of flavor-flavor associations using a sensory preconditioning training procedure

Abstract In Experiment 1, rats drank two distinct flavors in sequence during preconditioning; during training, the second of these flavors was paired with a toxin. During testing, there was an aversion to the flavor not directly paired with the toxin. In Experiment 2, the time interval between the two flavors (0, 3, 9, and 27 sec) in the preconditioning phase was varied; learning occurred only if the flavors were separated by 9 sec or less. Experiment 3, using a 60-sec interstimulus interval also did not reveal learning. These results reveal that the temporal gradient for flavor-flavor associative learning is similar to conventional audio-visual sensory preconditioning delay gradients and different from those obtained in flavor-toxicosis experiments. The results are discussed in terms of their critical implication for Revusky's concurrent interference theory of associative learning.
Conceptions of Equity: How Influential Actors View a Contested Concept.

Discussions of educational equity have played an important role in educational policy in the United States over the past 50 years, and advocates with a broad range of perspectives on reform have sought to claim the equity mantle. In this article, I examine aspects of equity, including the distribution of “inputs” to public education, the process of delivering education, and the outcomes of the educational process. I surveyed a series of experts in educational policy to identify influential actors in national debates. Based on that survey, I conducted 12 semistructured interviews with individuals and representatives of organizations identified as “influential,” and collected documents from the same groups. Beliefs about equity among those with influence are both nuanced and, at times, in tension with other perspectives on equity. Important areas of common ground include an emphasis on outcomes as an important component of an equitable system of public education and a focus on groups identified as having be...
Fibronectin mediates cytokinesis and growth of rat follicular cells in serum-free medium

In this study, the growth of rat follicular (RF-1) cells was severely depressed when the cells were subcultured by trypsinization directly into serum-free medium supplemented with insulin, transferrin and hydrocortisone, which are required for growth of these cells in vitro. Within 24 hr after plating, 50-65% of the cells became binucleated, indicating lack of cytokinesis. However, the addition of human plasma fibronectin (8 microgram/ml) to the serum-free medium eliminated cell binucleation and enhanced cell growth considerably. Fibronectin had the same effect when RF-1 cells were plated into tissue culture dishes on which fibronectin had been absorbed, and cells were inoculated into fibronectin-free medium. Cell binucleation and poor growth in serum-free medium occurred when the cells were subcultured by trypsinization, EGTA treatment or detachment of mitotic cells. Under some conditions, cells could be "rescued" if fibronectin was added soon after inoculation, indicating that fibronectin was needed mainly during a limited time when the subcultured cells were attaching to the tissue culture substratum. Our findings describe an adhesive activity for fibronectin which circumvents the serum preincubation usually needed after RF-1 cells are subcultured for growth in serum-free medium. They also indicate the importance of fibronectin-mediated adhesion for cytokinesis processes of these cells.
Zonal Navier-Stokes methodology for flow simulation about a complete aircraft

Transonic Navier-Stokes flow simulations are presented for the F-16A fighter aircraft using a zonal grid approach. This approach subdivides the physical space about the aircraft into an ensemble of simple geometric shapes, thus mitigating many of the difficulties of generating a single grid about a complex shape, e.g., providing adequate grid refinement near all body surfaces to capture the boundary layer. Information is propagated between zones via grid overlapping and a spatial interpolation procedure. Computational Cp compare well with experimental values on the wing, horizontal and vertical tails, fuselage centerline, and the inlet/diverter region. The average y+ one grid point off the wing is 3. The experimental lift is underpredicted by 2.6%, and the experimental drag is overpredicted by 1.6%. The flexibility of the zonal approach is demonstrated by adding additional zones inside the inlet up to the compressor face to model flow spillage, and downwind of the exhaust nozzle to model power-on conditions. Computations are also presented for the F-16A in sideslip. These results demonstrate that the present zonal approach provides a flexible and viable means of simulating flowfields about complex geometries.
Thermal properties of starch in corn variants isolated after chemical mutagenesis of inbred line B73

ABSTRACT The starch from eight ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) treated M4 families of the corn (Zea mays L.) inbred line B73 was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA), a texture analyzer (TA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with image analysis. The eight families were chosen from 144 families previously selected for having starch with unusual DSC parameters. Apparent amylose contents of the starch from the eight families generally were lower than that of the control. According to DSC, starches from mutagenized families tended to have lower onset temperature (T0) of gelatinization, enthalpy (ΔH) of gelatinization, and peak height index (PHI), but broader gelatinization range (R) than the B73 control. Their values for ΔH and percentage of retrograzdation (%R) were clustered around that of the control. Pasting properties from the RVA of the starches from the M4 families also were clustered around those of the control B73 starch, except for the setba...
Appearance of antibodies to trophoblast during the postpartum period in normal human pregnancies.

IN a previous communication1, it was reported that fluorescein-tagged serum globulin collected in the postpartum period of normal human pregnancies localizes in syncytiotrophoblastic cytoplasm of the placenta delivered by the patient in a manner best interpreted as an antigen–antibody reaction. This communication was based on five patients from whom the serum was collected on the fourth postpartum day. This day was arbitrarily chosen because of the theoretical possibility that antibodies formed during pregnancy might be absorbed by the large volume of trophoblastic material present in the placenta, hence might not be present in significant amounts in the circulation prior to delivery.
Isotopic variations of dissolved inorganic carbon

Abstract The isotopic composition of the dissolved inorganic carbon in near shore waters varies systematically with chlorinity. Extrapolation to 0-chlorinity shows a δ 13 C range of −5 to −11‰ relative to the Chicago PDB 1 standard for the Hudson and Potomac Rivers and the bayous feeding into Mississippi Sound. The composition of a few samples of open ocean water shows a range of −1 to +2‰. The data suggest that the amount and isotopic composition of the total CO 2 and chlorinity of estuary and coastal waters may be used to characterize and to study the mixing of various water masses, and that it is necessary to re-evaluate paleoenvironmental methods of sediment classification based on the isotopic composition of sedimentary organic and inorganic carbon.
The effect of exposure to wood smoke on outcomes of childhood pneumonia in Botswana

SETTING: Tertiary hospital in Gaborone Botswana. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether exposure to wood smoke worsens outcomes of childhood pneumonia. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of children aged 1-23 months meeting clinical criteria for pneumonia. Household use of wood as a cooking fuel was assessed during a face-to-face questionnaire with care givers. We estimated crude and adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for treatment failure at 48 h by household use of wood as a cooking fuel. We assessed for effect modification by age (1-5 vs. 6-23 months) and malnutrition (none vs. moderate vs. severe). RESULTS: The median age of the 284 enrolled children was 5.9 months; 17% had moderate or severe malnutrition. Ninety-nine (35%) children failed treatment at 48 h and 17 (6%) died. In multivariable analyses household use of wood as a cooking fuel increased the risk of treatment failure at 48 h (RR 1.44 95%CI 1.09-1.92 P = 0.01). This association differed by child nutritional status (P = 0.02) with a detrimental effect observed only among children with no or moderate malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to wood smoke worsens outcomes for childhood pneumonia. Efforts to prevent exposure to smoke from unprocessed fuels may improve pneumonia outcomes among children.
Numerical simulations of compact intracloud discharges as the Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanche‐Extensive Air Shower process

[1] Compact intracloud discharges (CIDs) are sources of the powerful, often isolated radio pulses emitted by thunderstorms. The VLF-LF radio pulses are called narrow bipolar pulses (NBPs). It is still not clear how CIDs are produced, but two categories of theoretical models that have previously been considered are the Transmission Line (TL) model and the Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanche-Extensive Air Showers (RREA-EAS) model. In this paper, we perform numerical calculations of RREA-EASs for various electric field configurations inside thunderstorms. The results of these calculations are compared to results from the other models and to the experimental data. Our analysis shows that different theoretical models predict different fundamental characteristics for CIDs. Therefore, many previously published properties of CIDs are highly model dependent. This is because of the fact that measurements of the radiation field usually provide information about the current moment of the source, and different physical models with different discharge currents could have the same current moment. We have also found that although the RREA-EAS model could explain the current moments of CIDs, the required electric fields in the thundercloud are rather large and may not be realistic. Furthermore, the production of NBPs from RREA-EAS requires very energetic primary cosmic ray particles, not observed in nature. If such ultrahigh-energy particles were responsible for NBPs, then they should be far less frequent than is actually observed.
Mechanisms of aneuploidy in thyroid cancer cell lines and tissues: evidence for mitotic checkpoint dysfunction without mutations in BUB1 and BUBR1.

OBJECTIVE Thyroid follicular adenomas (FA) and carcinomas (FC) have a high prevalence of aneuploidy. We examined the contribution of mitotic checkpoint dysfunction and mutations of BUB1 or BUBR1, components of the spindle assembly checkpoint pathway, to chromosomal instability in thyroid cancer. DESIGN The integrity of the mitotic checkpoint was studied in 8 aneuploid thyroid tumour cell lines. All cell lines as well as 9 FA, 9 FC, and 1 aneuploid papillary carcinoma were screened for mutations of BUB1 by SSCP and direct sequencing. Cell lines were also examined for mutations of BUBR1. RESULTS Neither FRO, NPA nor WRO cells arrested in mitosis after treatment with nocodazole, whereas other aneuploid cell lines paused appropriately following microtubule disruption. One FC had a 2-bp somatic deletion (G2480/A2481) of BUB1 leading to a frameshift, and one FC had a silent polymorphism at nucleotide 1049 (TGT-TGC). There was a silent polymorphism of BUBR1 (G1271A) in one sample. CONCLUSION Some, but not all thyroid cancer cell lines with aneuploidy have an abnormal mitotic checkpoint, indicating that chromosomal instability may arise through alternative cell cycle defects. Moreover, mutations of BUB1 or BUBR1 are infrequent in follicular neoplasms, and do not account for aneuploidy in thyroid cancer.
Inositol phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and zinc contents of selected breakfast cereals

Abstract The concentrations in selected breakfast cereals of inositol tris-, tetra-, penta-, and hexakisphosphate (IP3, IP4, IP5, IP6) were determined by HPLC methodology. In addition, the calcium, magnesium, and zinc concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. All cereals examined contained each of the inositol phosphate (IP) species. Wheat and oat cereals contained an overall average of 5 and 8 μmol/g, respectively, of IP6, representing 46 and 65% of total IP. The mean IP6 content of bran or bran added cereals was 13 μmol/g, 65% of the total IP content. Corn, rice, and most multigrain-based cereals contained lower concentrations of IPs. Whole grain or bran cereals to which no source of Ca or Zn was added averaged 10.9 μmol (0.44mg)/g of Ca, 0.48 μmol (0.032 mg)/g of Zn, and 57.1 μmol (1.4 mg)/g of Mg. Corn and rice cereals contained lower amounts of Ca, Zn, and Mg. Calculated indices of bioavailability, such as phytate/Zn and phytate/Ca molar ratios are most meaningful if based on values for IP6 or IP6 + IP5 rather than total IPs.
Performance analysis of the efficacy of packet-level FEC in improving video transport over networks

Packet video transport over networks is expected to experience packet losses due to congestion, link failures and timeouts. Packet-level FEC is often proposed to combat these packet losses and thus improve received video quality. However, the redundant packets associated with the FEC coding will increase the effective network load and, as a result, further exacerbate the network packet-loss rates. In this work, we propose a model framework to describe FEC-protected packet video network transport systems and analytically investigate the overall efficacy of packet-level FEC in improving the end-to-end video quality. We consider a simplified network scenario, where the network congestion performance can be described in terms of a single bottleneck node, modeled as a multiplexer. Our results show that packet-level FEC can significantly improve the end-to-end video quality provided that the coding block size is large enough and the coding rate is appropriately chosen, assuming other system parameters are likewise appropriately chosen. We also demonstrate that, when multiple sources share the multiplexer, FEC coding can achieve significant multiplexing gain in terms of the number of video sources that can be supported for a given end-to-end performance.
Oxidation films on copper in alkaline media: intensity modulated photoelectrochemical and Raman spectroscopy studies

Abstract The composition of thin surface layers on copper oxidized in alkaline media has been determined by combining in situ intensity modulated photocurrent measurements and laser Raman spectroscopy with cyclic voltammetry. Photocurrent measurements showed that the high intensity (≲250 W/cm 2 ) laser Raman probe beam facilitated reduction of the oxidized surface. Laser-facilitated reduction was used to identify the presence of CuO and Cu 2 O and, when combined with Raman spectroscopy, to differentiate between the formation of CuO and Cu(OH) 2 films. Raman spectra confirmed that a thin Cu 2 O film formed as oxidation of the copper surface was initiated. Increasing the potential produced a Cu(OH) 2 layer on top of the Cu 2 O film. Further oxidation at higher potentials converted the Cu 2 O film to a CuO underlayer that coexisted with the Cu(OH) 2 overlayer.
Use of a Supermarket Shelf-Labeling Program to Educate a Predominately Minority Community About Foods That Promote Heart Health

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the awareness and use of a supermarket-shelf labeling program designed to encourage shoppers to make food choices that promote heart health. Design A shelf-labeling program was implemented in 18 supermarkets serving minority communities in Detroit, Mich. Customers were given an exit survey to determine awareness and use of the program. Subjects/setting Three hundred sixty-one subjects were sampled. Sixty-six percent of the sample was female, 67% African-American, and the sample population had a mean age of 51.6 years±18.5 SD. Results Overall awareness of the program was 28.8%. Awareness among minorities was significantly higher when compared with whites (35.3% vs 20.8%; P =.02). Gender, age, and education level were not predictive of program awareness but people screened for cardiovascular disease risk factors (elevated low-density lipoprotein or total cholesterol levels and/or elevated blood pressure) in the previous year had greater awareness than those not screened (32.6% vs 13.6%, P =.06). Use of the program was 56% among subjects aware of the program. This did not differ significantly by gender, age, or ethnicity. Statistical analysis Awareness and use were evaluated with respect to ethnicity, gender, education, race, age, and previous screening history. For purposes of analysis, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian-American respondents were combined into one group called "all minorities." The other group of respondents was called "whites." Between-group differences in categorical variables were analyzed using a χ 2 statistic. Conclusions Awareness of the shelf-labeling program was modest, but highest among African-Americans. Subjects recently screened for cardiovascular disease risk had greater program awareness. This difference was not statistically significant. Use was relatively high among those aware of the program, suggesting that shelf labels have the potential to increase the selection of foods that promote heart health in predominately low-income, minority populations. J Am Diet Assoc. 2000;00:804-809 .
Experimental Verification of a New Model for Transition Flow of Thin Films in Long Journal Bearings

A new model for predicting the flow behavior in long journal bearing films in the transition regime (Taylor and wavy vortex regimes) was previously proposed by the authors. This paper presents the experimental verification. A comparison between the experimental and numerical results of the Torque–Speed graphs is presented with good agreement between the numerical and experimental data for the Couette, Taylor and pre-wavy regimes. In the wavy and turbulent regime, the magnitude of the numerically obtained data is larger than the corresponding measured torques, but the difference is confined to below 14%. A comparison between experimental and numerical flow patterns is also presented. The results match well in general, except that experimentally, a pre-wavy regime was identified. The latter is characterized by the disappearance of the Taylor vortices, while numerically the Taylor vortices are only distorted and the wavy vortices are formed in this regime.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Infrared Planar Zero Index Metamaterials

An infrared planar Zero Index Metamaterial consisting of a Ag screen surrounded by a polyimide substrate and superstrate that was optimized using a genetic algorithm to have a low/zero refractive index with maximum transmission.
Extraction and chromatographic purification of digitalis cardiac glycosides and their binding to plant pigments.

Abstract A procedure is described for extracting cardiac glycosides and their aglycones from dried leaf powder of Digitalis purpureaL. by a water-ethanol gradient elution followed by Soxhlet extraction. Milligram amounts of pure digitoxin had been added to the leaf powder for studying its effects on the solubilities and removal of interfering plant pigments and on the recovery of steroidal substances by thin-layer chromatography. Definite effects of added digitoxin on the turbidity of plant extracts and on plausible com-plexing reactions are described, some of which proceed parallel to aging effects of plant extracts.
Reflections on Puccini's La Bohème Investigating a Model for Listening

A continuing line of research indicates that focus of attention is perhaps the most important attribute of actively participating in meaningful music listening and a model accounting for these findings has been developed. Music teachers are especially concerned with meaningful listening when having students discern important elements or attributes of music. Although newer listening devices offer sophisticated methods for continuous measurement, the educator usually does not have access to the advanced equipment used by researchers. This study is built on a previous investigation by examining the use of a paper-and-pencil drawing for recording aesthetic responses across time. The authors also asked the 50 university music major participants to reflect and write comments concerning their listening experiences. Findings indicate that a teacher using only a simple paper-and-pencil representation might be able to elicit and document an “overall emotional effect” that provides almost as much information as usin...
Left ventricular blood flow velocity during atrial arrhythmias in man.

Abstract With use of the Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter catheter telemetry system, blood flow velocity was recorded from various left ventricular cavity sites in 57 conscious subjects with atrial arrhythmias. Premature atrial depolarizations reduced peak left ventricular blood flow velocity in direct relation to their respective coupling intervals. Paroxysmal supraventricular and multifocal atrial tachycardias produced a decrease in peak left ventricular blood velocity, with the most marked reductions measured at the onset of the tachyarrhythmias. Atrial flutter and fibrillation resulted in midcavity and inflow tract diastolic blood velocity waves that were inscribed in conjunction with atrial depolarizations seen on the simultaneously recorded electrocardiogram. Irregular ventricular responses and changing atrioventricular conduction ratios produced marked irregularity of peak flow velocity. These findings provide the first comprehensive description of left ventricular blood flow velocity during atrial arrhythmias in man.
2-Methyl-3-Methylenecyclobutene-1-Carbonitrile: A Corrected Structure and a New Methylenecyclobutene Monomer,

The correct structure of the compound originally reported as 3-methylene[2.1.0]bicyclopentane-1-carbonitrile is 3-methylene-2-methylcyclobutene-1-carbonitrile. This new monomer undergoes free radical polymerization in the expected 1,5 manner.
Rapid determination of liposome-water partition coefficients (Klw) using liposome electrokinetic chromatography (LEKC).

ABSTRACT Liposome Electrokinetic Chromatography (LEKC) provides a simple and facile approach for determining liposome–water partition coefficients, K lw . LEKC is a Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) technique where liposomes are incorporated into a buffer solution and act as a pseudostationary phase providing sites of interaction for solutes. The retention factors of solutes in LEKC are directly proportional to K lw . This article describes how LEKC can be used to determine K lw for both neutral and charged solutes. The K lw values for a group of neutral aromatic compounds, β‐blockers, and other drugs are reported. In addition, the usefulness of two quantitative structure partition relationships (QSPR) for estimation of Klw is demonstrated. One is the logarithmic linear relationship between liposome water and octanol–water partition coefficients ( P ow ). The other is the Linear Solvation Energy Relationship (LSER). The calculated K lw values from the two QSPR agree nicely with the observed values and with one another. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:1601–1612, 2002