cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in mental rotations: an effect of time limits?

It has been argued that the male performance advantage on the Mental Rotations Test, a measure of three-dimensional rotational ability, reflects a slower problem-solving strategy in females. A recent study of a high-ability sample suggested that sex differences do not reach significance when the test is administered without time limits (Goldstein, Haldane, & Mitchell, 1990). To further explore the effects of time limits, unspeeded versions of the Mental Rotations Test and a vocabulary test were administered to 88 males and 94 females, who represented a less restricted range of ability levels. Males obtained significantly higher scores than females on the Mental Rotations Test (p = .0001), despite comparable performance for the two groups on the vocabulary test. In addition, distributions of Mental Rotations scores were significantly different, with greater proportions of men at the high and women at the low ends. Thus, a difference in speed of problem solving strategy is not a sufficient explanation of the sex difference on the Mental Rotations Test.
Fixed points of contraction mappings on probabilistic metric spaces

In this paper the notion of a contraction mapping on a probabilistic metric space is introduced, and several fixed-point theorems for such mappings are proved.
Development and application of audio-integrated ANC system for infant incubators

This paper presents the application of audio-integrated active noise control (ANC) system for infant incubators. The integrated ANC algorithm is developed to reduce external harmful noises while playing healthy intrauterine sounds inside the incubators. Real-time experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of an integrated system using a Giraffe incubator from GE Healthcare. The noise reduction achieved by ANC systems at uniformly-distributed three-dimensional locations inside the incubator is presented in tables and graphically. The single-channel ANC system is integrated with intrauterine sounds to mask residual noise and create a prenatal environment for the infants, and also enhance the performance of the incubator ANC system with time-varying secondary paths.
The structure of an RNA pseudoknot that causes efficient frameshifting in mouse mammary tumor virus.

Abstract The structure of a 34-nucleotide RNA pseudoknot that causes efficient −1 frameshifting in the messenger RNA of mouse mammary tumor virus has been investigated by NMR. Spectral assignment of the pseudoknot was facilitated by comparative NMR studies on the pseudoknot and on two smaller hairpin RNAs, and by using selective 1 3 C labeling and 1 3 C-edited NMR techniques. The three-dimensional structure of the pseudoknot has been determined. The frameshifter pseudoknot possesses structural features not observed in previously reported model pseudoknots. It has a compact structure with a pronounced bend at the junction of its two G-C-rich stems. A single adenylate residue is intercalated between the two stems so that direct coaxial staking of the stems is not possible. The lack of an opposing nucleotide for the stacked, intervening adenylate creates a hinge in the pseudoknot. Most of the loop nucleotides are restrained by base staking interactions which keep the loops from adopting extended conformations. The sterically constrained loops direct the bending of the pseudoknot at the stem-stem junction. The roles of the intercalacted adenylate and loop lengths in causing bending can explain their requirement for efficient frameshifting. Our NMR data also indicate that there are internal dynamics associated with the pseudoknot. The unique, compact structure and conformational flexibility of the pseudoknot may be required for recognition and favourable interaction with the translating ribosome, or with translation factors associated with the ribosome.
On manufacturing/marketing incentives

Stereotypically, marketing is mainly concerned about satisfying customers and manufacturing is mainly interested in factory efficiency. Using the principal-agent agency paradigm, which assumes that the marketing and manufacturing managers of the firm will act in their self-interest, we seek incentive plans that will induce those managers to act so that the owner of the firm can attain as much as possible of the residual returns. One optimal incentive plan can be interpreted as follows: The owner subcontracts to pay the manufacturing manager a fixed rate for all capacity he delivers. Each marketing manager receives all of the returns from his product. In turn, all managers pay a fixed fee to the owner. Under this plan, the marketing managers will often complain about the stock level decisions, even though these levels are announced in advance. Under a revised plan, the owner can eliminate such complaints by delegating the stocking decisions to the respective marketing managers, without any loss. This plan is interpreted as requiring the owner to make a futures market for manufacturing capacity, paying the manufacturing manager the expected marginal value for each unit of capacity delivered, receiving the realized marginal value from the marketing managers, and losing money on average in the process.
Castration, dopamine and food choice: a cost/benefit test in male hamsters

Testosterone is essential for copulation, and contributes to sexual motivation. In addition, castrated males are fatter and less active, suggesting that androgens may play a role in non-sexual behaviors, including food-related responses. To test this hypothesis, male hamsters were trained with a cost/benefit test, which compares operant responding for more-preferred food versus ad libitum consumption of lab chow. Males were tested before and after castration. The effect of the dopamine antagonist, haloperidol, on instrumental responses in intact and castrated males was also determined. Food-deprived hamsters responded vigorously for 45 mg Bio-Serv pellets in daily 30-min tests (665 presses, 6.0+/-0.9 g). When lab chow was available, males continued to respond for pellets (3.6+/-0.6 g) over chow ad libitum (1.2+/-0.3 g). Dopamine is central to this response because haloperidol (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) reversed food intake (pellets: 0.5+/-0.1 g; chow 2.0+/-0.5 g). Castration had no effect on operant responding for pellets alone (6.6+/-0.7 g). When chow was present, castrates consumed an even greater proportion of their total food intake as pellets [6.0+/-0.4 g pellets (92%), 1.6+/-0.5 g chow (8%), vs. 75 and 25%, respectively, for intact males]. This is contrary to our original hypothesis. In addition, castration did not change the effects of haloperidol on food intake: (0.4+/-0.1 g pellets; 1.6+/-0.5 g chow). These results support previous findings in rats that dopamine affects response allocation in a cost/benefit test. However, they do not support the hypothesis that testosterone modifies the allocation of food-related responses.
Effects of periodic flooding and root pruning on Quercus nuttallii seedlings

In the southern United States, much of the emphasis in bottomland restoration is placed on establishing an oak-dominated forest. Artificial regeneration is an alternative for restoration on cleared lands and where a desirable seed source is not present. Currently the standard procedure for seedling preparation is to prune the roots prior to transplanting in the field. It is not fully known what effect(s) root pruning has on transplanted seedlings. In addition, bottomland restoration efforts inherently take place on floodplains. The potential interaction between root pruning and flooding on seedling performance is not known. This study consisted of two separate but related laboratory experiments. The purpose of the first experiment was to quantify the effects of various percentages of root removal and varying soil moisture regimes on transplanted Nuttall oak seedlings (Quercus nuttallii Palmer). Root pruning treatments consisted of removal of roots at 0%, 25% and 75% while soil moisture regime was maintained at non-flooded or periodically flooded conditions. Plant gas exchange, growth, and survival were measured. Root pruning alone had adverse effects on height growth during the first 72 days following transplanting. Periodic flooding also produced adverse effects on stomatal conductance (p = 0.0002), height growth (p = 0.005), and survival (p = 0.02). Photosynthetic data indicated that as pruning intensified in the periodically flooded seedlings, photosynthetic rates decreased. In contrast, as pruning intensified in the non-flooded seedlings, photosynthesis increased. This demonstrated that pruning rate had a varying effect on photosynthesis dependent upon soil moisture condition. Experiment 2 focused on the effects of varying degrees of root pruning on new root formation. The seedlings were grown under laboratory conditions, harvested at 0, 10, 20, and 30 days after treatment initiation, and analyzed for new root formation. Results of Experiment 2 indicated no difference in new root formation, root length, or root biomass due to the pruning treatment. Overall, our results from both experiments indicated that root pruning had no detectable long-term adverse effects on growth and survival of seedlings under drained soil conditions; however, as results from Experiment 1 demonstrated, if seedlings were planted in periodically flooded conditions, root pruning produced adverse effects. Thus, in restoration efforts utilizing Nuttall oak seedlings, the planting strategy and pruning rate should be carefully evaluated based on the knowledge of sites' hydrology. Alternatively, on sites with unpredictable flooding both pruned and unpruned seedlings may be utilized to ensure survival.
The effect of transition metal substitutions for Fe on the magnetic susceptibility of compounds Lu2(Fe1−xTx)3Si5 (T = Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru)

Abstract This research focuses on the investigation of nonmagnetic iron in Lu 2 Fe 3 Si 5 -type superconductors. The static magnetic susceptibility of the compounds Lu 2 (Fe 1− x T x ) 3 Si 5 (where T = Cr , Mn , Co , Ni , Cu , Ru ) is presented. The molar magnetic susceptibility of Lu 2 Fe 3 Si 5 does not follow a Curie-Weiss law, but rather increases slightly as temperature increases. The addition of Ru lowers the value of χ(T), but the overall shape of χ(T) is unchanged. When Fe is completely replaced by Ru, the compound Lu 2 Ru 3 Si 5 is diamagnetic. In contrast, the substitution of the nominally magnetic transition metals Cr, Mn, Co and Ni for Fe causes χ(T) to become more Curie-Weiss like. The magnetic susceptibility of the compound Lu 2 Co 3 Si 5 follows the Curie-Weiss law.
Down syndrome and coeliac disease: five new cases with a review of the literature

We report five new patients with coeliac disease and Down syndrome and review the 11 cases previously reported in the literature. In 14 of these 16 patients diarrhoea was the presenting symptom and in 2 failure to thrive in combination with anaemia. The frequency of coeliac disease in children with Down syndrome was calculated as being 43 times greater than in children without Down syndrome. Delay between first symptoms and diagnosis in patients with combined coeliac disease and Down syndrome was 2.5 years, while in the other children with coeliac disease it was only 8 months. This distinctive difference could be caused by an underestimation of the seriousness of gastro-intestinal complaints in patients with Down syndrome. It is stressed that coeliac disease should be strongly considered in all children with Down syndrome and either persistent diarrhoea or failure to thrive.
TURBULENT FLUID FLOWS AND HEAT TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS IN FLOW CHANNELS WITH DISTRIBUTED CHIP MODULES

A study is carried out to investigate the characteristics of turbulent fluid flow and heat transfer in the entrance region of a flow channel containing heat-generating modules of different sizes and distributions. The flow is described by Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations and k-e model with wall function treatment. The prediction for flow and heat transfer characteristics has been made and compared with published experimental results. The computational results showed good agreement for performance parameters such as Nusselt numbers and Coefficient of pressure with experiments. The investigation is performed for Reynolds number values of 5000 and 15,000, and for two different geometrical configurations. Flow and heat transfer characteristics with varying parameters are also discussed.
Flavor Preferences Conditioned by Intragastric Polycose in Rats: More Concentrated Polycose Is Not Always More Reinforcing

Abstract LUCAS, F., A. V. AZZARA AND A. SCLAFANI. Flavor preferences conditioned by intragastric Polycose in rats: More concentrated Polycose is not always preferred. PHYSIOL BEHAV 63(1) 7–14, 1998.—Prior studies have obtained conditioned preferences for flavors paired with intragastric (IG) infusions of Polycose (hydrolyzed starch) at concentrations of 1–32% over a different flavor paired with IG water. The present study determined if rats would also learn to prefer a flavor paired with concentrated Polycose infusion over a flavor paired with a more dilute Polycose infusion. In Experiment 1, adult female rats were food-deprived and trained during alternating one-bottle sessions (30 min/day) to associate one flavored solution (the CS+8) with IG infusions of 8% Polycose, a second flavored solution (the CS+16) with IG infusions of 16% Polycose, and a third flavored solution (the CS−) with IG water infusions. In subsequent choice tests, the rats displayed similar preferences for the CS+8 and CS+16 over the CS−, but preferred the CS+16 to CS+8 in a direct choice test. A similar preference pattern was obtained in 22 h/day tests with the rats nondeprived. In Experiment 2, new rats were similarly trained and tested but with CS+16 and CS+32 solutions paired with 16% and 32% Polycose infusions, respectively. The rats preferred both CS+ solutions over the CS− solution in the short- and long-term tests. However, the CS+16 was preferred over the CS+32 by the food-deprived rats in the short-term tests. The two CS+ solutions were equally preferred in the long-term tests with food ad lib. These and other findings indicate that the postingestive reinforcing action of Polycose increases as concentration increases from 1% to 16% but does not increase further, and may actually decrease, at a 32% concentration. The rapid satiating effect of concentrated carbohydrate solutions may limit their reinforcing consequences.
Thermal radiation between parallel plates separated by an absorbing—emitting nonisothermal gas

Abstract A complete formulation, including the local details of gas absorption-emission processes, has been made for thermal radiation in a parallel plate enclosure. The temperature is permitted to vary continuously between the plates, and the emissive power of the gas may have an arbitrary dependence on temperature. Thermal conductivity effects have been omitted. Solutions of the governing integral equations have been carried out for values of the single governing parameter kL (k = absorption coefficient, L = spacing) in the range 0.1 to 2.0. Temperature distributions and heat transfer results are given. For moderate values of kL, the temperature is quite uniform across the gas.
Increased resistance of crystal units at oscillator noise levels

Problems have been experienced with inoperative military equipment which have been traced to a defect in some quartz crystal units. This defect has been determined to be an increase in resistance (loss of Q) of crystal resonators when excited at very low power levels. The typical crystal oscillator, when first turned on, excites the resonator with thermal noise and consequently the power dissipated is very small. Simple instrumentation has been assembled to show clearly the low power increased crystal resistance effect. Tests have shown that surface defects, due to the final lapping process, contribute to the problem. The necessity of surface etch to remove the damaged surface layer is shown to be required to avoid defective crystal units.
Choroidal Neovascular Membrane Associated With Optic Nerve Head Drusen in a Child

Purpose To illustrate the diagnosis, evaluation, and complications of pseudopapilledema in children. Methods We examined a 9-year-old boy who had suspected papilledema and a retinal mass. He had undergone neuroradiologic imaging at an outside facility. Results Clinical examination of the patient provided the diagnosis of optic nerve head drusen, pseudopapilledema, and a cicatrized choroidal neovascular membrane. Examination of the boy's parents disclosed optic nerve head drusen in the father. Conclusions Choroidal neovascular membranes caused by optic nerve head drusen are uncommon in children. Clinical examination of the patient and family members, along with B-scan ultrasonography, can establish this cause. Neuroradiologic testing is unnecessary, and carries risk related to the need for sedation.
ASSET RECOVERY: Repatriating Africa's looted billions

A recent European Commission report estimated that “stolen African assets equivalent to more than half of the continent's external debt are held in foreign bank accounts”. Following the international legal precedent set by the Holocaust Claims Commission in recovering assets stolen from the Jewish people by the Nazi regime, some African leaders have begun to focus on the repatriation of these looted African assets as an important element of anti-corruption efforts. Asset recovery is fraught with the complicity of the banks involved, the navigation of a costly international legal labyrinth and the fact that those most implicated in public looting usually have the most power and influence. This article addresses the history and context of asset recovery on the continent. It traces the experiences of two African states, Kenya and Nigeria, that have attempted to repatriate some of their lost wealth while facing significant obstacles at home and abroad.
Separation and purification of lymphocyte chemotactic factor (LCF) and interleukin 2 produced by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Abstract Two T-cell chemotactic factors, lymphocyte chemotactic factor (LCF) and interleukin 2 (IL-2), were separated and characterized from culture supernatants of concanavalin A-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. LCF was purified approximately 7800-fold to homogeneity from culture supernatant using gel filtration and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). LCF was found to he distinct from both IL-2 and interleukin-1. Sephadex G-100 gel filtration of crude supernatants from concanavalin A-stimulated mononuclear cells showed two molecular weight regions of T lymphocyte chemotactic activity. A 10,000- to 25,000-Da region contained both IL-2 and LCF and a 45,000- to 75,000-Da region contained only a high molecular weight form of LCF. Both high and low molecular weight species of LCF eluted with 40–44% acetonitrile from a reversed-phase C18 HPLC column. IL-2 present only in the low molecular weight region eluted from the C18 column with 65–75% acetonitrile. The migration of T lymphocytes to IL-2 was totally inhibited by anti-interleukin 2 receptor antibody while the response of T cells to LCF was unaffected. LCF eluting off the C18 column was purified to homogeneity by two subsequent cycles of gel filtration HPLC. The resultant protein showed a single band by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis corresponding to a molecular weight of 10,500. The data presented here demonstrate that IL-2 and LCF are distinct lymphocyte chemotactic factors and although they are not readily separable from crude supernatants by molecular sieve chromatography, they can easily be distinguished by reversed-phase HPLC.
Hepatitis C virus NS5A protein protects against TNF-α mediated apoptotic cell death

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) often causes a prolonged and persistent infection which may lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. We have previously reported that the nonstructural 5A (NS5A) protein of HCV promotes cell growth [Ghosh, A.K., Steele, R., Meyer, K., Ray, R., Ray, R.B., 1999. Hepatitis C virus NS5A protein modulates cell cycle regulatory genes and promotes cell growth. J. Gen. Virol. 80, 1179-1183]. In this study, we investigated the role of HCV NS5A (genotype 1a, strain H) in TNF-alpha induced apoptotic cell death. HepG2 cells expressing NS5A exhibited an inhibitory role in relation to TNF-alpha mediated apoptotic cell death. The NS5A protein blocked the activation of caspase-3 and inhibited proteolytic cleavage of the death substrate poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase in TNF-alpha induced cells. Together, these results suggest that HCV NS5A protein protects against TNF-alpha mediated apoptotic cell death.
Nonlinear Wave Equations for Relativity

Gravitational radiation is described by canonical Yang-Mills wave equations on the curved space-time manifold, together with evolution equations for the metric in the tangent bundle. The initial data problem is described in Yang-Mills scalar and vector potentials, resulting in Lie-constraints in addition to the familiar Gauss-Codacci relations
Adenosine 5'-triphosphate stimulation of the activity of a partially purified phytoene synthetase complex.

Summary An enzyme complex capable of converting isopentenyl pyrophosphate to phytoene has been isolated from an acetone powder of tomato fruit plastids and partially purified. This complex, approximately 200,000 Daltons in molecular weight, is devoid of squalene synthetase activity. Mn++ is required for enzyme activity, but no other cofactors have been identified as being essential. However, a 6 to 7-fold stimulation in activity is effected by ATP (1.3 mM). Since there is no evidence that ATP participates directly in the synthesis of phytoene from isopentenyl pyrophosphate, it is suggested that this nucleotide may be an allosteric effector of the reaction.
An overview of organismal interactions in ecosystems in evolutionary and ecological time

Abstract The argument is developed that, in terms of development of terrestrial food webs, ecology recapitulates phylogeny. This is because food webs are based on bacteria, protozoa and fungi, and plants and animals are nested within links among these taxa. For most of evolutionary time, the only substrates for colonization were soil, water and submerged sediments. The development of new evolutionary lines built directly from the bacteria, through mutualistic associations, to form eukaryotes, including plants. As larger organisms evolved, micro-organisms were utilized as mutualists, providing complex biosynthetic pathways, facilitating extensive adaptive radiation. Thus, present food webs reflect ancient associations; the oldest taxa form the base of the terrestrial food web, feeding on organic debris, with progressively more macroscopic forms at higher trophic levels.
Identifying escalation of commitment in B2B new product development projects using data envelopment analysis

Purpose – Business managers are constantly faced with the decision to continue or abandon new product development projects. However, this type of decision may not be easy. These decisions are usually prone to bias of managers. Managers are known to escalate their commitment toward failed projects. It is also not easy to identify projects that are suffering from escalation of commitment. The purpose of this paper is to propose an objective escalation identification method. Design/methodology/approach – This paper proposes an objective escalation identification method using data envelopment analysis (DEA). The results from DEA are compared with those of subjective methods of identifying escalation. Findings – The objective estimate of escalation given by DEA was comparable to the subjective estimate of escalation given by the managers in the survey. Research limitations/implications – DEA is sensitive to outliers and managers should be careful in selecting projects that are to be included for comparison. DE...
Index to the genera, subgenera, and sections of the Pyrrhophyta

Abstract Additional modern and fossil genera of the Pyrrhophyta are catalogued, and an indication is given as to their validity under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature or International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Eighty-seven taxonomic entries are cited in addition to those in the original index and five supplements. A type species is selected for Pseudopyrocystis, a correction is made to the type species of Cystodinedria, comment is made concerning the relationship of Tuberculodinium and Trioperculodinium, and a new combination is made for the type species of Manchudinium. Sixty-two references are cited in the accompanying bibliography.
Ancient horizontal gene transfer and the last common ancestors.

The genomic history of prokaryotic organismal lineages is marked by extensive horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between groups of organisms at all taxonomic levels. These HGT events have played an essential role in the origin and distribution of biological innovations. Analyses of ancient gene families show that HGT existed in the distant past, even at the time of the organismal last universal common ancestor (LUCA). Most gene transfers originated in lineages that have since gone extinct. Therefore, one cannot assume that the last common ancestors of each gene were all present in the same cell representing the cellular ancestor of all extant life. Organisms existing as part of a diverse ecosystem at the time of LUCA likely shared genetic material between lineages. If these other lineages persisted for some time, HGT with the descendants of LUCA could have continued into the bacterial and archaeal lineages. Phylogenetic analyses of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase protein families support the hypothesis that the molecular common ancestors of the most ancient gene families did not all coincide in space and time. This is most apparent in the evolutionary histories of seryl-tRNA synthetase and threonyl-tRNA synthetase protein families, each containing highly divergent “rare” forms, as well as the sparse phylogenetic distributions of pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase, and the bacterial heterodimeric form of glycyl-tRNA synthetase. These topologies and phyletic distributions are consistent with horizontal transfers from ancient, likely extinct branches of the tree of life. Of all the organisms that may have existed at the time of LUCA, by definition only one lineage is survived by known progeny; however, this lineage retains a genomic record of heterogeneous genetic origins. The evolutionary histories of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS) are especially informative in detecting this signal, as they perform primordial biological functions, have undergone several ancient HGT events, and contain many sites with low substitution rates allowing deep phylogenetic reconstruction. We conclude that some aaRS families contain groups that diverge before LUCA. We propose that these ancient gene variants be described by the term “hypnologs”, reflecting their ancient, reticulate origin from a time in life history that has been all but erased”.
Investigating the safety factor at an invertebrate neuromuscular junction

Fidelity of synaptic transmission is essential at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). To ensure that transmission does not fail, vertebrate motoneurons often release more neurotransmitter than is required for muscle contraction. This safety factor allows some loss of synaptic function without failure of muscle contraction. It is not known whether a similar mechanism operates at the invertebrate neuromuscular junction. In our study of the Drosophila NMJ, we find that glutamate receptor mutants can exhibit a substantial decrease in synaptic function while maintaining muscle contraction. The persistence of neuromuscular function in these mutants is not explained by synaptic facilitation, temporal summation of high frequency stimuli, or a hyperpolarizing shift in the activation range of muscle calcium channels. Instead, the attenuated synaptic response is sufficient to drive muscle contraction. Quantitative analysis of the decrease in synaptic transmission in these mutants implies that at the wild-type NMJ there is an approximately five- to ninefold excess in released transmitter. Hence, the presence of a synaptic safety factor is a conserved feature of neuromuscular organization in both invertebrates and vertebrates.
Formation of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, a vasoactive and natriuretic eicosanoid, in human kidney. Role of Cyp4F2 and Cyp4A11.

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), an ω-hydroxylated arachidonic acid (AA) metabolite, elicits specific effects on kidney vascular and tubular function that, in turn, influence blood pressure control. The human kidney's capacity to convert AA to 20-HETE is unclear, however, as is the underlying P450 catalyst. Microsomes from human kidney cortex were found to convert AA to a single major product, namely 20-HETE, but failed to catalyze AA epoxygenation and midchain hydroxylation. Despite the monophasic nature of renal AA ω-hydroxylation kinetics, immunochemical studies revealed participation of two P450s, CYP4F2 and CYP4A11, since antibodies to these enzymes inhibited 20-HETE formation by 65.9 ± 17 and 32.5 ± 14%, respectively. Western blotting confirmed abundant expression of these CYP4 proteins in human kidney and revealed that other AA-oxidizing P450s, including CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2E1, were not expressed. Immunocytochemistry showed CYP4F2 and CYP4A11 expression in only the S2 and S3 segments of proximal tubules in cortex and outer medulla. Our results demonstrate that CYP4F2 and CYP4A11 underlie conversion of AA to 20-HETE, a natriuretic and vasoactive eicosanoid, in human kidney. Considering their proximal tubular localization, these P450 enzymes may partake in pivotal renal functions, including the regulation of salt and water balance, and arterial blood pressure itself.
Reflections on New Zealand Water

Implementing the RMA compels those responsible for managing the allocation and end-use of water resources to simultaneously address several conceptual issues. These include the forced expansion of the range of relevant management values, the determination of whether water is a commons or a commodity, regionalism, opportunity costs in allocation, and efficiency of end-use. New Zealand's relative success in this endeavour can provide important lessons for other English-speaking common law nations around the Pacific Rim.
Care coordination: a resource-intensive component of home health nursing practice.

Coordinating patient care is an activity central to home health nursing practice. Nurses believe that this component of care contributes in a meaningful way to patient well-being. Yet changes in the home care environment at the patient, agency, and system levels could jeopardize nurses' care coordination activities. This study describes the nature of the care coordination activities delivered by home health nurses and explicates the amount of time expended in these activities. A convenience sample of 143 nurses, employed in 24 home health agencies in a southeastern state, participated. They recorded their time, in 15-minute intervals, for 10 consecutive working days. On average, they spent 29% of their time in direct care (i.e., home visits), 18% in travel, 18% in record-keeping activities, and 16% in care coordinating activities. New mechanisms to reimburse home care are on the horizon. Studies such as this that begin to explicate the nature of care requirements are critical if appropriate decisions are to be made about the structure of a reimbursement system for home health care.
Synchronization of Pulse-Coupled Oscillators on (Strongly) Connected Graphs

The synchronization of pulse-coupled oscillators (PCOs) interacting on general (strongly) connected graphs is addressed. It is shown that the network synchronizes if the phases are contained in an arc of length less than $\pi$ , for every (strongly) connected interaction topology. Moreover, global synchronization is feasible in the all-to-all, strongly rooted, and connected bidirectional cases. Examples, counter-examples, and numerical simulations are given to illustrate the analytical findings.
Physicochemical properties of waxy and normal corn starches treated in different anhydrous alcohols with hydrochloric acid

Abstract Corn starches (25 g, d. b.) were treated in anhydrous methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol or 1-butanol (100 ml) with 1 ml 36% hydrochloric acid at 45 °C for 1 h, the molecular weight and chain length distributions of starch were examined by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), and the granule size, granular structure, λmax, blue value, solubility and gelatinization thermal properties of starch were also examined. Results showed the recovery yields of the treated starch were higher than 96%, and the granule sizes of treated starches were slightly lower than their counterpart native starch. Starches after acid-alcohol treated showed internal fissures or cavities in some granules, and the number of granule with fissures or cavities increased with the increasing carbon number of alcohol. The weight average degree of polymerization and relative content of F1 fraction of starch after treated profoundly decreased, and the amylose and long chain of amylopectin of starch were preferentially degraded. The degradation extent of molecules after acid-alcohol treatment was found directly related to the alternation of internal structure of starch granule. The λmax and blue value of both waxy and normal corn starches after treated also obviously decreased with the increasing carbon number of alcohol, while the solubility of starch profoundly increased after treated. The gelatinization onset temperature (To) of acid-alcohol treated waxy corn starch decreased with the increasing carbon number of alcohol, but the treated normal corn starches showed similar To values. Despite the alcohol used, the solubility of treated waxy corn starch linearly correlated (r2=0.983) with T/To value (T was the measuring temperature used for solubility determination). Whereas, normal corn starch treated in different alcohols showed distinct relations between T/To and solubility.
Suicide in relation to AIDS.

Abstract One of the array of clinical and ethical challenges faced by the practitioner who works with people with AIDS is dealing with clients who feel they prefer the option of suicide to living with the disease. The many dimensions of suicide among the terminally ill, including preemptive, surcease, and rational suicide, are explored. The critical issues addressed are the incidence of suicide in HIV-positive individuals, contributing factors associated with the risk of suicide among people with HIV /AIDS, and the clinical and ethical implication of this issue for the practitioner.
Insult to Injury: Ethical Confusion in American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

Bishop and colleagues (2010) lament the misuse of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders in the United States. Certainly, the medical literature on clinical outcome...
Gateway Polydrug Use Among Puerto Rican and Dominican Adolescents Residing in New York City: The Moderating Role of Gender

ABSTRACT Most research of ethnic differences in adolescent drug use resorts to combining all Hispanic individuals into one group. This study focused on polydrug use among adolescents residing in an inner-city region by Hispanic ethnicity (Puerto Rican versus Dominican) and gender. Puerto Rican and Dominican students in 22 New York City middle schools participated. Sixth and seventh graders completed self-report questionnaires with measures of the three gateway drugs (cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana) at baseline (N = 849) and at a one-year follow-up (N = 678). In the first year of middle school, gender moderated the effect of Hispanic ethnicity on lifetime polydrug use. Specifically, Dominican boys reported greater polydrug use than Dominican girls, but use was similar across gender for Puerto Rican adolescents. In the second year of middle school, this pattern extended to more serious levels of polydrug use as measured by current polydrug use and composite polydrug frequency. Consequently, both Hispani...
Phase Equilibria at 1173K in the Ni-Ti-Al System

In a recent review of the published literature on this system it was concluded that there is a lack of experimental data in this system particularly in regions of the system with less than 75 atomic per cent of each one of the components (1). In order to provide some consistent data over a substantial range of composition an experimental determination of the phase equilibria at 1173K and from 0–50 atomic % Al is being carried out. The main experimental technique being used is quantitative electron microprobe analysis (JEOL 733) by wavelength dispersive x-ray spectrometry. In addition, x-ray diffraction is being used to establish the structures of phases present and optical metallography of cast structures to determine the fields of primary crystallization. In addition to establishing the phase equilibria at this temperature the composition range for the existence of the AlNi2Ti phase is being determined. The results thus far are compared with previous experimental data and calculated isothermal sections (2).
Helicobasidin: A fungal benzoquinone of isoprenoid origin

Abstract Acetate-1- 14 C and (±)-mevalonate-2- 14 C were used as precursors for the biosynthesis of helicobasidin by Helicobasidium mompa . Degradation of the radioactive metabolite gave labelling patterns consistent with the origin of the cyclopentanoid and benzoquinoid rings from farnesyl pyrophosphate. Possible biosynthetic intermediates are considered.
Prevalence of bowel symptoms in women with pelvic floor disorders

Introduction and hypothesis To determine the prevalence of a variety of bowel symptoms in women with pelvic floor disorders
1075. Cellular Localization and Cell Cycle Dynamics of φC31 Integrase in Mammalian Cells

Top of pageAbstract Bacteriophage |[phiv]|C31 integrase is able to catalyze a unidirectional, site-specific DNA recombination reaction. Constrained target sequence preference, combined with an ability to function in a eukaryotic environment, have made |[phiv]|C31 integrase an important tool in higher organism genetic manipulation, including gene therapy applications. To better understand the properties of the enzyme in a mammalian cellular context, we constructed a plasmid expressing |[phiv]|C31 integrase with a hemagglutin (HA) epitope tag. Using immunoflurescence, we determined that |[phiv]|C31 integrase localized to the cytoplasm in HeLa cells. Intriguingly, we found that while |[phiv]|C31 integrase localization did not change during cell cycle progression, the absolute abundance of the enzyme declined rapidly after passage through the G1/S checkpoint. We have shown that this effect is due to degradation by the 26S proteasome. In cells treated with a chemical proteasome inhibitor, we found that |[phiv]|C31 integrase appeared to localize to a peri-centriolar inclusion body, as determined by co-staining of the centrosomal marker |[gamma]|-tubulin. Specialized centrosome-associated proteasomal complexes, known as 'aggresomes', have been identified as sites for clearance of misfolded or aggregated protein products. Our results suggest that, when expressed in cycling mammalian cells, |[phiv]|C31 integrase may be actively trafficked to aggresomes and degraded. The implications of these results for gene therapy and avenues to use this information for enhancement of the integration reaction will be presented.
Isolation and characterization of the gene encoding the type 5 mouse (Mus musculus) somatostatin receptor (msst5).

Abstract We have isolated and determined the nucleotide sequence of the gene for the fifth mouse somatostatin receptor (msst5). The gene can encode a protein of 363 amino acid residues (aa). The deduced aa sequence of msst5 has 97 and 81% identity to the rat and human sst5 respectively, while it has lower identities with the four other mouse sstns (msst1— 48%, msst2 — 55%, msst3 — 56%, and msst4 — 52%). We show that msst5 is expressed in brain but not in liver, heart, spleen, or kidney of the adult mouse.
Identification of base mismatches recognized by the heteroduplex-DNA-repair system of Streptococcus pneumoniae

The susceptibility to repair of particular base mismatches by the hex system of Streptococcus pneumoniae was examined by comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the wild-type and eight mutant alleles of the malM gene. A detailed restriction map was constructed for pLS70, and the nucleotide sequence was determined for its 3475 bp chromosomal insert, which contains the entire malM gene (encoding amylomaltase), portions of malX and malP (encoding a membrane protein and a phosphorylase, respectively) and a control region. Transition mismatches were highly susceptible to repair; transversion mismatches, much less so. A mismatch caused by a single-nucleotide deletion was reparable, but mismatches with longer deletions were not. The hex system also reduced spontaneous reversion of mutations corresponding to transitions. It is suggested that recognition of donor or nascent DNA strands by the hex system depends on single-strand breaks in the target strand, and that the role of DNA methylation in mismatch repair of Escherichia coli can be accommodated to this model.
Online Education in the Community College.

This paper looks at three areas impacting online education at the community college level. Community colleges account for more than half of all online students in the United States as of 2006. This makes the success of online learning at the community college level a critical part of the growing online learning movement. Using data for postsecondary education in general, and where available, community colleges in particular, this paper will look at the issues that impact student success in online courses, issues that impact the faculty's ability to successfully transition learning to an online format, and issues that college administrators must consider to facilitate a successful transition. Only by understanding and addressing all three areas will online education at the community college level be successful.
DYNAMICS OF NERVE CELLS : I. THE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT OF THE NEUROGENIC RHYTHM OF THE HEART OF LIMULUS POLYPHEMUS.

In the case of the heart of Limulus polyphemus the same magnitude and variation of the temperature coefficient (Q10) is obtained from the whole heart as from the ganglion alone. From the magnitude of the temperature coefficients and their variation with changes of temperature we may conclude that the rate of the heart beat is determined by alteration of chemical processes in the ganglion cells.
Catharanthus Alkaloids XXIX: Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Vincoline

Vincoline, an alkaloid of undetermined structure, previously isolated from Catharanthus roseus, Catharanthus lanceus, and Vinca libanotica, has been reisolated and its structure elucidated.
The role of audit thresholds in the misreporting of private information

The accounting profession has faced considerable criticism in recent years for failing to effectively combat reporting manipulation. A particular point of contention is the use of audit thresholds. The tendency for auditors to suppress inconsistencies that are deemed immaterial has been viewed as an open invitation for abuse. This paper revisits the effectiveness of audits and the misreporting of private information in light of audit thresholds. The paper demonstrates that while audit thresholds may create incentives for misstatements, the predictability of such misstatements may actually serve to promote efficiency. In effect, an environment in which parties are expected to systematically bias their reports can bring the threat of audit consequences for further exaggeration to the forefront. Such a consideration also suggests that more relaxed audit thresholds (and the ensuing increase in equilibrium misstatements) may be condoned by report recipients and can actually lessen inefficiencies wrought by adverse selection.
Surgical Learning Aid: Reducing Uncertainty for the Novice during Simulated Minimally Invasive Surgery:

Can a procedural learning aid assist novice surgeons in reducing uncertainty and workload during critical points of minimally invasive surgery in an OR environment? Twenty Tufts University students performed a multi-step cutting task on a laparoscopic skills training simulator, with and without a multi-media procedural learning aid. A simple between subjects design was used. The results showed that those subjects who used a learning aid while completing the procedural cutting task were significantly faster (p = 0.02). However, subjects’ perceived workload with and without the learning aid were not significantly different. These results have implications for the teaching of residents and communication between experts and novices in the OR.
High-temperature superconducting materials: a decade of impressive advancement of T/sub c/

In the decade after the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity, more than one hundred non-intermetallic compounds have been found to superconduct above 23 K, which is the record transition temperature (T/sub c/) of conventional low-temperature intermetallic superconductors. These high-temperature non-intermetallic superconductors belong to three compound families: the cuprates, the bismuthates, and the fullerites. In this presentation, I shall restrict myself to the cuprates with a T/sub c/ above the liquid nitrogen boiling point of 77 K. They show a current record T/sub c/ of 134 K at ambient and 164 K at high pressure. I shall recall events that led to the discovery of superconductivity at 93 K to bring down the 77 K temperature barrier and summarize subsequent efforts to raise the T/sub c/ to its present record. Prospects for future higher T/sub c/ are discussed.
WIN WIN's Struggles with the Institutional Transfer of the EMILY's List Model to Japan: The Role of Accountability and Policy

This article addresses the complexities of institutional transfer by exploring the case of EMILY's List and WIN WIN, two women's organizations in the US and Japan respectively that seek to increase the number of women in office by providing funds early in candidates’ campaigns. Specifically, it asks why WIN WIN has struggled to successfully implement the EMILY's List model in Japan. This article argues that differing institutional environments and cultures have less explanatory power than decisions made at the organization level. In particular, while differences in the political funding regimes and so-called ‘cultures of giving’ exist, they do not necessarily preclude the success of an EMILY's List-type organization in Japan. Instead, WIN WIN made significant strategic organizational decisions that have impeded its ability to have a significant impact on female candidacy at the national level. Specifically, WIN WIN's lack of accountability to its members combined with its broader commitment to gender consciousness have limited its success.