cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and mutagenesis of the p110α subunit of human phosphoinositide 3′-hydroxykinase

Abstract Activation of phosphoinositide 3′-hydroxykinase (PI3K) is required for mitogenic signal transduction by several growth factors and oncogenes. PI3K is a heterodimer consisting of a p85 regulatory subunit and a p110 catalytic subunit. In the current study, we report the cloning and characterization of the p110α catalytic subunit of human PI3K. This clone is highly homologous (>99% amino acid identity) to bovine brain p110α, but contains 10 amino acid differences from the human p110α sequence previously reported. Comparison of this sequence with known Ser/Thr kinases and p110 homologs highlighted several conserved residues within the putative kinase domain. Mutational analysis of these residues (Asp 915 , (Asp 933 + Phe 934 ) yielded PI3K mutants with virtually complete loss of phosphoinositide phosphorylating activity. Expression of the wild-type p110α protein in CHO cells is sufficient to activate the serum response element derived from the promoter of c- fos , an immediate early gene product. In contrast, the catalytically impaired p110α mutants as well as the p85α subunit of PI3K were inactive in the fos assay. These studies suggest that the mitogenic signal transduction pathway mediated by PI3K is dependent upon the enzymatic activity of the p110α subunit of PI3K.
Sex differences in the secular changes in pubertal maturation.

Objective. It is a common experience among pediatricians in the industrialized countries that many girls—but many fewer boys—present with secondary sex characteristics at a younger age than normal. This study examines whether there are sex differences in the secular changes toward earlier pubertal maturation. Methods. The author collected the growth data from various studies performed in Greece in the 20th century (from 1928 to 1995) and estimated the age at peak annual height increment in each study by calculating mean increase in height in each successive year. Results. In all studies, boys presented peak mean annual height increment at 13 to 14 years of age. Girls did not present a discernible peak height increment until the late 1960s; however, thereafter they presented a peak height increment at 11 to 12 years of age. Conclusions. The data suggest sex differences in the secular changes in pubertal maturation, girls being affected more intensely than boys.
Transdiaphragmatic Implantation of the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

A new surgical approach for implantation of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator without thoractomy was used in 12 patients, aged 46 to 72 years. Preimplantation arrhythmia was ventricular tachycardia in 7 patients and ventricular fibrillation in 5 patients. The mean ejection fraction was 19%. Six patients were at high risk for general anesthesia for a variety of medical problems, and 2 patients had had a previous cardiac operation. Epidural anesthesia was used in 8 patients without intubation. The surgical approach used a longitudinal epigastric extraperitoneal incision with access to the heart through an incision made in the central tendon of the diaphragm. Two patches and two epicardial sensing leads were placed in all patients. All patients but one could be defibrillated with 20 J or less. There was no operative mortality and minimal morbidity. There were two late deaths due to heart failure. Thus, the transdiaphragmatic approach provides an excellent exposure for automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, avoids general anesthesia and thoracotomy, and can be used after a previous cardiac operation.
Intrinsic Resistive Transition in Narrow Superconducting Channels

We present a theory of current-reducing fluctuations in narrow superconducting channels. The theory is based on the Ginzburg-Landau equation, and is constructed in analogy with the droplet model of the condensation of a supersaturated vapor. Our theory suggests that large and improbable fluctuations are important, and cause measurable departures from the mean-field critical current. The calculation leads to a concrete result for the intrinsic resistive transition. This transition is predicted to occur at a temperature slightly lower than the bulk transition temperature, and to have a width which is observable but smaller than those measured in recent experiments.
Note---An Economic Rationale for Door Prizes

If buyers face transaction costs, a workable pricing scheme might require door prizes in addition to a per-unit price. The door prize compensates customers for the transaction expense, and the seller earns positive profit because the price exceeds the cost of inframarginal units.
Activation of Tantalocene(V) Alkyl and Alkylidene Complexes with Strong Organo Lewis Acids and Application to Polymerization Catalysis

This work reexamines the reaction of the tantalocene trialkyl complex Cp2TaMe3 with the strong organo Lewis acids (LAs) E(C6F5)3 (E = B, Al) under various reaction conditions, investigates the acti...
CO-dependent H2 evolution by Rhodospirillum rubrum: role of CODH:CooF complex.

Abstract Upon exposure to CO during anaerobic growth, the purple phototrophic bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum expresses a CO-oxidizing H 2 evolving enzymatic system. The CO-oxidizing enzyme, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH), has been purified and extensively characterized. However the electron transfer pathway from CODH to the CO-induced hydrogenase that evolves H 2 is not well understood. CooF is an Fe–S protein that is the proposed mediator of electron transfer between CODH and the CO-induced hydrogenase. Here we present the spectroscopic and biochemical properties of the CODH:CooF complex. The characteristic EPR signals observed for CODH are largely insensitive to CooF complexation. Metal analysis and EPR spectroscopy show that CooF contains 2 Fe 4 S 4 clusters. The observation of 2 Fe 4 S 4 clusters for CooF contradicts the prediction of 4 Fe 4 S 4 clusters based on analysis of the amino acid sequence of CooF and structural studies of CooF homologs. Comparison of in vivo and in vitro CO-dependent H 2 evolution indicates that ∼ 90% of the activity is lost upon cell lysis. We propose that the loss of two labile Fe–S clusters from CooF during cell lysis may be responsible for the low in vitro CO-dependent H 2 evolution activity. During the course of these studies, a new assay for CODH:CooF was developed using membranes from an R. rubrum mutant that did not express CODH:CooF, but expressed high levels of the CO-induced hydrogenase. The assay revealed that the CO-induced hydrogenase requires the presence of CODH:CooF for optimal H 2 evolution activity.
A simplified benzoylation-diazonium coupling sequence for demonstrating conjugated proteins

A simple method for demonstrating conjugated proteins was developed from a benzoylation-diazonium coupling sequence described by Barnard and Danielli (1956). The procedure combines anhydrous fixation and benzoylation with staining in a solution of fast black K salt. Advantages of the method include reliability after simple fixation and rapid staining in a single step at room temperature.
Concordance between rats and mice in bioassays for carcinogenesis.

Abstract According to current policy, chemicals are evaluated for possible cancer risk to humans at low dose by testing in bioassays in which high doses of the chemical are given to rodents. Thus, risk is extrapolated from high dose in rodents to low dose in humans. The accuracy of these extrapolations is generally unverifiable because data on humans are limited. However, it is feasible to examine the accuracy of extrapolations from mice to rats. If mice and rats are similar with respect to carcinogenesis, this provides some evidence in favor of interspecies extrapolations; conversely, if mice and rats are different, this casts doubt on the validity of extrapolations from mice to humans. One measure of interspecies agreement is concordance, the percentage of chemicals that are classified the same way as to carcinogenicity in mice and rats. Observed concordance in National Cancer Institute/National Toxicology Program bioassays is about 75%, which may seem on the low side because mice and rats are closely related species tested under the same experimental conditions. However, observed concordance could underestimate true concordance due to measurement error in the bioassays—a possibility demonstrated by Piegorsch et al. ( Risk Anal. 12, 115–121, 1992). Expanding on this work, we show that the bias in observed concordance can be either positive or negative: an observed concordance of 75% can arise if the true concordance is anything between 20 and 100%. In particular, observed concordance can seriously overestimate true concordance.
A multi-level perspective on the synergies between work and family

In this paper we lay the conceptual foundation for work-family facilitation. Work-family facilitation is a process representing the synergies between the domains of work and family. We formally define facilitation as the extent to which an individual's engagement in one social system, such as work or family, contributes to growth in another social system. We develop the process through which facilitation occurs, provide a model and case studies of this process, and delineate additional theoretical and empirical research necessary to understand work-family facilitation so that it can be managed and cultivated within organizations.
Provider-patient communication about antidepressants among veterans with mental health conditions.

Abstract Background: Little is known about provider-patient communication regarding antidepressants in primary care settings. Objective: The purpose of the study was to describe the extent to which veterans and their providers discuss anti-depressants during primary care visits, and to examine how patient characteristics are related to elements this communication. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis conducted of a data set of audiotaped clinic visits and previsit interviews with 253 adult male veterans seen in primary care. The study patients who were provided an initial antidepressant prescription or continued on an antidepressant on the day of the audiotaped visit and who had a diagnosis of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or bipolar disorder were included in the current analysis. Audiotapes were coded using a reliable instrument. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were calculated. Results: Forty veterans (mean [SD] age, 58.9 [10.4] years) were eligible for study. Of these 40 veterans with a documented prescription for an antidepressant, 62.5% (n = 25) discussed these medications with their provider during the visits. If antidepressants were discussed, the provider initiated the discussion 68.0% (n = 17) of the time. Only 2 patients asked questions about their antidepressants. Thirty-two of the 40 veterans were continued users of antidepressants; 8 began their antidepressant on the date of the audiotaped visit. Providers asked 15.6% of veterans (n = 5) on continued therapy how well their antidepressants were working and 6.3% of veterans (n = 2) on continued therapy about adverse effects. Among continued users of antidepressants, 18.8% (n = 6) expressed a complaint about their antidepressant and 21.9% (n = 7) of patients expressed an adherence problem. Conclusions: To detect and prevent problems with antidepressant therapy, primary care clinics should consider having nonphysician health care personnel ask patients taking antidepressant medication at least one open-ended question about how the antidepressant is working, another about possible adverse effects or barriers to use, and a third about adherence.
Market Rules: The Incidental Relationship between Democratic Compatibility and International Commerce

Democracies trade more with other democracies than they trade with closed political systems, but why they do so is unclear. We present a “gravity equation” that disentangles foreign policy from country-specific influences on trade by adding explanatory variables to control for traits of both the mass public and the domestic political system. We apply the resulting model to a data set covering 50 years (1948–1997) and 72 countries. The estimated effect of joint democracy, which appears in the absence of the country-specific variables, drops out when these control variables are added to eliminate omitted variable bias. Democracies do not trade together any more than they would incidentally given the usual social, economic, and political influences on commercial activity, calling into question explanations for their mutual trade activity that rely on foreign-policy favoritism or institutional compatibility.
Surface plasmon polaritons in light scattering from free-standing randomly rough thin metal films

By means of numerical simulation, we study the scattering of p-polarized light from, and its transmission through, a thin, free-standing, metal film. The illuminated face of the film is a one-dimensional, randomly rough surface, whose generators are perpendicular to the plane of incidence; the back surface is planar. The random roughness of the illuminated surface is characterized by a West-O'Donnell power spectrum that is nonzero in only a narrow range of wave numbers kmin less than k less than kmax that includes the wave numbers q1((omega) ) and q2((omega) ) of the surface plasmon polaritons supported by the film at the frequency (omega) of the incident light. The existence of two surface electromagnetic waves leads to the appearance of two satellite peaks in the angular dependence of the intensity of the incoherent component of the light scattered from the film at scattering angles (theta) s given by sin (theta) s equals - sin (theta) i plus or minus (c/(omega) )[q1((omega) ) - q2((Omega) )], where (theta) i is the angle of incidence of the light, in addition to the enhanced backscattering peak in the retroreflection direction (theta) s equals -(theta) i. At the same time satellite peaks occur in the angular dependence of the intensity of the light transmitted incoherently through the film at angles of transmission (theta) t given by sin(theta) t equals - sin (theta) i plus or minus (c/(omega) )[q1((omega) ) - q2((omega) )], in addition to the enhanced transmission peak in the antispecular direction (theta) t equals -(theta) i. These results are compared with those for a metal film whose rough surface is characterized by a Gaussian power spectrum yielding the same rms height and rms slope as the West-O'Donnell power spectrum.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Epidermal Proliferation but Not the Quantity of DNA Photodamage Is Correlated with UV-Induced Mouse Skin Carcinogenesis

The hairless SKH-1 mouse strain has a higher skin tumor incidence, shorter tumor latency, and higher tumor yield in response to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation than the SENCAR strain. In this study we assessed the differences in UV susceptibility of both strains by measuring DNA photodamage and epidermal proliferation after one UV treatment and after 1, 3, 6, and 9 wk of chronic UV irradiation. Induction rates for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6–4) pyrimidone photoproducts [(6–4) Pds] were significantly greater in the SKH-1 strain than the SENCAR strain, but no strain differences in repair kinetics were detected for CPDs or (6–4) Pds. With chronic UV exposure we observed the following: (1) there was an equal amount of DNA photodamage in both strains; (ii) the number of (6–4) Pds was significantly greater than the CPDs after 6 wk; (iii) there were a significantly greater number of epidermal cells (1.5-fold increase) in the SKH-1 strain; (iv) the number of cycling cells, as measured by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), were located both basally and suprabasally and were significantly greater in the SKIT-i strain; and (v) the number of cells immuno-reactive to p53 was equivalent in both strains, but immunoreactive cells were located suprabasally in the SKH-1 strain after 9 wk of UV. These results show that the etiologic role of UV in tumorigenesis is dependent on events other than the amount of DNA photodamage in mouse epidermis.
Solution 1H NMR characterization of axial interactions of the proximal and distal His in the cyanomet complexes of the isolated chains and the 65 kDa intact tetramer of human hemoglobin A.

Solution 1H NMR has been used to investigate the axial bonding of the proximal His and the hydrogen-bonding of the distal His to the bound ligand in the isolated chains as well as the subunits of intact, tetrameric, cyanomet human hemoglobin A. The complete proximal His, including all ring protons necessary to monitor bonding in each subunit, could be definitively assigned by 1D/2D methods despite the large size (approximately 65 kDa) and severe relaxation (to T(1) approximately 3 ms, line width approximately 1.5 kHz) of two of the protons. The complete distal His E7 ring was assigned in the alpha-chain and alpha-subunit of HbA, and the dipolar shifts and relaxation were analyzed to reveal a disposition intermediate between the positions adopted in HbCO and HbO2 that is optimal for forming a hydrogen bond with bound cyanide. The lability of the alpha-subunit His E7 NepsilonH is found to be similar to that in sperm whale cyanomet myoglobin. The orientation of the distal His E7 in the beta-subunit is found to be consistent with that seen in either HbCO or HbO2. While the His E7 labile NepsilonH proton signal could not be detected in either the beta-chain or subunit, it is concluded that this more likely reflects increased lability over that of the alpha-subunit, and not the absence of a hydrogen bond to the bound ligand. Analysis of the heme mean methyl hyperfine shift, which has been shown to be very sensitive to the presence of distal hydrogen bonds to bound cyanide (Nguyen, B. D.; Xia, Z.; Cutruzzola, F.; Travaglini Allocatelli, C.; Brancaccio, A.; Brunori, M.; La Mar, G. N. J. Biol. Chem. 2000, 275, 742-751), directly supports the presence of a distal His E7 hydrogen bond to cyanide in the beta-chain and beta-subunit which is weaker than the same hydrogen bond in the alpha-subunit. The potential for the proximal His hyperfine shifts in serving as indicators of axial strain in the allosteric transition of HbA is discussed.
2011-2012 National Health Law Moot Court Competition: Best Brief

In The Supreme Court of the United States October Term, 2011 PHARMEX, INC., Petitioner v. FAITH MBOLE, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Respondent On Writ of Certiorari ...
Ultrastructural investigation of the melanization process in Culex pipiens (Culicidae) in response to a nematode

The present account is an ultrastructural investigation on the formation of a melanized sheath around third stage infective juveniles of Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser within the larval hemocoel of Culex pipiens L. The host reaction began almost immediately after the nematode entered the body cavity of the mosquito larva. Within 1 hour, a homogeneous matrix or deposit surrounded the nematode. After being in the host for 1–2 hours, minute pigment granules formed within the homogeneous matrix, and they eventually enlarged and coalesced to form a layer of melanin around the parasite. The normal definitive capsule appeared in 5–10 hours and was composed of an inner melanized region, a middle non- or slightly melanized homogeneous layer and an outer region containing tracheole elements and cellular debris. It appeared that the homogeneous matrix in which the melanin was eventually produced did not arise from blood cells, but from components in the noncellular portion of the hemolymph that coagulated out on the surface of the nematode. This reaction could then be considered an example of humoral melanization in contrast to the more common hemocytic melanization involving the host's blood cells.
A surname-based bibliometric indicator: publications in biomedical journal

Surnames have been used as a proxy in studies on health care for various ethnic groups and also applied to ascribe ethnicity in studies on the genetic structure of a population. The aim of this study was to use a surname-based bibliometric indicator to assess the representation of Jewish authors in US biomedical journals. The other aim was to test the hypothesis that the representation of Jewish authors in US biomedical journals corresponds to their representation among US Nobel Prize winners in Medicine, 1960---2009. From among articles published 1960---2009 in all journals covered by Medline (>5,000), and in the top 10 US biomedical journals we counted articles by authors from the following three groups: Kohenic---Levitic surnames, other common Jewish surnames, and the most frequent non-Jewish surnames in the USA. The frequency of a surname in the US population (1990 US Census) was used to calculate the expected number of scientific publications: the total number of published articles multiplied by a surname's frequency. The actual number of articles with that surname was also determined. The ratio of actual to expected number of articles was used as a measure of representation proportionality. It was found that the ratio of actual to expected number of articles in both Jewish groups is close to 10 among all (>5,000) journals, and close to 20 in the top 10 journals. The ratio of actual to expected numbers of Jewish Nobel Laureates in the USA is also close to 20. In conclusion, the representation of Jewish authors in top 10 US biomedical journals corresponds to the representation of Jewish Nobel Laureates among US laureates. We hypothesize that disproportional representation of Jewish scientists as authors in top biomedical journals and among Nobel Prize laureates in Medicine is mostly due to their overrepresentation as research participants, not because of the increased chances for reward for a Jewish researcher per se.
The effects of thermal spray technique and post-deposition treatment on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 coatings

Abstract Titanium dioxide coatings were deposited by two thermal spray methods: high velocity oxygen fuel and atmospheric plasma spray. The coatings were characterized by XRD, SEM, Raman and UV–vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the samples towards decomposition of methylene blue were also determined. As-prepared samples showed a very limited photocatalytic activity. In contrast, post-deposition oxidation of the samples in air resulted in significantly improved catalytic performance of the coatings. It appears that the oxidation state of titania played a critical role in photocatalytic activity given that partially reduced coatings resulted a very low activity. This conclusion was consistent with the observation of the Ti 8 O 15 phase in the as-prepared samples. However, when oxidized, parameters such as the anatase content became a dominant factor in catalytic performance of the samples. The coating sprayed by high velocity oxygen fuel resulted in much higher activity than the atmospheric plasma sprayed coating, which can be attributed to higher anatase content of the former.
Cyclothiazide selectively inhibits mGluR1 receptors interacting with a common allosteric site for non-competitive antagonists.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR1 and mGluR5 stimulate phospholipase C, leading to an increased inositol trisphosphate level and to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Cyclothiazide (CTZ), known as a blocker of AMPA receptor desensitization, produced a non-competitive inhibition of [Ca2+]i increases induced by mGluR agonists in HEK 293 cells transfected with rat mGluR1a but had no effect on the [Ca2+]i signals in cells expressing rat mGluR5a. In cells expressing mGluR1, CTZ also inhibited phosphoinositide hydrolysis, as well as cAMP accumulation and arachidonic acid release induced by mGluR1 agonists, indicating a direct inhibition of the receptor and not of a particular signal transduction system. However, CTZ failed to antagonize cAMP inhibition stimulated by rat mGluR2, -3, -4, -6, -7 and -8 receptors confirming its selectivity for mGluR1. The use of chimeric receptors with substituted N-terminal domains showed that CTZ did not interact with the N-terminal mGluR1a domain. Instead, mutation analysis revealed that CTZ interacts with the Thr-815 and Ala-818 residues, located at the 7th transmembrane domain, similarly as the mGluR1-selective antagonist CPCCOEt. In primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons, expressing native metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors, the final outcome of CTZ effects depended on its combined ability to potentiate AMPA receptors and inhibit mGluR1 receptors.
Estimation of soil permittivity through autoregressive modeling of time-domain ground-penetrating radar data

Recent advances in context-dependent processing for vehicle-based route clearance suggest that information regarding the environmental context associated with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data can potentially be exploited to improve target detection performance. In this work, a statistical approach to estimating soil permittivity (dielectric constant) from raw time-domain data is presented as an alternative to electromagnetic model inversion. First, a large set of GPR data was simulated using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling over a heterogeneous subsurface with a rough air/ground interface. Physics-based features were then extracted from the simulated data through autoregressive (AR) modeling of B-scan time slices. A linear least-squares regression model was applied to the features, and experimental results indicate that the dielectric constant of the base soil can be accurately predicted by the regression model. This approach has several advantages over model inversion techniques for estimating soil permittivity, since it is causal, computationally efficient, and does not require an analytical electromagnetic model a priori.
The design of simulation languages for systems with multiple modularities

Biological systems exhibit several characteristics that are not shared by human-engineered systems: there are often no clear module boundaries (or there are several module boundaries, depending on the question being asked); individual parts often serve multiple roles, depending on the behavior being studied; and system characteristics often vary from individual to individual.Conventional simulation languages, however, do not cope well with this non-modularity. We have developed a theory of the design of simulation languages for such systems, and partially verified it in one case study. We separate the notion of "structure" S of a system from the "behavior" B of its parts. We allow multiple versions of both the structure (S1, S2, ...) and the corresponding behavior (B1,[Si], B2 [Si], ...) of each part Si. The different structures or behaviors might be alternative theories, or abstractions of each other, for example.We also have theories of how to interpret the simulations produced by (Si' B i [Si]) pairs. ...
Water properties in Chesapeake Bay from MODIS-Aqua measurements

Abstract This study evaluates the performance of ocean color products derived from measurements of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the satellite Aqua using the standard near-infrared (NIR) and the shortwave infrared (SWIR)-based atmospheric correction algorithms in the Chesapeake Bay. The MODIS-Aqua-derived normalized water-leaving radiances, nL w (λ), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) data are compared with in situ radiometric measurements from the NASA SeaWiFS Bio-optical Archive and Storage System (SeaBASS) database and Chl-a data from the Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Database. Results show that, using the NIR-SWIR combined ocean color data processing, improved nL w (λ) and Chl-a data products can be produced in the Chesapeake Bay. However, Chl-a data are still overestimated in some Chesapeake Bay regions, in particular, in the upper bay region where waters are strongly influenced by the total suspended sediment (TSS) concentration. Specifically, using the NIR-SWIR approach, mean ratios of MODIS-derived and in situ-measured nL w (λ) at wavelengths of 412, 443, 488, 531, 551, and 667 nm for the Chesapeake Bay are 1.288, 1.093, 0.998, 0.946, 0.908, and 0.865, respectively, while mean Chl-a values over the region from satellite-derived and in situ-measure data are 11.14 and 10.28 mg·m − 3 , respectively. Based on a strong correlation relationship between TSS and water diffuse attenuation coefficient, a regional TSS algorithm for the Chesapeake Bay has been developed and validated, with mean ratio of 1.064 between MODIS-derived and in situ-measured TSS data. Therefore, using the NIR-SWIR algorithm for MODIS-Aqua ocean color data processing, nL w (λ), Chl-a, and TSS data from 2002 to 2010 for the Chesapeake Bay have been generated and used for characterizing the water properties in the region, showing strong seasonal and interannual variability, as well as important spatial variations in the region.
Real estate income and relocation

Abstract This paper looks at the decision relationship between two major assets of the individual, residential real estate and human capital, the ability to generate income from labor. Empirical results indicate that labor income is not sufficient for defining income within the utility function; real estate income must also be included. The decision to relocate must be made after considering both the return and risk in the area's residential real estate as well as the potential income from salaries.
On the structure of state-feedback LQG controllers for distributed systems with communication delays

This paper presents explicit solutions for a few distributed LQG problems in which players communicate their states with delays. The resulting control structure is reminiscent of a simple management hierarchy, in which a top level input is modified by newer, more localized information as it gets passed down the chain of command. It is hoped that the controller forms arising through optimization may lend insight into the control strategies of biological and social systems with communication delays.
Glueballs: Their Spectra, Production and Decay

What is a glueball? It is a colorless and flavorless composite of two or more gluons whose existence is implied in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) [1–3]. That we are even considering such an object today is a true tribute to serendipity. Let us see why I say that.
Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Porphyrin Quinone Donor/Acceptor Pairs: pH-Dependent Free Ion Yield

The protonation of 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (UQ0) has been determined to improve the quantum efficiency of charge separation between a zinc meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine (MP) donor and UQ0 (UQ0H+ upon protonation) acceptor system. The primary effect of protonation is to increase the driving force of the initial photoinitiated electron transfer (ET). Although this does not alter the diffusion-limited rate of forward ET, it may have a substantial effect on the nature of the ion pair formed by the initial ET and the subsequent competition between free ion separation and back electron transfer (BET). Transient absorption data show that although the rates of ET from photoexcited 3MP* to UQ0 or UQ0H+ are diffusion limited, there is a >3-fold increase in free ion product yields upon UQ0 protonation. The results are assessed in terms of current electron transfer theories. It is argued that the increase in product yield is a result of BET for the reactions of UQ0H+ being deeper in the normal...
Pulmonary Infection Due to Legionella cincinnatiensis in Renal Transplant Recipients: Two Cases and Implications for Laboratory Diagnosis

We report two cases of pneumonia caused by Legionella cincinnatiensis, a species previously identified as a pathogen in only one other instance. Both infections occurred in renal transplant recipients who were receiving only moderate doses of immunosuppressive drugs several years after transplantation; both patients had no recent episodes of rejection. Their clinical courses varied from mild symptoms to multisystem organ failure and death. Species identification by direct fluorescent antibody testing was misleading; initial results revealed infection due to Legionella longbeachae for one patient and infection due to Legionella dumoffii for the other patient. Slide agglutination testing eventually identified both isolates as L. cincinnatiensis. Infection with Legionella species, including L. cincinnatiensis, should be considered not only in the first months after transplantation but also later in the posttransplantation period as either a nosocomial or community-acquired infection.
High Pressure Treatment of Milk and Effects on Microbiological and Sensory Quality of Cheddar Cheese

The effect of cycled high pressure treatment of milk on the yield, sensory, and microbiological quality of Cheddar cheese was investigated. Cheddar cheeses were made from pasteurized, raw, or pressure treated milk according to traditional methods. Flavor scores from trained dairy judges were not different for pasteurized and pressurized milk cheeses (P≤0.05). Percent moisture and wet weight yields of pressure treated milk cheeses were higher than pasteurized or raw milk cheeses (P≤0.05). Microbiological quality of pressurized milk cheeses was comparable to pasteurized milk cheeses. Texture defects were present in pressurized milk cheeses and were attributed to excess moisture. High pressure treatment of milk shows promise as an alternative to heat pasteurization prior to cheesemaking.
A New Numerical Method for Simulation

This paper illustrates a method of digitally simulating the motion and control of vehicles. This method of simulation has been used for the simulation of a large variety of systems, including a six-degree-of- freedom simulation of Gemini reentry with guidance and control, a six-degree-of-freedom aircraft simula tion, missile control simulations including bending modes, trajectory problems, and many others.The major advantage of the method, in addition to the speed of computation, is that a detailed an alysis of the system is carried out during the develop ment of the simulation.Although, for small problems, simulations using this method can be derived by hand, large simula tions generally require a computer program to com pute root locus points and z-transforms.
Selective primary health care: Is efficient sufficient?

Developing countries are increasingly using economic evaluation methods to assess and plan their health services. Inappropriate application of these methods may lead to serious errors in developing primary health care strategies. In 'Selective Primary Health Care', Julia Walsh and Kenneth Warren present a logical approach to health planning based on cost-effectiveness techniques. Their paper is a timely example of the risks of using simple technical criteria to plan solution to complex public health problems. Cost-effectiveness is not a sufficient criterion for planning primary health care. Related issues are discussed in these comments. As an alternative, a multiple-objective approach is suggested.
Liquefied natural gas gels

Abstract Laboratory methods for producing water (or methanol)-LNG gels are described. The resulting gel is shown to be material wherein the water (or methanol) gelant interacts with methane to form a clathrate. Yield stress measurements of gels are reviewed, and a very tentative correlation suggested between static stress and both water gelant concentration in the final LNG and in the carrier methane gas. This correlation is used along with a thermodynamic analysis to allow an estimation of the additional work required to produce a suitable water-gelled LNG.
Public sector projects in a mathematical modeling course

Abstract Student teams in a mathematical modeling course have carried out several projects for the City of Bloomington. IL, a small municipality with a population of 50,000. The first project was a water meter replacement model. Since water meters lose accuracy with age, older meters are a source of lost revenues. The team attempted to determine the optimal meter replacement age. The second project was a police patrol car workload model. This multi-dimensional queueing model involves police call arrival rates, service times, and overall patrol car workloads. The third and fourth projects were carried out for the Bloomington Fire Department. The third project applied various queueing models to the behavior of their three fire stations. The city planned to add a fourth station, and the final project applied a parametric allocation model to the question of where the additional station should be located. Experiences relevant to these projects, as well as the philosophy of student projects in general are discussed.
The Factor Structure of the Romantic Beliefs Scale for African Americans and European Americans

The factor structure of Sprecher and Metts’ (1989) Romantic Beliefs Scale (ROMBEL) was investigated with a sample of 254 African-American and 234 European-American college students (342 females and 146 males). Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were used to evaluate the generalizability of the model. Differences in the factor structures between African-American and European-American respondents were found. The factor structure did not replicate for African-American respondents. Because the measure was developed using a predominately white sample, implications for its use in research on more diverse populations are discussed.
Regulated Translation Termination at the Upstream Open Reading Frame in S-Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase mRNA

The upstream open reading frame (uORF) in the mRNA encoding S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase is a cis-acting element that confers feedback control by cellular polyamines on translation of this message. Recent studies demonstrated that elevated polyamines inhibit synthesis of the peptide encoded by the uORF by stabilizing a ribosome paused in the vicinity of the termination codon. These studies suggested that polyamines act at the termination step of uORF translation. In this paper, we demonstrate that elevated polyamines stabilize an intermediate in the termination process, the complete nascent peptide linked to the tRNA that decodes the final codon. The peptidyl-tRNA molecule is found associated with the ribosome fraction, and decay of this molecule correlated with release of the paused ribosome from the message. Furthermore, the stability of this complex is influenced by the same parameters that influence regulation by the uORF in vivo, namely the concentration of polyamines and the sequence of the uORF-encoded peptide. These results suggest that the regulated step in uORF translation is after formation of the peptidyl-tRNA molecule but before hydrolysis of the peptidyl-tRNA bond. This regulation may involve an interaction between the peptide, polyamines, and a target in the translational apparatus.
Teachers’ humor in the college classroom

The use of humor by teachers in the college classroom was examined through a systematic content analysis of sample presentations from university classes. In addition to an assessment of the frequency with which humor was employed, characteristics of the type of humor used by college teachers were examined. It was determined that a substantial proportion of college teachers employ humor in presenting educational material. Moreover, several patterns of humor usage were discovered.
Comment on "MF-dependent lifetimes due to hyperfine induced interference effects".

A Comment on the Letter by Ke Yao et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 183001 (2006)]. The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
High-power grating coupled surface emitting flared laser

A high-power surface emitting flared laser with curved feedback grating is reported. Low threshold, low divergence out-coupling is achieved. Single longitudinal mode operation with surface emitting power in excess of 110 mW and sidemode suppression of > 40 dB is demonstrated.
Ambulatory Patients with Medical and Psychiatric Illness: Care in a Special Medical Clinic:

Patients who have both medical and psychiatric illnesses often present very difficult diagnostic and treatment problems. Cross referrals by the two or more specialties necessarily involved in their management are often perceived by these patients as rejection and not only may induce in them feelings of frustration, helplessness and anger, but may also lead to a worsening of their medical and psychiatric symptomatology. This paper describes the organization and operation of a comprehensive clinic, staffed by both internists and psychiatrists, designed to provide total care for these patients. The patient population comprises patients with independent or unrelated medical and psychiatric illnesses, patients with interdependent medical and psychiatric symptoms, patients with reactive psychological problems and patients with somatizations as an expression of psychological conflicts. Case reports illustrate the approach used in patient management and some of the encouraging results that can be achieved at such...
The Translational Landscape of the Mammalian Cell Cycle

Gene regulation during cell-cycle progression is an intricately choreographed process, ensuring accurate DNA replication and division. However, the translational landscape of gene expression underlying cell-cycle progression remains largely unknown. Employing genome-wide ribosome profiling, we uncover widespread translational regulation of hundreds of mRNAs serving as an unexpected mechanism for gene regulation underlying cell-cycle progression. A striking example is the S phase translational regulation of RICTOR, which is associated with cell cycle-dependent activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling and accurate cell-cycle progression. We further identified unappreciated coordination in translational control of mRNAs within molecular complexes dedicated to cell-cycle progression, lipid metabolism, and genome integrity. This includes the majority of mRNAs comprising the cohesin and condensin complexes responsible for maintaining genome organization, which are coordinately translated during specific cell cycle phases via their 5' UTRs. Our findings illuminate the prevalence and dynamic nature of translational regulation underlying the mammalian cell cycle.
Whole-genome approach implicates CD44 in cellular resistance to carboplatin

Carboplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used in the management of many cancers, yet treatment is limited by resistance and toxicities. To achieve a better understanding of the genetic contribution to carboplatin resistance or toxicities, lymphoblastoid cell lines from 34 large Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain pedigrees were utilised to evaluate interindividual variation in carboplatin cytotoxicity. Significant heritability, ranging from 0.17-0.36 (p = 1 × 10-7 to 9 × 10-4), was found for cell growth inhibition following 72-hour treatment at each carboplatin concentration (10, 20, 40 and 80 μM) and IC50 (concentration for 50 per cent cell growth inhibition). Linkage analysis revealed 11 regions with logarithm of odds (LOD) scores greater than 1.5. The highest LOD score on chromosome 11 (LOD = 3.36, p = 4.2 × 10-5) encompasses 65 genes within the 1 LOD confidence interval for the carboplatin IC50. We further analysed the IC50 phenotype with a linkage-directed association analysis using 71 unrelated HapMap and Perlegen cell lines and identified 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms within eight genes that were significantly associated with the carboplatin IC50 (p < 3.6 × 10-5; false discovery rate < 5 per cent). Next, we performed linear regression on the baseline expression and carboplatin IC50 values of the eight associated genes, which identified the most significant correlation between CD44 expression and IC50 (r2 = 0.20; p = 6 × 10-4). The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction further confirmed a statistically significant difference in CD44 expression levels between carboplatin-resistant and -sensitive cell lines (p = 5.9 × 10-3). Knockdown of CD44 expression through small interfering RNA resulted in increased cellular sensitivity to carboplatin (p < 0.01). Our whole-genome approach using molecular experiments identified CD44 as being important in conferring cellular resistance to carboplatin.
To Invest or Insure? How Authoritarian Time Horizons Impact Foreign Aid Effectiveness

In this article, the author argues that the time horizon a dictator faces affects his incentives over the use of aid in three ways. First, dictators have a greater incentive to invest in public goo...
Network-adaptive transport of motion-compensated fine granularity scalability video using multiple asymmetric paths

In this paper, we study multiple description (MD) coding and transport for real-time video using multiple asymmetric paths in a packetized network. In particular, we construct the motion- compensated (MC) MD codes using MC-FGS video coder, based on the statistical characteristics and the asymmetry of the multiple routing paths. The MCMDs are the optimally allocated to the multiple paths to minimize the end-to-end video distortion. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed video transport system can achieve improved performance in both end user quality-of-service and error resilience.
Feasibility study of mesh networks for all-wireless offices

There is a fair amount of evidence that mesh (static multihop wireless) networks are gaining popularity, both in the academic literature and in the commercial space. Nonetheless, none of the prior work has evaluated the feasibility of applications on mesh through the use of deployed networks and real user traffic. The state of the art is the use of deployed testbeds with synthetic traces consisting of random traffic patterns.In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of a mesh network for an all-wireless office using traces of office users and an actual 21-node multi-radio mesh testbed in an office area. Unlike previous mesh studies that have examined routing design in detail, we examine how different office mesh design choices impact the performance of user traffic. From our traces of 11 users spanning over a month, we identify 3 one hour trace periods with different characteristics and evaluate network performance for them. In addition, we consider different user-server placement, different wireless hardware, different wireless settings and different routing metrics.We find that our captured traffic is significantly different from the synthetic workloads typically used in the prior work. Our trace capture and replay methodology allows us to directly quantify the feasibility of office meshes by measuring the additional delay experienced by individual transactions made by user applications. Performance on our mesh network depends on the routing metric chosen, the user-server placement and the traffic load period. The choice of wireless hardware and wireless settings has a significant impact on performance under heavy load and challenging placement. Ultimately we conclude that for our traces and deployed system, under most conditions, all-wireless office meshes are feasible. In most cases, individual transactions incur under 20ms of additional delay over the mesh network. We believe this is an acceptable delay for most applications where a wired network to every machine is not readily available. We argue that our results are scalable to a network of over 100 users.
Delayed diagnosis of iliac vein thrombus in a sexually-active adolescent with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome.

Background Although iliac vein thrombus is uncommon in adolescents, it can present with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) symptoms.