cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partial resolution of the enzymes catalyzing photophosphorylation. IX. Studies on the subunit structure of coupling factor 1 from chloroplasts.

1. Spectrophotometric titration of the tyrosyl residues of coupling factor 1 from spinach chloroplasts with NaOH revealed that approximately one-half of the total tyrosyl groups are located on the surface of the molecules and are readily accessible to the aqueous medium. About onequarter of the tyrosyl residues appear to be located in the intersubunit regions and the remaining quarter of the tyrosyl residues are buried in the hydrophobic region of the subunits. 2. Cold inactivation of coupling factor 1 at mild acid pH in the presence of neutral salts resulted in the dissociation of the protein into subunits. Restoration of over 60% of the Ca2+-dependent ATPase and of the coupling factor activity was achieved at 25° provided ATP and 25% glycerol were present. 3. Immunoelectrophoretic analysis of coupling factor 1 under various dissociating conditions indicated the existence of at least two antigenically distinct subunits and the presence of three species of dissociated products with nonidentical electrophoretic mobilities. A specific antibody directed against the native enzyme and not reactive with the subunits was also present in the sera of rabbits after immunization with coupling factor 1.
US technological competitiveness in the global economy: A survey

This article reports on a survey of US technological competitiveness in the global economy. The survey ranks the United States against other countries, it identifies current problems interfering with technological competitiveness in both the United States and other countries, and it examines the importance of different management practices and government policies for improving competitiveness. The survey was conducted among scientists, engineers and managers from over thirty–five different countries, and was conducted during the Second International Conference on the Management of Technology held in Miami, Florida, in March 1990. The survey results are analysed and interpretations are made in light of US and international issues.
Dynamic Application Structuring on Heterogeneous, Distributed Systems

The diversity of computers and networks within a distributed system makes these systems highly heterogeneous. System heterogeneity complicates the design of static applications that must meet quality-of-service (QoS) requirements. As part of the ERDoS2 project, we have introduced a novel concept of dynamic application structuring where the system, at run time, chooses the best end-to-end implementation of an application, based on the system and resource attributes. Not only does this approach improve resource utilization and increase the total benefit to the user over that provided by the current static approaches, but it also is transparent to users and simplifies application development. We describe the models and mechanisms necessary for dynamic application structuring and use a set of multimedia applications to illustrate dynamic application structuring.
Resources for Conducting Cross-National Survey Research

Cross-national survey research is a complex and challenging endeavor. Designing a reliable and valid comparative study is notably more difficult than constructing a single monolingual/monocultural survey. Besides the whole array of components that encompass total-survey error in one survey, there is a parallel set of comparison errors that apply in cross-national surveys. Likewise, comparative analysis is complicated by these comparison errors, and even well-conducted comparative surveys may produce erroneous results due to failing to achieve functional equivalence at the design, collection, and/ or analysis stages. Even locating cross-national data for secondary analysis can be a challenge. This note describes some valuable resources, especially those available on the web, which can assist in conducting cross-national survey research. The best overall resource for conducting cross-national survey research is the Cross-Cultural Survey Guidelines (CCSG, http://ccsg.isr.umich.edu/index. cfm). CCSG developed out of the International Workshop on Comparative Survey Design and Implementation (CSDI, http://www.csdiworkshop.org/). The website version has 16 comprehensive chapters plus a glossary:
Mobility algorithm evaluation using a consolidated database developed for wheeled vehicles operating on dry sands

Abstract A substantial number of laboratory and field tests have been conducted to assess performance of various wheel designs in loose soils. However, there is no consolidated database which includes data from several sources. In this study, a consolidated database was created on tests conducted with wheeled vehicles operating in loose dry sand to evaluate existing soil mobility algorithms. The database included wheels of different diameters, widths, heights, and inflation pressures, operating under varying loading conditions. Nine technical reports were identified containing 5253 records, based on existing archives of laboratory and field tests of wheels operating in loose soils. The database structure was assembled to include traction performance parameters such as drawbar pull, torque, traction, motion resistance, sinkage, and wheel slip. Once developed, the database was used to evaluate and support validation of closed form solutions for these variables in the Vehicle Terrain Interface (VTI) model. The correlation between predicted and measured traction performance parameters was evaluated. Comparison of the predicted versus measured performance parameters suggests that the closed form solutions within the VTI model are functional but can be further improved to provide more accurate predictions for off-road vehicle performance.
Functional Effects of Mutating the Closing G·A Base-pair of a Conserved Hairpin Loop in 23 S Ribosomal RNA

Abstract Recently, Draper and co-workers solved the structure of a hexanucleotide hairpin loop that is conserved in large subunit ribosomal RNAs. (In Escherichia coli , the hexanucleotide consists of nucleotides 1093 to 1098, in the GTPase center of 23 S rRNA.) A major feature of that structure is a G1093 · A1098 base-pair that closes the loop. Our laboratory reported previously the isolation of the mutation G1093A and its characterization as a suppressor of UGA mutations and a cause of temperature-conditional lethality. For the work reported here, we asked whether G1093A causes its phenotypes precisely because it is part of the G1093/A1098 base-pair. Using oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis, we introduced base substitutions at nucleotides 1093 and 1098 into a plasmid-borne ribosomal RNA operon ( rrnB ). Each mutant plasmid was then tested for the two mutant phenotypes, nonsense suppression and temperature-de pendent growth inhibition. Our results indicate that mutations at 1093 do not cause the mutant phenotypes because G1093 is part of the G1093 · A1098 base-pair. We discuss alternative avenues to the observed mutant phenotypes and, in particular, present a model in which a specific interaction of the loop is involved in peptide chain termination.
Influence of manipulative variables on the marginal adaptation of certain restorative materials

Abstract The marginal adaptation of dental restorations placed in extracted teeth was studied by means of a tracer method utilizing Ca 45 . The following observations were made: 1.There was no difference in the sealing ability of inlays cemented with zinc phosphate, resin, or zinc oxide-eugenol cements. All restorations exhibited good adaptation initially, with a slight increase in marginal leakage occurring with time. 2.The sealing qualities of zinc oxide-eugenol cement were initially much superior to those of gutta-percha. 3.The adaptation of amalgam restorations was not appreciably altered by expansion or contraction of the alloy during setting, since the leakage patterns of grossly expanding and contracting alloys were comparable. Initial leakage of restorations placed with both alloys was virtually eliminated by the use of a cavity varnish. 4.The best adaptation of resin restorations to cavity walls was attained through use of a combination flow-bulk pack technique, while restorations inserted with the flow technique were superior to those placed by the bulk pack procedure. No difference was discernible in the adaptation of resin restorations which were finished 15 minutes after placement and those on which the finishing procedure was delayed for 20 hours. 5.Marginal leakage of silicate restorations was reduced by use of a cavity varnish. Silicate restorations finished immediately after removal of the matrix exhibited more leakage than those finished after 24 hours.
Phylogenetic Relationships, Ecological Correlates, and Molecular Evolution Within the Cavioidea (Mammalia, Rodentia)

A molecular phylogeny of the rodent superfamily Cavioidea was derived using two nuclear sequences (exon #10 of the growth hormone receptor gene and intron #1 of the transthyretin gene) and one mitochondrial gene (12S rRNA). A combined analysis produced a highly derived and well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis that differed from traditional taxonomy primarily in the placement of two taxa. Kerodon, traditionally included within the subfamily Caviinae with guinea pigs and its relatives, is placed sister to the family Hydrochaeridae and closely aligned with the subfamily Dolichotinae. Inclusion of Hydrochaeris within the Caviidae renders the familial classification paraphyletic. Our data further support the taxonomic separation of the families Agoutidae and Dasyproctidae. Both the molecular and traditional morphological interpretations are assessed in testing an ecological constraints hypothesis regarding social behaviors. Whereas traditional taxonomy is consistent with an environmental constraints explanation for social behavior, the molecular data suggest that phylogenetic effects may be a more important factor in the evolution of social behavior in this group. Although lineage-specific rate heterogeneity was identified in all three molecular data sets, no significant support was obtained for the metabolic rate hypothesis. However, both nuclear genes displayed patterns in accordance with the generation time hypothesis.
NEURAL ACTIVITY IN THE ABDOMINAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF AESCHNID NYMPHS.

Abstract 1. 1. The afferent input to the central nervous system of the abdomen of Aeschna nymphs contains a regular discharge of varying frequency from each of the stretch receptors, and two types of bursts corresponding to the two types of epidermal sensilla. In addition the last ganglion receives information from mechanoreceptors at the bases of the anal appendages. 2. 2. With the aid of microelectrodes responses were obtained from the central nervous system to different forms of peripheral stimulation. 3. 3. Spontaneous activity was recorded in the form of both regular discharges and bursts of impulses. Many of the latter were correlated with, but not caused by, respiratory movements. 4. 4. Stimulation of the first roots elicited efferent responses in the ipsilateral first, second and third roots, in the contralateral first roots, and also in the ipsilateral first roots of both anterior and posterior ganglia. 5. 5. Stimulation of the fifth roots was used to investigate the synapses and efferent responses concerned in the “evasion response”. The results are comparable with those obtained in other insects, except that the interneurons transmitting the post-synaptic response synapse with motor fibres in each abdominal ganglion, and not only in the thoracic ganglia, as seems the case in the cockroach.
Formal modeling of the Enterprise JavaBeans™ component integration framework ☆

Abstract An emerging trend in the engineering of complex systems is the use of component integration frameworks. Such a framework prescribes an architectural design that permits flexible composition of third-party components into applications. A good example is Sun Microsystems' Enterprise JavaBeans ™ (EJB) framework, which supports object-oriented, distributed, enterprise-level applications, such as account management systems. One problem with frameworks like EJB is that they are documented informally, making it difficult to understand precisely what is provided by the framework, and what is required to use it. We believe formal specification can help, and in this paper show how a formal architectural description language can be used to describe and provide insight into such frameworks.
Uniform Lipschitz constants on small intervals

Abstract Let f in C [− 1, 1] be given, and let n be a fixed nonnegative integer. For 0 & θ ⩽ 1 define P θ ( f ) to be the polynomial of degree less than or equal to n of best uniform approximation to f on [−θ, θ]. It is well known that there exists for each such θ, a constant λ f (θ) such that for all g ϵ C [ − θ , θ ], ∥ P θ − P θ ( g ) ∥[− θ , θ ⩽ λ f ( θ ) ∥. Sufficient conditions on f are obtained to ensure that the set {λ f (θ)|0 & θ ⩽ γ} is bounded for some δ > 0. An example is given showing that {λ f (θ)|0 & θ ⩽ γ} may be bounded for some δ
Large-scale growth evolution in the Szekeres inhomogeneous cosmological models with comparison to growth data

We use the Szekeres inhomogeneous cosmological models to study the growth of large-scale structure in the universe including nonzero spatial curvature and a cosmological constant. In particular, we use the Goode and Wainwright formulation of the solution, as in this form the models can be considered to represent exact nonlinear perturbations of an averaged background. We identify a density contrast in both classes I and II of the models, for which we derive growth evolution equations. By including $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$, the time evolution of the density contrast as well as kinematic quantities of interest can be tracked through the matter- and $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-dominated cosmic eras up to the present and into the future. In class I, we consider a localized cosmic structure representing an overdensity neighboring a central void, surrounded by an almost Friedmann-Lema\^{\i}tre-Robertson-Walker background, while for class II, the exact perturbations exist globally. In various models of class I and class II, the growth rate is found to be stronger in the matter-dominated era than that of the standard lambda-cold dark matter ($\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$) cosmology, and it is suppressed at later times due to the presence of the cosmological constant. We find that there are Szekeres models able to provide a growth history similar to that of $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$ while requiring less matter content and nonzero spatial curvature, which speaks to the importance of including the effects of large-scale inhomogeneities in analyzing the growth of large-scale structure. Using data for the growth factor $f$ from redshift space distortions and the Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ forest, we obtain best fit parameters for class II models and compare their ability to match observations with $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$. We find that there is negligible difference between best fit Szekeres models with no priors and those for $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$, both including and excluding Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ data. We also find that the standard growth index $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ parametrization cannot be applied in a simple way to the growth in Szekeres models, so a direct comparison of the function $f$ to the data is performed. We conclude that the Szekeres models can provide an exact framework for the analysis of large-scale growth data that includes inhomogeneities and allows for different interpretations of observations.
Cyclic Peptides VII. The Synthesis and Characterization of Cyclic Peptides with Repeating Pro‐Gly Sequences

Four cyclic peptides of the type cyclo (Pro-Gly)n were synthesized and characterized. The peptides are cyclo (L-Pro-Gly)2, cyclo (L-Pro-Gly)3, cyclo (L-Pro-Gly)4, and cyclo (D-Pro-Gly-L-Pro-Gly). Aspects of the cyclization reactions leading to these peptides are discussed, particularly with respect to the choice of sequence of linear precursor peptides and effects of elevated temperatures. The cyclic octapeptide, cyclo (L-Pro-Gly)4, was isolated as a crystalline complex with sodium thiocyanate. Experimental details of the syntheses are provided.
Throughput of Unslotted ALOHA Channels with Arbitray Packet Interarrival Time Distributions

An unslotted ALOHA channel with dissimilar users and each user having an arbitrary distribution of packet interarrival time, is analyzed for its throughput. It is shown that the throughput behavior of an unslotted channel with a very large number of users is the same as that of Abramson's Poisson channel. When each user transmits many packets almost in succession and then remains silent for a long period, the throughput of the unslotted channel is shown to approach that of the slotted channel. For unslotted channels in which the dead time between successive packet transmissions due to each user exceeds twice the packet duration, the throughput is shown to be independent of the nature of the packet interarrival time distribution of any user, depending only on the average rate at which users transmit packets.
The impact of climate change on the performance of rebuilding strategies for overfished groundfish species of the U.S. west coast

Abstract Management Strategy Evaluation is used to evaluate the performance of management procedures based on how management decisions are made for groundfish stocks off the U.S. west coast. The analyses focus on rebuilding the stock of Pacific ocean perch to its target level when future recruitment may exhibit a long-term trend, owing to environmental forcing. Several variants of the management procedure currently used to provide scientific management advice for U.S. west coast groundfish are evaluated. The performance of variants of this management procedure which “know” (on average) the true relationship between recruitment and the environmental variable driving recruitment is not superior to that of a management procedure which bases forecasts of recruitment on average historical recruitment. Moreover, the best performance in terms of recovery rates occurs when rebuilding decisions are based on a relatively high probability of recovery.
755 DOSE AND EFFICACY OF ARA-A IN NEONATAL HERPESVIRUS INFECTIONS

Ara-A has proven efficacy in Herpesvirus (HSV) encephalitis and in Varicella Zoster (VZ) infections in immunosuppressed patients. Using liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a novel bioassay method to detect ara-nucleosides and antiviral activity (AVA), we have observed a significant difference in dose responses between infants and adults. At 10 mg/kg/12 hour doses, infant plasma by HPLC contained an average of 4.5 μg/ml ara-Hx and in 4 out of 5 samples 15 mg/kg/12 hour doses. At 35 mg/kg/12 hours, neonatal plasmas contained mean ara-A levels of .224 μg/ml with CSF levels of .064 μg/ml when measured by bioassay (sensitivity .004 - .008 μg/ml). These compared favorably with mean ara-A plasma levels achieved in adults which were .023 μg/ml and .119 μg/ml at doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg/12 hour infusion respectively, with .081 μg/ml in CSF. These findings indicate that blood levels correlated directly with the amount of drug infused and inversely with the duration of infusion, and also suggest that higher ara-A doses with potential toxicity will be required for successful treatment of the more resistant HSV 2 strains in neonates.
Ocular findings after bone marrow transplantation in a pediatric population.

Abstract Purpose With the increasing use of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in children to treat diseases of the hematopoietic system, ocular complications have been recognized in greater numbers. The authors performed a retrospective study to determine the prevalence and types of ocular abnormalities in a pediatric population following BMT. Design Retrospective noncomparative study. Participants One hundred and four consecutive pediatric patients with aplastic anemia and various hematologic malignancies who required BMT. Intervention Bone marrow transplantation. Main outcome measures Visual acuity and slit-lamp biomicroscopic and funduscopic examinations. Results Ocular changes developed in 51% of patients. The most frequent findings included dry eye syndrome (12.5%), cataract (23.0%), and posterior segment complications (13.5%). A final visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 95.7% of eyes. Conclusions Pediatric patients can develop severe and potentially vision-threatening complications following BMT. Despite the high incidence of anterior and posterior segment abnormalities, ocular symptoms were generally mild and the majority of patients retained excellent visual function. Factors associated with ocular complications included the underlying disease, total body irradiation, systemic chemotherapy, graft-versus-host disease, and immunosuppression. Familiarity with these risk factors and potential complications in pediatric patients is important for successful treatment.
Development of Standard Reference Lines of Rainbow Trout

Abstract Two separate lines of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) have been developed for use as standard reference lines in genetic research being conducted at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Genetics Laboratory, Beulah, Wyoming. Lines (one fall-spawning and one winter-spawning) were developed from the mixing of unselected strains during the 1968 and 1969 spawning seasons and have been maintained since by a modified random mating scheme. Production data on egg hatchability, fry survival, and growth performance for the 1972–1977 year classes show a high degree of uniformity within each year class and significant year-class differences (P < 0.05) in all traits. The use of standard reference lines, such as these, allows the researcher to remove the effects of environmental variation from long-term studies extending over multiple spawning seasons.
Inert sets and the Lie algebra associated to a group

Abstract Independently, J. Labute ( Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 288 (1985), 51–57) has given a sufficient condition for the Lie algebra associated with a discrete group's lower central series to have a certain presentation, and S. Halperin and J.-M. Lemaire ( Math. Scand ., in press) have discussed the conditions under which some homogeneous elements in a graded algebra constitute an “inert set.” As it turns out, these conditions essentially coincide. As a consequence, various theorems about graded algebras may now be translated into results into group theory. A nontrivial application to link groups is offered.
Fatigue crack growth behaviour of tubular aluminium specimens with a circular hole under axial and torsion loadings

Abstract Experimental results were obtained from fatigue tests of thin-walled 7075-T6 and 2024-T3 aluminium tubular specimens with a circular hole. The loading conditions included axial, torsion, combined in-phase and out-of-phase axial-torsion, and axial with intermittent torsion cycles. Crack nucleation was observed on planes of maximum shear stress for both notched and smooth (un-notched) specimens. Macroscopic crack growth in notched specimens occurred along planes experiencing the maximum range of nominal principal stress (i.e. mode I crack growth) whereas smooth specimen cracks grew on maximum shear planes. This is explained in terms of different damage evolution mechanisms in smooth and notched specimens. Cracks grew faster in torsion compared to axial loading, as well as in in-phase loading compared to out-of-phase loading. This is attributed to the T-stress in torsion tests and crack branching with a torturous crack path in out-of-phase tests. Intermittent torsion cycles decreased fatigue life and accelerated axial crack growth rate. These effects and the differences in crack growth behaviour between different loadings are discussed.
The onset of stuttering following drug overdose

Recently, some attention has been focused on acquired stuttering, disfluencies that begin in adulthood. The nature of acquired stuttering differs in several respects from developmental stuttering. A case of acquired stuttering following drug overdose is presented and contrasted with previously reported cases. The case is noteworthy in that, while many characteristics of acquired stuttering are evidenced, several symptoms associated with developmental stuttering are also observed. The findings are discussed in terms of a possible link between developmental and acquired forms of stuttering.
IMPROVED FAT AND CA ABSORPTION IN L.B.W. INFANTS FED A MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDE CONTAINING FORMULA

Premature infants are reported to have decreased fat absorption. Because of energy requirements and limitation of gastric capacity, new formulae are sought which will provide absorbable and utilizable fats. In the current study fat absorption in L.B.W. infants fed formulae containing combinations of soy oil, corn oil, coconut oil and medium chain triglycerides was studied. Thirty infants 1250 to 1850 grams were divided randomly into three groups and fed one of three formulae for 21 days. Formula A contained fat as 30% soy, 30% corn and 40% medium chain triglycerides; Formula B, 40% soy, 40% corn and 20% coconut; and Formula C, 100% corn. Three day stool collection were marked by use of Red carmine and collected from 5 to 8 and 12 to 15 days of life. Infants on Formula A had the best mean absorption for both periods of 84.6 and 86.7%; B 73.5 and 81.0% and in C the least absorption of 66.6 and 72.4%. Mean blood cholesterol levels in each group were under 100 mg at 21 days of age. Calcium absorption was best in Formula A. No statistical difference for weight, length and head circumference growth was noted and there were no untoward clinical symptoms. Direct absorption of medium chain triglycerides into the portal system may be responsible for the increased fat absorption and could prove advantageous to low birth weight infants.
Late forecasts and early revisions of United States GNP

Abstract We consider a sequence of four-monthly predictions and estimates of quarterly U.S. real gross national product. The late forecasts are released in the final month of a quarter, and an initial estimate and two subsequent revisions are published in the following three months. The question of efficiency is analyzed through considering the earlier figures as forecasts of this last number. The strongest indication of inefficiency appears in a nonlinear relationship between the third published number and each of the two previously reported estimates.
Quantitative analysis of pyridine nucleotides in red blood cells: a single-step extraction procedure.

Abstract Quantitative analysis of red cell pyridine nucleotides has been unreliable in the past because of technical problems in extracting them in the presence of hemoglobin. A simple alcoholic extraction procedure for analysis of pyridine nucleotides in red blood cells is described in this paper. Pyridine nucleotides extracted in the presence of hemoglobin in solution show recoveries of NADH, NAD, and NADP averaging over 70%, while recoveries of NADPH were about 60%. In order to show that these techniques could detect actual intracellular differences in nucleotides inside red cells, two experiments were performed in which the ratios of the nucleotides would be predictably altered. Intact cells incubated in the presence of methylene blue show a decrease in the NADPH NADP ratio, and intact cells incubated in the presence of hydrazine and lactate show an increase in the NADH NAD ratio. The changes in pyridine nucleotide ratios in these experiments are in the expected direction and were easily detected. Levels of pyridine nucleotides in red blood cells of normal human adults are also presented.
Improved particle swarm optimization to minimize periodic preventive maintenance cost for series-parallel systems

This study minimizes the periodic preventive maintenance cost for a series-parallel system using an improved particle swam optimization (IPSO). The optimal maintenance periods for all components in the system are determined efficiently. Though having advantages such as simple understanding and easy operation, a typical particle swam optimization (PSO) is easily trapped in local solutions when optimizing complex problems and yields inferior solutions. The proposed IPSO considers maintainable properties of a series-parallel system. The importance measure of components is utilized to evaluate the effects of components on system reliability when maintaining a component. Accordingly, the important components form superior initial particles. Furthermore, an adjustment mechanism is developed to deal with the problem in which particles move into an infeasible area. A replacement mechanism is implemented that replaces the first n particles ranked in descending order of total maintenance cost with randomly generated particles in the feasible area. The purpose of doing so is overcome the weakness in that a typical PSO is easily trapped in local solutions when optimizing a complex problem. An elitist strategy is also applied within the IPSO. Additionally, this study employs response surface methodology (RSM) via systematic parameters experiments to determine the optimal settings of IPSO parameters. Finally, a case demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed IPSO in optimizing the periodic preventive maintenance model for series-parallel systems.
Wave mixing in Doppler velocimetry of atoms.

An atom in a laser-cooled sample driven by more than one traveling-wave laser beam radiates a coherent signal that contains multiwave-mixing frequencies derived from the Doppler shifts. Wave mixing tends to obscure Doppler velocimetry of atoms, although in the actual experiments of Westbrook et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 65, 33 (1990)] the results were not qualitatively altered.
Mitochondrial regulation of insulin action

Insulin resistance is the prodrome of many metabolic diseases and identifying ways to correct this pathological condition is a major goal for medical research. The foremost barrier to the development of new treatments is that the precise etiology of insulin resistance is uncertain. Recent studies suggest that changes in mitochondrial structure or function drive this condition, however much of this evidence is circumstantial. This Signaling Networks in Focus article provides a brief overview of known and speculative regulatory intersections whereby mitochondrial dysfunction at the levels of lipid oxidation, oxidative stress, calcium, adenine nucleotides, and protons may regulate insulin sensitivity. If mitochondrial dysfunction underlies the origins of metabolic disease then determining the precise molecular pathway will be essential for the development of new treatment and prevention strategies.
Detection of G Proteins by Affinity Probe Capillary Electrophoresis Using a Fluorescently Labeled GTP Analogue

An affinity probe capillary electrophoresis (APCE) assay for guanine-nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) was developed using BODIPY FL GTPγS (BGTPγS), a fluorescently labeled GTP analogue, as the affinity probe. In the assay, BGTPγS was incubated with samples containing G proteins and the resulting mixtures of BGTPγS−G protein complexes and free BGTPγS were separated by capillary electrophoresis and detected with laser-induced fluorescence detection. Separations were completed in less than 30 s using 25 mM Tris, 192 mM glycine at pH 8.5 as the electrophoresis buffer and applying 555 V/cm over a 4-cm separation distance. BGTPγS−Gαo peak heights increased linearly with Gαo up to ∼200 nM using a 50 nM BGTPγS probe. The detection limit for Gαo was 2 nM, corresponding to a mass detection limit of 3 amol. The high speed of the APCE assays allowed reaction kinetics and the dissociation constant (Kd) to be determined. The on-rate and off-rate of BGTPγS to Gαo were 0.0068 ± 0.0004 and 0.000 23 ± 0.000 01 s-1,...
Can we get sick if we want to? Children's and adults' recognition of intentionality in the origins of illness and injuries

The present set of studies examined the impact of intentionality (wanting/not wanting to get sick) on the transmission of contagious illness and injuries. Study 1 examined whether preschoolers and adults thought that a recipient of an illness is more likely to get sick if he/she wanted to. Studies 2, 2a, and 3 examined if the intentions of the transmitter would influence the transmission of illness to the recipient. Study 4 examined the influence of germs on intentionality. Both preschoolers and adults reasoned that the intentions of the recipient would play a significant role in the probability of contracting an illness but only adults reasoned that the recipient having knowledge of the transmitter's intentions would have an impact on illness. Moreover, preschoolers (but not adults) judged that biological contaminants such as germs would interact with the intentionality of the recipient to increase the chances of contracting an illness whereas adults reasoned that psychological states can have a direct influence on the manifestation of illness. These results suggest that preschoolers and adults entertain a highly sophisticated and selective process when assessing, the impact of psychological factors such as intentionality on biological processes such as the origins of illness.
Quantitative Determination of the Stabilizers Octanoic Acid and N-Acetyl-DL-tryptophan in Human Albumin Products

Methods were developed for the determination of octanoic acid and N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan, which are used as stabilizers in the human blood-derived therapeutic products normal serum albumin and plasma protein fraction. The method for octanoic acid uses GC; quantitation is achieved using heptanoic acid as the internal standard. The method for N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan is based on UV spectrophotometry of the acid-soluble fraction remaining after precipitation of the protein (epsilon 280 for N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan, 5250). The coefficient of variation for replicate determinations of octanoic acid averaged 3.9% (range 2.1-5.5%); that of N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan averaged 1.9% (range 0.5-4.0%). Use of these methods for the analysis of 138 lots of commercial products for octanoic acid and 159 lots for N-acetyl-DL-tryptophan showed that the stabilizer contents of 132 and 158 of these lots, respectively, were within 20% of the value indicated on the product label.
Recognizing staff nurse job performance and achievements

While recognition for work has been positively related to nurses' job satisfaction in the research literature, specific types of recognition that would be most meaningful have not been identified. In this descriptive survey, 341 randomly selected staff nurses rated the extent of meaningfulness of 38 head nurse recognition behaviors. The most meaningful, in order of importance, were monetary rewards commensurate with performance, private verbal feedback, and written acknowledgment. Three other categories of recognition were identified as moderately meaningful: public acknowledgement, schedule adjustment, and opportunities for growth and development.
Absence of discrete spectrum in highly negative ions

LetHN be the Hamiltonian for the Coulomb system consisting ofN particles of like charge in the field of a fixed point chargeZ. We show that if the particles are bosons, thenHN has no discrete spectrum whenN≧N0=cZ2 for some constantc. If the particles are fermions, thenHN is bounded below uniformly inN. These results can be extended to molecules and to other power law potentials.
Reproducibility of quantitative backscatter echocardiographic imaging in normal subjects

Cyclic backscatter variation Is useful in differentiating normal from ischemic and myopathic myocardium; however, there are few data on the reproducibility of clinical cyclic variation measurements. Therefore, a study using 2-dimenslonal and M-mode backscatter imaging was performed in 20 normal male subjects by 2 observers at an initial session and by 1 of the observers after 1 week. Cyclic variation on M-mode was cakulated as the difference between the end-diastolic backscatter and the backscatter at the nadir. Two-dimenslonal determinations of backscatter were made using a eingle frame at end-d&stole and one at end-systole. The cyclic change was the difference between backscatter measured in the enddiastolic and end-systolic frames. There were no statistically signifkant differences in analysis of variance among the grouped repeated measurements in either the interventricular septum or the posterior lefl ventricular wall. At the initial session, cyclic backscatter variation in the posterior wall u&g M-mode techniques was 5.9 f 1.8 dB (SD). The cyclic change in backscatter in the septal wall, udng the ?-dimensional technique, was
Base current reversal in bipolar transistors and circuits: a review and update

A detailed study of base current reversal in silicon bipolar transistors and GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors has been made. The physics of impact ionisation is presented followed by modelling of avalanche multiplication in devices. The effects of base current reversal on analogue and digital circuit operation are discussed.
Charnockitic alteration: evidence for CO2infiltration in granulite facies metamorphism

Charnockitic alteration (arrested orthopyroxene formation in biotite- and amphibole-bearing rocks) occurs in high-grade terranes of all ages. Three criteria are used to show that this alteration was produced in many locations by a migrating fluid phase: (i) diffuseness of the alteration—the alteration zones are often quite unlike discrete migmatitic veins; (ii) relation to deformation—most occurrences show alteration closely associated with warping of foliation or dilation cracks; (iii) open-system alteration—whilst some occurrences represent nearly isochemical alteration, slight changes in bulk composition, often loss of mafic constituents and gain of Na and Si, are evident in detailed mass-balance analysis. Y and sometimes Rb are characteristically depleted. Partial melting sometimes accompanied volatile infiltration, as evidenced by more discrete veins and euhedral orthopyroxene. It is quite unlikely, however, that open-system alteration was produced by escape of viscous quartzo-feldspathic melts. Pervasive migration of low-T lamprophyric (mafic–alkaline, CO2-charged) interstitial liquids is a possibility by virtue of their extreme fluidity, but CO2 infiltration was needed to generate these liquids. Vapour-deficient dehydration melting is another feasible mechanism of orthopyroxene formation which may have operated in conjunction with CO2 infiltration. Characteristic development of charnockitic alteration in some prograde amphibolite to granulite facies transitions, as in the Dharwar Craton of South India, suggests that the alteration is a fundamental feature of the granulite facies metamorphism, implying active and causal participation of migrating fluids. In other high-grade terranes like the Adirondack Mountains of New York, this kind of alteration is rare, and fluid action does not seem to have been important in the metamorphism. A vapour phase participating in charnockitic metamorphism was necessarily one of relatively low H2O, therefore presumably rich in CO2. Consideration of possible large CO2 sources leads to the conclusion that emanations from volatile-rich basalts emplaced in the lower crust are the most probable source of charnockitizing fluids. The ultimate source would therefore be enriched subcontinental lithosphere or asthenosphere. The Rb-depleted pyroxene gneiss (charnockitic) terranes may be characteristic of zones of large-scale transcurrent or oblique-motion faults which tap such great depths.
On finite projective planes with a single ( P,l ) transitivity

Abstract A plane of order n having an abelian transitive group of (P, l) transitivities yields generalized Hadamard matrices with entries from a group of order g for any g|n. Generalized Hadamard matrices of degree 12 are given having entries from groups of order 4 and 3, respectively. Unfortunately these do not yield a plane of order 12 having a (P, l) transitivity.
Neural Substrates of Impaired Sensorimotor Timing in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background Timing abilities are critical to the successful management of everyday activities and personal safety, and timing abnormalities have been argued to be fundamental to impulsiveness, a core symptom of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite substantial evidence of timing deficits in ADHD youth, only two studies have explicitly examined timing in ADHD adults and only at the suprasecond time scale. Also, the neural substrates of these deficits are largely unknown for both youth and adults with ADHD. The present study examined subsecond sensorimotor timing and its neural substrates in ADHD adults. Methods Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined paced and unpaced finger tapping in a sample of 20 unmedicated adults with ADHD and 19 control subjects comparable on age, sex, and estimated IQ. The blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast response was used to estimate task-related neural activity. Results Behavioral data showed no between-group differences in mean tapping rates but greater within-subject variability in tap-to-tap intervals for ADHD adults relative to control subjects. Importantly, ADHD adults had greater clock rather than motor variability, consistent with a central timing locus for the atypical movements. The imaging results demonstrated that, relative to control subjects, ADHD adults showed less activity in a number of regions associated with sensorimotor timing, including prefrontal and precentral gyri, basal ganglia, cerebellum, inferior parietal lobule, superior temporal gyri, and insula. Conclusions Our findings show that subsecond timing abnormalities in ADHD youth persist into adulthood and suggest that abnormalities in the temporal structure of behavior observed in ADHD adults result from atypical function of corticocerebellar and corticostriatal timing systems.
Data needs for B-24 and beyond: NHANES data relevant for nutrition surveillance of infants and young children

The period from birth to 24 mo (B-24) is a critical phase in which nutrient requirements for growth and development are high and several transitions in food consumption practices occur. A few large-scale national studies (eg, the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study and Infant Feeding Practices Study) offer important insights into infant feeding practices and food consumption patterns in young children in the United States. The NHANES collects comprehensive cross-sectional data on the nutrition and health of Americans including infants and toddlers. This article describes the NHANES program and data from NHANES 1999-2010 on young children that are relevant for the B-24 Project. NHANES is a nationally representative survey of the noninstitutionalized US population that combines personal interviews with standardized physical examination and measurements via mobile examination centers. Data on infant feeding practices (breastfeeding and timing of introduction and nature of complementary foods), dietary intake (two 24-h recalls), and nutrient supplements are collected. Data on demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, biomarkers of nutrient status, food security, and participation in federal nutrition programs are also available. Data can be accessed online, downloaded, and pooled over several survey cycles, allowing examination of infant feeding practices, food and nutrient intakes, and nutritional status of Americans <2 y old. Subgroup analyses by race-ethnicity and income status are also possible. NHANES responds to evolving data needs, as feasible, in the context of the survey design, research priorities, and funding. It offers a vehicle for potentially gathering additional data on children <2 y to address the objectives of the B-24 Project in the future.
Characterization of an enzyme from Phaseolus vulgaris seeds which hydroxylates GAi to GA8

Abstract Hydroxylation of gibberellin-[ 3 H] A 1 (GA 1 -[ 3 H]) to GA 8 -[ 3 H] by the 95000 g supernatant fluid from imbibed bean seeds required Fe 2+ or Fe 3+ and O 2 but was insensitive to CO. The hydroxylating enzyme has a sedimentation coefficient of 4·5 S , and was precipitated by (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 at 35–60% saturation. This hydroxylase was specific for GA 1 and did not hydroxylate either pseudo-GA 1 -[ 3 H] or 16-ketoGA 1 -[ 3 H]. Virtually all hydroxylase activity was localized in the cotyledons.
Ecotourists' Importance and Satisfaction Ratings of Accommodation-Related Amenities

ABSTRACT Utilizing the importance-performance construct, this paper examines ecotourists' perceived importance of and satisfaction from, accommodation-related services and facilities in Nepal's Annapurna region, a mountain protected area. Analysis is based on 120 on-site questionnaire interviews conducted with trekkers during summer 2004, and complemented by in-depth qualitative discussions with some trekkers. Results show that trekkers tend to rate more highly the importance of natural attributes than comfort and hygiene-related attributes. Their satisfaction ratings of the natural attributes are high and exceed their importance ratings. While satisfaction ratings of hygiene-related attributes do not exceed trekkers' importance ratings, the mean values are nevertheless high indicating a reasonable level of satisfaction with these items. Some trekkers complain that lodging facilities in the Annapurna region are approaching closer to what one might expect in more commercialized destinations. Results also i...
Clinical and laboratory experience of vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

The most common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) – mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome – are characterised by the presence of clonally expanded, skin-homing helper-memory T cells exhibiting abnormal apoptotic control mechanisms. Epigenetic modulation of genes that induce apoptosis and differentiation of malignant T cells may therefore represent an attractive new strategy for targeted therapy for T-cell lymphomas. In vitro studies show that vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid or SAHA), an oral inhibitor of class I and II histone deacetylases, induces selective apoptosis of malignant CTCL cell lines and peripheral blood lymphocytes from CTCL patients at clinically achievable doses. In a Phase IIa clinical trial, vorinostat therapy achieved a meaningful partial response (>50% reduction in disease burden) in eight out of 33 (24%) patients with heavily pretreated, advanced refractory CTCL. The most common major toxicities of oral vorinostat therapy were fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, altered taste, nausea, and dehydration from not eating). Thrombocytopenia was dose limiting in patients receiving oral vorinostat at the higher dose induction levels of 300 mg twice daily for 14 days. These studies suggest that vorinostat represents a promising new agent in the treatment of CTCL patients. Additional studies are underway to define the exact mechanism (s) of by which vorinostat induces selective apoptosis in CTCL cells and to further evaluate the antitumour efficacy of vorinostat in a Phase IIb study in CTCL patients.
Research notes and communications first‐mover effects in multiple dynamic markets

A study of first-mover effects in semi-submersible oil-drilling suggests that first-entrants in international markets maintain higher market share after controlling for market localization and life cycle. Examining only surviving entrants at a point in time inflates this pioneering-market share relationship. Pioneering has an inter-market effect on market share, greater than the intra-market effect. Multinational firms may use market pioneering to resist localization pressures and enhance survival in foreign markets. The study suggests the importance of careful first-mover identification and market definition, a wider examination of first-mover effects over multiple markets, and control for measurement timing.