cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Erythropoietin-Sensitive Membrane Phosphoprotein, pp43, Is a Protein Serine/Threonine Kinase

We have shown previously that treatment of isolated erythroid cell plasma membranes with erythropoietin leads to a rapid decrease in pp43, an erythropoietinsensitive membrane phosphoprotein (Choi, H. S., Wojchowski, D. M., and Sytkowski, A. J., J. Biol. Chem. 262, 2933, 1987; Choi, H. S., Bailey, S. C., Donahue, K. A., Vanasse, G. J., and Sytkowski, A. J., J. Biol. Chem. 265, 4143, 1990). We have now demonstrated this effect in intact cells and have obtained further information regarding pp43 function during erythropoietin stimulation. 32P-phosphorylated membranes were subjected to conditions of increasing pH. [32P]pp43 dissociated readily into solution, reaching half-maximal dissociation at pH approximately 9. This dissociation was enhanced markedly by increasing the ionic strength up to a maximum of 0.5 M KCl. These biochemical properties characterize pp43 as a membrane-associated protein. Addition of [gamma-32P]ATP to an aqueous supernatant prepared from unlabeled membranes resulted in the 32P-phosphorylation of pp43 in solution, after dissociation from the plasma membrane. Furthermore, erythropoietin treatment of unlabeled, intact cells followed by fractionation and 32P-phosphorylation resulted in a striking erythropoietin- and time-dependent increase in [32P]pp43 found in the supernatant and a concomitant decrease in [32P]pp43 found in the membrane pellet. This strongly suggests that erythropoietin stimulates the dissociation of pp43 from the plasma membrane and promotes translocation into the supernatant (cytoplasm). Using a renaturation kinase assay, we demonstrated that pp43 is capable of autophosphorylation on serine and threonine, thus identifying it as a new protein serine/threonine kinase. The results suggest a role for pp43 in transmembrane signaling.
Multiple Family Adventure-Based Therapy Groups: An Innovative Integration of Two Approaches

The adventure-based counseling (ABC) approach integrates counseling and experiential education in an outdoor environment and the Multiple Family Therapy Group (MFTG) treats multiple families concurrently. This article presents the history, theoretical basis, benefits, and challenges for each of these approaches. A proposed model integrates both approaches for an innovative, multi-month intervention for MFTGs. Additionally, the article presents treatment implications along with benefits, challenges, ethical considerations, and modifications for use with individual families.
Bacteriological and radioactive benzalkonium studies of the graphite-benzalkonium-heparin surface

Summary The thrombus resistant GBH surface is bactericidal before exposure to blood. After blood exposure it loses its bactericidal property but may be bacteria repellent owing to its strong negative charge. The heparin binder benzalkonium is eluted from the surface by the blood stream at an exponential rate in relation to the amount of benzalkonium present up to two and possibly six months. However, a significant amount of radioactive benzalkonium was still found to be present on the graphite surface after six months of continuous exposure to the venous blood stream.
20. Snow distribution on crop fields

Abstract In region where snowfall provides a significant portion of the total annual precipitation, well-designed barriers will provide for uniform snow distribution and additional soil moisture. In dry years, this additional moisture may provide the difference in production needed for a successful operation. Artificial barriers effectively trap snow, but are cumbersome and expensive. Cultural practices such as level benches and contour strip cropping are effective in rolling topography. Strips of standing crops, small grain stubble and tall grass barriers provide alternatives to traditional windbreaks in areas of limited moisture. Single-row tree windbreaks are the most effective, permanent barriers for uniform snow distribution. In general, the distance between a series of single-row field windbreaks should be 20 h for effective cropland protection. The ideal tree species is a tall, fast-growing tree with a narrow and porous crown, non-spreading root system, non-brittle branches, minimum tendency to sprout, and high resistance to chemical spray damage. Since no one tree species possesses all these characteristics, the best adaptable species should be selected and adjustments made through proper spacings and perhaps later pruning and thinning. An effective windbreak allows snow to filter through and settle uniformly over the cropland. Most tree species have crowns too dense for adequate filtering. Studies in Minnesota and North Dakota indicate that the dense, spreading crowns of Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) are not conducive to filtering and therefore require a wider spacing and pruning from underneath. Some hybrid poplars (Populus spp.) are ideal for filtering, but brittle branches and self-pruning to excessive heights are disadvantages. Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) on a 3.0-m spacing is the best species in use today.
Piezoelectric constants for ZnO calculated using classical polarizable core-shell potentials.

We demonstrate the feasibility of using classical atomistic simulations, i.e.?molecular dynamics and molecular statics, to study the piezoelectric properties of ZnO using core?shell interatomic potentials. We accomplish this by reporting the piezoelectric constants for ZnO as calculated using two different classical interatomic core?shell potentials: that originally proposed by Binks and Grimes (1994 Solid State Commun. 89 921?4), and that proposed by Nyberg et al (1996 J. Phys. Chem. 100 9054?63). We demonstrate that the classical core?shell potentials are able to qualitatively reproduce the piezoelectric constants as compared to benchmark ab initio calculations. We further demonstrate that while the presence of the shell is required to capture the electron polarization effects that control the clamped ion part of the piezoelectric constant, the major shortcoming of the classical potentials is a significant underprediction of the clamped ion term as compared to previous ab initio results. However, the present results suggest that overall, these classical core?shell potentials are sufficiently accurate to be utilized for large scale atomistic simulations of the piezoelectric response of ZnO nanostructures.
The LUCC Responses to Climatic changes in China in the last 20 years

Adopted with Weight Centre Model(WCM) and Land Use Degree Model (LUDM), Climate data of China in recent 20 years and a 2-period Land Use/Land Cover (LUCC) data covering China are used to analyze impacts and direction of changes caused by climatic changes and human activities to China vegetation covers and land use. In the last 20 years, the dual impacts by climatic changes and economic development have led to Land Use Degree Weight Centre shift to Northeast 54km. In East-West direction, Land Use Degree Excursion Intensity is caused 81% by climatic changes and 19% by anthropogenic impacts; while in South-North direction, is caused 85% by climatic changes and 15% by anthropogenic impacts.
A new vision of imaging from a historical perspective

The history of imaging is a continuous cycle of advances in science and technology beginning with observations made with crude technology, which lead to new science and, finally, to advances in technology. I recount the history of optical imaging to place in perspective three distinct trends present in imaging research today: computational imaging, engineered materials, and quantum imaging.
Control variate models for sensitivity estimates of repairable item systems

We previously developed a new modeling idea for comparing infinite-source, ample-server models (∞/∞) and finite-source, finite-server models (f/f). The comparison provides an efficient estimate of the error when approximating an f/f system with an ∞/∞ system and allows the analytical solution of the ∞/∞ model to be used as a control variate. We show that using ∞/∞ models as control variates for f/f systems can be an effective variance reduction technique for sensitivity estimates (gradients, Hessians). We also compare this to a method using concomitant control variates for the sensitivity estimates. Using these sensitivity estimates we will be able to determine more efficiently when ∞/∞ models are good approximations for f/f systems.
Crystallization and X‐ray diffraction properties of Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase MtmOIV from the mithramycin biosynthetic pathway in Streptomyces argillaceus

The Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase MtmOIV from Streptomyces argillaceus is a 56 kDa FAD-dependent and NADPH-dependent enzyme that is responsible for the key frame-modifying step in the biosynthesis of the natural product mithramycin. Crystals of MtmOIV were flash-cooled and diffracted to 2.69 A resolution using synchrotron radiation on beamline SER-CAT 22-ID at the Advanced Photon Source. Crystals of MtmOIV are monoclinic and light-scattering data reveal that the enzyme forms dimers in solution. The rotation function suggests the presence of two dimers in the asymmetric unit. l-­Selenomethionine-incorporated MtmOIV has been obtained. Structural solution combining molecular-replacement phases and anomalous phases from selenium is in progress.
Sensitivity of the intraoperative assessment of myometrial invasion in patients undergoing hysterectomy for endometrial cancer

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the ability of the surgeon to distinguish between deep and superficial myometrial invasion on gross inspection as compared to frozen section. Methods: All patients undergoing hysterectomy for endometrial cancer were eligible for this prospective study carried out at a single institution. After removal of the uterus, the specimen was bi-valved and the depth of myometrial invasion was determined grossly by the attending surgeon (gross). The depth of myometrial invasion by visible tumor was measured in millimeters and then described as “superficial” or “deep” if the invasion did not or did extend into the outer half of the myometrial thickness, respectively. The specimen was sent for frozen section evaluation of tumor grade and depth of invasion (frozen). We calculated the sensitivity of each method, gross and frozen, to correctly identify deep myometrial invasion, the specificity to correctly identify superficial or no invasion, and the accuracy, defined as the number of true positives plus true negatives divided by the total number of cases. The final pathologic assessment of myometrial invasion (final) was considered the gold standard for comparison. Results: Between 4/4/2011 and 4/9/2014, a total of 220 patients underwent hysterectomy by the division of gynecologic oncology in the San Diego area of Kaiser Permanente for a preoperative diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Of these, 196 had complete specimen information (gross, frozen, and final). On final, 35 specimens had deep invasion (17.9%). The sensitivity of gross to detect deep invasion was 54.3% and 77.1% for frozen. Specificity for gross and frozen was 93.8% and 98.8%, respectively. Gross inspection failed to identify deep myometrial invasion in 16 (45.7%) of the cases, frozen failed to identify deep myometrial invasion in 8 (22.9%) of the cases, and both gross and frozen failed to identify deep myometrial invasion in 7 (20.0%) of the cases. Conclusions: Frozen section demonstrates greater accuracy and sensitivity in the intraoperative determination of deep myometrial invasion. This should be considered if intraoperative assessment is used to determine staging or treatment decisions.
Engineering of a microfluidic cell culture platform embedded with nanoscale features.

Cells residing in a microenvironment interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and neighboring cells. The ECM built from biomacromolecules often includes nanotopography. Through the ECM, interstitial flows facilitate transport of nutrients and play an important role in tissue maintenance and pathobiology. To create a microenvironment that can incorporate both nanotopography and flow for studies of cell–matrix interactions, we fabricated microfluidic channels endowed with nanopatterns suitable for dynamic culture. Using polymer thin film technology, we developed a versatile stitching technique to generate a large area of nanopatterned surface and a simple microtransfer assembly technique to assemble polydimethylsiloxane-based microfluidics. The cellular study showed that both nanotopography and fluid shear stress played a significant role in adhesion, spreading, and migration of human mesenchymal stem cells. The orientation and deformation of cytoskeleton and nuclei were regulated through the interplay of these two cues. The nanostructured microfluidic platform provides a useful tool to promote the fundamental understanding of cell–matrix interactions and may be used to regulate the fate of stem cells.
Process development and simulation of glycerol-free biofuel from canola oil and dimethyl carbonate

Abstract Biofuels, especially biodiesel, have become commonplace over the last couple of decades. The conventional transesterification process used for biodiesel production leaves manufacturers with a byproduct, glycerol, that is of low value. Dimethyl carbonate has been studied as an alternate methylating agent to methanol and alters the chemistry such that glycerol is not formed. Triazabicyclodecene was chosen as the catalyst due to its ability to easily ionize the dimethyl carbonate and ease of separation post reaction. This paper reports on the development of specific processing steps to convert canola oil to FAMEs and fatty acid glycerol carbonate (FAGCs) compounds. The process flow diagram was developed using Aspen Plus simulation software and verified through laboratory testing. Process conditions were adjusted until a glycerol-free biofuel was produced that meets the ASTM D6751 standard for biodiesel. By utilizing the glycerol moiety within the final product, about 9.7% increase (by mass) of biofuel was obtained compared to the traditional methanol synthesis route. Glycerol carbonate and glycerol dicarbonate were formed as byproducts but were in low concentrations. These results reveal the potential of using dimethyl carbonate as a replacement for methanol to produce an acceptable, more environmentally friendly biofuel.
Exploiting sparsity to accelerate noncontrast MR angiography in the context of parallel imaging

Noncontrast techniques for peripheral MR angiography are receiving renewed interest because of safety concerns about the use of gadolinium in patients with renal insufficiency. One class of techniques involves subtraction of dark-blood images acquired during fast systolic flow from bright-blood images obtained during slow diastolic flow. The goal of this work was to determine whether the inherent sparsity of the difference images could be exploited to achieve greater acceleration without loss of image quality in the context of generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA). It is shown that noise amplification at high acceleration factors can be reduced by performing subtraction on the raw data, before calculation of the GRAPPA weights, rather than on the final magnitude images. Use of the difference data to calculate the GRAPPA weights decreases the geometry factor (g-factor), because the difference data represent a sparse image set. This demonstrates an inherent property of GRAPPA and does not require the use of compressed sensing. Application of this approach to highly accelerated data from healthy volunteers resulted in similar depiction of large arteries to that obtained with low acceleration and standard reconstruction. However, visualization of very small vessels and arterial branches was compromised. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of the burn wound

Abstract The loss of the functional skin barrier after thermal injury results in increased susceptibility to infection and is the major cause of morbidity and mortality postburn. In addition, the presence of comorbid factors such as extremes of age, preexisting medical conditions, malnutrition, and inhalation injury may have a profound adverse effect on burn wound closure and ultimate clinical outcome. Burn injuries are responsible for more than 500,000 emergency department visits and approximately 70,000 acute admissions in the United States each year. 1 Although wound care may not be the first priority in the treatment of the burned patient, it is crucial that the treatment plan optimize conditions for healing and provide for the timely coverage of the burn wound. For those patients who have sustained critical burn injuries, the overall goal of burn wound management is not only survival but also the attainment of optimal function and cosmetic appearance. To accomplish this goal, it is essential that a multidisciplinary approach be used in caring for the burn patient. 2
Catalytic hydrotreatment of coal-derived residua

Abstract An investigation was conducted to determine the activities of various coal-liquefaction residua during catalytic hydrotreatment. Residua produced at low- and high-severity coal-liquefaction conditions were employed, as well as a nondeashed residuum produced at low-severity conditions. All experimental runs were performed in a continuous-flow hydrotreating unit using Shell 324M catalyst. Except for hydrogenation activity, catalyst activity declined with a typical S-shaped deactivation curve. The properties of the spent catalysts do not depend significantly upon prior processing of the feedstock; however, the prior processing history of the feedstocks affected their reactivity and the rate of catalyst deactivation. The results indicate beneficial effects of conducting coal liquefaction at low-severity conditions and of product deashing prior to catalytic hydrotreatment.
Thyroid hormone periodicity in healthy adult geldings.

Serum samples were collected from 10 healthy geldings every 4 h for three consecutive days and the triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations determined by radioimmunoassay. There were significant differences in the hormone concentrations related to time. The mean (+/- sd) T3 concentration peaked around 08.00 h at a level (54.06 +/- 14.02 ng/dl) significantly (P less than .001) higher than the lowest concentration (38.71 +/- 10.81 ng/dl) around midnight. Although the highest mean T3 level was 08.00 h, this value was not significantly different from the noon and 16.00 h levels. Likewise, the mean T3 level at midnight was not significantly different from the 20.00 h and 04.00 h levels, resulting in a plateau from 08.00 h to 16.00 h and a trough from 20.00 h to 04.00 h. The mean (+/- sd) T4 concentration peaked around 16.00 h at a level (2.43 +/- .81 micrograms/dl) significantly (P less than .01) higher than the lowest concentration (1.79 +/- .63 micrograms/dl) around 04.00 h.
Exploring Patterns of Mother-Blaming in Anorexia Scholarship: A Study in the Sociology of Knowledge

Mother-blame, the propensity to explain negative outcomes for children by focusing on the failures of mothers, has a long history in the social-scientific study of adolescent deviance. We examine trends in mother-blaming over time by performing a textual analysis of scholarly accounts of the etiology of anorexia nervosa. Our reading of these expert accounts suggests that mother-blaming for child pathology is interconnected with changing ideas about proper social roles for women. Deficient mothering, that is, was often linked to a woman's ambitiousness, willingness to abandon familial duties in favor of careers, or, conversely, her embracement of patriarchal proscriptions for what a woman should be. Poor maternal parenting was a consistent and dominant theme through much of the period we analyzed, however, the structural and cultural explanations appeared to change substance and form in synchrony with prevailing ideas about a woman's rightful relationship to the paid labor market. Other social explanations for changing rhetoric, including the gender composition of published accounts, are also explored.
Geometric distortion correction in image watermarking

In this paper we report a novel method to estimate the scaling factor of a previously scaled watermarked image and the angle by which the image has been rotated. Scaling and rotation performed on a watermarked image, as part of the attacks the image may undergo, can very easily confuse the decoder unless it rescales and/or rotates the image back to its original size/orientation, i.e., recover the lost synchronism. To be able do so, the decoder needs to know by how much the image has been scaled and rotated, i.e., needs to know both the scaling factor and the rotation angle. In our approach, we compute the Edges Standard Deviation Ratio (ESDR) which gives us an accurate estimate for the scaling factor. The rotation angle is approximated by the Average Edges Angles Difference (AEAD). Both ESDR an AEAD are computed from wavelet maxima locations which have been estimated form the non orthogonal dyadic wavelet transform. The proposed scheme does not require the original image provided that a proper normalization has been attained. Our method has proved its robustness to wide rotation and scale ranges.
Energy conservation policies for builders' purchases of domestic appliances

Abstract The author argues that policy makers should become more interested in the impact which ‘imposed choice’ purchases of energy using equipment by builders have on residential sector energy consumption. Canadian data suggest that builder purchases account for 48% of the annual energy consumption attributable to all purchases of furnaces and space heating equipment, water heaters, and major kitchen and laundry appliances. In this article an analysis is presented of the information inputs and intervention possibilities available to policy makers interested in encouraging the specification and purchase by builders of more energy efficient equipment.
Determination of and Fuel Structure Effects on Laminar Flame Speeds of C1 to C8 Hydrocarbons

Laminar flame speeds determined by using the counterflow twin flame configuration were compared for various C1 to C8 hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, and alcohols. The data were compared over an extensive range of equivalence ratios at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The comparison shows that the laminar flame speeds of normal alkanes are close throughout the entire range of equivalence ratios studied, except for methane whose flame speeds are consistently lower. The more unsaturated the molecule the higher the flame speed for fuels having the same carbon number in the order of alkanes < alkenes < alkynes. Methyl substitution for hydrogen or branching reduces the flame speeds for both alkanes and alkenes. The flame speeds of large saturated cyclic species (cyclohexane and cyclopentane) are close to those of their normal alkane analogs.
Disagreement and the value of self-trust

Controversy over the epistemology of disagreement endures because there is an unnoticed factor at work: the intrinsic value we give to self-trust. Even if there are many instances of disagreement where, from a strictly epistemic or rational point of view, we ought to suspend belief, there are other values at work that influence our all-things considered judgments about what we ought to believe. Hence those who would give equal-weight to both sides in many cases of disagreement may be right, from the perspective of pure rationality. But their critics are right too, in seeing something undesirable in the consequences of giving equal weight. Among epistemologists, there is a tendency to set aside trust and other such non-epistemic factors, on the grounds that these are not germane to their topic. But ultimately, the value of self-trust shows signs of encroaching on the strictly epistemic question of when our beliefs may be said to be justified. Hence again, even if the equal-weighters are right about what is rational, they may be wrong about what knowledge requires.
The pathways of synthesis of fatty acids by mitochondria.

Abstract Mitochondria obtained from mammalian liver are capable of incorporating acetyl CoA into long chain fatty acids. Some of the characteristics of synthesis of fatty acids within mitochondria have been reported (1,2). The purpose of this communication is to present evidence for the existence of several pathways of synthesis within mitochondria and to indicate the important role of mitochondria in the synthesis and alteration of unsaturated fatty acids.
Cities XI: Talk is cheaper: And so may be other forms of telecommuting, weighed against the time, energy, and expense of moving oneself

The telecommuting research project to be described here was partially funded by the National Science Foundation and was concerned with the locations of businesses within cities with particular emphasis on the phenomenon of commutation to work. The major questions addressed by the project are: How easily and how effectively and under what circumstances can we substitute a computer terminal or similar device for a private automobile in the work situation? What is likely to be the consequence of this replacement if it occurs on a large scale? A case study is presented.
Sintered silica colloidal crystals with fully hydroxylated surfaces.

Silica colloidal crystals require multiple processing steps before they are useful materials in analytical applications, such as chemical separations, microarrays, sensors, and total internal reflection microscopy. These chemical processing steps include calcination, sintering, surface rehydroxylation, and chemical modification, but these steps have not been fully characterized for colloidal crystals. Silica particles of nominally 200 nm in diameter were prepared, and FTIR, SEM, UV−visible spectroscopy, and refractive index measurements were used to study the changes in chemical composition, particle size, and particle density throughout the process. The final material is shown to be a durable, crack-free crystal of solid particles bearing a fully hydroxylated surface of silanols, which can then be chemically modified.
Role of CD25(+) CD4(+) T cells in acute and persistent coronavirus infection of the central nervous system.

The influence of CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) on acute and chronic viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) was examined using a glial tropic murine coronavirus. Treg in the CNS were highest during initial T cell mediated virus control, decreased and then remained relatively stable during persistence. Anti-CD25 treatment did not affect CNS recruitment of inflammatory cells. Viral control was initially delayed; however, neither the kinetics of viral control nor viral persistence were affected. By contrast, the absence of Treg during the acute phase resulted in increased demyelination during viral persistence. These data suggest that CNS inflammation, progression of viral control and viral persistence are relatively independent of CD25+CD4+ Treg. However, their absence during acute infection alters the ability of the host to limit tissue damage.
Inhibitory effects of the new bombesin receptor antagonist RC-3095 on the luteinizing hormone release in rats.

The effects of bombesin receptor antagonist RC-3095 and gastrin-releasing peptide [GRP (14–27)] on basal luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels, as well as on the release of LH and FSH in response to LH-releasing hormone, were studied in normal and castrated male rats. We also examined the release of LH and FSH after intracerebroventricular injection of RC-3095 under different types of anesthesia (urethane, sodium pentobarbital, Metofane). Following injection of 10 µg RC-3095 into the lateral brain ventricle, serum LH levels were rapidly and significantly (p
Office layout affecting privacy, interaction, and acoustic quality in LEED-certified buildings

The study investigated differences in worker satisfaction and perceived job performance regarding privacy, interaction, and acoustic quality issues in personal workspaces between five office types in LEED-certified buildings. It finds that people in high cubicles showed significantly lower satisfaction and job performance in relation to visual privacy and interaction with co-workers than both enclosed private and enclosed shared office types. They also showed significantly lower satisfaction with noise level and sound privacy and lower job performance perceived by acoustic quality than enclosed private, enclosed shared, and bullpen types. The bullpen type, open-plan office without partitions, presented significantly higher satisfaction with noise level and higher performance perceived by acoustic quality than both high and low cubicles. Considering the bullpen type also showed higher satisfaction with sound privacy than the high cubicle type, high partitions don't seem to contribute to creating workspaces where people can have a secure conversation. The bullpen type didn't show any difference from the enclosed shared type in all privacy, interaction, and acoustic quality questions, indicating it may be a good option for a small office space instead of the enclosed shared type.
Theory of equatorial electrojet plasma waves: new developments and current status

Abstract There have been several important theoretical breakthroughs in the last few years that have substantially improved our understanding of the electrojet plasma instabilities. We now understand (1) the linear and nonlinear processes that control the longest wavelengths and probably also affect the electrojet current strength, (2) quite a bit about the two-dimensional turbulent cascade process that generates both the type 2 irregularities seen by radar and waves propagating even in the vertical direction, and (3) the anomalous diffusion process that limits the growth of the directly excited short wavelength type 1 waves and explains many of their properties. We finally really understand why type 1 and type 2 waves are different. In this paper we first briefly summarize the observed characteristics of the electrojet irregularities and then discuss the theory, devoting most of our attention to recent developments.
Activating FLT3 mutations are rare in children with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.

Background Activating mutations of FLT3 have been identified in multiple myeloid malignancies. Two types of activating mutations have been described: (1) the internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and (2) point mutations within the activating loop (FLT3-ALM). Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disorder of early childhood. Mutations and other genetic abnormalities of RAS, NF1, and PTPN11 have been implicated as causative events in JMML, but ∼25% of JMML patients harbor none of these abnormalities. We investigated whether FLT3 mutations might also contribute to JMML pathogenesis, and if present, whether FLT3 status would correlate with disease natural history and prognosis. Procedures Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and bone marrow samples of 60 patients meeting international JMML diagnostic criteria. Samples were analyzed for FLT3-ITD and FLT3-ALM using polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease digestion. Results FLT3-ALM was found in 1/60 (1.7%) patients analyzed. Direct sequencing confirmed a C836G mutation. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the JMML patient with the FLT3-ALM did not differ from the remainder of the cohort. No FLT3-ITD mutations were detected. Conclusions This first reported mutational analysis for both FLT3-ITD and FLT3-ALM performed in JMML documents the presence of FLT3 mutations within JMML, but at a sufficiently low prevalence as to be clinically insignificant for most patients. Despite the poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options for JMML patients with refractory disease, compassionate therapy with targeted FLT3 inhibitors should not be considered in this patient population until adequate safety and efficacy data become available. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Selective gene expression and intracellular compartmentation: two means of regulating nitrogen metabolism in yeast

Abstract The system that degrades allantoin has been used to investigate the control of nitrogen metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Studies of this system are beginning to provide an appreciation of the complementary roles played by gene expression and intracellular compartmentation in the acquisition and utilization of nitrogenous metabolites.
ICRF specific impurity sources and plasma sheaths in Alcator C-Mod

Abstract In Alcator C-Mod, we have sought to identify ICRF specific impurity sources and estimate the lifetime of thin, low-Z films in the presence of high power ICRF heating. With ICRF, the erosion rate of low-Z films is estimated to be 15–20 nm/s indicating the eroding species energy is much higher than that normally found in the SOL. Using emissive probes, plasma potential measurements confirm the presence of an enhanced sheath with ICRF when the probe is magnetically linked to the active antenna. Plasma potentials were typically 100–200 V for ∼1.25 MW injected ICRF power. Furthermore, an RF sheath was unexpectedly present with insulating limiters and was dependent on the wall conditions and plasma confinement. These dependencies suggest that other scrape-off layer and plasma-surface characteristics are influencing the resulting RF sheaths.
Ligand-induced Effects on Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Isoform 2 *

Abstract Tryptophan fluorescence was used to analyze binding of ligands to human pyruvate dehydrogenase isoform 2 (PDHK2) and to demonstrate effects of ligand binding on distal structure of PDHK2 that is required for binding to the inner lipoyl domain (L2) of the dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase. Ligand-altered binding of PDHK2 to L2 and effects of specific ligands on PDHK2 oligomeric state were characterized by analytical ultracentrifugation. ATP, ADP, and pyruvate markedly quenched the tryptophan fluorescence of PDHK2 and gave maximum quenching/L0.5 estimates: ∼53%/3μm for ATP; ∼49%/15μm for ADP; and ∼71%/∼590 μm for pyruvate. The conversion of Trp-383 to phenylalanine completely removed ATP- and ADP-induced quenching and ≥80% of the absolute decrease in fluorescence due to pyruvate. The W383F-PDHK2 mutant retained high catalytic activity. Pyruvate, added after ADP, quenched Trp fluorescence with an L0.5 of 3.4 μm pyruvate, ≥150-fold lower concentration than needed with pyruvate alone. ADP-enhanced binding of pyruvate was maintained with W383F-PDHK2. Binding of PDHK2 dimer to L2 is enhanced when L2 are housed in oligomeric structures, including the glutathione S-transferase (GST)-L2 dimer, and further strengthened by reduction of the lipoyl groups (GST-L2red) (Hiromasa and Roche (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 33681-33693). Binding of PDHK2 to GST-L2red was modestly hindered by 200 μm level of ATP or ADP or 5.0 mm pyruvate; a marked change to nearly complete prevention of binding was observed with ATP or ADP plus pyruvate at only 100 μm levels, and these conditions caused PDHK2 dimer to associate to a tetramer. These changes should make major contributions to synergistic inhibition of PDHK2 activity by ADP and pyruvate. Ligand-induced changes that interfere with PDHK2 binding to GST-L2red may involve release of an interdomain cross arm between PDHK2 subunits in which Trp-383 plays a critical anchoring role.
Long-wavelength gravity anomalies and intraplate seismicity

Abstract Anomalously high mid-plate and Mid-Oceanic Ridge seismicity apparently characterizes the flanks of the regional free-air gravity and topographic high roughly centered on the postulated Iceland hot spot; anomalously high mid-plate seismicity also occurs around the deep free-air gravity low centered just south of India. Although the correlation between gravity and seismicity is still somewhat inconclusive, it seems to suggest active asthenosphere flow associated with the regional gravity anomalies. Added to other stresses in the plate, the stress transmitted to the plate by this flow would encourage its fracture.
Coulombic and neutral electron trapping centers in SiO2

Abstract Metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures incorporating thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2) films were implanted with arsenic ions (As+) and then annealed at high temperatures. Coulombic-attractive traps (for electrons) were produced with the avalanche injection of holes from the silicon substrate and their subsequent capture on some of these arsenic-related sites. During internal photo-emission of electrons from a thin aluminum gate, the voltage shifts due to hole annihilation by electrons were recorded and the macroscopic capture cross-section, σ, was determined. We found that σ varies from ∼10−12 to 3 × 10−15 cm2 for average electric fields ranging from 2 × 105 to 3 × 106 V/cm. Below an average field threshold of Fth ≈ 1.2 × 106 V/cm, the capture cross-section versus average field (σ versus Fave) dependence follows a power law with the exponent n ≈ −1.5. Above the average field threshold, the power law exponent was found to be n ≈ −3.0. Also when the amphoteric arsenic-related sites are empty, they form neutral trapping sites for electrons. For average fields ranging from 5 × 105 to 6 × 106 V/cm, the neutral cross-section is found to be approximately constant at σ ≈ (1–2) × 10−15 cm2.
Crystal Structure of UBA2ufd-Ubc9: Insights into E1-E2 Interactions in Sumo Pathways

Canonical ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) such as ubiquitin, Sumo, NEDD8, and ISG15 are ligated to targets by E1-E2-E3 multienzyme cascades. The Sumo cascade, conserved among all eukaryotes, regulates numerous biological processes including protein localization, transcription, DNA replication, and mitosis. Sumo conjugation is initiated by the heterodimeric Aos1-Uba2 E1 enzyme (in humans called Sae1-Uba2), which activates Sumo's C-terminus, binds the dedicated E2 enzyme Ubc9, and promotes Sumo C-terminal transfer between the Uba2 and Ubc9 catalytic cysteines. To gain insights into details of E1-E2 interactions in the Sumo pathway, we determined crystal structures of the C-terminal ubiquitin fold domain (ufd) from yeast Uba2 (Uba2(ufd)), alone and in complex with Ubc9. The overall structures of both yeast Uba2(ufd) and Ubc9 superimpose well on their individual human counterparts, suggesting conservation of fundamental features of Sumo conjugation. Docking the Uba2(ufd)-Ubc9 and prior full-length human Uba2 structures allows generation of models for steps in Sumo transfer from Uba2 to Ubc9, and supports the notion that Uba2 undergoes remarkable conformational changes during the reaction. Comparisons to previous structures from the NEDD8 cascade demonstrate that UBL cascades generally utilize some parallel E1-E2 interaction surfaces. In addition, the structure of the Uba2(ufd)-Ubc9 complex reveals interactions unique to Sumo E1 and E2. Comparison with a previous Ubc9-E3 complex structure demonstrates overlap between Uba2 and E3 binding sites on Ubc9, indicating that loading with Sumo and E3-catalyzed transfer to substrates are strictly separate steps. The results suggest mechanisms establishing specificity and order in Sumo conjugation cascades.
Theory of noise in p-n junction light emitters

The intensity noise of light generated by semiconductor lasers and light-emitting diodes is treated by semiclassical Langevin equations. An independent equation for the junction voltage dynamics is considered, and the non-Markoffian nature of the pump current is decomposed into Markoffian carrier injection and a regulation mechanism due to charging effect at the junction. The intensity noise power spectrum and squeezing bandwidth predicted by these equations agree well with recent experimental results. External current noise generated as a result of the internal noise process and subsequent relaxation process is calculated. Also, correlations between the carrier-number fluctuation and the junction-voltage fluctuation, and between the emitted photon flux fluctuation and the junction-voltage fluctuation are studied in detail.
Empiric therapy directed against MRSA in patients admitted to the intensive care unit does not improve outcomes in community-acquired pneumonia

The Infectious Diseases Society of America has recommended empiric therapy active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for all community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). However, there is sparse data to support this recommendation. The objective of our study was to ascertain if such a practice improves outcomes. This study was a secondary, retrospective analysis of the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization (CAPO) international database on CAP. Outcomes in patients admitted to the ICU were compared according to empiric initiation of anti-MRSA therapy (vancomycin or linezolid) with standard ICU CAP therapy (MRSA therapy group) or standard therapy alone for ICU CAP (standard therapy group). A total of 621 patients were identified with ICU pneumonia, of whom 57 patients had been initiated empirically on vancomycin or linezolid (MRSA therapy group). Patients of the MRSA therapy group had more comorbidities and were more severely ill than those of the standard therapy group. However, there were no statistical differences between the MRSA therapy group and standard therapy group for the primary outcomes of in-hospital and 28-day mortality, length of stay and time to clinical stability. These findings suggest that empiric MRSA therapy in all ICU CAP patients may not improve outcomes and argue for clinician review of local epidemiologic trends on MRSA prevalence to ascertain the need for empiric MRSA coverage.
Developments in Oxide Fiber Composites

Prospects for revolutionary design of future power generation systems are contingent on the development of durable high-performance ceramic composites. With recent discoveries in materials and manufacturing concepts, composites with all-oxide constituents have emerged as leading candidates, especially for components requiring a long service life in oxidizing environments. Their insertion into engineering systems is imminent. The intent of this article is to present a synopsis of the current understanding of oxide composites as well as to identify outstanding issues that require resolution for successful implementation. Emphasis is directed toward material systems and microstructural concepts that lead to high toughness and long-term durability. These include: the emergence of La monazite and related compounds as fiber-coating materials, the introduction of the porous-matrix concept as an alternative to fiber coatings, and novel strategies for enabling damage tolerance while retaining long-term morphological stability. Additionally, materials and mechanics models that provide insights into material design, morphology evolution, and composite properties are reviewed.
Density of Ixodes scapularis ticks on Monhegan Island after complete deer removal: a question of avian importation?

ABSTRACT: Questing adult blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis Say) abundance declined markedly three years after the 1999 removal of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) from Monhegan Island, ME. Since 2000, subadult ticks have not been found on Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout); questing nymphs have not been found since 2002. This suggested I. scapularis was reintroduced annually via bird importation of subadult ticks, but unable to complete its two-year life cycle on the island due to lack of deer. To investigate this, we used uncertainly analysis to estimate 1) questing adult ticks/ha that would result from avian importation of nymphs, and 2) questing adult ticks/ha on Monhegan Island, using bird capture and tick burden data from Appledore Island, ME, flagged tick data from Monhegan Island, and ten uncertain parameters. During the deer-fed period (1990–2001), estimated tick density on Monhegan Island was 18 times greater than that of imported ticks. During the post-deer-fed per...
Laparoscopic-assisted renal autotransplantation.

Abstract Objectives To report our experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy and autotransplantation for the management of a variety of conditions with significant loss of healthy ureteral tissue or ureteral length. Renal autotransplantation has been described as an effective method for addressing this problem, avoiding the need for nephrectomy or complex ureteral replacement. In an effort to decrease the morbidity associated with traditional autotransplantation we elected to perform laparoscopic procurement of the kidney. Methods Four patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy using a transperitoneal four-port technique and subsequent autotransplantation into the iliac fossa for the treatment of proximal ureteral avulsion (2 patients), ureteral malignancy, and ureteral stricture. All patients had less than 5 cm of viable ureter. Results All procedures were performed without intraoperative complications. All renal scans on postoperative day 1 demonstrated good perfusion. None of the patients had a postoperative rise in serum creatinine. On postoperative day 1, the mean creatinine value was 0.95 mg/dL. Three patients had an uneventful postoperative course. One patient, however, had loss of the graft because of renal vein thrombosis on postoperative day 7. She was later found to have an undiagnosed thrombophilic disorder (decreased levels of antithrombin III) and to have a recent history of oral contraceptive use. Conclusions Laparoscopic nephrectomy with renal autotransplantation is a feasible minimally invasive alternative to treat patients who have significant ureteral loss. This approach avoids the need for an upper abdominal or flank incision, resulting in decreased morbidity. The initial follow-up studies indicated stable renal function. Additional long-term observation is currently under way.
Microelectronic curriculum development and education

The microelectronic curriculum at the University of Central Florida (USA) aims to provide both undergraduate and graduate students with theoretical and practical exposure in the field of semiconductor devices. The development and the implementation of this curriculum are presented by the author.
The experimental SAW propagation characteristics of an ion assisted deposited boron nitride film on ST quartz

The SAW propagation properties of an ion assisted deposited (IAD) 600 nm boron nitride (BN) film on ST quartz has been characterized experimentally. The BN film was formed by the evaporation of boron bombarded with energetic ions of nitrogen. The SAW propagation properties were measured over a frequency region from 30 MHz to 1.0 GHz with pairs of interdigital transducer electrodes formed on the BN film surface. Velocity dispersion characteristics for the GSAW, PSAW, and HVPSAW modes were determined. For the GSAW mode the velocity increased whereas the velocity decreased for the PSAW mode. The GSAW propagation loss in dB/cm increased as the frequency squared and was 10 dB/cm at 400 MHz. The propagation losses were reduced by a factor of 2 for the PSAW mode with the BN film present as compared to the ST quartz with no film. The amorphous equivalent elastic constants of the BN film were estimated and fell well below those of cubic BN. Optical spectra, FTIR, and AFM measurements were made to better define film composition and structure.
Effects of College Major on Ecological Worldviews: A Comparison of Business, Science, and Other Students

Abstract A pretest-posttest experimental design was used to compare the ecological worldviews of college students among different academic majors. The findings, taken from an environmental education program emphasizing critical analysis and a constructivist orientation pointed to significant differences between science and business majors. Science majors had higher scores on the Ecological World-view Scale, indicating a more pro-environmental attitude, than did business