cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biotin and Lipoic Acid: Synthesis, Attachment, and Regulation

Two vitamins, biotin and lipoic acid, are essential in all three domains of life. Both coenzymes function only when covalently attached to key metabolic enzymes. There they act as "swinging arms" that shuttle intermediates between two active sites (= covalent substrate channeling) of key metabolic enzymes. Although biotin was discovered over 100 years ago and lipoic acid was discovered 60 years ago, it was not known how either coenzyme is made until recently. In Escherichia coli the synthetic pathways for both coenzymes have now been worked out for the first time. The late steps of biotin synthesis, those involved in assembling the fused rings, were well described biochemically years ago, although recent progress has been made on the BioB reaction, the last step of the pathway, in which the biotin sulfur moiety is inserted. In contrast, the early steps of biotin synthesis, assembly of the fatty acid-like "arm" of biotin, were unknown. It has now been demonstrated that the arm is made by using disguised substrates to gain entry into the fatty acid synthesis pathway followed by removal of the disguise when the proper chain length is attained. The BioC methyltransferase is responsible for introducing the disguise and the BioH esterase for its removal. In contrast to biotin, which is attached to its cognate proteins as a finished molecule, lipoic acid is assembled on its cognate proteins. An octanoyl moiety is transferred from the octanoyl-ACP of fatty acid synthesis to a specific lysine residue of a cognate protein by the LipB octanoyl transferase, followed by sulfur insertion at carbons C6 and C8 by the LipA lipoyl synthetase. Assembly on the cognate proteins regulates the amount of lipoic acid synthesized, and thus there is no transcriptional control of the synthetic genes. In contrast, transcriptional control of the biotin synthetic genes is wielded by a remarkably sophisticated, yet simple, system exerted through BirA, a dual-function protein that both represses biotin operon transcription and ligates biotin to its cognate protein.
Regulation of synaptic connectivity by glia

The human brain contains more than 100 trillion (1014) synaptic connections, which form all of its neural circuits. Neuroscientists have long been interested in how this complex synaptic web is weaved during development and remodelled during learning and disease. Recent studies have uncovered that glial cells are important regulators of synaptic connectivity. These cells are far more active than was previously thought and are powerful controllers of synapse formation, function, plasticity and elimination, both in health and disease. Understanding how signalling between glia and neurons regulates synaptic development will offer new insight into how the nervous system works and provide new targets for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Progress in a trajectory interpretation of the Klein-Gordon equation

A trajectory interpretation is developed for the Klein-Gordon equation in one dimension. The development is couched in a Hamilton-Jacobi representation. Equations of motion are developed. Different trajectories for a given eigenvalue energy are shown to manifest different microstates of the eigenfunction of that particular energy.
Computerizing the activities of subjects for psychological research at a large university

Many large schools require students in introductory psychology courses to participate as Ss in a number of experiments. S-POOL, the program described here, computerizes the bookkeeping for such endeavors. The program is described in general terms and system-specific features are discussed. S-POOL may serve as a model for programs that might be developed for other subject-pool systems. The description and flowchart presented here may also aid in program development.
Influence of hydrogen on the static crack resistance of refractory steels

We have investigated the influence of a hydrogen atmosphere under a pressure up to 30 MPa and hydrogen preliminarily absorbed at 623 K on the short-term and long-term static crack resistance of specimens of EP-517 (15Kh12N2MFAV) martensitic steel and EP-700 (10Kh15N27T3V2MR) austenitic precipitation- hardening steel. It has been established that, under the action of hydrogen, the stress intensity factor K c decreases 2–3 times, and the thickness of a specimen at which the plane-strain state is realized also decreases. The influence of hydrogen on K c is enhanced as the pressure of the hydrogen atmosphere (EP-517 steel) and the concentration of preliminarily absorbed hydrogen (EP-700 steel) increase and the thickness of specimens decreases from 35 to 10 mm. After holding in air at room temperature for 17.5∙104 h, the hydrogen content in the steels decreases, and the values of K c increase but are smaller by 20% than those for nonhydrogenated specimens. In long-term static crack resistance tests (for 300 h), we have determined the invariant crack resistance characteristic of EP-700 steel, namely, the threshold value K IHST equal to 38 MPa $ \sqrt{\mathrm{m}} $ .
Monitoring gasoline blending rates for compliance

SUMMARY We consider the problem of obtaining a confidence region for the blending coefficient in the blended underground storage tank (UST) leak model. Under this model, the blending coefficient estimator is a ratio of two correlated normal random variables. Fieller’s method provides a simple way of obtaining limits with exact coverage probability. This confidence interval can be inverted to test the hypothesis that the advertised blending ratio is correct. This method is applied to the Cary blended site data, and several variations are included to account for outliers and a change point. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. In many modern gasoline service stations an intermediate grade of gasoline is produced on site by blending regular unleaded gasoline having an (R þ M)/2 rating of 87 with super unleaded having an (R þ M)/2 rating of 92 or 93. The latter blend is often used in high performance vehicles due to their need for fuel mixtures with richer octane ratings. The retail gasoline market has ventured into blended sites to reduce the number of on-site underground storage tanks (USTs) and thereby reduce the number that may potentially leak and create environmental problems such as those as encountered in the catastrophic spills in the Charnock Basin in Santa Monica, California. The reclamation process together with the attendant fines, legal fees, etc. exceeds more than 500 million dollars to date and will continue to accrue for perhaps at least another decade. This contamination was exacerbated by the presence of MTBE in the spilled gasoline. Gill et al. (2006) provide the context for precluding or diminishing such adverse environmental spills. Failure to monitor retail blending coefficients, in models such as the ones presented by Keating and Mason (2000), may allow leaks through blenders to go undetected.
Low-density random matrices for secret key extraction

Secret key extraction, the task of extracting a secret key from shared information that is partially known by an eavesdropper, has important applications in cryptography. Motivated by the requirements of high-speed quantum key distribution, we study secret-key extraction methods with simple and efficient hardware implementations, in particular, linear transformations based on low-density random matrices. We show that this method can achieve the information-theoretic upper bound (conditional Shannon entropy) on efficiency for a wide range of key-distribution systems. In addition, we introduce a numerical method that allows us to tightly estimate the quality of the generated secret key in the regime of finite block length, and use this method to demonstrate that low-density random matrices achieve very high performance for secret key extraction.
QUANTITATIVE ULTRASONIC EVALUATION OF RADIATION-INDUCED LATE TISSUE TOXICITY: PILOT STUDY OF BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY

Purpose To investigate the use of advanced ultrasonic imaging to quantitatively evaluate normal-tissue toxicity in breast-cancer radiation treatment. Methods and Materials Eighteen breast cancer patients who received radiation treatment were enrolled in an institutional review board–approved clinical study. Radiotherapy involved a radiation dose of 50.0 to 50.4 Gy delivered to the entire breast, followed by an electron boost of 10.0 to 16.0 Gy delivered to the tumor bed. Patients underwent scanning with ultrasound during follow-up, which ranged from 6 to 94 months (median, 22 months) postradiotherapy. Conventional ultrasound images and radio-frequency (RF) echo signals were acquired from treated and untreated breasts. Three ultrasound parameters, namely, skin thickness, Pearson coefficient, and spectral midband fit, were computed from RF signals to measure radiation-induced changes in dermis, hypodermis, and subcutaneous tissue, respectively. Ultrasound parameter values of the treated breast were compared with those of the untreated breast. Ultrasound findings were compared with clinical assessment using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) late-toxicity scores. Results Significant changes were observed in ultrasonic parameter values of the treated vs. untreated breasts. Average skin thickness increased by 27.3%, from 2.05 ± 0.22mm to 2.61 ± 0.52mm; Pearson coefficient decreased by 31.7%, from 0.41 ± 0.07 to 0.28 ± 0.05; and midband fit increased by 94.6%, from -0.92 ± 7.35 dB to 0.87 ± 6.70 dB. Ultrasound evaluations were consistent with RTOG scores. Conclusions Quantitative ultrasound provides a noninvasive, objective means of assessing radiation-induced changes to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. This imaging tool will become increasingly valuable as we continue to improve radiation therapy technique.
Pattern formation of vascular smooth muscle cells subject to nonuniform fluid shear stress: role of PDGF-β receptor and Src

Blood vessels are subject to fluid shear stress, a hemodynamic factor that inhibits the mitogenic activities of vascular cells. The presence of nonuniform shear stress has been shown to exert grade...
Lay interpersonal sources for health information related to beliefs about the modifiability of cancer risk

Objective Causal beliefs about cancer may influence preventive behaviors and medical care. We examined the relationship between beliefs about causation for lung, colon, and skin cancer and the use of lay interpersonal sources of health information (community organizations, family, friends).
Theories of Immigration: An Analysis of Textbooks on Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Fourteen of the most commonly used textbooks in human behavior and social environment (HB&SE) courses in graduate social work education were examined for content related to theories of immigration. To what extent are social work students informed in theories of immigration to enhance their understanding and inform their practice with immigrant populations? In an attempt to address this issue, a brief overview of some of the major theories of immigration is provided as a context for the analysis of HB&SE textbooks. The 14 texts were assessed for immigration-related content according to three criteria: (a) the manner in which immigration was addressed, (b) the extent to which immigration was described in terms of human behavior, the social environment, and/or the interaction between the two, and (c) the context in which immigration was presented. The findings from this analysis indicate that immigration is not thoroughly or consistently addressed in these HB&SE texts. This analysis concludes with recommenda...
The relative rates of electron-rich and electron-deficient alkene cycloadditions to benzyne. Enhanced electrophilicity as a consequence of alkyne bending distortions.

Abstract Benzyne reacts more rapidly with electron-rich alkenes than electron-deficient alkenes, a result of the abnormally low energy LUMO of benzyne, which results from the acetylene bending enforced by the benzyne geometry.
Fuzzy optimal search methods

Abstract This paper gives analytical approaches and algorithms for decision tree search techniques. The decision trees are assumed to have a fixed number of stages and predefined possible states at every stage. The costs of traversing the tree are characterized as approximate and defined as fuzzy numbers. Two search methods, each drawing from an existing non-fuzzy search algorithm, are described. The first method is a dynamic programming search, where the principle of optimality with fuzzy costs is addressed. The second method is an A ∗ search for which the notion of a lower bound estimate of costs is utilized to increase the efficiency of the search. Algorithms for each method are included. Theorems and proofs which complete the analytical development of these techniques are also included. Finally, a numerical example illustrating the procedure is given.
The “New” Dad: Navigating Fathering Identity Within Organizational Contexts

Purpose This study takes an identity lens to explore how men experience fatherhood in the context of their work amid shifting ideologies of fathering.
Hepatoma-associated nonhistone chromosomal proteins

Abstract In order to compare nonhistone proteins in normal and neoplastic hepatocytes, we elicited antisera to Morris hepotoma 7777 dehistonized chromatin. By the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the antisera demonstrated specificity for Morris hepatoma 7777 and little reactivity to normal rat liver chromatin. Morris hepatomas 7288c, 7800 and 5123tc shared some antigenic hepatoma nonhistone proteins. Neoplasia induced in rats fed 3′-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene changed the immunospecificity of the liver chromatin to a new type that was antigenically similar to Morris hepatoma 7777. Fetal rat liver chromatin and regenerating rat liver chromatin did not bind antibody. To further characterize the antigenic nonhistone proteins, we analyzed Morris hepatoma 7777 chromatin and normal rat liver chromatin by the immunoblot technique. Nonhistone proteins that demonstrated immunoreactivity were predominantly high molecular weight proteins.
The Labor Supply Effects of Taxing Social Security Benefits

In 1983, federal and state governments began taxing the social security benefits of high-income elderly. We develop a conceptual model and use 1981–1986 Current Population Survey data to estimate t...
Identification of two nuclear proteins which bind to RNA CUG repeats: significance for myotonic dystrophy.

Abstract Myotonic dystrophy is caused by a trinucleotide repeat expansion (CTG)n, located in the 3′ untranslated region of the DM-protein kinase gene. The cellular effects of the CTG expansion and how they lead to the diverse, multi-system clinical phenotype of DM are unknown. Studies on the expression of the DM gene in affected tissue have not yielded consistent results, leading to the suggestion that alterations of DM-PK may not be the sole molecular basis for DM. We explored the hypothesis that the expanded repeat in mutant DM RNA (CUG)n binds and titrates out nuclear RNA binding proteins. Alterations in the normal function of these proteins could result in the disruption of important cellular processes. We report here the identification and magnetic bead affinity purification of two nuclear proteins, 35 and 25 kD in size, which bind to RNA (CUG)n repeats and to a varying extent with other pyrimidine rich sequences. Sequence analysis of the 35 kD protein shows that it is a novel protein. Both these proteins are widely expressed, including human brain and skeletal muscle. We speculate that these proteins may play a role in DM pre-mRNA processing or nuclear cytoplasmic trafficking of RNA. Studies into the function of these proteins should yield important insights into the complex pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy.
Limited functional equivalence of phylogenetic variation in small nuclear RNA: yeast U2 RNA with altered branchpoint complementarity inhibits splicing and produces a dominant lethal phenotype.

Abstract U2 is a highly conserved small nuclear RNA essential for pre-mRNA splicing in mammals and yeast and for trans-splicing in trypanosomes. To test the function of variant U2 RNA structures from different organisms, we conducted phylogenetic exchanges of U2 domains. Replacing nucleotides 1-120 of yeast U2 with the corresponding region of human U2 generates a U2 RNA that is correctly folded and functions in yeast. In contrast, replacement of the branchpoint interaction region of yeast U2 with the corresponding region from trypanosome is dominant lethal. Using a GAL-U2 promoter fusion, we show that the dominant phenotype can be made conditional and that the accumulation of mutant U2 is followed rapidly by inhibition of nuclear pre-mRNA splicing. The results suggest that U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles normally participate in stable complexes with a limiting splicing factor prior to formation of U2-intron branchpoint base pairs.
Crosslinked synthetic polypeptides. I. Preparation and characterization of crosslinked poly Glu51‐Lys33Tyr16 and of poly Glu52Lys33Tyr15 no. 3

Crosslinked synthetic polypeptides of poly Glu51Lys33Tyr16 (mol. wt. 31,000) and of poly Glu52Lys33Tyr15 (No. 3) (mol. wt. 52,000) containing from one to six crosslinks per molecule have been prepared by use of FFDNB, WRK and ICD reagents. The monomeric fractions of these derivatives were isolated by Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The number of crosslinks per molecule of DNPene derivatives was determined by total hydrolysis of the derivatives, isolation of O, N∈-DNPene-Tyr-Lys bridges by paper chromatography and then spectrophotometric quantitation. The number of the amide-type crosslinks in Am derivatives was established by their deamination followed by total hydrolysis and quantitation of the remaining lysine residues. Crosslinked derivatives appear to have a more compact structure, as judged by their behavior on the Sephadex columns and by their intrinsic viscosities. They were further characterized in regard to their amino acid composition, average number of the crosslinks per molecule, nitrogen content, solubility, root-mean-square end-to-end distance, and their spectral properties. Their properties recommend them as useful models for the study of the tertiary structure of proteins in solution.
Measurement of electroencephalic evoked response: comparison of univariate and multivariate.

Two univariate peak-to-peak measures of electroencephalic average evoked response (AER) were compared with two multivariate measures of AER with respect to: (1) ability to discriminate between stimuli of different intensity; and 2) test-retest reliability. AER data from 47 sleeping newborns for each of 2 test sessions were utilized to calculate P2-N2 amplitude,tp2-n2 (the test statistic which measures the degree to which the P2-N2 amplitude differed from zero), F1 (a multivariate measure of the degree to which changes in potential differed from zero), and Fjk (a multivariate measure of degree to which changes in potential differed from changes in potential in background EEG). The multivariate measures were somewhat superior to the univariate measures in the ability to discriminate three stimulus intensities when used as the dependent measure of AER in 47 subjects, though differences between measures were small. At the same time the multivariate measures were somewhat inferior to the univariate measures in retest reliability. There were major discrepancies between the multivariate and univariate measures of AER for some individuals. Comparison of the two multivariate measures indicates that in these data from sleeping new-borns, use of background EEG as a baseline reference for the multivariate measure. Fjk, decreased its reliability without enhancing its ability to distinguish stimulus intensities.
Serotonin stimulates a Ca2+ permanent nonspecific cation channel in hepatic endothelial cells

The contraction of hepatic endothelial cell fenestrae after exposure to serotonin is associated with an increase in intracellular Ca 2+ which is derived from extracellular Ca 2+ , is inhibited by pertussis toxin and is not associated with activation of phosphoinositol turnover or cAMP. Using cell-attached and excised patches in primary cultures of rat hepatic endothelial cells, we identified a serotonin-activated channel with conductance of 26.4+/− 2.3 pS. The channel was also permeant to Na + , K + and Ca ++ but not to anions. In cell-attached patch recordings, addition of serotonin to the bath significantly increased channel activity with Ca 2+ or Na + as the charge-carrying ions. This channel provides a mechanism whereby serotonin can raise the cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration in hepatic endothelial cells.
Transpiration: Its Effects on Plant Leaf Temperature

A definite and significant temperature gradient exists over the area of a tomato leaflet and is apparently due to the variation in transpiration across the leaflet. Transpiration is most effective at low velocities of air movement, but when the velocity increases, convection becomes the dominant factor. Leaves in which the stomata are allowed to open naturally in response to light attain temperatures about 5°C lower than leaves in which the stomata are forced to remain closed.
Higaûnon resistance and ethnic politics in northern Mindanao

The root causes of armed aggression among Higaunon people in northern Mindanao, Philippines, have changed over the centuries. Prior to the 20th century, its primary aim was raiding for slaves and for redress of personal grievances. At the turn of the 20th century, armed aggression became tied to the loss of ancestral lands, an issue which grew more acute as Mindanao became the target of government resettlement policies and economic ventures. In the 1970s, Higaunon aggression culminated in the ‘Higaunon War’ against commercial logging on their ancestral lands. Rhetoric employed in this ‘war’ changed over the years, from limited personal grievances to Marxist ideology to radical environmentalism, all of which have engendered violent responses from the government. Recently, Higaunons have conflated environmentalist rhetoric with expressions of their ethnic identity, and emphasised their economic as well as cultural dependence on the land. This peaceful strategy has produced some positive results but, because of continuing land insecurity, it has not completely eliminated the prospect of armed aggression in the future.
Soluble tumour necrosis factor α receptor 2, a serum marker of resistance to the anabolic actions of growth hormone in subjects with HIV disease

Therapies are still being sought for the prevention of loss of body weight and lean body mass in HIV disease. The purpose of the present study was to identify a serum marker that would help in selecting patients who may be appropriate candidates for the use of anabolic agents, such as growth hormone, to restore lean body mass. This study included 26 HIV-infected patients and nine healthy controls, assessed previously for the effectiveness of 2 weeks of growth hormone administration in the stimulation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. Serum levels of interleukins-1beta, -6 and -10 were not useful predictors of the anabolic response to growth hormone. Serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) were significantly elevated (P<0.05) in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related weight loss, and there was a significant correlation between the serum concentration of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and stage of disease (P=0.03). However, the serum concentration of the soluble TNFalpha receptor type 2 was most predictive of an inability of muscle protein synthesis to respond anabolically to growth hormone (r=-0.42, P=0.01). These data suggest that inflammation impacts on the responsiveness of muscle tissue to an anabolic stimulus, and that the soluble TNFalpha receptor type 2 provides a useful serum marker for metabolic dysfunction in HIV disease, which can be used to identify individuals likely to respond to growth hormone-based anabolic therapy.
In-Situ Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy Study of Mn-Promoted Co/TiO2 Fischer–Tropsch Catalysts

The conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbon fuels by Co catalysts through the Fischer–Tropsch process has received renewed attention particularly with regard to the role of promoters. In this letter, we utilize scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy to elucidate the interaction between the Mn promoter, the Co nano-catalysts, and the TiO2 support. In-situ heating experiments show the diffusion of Mn and Ti-support onto the Co particle under reducing conditions. Changes in the elemental distribution during in-situ reduction at 350 °C of as-prepared Mn-promoted Co catalysts on TiO2. While the morphology of the Co particles does not change, the Mn appears to be distributed more homogeneously on the Co surface and some of the TiO2 support has migrated onto the Co particle during in-situ heating (broken line circle).
Voltammetric determination of catechol using a sonogel carbon electrode modified with nanostructured titanium dioxide.

Abstract In this study, we investigate highly efficient sonogel carbon electrode (SGC/TiO 2 ) modified with nanostructured titanium dioxide synthesized via sol–gel method employing surfactant template for tailor-designing the structural properties of TiO 2 . The stable SGC/TiO 2 electrode detects catechol, a neurotransmitter, in the presence of ascorbic acid, a common interferent, using cyclic voltammetry. A possible rationale for the stable catechol detection of SGC/TiO 2 electrode is attributed to most likely the adsorption of catechol onto highly porous TiO 2 (surface area of 147 m 2 g −1 and porosity of 46.2%), and the formation of C 6 H 4 (OTi) 2 bond between catechol and TiO 2 . The catechol absorbed onto TiO 2 rapidly reaches the SGC surface, then is oxidized, involving two electrons (e − ) and two protons (H + ). As a result, the surface of TiO 2 acts as an electron-transfer accelerator between the SGC electrode and catechol. In addition to the quantitative and qualitative detection of catechol, the SGC/TiO 2 electrode developed here meets the profitable features of electrode including mechanical stability, physical rigidity, and enhanced catalytic properties.
Criteria for psychiatric hospitalization: A checklist approach

The decision to hospitalize a psychiatric patient is often a source of controversy. This fact is reflected in the Connecticut Mental Health Center’s program of quality assessment. The center conducts individual, retrospective chart review using a 32-page checklist of normative criteria. The primary purpose of this portion of the chart review system is to highlight those cases in which a patient may have been hospitalized unnecessarily. We present and analyze the cumulative data from 300 cases for which the criteria-for-hospitalization scale was completed. We conclude that the scale is an efficient instrument and is convenient for justifying hospitalization. We suggest minor revisions in the scale and speculate upon its as-yet-untapped research potential.
Hydrothermal Restructuring of the Cell and Window Sizes of Silica Foams

The cell and window diameters of silica foams can be easily increased by as much as 18 nm through a simple postsynthesis hydrothermal treatment, indicating that the silica framework remains labile ...
Results for high heat-flux flow realizations in innovative operations of milli-meter scale condensers and boilers

Abstract This paper defines the nature of high heat-flux innovative boiler and condenser operations that keeps these devices functional for many critically needed thermal management applications where gravitational force is negligible (naturally or made to be so) relative to other forces (shear, pressure, etc.). These applications include heat removal from narrow spaces to address electronic cooling needs (i.e. mm-scale boilers and condensers with μm-scale flows), gravity insensitive aircraft operations, and zero-gravity applications. Further, the paper presents fundamental condensing and boiling flow results that describe the physics that needs to be utilized to achieve significantly enhanced heat-flux values within the context of these applications. Reported experimental results demonstrate: (i) the ability to replace ineffective and problematic liquid–vapor configurations (plug-slug, etc.) with annular flows where a flowing thin liquid film covers the entire heat-exchange surface, (ii) the ability to use pulsation-induced interfacial wave phenomena in conjunction with sub-micron thin film phenomena (such as contact line physics) to achieve very high heat-flux during boiling and condensation, and (iii) the ability to desensitize these flows that would otherwise be highly sensitive to inadvertent but ever present flow fluctuations (due to sensitive coupling between vapor and liquid motions, as well as sensitivity of these micro-meter scale thick liquid films to minuscule transverse vibrations of the heat-exchange surface) when flow channel hydraulic diameters reduce to milli-meter or sub milli-meter scales. Innovative realizations of shear-driven boiling and condensing flows have been investigated within horizontal channels (with condensation or boiling on the bottom, horizontal surface). Results from boiling and condensing flows of FC-72 fluid in horizontal rectangular cross-section (2 or 6 mm gap height and 15 or 24 mm width, respectively) ducts of 1 m length are presented. Utilizing a controlled presence of pulsatile mass flow rates, significant enhancements in heat-transfer rates are obtained for these innovative devices at a location within the device length – these enhancements (relative to non-pulsatile conditions) are sometimes >860% for condensing flows and >190% for boiling flows. The paper reports representative time-varying heat-flux values at this location in support of the understanding that this phenomena can potentially be used (in future experiments) to significantly enhance average heat-flux value over the entire length of an innovative boiler/condenser. The reported phenomena arises from superposing relatively fast time-scale (2.5–30 Hz) flow rate pulsations on otherwise steady-in-the-mean flows to beneficially change certain flow variable averages – over the longer time-scale (
Occupationally Acquired Infections in Health Care Workers: Part II

Background: Health care workers are at occupational risk for a vast array of infections that cause substantial illness and occasional deaths. Despite this, few studies have examined the incidence, ...
Large plasma filaments and geomagnetic field fluctuations excited concomitantly by solar powered microwave transmissions

We investigate large-scale, filament-type of ionospheric plasma turbulence produced by a ground-based solar-powered microwave transmission system. It is shown that microwaves can interact with the ionosphere, primarily, in the E region. Electron collisions play key roles in the generation of large-scale fluctuations in ionospheric plasma density and geomagnetic fields via a thermal filamentation instability. The threshold wave field intensities are found to be of ~1 V m−1 for the instability. Possible radar detection of microwave-induced ionospheric plasma effects is discussed and planned for our future Arecibo experiments in Puerto Rico.
Quality of post-treatment surveillance of early stage breast cancer in Texas.

Background Only annual mammography and physical examination are recommended for the post-treatment surveillance of early stage breast cancer. Methods We used Texas Cancer Registry–Medicare linked data (2001–2007) to identify physician visits and use of mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) CT in patients ≥66 years old with ductal carcinoma in situ and stage I–III ductal carcinoma who underwent curative-intent operations. We also evaluated the trends in use of recommended and nonrecommended tests. Results We identified 8,598 patients with resected ductal carcinoma in situ (37.3%) or invasive ductal cancer (62.7%). Breast-conserving therapy was performed in 59%. Only 55% saw a physician twice a year for 2 years and underwent annual mammography for 2 consecutive years in the surveillance period. Mammography use decreased from 81% in 2001 to 75% in 2007 (P Conclusion Adherence to evidence-based guidelines has been substandard and the use of nonrecommended tests has persisted over the study period. The rise in PET use and attendant decrease in bone scan implicates a population receiving PET scan in lieu of bone scan for surveillance of asymptomatic metastatic disease. In an elderly population of breast cancer patients in Texas, these findings imply both underuse and overuse.
Linkage of HL-A and GBG.

. The HL-A histocompatibility locus is closely linked to that for the glycinerich β-glycoprotein polymorphism. No recombinants were seen among 44 children from 12 informative families.
Individual differences in errors and latencies on cognitive tasks

Abstract Errors and latencies are complementary aspects of performance. In this article, the author explores the consequences of attempting to ignore one aspect of performance while analyzing the other. In particular, it is argued that the twin problems of what to do with error-response latencies and how to equate subjects on speed-accuracy tradeoff have seriously clouded our efforts to understand individual differences in cognitive processing. It is then shown how both of these problems can be solved by collecting data in a way that allows one to determine how accuracy and latency covary within each cell of the design. Results from four studies using diverse cognitive tasks also suggest that this method yields scores that better capture the information-processing characteristics of individuals than do conventional analyses based on errors or latencies.
Effect of Chain Length on the Protection of Copper by n-Alkanethiols

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed by the adsorption of n-alkanethiols [CH3(CH2)n-1SH; n = 8, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 29] onto copper provide a flexible method for producing coatings that can protect the underlying metal against corrosion. The ability to tailor the thickness of the coatings at the angstrom-level by choice of adsorbate allows examination of the effect of angstrom-level variations in film thickness on the performance of the SAM as a barrier layer. A combination of infrared (IR) spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to correlate the structure of the SAM with its barrier properties during extended exposures to 1 atm of O2 at 100% relative humidity (RH). EIS results reveal that the coating resistances provided by SAMs with chain lengths of 16 carbons or more (i.e. n ≥ 16) exhibit a linear increase with chain length and are orders of magnitude greater than those provided by SAMs with n ≤ 12 due to the more crystalline nature of the thicker films. Upon expos...
Negotiating the Superfund: Are Environmental Protection Agency regional officials willing to bargain with states?

Abstract Negotiation and bargaining are important activities in the implementation of intergovernmental public policies. Given the design of environmental policy, intergovernmental negotiations are an essential part of the interaction of environmental program managers. This study examines the willingness of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regional officials to bargain with their state counterparts in the national Superfund program. A model of working relationships is developed to analyze the negotiating behavior of regional EPA officials. The findings of this study indicate that both strategic (trust, involvement) and structural (relations with EPA headquarters, state program capacity, and state political context) factors are associated with whether or not regional officials are willing to negotiate with state-level administrators. The implications of these findings for the national Superfund program, the larger context of intergovernmental management, and larger themes in public administration are discussed in the conclusion of this paper.
Soviet Marxism and population policy

American demographers have maintained that Marxism, notably Soviet Marxism, is consistently pronatalist. The Soviet view is said to be that population growth is not a problem and that birth control policies in either developed or developing societies are to be rejected; the “correct” (i.e., socialist) socio‐economic structure is the true solution to alleged population problems. Such representations of Soviet thought greatly oversimplify the Soviet position as well as fail to discern the changes in Soviet thought that have been occurring. Since the 1960's Soviet writers have increasingly acknowledged that population growth is, to a considerable degree, independent of the economic base of society and that conscious population policies may be needed to either increase or decrease the rate of population growth. Even socialist societies can have population problems. And where population growth is too rapid, as in the developing countries, policies to slow such growth are needed because of the threat to economi...
What Options for NATO? Dutch Force Projection and Defense Capabilities

Much research on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization laments Europe's limited military capabilities and low defense spending trends. Much less recent analysis, however, has been devoted to specific European member allies and the extent to which they have individually sought to transform their own national military capabilities to comport with NATO's broader security needs. This research finds that while the Netherlands makes significant military contributions to NATO's mission in Afghanistan and other peacekeeping operations, and has taken some steps to improve upon its existing force projection capabilities, important limitations exist on how much additional military assistance it will be able to provide to the allies, both in the short and long term.
HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE PROCESSING OF PEACH PUREE WITH AND WITHOUT ANTIBROWNING AGENTS

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (103 to 517 MPa) was applied for selected times (5 to 25 min) on peach puree with and without the addition of antibrowning agents (1000 ppm ascorbic acid or 300 ppm cysteine). Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity was assessed before and after HHP processing. Peach purees were stored at 3C for 13 days and then at 22C for 15 additional days. A zp value of 224 MPa, in a range from 207 to 517 MPa of pressure, was obtained for peach puree without the addition of antibrowning agents. PPO activation at 103, 207 and 310 MPa or inhibition at 414 and 517 MPa was observed in peach purees containing added ascorbic acid. More than 50% inactivation of PPO was observed after adding cysteine to the peach puree and 99% inhibition was observed after 517 MPa of pressure at the experimental times. The higher the pressure treatment and the longer the treatment time for inactivating PPO, the less the discoloration of the peach puree with and without antibrowning agents during storage at low temperatures.
Differential muscle strength decline in osteoarthritis of the knee. A developing hypothesis

The ratio of quadriceps to hamstrings muscle strength (Q/H ratio) is important for the stability of the knee and for protection from excessive stress. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the Q/H ratio is altered in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Subjects were 43 patients with physician-diagnosed OA of the knee (mean age, 65.61 years; SD, 12.74). Isometric knee flexor and extensor strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Both muscle groups were weak, with relatively greater weakness in the quadriceps muscles. The mean Q/H ratio of 1.43 (SD, 0.39) was below ratios reported for young healthy adults (2.0). The low Q/H ratio might be caused by the inability to correct the measurement for gravity, but a liberal estimate of gravity correction raised the ratio only to 1.71 (SD, 0.47). The low Q/H ratio was probably not caused by physiologic changes due to aging, because the correlation between the ratio and age was low (-0.04). Since the correlation of the Q/H ratio with the usual level of pain (measured by a visual analogue scale) was negative (-0.26), the low ratio might be explained by reflex inhibition due to pain associated with disease.
New medications for use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Introduction Several new medications have become available to physicians for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Learning objectives To familiarize the reader with these new medications, including their benefits and side effects. Data sources Data sources include published articles regarding the use of these medications. Study selection includes available information obtained from an online literature search (Mayo Search) regarding these agents, with additional information from the manufactures and our pharmacy. Conclusion The results of this review indicate that leftunomide (Arava) and etanercept (Enbrel) are useful new agents for treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Use of zona-free hamster ova to assess sperm fertilizing ability of bull and stallion

Zona-free hamster ova interacted with bull and stallion spermatozoa after treatment of ejaculated semen to capacitate the sperm cells. Sperm conditioning by prolonged incubation in BWW medium (18–26 hr) prior to insemination was effective for capacitation of bull and stallion sperm. Preincubation of bull sperm for 70 or 105 min in defined medium (DM) with NaCl content elevated to result in 350 m0sM/kg also led to penetration of hamster vitelli. More rapid sperm conditioning was possible and higher proportions of interacting vitelli followed insemination with bull or stallion sperm exposed to high ionic strength DM (380–390 m0sM/kg) for 10 min before incubation in isotonic DM prior to insemination, the treatment adopted in subsequent work. Initial efforts to assess relative fertilizing ability of freshly ejaculated semen from two fertile bulls (A and B) in A1 usage resulted in uniformly high ( > 90%) levels of sperm-vitelli interaction (for both) when the hamster ova employed resulted from superovulation with PMSG and HCG. Following use of ova from untreated hamsters sperm samples of bull A and bull B interacted with 53.8% and 84.9% (P < 0.05) of zona-free hamster ova, respectively. Conception data (60–90 day nonreturn rates) resulting from A1 with semen collected during the same interval but processed and stored in liquid nitrogen prior to use revealed an inverse relationship to proportions of vitelli interacting with fresh sperm; nonreturn rates were 69.3% and 66.3% for bull A and bull B, respectively. A similar treatment effected capacitation of frozen-stored bull semen to enable sperm-vitelli interaction. These findings encourage additional efforts to correlate testing of processed semen with fertility.
DIRECT LIMITS OF LOW-RANK REPRESENTATIONS OF CLASSICAL GROUPS

ABSTRACT Using Segal-Bargmann model of the oscillator representation, we demonstrate how to organize unipotent representations of the classical groups , and into compatible families. This construction leads to the irreducible representations of infinite-dimensional direct limit groups , and . We then exhibit some examples of the arising representations and address the question of their admissibility.
Nucleotides as nucleophiles - Reactions of nucleotides with phosphoimidazolide activated guanosine

An earlier study of the reaction of phosphoimidazolide activated nucleosides (ImpN) in aqueous phosphate buffers indicated two modes of reaction of the phosphate monoanion and dianion. The first mode is catalysis of the hydrolysis of the P-N bond in ImpN's which leads to imidazole and nucleoside 5'-monophosphate. The second represents a nucleophilic substitution of the imidazole to yield the nucleoside 5'-diphosphate. This earlier study thus served as a model for the reaction of ImpN with nucleoside monophosphates (pN) because the latter can be regarded as phosphate derivatives. In the present study we investigated the reaction of guanosine 5'-phosphate-2-methylimidazolide, 2-MeImpG, in the presence of pN (N = guanosine, adenosine and uridine) in the range 6.9 less than or equal to pH less than or equal to 7.7. We observed that pN's do act as nucleophiles to form NppG, and as general base to enhance the hydrolysis of the P-N bond in 2-MeImpG, i.e. pN show the same behavior as inorganic phosphate. The kinetic analysis yields the following rate constants for the dianion pN2-: knpN = 0.17 +/- 0.02 M-1 h-1 for nucleophilic attack and khpN = 0.11 +/- 0.07 M-1 h-1 for general base catalysis of the hydrolysis. These rate constants which are independent of the nucleobase compare with kp.2 = 0.415 M-1 h-1 and khp2. = 0.217 M-1 h-1 for the reactions of HPO4(2-). In addition, this study shows that under conditions where pN presumably form stacks, the reaction mechanism remains unchanged although in quantitative terms stacked pN are somewhat less reactive. Attack by the 2'-OH and 3'-OH groups of the ribose moiety in amounts greater than or equal to 1% is not observed; this is attributed to the large difference in nucleophilicity in the neutral pH range between the phosphate group and the ribose hydroxyls. This nucleophilicity rank is not altered by stacking.
Pathologic Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Treatment for Rectal Cancer Decreases Distant Recurrence and Could Eradicate Local Recurrence

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of pathologic complete response (pCR) (i.e., T0N0M0) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and radical surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Hypertension and lipids: Lipid factors in the hypertension syndrome

Cardiovascular risk factors are identified as physiologic, biochemical, and behavioral, and include hypertension, lipid abnormalities, and hyperglycemia. These factors constitute the "cardiovascular dysmetabolic syndrome" and damage the vascular endothelium by increasing concentrations of reactive molecular species, ultimately increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Multiple risk factors, particularly hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, often coexist in the same individual. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol has been demonstrated to upregulate the AT(1) receptor, leading to increases in blood pressure. Treatment of hypercholesterolemia with medications, such as the hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or statins that decrease AT(1) receptor expression and activation, reduce not only cholesterol but blood pressure as well. Treatment of hypertension with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may also reduce cholesterol. Recognition and identification of multiple risk factors and appropriate treatment in a manner that minimizes excessive oxidative stress is critical to the maintenance of normal endothelial cell function and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for intersex conditions: beyond parental decision making.

Sparrow (2013b) argues that parents have ethical reasons to use preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to attempt to prevent the birth of a child with an intersex condition. While we appreciate Sp...
Hormones and Sexual Differentiation of Avian Social Behavior

Research on the hormonal basis of sexual differentiation of mammalian behavior and its neural substrates constitutes an important chapter in the study of neural development that has led to important insights into how to conceptualize sexuality. Here research on sexual differentiation of avian social behavior is discussed with an eye toward potential insights into avian sexuality. Hormone manipulation experiments with Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) reveal dissociations between different components of sexual and social behavior. None of the components of the male behavioral phenotype appear to be organized by androgens. Avian sexuality arises from multiple processes and pathways that appear to differ for mating behavior, sexual partner preference, and pairing. This provides the mechanistic bases for changes in social behavior in the course of avian evolution.