cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The identification of exported proteins with gene fusions to invasin

Exported proteins are integral to understanding the biology of bacterial organisms. They have special significance in pathogenesis research because they can mediate critical interactions between pathogens and eukaryotic cell surfaces. Further, they frequently serve as targets for vaccines and diagnostic tests. The commonly used genetic assays for identifying exported proteins use fusions to alkaline phosphatase or beta-lactamase. These systems are not ideal for identifying outer membrane proteins because they identify a large number of inner membrane proteins as well. We addressed this problem by developing a gene fusion system that preferentially identifies proteins that contain cleavable signal sequences and are released from the inner membrane. This system selects fusions that restore outer membrane localization to an amino terminal-truncated Yersinia pseudotuberculosis invasin derivative. In the present study, a variety of Salmonella typhimurium proteins that localize beyond the inner membrane were identified with gene fusions to this invasin derivative. Previously undescribed proteins identified include ones that share homology with components of fimbrial operons, multiple drug resistance efflux pumps and a haemolysin. All of the positive clones analysed contain cleavable signal sequences. Moreover, over 40% of the genes identified encode putative outer membrane proteins. This system has several features that may make it especially useful in the study of genetically intractable organisms.
Electronic transport in self-assembled alkanethiol monolayers

Electron tunneling through self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiols is investigated. Temperature-dependent current- voltage measurements are performed to distinguish between dierent conduction mechanisms. Temperature-independent electron transport is observed, proving direct tunneling as the dominant conduction mechanism of alkanethiols. An exponential dependence of tunneling current on molecule length is observed. Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy results are reported.
GAUSSIAN RANDOM POLYGONS ARE GLOBALLY KNOTTED

A Gaussian random walk is a random walk in which each step is a vector whose coordinates are Gaussian random variables. In 3-space, if a Gaussian random walk of n steps begins and ends at the origin, then we can join successive points by straight line segments to get a knot. It is known that if n is large, then the knot is non-trivial with high probability. We give a new proof of this fact. Our proof shows in addition that with high probability the knot is contained as an essential loop in a fat, knotted, solid torus. Therefore the knot is a satellite knot and cannot be unknotted by any small perturbation.
Costly Communication and Delegation in Multiple-Division Firms

This paper examines the costs and benefits of delegated decision making in a multi-division firm. The delegation versus centralization decision hinges on the trade-off between: 1 the costs of communication between divisions of the firm and the firm's headquarters under centralized decision making; and 2 gains from closer controls under centralized control. The performance of the two organizational designs are examined in a stylized principal-agent model with the firm's central management represented by the principal and two divisions of the firm by two self-interested agents. In a centralized scheme the agents report private information to the center who then sets production quotas and co-ordinates the agents' production. Under delegation, the production and co-ordination decisions are left to the agents. Central management simply rewards the agents based on observed performance. The advantages of centralization over delegation are shown to diminish when the correlation between the agents' private information approaches the polar extremes of perfect correlation and statistical independence.
Flow cytometric sensitivity and characteristics of plasma cells in patients with multiple myeloma or its precursor disease: influence of biopsy site and anticoagulation method

AbstractFlow cytometry has increasing relevance for prognosis in myeloma and precursor disease (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance/smoldering myeloma), yet it has been reported that plasma cell enumeration by flow varies depending on the quality of marrow aspirate and field biopsied in patchy disease. We demonstrated increased sensitivity of flow over immunohistochemistry in abnormal-plasma cell detection in monoclonal gammopathy (n = 59)/smoldering myeloma (n = 87). We prospectively evaluated treatment-na ve smoldering myeloma (n = 9)/myeloma (n = 11) patients for the percentage of abnormal plasma cells/total plasma cell compartment, plasma cell viability/infiltration and flow immunophenotype depending on anticoagulant use, biopsy site and pull sequence in uni-and-bilateral bone marrow biopsies and aspirates. We found no statistical difference regarding the percentage of abnormal plasma cells, their immunophenotype or number/distribution in marrow samples even when obtained by different sequen...
When Goal Sharing Produces Support That Is Not Caring

Four studies used experimental and correlational methods to investigate the effect of a “partner-achievement goal,” or a personal goal for a relationship partner’s successful achievement. This goal led support providers to offer unhelpful support about how to play a computer game (Study 1). It also predicted poor achievement for dieting support recipients (Study 2). The effects of partner-achievement goals were moderated by recipient expectations of success and mediated by recipient effort. Recipients with low expectations of their own success requested that their provider partners with partner-achievement goals refrain from offering them support (Study 3); they also invested less time studying Latin grammar and learned fewer Latin words over one week (Study 4). Together, these findings highlight the unique behavioral consequences of partner-achievement goals for both members of a relationship.
Support Relationships in the Career Development of Home Economists in the Home Equipment and Related Product Industries.

The role of mentors, sponsors, and career guides in the career development of home economists in the home equipment and related product industries was studied. Participants were 151 home economists employed by manufacturers of appliances, housewares/materials, and cleaning products who responded to a pretested mail questionnaire. The relationships between three variables and sup port relationships were tested using analysis of variance and the chi square test. Positive, statistically significant (p < 0.01) relationships were found between being mentored or sponsored and successlachievement level and between having a mentor or sponsor oneself and becoming a support figure for others (p < 0.01). Respondents reported a variety of ways in which their mentors and sponsors had aided their professional and personal development. Implications of the findings for home economists seeking career advancement in these indus tries are presented.
High blood glutathione levels accompany excellent physical and mental health in women ages 60 to 103 years

Earlier we found a high percentage of subnormal total glutathione (G(T)) levels in blood from elderly subjects and patients with chronic diseases. These findings suggested a hypothesis that high levels of G(T) in the blood occur in old persons who are in excellent physical and mental health. To this end, we recruited 87 white women who ranged in age from 60 to 103 years and reported that they felt healthy. Their health was verified with physical examinations, clinical chemistry profiles, psychosocial assessments, and blood G(T) determinations. This evaluation was performed in three waves over a 5-year period. The values were compared with those from representative individuals in this region and with normal national data. The results verified that these healthy subjects were in top physical and mental health. We also found that subjects of all ages had very high blood G(T) levels in waves I and II but only normal levels in wave III. These findings confirm that high blood G(T) concentrations and excellent physical and mental health are characteristics of long-lived women.
The mental health associate: one year later.

The present study examines changes that occurred over a one-year interval among a group of mental health associates who represented some of the first graduates of two-year programs. An additional group of graduates who entered the field one year later is included. Various comparisons are made, such as personal data, career objectives, obstacles encountered, utilization by agencies, and the perceived characteristics of work situations that provided or failed to provide them with satisfactory working conditions.
Combined Influence of Fluorinated Solvent and Base in Friedel—Crafts Reaction of Toluene and CO2

As disclosed in preceding studies [Munshi and Beckman Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2009, 48, 1059−1062 and Beckman and Munshi US Patent 7,271,286, 2007], aluminum chloride is superior among Lewis acids in ...
Effects of waste dumping in New York bight on the growth of natural populations of phytoplankton

Abstract In New York Bight waters from outside those areas highly affected by sewage sludge or dredge-spoil dumping, the growth of natural phytoplankton populations was initially exponential. Waters sampled from the disposal areas were temporally and spatially inconsistent in supporting initial rapid growth. Inhibition occurred only as a temporary lag. The dominant phytoplankter that grew exponentially was, with a single exception, a typical coastal bloom species. The temporary inhibition was more probably due to toxic organic materials than to heavy metals.
On minimax designs when there are two candidate models

This work is motivated by the need to find experimental designs which are robust under different model assumptions. We measure robustness by calculating a measure of design efficiency with respect to a design optimality criterion and say that a design is robust if it is reasonably efficient under different model scenarios. We discuss two design criteria and an algorithm which can be used to obtain robust designs. The first criterion employs a Bayesian-type approach by putting a prior or weight on each candidate model and possibly priors on the corresponding model parameters. We define the first criterion as the expected value of the design efficiency over the priors. The second design criterion we study is the minimax design which minimizes the worst value of a design criterion over all candidate models. We establish conditions when these two criteria are equivalent when there are two candidate models. We apply our findings to the area of accelerated life testing and perform sensitivity analysis of design...
Transfer efficiency of guided electron waves in coupled quantum wells

Theoretical formulations based on a coupled-mode theory and a supermode theory are developed for discussing transfer efficiency of guided electron waves in coupled quantum well structures. We apply a coupled-mode theory to electron waveguide couplers in the weak coupling regime and show that the transfer efficiency will not be greater than 100%. In the strong coupling regime, we can appropriately handle the electron waves in coupled quantum well waveguide structures by introducing a supermode theory, and demonstrate that the transfer efficiency is always less than 100%. We discuss the underlying physics in an attempt to gain an insight into the transfer efficiency related issues. Calculations for specific semiconductor quantum well structures such as GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells are given for quantitative illustrations.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Spectral Properties of Near-Earth Objects: Palomar and IRTF Results for 48 Objects Including Spacecraft Targets (9969) Braille and (10302) 1989 ML

Abstract We present results of visible wavelength spectroscopic measurements for 48 near-Earth objects (NEOs) obtained with the 5-m telescope at Palomar Mountain Observatory during 1998, 1999, and early 2000. The compositional interpretations for 15 of these objects have been enhanced by the addition of near-infrared spectra obtained with the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. One-third of our sampled objects fall in the Sq and Q classes and resemble ordinary chondrite meteorites. Overall our sample shows a clear transition between S-type and Q-type compositional classes over visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Taken together these results point toward an abundance of near-Earth asteroids capable of providing sources for ordinary chondrite meteorites. Our sampling strategy favors targeting the smallest observable objects and we report results for the 15-m diameter object 1998 BT13, the smallest spectroscopically measured NEO to date. NEOs show a greater spectral diversity than main-belt asteroids, and our small sample includes objects falling in the rare categories of K, L, O, and V classes. The K-class object 1999 JD6 is found to match CV chondrite meteorites. Potential spacecraft targets received top priority for observation, with the ordinary chondrite-like composition of (9969) Braille being reported prior to the Deep Space-1 encounter. The relatively accessible asteroid (10302) 1989 ML displays a neutral spectrum that may be interpreted as a shock-darkened ordinary chondrite.
Association between CYP2D6 genotype and tamoxifen-induced hot flashes in a prospective cohort

Women with reduced CYP2D6 activity have low endoxifen concentrations and likely worse long term benefits from tamoxifen. We investigated the association between CYP2D6 genotype and tamoxifen-induced hot flashes in a prospective cohort. We collected hot flash frequency and severity data over 12 months from 297 women initiating tamoxifen. We performed CYP2D6 genotyping using the AmpliChip CYP450 test and correlated inherited genetic polymorphisms in CYP2D6 and tamoxifen-induced hot flashes. Intermediate metabolizers had greater mean hot flash scores after 4 months of tamoxifen therapy (44.3) compared to poor metabolizers (20.6, P = 0.038) or extensive metabolizers (26.9, P = 0.011). At 4 months, we observed a trend toward fewer severe hot flashes in poor metabolizers compared to intermediate plus extensive metabolizers (P = 0.062). CYP2D6 activity may be a modest predictive factor for tamoxifen-induced hot flashes. The presence or absence of hot flashes should not be used to determine tamoxifen’s efficacy.
The organization of work as a factor in social well-being

Even though innovations in the organization of work have prompted a transition in work systems, the effect of the organization on employees is often not considered. Using personal interviews, direct observations, and relevant documents over a 17-month period, this case study of a worker-owned and -managed producer cooperative was undertaken to understand how fundamental changes in the organization of work affect workers and their families. The findings affirm that the organization of work is a pivotal aspect of individuals' quality of life, principally in that expanding personal choice--in a context of income security and an absence of formal hierarchy--enhances personal and familial well-being. From a policy perspective, the study demonstrates the potential for organizing work so that market demands are balanced with concerns for social well-being
The management of the scientific information environment: the role of the Research Library Web site

Describes the experience of the Italian National Research Council Library staff in the successful implementation of its Web. Suggests that small working groups of professional librarians can manage their own agenda to help the Research Library achieve its mission more effectively. Discusses key technological and managerial issues emerging from this project. Describes how the Research Area of Potenza of the Italian National Research Council is using the Web to manage information.
Protein kinase-X interacts with Pin-1 and Polycystin-1 during mouse kidney development

The regulation of epithelial branching morphogenesis by bone morphogenetic protein-7 depends, in part, on functionally defined cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinases. We previously identified protein kinase-X (PRKX), a cAMP-dependent kinase, as a regulator of epithelial morphogenesis during kidney development and found that it binds to and phosphorylates Polycystin-1. Overexpression of PRKX stimulates renal epithelial cell migration, tubulogenesis, ureteric bud branching, and glomerular induction in embryonic mouse kidney explants in organ cultures. Here we determined the physiological functions of endogenous PRKX. Knockdown by siRNA of PRKX gene expression in a human fetal collecting tubule (HFCT) cell line exceeded 70% and resulted in decreased cell migration and increased adhesion of the cells to a collagen I matrix. In embryonic mouse kidney explants, the same degree of knockdown decreased ureteric bud branching and glomerular induction. Because PRKX BAG-3 PIN-1 and MAGI-1 are all expressed in ureteric bud derivatives, we tested for interactions among them and found that PRKX binds to all three proteins through its WW domain as determined by TransSignal domain arrays, and it coimmunoprecipitated with Pin-1 in HFCT cell lysates. These studies suggest that Polycystin-1 and Pin-1 may mediate the function of PRKX in kidney development.
Effects of MeV Si ions bombardments on thermoelectric properties of sequentially deposited BixTe3/Sb2Te3 nano-layers

Abstract We made 50 periodic nano-layers of BixTe3/Sb2Te3 superlattice films with Au layers deposited on both sides as metal contacts. Each alternating layer is 5 nm thick. The performance of the thermoelectric materials and devices is shown by a dimensionless figure of merit, ZT. The purpose of this study is to tailor the figure of merit of layered structures used as thermoelectric generators. The superlattices were bombarded by 5 MeV Si ions at seven different fluences to form nano-cluster structures. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) was used to determine the film thickness and stoichiometry. To get the figure of merit before and after MeV bombardments, we measured the cross plane thermal conductivity by 3rd harmonic method, cross plane Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity using Van der Pauw method. The electronic energy deposited due to ionization by the MeV Si beam in its track produces nano-scale structures. This disrupts and confines phonon transmission thereby reducing thermal conductivity and increasing electron density, which in turn increases the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity. These combine to then increase the figure of merit for these superlattice films.
Primary cystic carcinoma of the liver

Abstract A case is reported in which a large solitary cystic lesion of the liver was present for more than two years before it was excised. During this period it was misdiagnosed and the patient was treated for ascites and then later for a pseudocyst of the pancreas. The first biopsy of the cyst was interpreted as showing a benign lesion, but at a later operation, biopsy showed cholangiocarcinoma and the lesion was excised by means of a right hepatic lobectomy. The patient is well and without apparent recurrence almost three years later. We believe that a tumor showing this sequence of changes has not been reported. In addition, cholangiocarcinoma that is cystic is very rare.
Secondary hydrogen‐deuterium isotope effects on electron impact induced fragmentations

Secondary hydrogen-deuterium isotope effects have been observed in the mass spectra of cis-4-t-butylcyclohexyl iodide, 5-iodononane and 2-iodopropane. Under conditions which suppress competing and second generation fragmentations, β-deuterium substitution decreases the intensity ratio , a result analogous to a normal isotope effect. The decrease is larger in the spectrum of cis-4-t-butylcyclohexyl iodide-trans-2-d than in the spectrum of the cis-2-d derivative. Since these effects parallel those in the better understood solvolysis reaction, both effects may have a common origin. In contrast, deuteration of more remote positions in cis-4-t-butylcyclohexyl iodide and 5-iodononane increases the indicated intensity ratio, an apparent inverse isotope effect. Although similar effects have been observed in solvolysis reactions, the mass spectral effect may be attributable to an increase in the nonfixed energy available for fragmentation. These results suggest that secondary isotope effects can be readily measured in certain cases, and that they may eventually become useful probes into the mechanisms of mass spectral fragmentations.
Induction of pulmonary mucosal immune responses with a protein vaccine targeted to the DEC-205/CD205 receptor

It is of great interest to develop a pneumonic plague vaccine that would induce combined humoral and cellular immunity in the lung. Here we investigate a novel approach based on targeting of dendritic cells using the DEC-205/CD205 receptor (DEC) via the intranasal route as way to improve mucosal cellular immunity to the vaccine. Intranasal administration of Yersinia pestis LcrV (V) protein fused to anti-DEC antibody together with poly IC as an adjuvant induced high frequencies of IFN-γ secreting CD4(+) T cells in the airway and lung as well as pulmonary IgG and IgA antibodies. Anti-DEC:LcrV was more efficient to induce IFN-γ/TNF-α/IL-2 secreting polyfunctional CD4(+) T cells when compared to non-targeted soluble protein vaccine. In addition, the intranasal route of immunization with anti-DEC:LcrV was associated with improved survival upon pulmonary challenge with the virulent CO92 Y. pestis. Taken together, these data indicate that targeting dendritic cells via the mucosal route is a potential new avenue for the development of a mucosal vaccine against pneumonic plague.
Catalytic reduction of NH4NO3 by NO: Effects of solid acids and implications for low temperature DeNOx processes

Abstract Ammonium nitrate is thermally stable below 250 °C and could potentially deactivate low temperature NO x reduction catalysts by blocking active sites. It is shown that NO reduces neat NH 4 NO 3 above its 170 °C melting point, while acidic solids catalyze this reaction even at temperatures below 100 °C. NO 2 , a product of the reduction, can dimerize and then dissociate in molten NH 4 NO 3 to NO + + NO 3 − , and may be stabilized within the melt as either an adduct or as HNO 2 formed from the hydrolysis of NO + or N 2 O 4 . The other product of reduction, NH 4 NO 2 , readily decomposes at ≤100 °C to N 2 and H 2 O, the desired end products of DeNO x catalysis. A mechanism for the acid catalyzed reduction of NH 4 NO 3 by NO is proposed, with HNO 3 as an intermediate. These findings indicate that the use of acidic catalysts or promoters in DeNO x systems could help mitigate catalyst deactivation at low operating temperatures (
A comparison of monopolar and bipolar recording techniques for examining the patterns of responses for electromyographic amplitude and mean power frequency versus isometric torque for the vastus lateralis muscle

The purpose of the present study was to compare monopolar and bipolar recording techniques for the patterns of responses and mean values for absolute and normalized electromyographic (EMG) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) versus isometric torque for the vastus lateralis muscle. Ten healthy men (mean+/-S.D. age=23.6+/-3.0 years; body weight=80.9+/-15.6 kg) volunteered to perform submaximal to maximal isometric muscle actions of the dominant leg extensors. Monopolar and bipolar surface EMG signals were detected simultaneously from the vastus lateralis with an eight-channel linear electrode array. The results indicated that in 70-80% of the cases, monopolar and bipolar recording techniques resulted in the same patterns of responses for absolute and normalized EMG amplitude and MPF versus isometric torque. There were, however, differences between the two techniques for mean absolute EMG amplitude and MPF values, but not for the normalized values. Thus, these results supported the practice of normalization, and suggested that comparisons can be made between monopolar and bipolar recording methods for the patterns of responses and mean values for normalized (but not absolute) EMG amplitude and MPF versus isometric torque.
The Ramsay family in Virginia Woolf's «To the lighthouse»: a study of arrest at stage three of family development as delineated in Solomon's «A developmental, conceptual premise for family therapy»

The five stages of family development and their phase-specific tasks as delineated by Michael A. Solomon in an article that appeared in this journal (1973) are given dramatic representation by Virginia Woolf in her novel To the Lighthouse (1927). The novel begins with the Ramsay family system arrested at the third stage of development; and it is only after the death of Mrs. Ramsay that the remaining family members begin to attend to the phase-specific tasks of stages four and five, and family development commences.
MEGASPORE WALL ULTRASTRUCTURE IN ISOETES

In Selaginella, megaspore wall ultrastructure (unit morphology and arrangement) is correlated with taxonomic position. In some Pennsylvanian lycopods there is a correlation with dispersal strategy. This study was designed to assess any correlation between habitat preference and wall ultrastructure in Isoetes. Except for a few minor structural correlations, wall ultrastructure appears to be constant in terrestrial, amphibious, and aquatic species of Isoetes. Several distinct sizes of megaspores occur in some megasporangia and correspond to 1) full-size megaspores with siliceous coatings, 2) small megaspores with siliceous coatings, and 3) full-size megaspores without siliceous coatings. The uniformity in wall ultrastructure within modem Isoetes together with the lack of uniformity of fossil isoetalean megaspore wall ultrastructure suggest that the modem species of Isoetes are closely related.
A nonparametric test for change in variability using a proxy record with an application to ENSO

[1] A common problem in climate science is determining whether the pattern of variability in a particular process or variable has changed over time. When the modern observational record is short, this problem can be addressed by comparing its variability to that of an historical proxy record. In doing so, it is important to recognize that the statistical properties of the modern and proxy records are different. Here, a nonparametric test for a change in variability in this situation is described that accounts for this difference. The method is illustrated by testing for a change in ENSO variability using a record of an ENSO index over the period 1871–2007 and oxygen isotope records extracted from corals at Palmyra Island that cover four different periods spanning the past millennium. The results are mixed.
Improved modeling of chamber transport for heavy-ion fusion

Abstract Beams for heavy-ion fusion are likely to require at least partial neutralization in a target chamber. Several mechanisms that help neutralize a converging heavy-ion beam are studied here using the axisymmetric electromagnetic particle-in-cell code BICrz.
Use of a dissociative potential to simulate hydration of Na+ and Cl- ions.

We have developed interatomic interaction parameters for Na+ and Cl− hydration using the dissociative water potential of Mahadevan and Garofalini [J. Phys. Chem. B 2007, 111, 8919] suitable for molecular dynamic simulations. Simulations were performed for small ion−water clusters Na(H2O)n+ (n = 1−6) and Cl(H2O)m− (m = 1−5), as well as dilute aqueous solutions of the ions in water, reproducing the structure and energies found in the literature. A simulation of an HCl molecule in water demonstrated the dissociation of the molecule. The Na+ and Cl− ion−ion interaction parameters also reproduce the energy and density of crystalline NaCl. A series of simulations of NaCl at progressively increasing temperatures from 300 to 1400 K produced solid densities varying by less than 1% from experiment.
Design criteria for portable point-of-care breath analysis systems

Mobile health diagnostic systems are currently in development for many clinical applications, with special emphasis on non-invasive or minimally-invasive technologies. One very promising area of research focuses on measuring trace metabolites and other chemicals identified in exhaled breath. There are many potential clinical applications of these systems, and these instruments will have unique engineering demands for system performance. In this paper, we outline the overall requirements we believe need to be overcome for breath testing to enter routine mainstream medical practice in future years.
Left Ventricular Function Following Replacement of the Aortic Valve Hemodynamic Responses to Muscular Exercise

Evaluations of left ventricular myocardial function were carried out in 14 patients 4 to 16 months after stenotic or regurgitant malformations of the aortic valve had been corrected by valve replacement. The circulatory responses to exercise, judged by the increases in cardiac output in relation to the increases in oxygen consumption, were normal or only mildly reduced in 12 patients. In five patients, the relationships between the change in the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and the alteration in the stroke volume were also normal, a fall or an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of less than 3 mm. Hg being accompanied by an increase in stroke volume. In eight patients, however, abnormal increases in the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure occurred during exercise, and in four the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was increased to levels above 12 mm. Hg. Variable alterations in the stroke volume accompanied these increases in end-diastolic pressure. It is suggested that in the three patients who exhibited simultaneous increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and stroke volume, the changes were either a manifestation of the Frank-Starling mechanism, or primarily the result of a positive inotropic influence. In the five patients who exhibited increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, but no change or a fall in stroke volume, it is proposed that a distinct depression of left ventricular performance was present. Thus, while the cardiac output response was adequate to meet the stress of exercise in the majority of the patients studied following aortic valve replacement, determination of the relationship between the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and the stroke volume permitted the detection of abnormalities in the function of the left ventricle.
Relationship disengagement: An examination of the reversal hypothesis

Recent theorists in interpersonal relations have argued that relationship disengagement is simply the relationship growth stage in reverse. This study examined the validity of the so‐called reversal hypothesis by asking undergraduate respondents to recall a friendship and a romantic relationship that had terminated or was in the process of terminating. Respondents made comparative judgments of the relationships’ communication during disengagement as opposed to the period before deterioration. As predicted, the reversal effect was particularized rather than global across communication dimensions. Those aspects of communication most linked to one's interpersonal knowing of the other were least susceptible to reversals. Contrary to prediction, high self‐monitoring respondents did not differ from low self‐monitors in their perceptions of reversal behavior. There was less reversal on the dimension of “Personalized Communication”; in the romantic relationship as opposed to the friendship relationship.
Acylsugars of the wild tomato Lycopersicon pennellii in relation to geographic distribution of the species

Abstract Acylsugars exuded by glandular trichomes mediate insect resistance of the wild tomato Lycopersicon pennellii. Fifteen accessions of this species and four accessions of L. pennellii var. puberulum were surveyed for variability of acylsugar production. Significant differences in the levels of total acylsugars, the ratios of acylglucoses to acylsucroses and the fatty acid profile of the acylsugars were found among accessions of L. pennellii. Acylsugar characteristics were generally uniform among individuals within accessions, though two accessions showed segregation. Most plants of L. pennellii var. puberulum accessions did not produce detectable levels of acylsugars. Analysis indicated that grouping of the L. pennellii accessions on the basis of acylsugar characteristics corresponded to the geographic distribution of the locations at which the accessions were collected.
Optimized negative-staining electron microscopy for lipoprotein studies.

Background Negative-staining (NS), a rapid, simple and conventional technique of electron microscopy (EM), has been commonly used to initially study the morphology and structure of proteins for half a century. Certain NS protocols however can cause artifacts, especially for structurally flexible or lipid-related proteins, such as lipoproteins. Lipoproteins were often observed in the form of rouleau as lipoprotein particles appeared to be stacked together by conventional NS protocols. The flexible components of lipoproteins, i.e. lipids and amphipathic apolipoproteins, resulted in the lipoprotein structure being sensitive to the NS sample preparation parameters, such as operational procedures, salt concentrations, and the staining reagents.
Extraction and separation of phosphate esters from plant tissues

Abstract Extraction and separation methods developed for use with animal tissues are frequently not useful for plant materials. The extraction, purification, and chromatographic procedures described in this paper are useful for a wide variety of plant tissues. The method is particularly well adapted for use with tracer studies and small samples of tissue. Solvents employed are easily removed and the phosphate esters can be recovered for additional chromatography or quantitative determination by chemical or enzymic analysis or neutron activation. Travel constants for five chromatographic solvents systems and electrophoresis are given for 60 phosphate esters present in biological systems.
A computer simulation — Statistical procedure for predicting complexation equilibrium constants

The complexing properties of macrocyclic ligands have been quantitatively studied by the combined use of molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, and multiple linear regression. The dependent variables in the regression equations are experimental equilibrium constants for known macrocycle complexes in various solvents. The independent variables are theoretical simulation results on the solvent-free ligand and its complex and additional physically motivated empirical variables to describe solvent and other important effects. The systems studied were: (a) 314 metal ion-macrocycle-solvent (including 3 mixed solvents) combinations; (b) 88 ammonium ion-crown ether-solvent (including 1 mixed solvent) combinations; (c) 24 hydrogen ion-crown ether-H2O combinations; (d) 26 Na+ ion-spherand-CDCl3 combinations; (e) 78 ammonium ion-spherand-CDCl3 combinations; and (f) 73 complicated host-guest-solvent (including 1 mixed solvent) combinations. For each system, we report the best regression equation obtained using the AMBER force field. The standard errors in logK range from 1.42 in the largest system to 0.36 in the smallest. Regression equations were determined for several of the systems using the MMP2 force field as well, and the equations are shown to be relatively insensitive to the force field. The predictive ability of the method was tested by predicting logK for 20% of the cases chosen at random using equations derived from the remaining 80%. The errors in the predicted values are shown to be consistent with the statistical assumptions of the model. Regression equations obtained with this method can be used to predict the equilibrium constants for new complexes involving some combination of new, possibly unknown macrocycle, new host and, in certain cases new solvent. No X-ray or other structural data for the macrocycle is needed.
A note on hypercube partitions

Abstract Two methods of partitioning an n-dimensional hypercube are considered. In the first method, referred to as the Stirling partitioning, we define l-dimensional partitions (l-partitions) which are defined in the 2-dimensional case by x1
Diffusion tensor imaging to assess axonal regeneration in peripheral nerves

Development of outcome measures to assess ongoing nerve regeneration in the living animal that can be translated to human can provide extremely useful tools for monitoring the effects of therapeutic interventions to promote nerve regeneration. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a magnetic resonance based technique, provides image contrast for nerve tracts and can be applied serially on the same subject with potential to monitor nerve fiber content. In this study, we examined the use of ex vivo high-resolution DTI for imaging intact and regenerating peripheral nerves in mice and correlated the MRI findings with electrophysiology and histology. DTI was done on sciatic nerves with crush, without crush, and after complete transection in different mouse strains. DTI measures, including fractional anisotropy (FA), parallel diffusivity, and perpendicular diffusivity were acquired and compared in segments of uninjured and crushed/transected nerves and correlated with morphometry. A comparison of axon regeneration after sciatic nerve crush showed a comparable pattern of regeneration in different mice strains. FA values were significantly lower in completely denervated nerve segments compared to uninjured sciatic nerve and this signal was restored toward normal in regenerating nerve segments (crushed nerves). Histology data indicate that the FA values and the parallel diffusivity showed a positive correlation with the total number of regenerating axons. These studies suggest that DTI is a sensitive measure of axon regeneration in mouse models and provide basis for further development of imaging technology for application to living animals and humans.
Practical Kalman Filter Software Performance Testing & Validation

Several tests are described which can be used for any Kalman-type filter/smoother computer program. These tests are demonstrated by a case history on a large dimensional Kalman filter/smoother program which implements a 34-state inertial navigation system dynamic error model. The execution of a large dimensional Kalman filter/smoother (KFS) on real measurement data does not represent a software test of the KFS since the right answer (the correct underlying state vector) is unknown; only ``reasonableness checks'' are actually possible. Simulated test data were used to exercise the KFS program in a Monte Carlo sense and its outputs evaluated using heuristic plot comparisons as well as rigorous statistical tests. Direct tests on the accuracy of the transition matrix, discrete process noise matrix, and covariance matrix calculations have been derived and demonstrated. Methods for testing properties of the Kalman filter innovations sequence are also covered. The approach and required auxiliary software that generates the test data can be employed to perform suboptimal modeling sensitivity studies and for evaluating analysis methods that depend on KFS estimates.
Host Performance as a Target of Manipulation by Parasites: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract: The mechanisms underlying parasite-altered host behavior and fitness remain largely unanswered. The purpose of this review is to provide a perspective that has not been fully incorporated into the debate on how parasites manipulate their hosts. We argue that performance capacity is an important target of parasitic manipulation, and we aim to integrate the study of performance with that of parasitic manipulations of host behavior and fitness. We performed a meta-analysis from the published literature of 101 measures of the effect of parasites on host performance capacity to address the following questions. (1) Do parasites exert an important effect on host performance capacity? (2) Is that effect routinely to decrease or enhance performance capacity? And, (3) what factors explain variation in the effect sizes that have been quantified? Although negligible–small effect sizes were detected in 40/101 measures, host performance capacity was overall affected by parasitic infection, with a negative dir...
Dynamic Diversity in a Catholic Augustinian College.

This article shows how Merrimack College’s Catholic heritage and Augustinian tradition provide intellectual and spiritual resources for the college to fulfill its educational responsibility to prepare students for virtuous citizenship in a religiously and culturally pluralistic society. It uses four major Vatican documents and several foundational Augustinian ideas to elaborate principles useful for the guidance of Merrimack’s academic community and the direction of its campus culture. The article concludes with Merrimack’s “Statement of Augustinian Values for Higher Education” as an expression of its distinctive mission in American higher education.
Luminescence characteristics of BaMnF4 and KMnF3

Abstract The observed spectral behavior of the luminescence of BaMnF4 and KMnF3 is found to be consistent with the emission from three localized traps which are situated below the excitonic level of the Mn2+ ion.
Effects of Early, Late, and Long-term Nonselective β-Blockade on Left Ventricular Remodeling, Function, and Survival in Chronic Organic Mitral Regurgitation

Background—Mitral regurgitation (MR) produces sympathetic nervous system activation which is detrimental in other causes of heart failure. However, whether β-blockade is beneficial in MR has not been determined. Methods and Results—Eighty-seven rats with significant organic MR were randomized to the β-blockade group (n=43) or the control group (n=44). Carvedilol was started in week 2 post MR induction and given for 23 to 35 weeks in the β-blockade group. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and at weeks 2, 6, 12, 24, 30, and 36 after MR induction. After 23 weeks of β-blockade, heart rates were significantly reduced by carvedilol (308±25 versus 351±31 beats per minute; P<0.001). Left ventricular end-diastolic (2.2±0.7 versus 1.59±0.6 mL; P<0.001), end-systolic volumes (0.72±0.42 versus 0.40±0.19 mL; P<0.001), and mass index (2.40±0.55 versus 2.06±0.62 g/kg; P<0.001) were significantly higher, and left ventricular fraction shortening (33±7% versus 38±7%; P<0.001) and ejection fraction (69±11% versus 7...
Quality of Attachment as a Predictor of Maternal Visitation to Young Hospitalized Children

Tested a comprehensive model of factors predicting maternal visitation with hospitalized children. Subjects were 86 mothers who completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, a 12-item attachment measure derived from the Waters and Deane Attachment Q-sort, and a demographic questionnaire. Children were 10 months to 4 years old (37 female, 49 male) and hospitalized for acute nonsurgical illness. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that, of the subset of variables tested (SES, number of children at home, gender, age, number of previous hospitalizations, state anxiety, and security of attachment), quality of attachment was the only significant predictor of maternal visitation rate. Mothers who reported that their children displayed insecure attachment behaviors maintained a significantly lower rate of visitation than mothers who reported that their children displayed secure attachment behaviors. Results of this study highlight the importance of understanding parent-child attachment in predicting maternal visitation when a child is hospitalized.
Inmate misconduct and the institutional capacity for control

The social order of a prison arises from the combined effects of the prison’s institutional capacity for control and the effectiveness of prison management. Prior research suggests that the criminogenic characteristics of the inmate population, the security level of the prison, and the prison environment are three structural characteristics of prisons that define each prison’s institutional capacity for control, as reflected in the aggregate-level measures of inmate misconduct, and prison environment is expected to moderate the effects of inmate population characteristics on inmate misconduct. This study of 50 state prisons for men provides support for the hypothesized direct effects of institutional capacity for control on the level of violent and nonviolent inmate misconduct and for the contextual effect of prison environment. The findings are discussed in terms of the management environment created among prisons by variations in the institutional capacity for control.
Correlation Between the Activity of Single Auditory Cortical Neurons and Sound-Localization Behavior in the Macaque Monkey

Lesion studies have indicated that the auditory cortex is crucial for the perception of acoustic space, yet it remains unclear how these neurons participate in this perception. To investigate this,...
The POSTGRES rule manager

The rule subsystem that is being implemented in the POSTGRES DBMS is explained. It is novel in several ways. First, it gives users the capability of defining rules as well as data. Moreover, depending on the scope of each rule defined, optimization is handled differently. This leads to good performance both when there are many rules each of small scope and when there are a few rules each of large scope. In addition, rules provide either a forward-chaining or a backward-chaining control flow, and the system chooses the control mechanism that optimizes performance whenever possible. Priority rules can be defined, allowing a user to specify rule systems that have conflicts. This use of exceptions seems necessary in many applications. Database services such as views, protection, integrity constraints, and referential integrity can be obtained simply by applying the rules system in the appropriate way. Consequently, no special-purpose code need be included in POSTGRES to handle these tasks. >
Photoelastic Stress Analysis of Silastic Poppets in Prosthetic Heart Valves

Some prosthetic heart valves with Silastic ball poppets undergo degeneration and variance. The problem is avoided with metal poppets; however, their impact can damage the cloth coverings on the struts, resulting in distorted blood flow paths. Consequently, renewed interest in mild-cured Silastic poppets and inserts is developing. With photostress equipment, we analyzed two spherical poppet models to study poppet degeneration. The first analysis simulated the ring type of loading transmitted from the valve seat to the poppet, and the second analysis involved hydrostatic pressure loading and a detailed stress analysis to simulate cage confrontation. Results showed that regions of the poppet were susceptible to stress cycling with relatively large tensions below the upper surface but above the ring support. This same location could experience large compressive stress, depending on how the poppet was positioned during a seating stroke. Shear stresses near the valve support ring were at least four times the hydrostatic pressure load. Such subsurface stress cycling should play a role in the formation of internal fissures that surface and fracture the poppet.
Reduction to the Bounded Image Theorem

Theorems 15.5 and 15.7 follow directly from the Maskit combination theorems (Theorems 4.101 and 4.103).